Michigan State University Department of Theatre Storefront series returns with Michael V. Gazzo’s A Hatful of Rain. 

The MSU Department of Theatre Storefront series are plays dedicated to the craft of acting and rely on a few design elements. Michel V. Gazzo’s 1955 play A Hatful of Rain was praised for its unflinching look at addiction and the original actors’ bravery and honesty in tackling this taboo subject. The play first began as an improvisational piece at Lee Strasberg’s Actors Studio and was developed with the main actors until it eventually premiered on Broadway in 1955. It became clear that this celebration of a milestone of realism in acting should be part of the Storefront series.   

Master of Fine Arts Acting Candidate Jacob Squire will be directing this drama about a veteran plagued with PTSD and addicted to drugs to dull his pain. Johnny struggles to keep his secret even as he shares the apartment with his wife and brother. Squire enjoys examining the darker motivations of the characters in the piece.  He notes, “Looking at darker motivations is something I am working on in my acting, and now I am helping others to do what I explore in my studio classes.”  

Graduate and undergraduate students are cast in this production. Master of Fine Arts Candidate Oscar Quiroz notes, “Playing Johnny has been a great artistic challenge. I am amazed at how relevant his story is today” As his wife, Senior Bachelor of Arts Theatre major Lane Straub, notes, “Working on this production has been a truly enriching experience, as Gazzo’s detailed script is filled with such wonderful challenges that actors dream of. I’m so proud of the work we’ve created.” 

The show takes place in the Studio 60 Theatre in the basement of the Auditorium Building. You can purchase tickets at the door or at by clicking the Buy Tickets link

If you purchase tickets online, they will be waiting for you at the door of the Studio Theatre. If buying tickets at the door, cash is not accepted. All tickets are $10.  

Performance schedule: 
Tuesday, September 27 at 7:30 PM 
Wednesday, September 28 at 7:30 PM 
Thursday, September 29 at 7:30 PM 
Friday, September 30 at 8:00 PM 
Saturday, October 1 at 8:00 PM