Saginaw Valley State University

Wrapped up like a pretty pink package, Elle Woods proved that blondes have more than fun on their minds in Saginaw Valley State University's staging of "Legally Blonde The Musical." The show ran from April 9-13, in the Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts. The play, based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the 2001 movie starring Reese Witherspoon, follows sorority girl Elle Woods as she follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School, overcoming stereotypes and realizing her true potential on her way to becoming a successful lawyer without losing her natural effervescence.

Saginaw Valley State University's theatre department recently presented "Women Who Weave," a play that draws on Greek mythology to present heroism as a choice vs. a destiny. Written by J.S. Puller, a playwright and author from Chicago, "Women Who Weave" follows Atalanta, a plucky 12-year-old who - being excluded from the men's boar hunt - is convinced that females have no chance to be heroic. After her mother tells stories of the Fates, the goddesses who weave human destiny, Atalanta falls asleep and into a dream where she discovers that heroism springs from the decisions we make rather than the fate we're born into.

Saginaw Valley State University's theatre department presents "Women Who Weave," a play that draws on Greek mythology to present heroism as a choice vs. a destiny. The show runs Wednesday-Saturday, Feb. 19-22, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 23, at 3 p.m. All performances will be held in SVSU's Malcolm Field Theatre for the Performing Arts. Written by J.S. Puller, a playwright and author from Chicago, "Women Who Weave" follows Atalanta, a plucky 12-year-old who - being excluded from the men's boar hunt - is convinced that females have no chance to be heroic. After her mother tells stories of the Fates, the goddesses who weave human destiny, Atalanta falls asleep and into a dream where she discovers that heroism springs from the decisions we make rather than the fate we're born into.

Karla Kash is no stranger to directing challenging productions of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Once, she led a group of fourth graders portraying the zany Athenian characters featured in one of the world's original romantic comedies. The Saginaw Valley State University assistant professor of theatre later this month will lead another challenging rendition of the play when she directs SVSU's second production presented via Zoom, the popular Internet teleconferencing program utilized by theatre companies during the pandemic. Audiences can watch the play live online for free at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18.

With help from time warps and Transylvanians, Saginaw Valley State University student Jessica Hurley hopes her theatrical production of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" in July transports audiences to a magically strange place. More importantly, though, she wants the campy cult classic to help gather, support and celebrate the region's diverse communities.

An ensemble featuring 49 performers from both SVSU's Concert Choir and Cardinal Singers will present the concert - titled "The Food of Love" - Monday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the university's Rhea Miller Recital Hall.

The creative spirits behind a Saginaw Valley State University-produced magazine featuring poetry and art from Saginaw and Bay county residents will host a publication party for the public this week. Still Life, produced by the SVSU's Writing Center and the SVSU Center for Community Writing, will unveil the second issue during an event scheduled Thursday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at Counter Culture Arts Collective, 620 Gratiot in Saginaw.

A cast of 10 talented students-actors will perform in Saginaw Valley State University's production of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime," playing Wednesday through Sunday, Feb. 20-24.

Saginaw Valley State University student-actors plan to put a modern - and musical - spin on a beloved 1980 film following three working-class women getting even with their boss.

Saginaw Valley State University student-musicians will take the stage Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m. in Rhea Miller Recital Hall. This performance will feature classical music from composers, from the 17th century to the 20th century. The concert will feature a range of vocalists and musical instruments. The recital is open to the public and is free of charge. For more information and a detailed list of music department events and performances, please visit svsu.edu/music or contact (989) 964-4159 or music@svsu.edu.

Saginaw Valley State University's theatre department will stage its production of Simon Stephens' play, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," from Wednesday to Sunday, Feb. 20-24, in SVSU's Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts. Based on Mark Haddon's best-selling 2003 novel of the same name, the play follows 15-year-old Christopher Boone (played by freshman Jared Kaufman, a communication and theatre education double major from Bay City), who has been accused of killing the neighbor's dog. Throughout the production, Christopher overcomes his fears and embarks on an unforgettable journey to solve the mystery of the real killer. The adventure changes his life forever. Tommy Wedge, the play's director and an SVSU assistant professor of theatre, says "Curious Incident" will be unlike any other production audiences have witnessed at SVSU. "Not only is this a very technically-challenging play - with 400-plus light cues, rear projection, a raked stage, and student-created soundtrack - but, for the first time in our department, we are offering a sensory-friendly performance," Wedge says. That sensory-friendly version of the play - slated for the Sunday, Feb. 24 performance at 3 p.m. - will dampen the intensity of the sound and lighting elements for the sake of audience members sensitive to such elements, including individuals with autism. This more inclusive version will feature warnings for jarring lighting and sound effects, make the main floor open to audience members who want to move around (the balcony level will be reserved for attendees seeking a more traditional theatre experience), and open an "activity room" near the theatre. The activity room - open before, during and after the production - will feature staff and activities for attendees who want to take a break from watching the production while it's underway. Wedge, the father of two children on the autism spectrum, says handling the subject of autism has been a rewarding challenge for the student-actors. "The spectrum is so wide, and its manifestations so varied, that it has made this process a very educational one, especially for our actors," he says. "I think what they've developed is thoughtful and truthful, and I'm proud of what they've built." Hannah Ducolon, an elementary education major who plays the role of Judy - Christopher's mother - says the unique presentation of the play makes "Curious Incident" an important production. "This play shows that those who may be 'atypical' are just as capable as any other human being," the Bay City native says. "They just process things differently, which is displayed in every aspect of this production." "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. performances Wednesday through Saturday, Feb. 20-23, and a 3 p.m. performance Sunday, Feb. 24. The production is recommended for audiences 13 and older due to mild adult themes and language. Tickets are $13 for general admission, and $10 for senior citizens and students. Tickets can be purchased online now. For more information, please contact the SVSU Box Office at (989) 964-4261.

Saginaw Valley State University's Wind Ensemble will be performing its first concert of the 2018-19 season Thursday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall. The performance is free and open to the public. The ensemble is directed by Norman Wika, SVSU assistant professor of music. Wika also directs SVSU's Cardinal Marching Band. He performs with the Tulsa Symphony and the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra. Thursday's concert features clarinetist Gary June, an adjunct faculty member at SVSU. The program will feature music with a Halloween theme from contemporary composers Scott McAllister and Thomas Miller. Musical pieces include "Off to Transylvania," "Dawn and the Vampire" and "The Death March and the Book." For more information on SVSU's music program, call (989) 964-4159 or visit www.svsu.edu/music/.

Saginaw Valley State University student actors and vocalists will summon the spirit of the season - along with the comedy and comforts of 1960s- and '70s-era Christmas TV specials - during the Department of Theatre's 9th annual holiday-themed production.

Saginaw Valley State University's Percussion Ensemble and Valley Steel, a steel drum band, will perform in concert Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall. The SVSU musicians will be joined by the Heritage High School band. The SVSU Percussion Ensemble, directed by Patrick Fitzgibbon, SVSU drumline coach, and Valley Steel, directed by Brandon Haskett, SVSU associate professor of music, will showcase the collective talents of 16 students as they present eighteen through twentieth century pieces. The groups will perform pieces composed by celebrated musicians such as George Hamilton Green, Johann Sebastian Bach, William Schinstine, Dave Longfellow and Matt Dudack. Admission to the concert is free of charge. For more information, please visit svsu.edu/music or call 989-964-4159.

The Saginaw Valley State University Wind Ensemble will perform a recital Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall. The group will perform highly acclaimed works by nineteenth and twentieth century composers such as "Lincolnshire Posy," by Percy Grainger; "O Magnum Mysterium," a responsorial chant, by Morten Lauridsen; "Tower Music," a lyrical, chorale style piece meant to reflect the eleventh century European tradition of watch tower performances, by Alan Hovhaness; and "Amparito Roca," by Jaime Texidor. Norman Wika, SVSU assistant professor of music, will conduct the 22-student ensemble. The recital also will feature five guest artists. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information about this recital, please visit svsu.edu/music or call 989-964-4159.

Saginaw Valley State University soared into new territory this October with the theatre department's first production with an all-female cast, "Decision Height."

The Saginaw Valley State University Concert Band will perform in concert Wednesday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. in SVSU's Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts. This event is free and open to the public.

Saginaw Valley State University's Cardinal Singers and Concert Choir performed in concert "Mozart and More" Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall.

Saginaw Valley State University's Flute Choir performed in concert Thursday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. in SVSU's Founders Hall.

The Saginaw Valley State University Theatre Department will stage its production of the Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman musical "Assassins," beginning on Wednesday, April 5 in SVSU's Malcolm Field Theatre of Performing Arts.

The Saginaw Valley State University Theatre Department will stage its production of Paul Downs Colaizzo's "Really Really" Wednesday, Feb. 22 through Sunday, Feb. 26 in SVSU's Malcolm Field Theatre of Performing Arts.

Saginaw Valley State University students turned their passion for theatre and strong work ethic into performances that earned praise and top honors - including an invitation to a national competition - during a festival featuring students from across the Midwest.

Saginaw Valley State University student actors and vocalists will collaborate again for the school's annual live radio show-style production, "Christmas of Yesteryear: A 1940s Radio Show."

An internationally-recognized composer from Port-au-Prince, Haiti will lead student musicians from both Saginaw Valley State University and Mott Community College in an SVSU concert Monday, April 18. "The Music of Haiti," featuring special guest composer Sydney Guillaume, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Saginaw Valley State University's Wind Ensemble will perform in concert Thursday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in SVSU's Rhea Miller Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

An internationally-recognized composer from Port-au-Prince, Haiti will lead student musicians from both Saginaw Valley State University and Mott Community College in an SVSU concert Monday, April 18. "The Music of Haiti," featuring special guest composer Sydney Guillaume, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

The Saginaw Valley State University Concert Band will perform in concert Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. in SVSU's Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts. This event is free and open to the public.

Audiences may lose their minds when they witness The Headless Horseman take the stage at Saginaw Valley State University's Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts beginning Wednesday, April 6.

Saginaw Valley State University's Department of Music will present "Music Majors in Recital" Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. The performance, in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall, is free and open to the public.

The Saginaw Valley State University jazz ensemble will be joined by guest saxophonist Tom Jones for a concert Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in SVSU's Rhea Miller Recital Hall.