DORSET, VT.: Dorset Theatre Festival has announced its 2019 mainstage summer season. In addition to world premieres from Theresa Rebeck and Heidi Armbruster, the lineup includes comedies from Noël Coward and Wendy MacLeod.
“We are so looking forward to a season that both welcomes back our friend Theresa Rebeck and introduces our audiences to Heidi’s exciting new voice,” Will Rucker, Dorset Theatre Festival’s producing director, said in a statement. “And all of this season’s plays are being supported by a really top-tier roster of directors and designers from across the country.”
Opening the season will be Private Lives (June 20- July 6) by Noël Coward. The comedy of manners kicks off when a former couple meets by chance while honeymooning with their new spouses. What follows includes an impulsive elopement, aggrieved spouses, and a roundelay of affiliations. Evan Yionoulis will direct.
The world premiere of Theresa Rebeck’s Dig (July 11-27) will follow, directed by the playwright. A play about courage, redemption and photosynthesis, Dig centers on a dying plant shop in a dying urban neighborhood and a visitor improbably clinging to life.
After this will be Mrs. Christie (Aug. 1-17) by Heidi Armbruster, also a world premiere. Inspired by Agatha Christie’s 11-day disappearance in 1926, Mrs. Christie shifts between time to unravel a real-life mystery of the famous author. Giovanna Sardelli will direct.
The mainstage season will close with Wendy MacLeod’s Slow Food (Aug 22-31), directed by Jackson Gay. It traces couple’s attempt at a nice meal to celebrate their anniversary, which is thwarted by an absurd server who will have them examining everything from their menu choices to their very future together.
Founded in 1929, Dorset Theatre Festival’s mission is to create bold, innovative, and authentic theatre that engages a diverse, multi-generational community, and economically diverse region.
