VALDOSTA, Ga. — Shakespeare, Sondheim and a journey into the underworld are all part of the upcoming season of Valdosta State University Theatre & Dance.

The 2016-17 season will feature six major productions as well as special presentations to raise scholarship funds and highlight the talents of graduating seniors.

The season productions are mostly presented in one of the two available theatres for VSU Theatre & Dance. The more traditional Sawyer Theatre on the first floor and the more experimental Lab Theatre on the second floor are housed in the VSU Fine Arts Building, on the corner of Oak and Brookwood.

Special scholarship productions are presented at other locations.

Season tickets will be available for the main productions.

“The box office typically opens two weeks prior to the first performance of the semester and is open through the final performance of each semester,” according to information available through VSU Theatre & Dance. “Exceptions include campus holidays and major out of town conferences impacting VSU Theatre & Dance.”

Box office hours are 2-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call (229) 333-5973.

The Season

“Eurydice,” Lab Theatre. VSU Theatre synopsis: Playwright “Sarah Ruhl reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine. Dying too young on her wedding day, Eurydice must journey to the underworld, where she reunites with her father and struggles to remember her lost love. With contemporary characters, ingenious plot twists, and moments of visual spectacle, the play is a fresh look at a timeless love story.” Run dates: Sept. 22-28.

“TranscenDANCE,” Sawyer Theatre. The annual dance concert, the first following the retirement of Eric Brandt Nielsen after 30 years of founding and running the program. The 31st annual dance concert will present original choreography created by VSU dance instructors featuring performances by VSU students. Run dates: Oct. 20-23.

“Into the Woods,” Sawyer Theatre. VSU Theatre & Dance presents its annual musical with the show that was recently filmed as a 2014 movie starring Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden and Anna Kendrick, with a book by James Lapine with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Synopsis: “Inspired by some of the characters made famous by the Brothers Grimm, the musical weaves their familiar stories together in Act I. In Act II, Sondheim’s and Lapine’s imaginations take these characters on a journey through the woods and beyond ‘ever after.’ The Tony Award-winning book and score explore worlds of wishes, choices, consequences, and family. ‘Into the Woods,’ though filled with familiar characters, has mature themes and is not recommended for children.” Run dates: Nov. 10-16.

“Just So,” Sawyer Theatre. Playwright Jan Silverman’s play is the annual children’s production. VSU Theatre & Dance bring live theatre to South Georgia and North Florida schools each year. It also presents two performances for the general public at the university. Synopsis: “This theatrical and strikingly imaginative adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic ‘Just So Stories’ is an enjoyable, timeless script for all ages. Including favorite tales such as ‘How the Camel Got His Hump,’ ‘How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin,’ ‘The Elephant’s Child,’ ‘The Sing Song of Old Man Kangaroo,’ ‘The Beginning of Armadillos,’ and ‘The Cat That Walked by Himself,’ author Jan Silverman playfully captures Kipling’s fascination with legends, the nature of man, and the way things became the way they are today.” Run dates: Feb. 3, 4. For tour information or to book a tour date for February or March, 2017, please contact Jacque Wheeler at (229) 333-5820.

“Sylvia,” Lab Theatre. Synopsis: “A 1995 Off-Broadway hit starring Sarah Jessica Parker in the title role, ‘Sylvia’ was recently revived with her husband, Matthew Broderick, in the leading role. A.R. Gurney, prolific playwright whose works include previous VSU shows ‘Love Letters’ and ‘The Dining Room,’ has concocted an unusual love story about a man, his wife, and the scruffy, street smart mutt who accidentally comes into their marriage and turns it upside down and inside out. This story is a romantic triangle like no other, filled with comedy, heartwarming sentiment, and theatrical innovation. It gives an entirely new meaning to the term ‘puppy love.’ As husband and wife discuss, argue about, and come to blows over their relationship and the impact Sylvia has on it, Sylvia proves herself to be an animal who is a guide to finding the best in ourselves. With adult themes and occasionally salty language, ‘Sylvia’ is not recommended for children. Run dates: Feb. 16-19.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Whitehead Auditorium, VSU Fine Arts Building. VSU Theatre & Dance partners with the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra on the VSO’s home turf to present William Shakespeare’s magical tale set to the music of composer Felix Mendelssohn. Synopsis: “Shakespeare presents a ‘most rare vision … a dream past the wit of man to what dream it was.’ Filled with romance, comedy, and enchantment, Shakespeare’s play takes us to a forest where spells are cast on unsuspecting lovers and fairies about. The music of Mendelssohn, performed by the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, highlights this tale of mistaken identity, unrequited love, and happily ever after.” Run dates: March 31 through April 2.

Scholarship Shows

“Imagine: The 18th Annual Cabaret Fundraiser,” Magnolia Room, VSU University Center. “Enjoy a delicious meal and musical theatre entertainment as you support the Golden Circle Scholarship & Support Fund. The evening’s entertainment will feature great songs by the great writers of the musical theatre canon.” Run date: Nov. 20.

Cinderella Ballet, Mathis City Auditorium, 2300 N. Ashley St. “For the past several years, VSU Theatre & Dance has partnered with the Valdosta School of Ballet in the production of a classic ballet benefiting the Golden Circle Scholarship & Support Fund. Back by popular demand this year is ‘Cinderella.’

In addition to the beautiful score by Tchaikovsky, the production will feature elegant ballerinas, a pair of silly step-sisters, and a charming prince.” Run dates: Jan. 28, 29.

“Dancing with the Valdosta Stars,” VSU Student Union Grand Ballroom. VSU Theatre & Dance teams with VSU music department for a scholarship fundraiser that partners Valdosta-area celebrities with area dance professionals. Run date: April 8.

Seventh Annual Emerging Artists Series, Sawyer Theatre. An alternating program featuring a production by senior musical theatre students in concert and student choreography concert. Run dates: April 20-23.