The Grand Canyon University theatre department promises a murder mystery, romantic musical and ordinary life moments in its 2026-2027 season to add a little spark to the campus's own ordinary life moments.
The program will host its shows in Ethington Theatre, which seats more than 300 guests, and the College of Arts and Media's Black Box Theatre, which seats roughly 70, so audiences can experience large, over-the-top productions and intimate, cozy ones, too.
“The goal is to do fun stuff that people want to come see,” said William Symington, assistant dean of theatre and dance. “Other thing is trying to design a season that’s got variety and something for everybody.
“University theatre is not like the market in a sense that I am not always thinking, what is going to sell those tickets. This is a training place. It is important for them (students) to learn from doing and gain skills they can apply to lots of other things.”
Ethington doors will open for the first production in late fall, and during Halloween season, what could be better than a murder mystery?
'Clue'
(Oct. 9-11, 16-18)
Based off Jonathan Lynn’s 1985 movie and a familiar board game, “Clue” is a classic whodunit murder mystery. It follows six guests who are invited to a mansion for a dinner party. Soon, they discover their host, Mr. Boddy, has been blackmailing them, and their presence at dinner is not a coincidence.
The evening goes awry when their host is shockingly killed, and the investigation and search for the killer begins.
The production features seven rooms on stage, all unfolding different stories. Directed by Claude Pensis, the play will offer three alternate endings, leaving it up to the audience to decide who did it.
'Songs for a New World'
(Nov. 13-15, 20-22)
Lively musical “Songs for a New World” will close out the fall semester in the Black Box Theatre. Written by Jason Robert Brown, the 1995 theatrical song cycle explores the defining moments people experience that shape their life path and identity.
Unlike classic production styles, “Songs for a New World” does not focus on an overarching theme. Instead, every song represents a different theme of life, told through a span of music styles, including jazz, gospel and pop.
Technical director Klay Wandelear will direct the show, and music director Mark Fearey will lead a live band, creating a personal and intimate atmosphere for the audience.
“I am really fond of those kinds of things because they tend to be really personal,” Symington said. “It’s like seeing a band in a small coffee shop.
"Whenever we do black box, students are involved in every way, but over here, especially, because it’s smaller. It is meant to be much more of a hands-on lab where we really let them take the lead as much as humanly possible.”
'Crazy for You'
(Feb. 26-28, March 5-7)
Love will be in the air in late February at Ethington when the theatre program launches its first production of the spring season, “Crazy for You,” shortly after Valentine’s Day.
The romantic comedy musical features a book written by Ken Ludwig, accompanied by music by George and Ira Gershwin. The story follows a banker, Bobby Child, who travels to Nevada to foreclose on a dying theatre. But when he falls in love with the owner’s daughter, Polly, their budding romance complicates his job.
The production will be directed by Costume Shop Manager Cindi Calhoun.
“Big sets, really big themes, a big orchestra – this is a big, sprawling musical from the golden era,” Symington said. “Everybody’s grandparents will know it. It’s got beautiful melodies and songs that people will recognize.”
'The Bald Soprano'
(April 16-18)
Eugene Ionesco’s 1950 production, “The Bald Soprano,” will close the curtains on the theatre season. Directed by Pensis in the Black Box, the production centers around an English couple, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, hosting guests for an evening full of nonsensical and absurd conversation.
The play unravels how human connection can be established in unexpected ways, even if it’s based on illogical and rather confusing exchanges.
“The entire idea is that absurd plays are there to show you what is absurd about life,” Symington said. “It is meant to be kind of over-the-top ridiculous. It is supposed to be kind of odd to point out the absurdity of life in certain regards.”
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