Kelcy Conroy
Anchor Contributor
Rhode Island College theatre’s 2023-24 season was announced on Sept. 7. This school year, there will be two musicals and two regular plays. This season’s lineup is as follows: “Machinal” from Oct. 4-8, “Bat Boy: The Musical” from Nov. 15-19, “Macbeth” from Feb. 21-25, and “Cry-Baby: The Musical” from April 18-21.
RIC’s first show this season is “Machinal” written by American journalist and playwright Sophie Treadwell in 1928. It is inspired by the real-life case of convicted and executed murderer Ruth Snyder, the first female to be executed using the electric chair. “Machinal” is running Oct. 4-8, so grab your tickets while you can!
“Bat Boy: The Musical” follows as the first musical of the year. It was written by Brian Flemming and Keythe Farley, and its first performance was in 1997. Like “Machinal,” this is based on a true story. However, it is based on a 1992 Weekly World News story about a half-bat and half-boy, dubbed Bat Boy, who lived in a cave. “Bat Boy: The Musical” will be running Nov. 15-19.
Shakespearean classic “Macbeth” kicks off the spring semester. As someone who has read the play twice, the creative spin of theater adaptations is always a refreshing experience. One of Shakespeare’s renowned tales and my personal favorite, the play features a man whose vaulting ambition obscures his morals after three witches give him a prophecy. “Macbeth” will grace the RIC theater Feb. 21-25.
Finally, “Cry-Baby: The Musical.” Based off of the 1990 John Waters cult classic film, the performance focuses on a teenager named Allison and her relationship with the leader of a group of rebel outcasts. Out of all the shows set to play this season, this is the most reminiscent of college life. “Cry-Baby: The Musical” will run April 18-21.
Whether it’s a sultry play or an upbeat musical, RIC theatre has a show for everyone. To get tickets, you can call the box office at (401)-456-8144. Come check out these amazing shows to support your fellow Anchors!