Decorah audiences will help create the show when Broadway’s Next Hit Musical brings its improvised musical comedy “The Phony Awards” to Luther College at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
The performance will take place in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall and will serve as the first event in Luther’s 2026-27 Center Stage Series. Rather than presenting a fixed script, the cast will build an original awards show from suggestions offered by people in the audience.
Audience ideas become the musical
During the show, the performers will collect made-up hit-song suggestions from the audience. Audience members will then vote for their favorite song, and the cast will turn the winning idea into a complete improvised musical.
Because the storyline develops during the performance, the college says every show is personalized to the audience. The production is directed by improv veterans Rob Schiffmann and Deb Rabbai.
“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,” said Susan Potvin, Luther’s director of programming and outreach.
Potvin also encouraged local residents to attend with family and friends, describing the evolving storyline and performers’ skills as central parts of the experience.
“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,” Potvin said.
Tickets and Luther College details
Tickets are available through tickets.luther.edu and at the Luther College 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 Center for Faith & Life, 700 College Drive, Decorah, Iowa 52101. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with extended hours until 7 p.m. Thursday. On show days, the office is open from 9 a.m. until the performance; Saturday hours begin at 1 p.m. until the performance. The office may close during scheduled academic breaks.
Broadway’s Next Hit Musical has performed across the United States and internationally. When not touring, the group regularly performs at 54 Below, a Broadway-themed supper club and nonprofit venue in New York City dedicated to preserving cabaret. The performers have also appeared at the Triad Theater, the Tribeca Film Festival and the New York Musical Theater Festival.
Luther’s Center Stage Series programming begins with this Sept. 12 performance. The source announcement also lists a convocation at 9:40 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall.