AMERICAN BUFFALO, WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST and More Set for Keegan Theatre's 20th Season

The Keegan Theatre announces its 2016-2017, 20th anniversary season.

"Keegan has had quite a ride, especially the last few years," says Mark A. Rhea, the company's founder and producing artistic director. "After being dark for a year for the renovations, we offered our patrons an extra-long, super-packed 2015-2016 season - 11 main stage productions over 15 months, an programming achievement that makes us very proud. I'm incredibly pleased to be finding our groove in the new space and to return to a regular 12-month season schedule this year. While we're back to a more traditional season calendar, we're continuing to challenge ourselves and our audiences with programming that pushes us in new ways. We can't wait to welcome audiences for a season of exploring the human condition like never before."

The first show in Keegan's 2016-17 season will not take place at its Church Street home - the company travels to Ireland in August with its production of AMERICAN BUFFALO. This is Keegan's 15th tour of an American classic to Ireland; AMERICAN BUFFALO will travel to five venues over four weeks, visiting Galway, Kilkenny, Mullingar, Cork, and Ennis.

Back in the States, the 2016-17 season kicks off in September with Teresa Rebeck's electrifying examination of sexism and the workplace, WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST. The eight-show main stage season includes two musicals and five premieres, including a world premiere by local playwright Chris Stezin. The 2016-2017 season will also include two productions as part of the company's Wee Keegan programming for young audiences - Keegan will announce the Wee Keegan productions next month, along with the lineup of directors for next season.

"This season packs in musicals, dramas and comedies," Rhea says. "Large casts and small ones. Probing, issue-oriented stories and wistful, romantic journeys. There are difficult discussions of the divides and fear we create around class, race, gender, and sex. There are joyful explorations of love and discovery. We're not slowing down; we're just hitting our stride. We can't wait to see you at the theater."

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The Keegan Theatre's 2016-2017, 20th Anniversary Season:

*2016 IRELAND TOUR*

August/September 2016

AMERICAN BUFFALO by David Mamet

One of America's greatest playwrights, David Mamet infused AMERICAN BUFFALO with his trademark style and dramatic craftsmanship, creating a theatrical tour de force for three actors that stands the test of time. In a Chicago junk shop, three small-time crooks plot to rob a man of his coin collection, the showpiece of which is a valuable "Buffalo nickel." The three conspirators fancy themselves as businessmen pursuing the legitimate concerns of free enterprise -- but in reality, they are merely small-time crooks, and all of their plotting amounts to nothing in the end. AMERICAN BUFFALO is a triumph of language and a devastating snapshot of what human beings are capable of doing to each other when they run out of options.

Winner! 1977 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award, Best American Play

September 23 - October 15, 2016

WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST by Teresa Rebeck

*Regional Premiere*

A scathing, ferocious comedy about sexism in the workplace by one of today's most acclaimed and provocative playwrights. Set in a highly competitive architecture firm, WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST takes an explosive look at the complicated battle of the sexes and one woman's response when she tires of slamming into the glass ceiling.

November 5 - November 26, 2016

SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION by John Guare

One of the greatest American plays of our time, Guare's script examines the threads of chance that link one person to another. A splendidly funny, often disquieting, exploration of the way human beings define themselves and classify each other. Winner of the 1993 Olivier Award for Best Play and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award.

KEEGAN'S OWN HOLIDAY TRADITION!

December 17 - December 31, 2016

AN IRISH CAROL by Matthew Keenan

Set in a modern Dublin pub, AN IRISH CAROL is an homage to Dickens' classic - told as only the Irish can. The play, both comic and touching, follows one evening in the life of David, a wealthy pub owner who has lost touch with his own humanity in the interest of self-protection and material success. But on this Christmas Eve - challenged by a voice from the past, provoked by those in this present, and faced with the reality of lonely future - David's life may change forever.

January 20 - February 11, 2017

MACK, BETH by Chris Stezin

*World Premiere*

Shakespeare's ultimate power couple - retooled for the cyber age. MACK, BETH is a thoroughly modern, razor sharp tale with all the complex characters, intrigue, and taut storytelling that audiences expect from this classic tale of greed and unbridled ambition. A world premiere from two-time Helen Hayes-nominated playwright.

March 11 - April 8, 2017

PARADE book by Alfred Uhry, music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown

The tragic, true story of the trial and lynching of a Jewish man wrongly accused of murder. A rich and intricate score by Jason Robert Brown, and a book by Alfred Uhry that delves fearlessly into the complexities of early 20th century social relationships in the South. A musical of profound depth and beauty.

May 6 - May 27, 2017

OUTSIDE MULLINGAR by John Patrick Stanley

*DC Premiere*

Heartbreaking, funny as hell, and ultimately deeply moving. A compassionate and delightful work by John Patrick Shanley (Doubt, Danny and the Deep Blue Sea) that asks the question: is it ever too late to take a chance on love?

June 17 - July 8, 2017

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG AND UNAFRAID by Sarah Treem

*DC Premiere*

In the early 1970s, before Roe v. Wade or the Violence Against Women Act, Agnes has turned her quiet bed and breakfast into one of the few spots where victims of domestic violence can seek refuge. But to Agnes's dismay, her latest runaway, Mary Anne, is beginning to influence Agnes's college-bound daughter Penny. As the drums of a feminist revolution grow louder, Agnes is forced to confront her own presumptions about the women she's spent her life trying to help.

August 5 - September 2, 2017

BIG FISH book by John August, music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa

*DC Premiere*

Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, BIG FISH centers on Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest. Edward's incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him - most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father's epic tales. Overflowing with heart and humor, BIG FISH reminds us why we love going to the theatre - for an experience that's richer, funnier and more extraordinary than life itself.

Plus ... two Wee Keegan productions for young audiences, to be announced in June!

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