plays

Earlier this month, BYU senior and acting major Langi Tuifua wrapped up a series of performances for the campus production of “Pride and Prejudice.” He had just played a starring role as key character Mr. Darcy.

This enchanting production will take audiences on a journey with young Soledad as she navigates hard questions and finds her place in the universe

BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications continues livestreamed events throughout the winter term

Director Andrea Gunoe presents a fresh take on the Oscar Wilde classic

Three evenings of performances explore the work of Cuban American playwright

The cast and crew will present three nights of livestreamed performances

Rachel Leishman, Maximillian Wright and Daniel Mesta share their experience portraying the characters of Shakespeare's most famous tragic love story

“Heart-wrenching, hilarious…possibly one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see.” The Guardian You’re six years old. Mum’s in hospital. Dad says she’s “done something stupid.” She finds it hard to be happy. So you start to make a list of everything that’s brilliant about the world. Everything that’s worth living for. You leave it on her pillow. You know she’s read it because she’s corrected your spelling. Soon, the list will take on a life of its own. This sold-out hit of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a new play about depression and the lengths we will go to for those we love. Based on true and untrue stories. Every Brilliant Thing is supported by Anne McMeehan and Jim Roberts and was developed with the support of nabokov and the Jersey Arts Trust. OFF THE MAP is generously supported by the BYU Mary Lou Fulton Endowment in Theatre and Media Arts. Approximately 60 minutes

The BYU Department of Theatre and Media Arts presents The Importance of Being Earnest, a classic comedy by Oscar Wilde, beginning Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. and playing through Nov. 12. This comic masterpiece untangles the double lives of two well-to-do society-gentlemen, both of whom have assumed the same alias in order to escape the doldrums of everyday life. Mistaken identities, a mysterious friend named Bunbury and a misplaced handbag lead to unexpected turns in Oscar Wilde’s time-honored tour de force of cleverness and charm. 'People should come see the show because it's a great time,' said Stephen Moore, who plays the roles of Lane and Merriman. 'It's hilarious and has a talented cast and crew behind it ready to entertain.' TMA is pleased to present both The Importance of Being Earnest and Travesties simultaneously. Travesties, which begins Nov. 11, is heavily inspired by Earnest and though able to stand alone, the scripts for the two plays share a comparable relationship. 'There are many resonances between the two,' said Rodger Sorensen, director for The Importance of Being Earnest. 'Earnest came before and in many ways inspired Travesties. However, our production of Earnest is also being influenced by our production Travesties and vice-versa. Even though the initial inspiration was linear in time, the influence now goes both ways.' Audiences are encouraged to take the opportunity to also see Travesties beginning Nov. 11, and compare not only the two program notes, but also the productions. Dates and Times: Oct. 28–29, Nov. 2–5, 8–12, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 2:00 p.m. (additional Saturday matinee performances) Location: Pardoe Theatre, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU Price: $10-16 Tickets: Available in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422-2981 or online at byuarts.com

“Where does the power come from to see the race to its end?” pondered Eric Liddell moments before his 1924 Olympic victory in Paris. “From within.” In March 2017, the true-to-the-faith stories of British runners Liddell and Harold Abrahams will be rekindled in a live stage production of Chariots of Fire as part of the BYU theatre season. The desire for a BYU production of the play ignited from its origination in London’s Roundhouse Theatre and subsequent West End production in 2012 during the London Olympic Games. BYU Arts producer Jeffrey Martin attended a performance and immediately hoped to be able to produce the play in Provo. READ MORE AT BYU ARTS>>>>>>

BYU DANCE Evening of Dance May 6-7 | de Jong Concert Hall Young DanceMakers, the performing company of the BYU Children’s and Teen’s Creative Dance program, perform dances inspired by activities and words of discovery BYU THEATRE Charlotte's Web May 27-June 11 | Pardoe Theatre This heartfelt drama about friendship tells the story of a girl with the ability to understand the language of animals, an irresistible young pig, and an extraordinary spider who works a miracle within the magic of her fragile web. BYU SCHOOL OF MUSIC The Lost Children of Hamelin June 8-11 | de Jong Concert Hall In this new opera, a girl sets into motion a series of events that reveal the true identity of the piper and the fate of the lost children of Hamelin in Germany in the year 1295.

Adapted from “the best American children’s book of the past two hundred years” (Children’s Literature Association), this heartfelt drama about friendship boasts a girl with the ability to understand the language of animals, a gluttonous rat, an irresistible young pig, and an extraordinary spider who works a miracle within the magic of her fragile web. Final Dress Rehearsal May 26 Post-Performance Discussions June 2, 9 ASL Interpreted Performance June 2 CHARLOTTE’S WEB Adapted by Joseph Robinette Based on the book by E.B. White Directed by Shawnda and Bradley Moss TICKETS

The BYU Department of Theatre and Media Arts will present the epic, anti-war drama, Mother Courage and Her Children in the Pardoe Theater of the Harris Fine Arts Center, at 7:30 p.m., on March 17-19, 22-25, 28 and April 1, with 2 p.m. Saturday matinees on March 19 and 26.

There was one important characteristic Director Julia Ashworth was looking for in the student actor playing the lead role in BYU Arts' newest production, The Taste of Sunrise. He needed to be deaf. This month at BYU, the Department of Theatre and Media Arts is putting on a bilingual contemporary drama — opening on March 10 for a 13-show run in the Harris Fine Arts Center's Margetts Theatre — where every line spoken will also be signed. Every character has a shadow signer: an actor who moves and acts with him or her on stage and signs all the lines in American Sign Language. The lead role of Tuc — a man struggling to navigate the path of loss, love and language in his silent world — is played by Ben Featherstone. Feathersone is deaf, but wears a cochlear implant so that he can read lips and hear vibrations. Two other cast members are also hard of hearing: David Hampton (who plays Dr. Grindly Mann and other characters) and Jason Keeler (who plays Roscoe). Many of the cast members are fluent in ASL or have taken ASL classes at BYU. Set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties in Illinois, this award-winning drama explores the cultural complexities of deafness with great humor and compassion. Ashworth hopes this significant story will provide equal access to hearing, deaf and hard of hearing audiences in the community. 'I feel privileged to bring together deaf, hard of hearing and hearing actors to find the best way to tell this significant story,' said Ashworth. 'Producing The Taste of Sunriseaddresses issues of equality that are important to me as a theatre artist.' Acting is a new experience for Featherstone. He took on this role to prove to himself that being deaf isn't a limitation. He hopes that when the audience sees him on stage they will feel empowered as well. 'It doesn’t matter if you’re deaf, or if you’re hearing,' said Featherstone. 'What matters is that you are important in God’s eyes. There is no difference, we’re all equal. That’s the message I would share with the world.' The Taste of Sunrise is the second play in Suzan Zeder’s critically acclaimed Ware Trilogy, which will be presented throughout the year in its entirety in partnership with Utah Valley University. Tickets are $8-14, with discounts available for alumni, students, employees, senior citizens and groups. Tickets can be purchased in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422-2981 or online at byuarts.com. PHOTO: The Taste of Sunrise: Katie Hyatt, Emma Flynn; Jake Earnest, Jonas Tucker; Katie Jarvis, Nell Hicks; Ben Featherstone, Tuc; Brittni Henretty, Dr. Alexis Graham; Abbie Craig, Maizie. Photography by Mark A. Philbrick/BYU Photo. Copyright BYU Photo 2016. All Rights Reserved. Performance Dates: March 10—12, 16—19 and 22—25 Times: 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday March 19 and 26 Location: Margetts Theatre, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU Price: $8-14 (discounts for senior citizens, BYU students, groups and alumni) Tickets: Available in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422-2981 or online at byuarts.com

The BYU Young Company will present William Shakespeare’s comic masterpiece Twelfth Night with a western twist in the Nelke Theatre of the Harris Fine Arts Center at 7 p.m. on Feb. 3-5, 10-12, with matinees on Feb. 6 and 13, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are $7, with discounts available for alumni, students, employees, senior citizens and groups. Tickets can be purchased in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422-2981 or online at byuarts.com. Shakespeare’s poetry meets rip-roaring action and high-faultin song and dance in this cowboy version of Twelfth Night. Directed by Megan Sanborn Jones and adapted by Rick Curtiss, this production encourages audience members of all ages to look beneath outward appearances and value people for the qualities they have on the inside. “In our production, we decided to foreground this imagined world by presenting our 2016 Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night via a 1950’s vision of the nineteenth century west,” said Jones. “We take you back to this time that never existed–a fitting tribute, we believe– with Shakespeare’s topsy-turvy homage to a world where anything can happen.” Other production members include Amanda Welch as choreographer, Julia Ashworth as Young Company producer, Becky Wallin as Young Company managing director, Dayne Joyner as production stage manager, Rory Scanlon as scenic designer, Alyssa Bybee as costume designer, Sarah Stewart as makeup designer, Scott Jackson as props designer, Christian Riboldi as dramaturge, and Franny Gleave and Karlee Savage as assistant stage managers. Cast members include Sherry Kopischke as Viola/Cesario, Andrew Smith as Sebastian, Cameron Bridston as Feste, Savanah Smith as Olivia, Scott Jackson as Duke Orsino, Costner Henson as Malvolio, Olivia Ockey as Maria and Jacob Baird as Sir Toby Belch. PHOTO: Oliva (Savanah Smith, left) and Duke Orsino (Scott Jackson, right) fight over Cesario (Sherry Kopischke, center). BYU Young Company production of Twelfth Night. Photo by Jaren Wilkey/BYU. © BYU PHOTO 2016. All Rights Reserved. Performance Dates and Times: Feb. 3-5, 10-12, at 7 p.m. Matinees at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Feb. 6 and 13. Location: Nelke Theatre, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU Price: $7 (discounts for senior citizens, BYU students, groups and alumni) Tickets: Available in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422-2981 or online at byuarts.com

BYU’s Department of Theatre and Media Arts will present Microburst Theatre Festival in the Nelke Theatre on Jan. 13-16, at 7:30 p.m., with ASL interpretation on Jan. 14 and a 2 p.m. matinee on Jan. 16. Tickets are $5. Tickets can be purchased in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422-2981 or online at byuarts.com. Directed by Rodger Sorensen, Microburst Theatre features a series of thought-provoking and funny short plays, newly written by BYU student writers that explore the theme “taking time, making time.” Winner of three national awards at the 2014 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, this annual showcase of new work explores the moments in time that often go unnoticed. “These short plays come at us in brief, intense bits of drama and comedy–sometimes unexpected and sometimes anticipated. Either way, they don’t last long,” said Jeff Martin, the producer for BYU Arts. Now in its third year, this season’s festival features the work of 13 playwrights, 12 actors, 6 student directors and 2 dramaturgs. The plays and playwrights include “Baby Steps” by Hadley Holyoak, “A Blossom Tree” by Ting-Chun Chang, “BYU Time Experience” by Daniel Fifield, “Ding” by Janine Sobeck, “A Dramaturg’s Tale” by Rick Curtiss, “Freeze” by Kristen Perkins, “Keeping Clocks” by Marianne Hales Harding, “Possibilities” by Teresa Love, “Recompense” by Kiersten Carr, “Salvo” by Cristin Lunt, “Time Crimes” by Brad Witbeck, “Time in the Attic” by Jessica Fluegel and “Time Lapse” by Keith Grover. The cast includes Andrew Smith, Courtney Miller, Francisco Acosta, J.D. Shaeffer, Logan Ruesch, Mari Toronto, Rachel Belt, Rachel Bennett, Rachelle Hull, Shay Ruesch, Sierra Docken and Teagan Clark. The production team includes Amberly Plourde, Britney Miles, Daniel Brown, Lauren Wilkins, Michael Comp and Soren Budge as student directors; Juliette Lewis Mergist as costume designer; Celia Rivera as makeup designer; Bronte Campbell as scenic designer; Celia Linford as lighting designer; Scott Jackson as prop shop manager; Aubrianna Hockett as prop designer; and Dillian Durrant as stage manager. Tickets and Show Details Performance Dates and Times: Jan. 13-16, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. ASL performance on Jan. 14. Matinee on Jan. 16 at 2 p.m. Location: Nelke Theatre, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU Price: $5 Tickets: Available in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422-2981 or online at byuarts.com

Brigham Young University will present its third season of the OFF THE MAP: BYU International Arts Festival on Jan. 21-23. The festival consists of two unconventional theatre performances,Y2D Productions:LEO and Out of Balanz: Next Door. The shows will be presented back to back starting at 7 p.m. in the Nelke (Next Door) and Pardoe (Leo) Theatres, with Saturday matinees starting at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10, with discounts available for alumni, students, employees, senior citizens and groups. Tickets can be purchased in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422-2981 or online at byuarts.com. Leo is a solo theatre piece that shows the journey of a man played by Julian Schulz whose world becomes physically unhinged. The production challenges reality and gravity through the clever interplay of vibrant acrobatic performance and high-tech video projection. Next Door follows Ivan as he contemplates what connects humans after his neighbor, whom he doesn’t know well, dies suddenly. The drama blends personal memories, shared stories and movement to create a low-fi, physical storytelling that celebrates connection, imagination and the significance of human relationships. BYU Arts Production Manager Jeffrey Martin is the brainchild behind the Off The Map series. Three years ago he recognized that BYU students were mostly exposed to conventional theatre. He felt that audiences could benefit from unique and sometimes bizarre productions from other countries. “There’s a strong interest in this kind of work,” Martin said. “At BYU we are curious about other cultures, which goes right along with our university’s mission. These performances are interdisciplinary and international.” Martin doesn’t just want attendees to be entertained; he hopes the experience will broaden their view of what theatre is and what kind of effect it can have on people. “When people are exposed to new ideas, or even old ideas told in new and exciting ways, they become more well-rounded,” Martin said. “These performances will be appreciated by everyone who attends.” These performances are sponsored the Utah Division of Arts and Museums; the Western States Arts Federation; the National Endowment for the Arts; the Mary Lou Fulton Endowment in Theatre and Media Arts; and by BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts at BYU, the university’s concert series that hosts world-renowned guest artists from across the globe. Performance Dates and Times: Leo – Jan. 21-23, 8:40 p.m., with a Saturday matinee at 2:40 p.m. Next Door – Jan. 21-23, 7 p.m., with a Saturday matinee at 1 p.m. Location: Nelke (Next Door) and Pardoe (Leo) Theatres, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU Price: $10 (discounts for senior citizens, BYU students, groups and alumni) Tickets: Available in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone at 801-422-2981 or online at byuarts.com

The BYU Department of Theatre and Media Arts will present George Bernard Shaw’s classic comedy Misalliance, directed by Barta Lee Heiner, Nov. 5-7, 11—14, and 17—21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Margetts Theater, with matinees on Nov. 7 and 14 at 2 p.m. An ASL performance will be presented on Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m.