Join us for the 2023-2024 NILES WEST THEATRE
Season of Questions
Set against the backdrop of a 1960s America in the midst of political and social change, a progressive young priest’s conduct comes under question by the principal, a nun at St. Nicholas Catholic School whose beliefs are deeply rooted in tradition. As the actions and motivations of each are scrutinized and suspicion mounts, the two are drawn into a battle of wills that threatens irrevocable consequences for all involved. Winner of the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award for Best Play, Doubt, examines the intersections of religion, race, gender and poses the question: How do we act when in doubt?
In Radio Falls, a tiny town stuck in a perpetual winter, a young girl spends her days sledding through snow dunes, drinking hot chocolate, and listening to stories told by her uncle. But, one day when she asks her uncle the truth of what happened to her parents, she learns there's a darker history of her town than she could have ever realized. In setting out to save her town from the enduring winter she realizes that she could have made the situation worse than she thought possible. Perfect for audiences of all ages, Rose and the Rime asks us: Which side of the coin is worse?
We are excited to bring back the beloved and long missed Coffeehouse Cabaret. Coffeehouse is an opportunity for our students, staff, and alumni to bring to the stage anything they’d like. Part open mic, part variety show, this night full of music, dance, acting, monologues, scenes, poetry, raffles, silent action, bake sales, and plenty of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to keep us warm near the end of the semester is sure to enthrall. We are excited to see: Who will take the stage?
The Play Production class will spend the semester working towards writing their own short plays that we will mount as staged readings for our audiences in The New Playwright's Project. We are excited to ask our playwrights… What story do you want to tell?
As we excitedly await a final decision for our Winter Play for now our question is… What will it be?
The Play Production class will be working on a new adventure for Niles West students in A Performance Art Exhibition. Performance art is an interdisciplinary study that takes theatre and visual art, fuses them together, and pushes both of them to their limits. We are excited to ask the students of Play Production What does the world need to see?
Amélie
Book by Craig Lucas Music by Daniel Messé Lyrics by Nathan Tysen & Daniel Messé Based on the motion picture Amélie written by Jean-Pierre Jeunet & Guillaume Laurant Directed by Sam Rosenfeld Thursday, May 2: 10am (Free Community Performance) & 4pm Friday, May 3: 5pm Saturday, May 4: 1pm & 6pm Auditorium |
Journey with a dreamer into an adulthood full of questions, After a tragic and isolated childhood, Amélie heads out on her own, joyfully finding her way to Paris. There she makes friends from all walks of life: a trapeze artist-turned-cafe owner, a hypochondriac tobacconist, an artist with brittle bone disease; and many more. Through a chance discovery, she resolves to anonymously do good for those around her. Along the way she meets a mysterious young man, and his photo album who may change her life forever. Living in her imaginary world of make-believe and whimsy has been safe, but is it time to step out of dreams and find joy in the world around her? With a romantic score, colorful characters, and a world of fantastical fun. It is a beautiful tale for the dreamers in everyone. Based on the critically acclaimed and cherished film, Amélie asks us: Where do we go from here?