3/27/08

Family favorites, new works included in 2008-09 Village Theatre season

Village Theatre has announced its 2008-2009 mainstage season, comprised of five shows that explore the perils of young love and the thrill of a great story. Boasting two all-new musical productions developed through the Village Originals program, the 2008-2009 season takes audiences from a small provincial town to illustrious Victorian England and into the warmth of Southern charm and grandeur.

   

Based in Issaquah with additional operations in Everett, Village Theatre is a leading producer of musical theatre in the Pacific Northwest. Producing entertaining quality productions for the entire family since 1979, Village Theatre has grown into one of the region's best-attended Equity theatres, with over 18,000 subscribers and 170,000 projected total attendance each season.

Performances are at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Avenue, and in Issaquah at the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre located at 303 North Front Street. Season subscriptions and single tickets are available via the Village Theatre Box Office (425) 257-8600 or online at www.villagetheatre.org.
 
SAINT HEAVEN
Music and Lyrics by Keith Gordon
Book by Martin Casella
Based on the story by Steve Lyons
Issaquah: September 17-October 26, 2008
Everett: October 31-November 23, 2008
Winner of the 2006 NMTN (New Musical Theatre Network) Directors’ Choice Award, this show was featured in the Village Theatre Village Originals series and is ready for the mainstage. Saint Heaven is based on the novel “The Gift of Tongues” by Steven Lyons and is set in the quaint town of Saint Heaven, Kentucky in 1957. This beautiful new musical tells the soulful story of a young doctor as he returns home to settle his father’s affairs and confront the past. Upon his return, he comes face to face with the friends and family he left behind, and encounters a young female preacher with a special spiritual gift. As their journey unfolds, they come together to learn the power of faith, courage, and acceptance. A spirited country/gospel/R&B score propels this intimate and inspiring love story.

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton
Issaquah: November 12, 2008-January 4, 2009
Everett: January 9-February 1, 2009
Debuting on Broadway three short years after the release of the movie version of the story, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast ran for 5,464 performances between 1994 and 2007, becoming Broadway’s sixth-longest running production. The production was nominated for a variety of Tony and Drama Desk Awards, and took home the Tony for Best Costume Design by Ann Hould-Ward. Village Theatre will produce its vision of the classic musical just in time for the holidays. A tale as old as time, this charming musical tells the story of the strong-willed and lovable favorite Belle. Longing to escape her everyday life, she finds her path takes a sudden turn when she arrives at the gate of a magical palace. Join The Beast, Gaston, Le Fou, Lumiere and friends as they embark on a grand journey filled with adventure, cheer and ultimately learning to love. With classic songs, “Be Our Guest,” “Something There,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” this will be a musical the whole family can share and enjoy.
 
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
By Oscar Wilde
Issaquah: January 21-March 1, 2009
Everett: March 6-29, 2009
First performed for the public on February 14, 1895, The Importance of Being Earnest quickly reached the pinnacle of success among theatre-goers. When two hapless gentlemen grow tired of their restrictive lifestyles, they create a series of elaborate lies leading to a twisted labyrinth of conflict and hilarity. Forced to acknowledge their duties and responsibilities by their respective love interests, these gentlemen realize the true importance of being earnest. Set in late Victorian England, this tale of high-society is sure to cause a stir of laughter and merriment.

STUNT GIRL
Music by David Friedman
Lyrics by Peter Kellogg
Issaquah: March 18-April 26, 2009
Everett: May 1-24, 2009
Extra! Extra! Groundbreaking Gal Reporter Circles Globe! With a book and lyrics written by Tony-nominated artist Peter Kellogg and composed by David Friedman, Stunt Girl is a funny, fresh new musical that is based on the true life of Nellie Bly, the incredible investigative journalist, intrepid world-traveler, and captain of industry. Stunt Girl was a wild success at Village Theatre’s 5th Annual Festival of New Musicals in 2005. Nellie’s adventures begin in an age when women don’t have the right to vote. Her story, told through this remarkable new musical, is a testament to what can be achieved with hard work and persistence. Stunt Girl captures the adventure and romance, dreams and disappointments, and thrills and sorrow of a true trailblazer.

SHOW BOAT
Music by Jerome Kern
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Based on the Novel Show Boat by Edna Ferber
Issaquah: May 13-July 3, 2009
Everett: July 10-August 2, 2009
Come one, come all and climb aboard the showboat Cotton Blossom for a magnificent show you won’t forget. This Tony award-winning production, set in the South of the 1880s, originally premiered in 1927. The story of love and intrigue, friendship and deception, and marriage and family spans 47 years, tracing the lives of Cap’n Andy Hawks, show boat owner, and his company of entertainers. One of the first staged productions to blend a story with music, Show Boat boasts a brilliant score filled with captivating ballads and energetic show tunes. Prepare to be swept away as we float down the Mississippi with such classic tunes as “Ol’ Man River” and “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man.”