LOWELL, MASS.: Merrimack Repertory Theatre has announced their 2019-20 season, featuring East Coast and world premieres, a substantial roster of female playwrights, and plays with interweaving scores.
The season will kick off with Tiny Beautiful Things (Sept.11-Oct.6), based on the book by Cheryl Strayed and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos. The story follows the advice columnist known as Dear Sugar as she candidly answers the public’s letters. Jen Wineman will direct.
Next up is Cambodian Rock Band (Oct.16-Nov.10), by Lauren Yee and music by the critically acclaimed band Dengue Fever. A young woman yearns to know more about her family tree three decades after her father fled from Cambodia. Marti Lyons will direct.
Following is The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley (Nov. 27-Dec. 22), by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon. In this counterpart to the previous production of of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, the audience gets a peek into the life of those living below the Bennets. A scandal ensues as their servants are unexpectedly and unwantedly visited by a man named Mr. Wickham.
After that is Maytag Virgin (Jan. 8-Feb. 2, 2020), by Audrey Cefaly, which explores the nuances of old-fashioned and modern romance in the South. Eleanor Holdridge will direct.
Merrimack will present the world premiere of The Lowell Offering (Feb. 12-Mar. 8, 2020), by Andy Bayiates and Genevra Gallo-Bayiates. This historical drama follows the triumphs and tribulations of magazine editor, Harriet Farley, and a labor activist, Sarah Bagley.
Up next is Nina Simone: Four Women (Mar. 18-Apr.12), by Christina Ham, based on Simone’s song Four Women, about the young girls who died in the 1963 Alabama church bombing. Kenneth Roberson will direct.
The season will close with Lullaby (Apr. 22-May 17, 2020), by Michael Elyanow, featuring the music and lyrics of Garrison Starr and Chris Dallman. This East Coast premiere highlights love and loss through dark comedy and a folk rock score.
Merrimack Repertory Theatre, founded 40 years ago, strives to spotlight contemporary work and new plays and educate the public about emerging theatrical voices.
