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This season, which marks the 25th anniversary of Lee’s theatre program, is called a “Season of Secrets,” and each of the four plays exemplifies the theme of “secrets” in its own way.

“Lee theatre is excited to offer some classic and crowd-pleasing theatre to our community this season,” said Dr. Christine Williams, associate professor of theatre at Lee. “There is something for everyone.”

The season opens on Oct. 3 with “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde, a play featuring “secret identities.” Directed by Williams, the play will be performed in the Blackbox Theatre, located in the new Communication Arts Building.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” features two men, each falsely claiming the name Ernest and an earnest disposition. In addition, the cast includes two women, each in love with her earnest Ernest, a forgetful nanny, a humorous matriarch, and various others. With a blend of unique characters, family secrets, and covert identities, “The Importance of Being Earnest” has become a celebrated comedy for the stage.

On Nov. 7, the season will continue with “All My Sons,” a drama full of “family secrets.” The play, by Arthur Miller, will be directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Dan Buck.

Set in Anytown, America after the end of World War II, “All My Sons” portrays the Keller family, a reasonably successful and friendly household on the precipice of upset and upheaval. Larry, the eldest of two sons, went missing during the war, but now, five years later, his younger brother has invited Larry’s one-time fiancée home to propose to her. Their love stirs up previously undisclosed accusations and family secrets, as well as waning hope.

“The 39 Steps,” a drama featuring “secret agents,” by Patrick Barlow will open Feb. 20, 2015, in the Blackbox Theatre under the direction of Buck.

Reminiscent of 1940’s spy novels and Hitchcock films, the West End and Broadway hit “The 39 Steps” provides a concoction of romance, suspense, comedy, and drama.

The season will close with a musical version of “The Secret Garden” by Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon, opening April 10, 2015. The production will be a collaboration between the theatre program and the School of Music.

A tale of clemency and rejuvenation, “The Secret Garden” chronicles the story of Mary Lennox, an 11-year-old girl orphaned in India. Mary travels to Yorkshire to live with her resentful, reclusive uncle, Archibald, and his enfeebled son, Colin. Among the estate’s many wonders is the magic titular “secret garden,” which beckons to the children with evocative melodies and “Dreamers,” spirits from Mary’s past who offer her guidance for her new life.

Tickets will be available at the Box Office Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m., during the week leading up to the show, and one hour before curtain time. Tickets for all plays are $10 for adults and $7 for children, seniors, and students. Tickets for the “The Secret Garden” will be $15 for adults and $12 for children, seniors, and students.

Assisting Buck and Williams with the performances will be Senior Lecturer in Theatre Catherine Mantooth on lighting design and new faculty member Jared Cole, who specializes in scenic design.

For more information, visit www.leeuniversity.edu/theatre or email [email protected]. Fans may also follow Lee University Theatre on Facebook.

Pictured here are Jonathan Swindle as Beethoven and Michael Bachman as Schindler in the Lee Theatre 2013 production of “33 Variations.”