Lee University Theatre will produce four shows during the 2024-2025 season, including one student-directed production. 

“We are calling this Lee Theatre season ‘Midcentury Modern,’ alluding to four unique time periods that each of this year’s shows represent,” said Anna Marie Brendel, assistant professor of theatre at Lee. “There is something for everyone this season as we bring a both new and old, musical and straight drama to our students and community members.” 

The season will begin with the production of “A Rock Sails By,” by Sean Grennan. The play follows Dr. Lynn Cummings, an astrophysicist who must fight for her credibility when an unidentified flying object comes toward Earth. Senior theatre major Ellie Hicks will direct the show, which will run Sept. 27-28 and Oct. 3-5 at 7:30 p.m. 

The season will continue with the musical production of “Dear Albert Einstein,” by Sara Wordsworth and Russ Kaplan, and it will be directed by Dr. Christine Williams, chair of the Communication Arts Department and professor of theatre. The musical tells the story of Susan Fisher, a 12-year-old math whizz, as she tries to fit in at school while an imaginary Albert Einstein follows her around. The show will run on Nov. 1-2 and 7-9. 

Lee Theatre will continue into their spring semester with Bethany Paulsen’s “Castlewood,” which follows young Winifred as she is sent to the countryside to escape the London Blitz of 1940 and finds solace and friendship with a young boy. The show, directed by Brendel, will run on Feb. 14-15 and 21-22. 

Lee Theatre will close the season with Agatha Christie’s “A Murder Is Announced” on April 4-5 and 10-12. This murder mystery, directed by Williams, focuses on the detective Miss Marple as she uncovers the truth about a sudden death predicted in the newspaper. 

“We are really excited to have a lot of students and even one alum on our production teams directing, arranging choreography, and designing sets and costumes,” said Williams. “We’re looking forward to sharing another great season of theatre with our community.” 

All shows will perform in the Buzz Oates Blackbox Theatre in Lee’s Communication Arts Building. The Communication Arts Building is located on the corner of Church Street and Central Avenue. 

Online ticket sales are available within a week of opening night on Eventbrite.com or through the Lee Theatre Box Office, also located in the Communication Arts Building. 

For more information on Lee Theatre, visit leeuniversity.edu/theatre, call the box office at (423) 614-8360, email [email protected], or follow LeeUTheatre on Facebook.