Decorah audiences will help shape the show when Broadway’s Next Hit Musical comes to Luther College on Saturday, Sept. 12. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall and will feature spontaneous songs, audience suggestions and an improvised musical created during the evening.
The performance is the first event in Luther College’s 2026-27 Center Stage Series. Under the direction of improv veterans Rob Schiffmann and Deb Rabbai, the cast will present an original improvised awards show called “The Phony Awards.”
How the audience helps create the show
Performers will collect made-up hit-song suggestions from people in the audience. After the audience votes for its favorite song, the cast will turn the winning entry into a full-length improvised musical. Because the storyline develops during the performance, each show is personalized to the audience in attendance.
Susan Potvin, Luther’s director of programming and outreach, said the performers tailor their work to local audience submissions and described the event as suitable for all ages.
“The performers in Broadway’s Next Hit Musical are master improvisers and incredibly creative at customizing their on-stage performance to match the entries from the local audience. This is going to be a hilariously fun night for everyone in attendance, and it’s appropriate for all ages,”
Potvin also encouraged residents to attend with family and friends, highlighting the evolving storyline and the performers’ improvisational skill.
“Everyone will be entertained by the unique storyline that evolves, not to mention amazed by the skill of the performers. I hope you’ll bring your families and friends for a memorable evening,”
Tickets and show information
Tickets are available online at tickets.luther.edu and through the Luther Ticket Office in the Center for Faith and Life. Questions can be directed to [email protected] or 563-387-1357.
The ticket office is located at 700 College Drive in Decorah. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with extended hours until 7 p.m. Thursdays. On show days, the office is open from 9 a.m. until the performance; Saturday show-day hours begin at 1 p.m. The office may be closed during scheduled academic breaks.
Broadway’s Next Hit Musical has performed across the United States and internationally. When it is not touring, the group regularly performs at 54 Below, a Broadway-themed supper club and nonprofit venue in New York City. The group has also appeared at the Triad Theater, the Tribeca Film Festival and the New York Musical Theater Festival.