From the Theatre/Musical Theatre program

OVERTURE 2024

Directed by Nancy Bannon

Overture welcomes to the stage AU’s newest actors from the Class of 2028. This performance piece features dialogue, music, and movement that explores the passions, fears, trials, and triumphs of this stage of life. Overture is conceived and directed by faculty member Nancy Bannon and performed by the student company. 

When: September 27, 8 p.m., September 28, 2024, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Studio Theatre, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

As You Like It

By William Shakespeare
A Musical Adaptation of William Shakespeare's As You Like It
Adapted by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery
Music and Lyrics by Shaina Taub
Directed by Aaron Posner
Music Direction by Manny Arciniega and Susan Derry
Choreography by Nikki Mirza

"Love is merely a madness..."

This delightful adaptation of As You Like It is a hope-filled, musical celebration of love in its many forms. A 32-member cast of actors, musicians, and dancers bring this classic story to life in a way that celebrates the transformative power of nature and love.

Forced from their homes, Orlando, Duke Senior, his daughter Rosalind, and niece Celia escape to the Forest of Arden, a fantastical place of transformation, where all are welcomed and embraced. Lost amidst the trees, the refugees find community and acceptance under the stars. Featuring an original folk-pop score by Shaina Taub, As You Like It is an immersive dream-like tale of faithful friends, feuding families, and lovers in disguise.

When: October 17, 8 p.m., October 18, 7 p.m., and October 19, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where: Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

In Pieces: A New Musical

Music and Lyrics by Joey Contreras
Directed by Carl Menninger
Music Direction by Deborah Jacobson
Choreographed by David Singleton

You never know who might be around the corner if you take a chance on love. In Pieces: A New Musical reflects on the romantic journeys of eight characters as they look back at their pasts, learn to embrace all the pieces of who they are, and discover what it means to find love. Set in New York City and featuring a pop score by Joey Contreras, In Pieces is a candid take on self-identity, growth, and acceptance.
 

When: October 24–25, 8 p.m., October 26, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Studio Theatre, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea

By Julia Izumi 
Directed by Nick Martin

The Little Mermaid is Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved and well-known fairytale, which is why it’s not the story our friend Dolan is going to tell you. No, he’s going to tell you the story of a Little Rain Cloud who falls in love with a human. They are not the same story at all—he swears.

When: November 19–22, 8 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Studio Theatre, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

From the Music program

AU Gospel Choir Concert

Sylstea Sledge, director

Celebrate Sylstea Sledge’s 25th anniversary as director of the AU Gospel Choir with an uplifting concert featuring different styles within the genre of gospel music. The AU Gospel Choir encourages and empowers students, alumni, and the community through singing and by sharing the ministry of gospel music.

When: September 28, 5 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

Faculty Music Concert: Oh He Dead

Kick back with DC-based indie soul band Oh He Dead, featuring AU music faculty Alex Salser on guitar. Oh He Dead is a study in contradictions. The band sounds as smooth and lux as leather, but there’s also a levity there, like a feather in flight. Those contrasts and contradictions are ever more evident on their new studio album, Ugly, a suite of songs that encompasses everything from death to new love.

When: October 26, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

AU Chamber Singers
International Tour Preview Concert: Colombia

Daniel Abraham, conductor

The AU Chamber Singers present an international pre-tour concert program at AU before they visit Colombia in May 2025, returning to South America for the first time since the 1990s. With joint programs planned with The Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga (Autonomous University of Bucaramanga) and concert stops leading to Bogata, this program will be the first preview of the a cappella program to be presented during this historic tour. This mixed program will feature traditional choral music from across the Americas including Colombian and Latin American composers. 

When: November 2, 7:30 p.m., November 3, 3 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

AU Chorus
Tree of Peace

Casey Cook, director
Barbara Wilkinson, pianist

Regardless of the outcome of the 2024 election, we can all agree that we've been through some trying times over the past few years. Tree of Peace offers a moment of respite—a musical sanctuary where harmony can take root and flourish in our lives, if only for an evening. Join the AU Chorus for a concert revolving around the themes of peace, tranquility, and nature, concluding with a performance of Gwenyth Walker's "Tree of Peace".

When: November 8-9, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 

AU Symphonic Band
FOLK SONG

Matthew Brown, conductor

The AU Symphonic Band explores pieces inspired by folk songs and dances from around the world. The program will include works by Alfred Reed, Robert W. Smith, Carol Brittin Chambers, and others, and conclude with Ralph Vaughan Williams' iconic classic, "English Folk Song Suite." 

When: Saturday, November 10, 3 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

AU Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Combos

Fall for Jazz

Joshua Bayer, director

Welcome autumn with the AU Jazz Orchestra as they play a full menu of works and styles including bop, swing, Latin, funk, and rock.  

When: Friday, November 15, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

AU Symphony Orchestra

Dvořák Symphony no. 7

Matthew Brown, conductor

The AU Symphony Orchestra tackles Antonin Dvořák’s formidable Symphony no. 7. Written in 1885, it is a staple of the symphony orchestra canon. The program will begin with Beethoven's Egmont Overture, Sibelius' haunting "Valse triste," and the AU Symphony Orchestra premiere of Barbara Harbach's Symphony no. 1, "Veneration." 

When: November 16, 7:30 p.m., November 17, 3 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

From the Dance program

Senior Dance Capstone with Guest Artist

Ronya-Lee Anderson, artistic director
Amber Daniels, production coordinator

The AU Dance Program's graduating students present an evening of creative research and original choreography.

When: November 15-16, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

Choreo-Lab

Sarah Beth Oppenheim, artistic director
Amber Marie Daniels, production coordinator

The Fall Dance Concert is a mainstage event from the AU Dance Program featuring new work by guest artists and student choreographers. Join us as we welcome fresh choreographic voices to the AU stage.

When: November 16, 2 p.m.
Where: Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

Performance credits:

AS YOU LIKE IT is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

“Sometimes the Rain, Sometimes the Sea” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.