Weathervane Playhouse recently announced its 82nd season, as subscribers, volunteers and staff gathered for an opportunity to learn the titles of all of the 16-17 season plays and hear from many of the directors about each of the shows.
“Whether you come to us as an artist, or audience member, our 82nd season has something that was intended just for you,” said Artistic Director Melanie Pepe. “We are proud to announce a subscription season featuring six plays, six musicals and a theatre festival of 10-minute plays. The plays include comedy, romance, passion and provocative topics right alongside cheesy sci-fi and a jaded Christmas elf. This is a season of plays and musicals that invite everyone to work, play, and share their time with us!”
Full descriptions for shows and subscription prices are available at www.weathervaneplayhouse.com.
Early bird prices run April 7 through June 30 with standard prices beginning July 1.
Additional information including directors, musical directors, and choreographers:
“Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka”
A musical
Music and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley
Adapted for the Stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald
Based on the book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl
An Emerging Artist Series production
Directed by Sarah Elaine Bailey
Musical Direction by Sharon Dobbins Alberson
Assistant Director and Choreographer: Marissa Leenaarts
On stage July 29 to August 14, 2016
“Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka” follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding five golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whoever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences!
“You Can’t Take it With You”
A comedy by George S. Kauffman and Moss Hart
A Mainstage production
Director T.B.A.
On stage Aug. 25 to Sept. 11, 2016
At first the Sycamores seem mad, but it is not long before we realize that if they are mad, the rest of the world is madder! In contrast to these delightful people are the unhappy Kirbys. The plot shows how Tony, attractive young son of the Kirbys, falls in love with Alice Sycamore and brings his parents to dine at the Sycamore home on the wrong evening. The shock sustained by the Kirbys, who are invited to eat cheap food, shows Alice that marriage with Tony is out of the question. The Sycamores, however, though sympathetic to Alice, find it hard to realize her point of view. Meantime, Tony, who knows the Sycamores are right and his own people wrong, will not give her up, and in the end Mr. Kirby is converted to the happy madness of the Sycamores.
“Little Shop of Horrors”
A musical comedy
Book and lyrics by Howard Ashman
Music by Alan Menken
Based on the film by Roger Corman, screenplay by Charles Griffith
A Mainstage production
Directed by Bob Russell
Musical Direction by John Ebner
On stage Sept. 29 to Oct. 16, 2016
The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” — after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down-and-out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it BLOOD! Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out-of-this-world origins and intent towards global domination!
“Red”
A drama by John Logan
A Dietz Theater production
Directed by Melanie YC Pepe
On stage Oct. 27 to Nov. 12, 2016
Master abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko has just landed the biggest commission in the history of modern art: a series of murals for New York’s famed Four Seasons restaurant. In the fascinating two years that follow, Rothko works feversishly with his young assistant, Ken, in his studio on the Bowery. But when Ken gains the confidence to challenge him, Rothko faces the agonizing possibility that his crowning achievement could also become his undoing. Raw and provocative, “Red” is a searing portrait of an artist’s ambition and vulnerability as he tries to create a definitive work for an extraordinary setting.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
A musical
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
An Emerging Artist Series production
Directed by Sarah Elaine Bailey
Musical Direction by Sharon Dobbins Alberson
Assistant Director and Choreographer: Marissa Leenaarts
On stage Nov. 22 to Dec. 18, 2016
The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable! Joseph, his father’s favorite son, is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. Set to an engaging cornucopia of musical styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock ‘n’ roll, this Old Testament tale emerges both timely and timeless.
“The Santaland Diaries”
A comedy by David Sedaris
Adapted by Joe Mantello
A Mainstage production
Directed by Melanie YC Pepe
On stage Dec. 1 to 17, 2016
“The Santaland Diaries” is a brilliant evocation of what a slacker’s Christmas must feel like. Out of work, our slacker decides to become a Macy’s elf during the holiday crunch. At first the job is simply humiliating — but once the thousands of visitors start pouring through Santa’s workshop, he becomes battle weary and bitter. Taking consolation in the fact that some of the other elves were television extras on “One Life to Live,” he grins and bears it, occasionally taking out his frustrations on the children and parents alike.
“A Kid Like Jake”
A drama by Daniel Pearle
A Mainstage production
Directed by Bob Belfance
On stage Jan 12 to 22, 2017
On the eve of the admissions cycle for Manhattan’s most exclusive private schools, Alex and Greg have high hopes for their son Jake, a precocious four-year-old who happens to prefer Cinderella to G.I. Joe. But as the process continues, Jake’s behavior becomes erratic and perplexing, and other adults in his life start to wonder whether his fondness for dress-up might be cause for concern. The story of a husband and wife struggling to do right by their son, “A Kid Like Jake” is a study of intimacy and parenthood and the fantasies that accompany both.
“I Love You Because”
A musical
Music by Joshua Salzman
Book and lyrics by Ryan Cunningham
A Dietz Theater production
Directed by Will Crosby
Musical Direction by John Ebner
On stage Feb. 2 to 18, 2017
“I Love You Because” is a modern twist on Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” set in New York City. A young, uptight greeting card writer’s life is changed when he meets a flighty photographer. Along with their eccentric friends and siblings, they learn to love each other not in spite of their faults, but because of them.
“To Kill a Mockingbird”
A drama
Adapted by Christopher Sergel from the novel by Harper Lee
An Emerging Artist Series production
Directed by Jimmie Woody
On stage Feb. 23 to March 12, 2017
One of the most honored and beloved novels of all time comes to life on stage in this tender and powerful adaptation. Set in a small town in the Deep South in the 1930s, racial injustice envelops a community and transfigures one girl’s life in astonishing ways.
“Jesus Christ Superstar”
A musical
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
A Mainstage production
Directed by Melanie YC Pepe
Musical Direction by Sharon Dobbins Alberson
Choreography by Kevin Lambes
On stage March 20 to April 23, 2017
It seems especially fitting that the first rock opera, created as a concept album at the end of the turbulent ’60s, should have at its center a social and political rebel. Jesus’ meteor-like rise in renown provides, as the title suggests, a parallel to contemporary celebrity worship. As his radical teachings are evermore embraced, Judas increasingly questions the enlightened motives of this new prophet, resulting in betrayal. Christ’s final days are dramatized with emotional intensity, thought-provoking edge and explosive theatricality. Propelled by a stirring score, by turns driving and majestic, satirical and tender, “Jesus Christ Superstar” illuminates the transcendent power of the human spirit with a passion that goes straight to the heart.
“The Flick”
A dramatic comedy by Annie Baker
A Mainstage production
Directed by Craig Joseph
On stage May 4 to 14, 2017
In a run-down movie theater in central Massachusetts, three underpaid employees mop the floors and attend to one of the last 35 millimeter film projectors in the state. Their tiny battles and not-so-tiny heartbreaks play out in the empty aisles, becoming more gripping than the lackluster, second-run movies on screen. With a keen insight and finely-tuned comic eye, “The Flick” is a hilarious and heart-rending cry for authenticity in a fast-changing world. Winner of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
“Hairspray”
A musical comedy
Book by Thomas Meehan and Mark O’Donnell
Music by Mark Shaiman
Lyrics by Mark Shaiman and Scott Wittman
Based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters
A Mainstage production
Directed and choreographed by Marrissa Leenaarts
Musical Direction by John Ebner
On stage June 8 to July 2, 2017
The 1950’s are out and change is in the air! “Hairspray,” winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical, is a family-friendly musical piled bouffant high with laughter, romance, and deliriously tuneful songs. It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire — to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network — all without denting her ‘do!
The 8×10 Theatrefest
On stage July 13 to July 16, 2017
Eight plays, 10 minutes each! Weathervane Playhouse celebrates the art of the short-format play in this annual contest and festival of 10-minute plays!
Weathervane Playhouse provides high-quality live theater with volunteer artists, designers, and technicians under professional direction, delivers education and training in theater arts and appreciation, and engages and entertains its audience to enrich the quality of life in Northeast Ohio.
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The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, education excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.
Weathervane Playhouse’s 2015-2016 Season Support Provided by:
Akron Community Foundation, The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation, Kenneth L. Calhoun Charitable Trust (KeyBank, Trustee), OMNOVA Solutions Foundation, Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation, Sisler McFawn Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, WKSU
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