Actors' Theatre Grand Rapids (www.atgr.org) is proud to announce the productions scheduled for its 31st season. Known for providing West Michigan with the best works of contemporary theatre, the 2011-12 Season exemplifies this commitment. Jonathan Clausen, Director of Development and Marketing says of the upcoming season:
Our commitment to new works and great contemporary theatre has never been stronger. We are especially proud of the two brand new plays which will appear on our stage next season, in addition to two of the most popular and powerful pieces of contemporary theatre to debut in the last decade: Spring Awakening – The Musical and August: Osage County. Geoffrey Naufft's piece, Next Fall, is a wonderful script that was immediately on our short list of plays to produce next season.
The productions scheduled for the 2011-12 Season are as follows:
RUST by Austin Bunn with Working Group Theatre *WORLD PREMIERE*
September 29-October 8, 2011
In October 2008, General Motors announced it would shutter the 75 year- old stamping plant on 36th street in Wyoming, Michigan. Based on interviews of those affected by the close of the plant, the "GM gypsies", tool and die third shifters, even the "ax men", RUST explores what happens to the people who make things…when we stop making things. A world premiere original work.
PRODUCTION SPONSOR
SPRING AWAKENING – The New Musical, book and lyrics by Steven Sater, music by Duncan Sheik
December 1-17, 2011
Celebrating the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with an unforgettable power, poignancy, and passion, Spring Awakening is the winner of 8 TONY Awards, including Best Musical. Spring Awakening will be directed by Fred Sebulske.
Next Fall by Geoffrey Nauffts *WEST MICHIGAN PREMIERE*
January 26-February 4, 2012
A witty and provocative look at faith, commitment and unconditional love. Luke believes in God. Adam believes in everything else. When an accident changes everything, Adam must turn to Luke's family and friends for support… and answers.
Next Fall asks us what it means to "believe" and what it might cost us not to. Next Fall will be directed by Tom Kaechele.
Ampersand by Vincent Delaney *A NEW PLAY*
March 22-31, 2012
Ampersand follows Kate and Marlowe, a couple who fly to Switzerland to rehabilitate their marriage. Then their clones arrive on the scene. A fast-paced dark farce that throws you headlong into questions about marriage, family and how we try to shape those we say we adore. Vincent Delaney is a Seattle-based playwright whose work has premiered at The Guthrie, The Humana Festival, and Seattle Rep, among others. Ampersand will be directed by Randy Wyatt.
August: Osage County by Tracy Letts *PULITZER PRIZE WINNER*
May 17-26, 2012
Dad has vanished... Mom is addicted to prescription pills… Three sisters, each harboring shady secrets… The large Weston family comes together when Dad disappears, and the homestead explodes in a storm of repressed truths and unsettling secrets. August: Osage County unflinchingly—and uproariously—exposes a Midwestern American family…and it's dark side! Winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Director TBA.
Season Tickets may be purchased online at www.atgr.org or by calling the Actors' Theatre Business Office at (616) 234-3968.
These activities are supported by the
MICHIGAN COUNCIL FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS
and the
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
ABOUT ACTORS' THEATRE
Actors' Theatre Company was founded in 1980 by a group of West Michigan actors, led by Professor Fred Sebulske, then Chair of the theatre program at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). This company chose a purpose of staging productions that were not available to the community of Greater Grand Rapids due to reasons of complexity, the controversial nature of the subjects, and/or their limited mass appeal.
Actors' Theatre is committed to providing West Michigan with the best in entertaining, innovative, challenging, and thought-provoking theatre.
We believe in the inclusion of all.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jonathan Clausen
616-234-3817
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