STONY POINT, N.Y.: Penguin Rep Theatre has announced its 2017-18 season, featuring four main stage productions and a reading series.
“At a time when there is an urgent need for joy, we’re excited to share enduring stories that echo our universal hopes, challenges, and dreams,” said artistic director Joe Brancato in a statement.
The season will open with Trayf (May 19-June 11), by Lindsay Joelle, about a young man who spends his days abiding to the rule of his orthodox community, and evenings roller skating and listening to rock ’n’ roll. Benjamin Kamine will direct.
Next up will be Cobb (June 30-July 23), by Lee Blessing, about the first baseball player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Ty Cobb. Brancato will direct.
Following will be Allan Knee’s Syncopation (Aug. 11-Sept. 3), about a Jewish butcher and a young Italian garment worker who fall in love in New York City in 1911.
The season will conclude with the world premiere of Fall River (Oct. 13-Nov. 5), by Frederick Stroppel, about a woman accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in Fall River, Mass., in 1892. Brancato will direct.
The programming will also include David Deblinger’s Lucky Penny (April 22), a one-night performance featuring Deblinger and Fred Johnson.
Another special event will be Shistory Happens! (Sept. 23), written and performed by Robert Wuhl, a popular culture and history comedy show at SUNY Rockland Community College.
Penguin Rep will also present its “Play With Your Food” series (June-August), featuring readings of new plays and food.
Founded in 1977, Penguin Rep produces performances and readings in its 108-seat theatre, which was converted from an 1880’s hay barn.