Construction is the name of the game on the Missouri State University campus this summer. With millions in projects underway, campus will be a bustle of activity. That’s also brought about some creative opportunities for this year’s 63rd annual Tent Theatre season. 

Craig Hall closed for the summer May 12 as part of the ongoing construction to create the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Performing Arts Complex. With it are the Tent Theatrer scene shop, costume shop and box office.  

However, as they say in the biz, the show must go on. 

“The construction project has created challenges for us, especially with the public pathways to our facility. We’ll create signage to assist patrons with getting to the amphitheatre from the parking lot,” said Mark Templeton, executive director of marketing and external relations for the John Goodman Amphitheatre. “Plus, we had to re-envision the types of shows we’re doing for this year.” 

Read the full transcript.

About the shows  

Rather than full theatrical productions, this year’s shows make use of Missouri State musicians, have an old-timey twist and bring back some old favorites.  

The lineup includes three shows:   

• Serenade: Summer Nights of Swing & Song, June 12-14, 18-21
  Get ready for an unforgettable evening of live music featuring the dazzling 17-piece Missouri State Jazz Ensemble and incredible vocalists. The evening promises a one-of-a-kind, vibrant mix of swinging brass, smooth rhythms and unforgettable vocals. 

• Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play, June 27-28, 30-July 2
  Three early Hitchcock films – “The Lodger,” “Sabotage” and “The 39 Steps” – are presented as they might have been in the 1940s, with skillful actors, live sound effects and atmospheric music to keep you spellbound. Five actors play dozens of different characters and vintage commercials add to the fun of this unique production. 

• A Grand Night for Singing, July 10-12, 16-19
  Celebrate the golden age of musical theatre with a stellar showcase of American songbook classics from Rodgers and Hammerstein. 

Ticket information 

Templeton would like to remind patrons things look a bit different this season. For example, concessions will be served from Hill Hall to the north, but will still have all the Tent favorites, including Andy’s frozen custard. 

“Please pardon the progress,” he said. “One day, we’ll be completely finished with the transformation of our quad of campus. And I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to see the changes over the past 26 years. It’s just amazing what’s happened.”

While the box office inside Craig Hall is closed, tickets can be purchased in a variety of ways, including all other Missouri State TIX locations. Season and single, standard and premium tickets, as well as group rates are now on sale.  

Tickets can be purchased:   

• Online  
• By phone – call Missouri State TIX at 417-836-7678 or toll free at 1-888-476-7849  
• By mail – Complete the season ticket order form and mail it with payment to Missouri State TIX, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897  
• In person – visit the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts box office, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

All shows start at 8 p.m. in the John Goodman Amphitheatre. Any last-minute show changes will be posted to Tent Theatre social media. 

Purchase tickets