MAMMA MIA! to Launch 2016 Theatre Aspen Season

Theatre Aspen announced the lineup for its 33rd season today. The Hurst Theatre opens with the regional premiere of the megahit musical MAMMA MIA!, running in repertory with the one man comedy Buyer and Cellar and the musical Dear Edwina. The organization also announced the return of the Aspen Theatre Festival for new work at the end of August.

Carbonell Award winner and Theatre Aspen favorite Mark Martino will direct and choreograph MAMMA MIA!, opening June 24th. With a book by Catherine Johnson and music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and some songs with Stig Anderson, the musical will run in repertory through August 20th. Musical director is Eric Alsford, with Vernon Willet serving as Production Stage Manager.

The season also features Buyer and Cellar, by Jonathan Tolins, opening July 7th and running through August 19th. A director will be announced shortly.

The Theatre for Young Audience series opens July 15th with the musical Dear Edwina, (book and lyrics byMarcy Heisler and music by Zina Goldrich). Directed by Theatre Aspen Executive Artistic Director Paige Price (Little Women, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown), the musical will be presented on weekend mornings, from July 15th through August 15th.

Theatre Aspen's new Aspen Theatre Festival continues this summer, featuring new plays and musicals being developed for the stage. The festival lineup will be announced in the spring.

All productions take place in the Hurst Theatre in Rio Grande Park and will be underwritten by season sponsor ANB Bank, with the generous support of Franklin and Barbara Carson, Jessica and John Fullerton, Chuck Wall and Nancy Wall, Soledad and Bob Hurst, Darlynn and Tom Fellman, the City of Aspen, Les Dames d'Aspen, Actors' Equity Association, Colorado Creative Industries and The Aspen Club and Spa.