The arts are alive in Wichita!

WSU Opera Theater presents a powerful new opera

Wichita State University Opera Theater will present the North American premiere of the remarkable new opera The Path to Heaven on November 15 and 17 in the Miller Concert Hall of WSU's Duerksen Fine Arts Center.  

The one act opera tells the story of young couples as they faced the horrors of the Holocaust and how it drastically altered their lives.  This year, we remember the 80th anniversary of the invasion of Poland and the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the liberation of Europe (D-Day), making this opera and its message exceedingly relevant for our time.

Created by British composer Adam Gorb and librettist Ben Kaye, the North American premiere of The Path to Heaven is presented by WSU Opera Theater under the direction of Alan Held in conjunction with the award-winning WSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble led by Dr. Timothy Shade.  

Tickets may be purchased by contacting the WSU College of Fine Arts Box Office at 316-978-3233 or by visiting http://wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice.

The bright stars of Friends University shine on stage

Friends University is excited to announce the upcoming performance of the musical Bright Star, inspired by a true story. Bright Star will be presented on November 15-17 on the campus of Friends University in Sebits Auditorium.

Featuring the Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Bright Star tells a sweeping tale set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens in her a longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past—and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. 

Friends welcomes guest director and choreographer Karen Robu to lead a wonderful cast of young artists from the university’s new musical theatre degree program.  

Tickets available now and may be purchased online at friends.edu/finearts or by calling the Fine Arts Box Office at 316-295-5677.