Showtimes: Sept. 26, Oct. 2-4 | 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27-28 | 3 p.m. School Matinee — Oct. 1 | 10 a.m. (not open to the public)
Experience “Jesus Christ Superstar” like never before in this innovative, all-female presenting production. This rock opera follows the final days of Jesus of Nazareth, as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, whose internal struggle between loyalty and doubt drives the story’s tension. Set against a contemporary backdrop, this production infuses the timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and political turmoil with modern relevance. Andrew Lloyd Weber’s legendary score pulses with energy, while Tim Rice’s evocative lyrics challenge audiences to reconsider the iconic figures at the heart of the story. With an all-new perspective, this performance is both a celebration of the original and a daring new take in today’s world.
Oct. 24-26, Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2025
‘the blue bird’
Adapted by Will Eno from a play by Maurice Maeterlinck Directed by Prof. Martin McClendon
For the 17th installment of its award winning New Play Initiative, Carthage Theatre is thrilled to partner with the renowned American playwright Will Eno, author of the Pulitzer Prize finalist “Thom Pain (based on nothing)” as he reimagines Maurice Maeterlinck’s symbolist masterpiece “The Blue Bird.”
Originally written in 1908, “The Blue Bird” takes place in a fairy-tale-like setting reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm. Two siblings (and their faithful dog) set out on a magical quest through time and space to find the elusive blue bird. Guided by a mysterious fairy queen, they encounter mystical beings, talking trees, dead relatives, and children yet to born. But the Queen of Night, an incredibly mischievous cat, and an ominous black shadow stand in their way; can the children capture the elusive blue bird or will the weight of the world’s sorrow drag them to oblivion? Retold in Will Eno’s masterful style, mixing wry humor with shattering depth, “The Blue Bird” will take audiences on the journey of a lifetime.
In “Everything You Touch,” Carthage dancers take the stage to reveal the alchemy between embodied context and movement expression. “Everything You Touch” acknowledges that we are in a relationship with our world. Through new and legacy works, Carthage dancers will embody current themes, and in so doing, uniquely transform them. This production features work by artistic director, Stacy Pottinger, alongside the Carthage Dance Program faculty and Carthage’s very own emerging choreographers.
Feb. 25, 27-28, 2026
‘Dear elizabeth’
Directed by Annaliese Ruhs ’26 Written by Sarah Ruhl
Robert Lowell and Elizabeth Bishop are two successful American poets. Starting in 1947, the pair began sharing tales of their lives together. Both struggled with alcohol and mental health problems, but they both found comfort in their correspondence. Robert was more of an open book, who loved openly and wanted Elizabeth to marry him. She did not share the same feelings and their relationship developed into a strong platonic bond. Robert married another poet, Elizabeth Harwick, with whom he had three children with while Elizabeth Bishop lived in Brazil with her partner Lota and their toucan. Sarah Ruhl takes the pair’s 400 letters and edits them into a theatrical experience sharing the love and the lives of two poets.
Feb. 26, 28, March 1, 2026
‘Last train to nibroc’
Directed by Paige Downey ’26 Written by Arlene Hutton
“The Last Train to Nibroc” is a charming story written by Arlene Hutton. In December 1940, an east-bound cross-country train carries a heartbroken girl named May, who, via a chance encounter, shares her seat with a charming young flyer named Raleigh. May loves books and plans to become a missionary. Raleigh, on the other hand, is on a new life after receiving a medical discharge. He is inspired by books and is heading to New York to be a writer. Raleigh and May discover they are from neighboring Appalachian towns, and May tries to convince Raleigh to come home. This funny and touching story is not one you’ll want to miss.
March 20-22, March 26-28, 2026
‘The moors’
Directed by Prof. Herschel Kruger Written by Jen Silverman
Showtimes: March 20-21, 26-28 | 7:30 p.m. March 22 | 3 p.m.
Two sisters and a dog live out their lives on the bleak English moors, dreaming of love and power. The arrival of a hapless governess and a moor-hen set all three on a strange and dangerous path. “The Moors” is a dark comedy about love, desperation, and visibility.
April 24-26, 30, May 1-2, 2026
‘Bright Star’
Music, Book, and Story by Steve Martin Lyrics and Story by Edie Brickell
Showtimes: April 24-25, 30, May 1-2 | 7:30 p.m. April 26 | 3 p.m. School Matinee — April 29 | 10 a.m. (not open to the public)
Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, “Bright Star” tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 1940s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for a child that she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past — and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. With beautiful melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tightly in its grasp, “Bright Star” is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.
May 8-9, 2026
‘Away from the mirror’
Showtimes: May 8-9 | 7:30 p.m.
In our annual student dance concert, Carthage’s emerging choreographers are provided the platform to develop and shape their own dances, share in the development of their own production, and engage in community discourse about their work. All pieces are student-choreographed, and revolve around the themes that speak to the individual members of the Carthage dance program.
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