Oakland University presents ‘How I Became a Pirate,’ a children’s musical, June 3-5 When you’re a pirate, you don’t have to eat vegetables or go to bed at all. You can talk rough, sword fight, and say “Arrrgh!” any time you want. It’s a perfect life … except that there is no one to tuck you in at night, give you kisses, or read stories to you. What’s a pirate to do? Find out when Oakland University’s Department of Theatre presents How I Became a Pirate, a children’s musical, from June … [Read more...]
REVIEW: ‘James and the Giant Peach’ Is an Enchanting Odyssey Sure to Enthrall Audiences
Tassels have been turned, but the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance is busy putting the finishing touches on their latest production — a delightful adaptation by Richard George of Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach coming to the Varner Recital Hall stage on the campus of Oakland University (OU) on Friday, May 17, Sunday, May 19, and Friday, June 7. This particular telling of the tale is directed by Lynnae Lehfeldt, along with recent OU theatre grad Mannon McIntosh … [Read more...]
Oakland University to Present ‘James and the Giant Peach’
James Henry Trotter cannot escape his mean Aunts Spiker and Sponge — or can he? A magical peach may be his answer. Join James and the creatures that he meets on his incredible journey as Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance present James and the Giant Peach on May 17, May 19, June 7 in Varner Recital Hall on the Oakland University (OU) campus. Directed by Lynnae Lehfeldt and based on Richard George’s adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale, James and the Giant Peach is … [Read more...]
REVIEW: Equal Parts Rock Concert and Theatre, Oakland University’s ‘Tommy’ Takes the Audience on an Emotional and Rewarding Aural Adventure
This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Who’s original concept album Tommy – an album that became the catalyst for the 1993 Tony Award®-winning rock opera of the same name. Next month it’s playing at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. with a bunch of big-name stars. But why wait when you can see it now thanks to the Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance? And I highly recommend you take advantage of this opportunity – especially since … [Read more...]
‘The Who’s Tommy’ is Ready to Rock at Oakland University
The Oakland University School of Music, Theatre and Dance will present the thrilling rock opera Tommy by legendary British rock icons The Who at Varner Studio Theatre from March 21 – 24 and March 27 – 31, 2019. Winner of five Tony Awards, the story is set over a period of 25 years. Tommy is a story about hope, healing and the human spirit; while also exploring issues of mental health, abuse, and celebrity. The Who’s Tommy is fast-paced, exhilarating rock opera featuring music and lyrics … [Read more...]
OU to Present ‘Hands on a Hardbody,’ an All-American Musical
Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance will present Hands on a Hardbody, an all-American musical, from March 28 through April 7 in the Varner Studio Theatre in Varner Hall on the campus of Oakland University (OU). Based on true events and a 1997 documentary of the same name, Hands on a Hardbody is the story of 10 hard-luck Texans, armed with nothing but hope, humor and ambition, who have a chance at literally driving away with the American Dream after entering a contest to … [Read more...]
School of Music, Theatre, and Dance Forms at Oakland University
Oakland University Unveils School of Music, Theatre and Dance The Oakland University (OU) Board of Trustees voted at its August formal meeting to approve the creation of a School of Music, Theatre and Dance. This move follows a consistent expansion and transformation of programs offered by the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance over the past 32 years. “We developed the School of Music, Theatre and Dance to be housed within the College of Arts and Sciences and led by Distinguished … [Read more...]