WILLIAMSBURG — As renovations continue to finalize in William & Mary’s new arts quarter, the Department of Theatre and Dance recently announced its 2023-24 season, saying it was pleased to return home to Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall.
The department noted for the first time in its history, the Theatre and Dance programs will be housed together in one space, allowing for new opportunities for collaboration and creative innovation.
According to the department, 2023-24 season highlights include two dance concerts featuring world-class premiere choreography, a classic Shakespearean tragedy, a witty comedy, and an exuberant family-friendly musical.
“This season seeks to embrace the enthusiasm and excitement that makes our program unique, not only on campus, but within our greater community,” the department said in a press release.
Events include:
- DancEvent (Oct. 26–29) — Dance faculty members Joan Gavaler, Leah Glenn, and Denise Damon Wade will showcase original works with performances by Orchesis Modern Dance Company, featured guest artists, and the dance faculty, themselves.
- Romeo and Juliet (Nov. 16–19) — A modern twist on a Shakespeare classic, star-crossed lovers Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet hope their love will be the end of an ages-old feud between their families. Parties quickly turn to bloodshed and secrets turn to tragedies as the lovers’ schemes fall apart.
- By the Way, Meet Vera Stark (Feb. 29–Mar. 3) — Take a 70-year journey through the life of Vera Stark, a headstrong African-American maid and budding actress, and her tangled relationship with her boss, a white Hollywood star desperately grasping to hold on to her career. When circumstances collide and both women land roles in the same Southern epic, the story behind the cameras leaves Vera with a surprising and controversial legacy scholars will debate for years to come. Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Lynn Nottage draws upon the screwball films of the 1930s to take a funny and irreverent look at racial stereotypes in Hollywood.
- An Evening of Dance (Mar. 28–31) — Student choreographers and members of the Orchesis Modern Dance Company present an exciting array of dances inspired by stories from their lives, their surroundings, and the unknown.
- A Year with Frog and Toad (Apr. 25–28) — Based on Arnold Lobel’s well-loved books, and featuring a hummable score by Robert and Willie Reale, this whimsical show follows two great friends — the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad — through four fun-filled seasons. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Jazzy, upbeat melodies and familiar characters make for an enchanting musical for the whole family.
According to the department, tickets for all 2023-24 Theatre & Dance performances will be available in the coming weeks, including a new season ticket package. The Phi Beta Kappa Hall Theatre Box Office is located on the William & Mary campus.
Performance times, pricing information and box office hours are available online at wm.edu/boxoffice. Tickets can be purchased online at wm.edu/boxoffice, or in person the week before and the week of every performance.
