Auburn University Theatre to present ‘New Day Dawning: Finding Hope at the Theatre’

For its first offering of 2021, Auburn University Theatre will present a huge, collaborative effort—a filmed cabaret filled with song and dance numbers running the gamut of musical theatre, from older classics to contemporary numbers.

“New Day Dawning: Finding Hope at the Theatre” was filmed primarily on location at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center, or GPAC, and the Telfair B. Peet Theatre with generous contributions from the GPAC staff and the Auburn University Media Production Group, or MPG. It will be presented virtually through AU Theatre @ Home March 18-28.  

Picking up the proverbial torch from the fall season’s “Together Apart,” this fully staged musical cabaret performance embraces what former President Barack Obama called “the audacity of hope.” With this performance, performers dare to envision better days ahead, carve out space for what is possible, to dream and plan for a future beyond the fractured present.

“With this offering, performers will seek to create space and tell stories that encourage good vibes, provide thoughtful reflection and generate positive energy to share with a weary world,” said Auburn Department of Theatre Chair Chase Bringardner.

“New Day Dawning” is presented through AU Theatre @ Home, a way to watch the digital performances produced by the Department of Theatre outside of the physical space of the Telfair B. Peet. Once a ticket is reserved, further instructions for viewing the performance will be emailed the night of March 18, when the viewing opens. Each show offering will run for a full week, and can be viewed wherever, whenever and as many times as patrons like for 10 days. Auburn Theatre is venturing to places it’s never been before—the public’s home.

The artistic team for “New Day Dawning” includes direction by Bringardner, music direction by James Mablin, vocal direction by Elizabeth Benson, choreography by Jeri Dickey, costume design by Tracy Oleinick, sound design and engineering by guest artist Anthony Narciso and AU Theatre students Bailey Fenn, Elle Hartman and Annabell Mallard, select space design by Auburn student Lauryn Ross and lighting consultation by Auburn student Catherine Pyle.

The production team from the GPAC team includes Taylor Dyleski, Chris Burke, Paul Anton, Adam Woodfin and Hannah Blanchek. The MPG team includes Bruce Kuerten, John DiJulio, Larry Shaw and Jessmym Mills. The MPG production assistants include Auburn students Brantley Waller, Katie Pappas and Katie Wolfe. 

The cast of “New Day Dawning” includes Nikki Ahlf, Ashleigh Avallone, Bobby Coe, Nisi Collins, Jordan Denson, Julianna Devaney, Ashley Digiovanni, Mickie Felder, Emma Fox, Emily Gant, Sydney Golden, Brady McNeil, Maddie Maradik, Holden Mathison, Lauren Selvia, Ebony Strong, Jenna Viana, Cassie Vitale and Olivia Zeagler.  

Buy tickets

Virtual tickets can be purchased via the Department of Theatre’s ticketing page, and Auburn students can take advantage of discounts by logging on to https://theatretickets.auburn.edu with their credentials.

Due to the nature of this production season, the ticketing structure has changed. There is only a general admission price for all the fall productions. This decision reflects a similar price for general admission to an in-person performance, takes into account that the productions would be viewed from an individual's residence, and provides support for the work of our students.

Ticket prices:
General Admission: $15
AU student with ID: Free

Box Office Hours:
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:45 p.m. CT

Contact the Box Office:
Web: https://theatretickets.auburn.edu
E-mail: theatre@auburn.edu
Phone: 334-844-4154
Address: 211 Telfair Peet Theatre
               Auburn, AL 36849