OpenStage Theatre Comes Full Circle for Its 2011-2012 Season

OpenStage Theatre is coming full circle for its 39th Anniversary Season as they return home with 4 shows in the newly remodeled Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre and go back to their 1973 grassroots with 3 shows in locations throughout Fort Collins.

Season tickets range from $80 to $120 and are available through the Lincoln Center box office, 970-221-6730, and online at LCTIX.com.

33 Variations by Moisés Kaufman, directed by Peter Anthony

Sept. 9 to Oct. 9, 2011 • Masonic Temple Ballroom, 225 W. Oak St., Ft. Collins

A Regional Premiere!

In 1891 Vienna, a music publisher wrote a waltz and sent it to fifty composers, asking each to contribute a variation. At first, Ludwig van Beethoven dismissed it as a "cobbler's patch." But then he became obsessed with the waltz and ultimately wrote 33 variations. Why? That is the question that haunts musicologist Dr. Katherine Brand as her own life crumbles around her. In a journey that spans 200 years, Moisés Kaufman's Broadway hit is a sublime waltz between past and present, fact and speculation, art and life.

Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show, book, music and lyrics Richard O'Brien, directed by Emelie Borello

Oct. 29 to Nov. 27, 2011 • Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre, 417 W. Magnolia St., Ft. Collins

The original stage version of the classic cult film from 1975, Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show is an outrageous parody of science fiction and horror films. Follow squeaky-clean sweethearts Brad and Janet on an adventure with the fantastic Frank'n'Furter, rippling Rocky and marvelous Magenta. Bursting at the seams with the music of Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, Time Warp, The Rocky Horror Show is the biggest and baddest rock ‘n' roll musical of them all, so sharpen those stilettos for the rockiest ride of your life!
A Child's Christmas in Wales, adapted from the short story by Dylan Thomas by Philip C. Sneed and The Foothill Theatre Company, directed by Bruce K. Freestone

Dec. 2 to Dec. 30, 2011 • Midtown Arts Center, 3750 S. Mason St., Ft. Collins

Dylan Thomas' classic story takes us on a lyrical journey back to the magic and marvel of boyhood where no two moments were ever alike and life was embraced with belief instead of doubt. The well-loved poet's soaring language steers the story away from cliché and sets it in a world of tenderness and memory.

The 39 Steps, adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan from the movie of Alfred Hitchcock and an original concept by Nobby Dimon and Simon Corble, directed by Wendy S. Moore

Jan. 7 to Feb. 5, 2012 • Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre, 417 W. Magnolia St., Ft. Collins

Imagination runs wild as Hitchcock meets hilarious in this ingenious theatrical invention. Combining a spy thriller with farcical comedy and a touch of romance, The 39 Steps is an engaging, quick-fire whodunit that celebrates the magic of theater. Closely following the storyline of Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 film, the play features more than thirty characters brought to life by a cast of just four actors.
Othello, by William Shakespeare, directed by Denise Burson Freestone

Feb. 18 to Mar. 18, 2012 • Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre, 417 W. Magnolia St., Ft. Collins

In his thrilling story of Othello, the noble Moor who loved not wisely but too well, Shakespeare creates a tragedy of a love destroyed by jealousy. Provoked by the treacherous Iago's lies, Othello begins to mistrust his loyal bride, Desdemona. As his suspicions rise, Othello collapses under the weight of his self-doubt, eventually destroying his once-happy marriage. In his most intimate tragedy, Shakespeare constructs a highly charged tale of prejudice, revenge and the destruction of innocence.
The Ladies Man, by Georges Feydeau, adapted freely by Charles Morey, directed by Judith Allen

Mar. 31 to Apr. 28, 2012 • Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre, 417 W. Magnolia St., Ft. Collins

A frothy, fast-paced farce in the classic French style, The Ladies Man is a side-splitting evening of entertainment with all the intricate inner workings of an elaborate mousetrap. The Ladies Man is nothing short of absurd madness, where a maze lurks behind every slamming door and mistaken identities multiply like rabbits.

To Be Announced, directed by Ann Whiteman

June 1 to July 1, 2012 • outside location to be announce

OpenStage Theatre has an exotic outdoor mystery planned for its summer show. They can't tell you about it yet. It will be fun. It will be memorable. And it's guaranteed to thrill people of all ages. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs, bring a picnic dinner, and prepare yourself for a unique, exhilarating adventure!

Individual adult evening tickets range from $22-$32, and matinee, senior, student and group tickets range from $16 to $22. A special ticket price $12 for children 12 years and under is available for A Child's Christmas in Wales and the final outside show.

For information on performance dates and special offers, visit openstage.com. Special offers for each OpenStage Theatre season show include:

FAB Friday: on the Friday after opening weekend, all tickets are $14 and include a free beer, compliments of Boulder Beer;
PlayClub: on the third Saturday of each run there will be a discussion following the performance facilitated by Matter Bookstore, Old Firehouse Books and Reader's Cove;
Pay-What-You-Can Performance: on the Thursday following opening weekend, admission is by donation at the door (no advance reservations).
Childcare: is provided by Young People's Learning Center on the first and third Friday of each month; for childcare reservations call 970-482-1212.
Free Student/Educator Performance: on the Thursday prior to opening weekend. Call 970-484-5237 to make reservations.

In addition, OpenStage Theatre will present two unique fundraising events for the season:
Casino Royale: The Sting

Mar. 24, 2012 • location to be announced

Place your bets with OpenStage Theatre as they transport you back to a time of shifty gangsters, sexy grifters and foxy dames for our third annual gaming fundraiser. This year's event pays homage to the classic 1973 Academy Award winning film, The Sting, starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman. Join OpenStage for a wild evening of cards, a silent auction, fabulous prizes, and of course, some gambling hall brawls. This great American caper is sure to be the cat's meow! Tickets available through the Lincoln Center, 970-221-6730, or online at LCTIX.com.
OpenStage Theatre's Big Lebowski Bowling and Halloween Extravaganza

Oct. 30, 2011 • Chipper's Lane, 830 N. College Ave., Ft. Collins

OpenStage presents an evening of bowling, costumes, prizes, food, cash bar, music and spooky Halloween fun in this movie buff's dream come true. Tickets available through the Lincoln Center, 970-221-6730, or online at LCTIX.com.
OpenStage Theatre's 39th anniversary season is sponsored by A-Train Marketing Communications, Shaw and Associates, Amy and Paul Hach, Mawson Lumber and Hardware, and Witt Gross of Coldwell Banker. Support is also provided by grants from the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority, Colorado Creative Industries, the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Fort Collins Fort Fund, the Thornton Family Foundation and the OtterCares Foundation.

OpenStage Theatre is a not-for-profit organization that relies heavily on the support of sponsors and patrons who help make each season a success. With assistance from corporations, foundations and the general public, OpenStage has been able to maintain high quality productions for 39 years. For information on sponsorships and charitable gifts and on how you can support OpenStage Theatre, call 970-484-5237.

For more information, visit OpenStage's website at openstage.com or call 970-484-5237. Founded in 1973, OpenStage Theatre is a recipient of the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts and the CTG Henry Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, and is a member of Theatre Communications Group, the national organization for not-for-profit professional theatres.