Baldwin Wallace University

Under the direction of associate professor Brennan Murphy, BW students staged Anton Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya," a story about the universal human condition that is both funny and poignant, while teaching quite a bit about life and what makes it insufferable.

Under the direction of Nathan Motta, artistic director at Dobama Theatre, BW students staged Stephen Adly Guirgis' "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot," a philosophical dark comedy that examines humanity's most notorious loser in an extraordinary meditation on freewill and mercy, guilt and redemption.

A co-production between the BW Conservatory of Music's music theatre program and the department of theatre and dance, "Kinky Boots" features a joyous, Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper and is based on a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony-winner Harvey Fierstein. The production drew applause from the show's Broadway producer, rave critical reviews, a BW music theatre homecoming and numerous opportunities to affirm and lead on the issue of inclusion.

Thirty-two outstanding student writers and artists at Baldwin Wallace University are featured in the 2019 edition of BW's annual literary and art journal, The Mill. The student-directed and student-operated publication showcases the creative achievements of students from across campus disciplines.

Baldwin Wallace University and Playhouse Square co-produced "Be More Chill" under the direction and choreography of Jon Martinez and music direction of Matthew Webb. Based on Ned Vizzini's novel, the musical tells the tale of a high school boy trying to fit in and win the girl of his dreams with the help of an easy-to-swallow nanocomputer.

Under the direction of assistant professor Anjanette Hall and three student assistant directors, BW students staged Jose Rivera's apocalyptic play about guardian angels enlisting the aid of New York City homeless people in a battle to save the universe from a God who has lost his mind.

This spring, the BW theatre and dance community presented "fyoo zh en," the annual dance concert combining choreography with faculty research. This year's concert was inspired by sociology and criminal justice professor Dr. Brian Monahan's book, "The Shock of the News: Media Coverage and the Making of 9/11," which examines how America's news media influences our perception of social reality.

Baldwin Wallace University students staged Moliere's "The Critique of the School for Wives," written as a response to his own "The School for Wives," under the direction of Christine McBurney. The production blends witty dialogue and high society into a unique comedy.

Baldwin Wallace University and Beck Center for the Arts produced "Once," a testament to the transcendent power of love and music, under the direction of Victoria Bussert with choreography by Greg Daniels and music direction by Matthew Webb. The Plain Dealer called it a "fantastic production that keeps the focus firmly where it should be: the music."

Under the direction of Brennan Murphy, BW students staged Diana Son's play about the delicate journey of falling in love and building a relationship, and the courage it takes to move forward after physical violence.

"American La Ronde," Steven Dietz's contemporary reimagining of Arthur Schnitzler's "La Ronde," was brought to life by BW students during the fall 2018 semester. The play explores heartache and attraction in the lives of seemingly unconnected people left behind by a simple silver bracelet.

The classic and timeless play "A View from the Bridge" was brought to life by a talented cast and crew of BW students. Set in an Italian American neighborhood in the 1950s, the play explores complex family relationships and the events that occur after illegal immigrants move into town.

Thirty-five outstanding student writers and artists at Baldwin Wallace University are featured in the 2018 edition of BW's annual literary and art journal, The Mill. The student-directed and student-operated publication showcases the creative achievements of students from across campus disciplines.

The Baldwin Wallace University Department of Theatre and Dance once again cemented its status as a world-class program when students presented professor Les Hunter's original play "Weimar." Set in Weimar Republic-era Germany during the early 20th century, the new play follows a group of strong-willed women attempting to resist the increasingly authoritarian leanings of their government.

This spring, the BW theatre and dance community came together to present "fyoo zh en," the annual dance concert combining choreography with faculty member research. This year's show was inspired by Dr. Swagata Banik's National Institutes of Health-funded public health study "Project SHAKTI: Stigma reduction, Healthcare provider Awareness and Knowledge enhancement on Transgender issues in India."

Cole Porter's classic musical "Anything Goes" was given new life by director James Beaudry and the enthusiastic cast and crew of this positively playful production. When nightclub singer-turned-evangelist Reno Sweeney boards the S.S. American with her colorful cohorts, it's anything but smooth sailing. Mayhem and mischief ensue as the stage comes alive with star-crossed lovers, mistaken identities and good old-fashioned Broadway fun.

Baldwin Wallace theatre students were nationally acknowledged for their talents when a representative from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Region 3, attended BW's production of Tom Stoppard's Communist-centered play, "Rock 'N' Roll." Two students received nominations to participate in the prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Competition, and six additional students were presented awards for their behind-the-scenes work on the show.

Berea was invigorated with a mix of rock music and Czech history as BW students presented Tom Stoppard's acclaimed play, "Rock 'N' Roll." Set to the soundtrack of greats like John Lennon and The Beach Boys, the story spans two decades and follows the rise and fall of Communist ideals within the characters' lives - both personal and political.

Under the direction of Shinnerrie Jackson, a talented cast and crew staged Lynn Nottage's "Intimate Apparel" during the spring 2017 semester. The breathtaking and moving drama ranks among the best American plays of the century. Esther, an African-American woman living in the dawn of the last century, makes an uncommon living sewing exquisite lingerie, allowing her rare access into the private lives of others.

Under the direction of Jack Winget, a talented cast and crew staged Jim Leonard, Jr.'s "The Diviners" during the spring 2017 semester. Set in a small Indiana town during the Great Depression, the intimate play about hard scrabble luck and hope details the quiet tragedy that can occur when people attempt to confront their fears and reach for their dreams.

Under the direction of Scott Plate, a talented cast and crew staged Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" during the fall 2017 semester. In Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning classic, people grow up, get married, live and die in a hauntingly beautiful meditation on the glory of daily existence.

Twenty-nine exceptional student writers and artists at Baldwin Wallace University are featured in the 2017 edition of BW's annual literary and art journal, The Mill. The student-directed and student-operated publication showcases the creative achievements of gifted students from across campus disciplines.

BW student vocalists and orchestra members performed the opera "Dialogues of the Carmelites" during the spring semester. Francis Poulenc's fictionalized portrayal of the Martyrs of Compiegne tells the timely and tragic story of Carmelite nuns who were guillotined in Paris for refusing to renounce their vocation during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror.

Student choreographers and dancers created and performed a collaborative new music and dance project inspired by assistant professor of biology Dr. Karen Munroe's research on the social and mating behaviors of squirrels.

A talented cast and crew from Baldwin Wallace University staged "Angels in America, Part Two: Perestroika" during the fall 2016 semester. This conclusion of Tony Kushner's award-winning epic of American theatre is a work of stunning imagination, rich humor and profound feeling. The students brought to life Kushner's boundary-breaking depiction of two relationships, one gay and one straight, while giving insight on relationships, politics, illness and life.

Under the direction of Adam Heffernan, a talented cast and crew staged J.M. Barrie's "Quality Street" during the fall 2016 semester. Set in an English town during the Napoleonic wars, the play employs an amusing case of mistaken identity to tell the story of two sisters and their pursuit of love, happiness and self-worth.

Talented students are mesmerizing audiences once again with "West Side Story" at BW's John Patrick Theatre. From the first note to the final breath, "West Side Story" soars as the greatest love story of all time, and remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The co-production with the BW Conservatory of Music's Music Theatre Program and Department of Theatre and Dance runs November 9-12 and 16-19 at 7:30 p.m. and November 13 and 20 at 2 p.m.

A talented cast and crew from Baldwin Wallace University staged Matthew Barber's Tony-nominated play, "Enchanted April," during the spring 2016 semester. Directed by Jack Winget, the play is a joyfully restorative tale set amongst wisteria and Mediterranean sunshine as four women from post-World War I London rent a villa in Italy for a ladies-only holiday.

Twenty-eight exceptional student writers and artists at Baldwin Wallace University are featured in the 2016 edition of BW's annual literary and art journal, "The Mill." The student-directed and student-operated publication showcases the creative achievements of gifted students from across campus disciplines.

The Voices of Praise Gospel Choir spent 2016 Spring Break week making appearances at churches, schools and organizations in Chicago from small audiences to live broadcasts. Highlights of the trip included performances at Rainbow Push Coalition with Rev. Jesse Jackson, at Fellowship Chicago with Charles Jenkins and at Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church.