The Goodman Theatre announced its lineup for the 2016–17 season as the company celebrates Robert Falls’ 30th anniversary as artistic director.
Falls is expanding the Chicago theater’s slate with nine plays offered as opposed to the typical eight works. The Goodman is also delivering three events including the “New Stages” Festival (Sept. 21–Oct. 9) and two holiday plays.
The Theatre’s “New Stages” Festival will include three developmental productions in repertory, as well as three staged readings. Three of the Goodman’s upcoming productions next season first materialized through the “New Stages” Festival: “The Magic Play,” “King of the Yees,” and “Objects in the Mirror.” The fest showcases inventive new plays that allows playwrights the freedom to take bold risks.
“It’s an honor to celebrate this milestone season with plays so emblematic of the essential role the Goodman has played in the cultural life of Chicago for three decades: a theater that puts diversity at the center of the company, and a theater that recognizes the importance of producing new work,” Falls said in a statement.
The Goodman opens its season with a revival of “Wonderful Town” in September, which follows two sisters who leave Ohio determined to make it big in New York City. Mary Zimmerman directs the classic musical, which runs from Sept. 10–Oct. 16, 2016.
Magician, illusionist, and actor Brett Schneider stars in “The Magic Play” about a young magician who takes the stage hours after his lover leaves him. His public performance shows his heartbreak for all to witness. Halena Kays directs the play from Andrew Hinderaker. “The Magic Play” runs from Oct. 21–Nov. 20, 2016.
The Obie Award-winning “Gloria” will run from Jan. 14–Feb. 19, 2017. Evan Cabnet directs the play about a group of 20-something editorial assistants pursuing greatness in New York City. The stakes at the magazine escalate when an opportunity arises that pits the ambitious group of writers against one another. The Goodman Theatre will present the acclaimed production from New York’s Vineyard Theatre.
Karen Zacarías’ “Destiny of Desire” explores race, gender, and class politics as two baby girls are purposely switched one evening in a Mexican hospital. One baby is thrust into a life of privilege, while the other goes on to live a more impoverished lifestyle. José Luis Valenzuela directs this comedy produced in association with South Coast Repertory. “Destiny of Desire” runs from March 11–April 16, 2017.
“King of the Yees” from playwright Lauren Yee centers on Larry Yee, head of the Yee Family Association in San Francisco. Larry is dedicated to preserving the family lineage, but his daughter Lauren is dismissive of his cultural policy—until Larry goes missing. Lauren must embrace the past in order to find her father. Joshua Kahan Brody directs. “King of the Yees” runs from March 31–April 30, 2017.
Charles Smith writes and directs “Objects in the Mirror” about a man, Shedrick Yarpai, who escapes war-torn Liberia to the Australian coast. Shedrick is finally away from hardship, but troubling memories of his past continue to linger. “Objects in the Mirror” runs from April 29–June 4, 2017.
“Lady in Denmark” from playwright Dael Orlandersmith infuses the classic songs of jazz singer Billie Holliday in this one-woman show. The play focuses on a Danish-American woman who listens to Holliday’s music as respite following her husband’s death. Chay Yew is set to direct the play scheduled to run from May 19–June 18, 2017.
The Goodman Theatre is also set for two holiday events.
The Theatre will present its 39th annual production of Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol.” Larry Yando will return to reprise the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge for his ninth consecutive season. Four ghosts visit crotchety businessman Scrooge over the course of one holiday evening to help him rediscover life, friendship, and love. Henry Wishcamper directs this adaptation from Tom Creamer. “A Christmas Carol” runs Nov. 19–Dec. 31, 2016.
Chicago’s Second City will parody Dickens classics in “Twist Your Dickens” from Dec. 1–31, 2016. “The Colbert Report” alums Peter Gwinn and Bobby Mort scribe the show, which will include trademark Second City improv from the cast.
Additionally, Falls himself will direct new adaptations of Anton Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya” and Eugene O’Neill’s “Ah, Wilderness!” Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Baker adapts Chekhov’s famous play with a new interpretation. “Uncle Vanya” runs Feb. 11–March 12, 2017, while theater-goers can catch Falls’ production of “Ah, Wilderness” from June 17–July 23, 2017.
Visit goodmantheatre.org for the complete 2016–17 slate and for information on subscribing and purchasing tickets to Goodman Theatre productions.
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