OUTSIDE MULLINGAR, THE WHIPPING MAN & More Set for George Street Playhouse's 2014-15 Season

Artistic Director David Saint has announced the slate of plays scheduled for the New Brunswick theatre's 2014-2015 season. George Street, which celebrated its fortieth season in 2013-14, continues the celebration with a slate of four plays ranging from direct-from New York dramas, to an a capella musical celebrating barbershop; to an examination of the Jewish faith in the years following America's Civil War. John Patrick Shanley's Outside Mullingar, direct from Broadway, opens the season in a production directed by Mr. Saint. John Markus and Mark St. Germain's a capella musical The Fabulous Lipitones follows, directed by Michael Mastro. Matthew Lopez's searing drama The Whipping Man begins 2015, followed by the 25th Anniversary Production of John Guare's Six Degrees of Separation, also directed by Mr. Saint. One additional production is yet to be selected, and will be announced at a later date.

"I love the depth and variety of plays this season," said Mr. Saint. "There is something for everyone - whether you enjoy comedy, drama, or a meaty subject matter that you can discuss on the car ride home - there is something in this season for you. Honestly, there are elements of drama and comedy in all these plays that I am sure will touch your heart, tickle your funnybone, and ignite heated discussions long after you see the show."

Five-play, three-play and flexible admission packages are currently on sale, as are tickets for groups of 10 or more. George Street Playhouse is located at 9 Livingston Avenue, in the heart of New Brunswick's dining and entertainment district. For tickets and information, patrons may contact the Box Office directly at 732-246-7717 or may purchase online at GSPonline.org. Groups of ten or more should contact the Group Sales office at 732-846-2895, ext. 134 for group pricing and reservation information.

The Plays

Outside Mullingar
By Pulitzer, Oscar and Tony-winning writer John Patrick Shanley
Directed by David Saint
The hit Broadway romantic comedy from the author of Moonstruck and Doubt

Anthony has spent his entire life on a cattle farm in rural Ireland, a state of affairs that - due to his painful shyness - suits him well. Rosemary, living right next door, determined to have him, is watching the years slip away. With Anthony's father threatening to disinherit him and a land feud simmering between their families, Rosemary has every reason to fear romantic catastrophe. But, in this very Irish story with a surprising depth of poetic passion, these yearning, eccentric souls fight their way toward solid ground and some kind of happiness. Their journey is heartbreaking, incredibly funny, and ultimately deeply moving. Outside Mullingar will run October 7 through November 2, 2014. Opening night is set for Friday, October 10.

The Fabulous Lipitones
by John Markus and Mark St. Germain
A Not-So-Traditional A Capella Musical Comedy

What happens when a barbershop quartet loses a key member to a heart-stopping high "C?" The three surviving members suddenly find themselves scrambling to find a tenor before the national competition. When the golden tones of "Bob" are heard through the phone the Lipitones are all ears ... but when they meet him in person, he's not quite what they expected. An uproarious comedy of misunderstanding, stereotypes and the path to perfect harmony.

A new a capella musical by Mark St. Germain, author of the hit shows, Freud's Last Session and GSP's The Best of Enemies, and John Markus, head writer for The Cosby Show and writer/producer of The Larry Sanders Show. The Fabulous Lipitones runs November 18 - December 14, 2014. Opening night is Friday, November 21.

The Whipping Man
by Matthew Lopez

Richmond, April, 1865. In this powerful and evocative historical play, a wounded Jewish confederate soldier returns to his family home that now stands ruined and abandoned - except for two former slaves also raised in the Jewish faith. As the three men share an improvised Seder to mark Passover, they discover that, though they are no longer tied by ownership, they remain bound by faith, history and long-buried secrets.

Since opening off-Broadway to critical acclaim and winning the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Play, The Whipping Man has become one of the most produced plays in the country. The Whipping Man is recommended for ages 13 and up. The Whipping Man will run January 20 - February 15, 2015. Opening night is set for Friday, January 23.

The title of the fourth play of the season will be announced at a later date. It will run March 3 - 29, 2015. Opening night will be Friday, March 6.

Six Degrees of Separation
The 25th Anniversary Production
By John Guare
Directed by David Saint

What would you do when the son of Sidney Poitier shows up at your door? In the high-stakes world of the New York art scene, appearances are everything. When a young man with a famous father turns up at their home injured and with no money, the Kittredges are immediately drawn to his charming ways, home-cooked gourmet meals and tales of Hollywood royalty. But as their involvement with him takes unexpected twists and turns, they begin to question not only his identity but their own.

Continuing the collaboration with Rutgers University's Mason Gross School of the Arts that began last season, Artistic Director David Saint helms the 25th Anniversary of Six Degrees of Separation, winner of the Drama Desk and Olivier Awards. Based on actual events, this fast-paced, funny and remarkably powerful play comments on what drives us, whether it be the allure of celebrity, the desire for money, fame and social standing, or the solace and comfort of meaningful human connection. For mature audiences.

Six Degrees of Separation closes the 2014-15 season, running April 21 - May 17, 2015. Opening night is set for Friday, April 24.