JUNE 11 - 29. Baker Theatre, Trexler Pavilion for Theatre & Dance.
Performances Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

The high-spirited production is based on Broadway’s original 1948 Broadway version of Kiss Me, Kate. Inspired by Shakespeare’s take on the classic battle of the sexes, this high-spirited musical is a boisterous blend of romance,comedy, song, and dance. While cast members of a musical version of The Taming the Shrew, celebrate “Another Op’nin’, Another Show”, the stars, Fred and Lilli, celebrate the first anniversary of their divorce. As the rehearsals unfold on stage, the tangle of love relationships off-stage erupts full of intrigue, misdirection, and fiery passion.

The classic Cole Porter score (lyrics and music by Cole Porter and book by Bella and Sam Spewack) includes “Too Darn Hot,” “So in Love,” “Always True to You in My Fashion” and “Why Can’t You Behave?” Kiss Me, Kate marks a high point in Cole Porter's long and fruitful career as a composer for the musical theatre; it is the only one of his musicals to exceed a thousand performances on Broadway.

Kiss Me, Kate is being directed by MSMT General Director Charles Richter, with musical direction by Musical Artistic Director Jeremy Slavin and choreography by guest artist Daniel Gwirtzman.

July 9 - 27. Empie Theatre, Baker Center for the Arts.
Performances Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

The classic '60s rock opera by The Who(a 1990 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) was translated to the stage by theatrical wizard Des McAnuff into a high-energy, one-of-a-kind theatrical event.  The original production was staged in 1992 at the La Jolla Playhouse in California, where Des McAnuff and Pete Townshend sculpted the kaleidoscopic concept album by Townshend's former band into a stage show with passion and theatrical wizardry. With "Pinball Wizard," "See Me, Feel Me," "Sensation," "I'm Free," "Listening to You" and many more hits, the Broadway show garnered 5 Tony Awards and 6 Drama Desk Awards in 1993 under Des McAnuff’s direction.

Tommy’s amazing journey begins when the 4-year-old witnesses, through a mirror reflection, his father murder his mother's lover.  Tommy is traumatized into catatonia, and as the boy grows, he suffers abuse at the hands of his sadistic relatives and neighbors. As an adolescent, he discovers an uncanny knack for playing pinball, and he becomes a media superstar as a pinball wizard.  The ultimate “cure” however is not fame, but forgiveness.

The Who’s Tommy is being directed by James Peck, with musical direction by Ken Butler, and choreography by Karen Dearborn. 

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June 25 - July 26

A hit on Broadway, A Year with Frog and Toad was nominated for three Tony Awards, including “Best Musical.” This stage musical remains true to the spirit of award-winning writer and illustrator Arnold Lobel’s original stories of two friends, the cheerful Frog and the grumpy Toad. Ages 4 - 10.

Day-time performances in the Studio Theatre of the Trexler Pavilion for Theatre & Dance are Wednesday through Saturday.

More info on Theatre for Young Audiences...

Revisit the 2007 Season: