STORRS, CONN.: Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) has announced its 2019-20 mainstage season, as well as its studio workshop series, featuring works by Chekhov, Tom Stoppard, Sarah DeLappe, and more.
“Our work as change agents in our community is to bring our audience theatre that drives us to not only laughter and tears, and to think, but to that place beyond language,” said artistic director Michael Bradford in a statement. “We want to make theatre that does no less than sweep you up in the moment. As CRT embarks on our 70th season of producing work, we are focusing all our energy on reimagining, reinvigorating, and reconnecting to our artistic vision and to our patrons.”
The season begins with Chekhov’s classic The Cherry Orchard (Oct. 3-13th). Performances will be at the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theatre, and John Miller-Stephany will direct.
Next will be Shakespeare in Love (Nov. 21-23, Dec 4-8) by Tom Stoppard, Lee Hall, and Marc Norman, adapted from the Oscar-winning film. It follows a young, pre-fame Will Shakespeare as he struggles with writer’s block until he meets Viola, a merchant’s daughter with theatrical ambitions of her own. Vincent Tyler will direct.
Following will be The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Feb. 27-March 8, 2020), Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel adaptation by Simon Stephens. Kristin Wold will direct the story of 15-year old Christopher, accused of killing a neighbor’s dog, who sets out to solve the mystery and prove his innocence.
The mainstage series ends with the classic Little Shop of Horrors (April 23-May 3, 2020) from the musical team of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. The comedy-horror-romance will incorporate talent from University of Connecticut’s Puppet Arts Program.
The studio workshop series begins with a 2017 Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, The Wolves (Oct. 24- Nov. 3) by Sarah DeLappe, directed by Julie Foh. The play follows a high school girls’ soccer team, and combines the tumult of teenage self-discovery and the journey of finding your place in a group.
The second play in the Studio Workshop Series is Jacklyn Backhaus’ Men on Boats (March 26-April 5, 2020). Based on the tale of 19th-century explorer John Wesley Powell and his devoted crew, 10 explorers, 4 boats, and the Grand Canyon take centerstage in a subversive reworking of history.
Founded in 1949, Connecticut Repertory Theatre is the professional producing arm of the University of Connecticut’s Department of Dramatic Arts, where visiting professional artists, faculty members, and advanced students collaborate year-round.
