CSUSB’s Department of Theatre Arts presents the 2017-18 Season of Power & Control that will take you from a mysterious island of gods, to a madman’s laboratory, into a musical town with … more than a few fluid issues on the main stage.

Season packages are now on sale from the CSUSB Theatre Arts Box Office, or online at theatre.csusb.edu through Sept. 21.

The season opens in the Black Box with the return of The Student New Play Showcase. Featuring plays written by current and former CSUSB students, the Showcase allows a talented pool of emerging playwrights the ability to test their work and receive feedback from a live audience. Directed by Carol Damgen, The Student New Play Showcase will show, Oct. 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 22 at 2 p.m.

 “Hell is empty and all the devils are here.” – Ferdinand

William Shakespeare’s classic, “The Tempest,” splashes down on the Ronald E. Barnes stage Nov. 10. Directed by department chair professor Terry Donovan Smith, “The Tempest” tells the tale of a royal family stranded on a mysterious island ruled by Prospero, a magical, deposed duke orchestrating an elaborate plan to reclaim his lordship by marrying his daughter off to the love-struck castaway Ferdinand, while the other castaways plot to overthrow him and take over the island.

This modern take on a true Shakespearean classic will run Nov.10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 at 8 p.m., Nov. 12, 18 and 19 at 2 p.m.

“I, the miserable and the abandoned, am an abomination, to be spurned at,and kicked, and trampled on.” – The Monster

Mary Shelley’s masterpiece “Frankenstein” opens March 9, adapted and directed by professor Tom Provenzano. Based on the original story from Mary Shelley, this tale of horror is not about a mindless beast, but a creation longing for acceptance and companionship. When Dr. Victor Frankenstein recounts the chilling tale of his greatest triumph and the gravest tragedies that occurred as a result, the question must be asked: Is it nature or nurture that truly makes one a monster?

Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” will rise on the Barnes Theatre stage March 9, 10, 15, 16, and 17 at 8 p.m., March 11 and 18 at 2 p.m.

The always popular, free “Family Night at the Theatre” returns Friday, May 25, at 6 p.m. Enjoy an evening of dance, music and theatre with workshops for the entire family followed by performances by CSUSB and local elementary school students. Available workshops include: dance, music, poetry/writing, masks or puppetry, and theatre. Workshop spaces are limited, and reservations are recommended. Reserve your spot online at theatre.csusb.edu.

'Gosh, Daddy, I never realized large, monopolizing corporations couldbe such a force for good in the world!' – Hope

It is a privilege to pee! On June 1, The Ellen Weisser Endowed Theatre Showcase flushes the 2017-2018 Season down with the Tony Award winning musical, “Urinetown,” music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann, book and lyrics by Greg Kotis, and directed by professor Kathryn Ervin. There is a terrible water shortage in the world and private toilets have been banned. The private corporation Urine Good Company, or UGC, controls water consumption by charging the masses for use of public facilities, and those that cause trouble are sent to Urinetown never to be seen again. But when the price to pee perpetually increases, the people rebel!

With a total of eight performances, “Urinetown” plays June 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 at 8 p.m., with matinee performances June 3, 9, and 10 at 2 p.m.

Individual and season tickets can be purchased from the CSUSB Theatre Arts Box Office, or online at theatre.csusb.edu.

Subscriptions range from $20 to $50, with individual tickets at $6 for students and children under 17; $12 for faculty, staff, senior citizens and military; $15 for adults. Performances take place in the Ronald E. Barnes Theatre on the CSUSB campus.

Parking at CSUSB is $6 Monday-Friday and $3 on the weekend, but is available for free with a 2017-18 theatre arts season subscription.

For additional information, contact the Theatre Box Office at (909) 537-5884 or theatrearts@csusb.edu.