he Indiana Repertory Theatre’s (IRT) executive artistic director, Janet Allen, announced its 46th season, a collection of provocative new work and inventive staging of world classics in the Signature Six Series, as well as the Young Audience, Exploring Stages and holiday productions. The nine-production season, sponsored by OneAmerica Financial Partners, runs from September 19 through May 20.
“This season has been specifically selected for our central Indiana audiences of all ages, to invite us to come together as a community under one roof and share in the magic of live theatre,” said IRT executive artistic director, Janet Allen. “This season celebrates our differences, while reminding us that we are deeply connected. We’ll create new, insightful productions of important classics, as well as challenging new work to encourage us to pause, reflect, enjoy and reenergize.”
The IRT celebrates the 20th anniversary of James Still’s playwright in residency by featuring two of his plays–Appoggiatura , a romantic idyll set in Venice, and audience favorite Looking Over the President’s Shoulder, a celebration of native Hoosier Alonzo Fields’ long career in the White House.
“My 20th season as the IRT’s playwright-in-residence is an opportunity for my plays to continue ongoing and dynamic conversations with IRT audiences,” said Still. “This anniversary celebrates a relationship between a writer and an audience, a body of work and a community, and stories told and hearts opened.”
Also highlighted in the 17-18 season is one of the nation’s first non-commercial productions of the London and Broadway hit,The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, allowing Indiana audiences an opportunity to see this remarkable play without travelling to Chicago or New York.
The complete season follows:
2017–2018 SEASON
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
A play by Simon Stephens, based on the novel by Mark Haddon
September 19 – October 14
Captivating Mystery
The Tony Award-winning stage version of the best-selling novel. When a teenage math savant investigates a puzzling neighborhood occurrence, he begins an extraordinary journey that takes him places he has never been—and you have never imagined.
The Originalist
A play by John Strand
October 17 – November 12
Enthralling Debate
Supreme Court Justice and conservative icon Antonin Scalia hires a young, liberal, female law intern, and opinions start flying right and left. Every point of view is explored in this thoughtful, witty, open-minded look at one of our most galvanizing national figures.
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Presented by Lilly, adapted by Tom Haas
November 18 – December 24
Holiday Tradition
Join Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and three lively ghosts on a dark, snowy journey that leads to a bright new day of joy, hope and renewal. Banish your bah humbugs, and celebrate the holiday season with Indy’s favorite family tradition.
A Raisin in the Sun
By Lorraine Hansberry
January 10 – February 3
Inspiring American Classic
After years in a crowded, run-down, inner-city apartment, the Younger family dreams of a better life in the green, sunny suburbs. But when opportunity comes along, will they agree on the best route to get there? And will the gates be open to them?
William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
January 27 – March 3
Heartbreaking Love Story
A timeless and timely tale of young love struggling to survive amid old hatreds. Shakespeare’s most beloved play is as vibrant and lively as ever, speaking boldly across the centuries to the divided world we live in today.
The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse
By Vicki Ireland
February 24 – March 25
Pint-Sized AdventureWill has a cozy, familiar home in a boot in the barn. But when his cousin Monty takes him to the big, dangerous city, Will learns to wade through plush carpets, climb hot water pipes and outwit tame mice gone bad. Where will his expedition take him next?
Appoggiatura
By James Still
March 7 – March 31
Romantic Escapade
A trip to Venice brings love, loss, pain and joy to three weary travelers in search of healing and happiness. Hearts leap, time bends and the floating city works its wonders in this magical play filled with music and amore.
Looking Over the President’s Shoulder
By James Still
March 27 – May 6
A Story of an Unsung Patriot
Hoosier Alonzo Fields spent two decades as Chief Butler at the White House, serving Presidents Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman and Eisenhower. A hit in theatres across the country, this funny, poignant, uplifting memoir returns to the IRT by popular demand.
Noises Off
By Michael Frayn
April 24 – May 20
Uproarious Backstage Comedy
Ever gone to a play and something went wrong? What happens when everything goes wrong? Rehearsal implosions, backstage shenanigans and onstage disasters have the cast on life support—and the audience in stitches!
Additional programming and events, as well as complete casting and creative team information will be announced at a later date. Season ticket packages start at $149 and are on sale now. To learn more about the benefits of becoming a Season Ticket Holder visit irtlive.com/seasonpackages. Single tickets go on sale in August.
THINGS TO KNOW:
- Appoggiatura is the second play in a trilogy alongside The House That Jack Built (previously on stage in the 2012-2013 season) and Miranda (on stage in the 2016-2017 season).
- Looking Over The President’s Shoulder is one of the IRT’s most requested productions. This one-man show first debuted in the 2001-2002 season and returned in the 2007-2008 season. The 2017-2018 season will mark the second time David Alan Anderson has been cast in this role.
- The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse marks the fourth year of Exploring Stages, a partnership between the IRT and United Way (UW), designed to bring UW preschools to the IRT and enhance both the public and student matinee performances through wrap-around learning experiences and activities.
- 2017-2018 marks the fourth season that Indy-artist Kyle Ragsdale has created the production artwork.
For more information contact Carolyne Holcomb, Marketing Communications Manager at [email protected] or 317.916.4824
ABOUT THE IRT
Founded in 1971, the IRT is the largest fully professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and has grown into one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of IRT is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.
