Monsters and Mayhem Abound in CSUSB’s 2025-26 Season!
All eyes are still on CSUSB as we introduce our new season of plays and edge ever-closer to the opening of the all-new Performing Arts Center – a true season of New Beginnings!
Rhinoceros
By Eugène Ionesco, Translated by Derek Prouse,
Directed by Terry Donovan Smith
November 14 - 23, 2025
We open on the Barnes Stage in the fall of 2025 with Rhinoceros, by Eugène Ionesco, translated by Derek Prouse, directed by Terry Donovan Smith. Rhinoceros is an absurdist drama about the sudden rise of fascism and mob-mentality in a small town. As the totalitarian ideologies expand the townspeople morph into rhinoceroses aside from one man - Berenger, who stands up and stands alone in an increasingly unrecognizable world.
Themes of identity, resistance and the dangers of a mass ideological wave are brought into the light for 7 performances as Rhinoceros takes the stage from November 14 - 23, 2025.
Tickets on sale October 1, 2025
History in Harmony - A Musical Revue
Curated and directed by Lisa Lyons
December 5 – 7, 2025.
History in Harmony, a touring Musical Revue covering the history of musical theatre through the ages. This selection of musical pieces, intricately woven together into a fun narrative by Professor Lisa Lyons will take the Barnes by storm for one weekend only – December 5 – 7, 2025.
Tickets on sale October 1, 2025
Little Shop of Horrors
Book by Howard Ashman, Music by Alan Menken,
Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Directed by Professor Kristi Papailler
April 24 - May 3, 2026.
The Ellen Weisser Endowed Theatre Showcase presents the musical sensation - Little Shop of Horrors, Book by Howard Ashman, Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman and directed by Professor Kristi Papailler. The dark, musical comedy is tentatively scheduled to be the first production staged in the all-new Performing Arts Center from April 24 - May 3, 2026.
When Seymour, a meek flower shop assistant, discovers a mysterious, talking plant that he names Audrey II that brings him fame and fortune, only for the low-low cost of human blood! As Audrey II grows and becomes increasingly demanding, all-out chaos explodes, enveloping everyone in Seymour’s orbit. The story blends, humor, horror, mayhem, Motown, Rock & Roll and doo-wop music!
Tickets on sale October 1, 2025