EDUCATING RITA, NEXT TO NORMAL, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and More Set for Weston Vermont Theatre's 2013 Season

Vermont's award-winning Weston Playhouse Theatre Company has announced its 2013 season of shows - a sweeping collection of modern classics and emergent theatrical work. Weston's Resident Producing Director Steve Stettler says the new season is "populated by a collection of dreamers whose stories will send you out of the theatre full of hope."

Weston's venerable Playhouse MainStage will feature four familiar titles, starting with Educating Rita. A gutsy hairdresser seeks to better herself with an open university course taught by a sodden middle-aged professor. Both lives change in surprising ways in this delightful spin on the Pygmalion story. Willy Russell's beloved British stage comedy was subsequently made into an Oscar-nominated film with Michael Caine and Julie Walters.

Next To Normal took Broadway by storm in a 2009 production directed by Rent's Michael Greif. In this Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical, a suburban family struggles with life's many challenges, striving to be just "next to normal." Their victory is as inspiring as the score is unforgettable. With book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, Next to Normal garnered eleven Tony Award nominations. Don't miss this exciting Vermont Premiere!

Come and meet those dancing feet! The Broadway blockbuster 42nd Street follows small-town girl Peggy Sawyer as she realizes her dream of opening in a big Broadway musical, only to find herself thrust into the lead. Toe-tapping favorites like "We're In the Money" and "Lullaby of Broadway" will lift your spirits and bring back fond memories of Broadway's golden age. With book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, lyrics by Al Dubin, and music by Harry Warren, 42nd Street took home the Tony Awards for Best Musical in 1980 and Best Revival in 2001.

Weston is proud to announce its first-ever production of the American classic, To Kill a Mockingbird. Atticus Finch dares to defend a black man in the American south in this iconic story about Southern life and racial injustice made famous by the film starring Gregory Peck. Brought to life on the stage by Christopher Sergel and based on the novel by Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird will be performed for Weston's summer audience and also for Vermont school students as part of the company's celebrated school matinee program.

For those feeling a little more adventurous, Weston's now-famous OtherStages will play host to two exciting theatrical premieres. Loving Leo, winner of Weston's 2012 New Musical Award, is the story of David and Lena, whose childless marriage is re-examined and reaffirmed when they take in Lena's aging stepfather. This touching and amusing portrait of an unconventional American family features book and lyrics by Sara Cooper and music by Zach Redler.

This Blessed Plot is the latest work of Obie-winning actor/writer Marc Wolf, who plays Joe Papp, Robert Moses, and the Bible's "Moses Moses," among others, in this smart and funny one-man play about the battle for free Shakespeare in Central Park. Wolf, who toured the country in his Another American: Asking and Telling, co-authored the play with RoBert Westfield, developing it in part at a Weston Artists Retreat.

As always, the 2013 season kicks off with Weston's Young Company of talented theatre undergrads, performing a musical adaptation of the popular children's story, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. With Book and Lyrics by Judith Viorst and Music by Shelly Markham, Alexander... is sure to be a hit with young and old alike.

For a late night laugh and song, Weston again offers up its famous Cabaret following most MainStage evening performances. And delicious pre-show dinners continue at Cafe at the Falls.

For information on tickets and a complete performance schedule, visit the company's website at westonplayhouse.org.

Weston Playhouse Theatre Company
2013 Season at a glance:

MainStage in performance at the Weston Playhouse

June 25 - July 6
Educating Rita
by Willy Russell
A comedy about life's unexpected opportunities

July 11 - July 27
Next To Normal
Music by Tom Kitt, Book & Lyrics by Brian Yorkey
The Pulitzer and Tony-winning rock musical

August 1 - August 24
42nd Street
Music by Harry Warren, Lyrics by Al Dubin
Book by Michael Stewart & Mark Bramble
Based on the novel by Bradford Ropes
The Broadway song & dance blockbuster

August 29 - September 11
To Kill A Mockingbird
Adapted by Christopher Sergel
Based on the novel by Harper Lee
The modern American classic about Southern life and racial injustice

And... following the final curtain most evenings in our intimate downstairs lounge!
The Cabaret
Weston's lively musical nightcap!

OtherStages in performance at the Weston Rod and Gun Club

June 20 - July 7
The WPTC Young Company in
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Book & Lyrics by Judith Viorst
Music by Shelly Markham
A charming tale for young audiences

July 18 - August 4
Loving Leo
by Zach Redler & Sara Cooper
A touching musical portrait of family life. Winner of Weston's 2012 New Musical Award.

August 15 - September 1
This Blessed Plot
by RoBert Westfield & Marc Wolf
A new one-man show starring Obie-winner Marc Wolf

For more information, visit www.westonplayhouse.org.