Moonbox Productions Sets 2016-17 Season

Moonbox Productions, nominated for numerous IRNE and Elliot Norton Awards, is thrilled to announce its theatrical line up for the 2016-2017 season. In November, Moonbox kicks-off its season with acclaimed playwright, Peter Shaffer's, brilliant Tony Award winning production, Amadeus. Then in April, Moonbox will go "under the big top" with the dazzling American musical, Barnum, by Mark Bramble, Michael Stewart and Cy Coleman.

The world suffered a great loss this year with the death of acclaimed playwright Peter Shaffer. Moonbox Productions is honored to celebrate Shaffer's life by presenting his masterwork Amadeus. Opening on November 25th and running through December 17th, Moonbox's production of Amadeus will play in the intimate setting of the Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Theatre.

Produced by Sharman Altshuler and directed by Allison Olivia Choat, Amadeus is an extraordinary meditation on art, love and the human condition. The year is 1781, and the place is Vienna. Joseph II is Emperor of Austria, and Vienna's world of music is ruled by the precise and pedantic composer Antonio Salieri. Then the famous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart arrives, throwing Salieri's predictable court life into chaos. At first, Mozart's genius fills Salieri with awe, but that awe quickly turns to a poisonous jealousy. Salieri must decide how far he will go to protect the world he has created, and to destroy the man who is a constant reminder of the artist he will never be.

Moonbox Productions' season continues in the spring, April 7th to April 30th, at the Boston Center for the Arts Calderwood Pavilion, Roberts Studio Theatre with the American musical, Barnum, by Mark Bramble, Michael Stewart and Cy Coleman. Produced by Sharman Altshuler and directed and choreographed by Rachel Bertone, this dazzling show traces the career of P.T. Barnum, America's greatest showman, from 1835 to 1881, the year he joined James A. Bailey to form "The Greatest Show On Earth". Over the objections of his grounded and level-headed wife Charity, Barnum attempts to create a show in which the main attractions are freaks of society. Included in this mix are the oldest woman alive, the smallest man in the world, a glamorous Swedish opera singer, and Jumbo the Elephant! Although the "prince of humbug" makes sacrifices along the way, Barnum tells a story about hope and determinism and how anyone can achieve their greatest goals if they dream big and bright enough and have the courage of their convictions.

Throughout the 2016-2017 season Moonbox will continue its support of local non-profits by partnering with a different non-profit organization for each show, giving them greater visibility and helping them to increase the reach and impact of their work.

"It's going to be another extraordinary year for Moonbox," said Sharman Altshuler, Producer and Artistic Director for Moonbox Productions. "We are presenting two very different shows about two very different people, both of whom, nonetheless, have had profound influences on our culture and on our human experience," said Altshuler. "We have an outstanding team of designers, technicians and performers -- old friends and new - coming together to bring these wonderful works of art to life," said Altshuler. "It will be a season to remember!"

For more information regarding Moonbox Productions' 2016-2017 season go to www.moonboxproductions.org.