2008 - 2009 Spotlighters Season: A Challenging Mix

The Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre announces its 2008 - 2009 season.  Subscription information will be available at www.spotlighters.org AFTER May 15th. 

• Elegies

by Bill Russell, directed by Audra Mains

Elegies For Angels Punks and Raging Queensis a dramatic and musical theater piece composed of free verse poems and songs reflecting the lives of people who have lived with and died from AIDS: touching, dramatic, humorous. Elegies celebrates the human existence and the knowledge that life and love go on!

Sept 26 - Oct 5, 2008

book & lyrics by Anthony Dodge and Marcia Milgrom Dodge

directed by FUZZ Roark, musical direction by Michael Tan

Hats!, a new musical that takes a hilarious look at one woman's struggle with her impending 50th birthday. This original musical will make you laugh, cry and cheer as you see how six women handle the trials and good times that occur in the journey of life. Featuring hilarious and provocative new songs by a team of Grammy, Golden Globe and Tony award winning songwriters, HATS! is a fabulous musical celebration for women and for the men who love them. HATS! is inspired by the experiences, philosophies, and mission of the Red Hat Society.

Oct 10 - Nov 2, 2008

• Picnic - a summer romance

by William Inge, directed by Sherrionne Brown

The waning days of summer should give way to the promise of autumn and a fresh start. But it's 1953 in this small Kansas town and options are few for the stunningly beautiful Madge and her independent younger sister, Millie, who yearn for more than the life of staid domesticity awaiting them. Then Hal, a dangerously handsome drifter, comes along and sets the whole town a-flutter. He and Madge strike instant sparks, but can she really reject all she's been taught to want to follow unreliable hopes and a pounding heart? In this Pulitzer Prize-winning classic, Inge depicts the pleasure—and the pain—of risking everything to choose your own path.

Nov 21 - Dec 21, 2008

Friday, Dec 26, 2008

by Neil Simon, directed by Bob Russell

On one day at an English Hotel, four different stories are shown. Diana is in London to promote her Television Series and her ex-husband Sidney shows up to ask her for money for his gay lover. Mark and Annie come to London for the Wimbledon Tennis matches, but they lose their tickets and Mark's back goes out. Debra is on her honeymoon with Paul, but Paul is missing and Debra lies to everyone she meets as to where Paul is. Sharon and Lauren are on a shop till you drop trip and Sharon meets Dennis, an older man who seems to be interested in her.

Jan 9 - Feb 1, 2009

by Caryl Churchill, directed by Brad J. Ranno

A satirical take-no-prisoners assault on hypocrisy, Caryl Churchill's Cloud9 is a whirlwind tour from 1880¹s Africa to 1979 London, confronting colonial and sexual repression with a gender-bent cast of characters who traverse 100 years while aging only 25. Cloud9 is a parody and spoof of the Victorian Empire and its rigid attitudes especially towards sex.

Feb 13 - Mar 9, 2009

•  Sweeney Todd

music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

directed by Alexander D Carney, musical direction by Michael Tan

Sweeney Todd, that murderously amoral musical thriller by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler, is a chilling, suspenseful, heart-pounding masterpiece of murderous barber-ism and culinary crime that tells the infamous tale of an unjustly exiled barber who returns to 19th century London seeking revenge against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. Sondheim serves up meat pies, justice, and gore – along with lush melodies, audacious humor and bloody good thrills.

Mar 20 - Apr 19, 2009

written by Ernest Thompson, directed by Roy Hammond

An intimate, touching, and witty classic American comedy/drama, this heartwarming play explores growing up, growing old and growing closer. A work of rare simplicity and beauty, On Golden Pond is a rich, funny and uplifting play.

May 1 - May 31, 2009

by Bryony Lavery, directed by Michael Spellman

A shattering and unforgettable psychological thriller connecting an unlikely trio: a tattooed serial killer, a grieving mother, and a psychiatrist studying the criminal mind. This dark drama spans the 27 years of a mother's search for closure. This gripping play received a 2004 Tony Award nomination for Best Play.

June 12 - July 5, 2009

by William Shakespeare, directed by Phillip Gallagher

Shakespeare's best known work. A look into family, power and deceit.

July 17 - Aug 9, 2009

Plus

- Three Do or Die Murder Mystery Productions

Feb 6 & 7, June 5 & 6, and Aug 14 & 15.