NCC Summer Theatre Promises Major Hits and Honors Legacy

When the curtain lifts on the Bill Mutimer Summer Theatre Program this June, it will signify a new act for NCC Theatre. It will, of course, include major hits, a powerful children’s show, and a few surprises, but it will also include fresh faces and new energy in leadership to carry the program forward. 

“This summer is shaping up to be one of our most exciting and dynamic yet,” says Alyson Krawchuk, assistant dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. “There is an incredible sense of community, artistry, and purpose driving this season.” 

There are several things that make this season special. The shows are top of that list.

The season opens with Million Dollar Quartet, running from June 4-15. Directed by Clair Freeman, the play is based on the once-in-a-lifetime jam session at Sun Records that included Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash. Next up is the sweeping musical, Evita, running from June 25-July 6. Directed by Argentine native Gustavo Wons, who directed and choreographed NCC’s award-winning production of Fiddler on the Roof last summer, Evita will transport audiences to Buenos Aires to follow the First Lady of Argentina’s rise to fame and popularity among the working class. This year’s children’s show, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience, running from June 18-July 26, promises a fun and funky exploration of individuality, self-expression, and more. Rounding out the season is the feel-good musical, Hairspray, running from July 16-27, that will burst with energy and heart while celebrating change, acceptance, and the power of standing up for what’s right.  

Hairspray will be directed by Darah Donaher, assistant professor of theatre, who joins the faculty this year along with Jessica López-Barkl, assistant professor of theatre. Together, the duo will shepherd NCC’s Theatre Program onward as it continues to heal from the loss of Bill Mutimer, professor of theatre and director of the Theatre Program, who passed away suddenly last year. 

The summer theatre series now bears Mutimer’s name thanks to a generous $50,000 gift from Mutimer’s brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Jill Mutimer. The Mutimers’ gift secures program naming for the next 10 years and includes a memorial plaque to be installed in NCC’s Lipkin Theatre. Mutimer launched NCC’s first full summer theatre program in 2017. Since then, the program has become a summer entertainment staple for both the college and local community.  

At Mutimer’s memorial service, Krawchuk explained that he didn’t just leave big shoes to fill, he left many shoes to fill. She is confident that Donaher and López-Barkl are up to the task. 

“We’re not replacing Bill’s legacy – we’re expanding it,” she says. “With Darah and Jessica, we’re adding two new pairs of shoes to keep us moving forward.” 

As a previous adjunct instructor in the department, Donaher is no stranger to NCC Theatre. Last summer, she directed and choreographed West Side Story. Donaher most recently served as program director for Pennsylvania Youth Theatre and was previously director of theatre arts for Moravian Academy-Swain Campus. As an intimacy coach, she adds an important layer of professionalism to NCC’s Theatre Program. 

López-Barkl also brings a wide range of experience to Lipkin Theatre, from voice and technical theatre to dramaturgy and stage combat coordination. Previously a professor of theatre and speech at SUNY Sullivan, she has over 20 years of experience that has taken her all over the country.   

“At NCC, I love that we provide not only theatre majors, but also non-majors, with meaningful, hands-on theatre experiences,” says Donaher. “I believe strongly in the value of a theatre education, whether a student is pursuing it as a career or simply exploring it as an elective. It can teach empathy, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.” 

“Bill left an amazing structure and legacy,” adds López-Barkl. “The history of each production is diverse, inspiring, and exemplifies the kind of work that emerging artists need to be exposed to in order to prepare them for the industry.” 

As Wilbur Turnblad says in Hairspray, “You gotta think big to be big.” Mutimer thought big when he started the summer theatre program, and Donaher and López-Barkl are thinking big as well. 

For the long-term, Donaher is seeking ways to integrate theatre more fully into the campus and surrounding community and is exploring ways to connect with local high school students to showcase NCC theatre opportunities. López-Barkl is interested in drawing more NCC students to the theatre, both as participants and patrons, through workshops, master classes, and a performing arts club. She also would like to develop seamless transfer paths with four-year programs and internship opportunities and expand the theatre curriculum to align with current industry trends. 

In the short-term, the Bill Mutimer Summer Theatre Program might be the hottest ticket in town.  With ticket prices at just $25 for adults and $20 for seniors, audiences will experience professional-grade theatre right in their backyard. Summer theatre productions feature current NCC students, along with intern performers and technicians from other colleges, recent college graduates now based in New York City, Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) professional actors with experience on Broadway and in television and film, and local community members. 

To expand accessibility even further, the program is bringing back “pay what you are able” performances (minimum $5). The children’s show will host sensory-friendly performances to create a welcoming environment for all children, including those with sensory sensitivities.  

For patrons ready to make an evening of it, NCC Theatre is partnering with Hampton Winds, NCC’s teaching restaurant, for the Dinner + Theatre experience on select nights. Enjoy a Memphis-inspired menu for Million Dollar Quartet on Thursday, June 5; an Argentinian-inspired menu for Evita on Thursday, June 26; and a ‘50s-inspired menu for Hairspray on Friday, July 25.  

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ncctix.org.