From the Theatre/Musical Theatre program

Overture 2023

Department of Performing Arts 
Directed by Nancy Bannon

Overture welcomes to the stage AU’s newest actors from the dynamic class of 2027. Showcasing the talents of its performers, this production features music, text, and movement assembled and devised by the student company, in collaboration with faculty director Nancy Bannon.  

When: October 6, 2023, 8 p.m. and October 7, 2023, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Studio Theatre, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

Head over Heels
Songs by The Go-Go's

Based on ‘The Arcadia’ by Sir Philip Sidney  
Conceived and Original Book by Jeff Whitty  
Adapted by James Magruder  
Department of Performing Arts 
Directed by Carl Menninger 
Music Direction by Kristin Stowell 
Choreographed by Cate Ginsberg

A hilarious, exuberant celebration of love, Head Over Heels follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction—only to discover the key to their realm’s survival lies within each of their own hearts. This laugh-out-loud love story is set to the music of the iconic 1980s all-female rock band The Go-Go’s, including the hit songs, “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation,” Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth,” and “Mad About You.”

Content: The production includes sexual innuendo, simulated intercourse, violence, and death. 

When: October 20 and 27, 2023, 8 p.m., October 21 and 28, 2023, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 
Where: Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 

Daughters of Leda

By Madeline Sayet
Department of Performing Arts
Directed by Shanara Gabrielle and Angelisa Gillyard

In this contemporary reimagining of epic tales from Ancient Greece, the seasons change, and Persephone returns to the underworld. A mortal girl arrives at the same time, asking questions that turn history upside down. The Fates have a game up their sleeve—they are tired, they need a vacation. But in order to depart, they have to give the stories they exploited back. In a whirlwind of events, Adam and Eve, Leda (and the Swan), Helen, Clytemnestra, Iphigenia, and Electra all come together to choose their own destinies and finally tell their side of the stories that have instilled fear of feminine knowledge for far too long.

Content: This production includes references to rape and suicide, and a depiction of domestic violence.

When: November 1-3, 2023, 8 p.m., November 4, 2023, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center Studio Theatre, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 

Damn Things Will Kill Ya

By Olivia Luzquinos 
Department of Performing Arts 
Directed by Aaron Posner  

"You can't choose who you love. It doesn't work like that."

A little thing like lung cancer isn’t going to stop Ruth from smoking—even in the hospital. As her children gather by her bedside, they struggle with the hard-headed, hard-hearted woman who raised them—and with each other. As events unfold, the family is forced to grapple with faith, fear, forgiveness, and the complicated consequences of letting go. Damn Things Will Kill Ya was written by recent AU graduate Olivia Luzquinos (CAS ’23) and features AU Theatre faculty member Tara Giordano as the matriarch Ruth. This production will be the first time the AU Theatre Program has fully produced a show by a recent graduate.

Content: This production includes adult themes and references to suicide.  

When: December 5–8, 2023, 8 p.m., December 9, 2023, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 
Where: Katzen Arts Center Studio Theatre, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

From the Music program

Choral Abstractions

American University Chamber Singers 
Department of Performing Arts 
Daniel Abraham, Director

By its very nature, though text, choral music is not often abstract. Frequently, however, contemporary composers have taken a more abstract approach by creating music without word, by adopting vocal devices, or even creating open approaches to shape and form that provide greater parallels to visual art. Join us for an inspiring earful of innovative approaches to choral sound in conjunction with the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center’s exhibition of large abstract works by Steven Cushner, this program with commentary will be a delight for the eyes, ears, and mind.

When: November 4, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. and November 5, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. 
Where: American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, 3rd floor, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

Fall for Jazz

American University Jazz Orchestra 
Department of Performing Arts 
Joshua Bayer, director

The AU Jazz Orchestra plays swing, bop, funk, and rock! Each concert features a variety of these styles.

When: November 10, 2023, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

Florence Price Symphony no. 3

American University Symphony Orchestra 
Department of Performing Arts 
Matthew Brown, conductor

American University Symphony Orchestra will present, for the first time in its history, Florence Price's Symphony no. 3 in C minor. Florence Price was a Black female American composer who was largely overlooked during her career, and even more so posthumously, due to her race and gender. Her music is a force that the orchestral world is finally starting to reckon with.

When: November 11, 7:30 p.m. and November 12, 3 pm.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall  

stay with me

American University Chorus 
Department of Performing Arts 
Casey Cook, director
Barbara Wilkinson, pianist

The AU Chorus fall concert explores the need for us to stay connected, to build a family and community, and to be together with those we love through the joys and sorrows of life. This concert will feature excerpts from Eric Whitacre's "The Sacred Veil." This concert will mark Casey Cook's 10th year as director of the American University Chorus.

When: December 1–2, 2023, 7:30 p.m.  
Where: Abramson Family Recital Hall, Katzen Arts Center, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

American Landscapes

American University Symphonic Band 
Department of Performing Arts 
Matthew Brown, conductor 

The American University Symphonic Band explores a variety of works inspired by North America’s vast and varied natural world. Works include Copland's iconic “Appalachian Spring,” a delightful multi-movement work titled "A Little Mexican Suite" by Mexican composer Nubia Jaime-Donjuan, a modern setting of the classic song "Shenandoah" by Omar Thomas, and a variety of other works.

When: December 3, 2023, 3 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016

From the Dance program

Discounted package tickets for Allison Grant's Senior Dance Capstone + Fall Dance Concert on November 18 are available. Free for AU students with ID, $10 for alumni, staff, faculty, children (under 18), and senior citizens (55 and older), $15 general public.

Fall Dance Concert 2023

Department of Performing Arts

The Fall Dance Concert is a mainstage event from the AU Dance Program featuring new work by guest artist Sarah Beth Oppenheim and selected student choreographers. Oppenheim brought Hardware to our virtual stage in 2021 and returns now to create a new work with AU dancers for the Greenberg stage. Her work will be shown alongside five student-choreographed, faculty-mentored protects – created this fall in our Choreographic Laboratory. Join us as we welcome fresh choreographic voices and new student performers to the AU stage.   

When: November 17, 7:30 p.m., November 18, 3 p.m.
Where: Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016
Tickets: Free for AU students with ID, $10 for alumni, staff, faculty, children (under 18), and senior citizens (55 and older), $15 general public.

Allison Grant's Senior Dance Capstone Performance

Department of Performing Arts

Featuring a capstone choreographic research project by dance major Allison Grant.

When: November 18, 1 p.m.
Where: Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20016 
Tickets: $5, Free for AU students with ID