The Importance of Being Earnest

Written by Oscar Wilde

November 7-10, 2024

Nelda K. Balch Playhouse, 129 Thompson St. on Kalamazoo College’s campus.

The Importance of Being Earnest is a masterpiece of high comedy, sparkling with provocative observations. Oscar Wilde called his play “A trivial comedy for serious people.” He commented that the first act is “ingenious,” the second act “beautiful” and the third “abominably clever.” This classic is a delight from the first cucumber sandwich on as Jack’s double life catches up with him. The problems are resolved in an extremely charming and quite unexpected way as Jack and Algernon discover the importance of being earnest while answering to the name of Ernest.

Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois.

Eurydice

Written by Sarah Ruhl

February 27 – March 2, 2025

Nelda K. Balch Playhouse, 129 Thompson St. on Kalamazoo College’s campus.

Eurydice reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice not through Orpheus’s infamous pilgrimage to retrieve his bride, but through the eyes of its heroine. Dying too young on her wedding day, Eurydice must journey to the underworld, where she reunites with her father and struggles to remember her lost love. With contemporary characters, plot twists, and a script written to be a playground for designers, the play is a fresh look at a timeless love story. 

EURYDICE is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel J. French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Little Shop of Horrors

Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman

Music by Alan Menken

May 15-18, 2025

Nelda K. Balch Playhouse, 129 Thompson St. on Kalamazoo College’s campus.

In Little Shop of Horrors, the meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing, carnivorous herbage promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com