SEATTLE: A Contemporary Theatre (ACT) announced the details of its 2015–16 season, which will include six plays on the mainstage and two large-scale shows in ACTLab, the theatre’s program for the development of new and experimental works.
This season will be the first for ACT artistic director, John Langs, who will be taking over for the outgoing artistic director, Kurt Beattie, in January.
“I’ve been in a conversation with ACT audiences for several years now and the plays we’ve selected for 2016 reflect where that conversation is going next,” said Langs in a statement. “It is an exciting time to launch this season as we are going into an election year, after our milestone 50th anniversary, and during a time when Seattle is changing.”
The season begins with Buzzer (Feb. 2–21, 2016), Tracey Scott Wilson’s study of race, relationships, and gentrification. An ACTLab production, Buzzer will be presented in collaboration with local producer AJ Epstein Presents.
Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins (Feb. 27–May 8, 2016), a co-production with local 5th Avenue Theatre, follows. Langs will direct.
Next is Stupid Fucking Bird (April 8–May 8, 2016), Aaron Posner’s 21st-century adaptation of The Seagull. One of the most produced plays of the 2015–16 season, Posner’s angst-ridden tragicomedy incorporates metatheatrics and musical elements in its update of Chekhov’s classic.
The Mystery of Love & Sex (May 27–June 26, 2016), Bathsheba Doran’s portrait of two relationships from two generations, will play next in ACT’s Allen Theatre.
Next is Daisy (July 8–Aug. 7, 2016), the world premiere of Sean Devine’s politically-charged story of the ad men behind Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1964 presidential campaign,
Bad Apples (Sept. 6–25, 2016), the season’s second ACTLab production, will follow. A biting, irreverent rock musical set in a Baghdad nightclub, Bad Apples will be co-presented with Sidecountry Theatre and Circle X Theatre. Langs will direct.
The Royale (Sept. 9–Oct. 9, 2016), a glimpse into the world of early 20th-century boxing, is next. Royale playwright Marco Ramirez, known for his TV work on “Sons of Anarchy” and “Orange is the New Black,” finds inspiration in the story of Jack Johnson, the first African-American world heavyweight champion.
Christopher Hampton’s Dangerous Liaisons (Oct. 21–Nov. 20, 2016), a theatrical adaption of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’s 1782 novel of gamesmanship, seduction and aristocratic rivalry, rounds off the mainstage season.
Finally, The Christmas Carol will make its holiday rounds, marking ACT’s 41st year with Greg Falls’ adaptation of the classic Dickens morality tale.
