CSUSB’s Department of Theatre Arts is back and better than ever with a season caught Somewhere Between Fantasy and Reality. This season has something for everyone, with a classic by William Shakespeare; a production ripped from the headlines; a wild, magical, musical fantasy; and a few surprises!
 
“Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon 'em.”
- Malvolio
 
We are kicking off our season this year on Nov. 15, with a contemporary take on William Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” directed by Terry Donovan Smith. “Twelfth Night” is a comedy about a cross-dressing, shipwreck surviving, poetry-loving girl named Viola who finds herself at the center of a not-so-average love triangle … all performed for you in the round! “Twelfth Night” will play on the Ronald E. Barnes Theatre stage Nov. 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m., Nov. 17, 23 and 24 at 2 p.m.
 
“Please tell me you didn’t throw priests and nuns into the ocean!” - Peig
 
“Rowing to America: The Immigrant Project,” directed by Kathryn Ervin, opens March 6, 2020. “Rowing to America” is a collection of nine one-act plays on the immigration, emigration and migration experience. Written by a culturally diverse group of writers, with equally diverse characters, these occasionally comic, poetic, sometimes tragic and always poignant pieces cut to the heart of the immigration issue and provide an excellent opportunity to exercise the talents of a multicultural cast. “Rowing to America” will also show in the round on March 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 at 8 p.m., March 8, 14 and 15 at 2 p.m.
 
“We've been through all the eligible girls in all the neighboring kingdoms. There are none left. We simply have to wait until their little sisters grow up, and that'll take years.”
– Queen Aggravain
 
The Ellen Weisser Endowed Theatre Showcase closes out our main stage season on May 29, 2020 with “Once Upon A Mattress,” directed by Tom Provenzano, music by Mary Rogers, book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer, with lyrics by Marshall Barer. If you thought you knew the story of “The Princess and The Pea,” you may be in for a surprise! Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance provides for some sidesplitting shenanigans. The curtain rises on “Once Upon A Mattress” May 29, 30, June 4, 5, 6 at 8 p.m.; May 31, June 6, 7 at 2 p.m.
 
In addition to our three main stage productions, this season also features a one-day-only special performance of our children’s tour “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White, directed by Johanna Smith, in the Performing Arts Recital Hall. “Charlotte’s Web” features both actors and puppets performing side by side in a heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship between Charlotte the spider and Wilbur the pig. “Charlotte’s Web,” opening Nov. 23, will be free for children 17 and under with a special low price for adult admissions. Also taking the recital hall stage in March 2020 is “Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney, featuring Tom Provenzano and Margaret Perry in her farewell performance!
 
This 2019-2020 season marks the end of 55 years of quarter-driven classes as well as productions, and starting fall 2020, the beginning of our new semester schedule! With this new format, the CSUSB Department of Theatre Arts will continue to provide our students and the community with the quality productions they’ve come to expect. Be sure to update your contact information with the Box Office, and follow us on social media for all the latest updates! You do not want to miss out on the excitement.
 
Individual and season tickets can be purchased from the CSUSB Theatre Arts Box Office, or online at theatre.csusb.edu. Subscriptions range from $20 to $50, with individual tickets at $6 for students and children under 17; $12 for faculty, staff, senior citizens and military; $15 for adults.
 
Performances take place in the Ronald E. Barnes Theatre on the CSUSB campus. Parking at CSUSB is $6 Monday-Friday and $3 on the weekend, but is available for free with a 2019-20 theatre arts season subscription.
 
For additional information, please contact the Theatre Box Office at (909) 537-5884 or theatrearts@csusb.edu