BWW Previews: UD REP ENSEMBLE '17-'18 SEASON at UD REP Ensemble

Since 2008 UD Rep Ensemble has been the consistent quintessential professional theatre in the state. Never in either talent or creative (costumes, set, sound, lighting and wigs, yes wigs), have they staged anything but the most thoughtful, compelling and - at times - hysterical live theatre. I have zero clue how they do it on a general public ticket price for $28, but they do. Every show is Broadway quality, period!

I eschew this battle worn and weary trope, but UD Rep is the greatest theatrical secret in DE. Discover it for yourself this season.

Says Producing Artistic Director Sandy Robbins: "Our 2017-18 season includes the greatest American comedy, an inspiring play about Martin Luther King, Jr's last night on earth, a world premiere created for the REP acting company by one of America's most important young playwrights, one of the best mystery thrillers ever written, a hilarious bedroom farce, and one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays".

THE MOUNTAINTOP Sept 14 - Oct 8

On the eve of his death, DR. Martin Luther King retires to his quiet room in the Lorraine Motel, exhausted after delivering his famous "Mountaintop"
speech. A chance meeting with an enthusiastic maid leads him to reflect on his achievements and all the work he has left to do. An intimate and
emotional piece, this fictional reimagining of Dr. King's last night illuminates the man as well as his accomplishments.

YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU Sept 21 - Oct 8

What happens when the eccentric, rule-defying (and maybe just a bit loony) Sycamore family is introduced to the parents of their daughter's fiancé? Anything but a quiet evening with the in-laws. Hilarious mayhem and madness abound in this life-affirming classic, widely regarded as "America's greatest stage comedy."

FROM THE AUTHOR OF... Nov 9 - Dec 3

When her new book recounting stories of her self-inflicted homelessness is labeled an exploitative publicity stunt, famous New York City author Meredith Renner is critically reviled and publicly scorned. At the behest of the best PR agent money can buy, Meredith takes in a real homeless person with the goal of rehabilitating her. The task proves much more than Meredith ever bargained for as she now must consider someone other than herself for the first time in this blunt, insightful, and amusing play by acclaimed REP resident playwright, Chisa Hutchinson. Contains strong language; for mature audiences.

DIAL "M" FOR MURDER Jan 18 - Feb 4

Money was Tony's motive for marrying Margot, and now it's his motive for killing her. But when his nefarious plot goes awry, Margot's life is threatened in a whole new way. The basis for Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller, this stylish "holiday for whodunit fans" will have you on the edge of your seat until the curtain falls for the final time.

A FLEA IN HER EAR Mar 1 - 18

Raymonde suspects her husband, Victor, of infidelity and turns to her best friend to help her gain proof. Concocting a plan based on a perfumed letter and a titillating invitation, they plan to entrap him at a seedy hotel. And that's where the fun begins. This bawdy bedroom farce swirls with confused identities, revolving beds, a great many doors, and the unfortunate fact that the tipsy hotel porter is the exact double of Victor. Widely regarded as one of the funniest farces ever written, you won't want to miss the non-stop hilarity!

TWELFTH NIGHT April 19 -May 6

Shakespeare's classic comedy of mistaken identity and unrequited love. Viola dresses as a man after being shipwrecked in the strange, new land of Illyria. But things get confusing when she falls for her new boss and her boss's crush falls in love with her. Shakespeare's masterpiece reminds us that that love makes fools of us all. This co-production with The Acting Company production will premiere at the REP and then transfer to New York City's Polonsky Shakespeare Center.

Rep.Udel.edu 302.831.2204 There are as many subscription prices as there is diversity in this year's season. Treat yourself.

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