Two performers dance on stage during a musical
Tent Theatre's 61st season will be its first in the John Goodman Amphitheatre on the campus of Missouri State University. (Photo by Missouri State University)

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A historic season of Tent Theatre is about to begin at Missouri State University and you can get your tickets now.

Tent Theatre, the annual summer theatre series, will perform its first full season in the new John Goodman Amphitheatre and, according to the university, the facility will allow for new elements to be brought into the productions.

“People will see the same great entertainment as they did before in the old tent, but now they will be in a much safer environment,” Mark Templeton, managing director of theatre and dance at Missouri State University, said in a press release. “The facility is much more accessible to people with mobility needs and it provides a fresh way to experience live theatre.”

An ‘Over the Top' lineup

The theme of Tent Theatre’s 61st season is “Over the Top.” The lineup for the summer features two musicals and one play. They are:

  • Anything Goes,” June 23-24; June 26-July 1 — All aboard the ocean liner S.S. American from New York to London. Prepare for delightful songs from Cole Porter in this newly updated version of “Anything Goes.”
  • “Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery,” July 7-8 and 10-14 — A supernatural hellhound prowls around the Baskerville estate, striking down generations of the family’s male heirs. Behind silly disguises and accents, plot twists and laughing, the identity of the diabolical killer is revealed.
  • “The Prom,” July 21-22 and 24-29 — Based on a true story, this vibrant new musical celebrates the unifying power of love.

Ticket prices remain unchanged at new venue

While the facility is new, there are several unchanged elements of Tent Theatre. The John Goodman Amphitheatre is located just north of Craig Hall in the space where previous seasons were staged. Productions will once again start at 8 p.m. and the ticket prices have stayed the same.

Single-show tickets include standard ($21-$22) and premium ($35) prices. Tent Theatre also offers season passes and group rates. Tickets can be purchased through Missouri State TIX online, by phone at 417-836-7678 or in person at the Great Southern Bank Arena and Craig Hall box offices.

“Tent Theatre prides itself (on) being an economically accessible place to experience live theatre,” Templeton said. “Bring your family and friends and be a part of our community’s tradition.”

Tent Theatre is getting set up for its first full season in the new John Goodman Amphitheatre. (Photo by Shannon Cay)

Tent Theatre reunion scheduled for June 24

All Tent Theatre alums, as well as theatre and dance alums, are invited to a Tent Theatre reunion at 1 p.m. June 24. Lunch will be served, followed by a tour of the new amphitheatre. Special ticket prices and seating will be available.

For more information, or to register, call the MSU Alumni Association at 417-836-5654.

Want to go?

Tickets for the 61st season of Tent Theatre are on sale now. There are four ways you can purchase yours.

  • Visit the Missouri State TIX website to buy tickets online
  • Call MSU TIX at 417-836-7678 or 1-888-476-7849
  • Complete the season ticket order form and mail it with payment to Missouri State TIX, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65897
  • Visit any Missouri State TIX box office. They’re located in Great Southern Bank Arena and Craig Hall, and are open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.


Jeff Kessinger

Jeff Kessinger is the Reader Engagement Editor for the Hauxeda, and the voice of its daily newsletter SGF A.M. He covered sports in southwest Missouri for the better part of 20 years, from young athletes to the pros. The Springfield native and Missouri State University alumnus is thrilled to be doing journalism in the Queen City, helping connect the community with important information. He and wife Jamie daily try to keep a tent on the circus that is a blended family of five kids and three cats. More by Jeff Kessinger