2022-2023 Season 

TRAGEDY: a tragedy

By Will Eno
November 3 at 8:00 p.m. | November 4 at 8:00 p.m. | November 5 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. | November 6 at 2:00 p.m.
Directed by Henry MacCarthy
Rob and Judy Gardner Laboratory Theatre

It is night-time in the world. Everyone's afraid, like in real life. Real life on Earth, on television. Before it all, whatever it is, stands a dashing reporter, talking. Perfectly groomed, dressed in appropriate clothing, properly grave as the moment demands. He stands for us, somehow, standing there. His teeth are amazing. 

From Obie award winner Will Eno, a tragically hilarious play for the fake news era.

Click here for photos of Tragedy.

Theatre Gallery: Fuzzy Gray Lines

December 9 at 7:00 p.m. | December 10 at 4:30 p.m. | December 11 at 2:00 p.m.
Advised by Henry MacCarthy
Written and Directed by Austin Adler '23, Autumn Manus '25, Conor Rautio '24, E.A. Haugen '23, Jacob Korver '23, Sam Peters '23, and Sydney Dimapelis '24
Rob and Judy Gardner Laboratory Theatre

Stressed? Tired? Mentally ill? Take a load off and come to our presentation of Fuzzy Gray Lines, a collection of short plays that grapple with mental health. The catch? They’re comedies. Reflecting a diverse range of stories and experiences, Fuzzy Gray Lines tackles our generation’s struggles with mental wellbeing through a lighthearted lens. Join us for an experience that’s sometimes inspiring, sometimes absurd, and always entertaining. And please, feel free to laugh.

Click here for photos of Fuzzy Gray Lines.

Shared Space: Tangled Relations

December 9 at 9:30 p.m. | December 10 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. | December 11 at 4:30 p.m.
Directed by Elyse Doeden ’23 and Lillian Kline ‘22
Advised by Melissa C. Rolnick
Anderson Theatre

Tangled Relations is an exploration of choreographic ideas. It includes how the performers imply the choreographer’s thoughts on stage and how the audience perceives these thoughts. As a student-led production, each choreographer is allowed to explore and develop their own vision.

Spring Awakening

Music by Duncan Sheik and Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater
Based on the play by Frank Wedekind
February 23 at 8:00 p.m. CANCELLED due to weather | February 24 at 8:00 p.m. | February 25 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. | February 26 at 2:00 p.m.
Directed by Kimberly Braun '11 | Choreographed by Jeffrey Peterson | Music Direction by Samuel Grace '11
Anderson Theatre

Tony Award winning (Best Musical, Best Book, Best Score) rock musical Spring Awakening explores coming of age and autonomy through love and friendship. A heart-wrenching tale of censorship and access to healthcare, Spring Awakening delights the senses with gorgeous music and dancing.

Click here for photos of Spring Awakening.

that single fleeting moment: The Gustavus Dance Company in Concert

April 13 at 8:00 p.m. | April 14 at 8:00 p.m. | April 15 at 8:00 p.m. | April 16 at 2:00 p.m.
Directed by Melissa C. Rolnick
Rob and Judy Gardner Laboratory Theatre

Join us in reveling in the ephemeral nature of dance, existing solely in the body, revealing the essence of each moment in all its scintillating beauty and raw, courageous vulnerability. 

This year’s concert features the work of faculty Sarah Hauss, Giselle Mejia, Jill Patterson, Jeffrey Peterson, Melissa C. Rolnick, former faculty Michele Rusinko, and selected student work. Please join us as we celebrate Michele Rusinko’s leadership and legacy as director of dance at Gustavus for 34 years.

Click here for photos of that single fleeting moment.

Fewer Emergencies

By Martin Crimp
May 11 at 8:00 p.m. | May 12 at 8:00 p.m. | May 13 at 8:00 p.m. | May 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Directed by Henry MacCarthy
Anderson Theatre

A tryptic of powerful theatre minimalism where the distinctions between theatre performance and narration are contested. Martin Crimp has been labeled a “radical innovator,” his work is caught up somewhere between the mundane and the magical. The three short plays: Fewer Emergencies, Face to the Wall and Whole Blue Sky are elegant explorations of violence and the culture of contentment. From the acute anxiety of suburban life to mass murder to a drawer that, if pulled open, spills out chainsaws, and harpsichords, and the city of Paris with a cloth over it to keep the dust out. 
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This production contains adult themes and is not suitable for children. 

Click here for photos of Fewer Emergencies.