GYPSY, 'FROG & TOAD' and More Set for Arden Theatre Company's 2016-17 Season

Arden Theatre Company announces their 2016/2017 Season, and continues their mission to present great stories by great storytellers.

"Our 29th season exemplifies our commitment to bringing a variety of work to our stages," says Producing Artistic Director Terrence J. Nolen. "New plays by some of today's most exciting contemporary voices, classic stories reimagined by directors with whom we have treasured ongoing relationships, and one of the greatest American musicals of all time. We are thrilled to welcome back Arden co-founder Aaron Posner, who will be directing his play Stupid F*cking Bird for the very first time, and to be producing the world premiere of a new musical for Arden Children's Theatre by Philadelphia writers Tony Lawton and Alex Bechtel."

STUPID F*CKING BIRD

By Aaron Posner, sort of adapted from The Seagull by Anton Chekhov

With original songs by James Sugg

Directed by Aaron Posner

9/15/16 to 10/16/16

F. Otto Haas Theatre

In this irreverent, contemporary, and very funny remix of The Seagull, Arden co-founder Aaron Posner scoops up Chekhov's tale of unrequited love, missed opportunities, and misplaced dreams and sets it down squarely in the bustle of 21st century life. This new play has been showered with awards and critical acclaim and is one of the most produced plays in the country - now it comes to Philadelphia.

THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA McBRIDE

By Matthew Lopez

Directed by Emmanuelle Delpeche

10/13/16 to 11/27/16

Arcadia Stage

He's young, he's broke, he's just found out his wife is going to have a baby, and now Casey has lost his gig as an Elvis impersonator. When his club brings in a drag act led by Miss Tracy Mills, Casey is given the opportunity to trade one sequined outfit for another. With Dito van Reigersberg of Martha Graham Cracker fame as Tracy, this music-filled comedy celebrates finding your voice and singing your own song.

A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD

Music by ROBERT REALE

Book and Lyrics by WILLIE REALE

Developed by ADRIANNE LOBEL

Directed by Whit MacLaughlin

11/23/16 - 1/29/17

On the F. Otto Haas Stage

Frog and Toad are back! In a revival of one of the Arden's most treasured children's theatre productions, an unlikely friendship between the cheerful Frog and the rather grumpy Toad blossoms and grows as they travel through four fun-filled seasons learning life lessons along the way. Barrymore Award winners Jeff Coon and Ben Dibble return as the amphibious best friends in this charming musical that promises to delight the whole family!

JOHN

By Annie Baker

Directed by Matthew Decker

1/12/17 to 2/26/17

Arcadia Stage

A young couple arrives at a bed and breakfast in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, looking to spend a weekend visiting the historical sites of the famous battlefields. They are welcomed by a cheerful innkeeper into a home filled with tchotchkes, dolls, and other ghosts of the past. John is a beautiful and moving new play by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker about spirituality, relationships, and other scary stories.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Matt Pfeiffer

3/2/17 to 4/2/17

F. Otto Haas Theatre

The Arden's F. Otto Haas Theatre opened in 1998 with this beloved comedy by William Shakespeare. Next year, Barrymore Award-winning director Matt Pfeiffer creates a vibrant new production featuring Philadelphia's most exciting up-and-coming actors, musicians, and designers. Join us for musical celebration of the follies and foibles of human beings (and fairies) in a fresh new staging that promises to be an unforgettable midsummer adventure.

A world premiere!

THE LIGHT PRINCESS

Adapted by Tony Lawton

From the story by George MacDonald

Music by Alex Bechtel

4/5/17 - 5/28/17

Arcadia Stage

Based on a Scottish legend by George MacDonald, this new musical tells the story of a teenager who has no gravity of any kind - in addition to having no feelings for others she floats in the air, unable to ever touch the ground. Filled with wonderful characters and a beguiling score, this enchanting, clever and wickedly funny new musical will delight kids and parents alike.

GYPSY

Book by Arthur Laurents

Music by Jule Styne

Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Directed by Terrence J. Nolen

5/18/17 to 6/25/17

F. Otto Haas Theatre

Five-time Barrymore Award winner Mary Martello comes to the Arden stage as the indomitable Mama Rose. Set in the fading days of the vaudeville circuit, Gypsy features a legendary score that includes "Let Me Entertain You," "Together, Wherever We Go," and "Everything's Coming Up Roses." One of Philadelphia's greatest actresses takes on Mama Rose - this promises to be a not-to-be-missed event!

Three and Five-Show Mainstage Subscriptions are now on sale for the 2016/17 Season and range in price from $81 - $190. Prices increase by $10 after May 12, 2016. Call the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122, order online at www.ardentheatre.org, or visit the box office at 40 N. 2nd Street in Old City, Philadelphia.

To post a comment, you must register and login.