PITTSFIELD, MASS: Barrington Stage Company has announced its 2017 season, featuring dramas, musicals, and thrillers.
The first show will be the Creative Place International/AND Theatre Company’s production of Kunstler (May 18-June 10), by Jeffrey Sweet, about a defense lawyer whose best-known clients include the Chicago Seven, inmates involved in the Attica prison riots, and members of the American Indian Movement. Jeff McCarthy will star, and Meagan Fay will direct.
Next will be Conor McPherson’s The Birds (June 15-July 8), inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s short story which is the basis for Alfred Hitchcock’s film. The play follows two strangers who are driven to an isolated island to escape the mysterious masses of attacking birds. Julianne Boyd will direct.
Following will be Ragtime (June 21-July 15), with a book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty, based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow. The musical weaves together the stories of an upper-class wife, a Jewish immigrant, and a Harlem musician, who are all chasing the American dream at the start of the 20th century. Joe Calarco will direct.
Next up will be Taking Steps (July 20-Aug. 5), by Alan Ayckbourn, a comedy about a former dancer who will do anything to escape her overbearing husband.
Following will be Melissa James Gibson’s This (Aug. 3-27), about a circle of friends approaching middle age. Christopher Innvar will direct.
Next will be Company (Aug. 10-Sept. 2), with book by George Furth and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, about a bachelor who attempts to understand the pros and cons of marriage. Jeffrey Page will choreograph, and Boyd will direct.
Following will be Gaslight (Angel Street) (Oct. 4-22), by Patrick Hamilton, a psychological thriller about a handsome man who is slowly driving his wife to the brink of insanity.
An additional production to close the season will be announced at a later date.
Barrington Stage Company, founded in 1995 , develops new plays and musicals and aims to bring young people to the theatre.
