Welcome to the stage of the Penny Dreadful Players, U of I's oldest student theatre organisation! From bold new student-written works to fresh takes on classic stories, our productions are the heart of what we do. Scroll down to see what's Coming Soon to the stage, or explore our Archived Productions and the incredible legacy we've built.
Directed by: Finn Diffenderfer and Hannah Gallivan
Written by: Elizabeth Downing
Told through the eyes of a teenager, A Voice in the Dark: A Salem Story is a thrilling and poignant tale from one of the darkest eras in American history. Abigail Hobbs, a shy, yet kind 15-year-old, lives a modest, happy life. But things are changing in Salem, Mass. Healthy girls are becoming ill and whisperings of the devil are in the air. Two women have been hung as witches, and a third accused is missing still. When the Nurse Family, with whom Abigail is close, becomes the center of new suspicions, Abigail accidentally uncovers information that could save them. She is faced with a difficult choice: will she remain silent and let the witch hunt continue? Or will she risk her own safety and speak out for what is right?
Where: National Soybean Research Center (1101 W. Peabody Dr. Urbana, IL, 61801
When: October 23rd & 24 at 7 PM
Directed by: Maddi Harp
Written by: Moss Hart & George S. Kaufman
Grandpa Vanderhof lives “just around the corner from Columbia University – but don’t go looking for it.” Grandpa is the paterfamilias of an extended, loving and eccentric family which includes a daughter who fancies herself a romance novelist; her husband, an amateur fireworks expert; a xylophone player/leftist leaflet printer; an untalented ballerina; a couple on relief; and a ballet master exiled from Soviet Russia. When Grandpa’s granddaughter Alice, an attractive and loving girl who is still embarrassed by her family’s eccentricities, falls for her boss, Tony, a handsome scion of Wall Street, she fears that their two families – so unlike in manner, politics, and finances – will never come together. And that’s when the fireworks begin...
During a disastrous dinner party, Alice’s worst fears are confirmed. Her prospective in-laws are humiliated in a party game and the house is raided by the FBI. Frustrated and upset, Alice intends to run away to the country, until Grandpa and Co. – playing the role of Cupid – manage not only to bring the happy couple together, but to set Tony’s father straight about the true priorities in life. After all, why be obsessed by money? You can’t take it with you…
Where: National Soybean Research Center (1101 W. Peabody Dr. Urbana IL, 61801)
When: November 13th @ 7 PM, November 14 @ 1 & 7 PM
Directed by: Kyara Welter and Jo Fogg
Adapted by: Kathryn Funkhouser
Gatsby's party is over, but Nick Carraway is the one who has to clean up. It's not easy to gather the empty glasses and abandoned shoes when each evokes a memory, and the memories aren't easy to sweep away either - especially not when Jordan Baker remembers them differently. Can't repeat the past? Why, of course you can. Armed only with a few enchanted objects and the glittering words of F. Scott Fitzgerald, a shape-shifting ensemble creates the world of The Great Gatsby in this fiercely theatrical adaptation.
Where: Temple Hoyne Buell Hall (611 Lorado Taft Dr, Urbana, IL 61801)
When: April 24th @ 7 PM, April 25th @ 1 & 7 PM
Written and Directed by: Nick Muszynski
Bang! is an action packed comedy that asks hard hitting questions, like: what if finger guns could kill? This version is a genre-bending adventure presented as a faux-trilogy of sorts. Part One features a possibly familiar Western-spoof set in a cafe, although there may be some unexpected twists for those who are familiar with the original. Part Two transitions into a spy thriller full of betrayal and deception. Part Three merges the two genres in a shocking reveal. But, at its core, Bang is a love story and who doesn't like a good love story?
Where: Temple Hoyne Buell Hall (611 Lorado Taft Dr, Urbana, IL 61801)
When: April 10th & 11th @ 7 pm
This special showcase features a vibrant collection of original 10-minute plays, written and produced entirely by student talent. The series is a rapid-fire opportunity to experience the future of theatre, offering a mix of comedy, drama, and truly unconventional stories. Experience the ingenuity of our playwrights as they tackle everything from a high-stakes cook-off and a talking goldfish to a sharp, modern fairytale. Join us for an evening of unique, impactful theatre!
Where: Transportation Building - Room 103. (104 S Mathews Ave, Urbana, IL 61801)
When: December 5 and 6, @7pm
Adapted by: Josh McWhorter and Sarah O'Riley
Written by: Frank Baum
When a Kansas cyclone sweeps Dorothy and her dog, Toto, into a magical land, she embarks on a journey down the yellow brick road. To get home, she must seek the aid of the powerful Wizard Oz, gathering the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion as companions. This enchanting production follows their quest to face the Wicked Witch and discover the power that was within them all along. Step into the Land of Oz with Penny Dreadful Players! Witness the magic, meet the peculiar inhabitants, and join the iconic quest that celebrates the power of friendship and courage.
Where: Temple Hoyne Buell Hall. (611 Lorado Taft Dr, Champaign, IL 61820)
When: November 14 and 15, @7pm
Adapted by: Marisha Chamberlain
Written by: Louisa May Alcott
The classic tale of the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—explores their lives in Civil War-era New England. With their father away, the girls grapple with ambition, hardship, and identity, each striving to find their unique place in the world. This adaptation celebrates the enduring bond of family and the universal joy and pain of growing up. Join Penny Dreadful Players as we bring the beloved March family to life on the stage.
Where: Community United Church of Christ. (805 S 6th St, Champaign, IL 61820)
When: October 24 and 25, @7pm
"Alice in Wonderland" by Alice Gerstenberg and Lewis Carroll is a dramatic adaptation of the classic stories "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass," written in the early 20th century. Follow Alice as she falls through a rabbit hole into Wonderland, where she encounters various fantastical creatures like the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts. Join Penny Dreadful Players as Alice grapples with changes in her size, illogical conversations, and nonsensical games like croquet with live flamingos and hedgehogs. Directed by Dakota Gordon, Kyara Wetler & Isaiah Botswick
Come see Penny Dreadful Players production of Alice in Wonderland at Community United Church of Christ on April 25th at 2pm and 7pm or on April 26th at 7pm. Tickets for non-students are $10 and for UIUC students are $8.
After the death of his best friend, Wayne, Marshall tries to navigate his new life while attempting to maintain relationships and manage the guilt he feels. Written and directed by Josh McWhorter.
Come see Penny Dreadful Players production of Planting Daisies at Community United Church of Christ on April 11th or on April 12th at 7pm. Tickets for non-students are $10 and for UIUC students are $8.
