Newman Plays

Newman’s original verse drama, AWAKENING GALATEA, is being presented on the Utah Valley University Theatre Department’s Main Season in November 2026, directed by Shelby Gist.

Pygmalion, the sculptor, is a perfectionist. He creates Galatea, his statue of a perfect woman, in order to mock imperfect maidens. However, when the Seven Muses cause Pygmalion to fall in love with his statue, the Muse of Poetry begs the Goddess of Love to let her enter the statue and experience mortal love. Sent on a quest together by the Muses, Pygmalion and Galatea will learn what it means to experience genuine affection and humanity.

The play will be presented November 13-21, 2026 in the Student Theatre next to the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts. Performances in the small theatre are expected to sell out, so patrons should order their tickets in advance through the following link.

https://www.uvu.edu/arts/events/galatea.html

John Newman’s adaptation of Whirligig was produced in September 2025 by the Wairapara Youth Theatre in Masterton, New Zealand, directed by Linda and Gracie Voice. The young actors’ performances were remarkable, demonstrating skill, emotional depth, and ensemble commitment. Newman traveled to New Zealand with his wife to see the production and for the playwright to meet the cast and offer a master class in playwriting. While in the country, they drove the length of the North Island, from Auckland to Wellington, driving on the left side of the road. They experienced the magnificent New Zealand landscape and made a visit to Bilbo Baggins’ underground home in Hobbiton. Truly a magical journey there and back again.