Olney Theatre Center Announces Season 2011

A prodigal son. A bunch of adolescent overachievers. An accused husband and his willful wife. These are among the unique characters of Olney Theatre Center's 73rd season.

"The 2011 season at Olney is filled with accessible plays and musicals, many of which can be enjoyed by the whole family," says Artistic Director Jim Petosa. "As is customary at Olney, we continue to provide a theatrical mix of plays and musicals that differ in style and tone. However, the plays of 2011 guarantee one thing: They will entertain!"

Subscriptions for Season 2011 are now available. Early Bird discounts apply through August 16. Single tickets go on sale December 1. For more information or to purchase subscription packages, call the Box Office at 301.924.3400 or visit www.olneytheatre.org.

Subscription Season 2011
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Lyrics by Tim Rice, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
MAINSTAGE, February 23 - March 20
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's entertaining family musical retells the biblical story of Joseph, his devoted father, his jealous brothers, and his incredible series of adventures. The everything-but-the-kitchen-sink score includes parodies of French ballads, Elvis-inspired rock 'n' roll, old-time country-western, 1920s Charleston, Caribbean style, and disco.

La Bête by David Hirson
MULITZ-GUDELSKY THEATRE LAB, April 27 - May 29
In a battle between high-brow and low-brow, Elomire, a dramatist who loves only the theater, must accept Valere, a clown who loves only himself, into his acting troupe. When the dynamic Princess decides she's grown weary of Elomire's classical productions, he and Valere are left fighting for survival as art squares off with ego in a literary showdown for the ages. La Bête received the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play and the Olivier Award for Best Comedy.

Opus by Michael Hollinger
MAINSTAGE, June 8 - July 3
The celebrated and world-renowned Lazara String Quartet is struggling to prepare for a high-profile performance at the White House when its gifted but volatile violist mysteriously disappears. Violinist-turned-playwright Michael Hollinger has tempers flaring and egos clashing in Opus when a new member is introduced and the group's secrets are revealed.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Book by Rachel Sheinkin, Music and Lyrics by William Finn
MAINSTAGE, July 27 - August 21
In this Tony Award-winning musical comedy, six young people in the throes of puberty vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. They're the unlikeliest of heroes: a quirky yet charming cast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place they can stand out and fit in at the same time.

Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie
MAINSTAGE, September 28 - October 23
Classic whodunnit Christie: Leonard Vole is arrested for the murder of his elderly friend, Emily French, who depended on his advice in managing her money. As Emily's principal heir, things look bad for Leonard's defense...and even worse when his wife testifies as a witness for the prosecution.

A Wonderful Show for the Holidays!
MAINSTAGE, November 16 - January 1
While the title cannot be announced quite yet, this Tony and Academy Award-winning family musical has a radiant score and a touching story, and is one of the most beloved shows in American theater history.

In addition to the Subscription Season, Olney will present programming from its National Players company, as well as a Jazz Series in 2011.

National Players' 62nd Annual Tour will include A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Scarlet Letter with residencies at Olney in January. A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Taming of the Shrew will be offered as part of Olney's free Summer Shakespeare. The Taming of the Shrew will also be offered as a part of The National Players' 63rd Annual Tour, along with a contemporary play yet to be determined.

Located just north of Washington, D.C., in arts-rich Montgomery County, Maryland, Olney Theatre Center offers a diverse array of professional productions year-round that enrich, nurture, and challenge a broad range of artists, audiences, and students. One of two state theaters in Maryland, Olney Theatre Center is situated on 14 acres in the heart of the beautiful Washington-Baltimore-Frederick "triangle," within easy access of all three cities.

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