Author: Jessica Hudson

The Jo Zakas Musical Theatre Incubator Program presents, “Express,” an immersive musical by Arri Simon (composer) and Janine McGuire (lyricist), at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 in the Welbacher Theatre at the Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex. “Express” is a transportive new musical that unfolds entirely within the bustling confines of the New York City subway on a real-time subway ride. Set against the backdrop of pivotal moments from World War II through the turn of the 21st century, the show traces the journeys of three generations of an American family navigating personal and cultural change.

Originally conceived as a triptych of site-specific musicals staged inside historic subway cars at the New York Transit Museum, the piece has been re-imaged as a unified 75-minute one-act which can be staged in any non-proscenium space. The original score, inspired by the eras spanned in the show, takes the audience on a musical journey from Golden-Era Broadway to ’60s folk and gospel to early hip-hop and millennial pop.

This ensemble-driven piece explores themes of family, identity and the transformative power of everyday moments. With a big heart at its core, “Express” invites audiences to immerse themselves in the heart of New York City’s subway system and reflect on resilience, connection and the shared experiences that shape our lives.

Purchase tickets from the box office or call 316-978-3233. Students at WSU can get a ticket at no additional charge with their Shocker ID, thanks to the Student Government Association.

Wichita State’s School of Performing Arts proudly presents “Wichita Contemporary Dance Theatre” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25 through Saturday, April 27, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 28. All performances will be in Wilner Auditorium.

“Wichita Contemporary Dance Theatre” is an evening of new and restaged dance works by WSU faculty and students, and the world premiere of “Clear Elevation” by guest artist Darrell Grand Moultrie (Connoisseur Series).

Tickets are free for students with a myWSU ID; $12 for children; $18 for faculty, staff, senior citizens and military; and $20 for adults.

Purchase tickets from the box office online or call 316-978-3233

Join the School of Performing Arts for the premiere of “Christmas Dish” at 7:30 p.m. April 5 and 2 p.m. April 6 in the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, Welsbacher Theatre, entrance F on the southeast side of the building.

Written and directed by Bret Jones, director of acting for digital arts, “Christmas Dish” follows two people that are secretly romantically interested in one another. They agree to share Christmas dinner together, just as friends, because a family holiday isn’t going to happen and all of their other friends are already busy.

Purchase tickets from box office online or call 316-978-3233. Students can receive a ticket at no additional charge with their Shocker ID thanks to the Student Government Association.

Join the School of Performing Arts for performances of “Peter and the Starcatcher” from Feb. 29 to March 3 in WIlner Auditorium. The performances start at 7:30 p.m. from Feb. 29 to March 2 and 2 p.m. on March 3.

Tickets cost $20 for adults; $18 for seniors, military and faculty/staff; and $12 for children and students. Wichita State students can also receive one student ticket at no additional charge with their Shocker ID thanks to the Student Government Association.

Written by Rick Elice, the show is about a young orphan and their mates that are sent from Victorian England to a distant island ruled by the tyrant King Zarboff. Unbeknownst to them, the captain’s cabin holds an enigmatic trunk containing otherworldly and valuable cargo. Along their voyage, they meet the bright and astute Molly, who is training to become a Starcatcher. They quickly discover that the trunk’s precious contents are starstuff, a powerful celestial substance that must never fall into the wrong hands. Their adventure takes a dangerous turn when the ship is taken over by pirates, led by the fearsome Black Stache, a villain set on claiming the trunk and its riches for themselves. The group must work together to protect the starstuff from falling into the wrong hands as they navigate through treacherous waters and face perilous obstacles.

Purchase tickets from the online box office or call 316-978-3233.