LOS ANGELES: Center Theatre Group has announced the 2016—17 season at the Ahmanson Theatre, celebrating 50 years at the theatre.
“We’ll celebrate this rich history with a stimulating roster of award-winning plays and musicals for the 2016–2017 season, our golden anniversary season, at the Ahmanson Theatre,” said artistic director Michael Ritchie in a statement. “And we will set our sights for an equally stellar future.”
The season will begin with the Broadway production of Arthur Miller’s A View From the Bridge (Sept. 7–Oct. 16), about a Brooklyn longshoreman named Eddie Carbone who is obsessed with his young niece. Ivo van Hove, who helmed the production at the Young Vic in London and on Broadway, will direct.
Next up will be Amélie, A New Musical (Dec. 4–Jan. 15, 2017), with book by Craig Lucas, music by Daniel Messé, and lyrics by Nathan Tysen and Messé, based on the 2001 film. Based on the 2001 film, the story follows inquisitive and charmingly shy Amélie who turns the streets of Montmartre, France into a world of her own imagining. Kimberly Grigsby will provide musical direction, and Pat MacKinnon will direct.
The season will continue with the Broadway production Fun Home (Feb. 21–April 1, 2017), with music by Jeanine Tesori, book and lyrics by Lisa Kron, based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel. The Tony-winning musical is about a woman who explores the mysteries of her childhood and sees her parents through the eyes of an adult. Danny Mefford will choreograph, and Sam Gold will direct.
The musical the Fiasco Theater production of Into the Woods (April 4–May 14, 2017) will be next, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. The piece is an intertwining of classic fairy tale creatures who journey into the woods to follow their dreams. The production will be co-directed by Noah Brody and Ben Steinfeld.
Next will be the Broadway production of Jersey Boys (May 16–June 24, 2017), with book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and lyrics by Bob Crewe. The musical tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and their journey from the wrong side of the tracks to stardom. The production will feature Sergio Trujillo’s choreography, and direction from Des McAnuff.
The season will conclude with Simon Stephens’ The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Aug. 2–Sept. 10, 2017), based on the novel by Mark Haddon, about a 15-year-old boy with an extraordinary brain who is exceptionally intelligent, but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit. Marianne Elliott will direct.
Center Theatre Group, founded in 1967, develops plays, programs education initiative, and brings theatre to its three performance spaces in Los Angeles: the Ahmanson, the Kirk Douglas, and Mark Taper Forum. The Ahmanson, its largest space, contains a mix of Broadway production and notable new works.
