The Arts were essential to A.J. Drexel’s vision for higher education—forming one of the three pillars of his education model to train students for the workforce—and still thrive here at the institution he founded. The Music, Theatre, and Dance programs at Drexel intersect with curriculum, community, and student life, providing unique leadership and learning experiences. Drexel’s Performing Arts venues are important places to learn, practice, perform, and connect. The Mandell itself is an artistic home, a proving ground, and a cornerstone of the Drexel community. Cheers to 50 years, and to a lively future for the performing arts!

Celebrate with us at these Mandell Theater events:

Mandell Presents: Kristina Wong, Food Bank Influencer
Thu Oct 12 | 7:00 PM

A sneak preview of Pulitzer Finalist Kristina Wong’s newest work-in-process! During the historic joint labor strikes of SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in summer 2023, Kristina partnered with food bank World Harvest to provide free groceries to actors and writers until the end of the strike. In the new show, she will be creatively intervening with the food bank as an immersive experience, a functional food bank, a commentary on systems and distribution, a treatise on food insecurity, an illustration of how AI will impact humans, particularly those working in the arts. Plus, her visit included artist residency activities for students, faculty, and staff on Wednesday, October 11.

Theatre Opening Night & 50th Anniversary of Mandell Theater
Fri Nov 10 | 7:00 PM

Drexel Theatre Program presents The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. This hard rocking musical adaptation of the bestselling young audience novel about teenager Percy Jackson who discovers he’s a demigod – whatever that means. He and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt, prevent a war among the gods, save the world, and learn about friendship in the process.

Reception immediately following the performance.

Drexel Dance Ensemble
Fri Feb 9 | 7:30 PM

Drexel Dance Program presents Drexel Dance Ensemble. Come see an exciting evening of dance featuring Ellen Forman Award winner Kareem Goodwin, professional guest artists, and dance faculty. Bodies exchanging ideas, dancing in community, and a visual landscape for all!

The performance engagement includes pieces choreographed by: Hannah Dolen, Kareem Goodwin, Blanca Huertas-Agnew, Jennifer Morley, Shannon Murphy, Sangita Pawar, Yoshito Sakuraba, and Miles Yeung

Reception immediately following the performance.

Mandell Presents: Mumu Fresh
Thu Apr 18 | 7:00 PM

Maimouna Youssef, also known as Mumu Fresh, is the critically acclaimed Afro-Indigenous singer, Emcee, songwriter, activist, workshop facilitator and audio engineer who’s been called a “quadruple threat” by The Roots’ Black Thought and “groundbreaking” by Oscar-winning artist, Common. With her expansive musical background ranging from Jazz, Gospel, Spirituals, traditional African & traditional Indigenous music, to Hip Hop (also celebrating 50 years!), Soul, rock and experimental acapella fusion, this concert is a multi-genre live music event not to miss. Plus, Maimouna is 23/24 artist-in-residence for Anthems for the Anthropocene, the climate change songwriting context presented by Drexel Climate & Sustainability.

Drexel Concert Band
Fri Jun 7 | 6:30 PM Reception | 7:30pm Concert

Drexel Music Program presents the Concert Band’s Spring Concert: Perspectives—What We Hold Most Dear. Join DUCB for a program full of affirmation of who we are as artists and musicians. Guest artists Staff Sgt. Bradley Loudis, Victor Pablo Garcia Gaetan, and Sean Bailey will join in the program featuring multiple Philadelphia Premiers of new music.

Reception at 6:30 PM preceding the performance.