From the Theatre/Musical Theatre program

Bat Boy: The Musical

Story and Book by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming
Music and Lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe
Licensed under agreement with Weekly World News
Directed by Clancey Yovanovich

“Heed the tale of a filthy freak…. who’s just like YOU.”

Bat Boy is an American rock musical that has become a beloved cult classic in the musical theatre world and beyond. Based on one of Weekly World News’ most sold headlines, Bat Boy heeds the tale of Edgar—the half-bat, half-American teenage boy discovered in a cave in small town West Virginia. Though campy and comedic in style, Bat Boy explores the trials of being different, the danger in misinformation, the fear of change, the journey to acceptance—and the price we pay when that acceptance comes too late.

When: February 16-17 and 24, 8 p.m. February 18 and 25, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where: Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Ave., NW

Produced by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing.

Content Warning: Bat Boy: The Musical is a tabloid-style, tongue-in cheek musical that deals with difficult issues including Othering, Physical Violence, Sexual Assault, Rape, Incest, Murder, and Suicide.

Lost Girl

By Kimberly Belflower
Directed by Aaron Posner

It's been a while since she returned from Neverland, but Wendy Darling is struggling. What did it all mean? Will Peter ever really come back? Should she wait? To move forward in her life, Wendy decides that she must find Peter in order to reclaim her kiss. On her search, she meets other girls who went to Neverland and learns she is not alone. A highly theatrical, ensemble-based coming-of-age exploration of first love and lasting loss, Lost Girl continues the story of J.M. Barrie's beloved character—the girl who had to grow up.

When: March 2-3, 8 p.m. March 4, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where: Studio Theatre, Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW

“Lost Girl” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

Once

Book by Edna Walsh
Music & Lyrics by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová
Based on the Motion Picture Written and Directed by John Carney
Directed by Colleen Sullivan

Dublin, mid 2000s. An Irish busker meets a young Czech woman, and in five days they discover the healing power of music together. In this story of romance, and cultural and musical chemistry, the cast sing and play their own instruments for all the songs, including the Oscar-winning Falling Slowly from the indie film Once.

Once is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

When: March 31, 8 p.m. April 1, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. April 2, 2 p.m.
Where: Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Ave., NW

From the Music program

Faculty Music Concert

Music faculty collaborate in a varied program that includes pieces by Eric Whitacre, William Grant Still, Golijov, Ysaye, Jessie Montgomery, and songs from The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Featuring Kelly Smith Jones (voice), Susan Derry (voice), Bill Wielgus (oboe), Eric Dircksen (bassoon), Kevin Jang (violin), Nancy Jo Snider ('cello), Nobue Matsuoka (percussion), and Barbara Wilkinson (piano).

When: February 4, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Abramson Family Recital Hall, Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW

The Gorenman Piano Project: Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms

Internationally acclaimed concert pianist Yuliya Gorenman returns to the concert stage with works by Clara Schumann (1819-1896), Robert Schumann (1810-1856), and Johannes Brahms (1833-1897). Clara Schumann was a revolutionary who paved the way for women performers. She was a world-class pianist, gifted composer, teacher, and finally a muse and inspiration to the great composers Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms. Gorenman will play Clara Schumann’s “Three Romances op. 11,” Johannes Brahms’s “Two Rhapsodies op. 79” and “Intermezzi op. 117,” and Robert Schumann’s “Carnaval op. 9.”

When: March 25, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Abramson Family Recital Hall, Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW

American University Symphonic Band
Notes on Hope

Matthew Brown, conductor

AU Symphonic Band presents a variety of works ranging from the quirky to the profound, and from classical band canon to a work barely finished in time (by Matthew Brown, conductor). The program begins with "Early Light" by Carolyn Bremer, which incorporates thematic motives from the US National Anthem, and ends with "In Memoriam: Maidan" by Matthew Brown, which commemorates the 2014 Maidan Revolution in Ukraine and incorporates thematic motives from Ukraine's National Anthem. The program is rounded out by profoundly hopeful works by Edward Elgar and Morten Lauridsen, and lighter offerings by Frank Erickson and John Mackey.

When: April 15, 3 p.m.
Where: Abramson Family Recital Hall, Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW

American University Chamber Singers
Bach & Handel – Early Musical Brilliance

Daniel Abraham, director

Join the AU Chamber Singers for a memorable program of an exulted Bach Mass to Handel’s brilliant and descriptive account of the biblical plagues set upon ancient Egypt. The 30-member Chamber Singers and student soloists are joined by period-instrument performers for what will be both exciting music making and an inspirational educational listening experience. Featuring Johann Sebastian Bach: Mass in G Minor and George Frederic Handel: “Exodus” from Israel in Egypt.

When: April 15, 7:30 p.m., April 16, 3 p.m.
Where: Abramson Family Recital Hall, Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW

American University Jazz Ensemble
Some Spring Swing

Joshua Bayer, director

Swing into the season with the AU Jazz Ensemble playing Big Band swing, funk, and straight-ahead Jazz from a variety of composers. 

Date and location to be announced.

American University Chorus
On a Canvas of Silence

Casey Cook, director
Barbara Wilkinson, pianist

Conductor Leopold Stokowski once said, "A painter paints his pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence." Join the American University Chorus as they it explores the nature of sound and silence, including a powerful performance of Jake Runestad's “A Silence Haunts Me.”

When: April 22, 7:30 p.m., April 23, 3 p.m
Where: Abramson Family Recital Hall, Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW

American University Symphony Orchestra
Annexing Tchaikovsky

Conducted by Matthew Brown

The AU Symphony Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky's Symphony no. 2 ("Ukrainian"), Verdi's La Forza del Destino Overture, "Melody for Orchestra" by Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk and other works. The student winner of the 2023 Concerto and Aria Competition will appear as soloist.

When: April 29, 7:30 p.m., April 30, 2 p.m.
Where: Abramson Family Recital Hall, Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW

From the Dance program

DANCEWORKS 2023

Artistic Direction by Ama Law

DANCEWORKS 2023 features the American University Dance Company performing choreographed works by guest artists, faculty, and students. The company has worked tirelessly to bring you a production that is not only captivating and compelling,but filled with compassion. Expect themes of legacy, liberation, and a bit of vocalization. Join us for a night that will showcase how we are continuing our mission to develop forward thinkers and creative doers in a moving world. 

When: April 21-22, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Ave., NW