Stageworks' 2015-16 Season to Feature LIGHTS RISE ON GRACE, INHERIT THE WIND & More
By: Tyler Peterson May. 11, 2015
After a year of unprecedented success in bringing the best theatre to the Channel District, Stageworks announced what it deems "our most ambitious season," unveiling plans for 2015-16 which include a world premiere and a guest appearance by John Pinckard, a two-time Tony Award winner and co-producer of the critically-acclaimed Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder.
"As we continue to push the envelope for Tampa Bay theatre, we decided to reach for the skies next season," said Stageworks' Artistic Director, Karla Hartley. "Having the opportunity to have John Pinckard join us alone is extremely exciting, but the fact is we have a well-rounded, highly-motivating line-up that the region's theatre audience is sure to enjoy."
Among Pinckard's Broadway credits are Clybourne Park -- winner of the Tony and Olivier awards for Best New Play as well as a Pulitzer Prize for Drama - American Idiot and Slava's Snowshow on Broadway, both of which earned Tony nominations for the University of Florida alum.
Hartley explained that Stageworks' 2015-16 season will kick off October 8-25 with the World Premiere of Chad Beckim's Lights Rise on Grace, marking Stageworks' maiden voyage as a member of the National New Play Network and featuring local artist Maggie Council DiPietra's original score.
The lineup continues with This Wonderful Life, a one-man rendition of the Christmas classic, It's a Wonderful Life to chime in the holidays December 3-20 followed by Suzan-Lori Parks' In the Blood, a 21st century rendition of Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlett Letter" which earned her a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and directed by USF's Fanni Green February 4-21.
Inherit the Wind, the controversial courtroom drama pitting science vs. faith and co-produced with the Tampa Repertory Theatre will be on stage March 10-27. Neil Simon's Broadway Bound featuring Ricky Cona and Rosemary Orlando reprising the characters they played in Stageworks' productions of Brighton Beach Memoirs and Biloxi Blues will follow April 28-May 15.
To round out the season, Pinckard will join Stageworks to direct 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche, a hilarious and interactive look at a 1956 quiche breakfast gathering of the "Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein," will conclude Stageworks' season Jun. 9-26.
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