Williamstown Theatre Festival Announces Additions of BLOOD PLAY, MY FAIR LEWIS and More in Season Lineup

Williamstown Theatre Festival Artistic Director Jenny Gersten has announced additions to the Festival's 59th Season, including Blood Play, The Debate Society's off- Broadway hit, which will play the Nikos Stage, August 7 - 18, 2013. It was also announced today that celebrated comedian (and Williamstown Theatre Festival regular) Lewis Black will return to the WTF Main Stage for My Fair Lewis, a one-night-only evening of stand-up, on Monday, July 22, and that the Festival's signature Late-Night Cabaret series - featuring Festival stars in rarely seen cabaret performances - returns to Goodrich Hall, July 11 - 13, July 25 - 27, August 8 - 10 at 10:30 PM.

Artistic Director Jenny Gersten says, "I've admired the work of The Debate Society for many years, and am thrilled they can be part of our 2013 season. As a theatre festival, we have the wonderful freedom to introduce our audience to outstanding work from other companies. This piece is tremendously funny and daring - a great addition to our diverse slate this summer."

Blood Play | August 7 - 18, 2013 Written by Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen Directed and Developed by Oliver Butler Made by The Debate Society

A tranquil suburban evening in the early 1950's: the kids are away on a Junior Cherokee camping trip and a string of coincidences spawns a spontaneous grown-up party in the basement of a new ranch house. Exotic cocktails are imbibed, raucous games are played, and new friends are made, but much is happening that no one is talking about. And something is stirring underground. A darkly comic thriller of post-war verve and pre-adolescent disquiet, Blood Play brings New York's critically lauded The Debate Society to the Festival stage.

Blood Play had its World Premiere at Brooklyn's Bushwick Starr last fall, where it earned rave reviews and played an extended sold-out run. New York Magazine named it one of the Top 10 Plays of 2012, and The New Yorker said it was "Unlike anything I've ever seen. I was blown away by the energy!"

The Debate Society's Williamstown debut is particularly sweet for director Oliver Butler, who commented "I decided to become a director during a summer as an acting apprentice at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in 1998, and the ensemble spirit with which The Debate Society

O&M Co. Rick Miramontez / Molly Barnett 212.695.7400 rick@oandmco.com / molly@oandmco.commakes its plays feels so similar to that formative experience. The underlying philosophy of the Festival - where a huge ensemble of artists, technicians, interns, staff, and apprentices are obsessively (sometimes maniacally) creating theatre in every room, hall, nook, and found space - has inspired the process of The Debate Society. It's a huge honor to be back, and for someone with an overactive sense of nostalgia, it's deeply meaningful."

The Debate Society is a Brooklyn based company that creates new plays through the collaboration of Hannah Bos, Paul Thureen (writer/performers), and Oliver Butler (director/developer). The company specializes in unexpected stories set in supremely intricate, vividly theatrical worlds. They are recipients of a 2012 Obie Award, a NEFA National Theater Project Grant, a 2010 "Village Voice Best of Award" for "Best Argument for Devised Theater" and the 2012/13 Ars Nova Company-in-Residence.

My Fair Lewis | Monday, July 22, 2013 An Evening of Stand-Up with Lewis Black

Williamstown's favorite (adopted) son returns to the WTF Main Stage for a one-night-only benefit performance. From his legendary rants on The Daily Show to his sold-out Broadway runs, Grammy Award-winning comedian Lewis Black has become this century's foremost purveyor of righteous indignation. And while his stand-up appearances around the world have driven audiences to laughter-induced convulsions, he always brings something extra special to Williamstown. Don't miss it. All proceeds from this performance will support the Festival's signature training and professional development programs.

Late-Night Cabaret Series | July 11 - 13, July 25 - 27, and August 8 - 10, 2013

The stars come out at night as WTF's celebrated Late-Night Cabaret Series returns in 2013! Festival family, both established and emerging, sing, dance, and surprise you in these intimate and unforgettable evenings. Cabarets are held in Goodrich Hall, just a few blocks from the Main and Nikos Stages. Catch Late-Night Cabaret performances July 11-13, July 25-27, and August 8 - 10 at 10:30 PM. WTF donors receive first access to these limited seating events.

Due to a schedule conflict, the previously announced Nikos Stage production of Johnny Baseball will now be directed by Gordon Greenberg (Working, Jacques Brel...).

Advance single tickets orders for the 2013 Williamstown Theatre Festival may be placed through the WTF website (wtfestival.org) starting April 22, 2013. The Festival Box Office will open on June 4th, 2013 at which point tickets may be purchased online, by phone at 413-597-3400, or in person at the '62 Center for Theatre and Dance Box Office at 1000 Main St (Route 2), Williamstown, MA 02167.

Since 1955, the Williamstown Theatre Festival has brought America's finest actors, directors, designers, and playwrights to the Berkshires, engaging a loyal audience of both residents and summer visitors. Each WTF season is designed to present unique opportunities for artists and audience alike, revisiting classic plays with innovative productions, developing and nurturing bold new plays and musicals, and offering a rich array of accompanying cultural events including Free Theatre, Late-Night Cabarets, readings, workshops, and educational programs. While best known for our acclaimed productions, WTF is also home to one of the nation's top training and professional development programs for new generations of aspiring theatre artists and administrators. WTF was honored with the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre in 2002 and the Commonwealth Award for Achievement in 2011.

MAIN STAGE

Animal Crackers

June 26 - July 14, 2013

Book by George S. Kaufman & Morrie Ryskind Music and Lyrics by Bert Kalmar & Harry Ruby Adapted and Directed by Henry Wishcamper

Pygmalion

July 17 - 27, 2013

By George Bernard Shaw Directed by Nicholas Martin With Robert Sean Leonard

A WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL!

The Bridges of Madison County

August 1 - 18, 2013

Book by Marsha Norman Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown Directed by Bartlett Sher

NIKOS STAGE

A WORLD PREMIERE!

American Hero

June 26 - July 7, 2013

By Bess Wohl Directed by Leigh Silverman

Hapgood

July 10 - 21, 2013

By Tom Stoppard Directed by Evan Yionoulis With Kate Burton

Johnny Baseball

July 24 - August 4, 2013

Book by Richard Dresser Music by Robert Reale; Lyrics by Willie Reale Directed by Gordon Greenberg

Blood Play

August 7 - 18, 2013

Written By Hannah Bos and Paul Thureen Directed and Developed by Oliver Butler Made by The Debate Society

FREE THEATRE

Dracula

July 10 - 19, 2013

By Bram Stoker; Adapted by Steve Lawson Directed by Jordan Fein

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