Metropolitan State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is producing two faculty-directed performances this semester with Carrie Colton directing “Pippin,” beginning Thursday, and Julia Mitchell directing “The Day the Internet Died,” which will open in November.
“Pippin”
By Roger Hirson and Stephen Schwartz
Directed by Carrie Colton
Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father, King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors but in the ordinary moments that happen every day.
Performances:
MSU Denver Studio Theatre, King Center, Room 155
Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 6, 7, 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 9 at 2:30 p.m.
“The Day the Internet Died”
By Ina McWethy and Jason Pizzarello
Directed by Julia Mitchell
On a sunny day in the town of Bloomington, a devastating occurrence happens. No, it’s not famine or floods or loss of basic rights. The internet has gone down! And it will continue to be down! For a week! A whole week! Pandemonium! In a world that is so dependent on the internet for shopping, mailing and posting pictures of cute babies, how will society function? Not well, as it turns out. “The Day the Internet Died” hilariously explores how inept we are at dating, research and basic human interactions when we don’t have a screen to look at.
Performances:
MSU Denver Studio Theatre, King Center, Room 155
Nov. 10-12, 17-19 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 20 at 2:30 p.m.
How it happens
When picking a production to put on, production manager Megan Euler says there are several things to consider. The Theatre Department looks at cast size, social-justice components and style that best suits the students’ needs. The department then seeks input from familiar faculty and staff members to have four productions picked by December of each year.
Once the show is selected, the harder work begins. Putting a show together can take thousands of combined hours among the director, designers, students and production manager.
How to attend
MSU Denver faculty and staff members can purchase tickets for $11 with a valid ID, adults are $21, seniors and non-MSU Denver students are $11, and MSU Denver students can attend for free.