IN THE NEXT ROOM, THIS, et al Set For Actors Theatre of Phoenix 2010-2011 Season

 

Actors Theatre will celebrate its 25th season by bringing back one old friend, saying goodbye to another and opening the theatrical door to vibrators, Andy Warhol and "This."

Producing Artistic Director Matthew Wiener has selected another slate of diverse, thought-provoking, entertaining and - perhaps - controversial shows for the 2010-11 season at the Herberger Theater Center beginning Oct. 29 with In The Next Room (Or The Vibrator Play), which will run through Nov. 19.

A comedy about marriage, intimacy and electricity, In The Next Room, set in the 1880s, is based on the bizarre historical fact that doctors used vibrators to treat "hysterical" women (and some men). The show explores how this "new" therapy affects the entire household of one doctor and his wife.

The New York Times described Sara Ruhl's play as illuminating "with a light touch - a soft, flickering light rather than a moralizing glare - how much control men had over women's lives, bodies and thoughts, even their most intimate sensations. Insightful, fresh and funny, the play is as rich in thought as it is in feeling...a sex comedy designed not for sniggering teenage boys - or grown men who wish they were still sniggering teenage boys - but for adults with open hearts and minds."

In the Next Room was nominated for a Tony Award as Best Play and was runner up for the Pulitzer Prize.

The 2010-11 season will be the last for Actors Theatre's annual musical production of A Christmas Carol, which will end its 19-year run from Dec. 4-24.

"The tradition of A Christmas Carol for Actors Theatre and the community has been a remarkable run for us," Wiener said. "We've watched actors in the show grow up on stage and children who came with their parents eventually bring their own children to the theatre. The show leaves an incredible legacy."

From Jan. 21-Feb. 6, Ron May will direct This, Melissa James Gibson's bright, witty and unromantic comedy about a circle of friends backing their way into middle age.

Playwright and comic Josh Kornbluth will perform his show Andy Warhol: Good for the Jews? from March 4-20. The play focuses on Warhol's exhibit featuring silk-screen portraits of ten famous Jewish leaders of the 20th century that became the target of scorn by many art critics and praise by the public. Thirty-one years later, Kornbluth examines what the controversial exhibit means to him, a community of art lovers and you.

An Enemy of the People, adapted by Arthur Miller from a play by Henrik Ibsen, runs April 22 to May 8. This powerful story follows one man's brave struggle to speak the truth after Dr. Stockmann discovers that the celebrated town spa, which serves as the major source of local income, is contaminated with deadly poison. It is a timely story that shows what can happen when the majority is wrong.

Season tickets are on sale now. To celebrate Actors Theatre's 25th anniversary season, single tickets are $25 each or $125 for the complete five-show package. Flex-pass packages also are
available for three and four shows at $75 and $100. Call (602) 253-6701, Ext. 108 or visit www.actorstheatrephx.org for more information.

Actors Theatre also is planning a series of events during the year as part of the 25th anniversary celebration.

For more information, visit www.actorstheatrephx.org.

Actors Theatre presents passionate, thought-provoking theatre designed to add to the social dialogue of the community. Our mission is to create professional theatre with a social conscience in an urban setting. The ideas and themes embedded in the work we produce are the framework for civic dialogue within our community. We have built a reputation as the company that takes the most risks and consistently delivers thought-provoking theatre; ensuring an ongoing connection
between the plays and the people who attend our performances. Actors Theatre performs exclusively at the Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix. Actors Theatre has been named Producing Theatre Company of the Year by the Arizona Theatre Alliance and Arts Organization of the Year by the Arts and Business Council of Greater Phoenix.

Image Credit: www.actorstheatrephx.org