Tickets now on sale for MSU Tent Theatre season, alumni reunion set for June 24

Claudette Riley, Springfield News-Leader
·3 min read
Images from the official opening of the new John Goodman Amphitheatre at Missouri State University on October 30, 2022.
Images from the official opening of the new John Goodman Amphitheatre at Missouri State University on October 30, 2022.

Tent Theatre is planning a reunion for all theatre and dance alums as it launches its first full season inside the John Goodman Amphitheatre.

This year's theme is "Over the Top" and will feature two musicals and a play.

Mark Templeton, managing director of theatre and dance at Missouri State University, said he was excited for the audiences to experience Tent Theatre’s new home.

“People will see the same great entertainment as they did before in the old tent, but now they will be in a much safer environment,” Templeton said, in a news release. “The facility is much more accessible to people with mobility needs and it provides a fresh way to experience live theatre.”

All shows will start at 8 p.m. in the amphitheater, which was dedicated in late October. It was made possible in part by gifts from Goodman, who chaired a multi-year campaign that raised $274 million for projects across the Missouri State University campus.

Actor John Goodman speaks at the official opening of the new John Goodman Amphitheatre at Missouri State University on October 30, 2022.
Actor John Goodman speaks at the official opening of the new John Goodman Amphitheatre at Missouri State University on October 30, 2022.

Here is the lineup for this season:

  • Anything Goes, June 24-24 and July 1. All aboard the ocean liner S.S. American from New York to London. Prepare for delightful songs from Cole Porter in this newly updated version of “Anything Goes.”

  • Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, July 7-8 and 10-14. A supernatural hellhound prowls around the Baskerville estate, striking down generations of the family’s male heirs. Behind silly disguises and accents, plot twists and laughing, the identity of the diabolical killer is revealed.

  • The Prom, July 21-22 and 24-29. Based on a true story, this vibrant new musical celebrates the unifying power of love.

Tickets are now on sale. With the opening of the new amphitheatre, Tent Theatre did not raise ticket prices so the same pricing structure is in place from last year.

There are season and single, standard and premium tickets, as well as group rates.

“Tent Theatre prides itself for being an economically accessible place to experience live theatre,” Templeton said, in the release. “Bring your family and friends and be a part of our community’s tradition.”

Images from the official opening of the new John Goodman Amphitheatre at Missouri State University on October 30, 2022.
Images from the official opening of the new John Goodman Amphitheatre at Missouri State University on October 30, 2022.

A revamped pedestrian underpass recently opened. It connects parking lots at Grand Street and National Avenue to the southeast part of campus, near the amphitheater.

All Tent Theatre and theatre and dance alums are invited to a Tent Theatre reunion at 12 p.m. June 24. Lunch will be served, followed by a tour of the amphitheater.

More: John Goodman: 'I hope people can have half as much fun as I did' at new MSU amphitheatre

For more information and to register, call 417-836-5654.

To buy tickets for the upcoming Tent Theatre season, here are options:

  • Go online through Missouri State Tix.

  • Call Missouri State TIX at 417-836-7678 or toll free at 1-888-476-7849.

  • Complete the season ticket order form and mail it with payment to Missouri State TIX, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897.

  • Visit any Missouri State TIX box office. Box offices are in Great Southern Bank Arena and Craig Hall, and are open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Tickets on sale for 2023 Tent Theatre season, alumni reunion June 24