2019-2020 Season
Season Premiere Party
August 29
Join us for our red-carpet season kickoff, featuring Alpha Psi Omega, the First Nighters Club, theatre and dance faculty, and an ice cream social sponsored by Jilbert’s Dairy! This free event is designed for students and community members to learn more about opportunities at the FRT.
What We Leave Behind Auditions
August 31-September 1
Auditions will be held in the Panowski Dance Studio, located in McClintock 125, and are open to NMU students only. Please arrive early to register and wear appropriate clothing and footwear to dance in. Callbacks will be given as notified.
The Full Monty Auditions
September 1-2
Auditions will be 90 seconds each and those auditioning are seen on a first come, first served basis. These auditions will be held in the James A. Panowski Black Box Theatre and are open to NMU students only. Callbacks will be given as notified.
Buffett Bash***
September 13-14
Enter Margaritaville for a two night Jimmy Buffett tribute band! All your favorite hits are sure to make an appearance during this fun-filled weekend at the FRT.
A Christmas Story Auditions
September 17-19
Auditions will be held in the James A. Panowski Black Box Theatre and those auditioning are seen on a first come, first served basis. Please prepare a monologue of 30 seconds to one minute. These auditions are open to the public. Callbacks will be given as notified.
The Full Monty***
A Hilarious, Heartfelt Musical Romp
Book by Terrence McNally, Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek
October 11-19
Based on the 1997 film of the same name, this raucous, pop-rock musical follows six unemployed steelworkers from Buffalo, low on both cash and prospects, who decide to present a strip act at a local club after seeing their wives' enthusiasm for a touring company of Chippendales. A ten-time Tony nominee, this cult classic is full of laughter, friendship, and plenty of heart.
THIS SHOW CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE, NUDITY, AND ADULT THEMES.
Significant Other Auditions
November 16-17
Auditions will be held in the James A. Panowski Black Box Thetare and those auditioning are seen on a first come, first served basis. Please prepare a one minute monologue. These auditions are open to NMU students only. Callbacks will be given as notified.
What We Leave Behind: Addressing Climate Change Through Dance***
A Vibrant Dance Showcase with Original Choreography by Jill Grundstrom
November 7-9
How do we change the conversation surrounding climate change? By examining and relating to the people and places we love. Join NMU in a collaborative lecture, dance, multimedia, and live music performance with our new dance company, co/lab collective, the OM music group, and Professor Jessica Thompson.
Holiday Cabaret
December 4
Enjoy a holly jolly collaboration between FRT Theatre and Dance and NMU Music! Scenes and songs from all of your holiday favorites come together in this one-night showcase.
Cats Auditions
December 6-8
Vocal/acting auditions will be 90 seconds each and will be held in the James A. Panowski Black Box Theatre. Those auditioning will be seen on a first come, first served basis and need only attend one day of vocal/acting auditions. However, all those auditioning are required to attend a dance call on December 7. Dance call will be held in the Panowski Dance Studio, located in McClintock 125. These auditions are open to NMU students only.
A Christmas Story***
A Beloved Holiday Classic
Book Adapted by Philip Grecian
December 11-15
This festive adaptation of the original 1983 film brings Ralphie Parker’s quest for the ultimate Christmas gift – a Red Ryder BB gun – to life on the FRT stage. A Christmas Story is fun for the whole family, and with all the iconic elements of the motion picture, including a department store Santa Claus and the infamous leg lamp, this classic tale is sure to light up your holiday season.
Halfway Party
January 16
A mid-season gathering of those involved in the FRT to touch base, enjoy food together, and get ready to start the new semester by learning about unique opportunities and exciting upcoming events!
Significant Other***
An Unromantic Romantic Comedy
Book by Joshua Harmon
February 13-22
The search for Mr. Right is on this Valentine’s Day with this lively new play. The plot concerns Jordan and his trio of close girlfriends as they pursue relationships in 21st century New York City, trying to navigate love as best as they can. As funny as it is genuine, Significant Other is the perfect night out in our intimate Black Box Theatre.
Cats***
A Dazzling Musical Spectacular
Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber
March 27-April 4
Leap into the magical world of the Jellicle Cats with the fourth-longest-running Broadway show of all time! This smash hit musical brings together a tribe of fascinating felines who must decide which of them will be reborn. Based on T.S. Eliot’s whimsical collection of poems, Cats is a mystical, moving, and often hilarious glimpse into the lives of others told through the perspective of a diverse and talented company.
Drama Prom and the Jimmy Awards
April 30
This annual formal event celebrates the hard work of our theatre and dance students throughout the year. Enjoy an evening of food, dancing, and recognition of some of the FRT’s biggest stars!
North Coast Theatre Festival 2020 Season
The Wedding Singer***
A Nostalgic Musical Comedy
Book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy, Music by Matthew Skylar, and Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
June 18-27
Just say yes to the most romantic musical in twenty years! It's the '80s, and rock star wannabe Robbie Hart is New Jersey's favorite wedding singer. He's the life of the party - until his own fiancee leaves him standing at the altar. The future seems bleak - that is, until his heart is captured by sweet waitress Julia. The only problem? Julia is engaged to a wealthy Wall Street banker, and unless Robbie can pull of the performance of a lifetime, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever. Based on the hit Adam Sandler movie of the same name, this is a show you won't want to miss!
Billy Elliot***
An Inspirational Musical for the Whole Family
Book and Lyrics by Lee Hall, Music by Elton John
July 10-18
Featuring a score by music legend Elton John, this heartwarming show tells the story of one young boy's struggle to make his dreams come true. Set in a northern English mining town against the backdrop of the 1984 miners' strike, the plot follows 11-year old Billy Elliot, who is sent to the gym by his father to learn boxing but instead discovers and joins a ballet class. Outraged, his father forbids him from returning, but a talented Billy continues his lessons in secret with the help of his instructor Mrs. Wilkinson. A poignant tale of self-discovery, this is a theatre experience that will stay with you for years to come.
Rock of Ages***
A Gritty and Glamorous Jukebox Musical
Book by Chris D'Arienzo, Music and Lyrics by Various Artists
July 30-Aug 8
I wanna rock! This head-banging, Tony nominated production features songs from Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry, Poison, Europe, and other famous rock bands of the 1980s. Amidst the madness of '80s Hollywood, aspiring rock star Drew longs to take the stage as the next big thing. But the fairy tale is about to end when developers sweep into town with plans to turn the fabled Sunset Strip into just another capitalist shopping mall. Can Drew save the Strip before it's too late AND win the affections of newcomer Sherrie?
***Indicates part of the Flex Pass Season.