Archway Theatre Announces 2017 Season

The Archway Theatre has announced that it will present a 2017 season of eight major productions ranging from great classics such as "Cyrano de Bergerac," to an original adaptation of the classic modern horror masterpiece, "Night of The Living Dead." In addition to works by Shakespeare, Chekhov, Euripides, and Pirandello, the Archway will also present "Postmortem," a murder mystery by Tony Award-winner Ken Kudwig.

"Obviously this is a very exciting season for our company - it was an exciting deliberation process in selecting the line-up," said producing artistic director Steven Sabel.

Archway Theatre begins their selection process each year in August, Sabel said. That is when resident company members and returning guest directors proposed productions for the 2017 season. Deliberations occurred over the next two months before the season of eight productions was decided, he said. The resident company consists of 20 to 25 members.

The 2017 season will open in January with "The Winter's Tale," adapted and directed by Michael Shane Eastman, who returns to open his second consecutive Archway season after last year's "Twelfth Night," found great success. "The Winter's Tale" will be followed by "Romeo and Juliet," directed by Sabel to open in late February. The theatre has a tradition of producing back-to-back Shakespeare plays every season.

Ludwig's "Postmortem" will open at the end of March. The Tony Award-winning playwright is best known for his works "Lend Me A Tenor," "Crazy for You," and the more recent Broadway production, "An American in Paris."

Edmund Rostand's "Cyrano de Bergerac" will open in May. Sabel will direct a version of the play adapted by Joseph Paul Stachura, starring resident company leading man, Christopher Karbo in the title role. Karbo portrayed Hamlet at the Archway last season to great acclaim.

Luigi Pirandello's "Six Characters in Search of an Author" will open in late June. Directed by Sabel and resident company member Faith Kearns, the insanely witty dramatic comedy will be presented with an alternating twist.

The Archway Theatre presents its first work by Anton Chekhov when "Three Sisters," directed by company member Will Kleist, opens at the end of July; followed by Sabel's adaptation of "Medea" by Euripides.

"Night of the Living Dead," adapted and directed by Ron Milts, will round out the Main Stage season, Oct. 13 through Nov. 18. A holiday show will follow in December.

"We are a busy space filled with constant activity and artistic energy fueled by a company of talented artists eager to present this dynamic season," said Sabel.

The thriving Archway Theatre recently celebrated its five-year anniversary in Los Angeles. During that time the local theatre company has produced more than 40 full-scale productions, as well as a large variety of special events and attractions. The bustling space is sometimes at use by as many as four different casts of actors performing and rehearsing overlapping schedules.

Now that the Main Stage season has been announced, plans are in motion for the Archway Theatre to host several Second Stage productions, late-night shows, and special events throughout the year, Sabel said.

"We are all looking forward to a busy and exciting year at the Archway, and we hope people will join us at our place of endless creation," he said.

Archway Theatre, 10509 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. For season subscription information, visit: www.archwayla.com or call (818)980-7529.