Circle Theatre to Close 2017 Season with Grand Rapids Premiere of IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU

Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids' go-to destination for exceptional theatrical arts in an intimate setting, will wrap up their 65th Main Stage season with a fresh off broadway production of It Shoulda Been You starting on Thursday, September 7 at 7:30 p.m. inside the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College.

Under the direction of Mike Hull, It Shoulda Been You takes place in a world where nothing is what it seems. Religions collide, Machiavellian plots are revealed, promises broken, secrets exposed, and hope springs from the most unlikely of places. Is it the latest conflict in the Middle East? No, it's just the Steinberg wedding. The charming, funny and original new musical fresh off of Broadway and originally directed by Frasier and Cheers star David Hyde Pierce, It Shoulda Been You invites you to a wedding day you'll never forget, where anything that can go wrong does and love pops up in mysterious places. Features: "Jenny's Blues" and "A Little Bit Less Than."

"It Shoulda Been You is a story of valuing yourself for who you are and valuing others for what makes them, well them. Audiences will find that this story resonates because no one is a perfect 'cookie cutter' and normal is as subjective as each of our families," says Hull. "Come see this show if you want to remember how 'not neat' life really is, and how it is so much more beautiful for its imperfections."

Audience members looking to delve even further into the timely themes seen in It Shoulda Been You can join a post-show talkback on September 15. Those in attendance are encouraged to have discussions with community leaders exploring the themes and content of It Shoulda Been You, like family, equality and body image. Not attending the show this night? Bring your ticket stub from a former performance of the show or proof of purchase of an upcoming performance of It Shoulda Been You to attend the discussion.

Cast members include: Stathi Afendoulis (Walt/Uncle Morty), Drew Angell (Greg), Martha Bunda (Georgette), Emily Diener (Jenny), Mike Dodge (George), Shane German (Albert), David Houseman (Brian), Dara Kammeraad (Rebecca), Teri Kuhlman (Judy), Tony Peraino (Murray), Kallie Piette (Mimsy/Aunt Sheila), Lucas Story (Marty) and Katie Tamayo (Annie).

Circle Theatre audience members can take advantage of the Lobby Bar on select nights throughout the summer, including the September 7 & 8 performance of It Shoulda Been You. Michigan craft beer and wine are available starting at 7:00 p.m.; beverages can be enjoyed inside the theatre on those evenings.

2017 celebrates Circle's 65th year of producing plays and musicals for West Michigan audiences. Remaining upcoming productions this season include Circle's unique and diverse Summer Concert Series performances of Ladies Night: The Music of Legendary Divas and California Dreamin': Cool Cali Vibes Past & Present. Circle's Annual Season Party takes place on September 10th and includes the much-anticipated announcement of Circle Theatre's 2018 Season!

Other It Shoulda Been You shows will run September 8 & 9, 13-16, 20-23 at 7:30 p.m. and September 17 at 5 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office at 616-456-6656 or visit Circle's website www.circletheatre.org.

For 65 years and counting, Circle Theatre has enriched, entertained and educated the community through exceptional theatrical arts in an intimate setting. Located in the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College, Circle Theatre presents innovative and entertaining theatre while fostering an enthusiastic and hard working corp of individuals who serve as staff, volunteers and board members. Through the Main Stage season, unique Summer Concert Series and Magic Circle family productions, Circle Theatre engages close to 30,000 people each season. Circle Theatre also values and creates effective collaborations with various community organizations in and around Grand Rapids.

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