PITTSBURGH: City Theatre Company has announced its 2019-20 season, the first season for artistic director Marc Masterson since his return to the company last summer. Masterson led the company between 1981 and 2000.
“These six plays are created by some of the most compelling talent working in the American theatre today,” said Masterson in a statement. “They celebrate a wide range of styles and stories that deserve to be seen. We can’t wait to introduce our friends to City Theatre audiences.”
The season will kick off with Lauren Yee’s Cambodian Rock Band (Sept. 14-Oct. 6), featuring songs by Dengue Fever. The play explores the legacy of the Khmer Rouge genocide through the music-filled story of a Cambodian American woman and her father, who return to the country he fled 30 years later. Marti Lyons will direct.
Next up will be One Night in Miami…(Nov. 9-Dec. 1), by Kemp Powers, which depicts Cassius Clay and his friendships with Civil Rights activist Malcolm X, legendary singer Sam Cooke, and football star Jim Brown as they go out on the town after Clay wins the title of heavyweight championship. Reginald L. Douglas will direct.
Following will be Theresa Rebeck’s Downstairs (Jan. 11-Feb. 2, 2020), about family secrets, regrets, and the search for the good life. Masterson will direct.
The season will continue with Molly Smith Metzler’s Cry It Out (Feb. 29-March 22, 2020), about the challenges of parenthood.
Next will be Isaac Gomez’s PerkUp PerKup (April 4-May 10, 2020), about the best coffee shop in Elkhorn, Wisc., that is challenged by a newcomer in town. Masterson will direct.
The season will conclude with the world premiere of F*ck7thGrade (May 9-31, 2020), with music, lyrics, and concept by Jill Sobule, and book by Liza Birkenmeier. The play takes audiences on a rock ’n’ roll celebration of coming of age and coming out.
City Theatre Company, founded in 1975, is committed to developing and producing new plays.
