Theatre UNO in the School of the Arts closes out the spring 2023 season with the production of  “Closer to Heaven,” by Jonathan Harvey with music and lyrics by the Pet Shop Boys, at the Robert E. Nims Theatre at the University of New Orleans.

Directed by UNO professor L. Kalo Gow, “Closer to Heaven” opened Wednesday and will run through Saturday, May 6.

This standout musical takes you back to the early 90’s in London’s club culture to explore the characters’ stories through their songs and see how they find love, acceptance and a sense of family.  The play’s main protagonist, Straight Dave, is fresh from Ireland and lands a job bartending at Vic Christian's debaucherous nightclub with hopes of becoming a dancer.

Dave falls for beautiful, ambitious Shell, the boss's daughter and the streetwise, yet gentle, drug dealer Mile End Lee, and cannot decide between them. Meanwhile, the outrageous Bob Saunders, pop manager extraordinaire, has his own plans for Dave.

As fame and fortune beckon, Dave quickly learns that things aren't always as straightforward as they seem.
General admission for all shows is $15 per person. UNO alumni and seniors can see performances for $10 per person. UNO faculty, staff and students with a valid I.D. will be admitted free.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit UNO’s School of the Arts website.

Mature Audience Advisory: This play contains simulated drug usage, accidental overdose, violence, sexually explicit content and offensive language. Not appropriate for young audiences. Strobe lighting effects will be used during this performance. Patrons that may suffer from epilepsy and other visual light stimulation effects are advised this effect will occur during the show.