Ashland University’s Department of Theater will present three productions in their 2019-2020 season. They include “An Enemy of the People,” “Mamma Mia!” and “The Odd Couple.” Each play follows a theme of courage and features characters who overcome life challenges.

Artistic Director of Theatre, Dr. Teresa Durbin-Ames, is directing both “An Enemy of the People” along with “Mamma Mia.”

“We offer a season that has a little bit of something for everyone,” Durbin said. “We provide something heavy, thought provoking and just some nice and enjoyable comedy.”

In “Enemy of The People,” Durbin said she is excited for audiences to see the issues that are presented and how they challenge audiences to think about integrity along with standing up for what you believe in.

“These are strong characters with strong beliefs and I think that’s a really interesting thing to put on stage in order to make us think about the choices we make in our own lives,” she said.

“Enemy of The People” is scheduled to be performed Oct. 11-13 and 18-19 in the Hugo Young Theatre.

As the winter season approaches, Durbin also prepares to stage the popular Abba classic, “Mamma Mia!”

Durbin said “Mamma Mia!” follows the theme of figuring out what you want in life, and she is looking forward to putting on such an entertaining show that excites so many people.

“There is a lot of good music, a lot of good dancing and it just makes for a fun night at the theatre.”

Just in time for Valentines Day, “Mamma Mia!” will show on Feb 14, 15, 21 and 22 in the Hugo Young Theatre.

The spring production, “The Odd Couple,” is the final show of the season and is directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre, Robert Sean Parker.

Parker said the comedy follows two friends who move in together, but their opposite personalities ultimately begin to cause trouble.

“It’s like having a friend that you love but when they move in as a roommate, it just doesn’t work in the end,” Parker said. He added that the production is very relatable as you watch the conflicts these characters go through.

“The Odd Couple” will be presented April 1 ,4 and 5 in the Studio Theatre.

Parker encourages the community to come out for these productions as each holds something different that everyone can enjoy.

“We’re starting off with a serious work that opens your eyes in an ‘Enemy of the People’… ‘Mamma mia!’ Is just something fun and entertaining…and ‘The Odd Couple’ is written for laughs,” Parker said. “All three deal with issues of the human condition.”

To purchase tickets, visit the Ashland University box office in the Center for the Arts building or call (419)-289-5125.