Watertown-based New Repertory Theatre announced the lineup for the company’s 35th season.
See the announcement below:
Next year, New Repertory Theatre will celebrate 35 seasons of presenting plays that speak powerfully to the vital ideas of our time and continue a tradition of producing theatre that is bold, timely, and essential. We’re excited to share with you a season we’ve entitled AWAKENING, featuring seven illuminating and thought-provoking works.
At New Rep, we believe that theatre can be a sanctuary, a place for all to come together as a community in conversation. Time and time again we hear from our audiences that the work that we do is important and that you come to New Rep to see smart, eye-opening plays that spark meaningful dialogue. It is our hope that these plays will inspire and engage you as New Repertory Theatre continues to be a place where the vital ideas of our time can be discussed freely and openly.
We look forward to seeing you soon for another season filled with exciting productions at New Repertory Theatre.
Thank you, and see you at the theatre!
Jim Petosa
Artistic Director
Harriet Sheets
Managing Director
SEARING SATIRICAL COMEDY
STRAIGHT WHITE MEN
by Young Jean Lee
a New England Premiere
SEP 7-30/2018
mainstage theater
Ed and his sons are celebrating the holidays in their traditional style. As Jake and Drew sit around eating Chinese takeout, playing games, and pranking each other, it quickly becomes apparent that something is wrong with their brother Matt. A searing satirical comedy that fearlessly examines identity and privilege and throws into question the value of being straight white men.
COMPELLING HISTORICAL DRAMA
WE WILL NOT BE SILENT
by David Meyers
directed by Jim Petosa
a New England Premiere
OCT 13-NOV 4/2018
mainstage theater
Risking everything to stand up for social justice, German college student Sophie Scholl courageously led the only major act of civil disobedience against Hitler and his fascist regime. Scholl’s moral strength is tested while being interrogated for her crimes, leading her to question whether to save her own life or continue her righteous crusade. Based on true events, We Will Not Be Silent is a provocative and timely new work that examines the role of ordinary people in extraordinary times.
SPIRITED MUSICAL REVIVAL
1776
AMERICA’S PRIZE WINNING MUSICAL
music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards
book by Peter Stone
based on a concept by Sherman Edwards
original production directed by Peter Hunt
originally produced on the Broadway Stage by Stuart Ostrow
NOV 30-DEC 23/2018
mainstage theater
In this Tony Award-winning musical, Massachusetts delegate John Adams must convince a divided Continental Congress to forge a new and independent nation. With help from his colleagues Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, Adams just might make history! Experience the story of the founding of the United States with this exciting, inclusive reimagining of this classic musical.
EVOCATIVE EXISTENTIAL DRAMA
HEARTLAND
by Gabriel Jason Dean
directed by Bridget Kathleen O’Leary
a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere
JAN 12-FEB 9/2019
blackbox theater
When Afghan refugee Nazrullah shows up unexpectedly on the doorstep of Dr. Harold Banks claiming to have known his adopted daughter Getee, the two men become unlikely roommates. Through flashbacks, Getee and Nazrullah’s relationship unfolds, and a clearer picture of Harold’s estrangement from his daughter is revealed. A poignant new work inspired by true events, Heartland is a stirring emotional journey about love, loss, and understanding.
INSPIRATIONAL ONE-WOMAN MUSICAL
STILL STANDING
by Anita Hollander
FEB 9-MAR 3/2019
blackbox theater
Anita Hollander lost her leg in 1977 to cancer. Still Standing details her story from diagnosis to the very moment of performance. Her leg will not grow back, but her mind and spirit and soul have grown to more than compensate. With songs, wit, understatement, great dollops of humor, but not a smidgen of self-pity, Hollander reaches out to every member of the audience.
ENGAGING SOCIO-POLITICAL DRAMA
CARDBOARD PIANO
by Hansol Jung
a New England Premiere
MAR 23-APR 14/2019
mainstage theater
Set in Northern Uganda at the turn of the millennium, this poetic drama explores love and dedication amidst a background of an escalating civil war. In a secret wedding ceremony a local teenage girl and the daughter of American missionaries solidify their union despite growing violence and assured intolerance. Cardboard Piano is a powerful new work that deftly examines the roots of hate and the capacity for forgiveness.
HAUNTING CLASSIC DRAMA
VIEUX CARRÉ
by Tennessee Williams
directed by Jim Petosa
APR 27-MAY 19/2019
mainstage theater
A New Orleans ghost story pulled from the real life experiences of playwright Tennessee Williams. Set in a French Quarter boarding house in the 1930s, this rarely-produced work from the enigmatic author is considered one of his most autobiographical. Begun early in his career and completed towards the end, Vieux Carré is quintessential Williams, a masterfully crafted epic filled with hauntingly evocative imagery and characters.
New Rep subscribers will receive their renewal invoices in the mail soon!
If you are not a current subscriber but would like to become one for next season, call the Box Office at 617-923-8487 by April 4 to receive the Early Bird rate!