IU Northwest, Morning Bishop Theater hosting musical celebrating 250th anniversary of US

American Revue: A Celebration of the American Musical takes place on August 28, 29

Indiana University Northwest School of the Arts is collaborating with Gary-based Morning Bishop Theater Playhouse to produce an exciting musical theater review honoring the 250th anniversary of the formation of the United States.

American Revue: A Celebration of the American Musical is a large‑scale theatrical production that showcases the evolution, innovation and cultural influence of American musical theatre. Through a blend of performance, historical narration and multimedia design, the production celebrates the country’s momentous milestone by highlighting musicals that shaped American artistic identity.

The works highlighted in American Revue were chosen for their cultural, social and historical significance in musical theater history.

Directed by Morning Bishop Theater’s executive director, McKenya Dilworth Smith, the production offers an inspiring journey through the unique stories America has told on its stages through highlights from acclaimed American musicals from the likes of Rodgers and Hammerstein (Oklahoma), Leonard Bernstein (West Side Story), Kander and Ebb (Cabaret).

Director Dilworth Smith and IU Northwest Director of Arts Programming Erin McHugh carefully assembled a production team to curate the line-up, which ranges from well-known crowd pleasers to show-stopping numbers from musical theater giants. In this way, Smith feels that “American Revue has been designed to appeal to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.”

McHugh notes that the show is, “a true celebration of theater as a community builder,” especially given that the production has been cast with a mixture of Northwest Indiana community members and IU Northwest students and alumni.

IU Northwest is sponsoring two free performances in the Arts & Sciences Mainstage Theater at 7 p.m., Friday, August 28 and 3 p.m., Saturday, August 29.

Patrons are encouraged to reserve their complimentary tickets through IU Northwest’s box office website or by calling 219-980-6668.

Reserve your tickets here