This June, MSU’s Department of Theatre, with support from the Friends of Theatre, invites you to a summer of romance under the stars as it kicks off its 58th season of Summer Circle Theatre. This year’s collection of plays and musicals will entertain, entice, and make you fall in love. 

All Summer Circle Theatre performances are free and open to the public and held in the courtyard between the Auditorium Building and Kresge Art Center. In the event of rain, performances will be held at the Fairchild Theatre.

2018 Summer Circle Theatre schedule:

Amour
June 6-9 at 8 p.m.

This charming French musical follows the adventures of a meek office worker who secretly pines for the unhappily married Isabelle. When the clerk unexpectedly gains the ability to walk through walls, he gains confidence and power that allows him to stand up for what he has been missing – love. Directed by Professor of Theatre Rob Roznowski, choreographed by Alisa Hauser, Specialist in the Department of Theatre, with musical direction by Jeff English.

(A musical for the whole family, but includes some adult humor with sexual innuendo)

Love & Other Junk
June 8-9 and June 15-16 at 6:30 p.m.

This funny and touching world premiere musical is based on interviews with kids and offers insight into how they feel about love. Based on the book by Professor Rob Roznowski with music and musical direction by Seth Burk, this is a collection of short scenes and songs about love from a younger perspective. Directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Brad Willcuts.

(A musical for the whole family)

Sense and Sensibility
June 13-16 at 8 p.m.

Written by Kate Hamill and based on the beloved novel by Jane Austen, this ridiculously funny adaptation follows the Dashwood sisters as they cope with the pressures and gossip of society in 18th-century England. This richly comedic and highly theatrical production brings a contemporary vibe to this romantic story. Directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Dan Smith. 

(A comedy for the whole family)

Smudge
June 15-16 and June 22-23 at 10 p.m.

Written by Rachel Axler, this dark show follows the adventure of two new parents who give birth to a “blur.” Their nondescript smudge of a child forces the couple to confront what it means to love another. Directed by Meredith Wagner. 

(A dark comedy for adults. Contains profanity and adult situations.)

Significant Other
June 20-23 at 8 p.m.

Written by Joshua Harmon, this adult comedy is about a group of friends that find their bond tested as each finds true love…except one. While his girlfriends find happiness and husbands, Jordan who can’t find Mr. Right feels increasingly isolated. This funny and poignant show recently played on Broadway and SCT. This will mark the first Michigan company to present this contemporary comedy. Directed by Tony Caselli. 

(A comedy/drama for adults. Contains profanity and adult situations.)

2018 Summer Circle KIDS CAMP
Public performance on Friday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m.

Summer Circle Theatre Kids Camp, which runs June 18-22, will be taught by MSU Department of Theatre faculty and students. This free camp for students in first through sixth grade will include instruction in acting, design, music, and dance. The camp will culminate in a free public performance on June 22 at 6:30 p.m.

(All ages welcome)

For more information on all these performances, visit the Summer Circle Theatre website.