SEATTLE: The 5th Avenue Theatre has announced its 2017-18 season featuring seven productions, including new and classic musicals and a world premiere.
“We take great pride at the 5th in creating experiences that become lifelong memories for our audience,” said executive producer and artistic director David Armstrong in a statement.
The season will open with Something Rotten! (Sept. 12-Oct. 1), book by John O’Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick and music and lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom want to write a hit play, but it proves difficult with Shakespeare in town. Instead, they set out to create something that’s never been done before—the world’s first musical.
Next up will be Ragtime (Oct. 13-Nov. 5), book by Terrence McNally with score by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. At the turn of the century in New York, the stories of a Jewish immigrant, a Harlem musician, and an upper-class mother intersect. This rendition will be modeled after Theatre Latté Da’s production and performed in collaboration with Asolo Repertory Theatre. Peter Rothstein will direct.
The holidays will bring Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn (Nov. 24-Dec. 31), based on the Oscar-winning film with libretto by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge. Variety show performer Jim leaves the bright city lights for a simple farm life in Connecticut. When he meets Linda, a schoolteacher with talent of her own, they turn the farmhouse into an inn featuring performances for every holiday. Armstrong will direct.
Kicking off the new year will be the world premiere of INTERMISSION! THE MUSICAL! (Feb. 9-March 4, 2018), book by Jerry Zucker with music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner. Two brothers find themselves in the tiny land of Potku-Potku after receiving an email promising them money from a long-lost relative, prompting a slew of unexpected shenanigans. Jerry Zucker will direct.
Following will be Ride the Cyclone (March 9-May 20, 2018), in partnership with A Contemporary Theatre (ACT), with book, music, and lyrics by Brooke Maxwell and Jacob Richmond. The musical tells the story of high school students trapped in purgatory after their roller coaster derails at an amusement park. Rachel Rockwell will direct.
Next up will be Kiss Me, Kate (April 6-29, 2018), book by Samuel and Bella Spewack with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. Based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, a recently split couple has to perform in the Bard’s play as feisty love interests. Alan Paul will direct.
Wrapping up the season will be The Hunchback of Notre Dame (June 1-24, 2018), music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Based on Victor Hugo’s novel, the story follows a lonely hunchback finding friendship, love, and faith. Glenn Casale will direct.
The 5th Avenue Theatre produces musical theatre and focuses on developing new work.
