SUNY Oswego's Theatre Department announced a 2024-25 season that will explore poignant and compelling themes while providing students opportunities to shine on and off stage.
This season offers a diverse range of productions, including “The Laramie Project,” “John Proctor is the Villain” and the musical “Tuck Everlasting.”
“The Laramie Project,” running Oct. 16 to 20, 2024, and directed by professor Steven Mazzoccone, tells the powerful and poignant true story about a community grappling with the circumstances around one of the most notable hate crimes to occur in the U.S. This landmark work, created by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project, is a compelling piece of documentary theatre that uses direct personal narratives, real news events and innovative storytelling to weave together what Variety magazine called, “A riveting theatrical experience.”
For “John Proctor is the Villain,” Nov. 13 to 17, 2024, the department will bring in Liz Dahmen, the founding artistic director of the Hudson Valley Performing Arts Laboratory, to direct this crackling contemporary play that offers a fresh perspective on how a group of high school students struggle to understand the world around them when that world is changing so fast. Produced in the intimate Lab Theatre space, this production aims to connect with anyone who has ever wanted to question authority or find their own authenticity.
“Tuck Everlasting” running April 22 to 27, 2025, and directed by professor Jonel Langenfeld, brings the popular and beloved children's novel to life on the Waterman Theatre stage. With a captivating score and enchanting story, audiences of all ages can take a magical journey exploring themes of life, death and the pursuit of eternal happiness.
In addition to these productions, SUNY Oswego theatre will continue its tradition of collaboration with the Oswego Town Historical Association to host the annual History and Storytelling Ghost Tour in Oswego Town Rural Cemetery, now in its ninth year, This fun, family-friendly community event will take place on October 26, 2024, just in time for SUNY Oswego’s Family and Friends Weekend. This year, the site-specific performance will focus even more closely on Oswego Town’s own renowned Dr. Mary Walker. Guided by students in Langenfeld’s “Storytelling” course, participants will explore the rich history of Oswego.
"We are proud to present a season that not only showcases the incredible talents of our students but also addresses important social issues and provides numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary connection between our department and many other academic and service departments on campus,” said Krystal Kennel, chair of the Department of Theatre at SUNY Oswego.
Tickets for all productions will be available at the SUNY Oswego box office. Stay tuned for more information about SUNY Oswego's vibrant theatre community and the transformative power of live performance.
–- Submitted by the Theatre Department