Spring 2024 theatre: Journey to the Past

Welcome back, fellow Mavericks.

Winter break is officially over and students have returned to Minnesota State  for spring semester. Many are marking their calendars for upcoming events and entertainment that will soon be presented on campus. 

The Student Events Team has already kicked off the semester with a banger as it invited students to ice skate Monday at the All Seasons Arena. Of course, they are stacked with plenty of activities for returning and new students but for those interested in something theatrical, MSU’s theatre department will present various shows and performances this spring. 

Corrie Eggiman, director of public relations for MSU’s Department of Theater and Dance, explained the department’s decision-making process in what shows to choose and develop for the academic year. 

“Every spring semester, we meet as a faculty to discuss and decide what shows we’ll present for the following academic year.” Eggiman said, “The faculty director and designers propose shows they’d like to work on, and we also ask students what shows they are interested in doing. We try to balance all of the considerations and ideas, and we also think about what shows the community and students will be interested in seeing.”

This year’s theme for the 2023-2024 season is Journey to the Past. From previous performances such as “Rent” and “The Importance of Being Earnest,” these shows display a meaningful history of both notable works and unique themes. 

This spring season has a list of both new and familiar shows for the MSU community. Main stage shows include “Clue,” “Men on Boats” and “Anastasia The Musical.” Studio plays will also be shown such as “Seminar” and “Round Trip Ticket.” Finally, at the end of April, the music, dance and theatre programs will be putting on an epic production filled with plenty of choreography, visuals and music. 

Eggiman explains how new and unique this season’s shows and performances are and how it appeals to various audiences in the Mankato community.

“These shows are different from past seasons in that they include a more contemporary musical like ‘Anastasia’ and that is something that students will be more familiar with. We also have an original production from longtime adjunct professor and alum Bruce Jones.” She said, ‘Clue’ will also be a fun one as it’ll appeal a bit to students and become familiar with older generations as well. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to see other students’ hard work, and also be exposed to different ideas and lifestyles that are in the shows.”

Eggiman shared what theater productions she is excitedly waiting to see which are “Anastasia,” a musical tale about a long lost Russian duchess that is familiar with many audiences; and “Men on Boats,” a production filled with humor and adventure about a 1869 expedition which stars a lead cast of all non-male actors. 

“I’m super excited for ‘Anastasia.’ It toured nationally last year and was very well received and praised. There’s a big cast, lots of beautiful costumes, and some exciting scenery. I think everyone will really enjoy it,” she said, “I’m also excited for ‘Men on Boats’ because we’re welcoming guest director Joy Dolo from Minneapolis and I just think it’ll be a great show.”

Students can attend all theatre and dance performances for $5 by using their MavCard. For more information on upcoming theatre productions, performances and tickets, visit www.mnsu.edu/theatrearts/performancestickets 

Write to Anahi Zuniga anahi.zuniga@mnsu.edu

Header Photo: Minnesota State’s theatre department plans new and familiar shows to take place during the 2024 Spring calendar. (File Photo)