The Season is Announced!

by Janine Sobeck

 

We are just 250 days away.  That's it.  250 days from a season that celebrates two major milestones: 

The opening of the Mead Center for American Theater.

Arena's 60th anniversary.

If you can't tell...we'll all pretty excited.

This morning, thanks to the Washington Post, our 2010/2011 season has been officially announced.  You can get the full scope of everything that we will be doing in order to fulfill our role in the production, presentation, development and study of American theatre in their article, HERE.

And here it is...

giant american musical
OKLAHOMA!
music by Richard Rodgers
book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
directed by Molly Smith
October 23 - December 26, 2010
in the Fichandler

Celebrate our return to Southwest D.C. with the great American musical Oklahoma! Set to the unforgettable music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, this beloved masterpiece will sing and dance its way into your heart with a rip-roaring, barn-shaking, boot-stomping production.

electrifying world premiere
EVERY TONGUE CONFESS
by Marcus Gardley
November 9, 2010 - January 2, 2011
in the Kogod Cradle

A rollicking revivalist church engulfed in flame sets the scene for this exhilarating new work by Marcus Gardley (On the Levee). With vital lessons from the ghosts of history, Every Tongue Confess blends gospel music, ancient myth, magical realism and the local TV news to create an unforgettable, passionate play.

mesmerizing theatricality
THE ARABIAN NIGHTS
written and directed by Mary Zimmerman
adapted from The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night
in association with Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Kansas City Repertory Theatre and Lookingglass Theatre Company
January 14 - February 20, 2011
in the Fichandler

Mystical tales of genies, lovers, thieves and jesters spring from a courageous young girl's imagination — securing her freedom and winning the heart of a troubled king. Tony Award-winning director Mary Zimmerman celebrates the wonder of storytelling and the redemptive power of love in this "exhilarating, imaginative theatrical escape" (Variety).

The Edward Albee Festival

Winner of three Pulitzer Prizes and three Tony Awards, Edward Albee is our nation's greatest living playwright. In an unprecedented salute to this American giant, Arena Stage will present two full produced Albee plays, as well as readings of all 30 of his works.

fiercely american drama
Edward Albee's
WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
directed by Pam MacKinnon
February 18 - April 3, 2011
in the Kreeger

You're invited for drinks with George and Martha. As wickedly hilarious today as when it first shocked audiences, Albee's Tony Award-winning, scathing portrait of a marriage gone wrong is "a brilliantly original work of art" (Newsweek) that packs a helluva dramatic wallop.

recently expanded masterpiece
Edward Albee's
AT HOME AT THE ZOO
February 18 - April 17, 2011
in the Kogod Cradle

American master Edward Albee revisits The Zoo Story, the profound one-act that launched his career, to create a riveting new drama. A meticulous and nuanced look at the lives of three New Yorkers, this "daring mix of theatricalism and biting dialogue" (Los Angeles Times) remains at once contemporary and timeless.

award-winning drama
RUINED
by Lynn Nottage
directed by Charles Randolph-Wright
April 22 - June 5, 2011
in the Fichandler
winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Lucille Lortel Award and Obie Award

In war-torn Congo, Mama Nadi keeps the peace between customers on both sides of the civil war as she protects and profits from the women under her charge. The most honored play of 2009, this "remarkable theatrical accomplishment" (Chicago Tribune) tells an uncommonly human story with humor and song, exploring the immeasurable loss of war and the life-affirming power of hope.

SHOW #7 - TO BE ANNOUNCED
fall 2010

Arena Stage is in the final stages of securing an exciting production to reopen the Kreeger Theater. As full-season subscribers get seven shows for the price of six, it will be like getting this show for FREE! And trust us, you won't want to miss this one.

Also as part of the season, The American Voices New Play Institute at Arena Stage will feature presentations from the seven inaugural selections of the National Endowment for the Arts New Play Development Program (NEA NPDP). These readings will take place in the Kogod Cradle January 17 – 30, 2011: 

Outstanding New American Play Selections:

The Brother/Sister Plays by Tarell McCraney
World Premiere: April 24 – June 21, 2009, McCarter Theatre

Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo by Rajiv Joseph
World Premiere: May 10 – June 7, 2009, Center Theatre Group

 

Distinguished Development Project Selections:

I've Never Been So Happy by Rude Mechanicals

Agnes Under the Big Top by Aditi Kapil, Lark Play Development Center

Happy End to Everything by Lloyd Suh, The Children's Theatre Company

Detour/South Bronx by Claudia Rankine, The Foundry Theatre

Steinbeck’s The Pastures of Heaven by Octavio Solis, California Shakespeare Theater

Comments

[Andrew]

I'm SO excited for the Albee festival. I've always wanted to see Virginia Woolf on stage. Also, Arabian Nights sounds pretty great. Good choices all around.

[Magpie]

So, how far in advance will we be able to purchase tickets? I really, REALLY want to see Arabian Nights, but the only day I'll be in town will be opening night.

[Janine]

Season tickets are currently on sale...so if you're interested in more than one show, you could buy your ticket today. Otherwise, single tickets will go on sale September 1st.

[kaye vet]

This is a great show and event! Are there still available tickets? I would love to watch Arabian Nights! It's fun to bring your family and kids.

[Janine]

Hi Kaye!

Yes, tickets are still available. You can find them at: http://tickets.arenastage.org/single/psDetail.aspx?psn=663&sStatus=new