Broadway Musicals in Your Own Back Yard
Spectacular, affordable musical theatre productions
Talented professional directors, designers, and musicians
Delightful children's theatre
to inspire all ages
“The Lehigh Valley Arts Council and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts are proud to support the professional shows that Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre brings to the Lehigh Valley.”Alysea McDonald,
Program Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Partners in the Arts
The NEW Gershwin Musical
JUNE 12-30, Baker Theatre
Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Book by Ken Ludwig
Co-Conception by Ken Ludwig and Mike Ockrent
Inspired by Material by Guy Bolton and John McGowan
Originally produced on Broadway by Roger Horchow and Elizabeth Williams
Directed by Charles Richter
Musical Director: Ed Bara
Choreographer: Karen Dearborn
Winner of the 1992 Tony Award for Best Musical, Crazy for You is the story of Bobby Child, a well-to-do 1930s playboy, whose dream in life is to dance. And despite the serious efforts of his mother and soon-to-be-ex-fiancée, Bobby achieves his dream! Memorable Gershwin tunes include "I Got Rhythm," "They Can't Take That Away from Me," "Nice Work if You Can Get It," and "Someone to Watch Over Me." It's a high-energy musical comedy that features virtuoso tap dance numbers, mistaken identity, plot twists, and classic Gershwin music.
Andrew Lloyd Webber's Groundbreaking Rock Opera
JULY 10-28, Empie Theatre
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Directed by James Peck
Musical Director: Ken Butler
Choreographer: Charles O. Anderson
Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera receives its Muhlenberg Premiere, in this production directed by Jim Peck and choreographed by former Muhlenberg dance professor Charles O. Anderson. Superstar dramatizes the last seven days in the life of Jesus, from his entry into Jerusalem through his crucifixion. A perennial audience favorite, this rock-and-roll musical is sure to be a big hit with MSMT audiences.
The Dr. Seuss Musical
JUNE 19 - JULY 27, Studio Theatre
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Book by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens
Co-Conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, and Eric Idle
Based on the Works of Dr. Seuss
Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and Jojo, a little boy with a big imagination. Presented in a special hour-and-fifteen-minute Theatre for Young Audiences version.
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Here's what they said about the MSMT 2012 Season:
Hairspray
"Hairspray, a glittery barrel of fun at Muhlenberg...Hairspray, the Musical, now at Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre's Empie Theatre, is a big, brassy fun musical ... The show is fueled with music. Among the best numbers are 'Mama I'm a Big Girl Now,' 'Welcome to the Sixties' and 'The Big Doll House.'
But for sheer pizzazz and excitement, Richter saves the best for last,
the glittery finale by Tracy, Edna and Motormouth, 'You Can't Stop the
Beat.'"
The Allentown Morning Call
"Big fun with knockout numbers... MSMT co-founder Charles Richter directs the 33-member cast with a mischevious sense of mirth at the foibles of teens, parents and authorities...It's an all-dancing production by Choreographer Karen Dearborn... With the closer, the metaphorical, 'You Can't Stop the Beat,' you don't want the fun to stop in MSMT's Hairspray."
The Press Newspapers
HMS Pinafore
"MSMT more than meets the challenge of 'Pinafore,' with laugh-out loud results that should delight Gilbert & Sullivan aficionados and please newcomers... Gilbert & Sullivan fans, to quote the text, 'this is a very singular occurence.' Don't miss MSMT's HMS Pinafore. It's a sheer delight."
The Press Newspapers
"HMS Pinafore at Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre is a wonderland of playful, electrifying color,
gorgeous costumes and peppy high-kicking dancers with a cast that sings
this beloved score with joyful voices... Director James Peck's creative and insightful direction respects and
retains the show's original British-style humor and music-hall
mannerisms and posturing, while leaving behind the rigidity of its
Victorian roots. His imaginative staging creates a refreshingly modern version of this operetta."
The Allentown Morning Call
Harold and the Purple Crayon
"Harold and the Purple Crayon is a mervelously kid-friendly and technically flawless play... Based on the book by Crockett Johynson and expertly directed by Leslie Reidel, the play is presented by Enchantment Theatre Company... The believability of the interactive crayon drawings, scene movement, and animation of characters is tremendously well-done"
The Press Newspapers
"Muhlenberg creates a magical Harold and the Purple Crayon...A 4-year-old boy who creates a fantastic world with just a pruple crayon and his imagination comes to life in the inventive and gentle Harold and the Purple Crayon."
The Allentown Morning Call
See More Reviews from Past Seasons
Photos: Hairspray, 2012; HMS Pinafore, 2012; Harold and the Purple Crayon, 2012; all photos by Kenny Ek, Kenek Photography
