THE UNDERSTUDY, GROUNDED, BLITHE SPIRIT & More Set for Everyman Theatre's 2014-15 Season

Everyman Theatre has announced its 2014/15 season. The line-up includes three exciting award-winning Baltimore premieres - The Understudy by Theresa Rebeck, Grounded by George Brant and Ruined by Lynn Nottage - and three classics of the theatrical repertoire - Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen, Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward and Deathtrap by Ira Levin. The upcoming season follows the theatre company's most successful season to date, which included three productions that extended their initial run dates and a record-breaking number of subscribers.

The season begins on August 27th with the "razor-sharp black comedy" (Entertainment Weekly) The Understudy. From Theresa Rebeck, the creator of TV's Smash, The Understudy places the backstage tension of a frantic rehearsal in the spotlight. Meet Harry, the "real" actor who's just a tad bitter about his lot in the theatrical world - you see, he's just the understudy. The grossly overpaid, action movie star he's working with doesn't understand the play. The charmingly lovesick stage manager happens to be his ex. And the backstage technician appears to be high - oh it's just another day in the glamorous life of being the one who didn't quite make the cut! Will they ever pull the show together before showtime? The Understudy will run through September 28th.

George Brant's powerful Grounded will be the second production of the season. Running from October 15th through November 16th, this Baltimore premiere is the story of a hot-rod F16 fighter pilot whose unexpected pregnancy ends her career in the skies over the Middle East. She finds herself instead flying remote-controlled drones half a world away while in a comfortable trailer just outside of Vegas. Her 12-hour shift now consists of staring at a gray-screen monitor targeting terrorists by day and playing dutiful wife and mother by night. Soon finding herself struggling to play her new dual roles, this intense and thought-provoking blend of the personal and political was a sold-out hit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The fall production will be a co-production with Olney Theatre Center.

The "devilishly clever comedy" (Cue Magazine) Deathtrap by Ira Levin will play from December 10th through January 11th. World-famous thriller playwright Sidney Bruhl is suffering from a chronic case of writers' block. When one of his former students shows up at his doorstep with what might be the next Broadway hit, Sidney and his wife concoct a deadly plan to make the manuscript their own. Holding the record for the longest running comedy-thriller on Broadway, Deathtrap is filled with twists and turns in a series of thrilling events that will keep you guessing on the edge of your seat until the very last moment!

Lynn Nottage's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Ruined will be the fourth production of the season, running from February 4th through March 8th. Creating poetry and lyricism out of brutality and humor and optimism out of tragedy the drama transports you to the brutally war-torn Congo and a brothel run by the shrewd and savvy matriarch Mama Nadi. Mama maintains the peace on both sides of the war by serving up everything from cold beers to warm beds. In this war, women's ravaged bodies have become the battleground for soldiers and rebels alike. Based on interviews conducted by Lynn Nottage (By the Way, Meet Vera Stark), Ruined is the unflinching look into the real-stories of the brave women who fought to survive the horrors of war.

One of modern drama's greatest plays, Henrik Ibsen's Ghosts will be the fifth show in the 2014/15 season. Mrs. Alving has kept the sins of her late husband a secret for her entire life. But soon the ghosts of the past catch up to her when her only son arrives back home with a deadly illness, looking for answers. Trapped within the walls of Victorian society, this gripping and haunting tale tells the story of a woman trying to break through the lies and deceit from her past to save her estranged son. Ghosts will run from April 1st through May 3rd.

The season will wrap up with Noel Coward's hilariously funny Blithe Spirit. What could be worse than a jealous wife? How about a dead jealous wife! As inspiration for his new novel, Charles Condomine invites the wonderfully eccentric medium Madame Arcati to performance a séance in his house. When things go terribly awry, Charles suddenly finds himself in an improbable love triangle between his naïve living wife and his decidedly "spirited" former wife! Filled with the sparkling wit and undeniable charm of Noel Coward, Blithe Spirit is a clever comedy gem from well beyond the grave! Blithe Spirit will run from May 27th through June 28th.

Casting and directors for each production will be announced shortly.

Renewal subscriptions for current Everyman Theatre subscribers are on sale now. Current subscribers will receive their renewal materials in the mail this week. New memberships will go on sale to the general public beginning on Tuesday, May 27th and may be purchased in person at the box office, on the website (www.everymantheatre.org) or by phone (410-752-2208).

Everyman Theatre is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. An agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development, the MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance to non-profit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities. Funding for the Maryland State Arts Council is also provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

Everyman Theatre is a proud member of the Bromo Tower Arts and Entertainment District.

Everyman Theatre is a professional Equity theatre company celebrating the actor, with a resident company of artists from the Baltimore/DC area. Founded in 1990 by Vincent Lancisi, the theatre is dedicated to engaging the audience through a shared experience between actor and audience seeking connection and emotional truth in performance. Everyman is committed to presenting high quality plays that are affordable and accessible to everyone.

Vincent Lancisi is the Artistic Director of Everyman Theatre; Ian Tresselt is the Managing Director.

For information about Everyman Theatre, visit www.everymantheatre.org or call 410.752.2208.

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