Northlight Theatre 2011-12 Season Will Include New Musical by Stephen Schwartz

Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans announce the 2011-12 Northlight Season, which includes the new musical Snapshots from Stephen Schwartz, the creator of Wicked, Godspell, Pippin! and Working; last year's smash holiday hit at London's National Theatre, Alan Ayckbourn's Season's Greetings; Black Pearl Sings by Frank Higgins, featuring the incomparable E. Faye Butler; and a behind-the-scenes look at beloved Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne with Jeffrey Hatcher's Ten Chimneys; and a fifth production to be announced.

Artistic Director BJ Jones comments, "From Stephen Schwartz to Alan Ayckbourn, from E. Faye Butler to Jeffrey Hatcher, next season Northlight will embody its slogan, ‘Intensely Entertaining.' These are stories that people will cherish-fascinating, funny, moving, and very real. It's a season not to be missed."

The 2011-12 Northlight season includes:

Snapshots
book by David Stern
music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
directed by Ken Sawyer
September 16 - October 23, 2011
Opening: Friday, September 23, 2011

Blending together some of the best-loved music with some of the genuinely wonderful lesser known gems of renowned Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz, this touching romantic comedy exposes a marriage at a crossroads. Newly adapted, this musical reveals the humorous twists and unexpected turns of a middle-aged couple's reminiscence of how love brought them together and why life pushed them apart. Mr. Schwartz has rewritten many of the lyrics to even the most familiar songs, to stay true to the fascinating story and characters of this new work. Funny and bittersweet, Snapshots brings into focus all the wonders and frustrations of trusting your heart and believing your memories.

Season's Greetings
by Alan Ayckbourn
directed by Artistic Director BJ Jones
November 11 - December 18, 2011
Opening: Friday, November 18, 2011

Christmas has arrived in the Bunker household! But while the children lurk just out of sight, it's the adults who are making the "Naughty" list. As Christmas dinner burns in the oven and guests bungle their attempts at infidelity under the tree, the only question remaining is whether Father Christmas can escape the fray unscathed. This seriously funny look at the hilarity and high jinks of an "average" family Christmas was last season's smash hit at London's National Theatre!

Black Pearl Sings
by Frank Higgins
featuring E. Faye Butler
January 13 - February 19, 2012
Opening: Friday, January 20, 2012

Featuring beautiful, a cappella renditions of rare American folk songs, this play with music tells the Depression-era story of two extraordinary women dependant on one another to gain acceptance in a divided society. When Susannah, a WPA song collector for the Library of Congress, overhears Pearl singing in a Texas prison, she will pull every string possible to introduce the woman with the silky voice and steely spirit to the world.

Ten Chimneys
by Jeffrey Hatcher
directed by Artistic Director BJ Jones
March 9 - April 15, 2012
Opening: Friday, March 16, 2012

For decades, Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne entertained the most influential artists of their time-from Noel Coward to Sydney Greenstreet- at Ten Chimneys, their legendary Wisconsin retreat. In this new play, the arrival of a young Uta Hagen for an onstage rehearsAl Sparks an offstage romantic triangle. The result is a comically revealing look at the private lives of these very public figures.

To Be Announced
May 4 - June 10, 2012
Opening: Friday, May 11, 2012

All plays, dates and artists are subject to change.

Curtain times are: Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Subscriptions to the 2011-12 Northlight Season are available through the box office, 9501 Skokie Boulevard in Skokie, by phone at 847.673.6300 or online at northlight.org.

Subscriptions range in price from $99-$225. A limited number of season subscriptions for the Opening Night performances (also includes a reception with the cast) are available for $300, subject to availability.

Subscriptions are now on sale to the public. With its wide range of ticket prices, discounted subscription packages and complimentary parking, Northlight remains of one of the best theatrical values in Chicagoland.

Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community.

Now in its 36th season, the organization has mounted over 165 productions, including more than 33 world premieres. Northlight has earned 145 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 28 Awards. As one of the area's premier theatre companies, Northlight is a regional magnet for critical and professional acclaim, as well as talent of the highest quality.