MSU Department of Theatre Kicks Off 2025–2026 Season with Taking Off! Musical - Greater Lansing Area Moms

Director Adam Yankowy

Writers Matthew Lowy and Sonya Hayden

MSU Theatre Students

GLAMoms had the chance to sit in on a rehearsal for Taking Off! and meet Director Adam Yankowy along with the cast. It was such a fun behind-the-scenes experience to watch the process of bringing a brand-new musical to life.

Written by Sonya Hayden and Matthew Lowy, Taking Off! is part of MSU’s New Musical Laboratory, now in its 10th year. The program gives MSU Theatre students the incredible opportunity to work side by side with Broadway professionals while helping to develop a brand-new musical.

Adam shares “ It’s really an opportunity to bring the creative process to campus to introduce students to what is it like to work on something brand new, how can they influence it with their acting choices and what can they learn by being on the fly.”

Set in 1964 aboard a Panamorama Airlines flight, Taking Off! is packed with comedy, music, and sky-high antics. It blends farce and heart while offering sharp commentary on gender roles during the jet-set era.

Performances run September 19–21 at Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre. Each performance includes a post-show talkback where audiences can share feedback with the creative team.

Thank you once again to Wharton Center for allowing us to get a sneak peek of these incredibly talented student actors!

Tickets: $27.50 general, $16.50 students and youth.
Get yours at whartoncenter.com or by calling 1-800-WHARTON.

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life of pi

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