CMU’s theatre department’s first performance is “Bright Ideas,” Sept. 14-16. It is student directed and produced and will be held in the Mesa Experimental Theater.

“It is a dark comedy about just how far two parents are willing to go to get their child into the top preschool,” Katelyn Craig, junior musical theater major said. “A highlight is that it’s a hilarious roller coaster ride of a show,” Craig said.

At the end of September and into October, Rodgers And Hammerstein’s “A Grand Night for Singing” will be shown, Sept. 28-Oct. 7. It is directed by Jeremy Franklin with musical direction by Doug Morrow.

“It’s a musical revue of some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beloved songs that are presented in a new and fun way,” Craig said. This show has a unique quality because it is a different style of show. “It’s in the style of a show you would see on a cruise ship, so it’s a new experience for the performers and audience which will be a lot of fun,” Craig said.

In November, “Our Town” directed by Mo LaMee, will be performed Nov. 9-11. It is set in the town of Grovers Corner, New Hampshire. It tells the story of the town through the everyday lives of its citizens. This would include love, marriage and death. “Although it’s a classic, it has a very relatable and universal truth that I think anyone can relate to,” Craig said.

The program has two Bravo Cabarets scheduled for the whole year with their fall Cabaret October 20-21. This cabaret is the American Songbook Cycle Polar Opposites: Cole Porter and Irving Berlin. “This cabaret will feature musical theater students that will be singing selected songs from the above composers in an effort to raise money for scholarships.”

The dance department has their regular Fall and Spring into Dance performances. These feature faculty pieces, student pieces, and guest choreographers. This year the faculty members that are choreographing are Meredith Lyons, Amanda Benzin and Gabrielle Cahill. There will be one guest choreographer and four student choreographers. Fall into Dance will take place Nov. 17-18.

“You get to experience the world of theater through dance, which is a beautiful opportunity in an of itself,” Craig said.

The end of the semester will end with “Naked Soles.” This is a student produced dance concert. These pieces are some that either were not put in the Fall for Dance performance or ones that students want to showcase.