Palo Alto Players Announce 2019-20 Season; BRIGHT STAR, A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2, and More

Palo Alto Players, the Peninsula's first theatre company, announces its 89th season titled - "If You Knew My Story." The 2019-20 line-up, beginning September 2019, was unveiled Sunday, January 27 by Artistic Director Patrick Klein at the company's annual Season Announcement Party and includes BRIGHT STAR, A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL, A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2, Roald Dahl's MATILDA THE MUSICAL, and AN ACT OF GOD. All performances are held at the Lucie Stern Theater located at 1305 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto. Subscriptions are on sale now at paplayers.org or by phone at 650.329.0891. Individual tickets for the September show go on sale in August and for the remaining season beginning in October.

Palo Alto Players' 89th season kicks off in September 2019 with the Peninsula premiere of the Steve Martin and Edie Brickell musical BRIGHT STAR, followed in November with A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL, the stage adaptation of the classic holiday film, with music by the songwriting team behind the the Academy Award-winning film La La Land and recent blockbuster The Greatest Showman. In January 2020, the company presents Lucas Hnath's A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2, the 2017 Tony-nominated play the New York Times called "...smart, funny and utterly engrossing." Roald Dahl's MATILDA THE MUSICAL, the Tony Award- winning musical based on the 1988 children's novel of the same name will be presented in April 2020, and closing the season in June 2020, audiences will be treated to a side of divinity unlike any other with the hilarious play AN ACT OF GOD, written by Emmy Award-winning head writer of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

"Of the many exciting adventures I get to pursue as Artistic Director of Palo Alto Players, none gives me more pleasure than selecting the season of plays and musicals for our artists and patrons," said Artistic Director Patrick Klein. "Each season is an exciting journey, and the 2019-20 season will be no exception. We are continuing to push our preconceived boundaries as a theatre company, while bringing fresh, universally acclaimed titles to our community, most for their first local staging. Our new season gives you five compelling opportunities to experience someone else's story - stories that will inspire you, challenge you, and always entertain you."

In addition to the five mainstage productions, the company will continue its staged reading companion series, to complement the mainstage shows. Dates and play titles will be announced in the coming months.

In chronological order, Palo Alto Players' 2019-20 season is as follows:

BRIGHT STAR

September 14 - 29, 2019 (preview September 13)

Music, Book & Story: Steve Martin

Music, Lyrics & Story: Edie Brickell

From Grammy, Emmy, and Academy Award-winning Steve Martin and Grammy Award-winning Edie Brickell comes BRIGHT STAR, the five-time Tony-nominated, new Broadway musical that The New York Times called "a shining achievement." Featuring an energetic and unique bluegrass score and inspired by a real event, this original musical tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 20's and 40's. Propelled by an ensemble of onstage musicians and dancers, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion, beautiful melodies and powerfully moving performances. BRIGHT STAR - as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful - is "Broadway's most beautiful show" (WABC).

A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL

November 9 - 24, 2019 (preview November 8)

Book by Joseph Robinette

Music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul

Based on the motion picture "A Christmas Story" distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, and upon "In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash" written by Jean Shepherd

Produced with permission of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Dalfie Entertainment.

From the songwriting team behind the smash-hit Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen and the Academy Award-winning film La La Land and recent blockbuster The Greatest Showman, A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL chronicles young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle ("You'll shoot your eye out kid!"). An infamous lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish. Warm up for your holiday season with this inspired stage musical adaptation of the perennial film classic!

A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2

January 18 - February 2, 2020 (preview January 17)

By Lucas Hnath

Nominated for eight Tony Awards in 2017, this sharp-witted sequel to Ibsen's masterpiece begins with a knock at the door. 15 years ago Nora walked out that same door, leaving behind her husband and children to pursue a life as a fiercely independent woman. Now Nora writes scandalous novels that encourage women to break free from the bonds of marriage and find their own destiny. When a powerful judge blackmails Nora she comes home to ask for help from the family she abandoned. What happens when the mother and wife that walked out the door has to confront the family she left behind? A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2 is a blistering and very funny meditation on marriage and the high cost of personal fulfillment.

Roald Dahl's MATILDA THE MUSICAL

April 25 - May 10, 2020 (preview April 24)

Book by Dennis Kelly

Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin

Based on the book, Matilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Over the course of her first term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other's lives, as Miss Honey begins not only to recognize but also appreciate Matilda's extraordinary personality. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however - the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace! Packed with high-energy dance numbers and fresh, clever songs, the Tony award-winning MATILDA is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

AN ACT OF GOD

June 13 - 28, 2020 (preview June 12)

By David Javerbaum

The One with the first and last word on everything has finally arrived to set the record straight. After many millennia, and in just 90 minutes, God (assisted by His devoted angels) answers some of the deepest questions that have plagued mankind since Creation, such as: why did He decide to create the universe, which sports team does God choose when they all pray to Him for a win, and what does He think of Kanye West? From the multi Emmy Award-winning head writer of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and creator of Twitter's massively followed @TheTweetOfGod, this hit comedy treats audiences to a hilarious side of divinity unlike any other.

For more information or to purchase season subscriptions, visit the company online at paplayers.org, by phone at 650.329.0891, or in person at the Box Office at the Lucie Stern Theater located at 1305 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto, Tuesday-Friday 11am - 4pm PT. Early bird subscriptions prices (starting at just $135 for all five productions) are available through April 26, 2019. Prices increase after April 26. Special discounts for seniors, educators, military and patrons under 30 are also available. Some restrictions may apply. In addition to significant savings, subscribers receive other benefits such as priority seating, free ticket exchanges, discounts on the purchase of additional single tickets, and invitations to special events.