Orlando Shakespeare Theater Announces Its 2011 2012 Season

ORLANDO SHAKESPEARE THEATER ANNOUNCES ITS 2011-2012 SEASON

Central Florida's premiere home for professional theater celebrates its 23rd Season with an exciting mix of the contemporary and classic productions

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF announces its 2011-2012 Season, which includes the company's trademark mix of bold productions of Shakespeare, the hottest shows from Broadway, popular stories for children of all ages, and modern classics featuring the region's favorite performers and artists. Season tickets are available now from www.orlandoshakes.org or by phone (407) 447-1700.

"I'm really excited about this season," says Jim Helsinger, Artistic Director. "We're celebrating our 23rd Anniversary with our first production of an Oscar Wilde play, the return of one of our most popular Christmas shows, and a Shakespeare play we have never done before running in repertory with his most famous tragedy. And we still have two more announcements to make! Soon we'll know which PlayFest show will be making its premiere, and as soon as we finish negotiations with New York, we hope to announce one of the hottest plays coming straight to you from Broadway."

2011-2012 Signature Series

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST | September 14 - October 9, 2011
Written by Oscar Wilde
Margeson Theater
A rousing escapade of romance, Oscar Wilde dishes up scathing social satire, effervescent wit, and high farce making this one of the most cherished plays in the English language. In a stylish send-up of Victorian courtship and manners, charming bachelors Jack and Algernon lead double lives to woo the two young ladies who have won their hearts. When they are caught in their lies, the stage is set for clever manipulations and hilarious confusion.

A PLAYFEST PREMIERE - To Be Announced | October 12 - November 13, 2011
Goldman Theater
Orlando Shakes will be announcing their next PlayFest Premiere immediately after they complete the Harriett Lake Festival of New Plays April 8-17, 2011. Come to this year's PlayFest and help them decide next year's premiere.  What show will follow Opus, Wittenberg, Shotgun, Around the World in 80 Days, and Charm as their next PlayFest play?

A TUNA CHRISTMAS | December 1-24, 2011
Written by Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams
Margeson Theater
Back by popular demand. In this funny sequel to Greater Tuna, the outrageously funny and much loved characters of Tuna, Texas, are back for Christmas. Local radio personalities, Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie, report that the Christmas festivities are in jeopardy, and no nativity scene is safe. Join in for all the laughs as two talented men portray all 24 citizens of Texas' third smallest town, where the Lion's Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies.

ROMEO AND JULIET | January 25 - March 17, 2012
Written by William Shakespeare
Margeson Theater
Pure and passionate, tempestuous and true - the feverish intensity of youth explodes in the most enduring love story of all time. Through the hate of warring factions, in defiance of their families, and in secrecy from their closest friends, young lovers risk everything to be together. Shakespeare's masterpiece has never been so captivating, or so dangerous, as in this stirring new production.

CYMBELINE | February 18 - March 18, 2012
Written by William Shakespeare
Margeson Theater
Shakespeare's epic fairy tale is a sweeping adventure story of love, laughter, betrayal and redemption. Evil Queens, forbidden love, mistaken identities, banishment, magic potions, and poison fill the stage in this storybook adventure. After brave Princess Imogen is falsely accused of adultery and escapes her father's court, she sets forth on a treacherous and miraculous journey to reclaim her place in society and reunite with her true love.

A MODERN MASTERPIECE -TBA | March 21 - April 22, 2012
Goldman Theater
Orlando Shakes is currently in negotiations to bring you one of New York's hottest titles to end their season. Stay tuned to see what's coming to Orlando fresh from Broadway. Will the current hits God of Carnage or Red be next year's The 39 Steps?

2011-2012 Theater for Young Audiences Series

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS | July 7 - August 7, 2011
Written by Maurice Berger
Margeson Theater
Based on the classic fairy tale by The Brothers Grimm, Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs tells the famous story of a sweet girl who grows up in the woods, as part of a most unusual family - and of the Wicked Queen who will stop at nothing to be the most beautiful woman in the kingdom. Told with help from the younger members of audience, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is wicked fun for the whole family.

MISS NELSON IS MISSING | October 20 - November 19, 2011
Adapted from the book by Harry Allard and James Marshall/Book, Music & Lyrics by Joan Cushing
Margeson Theater
Miss Nelson's rude and rowdy students are misbehaving AGAIN! But the students of Room 207 are in for a surprise when Miss Nelson is replaced by Viola Swamp, the scariest substitute teacher ever. Where did Miss Nelson go, and will she ever return? Kids will enjoy this modern, witty musical while teachers and parents will love the values of respect and generosity that it teaches.

CHARLOTTE'S WEB | March 29 - April 29, 2012
By Joseph Robinette/Adapted from the book by E.B. White
Margeson Theater
Celebrate the true meaning of friendship with Charlotte the spider, Wilbur the pig, and all animals on the Zuckerman farm. When Wilbur learns of his ultimate fate at the butcher, Charlotte, a talented writer and loving friend, weaves a creative solution that ensures his place on The Farm forever. Called "the best American children's book of the past two hundred years" by the Children's Literature Association, E.B. White's timeless tale explores bravery and selfless love between two unlikely friends.

The 2011-2012 Season is subject to change; additional information about the season, including creative team and casting, will be announced at a later date.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater's box office will begin processing new and renewing subscriptions immediately. Single tickets for the 2011-2012 Season go on sale June 14, 2011. Season subscriptions are available by calling (407) 447-1700 or online at www.orlandoshakes.org and in person at the box office located inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando's Loch Haven Cultural Park.

Box Office hours are 12pm to show time, Tuesday-Saturday, and one hour prior to show time on Sundays for walk up sales. On non-performance days, the Box Office closes at 5pm. The Box Office is closed on Mondays.

The Signature Series is made possible by series sponsor Darden Restaurants. Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is supported by United Arts of Central Florida with funds from the United Arts campaign and by State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council.

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