The Importance of Being Earnest
By Oscar Wilde
October 6 – October 13
In Oscar Wilde’s brilliant romantic comedy, two bachelor buddies, Jack and Algie, have crafted complicated double-lives to escape the doldrums of Victorian London. Hilarity ensues when these friends both become “Ernest” in their quests for love and truth.
The Threepenny Opera
- A Play with Music Based on John Gay’s THE BEGGAR’S OPERA
By Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill
In Collaboration with Elisabeth Hauptmann
English translation by Simon Stephens
November 10 – 18
This landmark musical theatre piece, recently adapted by Simon Stephens (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), The Threepenny Opera inhabits a dark underworld the line between vice and virtue is always shifting. Featuring a sumptuous score with songs such as “Mack the Knife” and vividly drawn anti-heroes, this satirical slap at the hypocrisy of capitalism remains eerily timely nearly 100 years after its debut.
For additional information regarding content that may be upsetting to some audience members, please see our Content Warnings.
A Lie of the Mind
By Sam Shepard
November 30 – December 2
General Admission
Reserve Your Free Seats: https://buytickets.at/ringtheatre/1063915
Pulitzer-winning Playwright Sam Shepard's A Lie of the Mind is a raw, unfiltered look at the American family. This heartbreaking story examines two desperate families connected by marriage and separated by jealousy, violence, and haunted pasts.
The Wolves
By Sarah DeLappe
March 1 - 8
In this gripping coming-of-age story, nine soccer team members, "The Wolves," test their endurance in passing drills while navigating the dynamics of ambition, identity, loss, and female friendships. Pulitzer Prize finalist; Lortel, Outer Critics Circle nominations for Best Play/Emerging Playwright; Relentless Award, Sky Cooper New American Play Prize; Susan Smith Blackburn and Yale Prize finalist.
Urinetown, The Musical
Music & Lyrics by Mark HollmannBook & Lyrics by Greg Kotis
April 19 - 27
Join the revolt in a dystopian future where water is worth its weight in gold and one of the most basic human needs is under the control of an evil bureaucracy. Wickedly witty, this Tony award- winning musical satire pokes fun at politics, social irresponsibility, capitalism, and musical theatre itself.
The Rover
by Aphra Behn
March 1st, 2023 – March 10th, 2023
Three young women seeking liberation abandon their conventional lives. Three passionate cavaliers wander in exile. A non-stop party filled with music, masked revelry, and scandal leaves all struggling to find true love and define identity in an uncertain world. With the publication of her hit play in 1677, Aphra Behn, poet, translator, and political spy, became the first professional female playwright in the English language and an early voice for feminism. Bringing this classic piece to a fresh, contemporary setting highlights the staying power of this remarkably modern work.
This play contains depictions of sexual assault and violence. Strobe lights and haze will be used during the performance.
To support the students with hands-on theatrical experience in a pre-professional theatrical setting, a gift is included in each ticket purchase. Read More >>
Lucky Stiff
Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Music by Stephen Flaherty
April 20th, 2023 – April 29th, 2023
Harry Witherspoon, a proper English shoe salesman, is set to inherit $6 million dollars – but only if he can take his dead uncle on vacation to Monte Carlo and pass him off as alive! Add the uncle’s suspicious mistress, a dog-loving rival to the inheritance, and a bevy of French chorus girls into the mix, and you’ll see why Uncle Tony is not the only Lucky Stiff! This hilarious, upbeat musical murder-mystery farce is the first of many collaborations by the Tony Award-winning team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. (Ragtime, Seussical, Anastasia, Once on This Island). Read More >>
A New Brain
Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Book by William Finn and James Lapine
September 30th, 2022 – October 8th, 2022
Composer Gordon Schwinn is reluctantly writing a song for the star of a children’s TV show when he collapses. Supported by his lover, mother, best friend, and a manic medical team, Gordon confronts what appears to be a life-threatening illness while haunted by unfinished work and the specter of Mr. Bungee – the star of the children’s program. This moving, relatable, and comical musical by the Tony award-winning team of William Finn and James Lapine offers a touching examination of the ephemeral nature of life and the healing powers of art.
Ken Ludwig’s The Three Musketeers
Adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas
November 11th, 2022 – November 19th, 2022
Hot-headed d’Artagnan and his fearless sister Sabine set off for Paris in search of adventure. D’Artagnan hopes to join the King’s Musketeers. Sabine is bound for a convent school, but soon decides she’d rather fight by her brother’s side. With their new best friends Athos, Porthos, and Aramis by their sides, the siblings take on Cardinal Richelieu to save the day for king and country. Ken Ludwig’s (Lend Me a Tenor, Moon Over Buffalo) modern adaptation of Dumas’ novel delivers plenty of romance, wit, and swashbuckling action in this classic tale of loyalty, justice, and honor.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Book & Lyrics by Howard Ashman,
Music by Alan Mencken
September 26th – October 5th, 2019
Arriving at the beginning of our 2019-20 season and just in time to inspire you for Halloween, this gem of an American musical comedy marked one of the first collaborations between composer Alan Menken and lyricist/book writer Howard Ashman. Together they went on to write the equally successful The Little Mermaid and the wildly successful Beauty and the Beast. Inspired by the 1960 dark comedy horror film of the same name, it tells the story of a down-on-his-luck resident of Skid Row (or in our production could it be somewhere in Miami?) who is offered the girl of his dreams, fame, and success from an all-powerful carnivorous plant... but at what cost?
THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD
Book, Music & Lyrics by Rupert Holmes
November 14th – 23rd, 2019
A hilarious musical whodunit by Rupert Holmes which won the Tony Award in 1986 for Best Musical. Loosely based on Charles Dickens’ famous unfinished novel, it takes audience participation to new heights by letting you directly affect the play’s outcome by voting for whomever you think murdered the unfortunate young Edwin Drood. Presented as a “first night” performance during the Christmas season by the The Music Hall Royale, a troupe of decidedly hammy Victorian actors, this witty, tuneful, and affectionate recreation of a bygone theatrical age is a perfect beginning to your holiday season.
THE TROJAN WOMEN
By Euripides, Adapted by Ellen McLaughlin
February 20th – 29th, 2020
A war to retrieve the beautiful Helen of Troy has ended. The city has been laid to waste; its men slaughtered. Its women have been forced to the beach where the Greeks will soon enslave them as the spoils of war. As they await their fate, Queen Hecuba, her daughter Cassandra and the other women confront the travesties and devastation of war. Ellen McLaughlin’s contemporary adaptation of Euripides’ centuries-old drama is a lucid and humbling perspective on the refugees of war.
GREEN DAY'S AMERICAN IDIOT
Book & Lyrics by Billie Joe Armstrong & Michael Mayer,
Music by Green Day
April 16th – 25th, 2020
We end our season with a high-octane electric-rock musical with a strong social message. Based on Green Day’s Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum album, this energy-fueled rock opera features little dialogue and instead relies on the lyrics of Green Day’s albums to execute the story line of three disgruntled men as they flee the constraints of their hometown for the thrills of city life.
A Simple Song : A Leonard Bernstein Centennial Celebration
Conceived by Michael Bush and N.David Williams
September 27th - October 6th, 2018
2018 marks the 100th Birthday of one of America’s cultural icons, American composer, conductor, author, and pianist Leonard Bernstein. Beyond a doubt, one of the most prodigiously talented and successful musicians in American History. In particular, his works for the American Musical Theatre such as ON THE TOWN, CANDIDE, and WEST SIDE STORY, have become timeless examples of the best of the genre. In honor of his Birthday, with over 1000 events internationally celebrating his life and work, here is your chance to be a part of that world wide celebration. With special permission from the Bernstein estate, the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre is proud to present a retrospective of his contributions to this most American of Theatrical Art forms, the “musical”, in an evening created just for our audiences. Join us to say “Happy Birthday Lenny” in this unique and exclusive evening of Bernstein at his best!
Boy Gets Girl
by Rebecca Gillman
November 8th - 17th, 2018
It all begins with a blind date. Theresa, an accomplished reporter, is set up with Tony by a mutual acquaintance. They meet for a beer, and things seem to be going okay, or so she thinks. The dialogue snaps like a conventional romantic comedy. Then the phone calls start. And the flowers. And the unannounced visits. And the creeping realization that Tony just won’t take “no” for an answer. Rebecca Gillman’s stunning play is the study of one seemingly innocent encounter that leads to terrifying results in a work that takes an unflinching look at the forces that craft our perception of male/female relationships today.
The School for Lies
by David Ives
February 21st - March 2nd, 2019
In his hilarious adaption of Molière’s The Misanthrope, David Ives (Venus in Fur, All in the Timing), one of America’s most popular contemporary playwrights, dives headfirst into 17th century French, bringing with him his own 21st century adept comic vernacular. In a story about French Society encapsulated by gossip, glamour, hypocrisy, and scandal, revel in this writers mastery of rhymed verse and comedy and how he builds upon Moliere’s period comedy of manners. Together, they will leave your sides aching.
The Wild Party
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
April 18th - 27th, 2019
Transport yourself into the roaring 1920’s with this exciting and exhilarating musical based on the Joseph Moncure poem of the same name. With a tuneful and pulsating score by Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family), The Wild Party follows Vaudeville performers Queenie and Burrs as they navigate their tumultuous relationship filled with jealousy, passion, and betrayal, all while hosting a party that makes for one wild dance filled night. A perfect way to end the Jerry Herman Ring Theatre’s 80th Anniversary season!
A New Play by Jorge Ignacio Cortiñas
February 22 - March 3
This enchanting new play, developed at New York’s renowned Public Theater and performed in Cuba, asks the question— is it more dangerous to follow our desires, or to bury them? Reiderico sneaks out of his house and spends his nights in the garden conspiring with a boy who lives at the bottom of a well, testing stormy waters between reality and the surreal.
Music by Arthur Sullivan
Book and Lyrics by W.S. Gilbert
April 19 - 28
Not your Grandmother’s Pirates of Penzance... immerse yourself in this 21st Century fun house combo platter of Gilbert and Sullivan meets Royal Caribbean cruise lines. Conceived in the same spirit as G&S’s satire of Victorian England, this fresh take on the original retains the brilliance of the music, the splash of it’s story, while updating it’s moving targets. Jump in and enjoy the swim!
by William Shakespeare
November 9 - 18
History’s most famous star crossed lovers play out their ill-fated tale by William Shakespeare set in the backdrop of Italy’s Verona. Packed with epic sword fights and compelling soliloquies, Romeo & Juliet is sure to transport the audience back to the Globe during the English renaissance.
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson
October 5 - 14
With an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time Grammy winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Children of Eden) and a timeless book by Roger O. Hirson, Pippin tells the fable of a young prince on a quest to find true happiness and fulfillment. Through Prince Pippin’s encounters with fantastical characters that he meets along the way, we discover whether he will find his corner of the sky.
Music & Lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin
Book by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind
September 29-October 8
This Pulitzer Prize-winning political satire is as relevant today as ever in this enthralling election season. Join fictional candidate John P. Wintergreen on the campaign trail in this engaging musical as he runs for president, promising to marry the winner of a beauty pageant if he wins the election. Ultimately, love gets in the political way of a campaign for presidency; will it be true love or the oval office?
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by John Caird
November 10-19
Based on the story of Genesis, the age-old conflict of parents and children takes the stage in this epic, heartfelt musical. From musical theatre greats Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin) and John Caird (Les Misérables) comes a joyous and inspirational musical about parents, children and faith… not to mention centuries of unresolved family business!
Music and lyrics by Frank Loesser
Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows
April 13 - 23
Frank Loesser’s celebrated 1950 musical comedy about rolling the dice and falling in love under the bright lights of Broadway returns to the Ring Theatre. Guys and Dolls takes us from Times Square to the cafes of Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually everyone ends up right where they belong.
THE 24 HOUR PLAYS
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Student playwrights, actors, producers and stage managers pair with faculty directors at 10pm on Friday night to present 6 never-before-seen short plays, fully staged and memorized, at 8pm on Saturday night. With imagination as the destination, powered only by creativity, intense passion and waves of anxiety, more than 50 UM Department of Theatre Arts' students come together for this enthralling special event. Don’t miss the mayhem, flotsam and jetsam when this theatrical storm hits our stage. One night only!
Tennessee’s Treasures by Tennessee Williams
September 23- October 3
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Tennessee Williams penned many of his theatrical works while residing in the cultural riches of Coconut Grove and Key West. Join us for a one-of-a-kind evening celebrating the diverse tapestry of selections from Mr. Williams’ collection of short plays that are all rooted in the beauty that is the human experience.
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Julius J. Epstein
November 11 - 21
A status-obsessed Brooklynite ultimately learns the incredible value of love in this little known Sondheim gem, set in the landscape of 1929 New York. Based on a play by the two brothers responsible for the classic film Casablanca, Saturday Night features a fetching, tuneful Broadway-style score that hints at Sondheim’s triumphs to come while staying firmly rooted in the Rodgers and Hammerstein tradition.
By William Shakespeare
February 17 - 27
Love, religion, circumstance and justice collide in As You Like It, one of the Bard’s most famous and provocative comedies. The Forest of Arden serves as a refuge for exiles, mistaken identities and the quest to uphold love at first sight. Shakespeare put it best with penning the line from this masterpiece–“All the world’s a stage.”
Music and Lyrics by William Finn, Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman , Additional Material by Jay Reiss
September 24- October 4
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of [potentially made-up] words hoping to never hear the soul crushing, pout inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box. Ages 13+.
Music by Richard Rodgers, Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
April 15 – 26
The first of many masterpiece musicals by the duo Rodgers and Hammerstein, Oklahoma! tells the love story of Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurie, a winsome farm girl, at the turn of the century. This cheerful musical is sure to have audiences humming long after they leave the theater.
By Clare Boothe Luce
February 18 – 28
This all-female classic comedy offers sharp commentary on the lives, relationships, and power struggles of Manhattan socialites in the 1930s. Filled with gossip, loud personalities, and witty comedy, this play by Clare Boothe Luce is sure to entertain.
Book & Lyrics by Moisés Kaufman, Directed by Moisés Kaufman, Music Adaptation by Arturo O’Farrill
Co-production with Tectonic Theatre Project
November 12 – 23
Adapted from the Original Bizet opera, this Afro Cuban Carmen sets the action in Cuba, in 1958, right before the revolution where the cigar maker Carmen falls in love with Batista’s officer José. The story spins love and confusion into the lives of two perplexing individuals that attract nothing but trouble. In this innovative adaptation, Afro Cuban Jazz legend Arturo O’Farrill adapts Bizet’s much loved score into the rhythms and tunes of the Caribean island. and uses Moises Kaufman’s Libretto to weave the story.
Find out what happens when the classical sounds of George Bizet get infused with an Afro-Cuban twist in this co-production between UM and New York's premier theatre company, Tectonic Theater Project.
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
By Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker
Co-production with the Arsht Center
October 9 – 26
Winner of five Tony Awards, Rick Elice’s Peter and the Starcatcheris the innovative and imaginative play with music, based on the best-selling novel by Miami-based Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. In this high-flying adventure, thirteen actors play more than 100 unforgettable characters – plus most of the scenery and furniture – in an exhilarating journey to answer the century-old question: How did Peter Pan become The Boy Who Never Grew Up?
Book & Lyrics by Steven Sater
Music by Duncan Sheik
February 23-March 4
An angsty, rock musical adaptation of the seminal play about the trials of tribulations of growing up, Spring Awakening explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with a poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable. The landmark musical, winner of 8 Tony Awards and recently revived on Broadway, is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality, and rock & roll.
Music & Lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar
April 13-22
When a die-hard theatre fan plays his favorite cast album, the characters come to life in this hilarious musical farce. Winner of 5 Tony Awards (including “Best Book” and “Best Original Score”), The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving send-up of the Jazz Age musical featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another.
The University of Miami‘s Jerry Herman Ring Theatre
with
The Myrna and Sheldon Palley New Musical Development Fund
presents
A Staged Reading of the New Musical
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Brielle
Directed by Michael Bush
April 25, 26, 27 @ 8pm
Starring
Jonathan Brielle and students from the University of Miami’s Department of Theatre Arts
“Stories I never told my mother.”
Can a twice-divorced, successful songwriter find true love and happiness? A performing monkey from his Las Vegas extravaganza decides to show him the way in this mad-clap, hard swinging musical.
Free Reading of a New Musical!
Open to the public
Reserve your tickets by emailing ringtheatre@miami.edu or calling 305.284.3355
