SCC Announces 2022-23 Performing Arts Season

Published: 09/23/2022

SCC Announces 2022-23 Performing Arts Season

SCC’s Performing Arts Department is proud to present its 2022-23 season lineup. Center Stage Theatre performances include Dracula, Silent Sky, The Lily and the Mantis, Puffs, and Pippin. Young People’s Theatre performances include Footloose and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The SCC Music Program will present a series of concerts and recitals throughout the year.

Dracula by John Mattera, based on the novel by Bram Stoker, presented by Center Stage Theatre.
Performances are Oct. 6-9. Appropriate for middle school and above. 

This stage adaptation is closely based on the original, presenting the frightening story that made this a horror classic. The mysterious Count Dracula has gone to England where he is living on a large estate next to an insane asylum run by the incredibly naïve Dr. Seward. The others that make up the cast of this thriller include Professor Van Helsing who must convince Dr. Seward that Count Dracula is a vampire; Renfield, a fly-eating lunatic who serves the Count (once too often); beautiful Lucy Westenra, who has an uncanny resemblance to a girl Count Dracula loved over a hundred years ago; Charles, the Westenra family butler whose poor eyesight saves him from being hypnotized; as well as three female vampires.

Silent Sky by Laura Gunderson, presented by Center Stage Theatre.
Performances are Nov. 10-13. Appropriate for middle school and above.

When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women computers, charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in girl hours and has no time for the women’s probing theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take the measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, can be hard to see when one is trapped among earthly complications; Henrietta Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.

Footloose, music by Tom Snow, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, stage adaptation by Dean Pitchford & Walter Bobbie, presented by Young People’s Theatre.
Performances are Dec. 9-11. Appropriate for all ages.

When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.

The Lily and the Mantis by J. Myles Hesse, presented by Center Stage Theatre.
Performances are March 9-12. Appropriate for high school and above.

Chaos has struck the Mantis family: Daley, Indiana's most prominent and prestigious household. When their maid is discovered brutally murdered in their gardens, the responsibility falls to the ruthless matriarch, Mara Mantis, to prevent the impending scandal from tarnishing the Mantis family name, a task easier said than done while a scheming neighbor, gay sons, and overall incompetency threaten to create even more damaging scandals. Mara begins to realize that perhaps the only way to cover up the murder... is with more murder.

Puffs by Matt Cox, presented by Center Stage Theatre.
Performances are April 20-23. Appropriate for high school and above. Adult language.

This clever and inventive play “never goes more than a minute without a laugh” (Nerdist) giving you a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers “who are so lovable and relatable, you’ll leave the theater wishing they were in the stories all along” (Hollywood Life). Their “hilariously heartfelt!” (Metro) and epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be.

Puffs is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed, or endorsed by J.K Rowling, Warner Bros., or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang music & lyrics by Richard M. Sherman & Robert B. Sherman, adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams, presented by Young People’s Theatre.

Performances are May 18-21. Appropriate for all ages.

An eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts, sets about restoring an old race car from a scrap heap with the help of his children, Jeremy and Jemima. They soon discover the car has magical properties, including the ability to float and take flight. Trouble occurs when the evil Baron Bomburst desires the magic car for himself. The family joins forces with Truly Scrumptious and batty Grandpa Potts to outwit the dastardly Baron and Baroness and their villainous henchman, the Child Catcher. Filled with amazing stage spectacle and unforgettable songs, including the Academy Award-nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a high-flying, fun-filled adventure for the entire family.

Pippin book by Roger O. Hirson, music & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, presented by Center Stage Theatre.
Performances are July 27-30. Appropriate for middle school and above.

Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh, and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father, King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day.

SCC Music Program

The SCC Music Program will highlight the talent of its students through several concerts and recitals. Performances are open to the public, with no cost to attend.

• October 22: Music Faculty and Educator Showcase
• November 29 – December 1: Fall Concerts
• December 9: Opera Performance (excerpts)
• May 2 – 4: Spring Concert Week
• May 12: Musical Theatre Performance (excerpts)

Season Tickets for Center Stage Theatre and Young People’s Theatre are available now and packages include a ticket to all seven Center Stage Theatre and Young People’s Theatre shows for $60. Individual show tickets range from $8-$12.

For auditions and more info, visit www.stchas.edu/performingarts , or contact the Performing Arts Department at performingarts@stchas.edu or 636-922-8050.

To purchase tickets and packages, and for details about the performances, visit www.stchastickets.com. Performances are held at the Donald D. Shook Fine Arts Building Theater, on the college’s campus in Cottleville.

St. Charles Community College strives to provide reasonable accommodations to all people at any SCC-sponsored event. Please contact Disability Support Services at dss@stchas.edu or 636-922-8581 as early as possible to discuss your needs.