Azuka Theatre's 2014-15 to Include 'WATSON INTELLIGENCE,' MOON CAVE & More

Azuka Theatre kicks off its 15th season with the Philadelphia Premiere of a 2014 Pulitzer Prize Finalist, continues with a World Premiere by the theatre's current playwright in residence, and closes with another Philadelphia Premiere. Azuka performs on its home stage at the Off-Broad Street Theater at First Baptist Church 1636 Sansom Street. Subscriptions are $45-$75. There is a $35 subscription available for patrons 35 and under. Tickets and subscriptions are available online at www.azukatheatre.org or by phone at 215-563-1100.

The company will host its Spotlight Series Festival, a series of new play readings, January 5 - 8, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Finally, once again, Azuka will look at everything people love and hate about the City of Brotherly Love with its annual "I Love You, I Hate You" Happy Hour. The date will be announced later this year.

2014-2015 Season

Philadelphia Premiere and 2014 Pulitzer Finalist
The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence
By Madeleine George
Directed by Allison Heishman
Starring: David Bardeen, Corinna Burns & Griffin Stanton-Ameisen
Dates: November 5-23
Opening Night: Saturday, November 8, 7:00 p.m.

A love triangle repeats through the ages in this time-shifting, mind-bending Philadelphia premiere of the 2014 Pulitzer Finalist play by Madeleine George. The connective tissue is Watson, four Watsons to be precise. The beloved side-kick of Sherlock Holmes, the loyal assistant to Alexander Graham-Bell, the Artificial Super Intelligence that took the Jeopardy! world by storm, and the preternaturally chill Josh Watson - a modern day IT guru for the local Dweeb Team. This play questions the way people communicate and connect with the world at large and the people who are right in front of them. It looks at the many ways throughout history that technology has helped and hindered that cause.

World Premiere by a Philadelphia Playwright
Moon Cave
By Douglas Williams (Azuka Playwright-in-Residence)
Directed by Kevin Glaccum
Starring: Taysha Canales & Kevin Meehan
Dates: March 4 - 22
Opening Night: Saturday, March 7, 7:00 p.m.

Terrified that someone will recognize him from a childhood trauma that made national news, Richard keeps to himself. That all changes when he meets Rachel and starts letting down his guard. Richard must tell Rachel the secrets he's been hiding, but will she still love him when she knows the truth? And if Rachel knows, how soon before the rest of the country will be knocking down his door? This World Premiere work is a nuanced look at notoriety, responsibility, and living with mistakes.

The Virginia & Harvey Kimmel New Professionals Production
Philadelphia Premiere!
Speech & Debate
By Stephen Karam
Directed by Kevin Glaccum
Starring: Bryan Black, Dane Eissler, Zoe Richards & Rebekah Sharp
Dates: May 6 - 24, 2015
Opening: Saturday, May 9, 7:00 p.m.

When budding journalist Solomon uncovers a sex scandal at his school, he sets out to expose the truth by pressuring fellow high school misfits Diwata and Howie to share what they know. But as it turns out, Diwata and Howie each have an agenda of their own. How far will Solomon go in pursuit of his story? Accusations fly, secrets are revealed, and songs are belted in this dark comedy about coming of age in the internet era.