This play season, experience the gentle sea breezes and lush mountains of Hiroshima in “A Thousand Cranes,” watch a beautiful community blossom in gritty Cleveland, OH in “Seedfolks,” and walk through the turbulent halls of high school again in “Be More Chill.”

The Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) theatre department is gearing up for an exciting 2023-2024 play season filled with diverse genres, thought-provoking themes, and gripping performances. There will be something for everyone, from heartwarming dramas to lively musicals, with gripping performances and stories that will make you think.

“A Thousand Cranes” is a perfect play for young audiences. It tells the story of a young girl named Sadako who gets cancer as a result of the Hiroshima bombing, and her goal to fold a thousand origami cranes in the hopes of healing and peace. Through her journey, the play explores themes of resilience, the enduring power of hope, and the devastating impact of war.

“Seedfolks” revolves around a diverse group of struggling neighbors who work with each other to transform an empty lot into a thriving garden. Through their shared passion for gardening, they learn about the healing power of nature, the importance of community, and the potential for positive change.

“Be More Chill” is a modern musical that follows Jeremy, an awkward high school student who gets hold of a pill-sized supercomputer that promises to transform him into the coolest guy in school. As he deals with popularity and other teenage troubles, he learns useful lessons about the true meaning of friendship, self-acceptance, and staying true to himself.

The theatre department at MHCC offers many ways for people to get involved, including acting, backstage work, and technical classes. Auditions for these productions are open to MHCC students as well as community members. Community members have the option to get involved through community education classes at MHCC.

People who would like to audition for these plays should check out the community education classes at learn.mhcc.edu/modules. People who want to see these plays should visit mhcc.edu/theatreboxoffice.

“A Thousand Cranes” will run Nov. 6, 8, 13, 15 and 17 at 10:30 a.m. and Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. at the college theatre for $2 admission.

“Seedfolks” will run Nov. 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. at the studio theatre for $5 admission.
Auditions for “Be More Chill” will be held Nov. 27 and 28 at 5 p.m. at the studio theatre.

“Be More Chill” will run Feb. 23 at 7 p.m., Feb. 24 at 7 p.m., Feb. 25 at 2 p.m., March 1 at 7 p.m., March 2 at 7 p.m., and March 3 at 2 p.m. in the College Theatre for $15 general admission and $10 for students and seniors.