BETHESDA, MD.: Imagination Stage has announced its 2017-18 season, which is titled “Tell a Story.”
“In our upcoming season, I know you will find many memorable characters,” said artistic director Janet Stanford in a statement. “Charlotte, Robin Hood, and Charlie Brown are characters that many adults have known and loved all their lives. Besides those that you likely already know, there are Leo and Lizzy in Miriam Gonzales’ play The Smartest Girl in the World. And, in The Princess and the Pauper—A Bollywood Tale, you’ll meet Razia and Zainab, two girls from Dehli in India. Maybe you will discover that one of these new characters finds a place in your heart for all time! Whether the story is new or old, stories told this season will give you precious shared experiences with family members and friends.”
The season will begin with The Smartest Girl in the World (Oct. 7-29), by Miriam Gonzales, about two sisters with plans to win their school’s TV challenge competition. The cast will feature Alina Collins Maldonado, Yesenia Iglesias, and Dallas Tolentino. Associate artistic director Kathryn Chase Bryer will direct.
In time for the holidays will be Charlotte’s Web (Nov. 18, 2017-Jan. 7, 2018), about a farm girl, a charismatic pig, and the animals of Zuckerman Farm. The cast will include Daven Ralsten, Jonathan Feuer, Matthew Schleigh, Javier del Pilar, and Hasani Allen. Deborah Jacobson will provide music direction, and Bryer will direct.
Following will be Anu Yadav’s The Princess and the Pauper—A Bollywood Tale (Feb. 10-March 18, 2018), with music by Ashwin Subramanian, about two girls from India whose story mirrors Mark Twain’s famous tale about a prince and a peasant boy who swap places. Stanford will direct.
The season will continue with Robin Hood (April 14-May 20, 2018), by Greg Banks, about a town hero and his comrades who rob the rich to help the poor in Sherwood Forest. Chris Dinolfo will star, and Stanford will direct.
Next will be You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (June 23-Aug. 12, 2018), with book, music, and lyrics by Clark M. Gesner, additional dialogue by Michael Mayer, and additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Based on the comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, the musical follows the classic comic strip characters as they sing their way through the struggles of childhood. Aaron Posner will direct.
Founded in 1979, Imagination Stage aims to inspire young people of all abilities through year-round theatre productions and education programs.
