UofU Theatre season brings musicals, classics, comedies
The University of Utah Department of Theatre has announced its 2025–26 season, offering a mix of musicals, classics, comedies, and youth productions across four venues: the Meldrum Theatre, Babcock Theatre, Studio 115, and Kingsbury Hall.
The season begins in the Meldrum Theatre with Legally Blonde, the Broadway musical based on the popular film. Directed by Erin Farrell Speer, the show follows Elle Woods as she heads to Harvard Law School to win back her boyfriend, only to discover her own intelligence and determination. With its upbeat score and lively choreography, the musical sets an energetic tone for the year.
In the Babcock Theatre, audiences will see The Cherry Orchard, Anton Chekhov’s final play, in a version by Pam Gems. Directed by Alexandra Harbold, the production focuses on a Russian aristocratic family facing the loss of their estate and beloved orchard. The play captures a society in transition, blending humor and melancholy while exploring themes of change, memory, and the passing of old traditions.
The department’s black box space, Studio 115, will stage R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) by Karel Čapek. Directed by Samantha Briggs, the 1920 play is known for introducing the word “robot” to the world. It tells the story of man-made workers designed to serve humans who ultimately rebel against their creators. The play raises ethical questions about technology, industrialization, and what it means to be human.
Back in the Babcock Theatre, spring brings the satirical musical Urinetown. With its dark humor and unconventional style, the show critiques capitalism, bureaucracy, and environmental issues, while also poking fun at Broadway itself. The production provides students with the opportunity to explore both comedy and social commentary through music and performance.
Later in the spring, the Babcock hosts The School for Scandal by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Directed by Sarah Shippobotham, the 18th-century comedy of manners revolves around gossip, rumor, and reputation in London society. Though written more than 200 years ago, its sharp observations on scandal and public image remain relevant in today’s social media age.
The season also features a family-oriented production at Kingsbury Hall: Imaginary, directed by Penny Caywood. Performed by the Youth Theatre at the University of Utah with support from university students, the musical tells the story of a boy and his imaginary friend as they confront the challenges of growing up. The show highlights the creativity of children while addressing the bittersweet process of leaving childhood behind.
Together, the productions reflect the Department of Theatre’s commitment to offering variety in both performance styles and subject matter. Students across acting, musical theatre, design, stage management, teaching, and theatre studies programs gain hands-on training while contributing to each show. The range of venues—from the experimental Studio 115 to the historic Kingsbury Hall—ensures they also experience performing in diverse theatrical settings.
With musicals, classics, comedies, and family fare, the 2025–26 season highlights the department’s dual mission: to train the next generation of theatre professionals and to bring high-quality productions to Salt Lake City audiences.
