THE JAMES T. BILL '55 THEATER
"To enter a theater for a performance is to be inducted into a magical space,
to be ushered into the sacred arena of the imagination."
- Simon Callow -
Built in 2000, the James T. Bill '55 Theater seats an audience of 325, and has been the home for O’Dowd’s long-standing musical theater tradition, with performances of Ragtime, Cabaret, Chicago, and more recently Shaina Taub’s musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Equipped with all the technical capabilities of a professional performance house, the James T. Bill Theater also offers students the opportunity to master behind-the-scenes production skills, including lighting, sound, costumes, props, make-up, and stage management.
Upcoming Productions
Godspell - Fall ‘23
Book by John Michael Tebelak, Music and Lyrics by Steven Schwartz
Godspell first premiered in 1971 and was revived in 2012, captivating audiences with its timeless messages of love, compassion, and unity. Based on the Gospel of Matthew, the musical presents parables and stories of Jesus Christ in a modern and relatable setting. With a lively score composed by Stephen Schwartz, the music ranges from rock and pop to soulful ballads. Through its communal spirit, "Godspell" shows us the enduring power of faith.
The Wolves - Winter ‘24 - Kelly Family and Erin Jaeb Black Box Studio
By Sarah DeLappe
Left quad. Right quad. Lunge. A girls indoor soccer team warms up. From the safety of their suburban stretch circle, the team navigates big questions and wages tiny battles with all the vim and vigor of a pack of adolescent warriors. A portrait of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for nine American girls who just want to score some goals.
Eighth Grade President - Spring ‘24
Book and Lyrics by Jacey Powers, Music and Lyrics by Ashkon Davaran
Eighth Grade President explores the drama surrounding a junior high student council election in 1998. In a world of Tamagotchis and Trapper-Keepers, Madison wrestles with familiar middle school demons: an uncertain self-identity, popular girls, gym class, and of course, boys who work half as hard to get twice as much. Utilizing the pop sensibilities of the late 90’s Eighth Grade President looks at how we as individuals and as a nation have evolved (or not) over the last thirty years, and attempts to answer the question—how did we get here?
Ticket links will be here when available.