Monday, March 9

Today there was a "Town Hall meeting" at the theatre to announce next season's line-up, both for the Rep Theatre (company members and 3rd years) and for the Conservatory shows (next year's 2nd-years... a.k.a. my class! The Elite Eleven of 2011!).

The Season Announcement is when the upcoming season is unveiled to the community, the press, and the students officially for the first time. (We'd heard some rumors previously, but you never know how accurate they may or may not be.) A huge amount of donors, board members, students, faculty, and town residents came for the big reveal. It was so exciting!


So first, the season that is near and dear to my heart:

THE MYSTERY PLAYS by Roberto Aquirre Sacasa
preview October 27, runs October 28 - Nov. 15

Two tales of psychological terror and the unknown by the most intriguing young writer in America today. A young filmmaker barely escapes a deadly train accident and discovers how close we all reside to the afterlife. A brother and sister try to assemble the details of a horrible murder fifteen years after it took place. The boundaries of reality and illusion are constantly shifting in this exciting play opening just in time for Halloween.


BLUE/ORANGE by Joe Penhall
preview Jan 5, runs Jan 6 - 24

This edgy new play explores the politics of mental illness with enormous power and scathing comedy. At a National Health Service Hospital in London, two psychiatrists lock horns over the diagnosis of a young black patient, and a dangerous game of power, ego and racial prejudice unfold. As brilliantly comic as it is provocative, this Olivier award-winning play for 2000 raises questions for which there are no answers and leads the audience on a complex and emotional journey.


MACHINAL by Sophie Treadwell
preview March 2, runs March 3 - 21

A classic play from early 20th century America. An ordinary young woman is foolish enough to believe she can have it all: career, home, marriage, children, pleasure, and love. Her inevitable downfall and the play's shattering conclusion still has the power to fascinate and shock...
(This will be our ensemble piece, featuring all 11 members of my ferociously talented class.


THE GAME OF LOVE AND CHANCE by Pierre Marivaux
preview April 14, runs April 15 - May 3

One of France's great classic playwrights, and the man who brought subtle psychological insight to classic comedy. Two headstrong children are betrothed to each other by their parents, in spite of the fact that they have never been introduced. Trying to exert their independence, the two children trade places with their servants in order to get a good look at their fiancés. In doing so, however, they only manage to confuse their families, their friends, and their own hearts. . A romantic comedy presented on the [historic theatre] stage.


AAAAHHHHH!!!! It's so exciting! We have a season! We're going to perform here! This is what we've been waiting for!



These are the shows that will be done for the Rep season:

NEW STAGES PROJECT: TBA
A dynamic educational experience for students and families. OCT 21 - NOV 8
(This will be an educational outreach show featuring the entire 3rd-year ensemble)

CONTACT created by Susan Stroman and John Weidman
A romantic and thrilling dance musical. OCT 24-NOV 22
(It will be a collaboration with the ballet that shares our performing arts building. How cool is that? The costumes designs will be by William Ivey Long, who designed for the original Broadway production of the show -- and who has won 5 Tony Awards for his designs of Broadway shows like Hairspray and The Producers.)

THE PERFUME SHOP adapted by E.P. Dowdall
A heartwarming comedy for the holidays. DEC 4 - APRIL 1
(the American premiere of a new adaptation of Parfumerie by Miklos Laszlo, which is the play that the movies The Shop Around the Corner and You've Got Mail were based on, as well as the musical She Loves Me)

TBA
DEC 11 - FEB 23
(Artistic Director explained that the show they had in this spot had to be yanked from the docket a mere 36 hours ago! They're not sure yet what will be replacing it.)

SEARCHING FOR EDEN: THE DIARIES OF ADAM AND EVE by James Still
A delightfully comic look at relationships. DEC 18 - FEB 25
(Partly based on a writings by Mark Twain)

THE LAST FIVE YEARS by Jason Robert Brown
An intimate and uplifting musical in the [historic theatre]. JAN 21 - FEB 28
(MY FAVORITE MUSICAL OF ALL TIME!!! EEEEEK!!!!!!)

HEARTS by Willy Holtzman
A poignant journey of forgiveness and friendship. JAN 22 - APRIL 11
(Willy Holzman was the playwright for the musical Wicked)

MANAGING MAXINE by Janece Shaffer
A hilarious look at love in the Golden years. MARCH 12 - APRIL 17

NEW PLAY FESTIVAL: TBA
An exciting journey from page to stage. MARCH 24 - APRIL 18
(There will be 2 new plays produced, and the audience will be invited into every step of the process - from attending open rehearsals, to special events with the playwrights, talkback sessions, and finally the performances themselves.)

DANCING BACKWARDS IN HIGH HEELS - THE GINGER MUSICAL conceived & developed by Lynnette Barkley & Christopher McGovern; book/original songs/arrangements by Christopher McGovern
A new musical about an all-time American favorite. MAY 7 - MAY 30
(Artistic Director said something about it being done in collaboration with Northlight Theatre in Chicago. He said it will be originated here, before going on to Arizona.)



Isn't it amazing how much theatre goes on in this place in a single season? 15 shows between October and May!

I'm so geeked. I'm going to have to go order a bunch of plays online, ASAP.


Much love,

~A~