In Pieces: A New Musical. Photo: Elena Zimmerman.

The Department of Performing Arts (DPA) presents a lively calendar of spring productions, featuring an epic Haydn mass with the AU Chamber Singers, 9-5, the Musical featuring the music of Dolly Parton, original dance choreography, and more — there is something for everyone in our spring lineup!

Tickets for DPA events are available now. Tickets for our fall performances sold out fast – be sure to reserve your seats now! Free for AU students with ID; $10 for alumni, staff, children, faculty, and senior citizens (55 and older); $15 general admission. Students are encouraged to reserve their free tickets in advance.

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Theatre/Musical Theatre

As You Like It. Photo: Ethan Kauffman

Dance Nation 

By Claire Barron
Directed by Tara Giordano
Choreographed by Jennifer Hopkins

Somewhere in America, an army of pre-teen competitive dancers plots to take over the world. And if their new routine is good enough, they’ll claw their way to the top at Boogie Down Grand Prix in Tampa Bay. A Pulitzer-Prize nominated play about ambition, growing up, and how to find our souls in the heat of it all.

When: February 13-14, 8 p.m., February 15, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where: Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Dance Nation tickets

Content advisory: strong language, stylized gore, depictions of self-harm, simulated masturbation, and discussions of suicide and sex.

A Game of Love and Chance

With apologies to Pierre Marivaux  
Directed by Karl Kippola

Silvia has never met her fiancé, so she switches places with her maid to observe him. Her husband-to-be has the exact same idea, trading identities with his valet. Sparks fly between both couples, making them question where allegiances lie and if class lines can be crossed in the name of love. A hilarious 1730 comedy that will be improvised – with a different cast selected by the audience for each performance!

When: February 25-28, 8 p.m., March 1, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Studio Theatre, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC
A Game of Love and Chance tickets

9 to 5, the Musical

Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton  
Book by Patricia Resnick  
Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture  
Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009
Directed by Nikki Mirza

9 to 5: The Musical features music and lyrics by the beloved Dolly Parton and a book by the original screenwriter, Patricia Resnick. This rollicking adaptation of the iconic 1980 film is set in the same year and follows three female coworkers who are fed up with their hypocritical boss. Pushed to their limits, they devise a plan to overthrow him, leading to a series of hilarious and empowering events. As they take control of their workplace, implementing progressive changes and seeking revenge, the women face challenges and unexpected twists. With its jubilant score and themes of friendship, empowerment, and sisterhood, 9 to 5 is a must-see.

When: March 27-28 8 p.m., March 29, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where: Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC
9 to 5 tickets

Music

Photo: Ethan Kauffman.

Faculty Music Concert  

Join us for an evening of musical excellence as AU Music Program faculty take the stage! Experience the talents of our faculty musicians as they perform a varied selection of works. Stay tuned for the announcement of featured performers and repertoire.

When: Saturday, February 15, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Faculty Music Concert tickets

American University Chamber Singers
Haydn: Mass for Troubled Times (Missa in angustiis) - "Lord Nelson Mass"

Daniel Abraham, director 

Joseph Haydn's Missa in angustiis (Mass for troubled times), commonly known as the “Lord Nelson Mass” was hailed by scholar H.C. Robbins Landon as "arguably Haydn's greatest single composition.” Hear this incredible program by the AU Chamber Singers and a band of period instruments in preparation for the group’s spring tour in Colombia. Bach's monumental motet Der Geist hilft and Arvo Pärt's stirring Salve Regina will lead off the program.

When: April 5, 7:30 p.m., April 6, 3 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Haydn tickets

American University Chorus
Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem

Casey Cook, director
Barbara Wilkinson and Dana Scott, pianists

While most requiems mourn the loss of a loved one, Brahms specifically wrote this piece to give comfort to those left behind. Join the American University Chorus and friends for a performance of Brahms' choral masterpiece Ein Deutsches Requiem.

When: April 11-12, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Brahms tickets

American University Symphonic Band
Spring Concert

Matthew Brown, conductor

The AU Symphonic Band plays an eclectic mix of concert band selections, ranging from established classics of the standard repertoire to new works.

When: April 13, 3 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Spring Concert tickets

American University Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Combos
Some Spring Swing

Joshua Bayer, director
 
Swing into the season with the AU Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Combos playing big band, swing, funk, and straight-ahead jazz from a variety of composers.

When: April 25, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Some Spring Swing tickets

American University Symphony Orchestra
Classical Collage

Matthew Brown, conductor  

The AU Symphony Orchestra plays a wide variety of time-tested classical hits that are sure to please. Featuring the student winner of the 2025 Concerto and Aria Competition as soloist.  

When: April 26, 7:30 p.m., April 27, 3 p.m.
Where: Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Classical Collage tickets

Dance

Senior Dance Capstone 2024. Photo: David Dowling

DANCEWORKS 2025

Rediscover the power of live dance. The American University Dance Company brings DANCEWORKS 2025 to the Greenberg Theatre stage with new works by Dance faculty, as well as guest choreographers Tarik O’Meally and haus of bambi’s Robert Woofter.  

When: April 11-12, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC
DANCEWORKS 2025 tickets

Credits

“Dance Nation” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

“9 to 5, The Musical” is presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com