LONG BEACH, CALIF.: International City Theatre (ICT) has announced its 2021 season, featuring five productions beginning early next year.
“We’re making this announcement with hope in our hearts that we’ll be able to get back to the business of doing theatre in the new year,” said producing artistic director caryn desai in a statement. “We will, of course, have the strictest safety protocols in place for our patrons, who will be carefully socially distanced, and we’re working closely with the union to ensure the safety of our actors. We are all longing for the wonderful, irreplaceable community experience that is live theatre, and we’ve lined up a season that will deliver.”
The season will kick off with Blues in the Night (Feb. 19-March 7, 2021), by Sheldon Epps, a musical revue featuring the songs of Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Alberta Hunter, Jimmy Cox, Ida Cox, and more. Wren T. Brown will direct.
Next up will be Wendy MacLeod’s Slow Food (April 30-May 16, 2021), a comedy about a vacationing couple celebrating their anniversary at a restaurant and the wacky server who insinuates his way into their meal. Marya Mazor will direct.
Following will be The Legend of Georgia McBride (June 4-20, 2021), by Matthew Lopez, about an out-of-work Elvis impersonator who takes on a job in a drag show to support his family. Jamie Torcellini will direct.
Next will be Wendy Graf’s Closely Related Keys (Aug. 27-Sept. 12, 2021), a drama about an African American attorney and the shocking discovery that she has an Iraqi half-sister. The play, originally scheduled as part of ICT’s 2020 season, will be directed by Saundra McClain.
The season will conclude with Yasmina Reza’s Art (Oct. 22-Nov. 7, 2021), a comedy about three friends contemplating the merits of a recently purchased, very expansive blank piece of art. Desai will direct.
“This has been such a difficult year for everybody,” desai said in a statement. “We can’t give up hope, and it’s in that spirit that we must move forward as best we can.”
Founded in 1985, International City Theatre produces contemporary works and provides educational programming.
