Selecting a Season - Part II

With the coming year, Signature Theatre is getting ready to celebrate its 25^th Anniversary. To celebrate we have created our biggest, most dazzling and daring seasons to date. What follows in this post is a breakdown of what to expect in the second half of this coming season, some things to consider with each show, and additional resources to investigate to get yourself even more excited for the stupendous season you have coming your way next year.

Kid Victory (February 17 – March 22, 2015)

Signature Theatre very excited to present the highly anticipated and chilling world premiere musical from legendary composer John Kander and acclaimed playwright Greg Pierce in the MAX Theatre. Seventeen-year-old Luke returns home after vanishing a year ago. Profoundly changed, Luke and his parents struggle to adjust to life following his disappearance. Only finding solace with Emily, the quirky proprietor of an offbeat garden shop, Luke grapples with a past undone and a coming of age that came too late to a boy who just wants to fade away. The second collaboration between Kander (Chicago, Cabaret) and Pierce (Slowgirl), Kid Victory is a hauntingly mesmerizing original musical about what it means to disappear.

Additional resources: Kander IBDB, Kander on the passing of  Ebb, Playbill interview with Greg Pierce, and Pierce and Kander collaboration.

Story by John Kander & Greg Pierce | Music by John Kander | Book & Lyrics by Greg Pierce Directed by Liesl Tommy | A co-production with The Vineyard Theatre

Soon (March 10 – April 26, 2015)

In this wold premiere by Nick Blaemire it is the hottest summer in human history and, in a few short months, all water on earth will evaporate. In response, twenty-something Charlie has taken to her couch with only her beloved possessions: peanut butter, Wolf Blitzer, and Herschel, the fish. Her mother, roommate and sometimes-boyfriend all attempt to persuade her to leave her apartment and enjoy life. However, as Charlie’s memories take over, more complicated reasons for her self-inflicted hibernation emerge as she confronts her deferred dreams and considers the possibility of life and love just outside her door. Filled with Blaemire’s (Glory Days) trademark quirky style and reminiscent of past Signature contemporary musicals [title of show] and The Last Five Years, Soon’s youthful humor, energy and wit deliver a searing and sardonic commentary on what to do with the time you have left on the MAX stage..

Additional resources: Nick Blaemire credits, Interview with Nick Blaemire, and Nick Blaemire talks about music side projects.

Book, Music & Lyrics by Nick Blaemire | Directed by Matthew Gardiner

Simply Sondheim (April 2 – 19, 2015)

An original tribute celebrating Stephen Sondheim and Signature Theatre’s special partnership over the last 25 years. Eric Schaeffer and David Loud plays only at Signature and will never be seen again.Whether you’d like to race Into the Woods with Sweeney Todd and a few Assassins, enjoy A Little Night Music at the Follies on a Saturday Night, or simply relish a Sunday in the Park with George, you’ll be in good Company when six Signature favorites and a gorgeous 16-piece orchestra take the MAX stage to honor the genius himself, Stephen Sondheim. years. For two and a half weeks only, with special permission from Sondheim himself, this completely new revue created by Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer and David Loud plays only at Signature and will never be seen again.

Additional resources: Sondheim Website, Sondheim Guide, and Sondheim Biography.

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim | Co-conceived by David Loud & Eric Schaeffer | Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick | Muiscal Supervision & Vocal Arrangements by David Loud | Choreographed by Matthew Gardiner | Directed by Eric Schaeffer

Cabaret (May 12 – June 28, 2015)

Willkommen to the Kit Kat Club, the hottest nightclub in seedy, prewar Berlin; here, life is beautiful. American writer Cliff Bradshaw travels to Berlin searching for inspiration. He finds it in English club performer Sally Bowles and they begin a torrid affair. However, outside their door, the nazis’ impending rise to power heralds a brutal end to their decadent way of life. Featuring the treasured songs “Maybe This Time,” “Willkommen,” “Don’t Tell Mama” and the title song, Kander and Ebb’s Tony Award®-winning masterpiece graces the Signature Theatre's MAX stage for the first time in over twenty years.

Additional resources: Berlin Photos, Kabrett, and Kander & Ebb Top 10

Book by Joe Masteroff | Based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood Music by John Kander | Lyrics by Fred Ebb | Broadway production directed by Harold Prince | Produced for the Broadway stage by Harold Prince | Directed by Matthew Gardiner

We here at Signature Theatre could not be happier to present this stellar season to you next year to celebrate our 25th Anniversary season. Please join us in celebrating a milestone.

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Selecting a Season - Part I

Next year is Signature Theatre’s 25^th Anniversary and to celebrate we have put together one of our most ambitious, exciting, and star-studded seasons to celebrate. What follows in this post is a breakdown of what to expect in the first half of this coming season, some things to consider with each show, and additional resources to investigate to get yourself even more excited for the stellar season you have coming your way.  

Sunday in the Park with George (August 5 - September 21, 2014)

Signature launches its 25th Anniversary season with Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Pulitzer Prize- winning Sunday in the Park with George. Inspired by the painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” by Georges Seurat, Sunday in the Park with George brings art to vibrant life. In the MAX Theatre, Sondheim and Lapine’s stunning masterpiece merges past and present into beautiful, poignant truths about life, love and the creation of art.Written by the team behind Into the Woods and Passion, and featuring the songs “Finishing the Hat,” “Children and Art” and “Putting it Together,” Sunday in the Park with George is a special 25th Anniversary celebration of Sondheim – Signature’s signature.

Additional resources: Complete Works of George Seurat, Art Insitute of Chicago, Neo-Impressionism at the Phillips Collection, and Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters

Book by James Lapine | Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim | Directed by Matthew Gardiner

Elmer Gantry (October 7 - November 9, 2014

The charismatic, but completely broke, salesman Elmer Gantry stumbles upon a struggling religious tour, led by pious evangelist Sister Sharon Falconer. Falling for Falconer, Gantry joins the troupe as a preacher and, with a little showmanship and theatrics, transforms the revival into the hottest ticket in town. However, inspired by Falconer’s earnestness and his reawakened spirit, Gantry inserts one spectacle too many and risks blowing up the entire operation. Fiery and passionate, with a rich blues, folk and gospel-infused score, Elmer Gantry brings the evangelical charlatan of Sinclair Lewis’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel to life on the MAX stage in an adventurous new reimagining.

Additional resources: PBS Sinclair Lewis, Sinclair Lewis Books, and Elmer Gantry Theatrical Trailer

Book by John Bishop | Lyrics by Bob Satuloff | Music by Mel Marvin Based on the novel by Sinclair Lewis | Directed by Eric Schaeffer

Sex with Strangers (October 14 - December 7, 2014)

A raging snowstorm traps strangers Olivia, an unsuccessful, yet gifted, thirty-nine-year-old writer, and Ethan, a tech-addicted and wildly successful young blogger, in a secluded cabin. Opposites instantly attract, undeniable chemistry ignites and sex is imminent in the ARK theatre. As the dawn rises, however, what could have just been a one-night-stand transforms into something more complicated when online exploits interfere with their real-life connection. Starring Holly Twyford (The Little Dog Laughed), Sex with Strangers is a sexy, provocative and intimate exposé that playfully explores what happens when private lives become public domain.

Additional Resources: Chelsea Handler Book, Tucker Max, I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell Book, Assholes Finish First Book, Hilarity Ensues Book

By Laura Eason | Directed by Aaron Posner

Diner (December 9, 2014 - January 25, 2015)

Nine-time Grammy Award Winner Sheryl Crow and Academy Award-winning original screenwriter Barry Levinson makes a stunning debut with the world premiere musical adaptation of the landmark movie Diner. Christmas, Baltimore: 1959. A circle of childhood friends reunite for the upcoming wedding of one of them. Well, only if his fiancée passes a football trivia test. From the comfort of their all-night diner, the men, now in their early-twenties, confront the realities of adulthood: marriage, careers, money and the ever-mysterious opposite sex. But no matter where life takes them, they know they’re welcome back at the diner, the one place they’ll always belong. Infused with swinging 1950s rock and roll sound, three-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Kathleen Marshall joins Crow and Levinson in the MAX to transform Diner’s groundbreaking evocation of burgeoning adulthood and friendship for the stage.

Additinal resources: Diner Trivia, Roger Ebert Review, and Vanity Fair Article on Diner

Book by Barry Levinson | Music & Lyrics by Sheryl Crow | Directed & Choreographed by Kathleen Marshall

We will be back soon with the other half of our season preview and guide where we will be highlighting Kid Victory, Soon, Simply Sondheim, and Cabaret.

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In With the Interns: Kelley Harrington

Name:  Kelley Harrington

From:  Huntingdon, PA

School:  Carnegie Mellon University

Long-Term Goals: I plan on working full-time as a production dramaturg, or in theatre education/administration, preferably in the DC area. I also hope to publish a book at some point and travel as much as possible!

Favorite Musical: Les Misérables, Assassins

Favorite Play: 

(General): Translations by Brian Friel

(Older Play): Nathan the Wise by Gotthold Lessing

(New Play): The Convert by Danai Gurira

Favorite Movie:  The Lord of the Rings trilogy (Return of the King if I had to pick one)

Internship Start Date: September 3, 2013

Internship Duties: Production dramaturgy and teaching for “Signature in the Schools” and additional duties for the Education Department. 

Favorite Things About Signature: I love that Signature is not afraid to do new musicals and perform well-known musicals in a fresh new light. I also like the atmosphere of the office. This staff clearly likes to have fun with their work!

Favorite Things About D.C.: I’m super excited about the history and arts that I see everywhere I go in this city. From the grandiose Kennedy Center to the community contributions that allow Signature to put on awesome shows, D.C. cares about theatre, and I’m thrilled to be part of it all now. I’ve also been impressed by the sheer number of beautiful fountains in this city. Seriously, they’re everywhere.

General Cool Things About You: I know how to water-ski; I once received dramaturgy advice from Stephen Schwartz; I often listen to (and sing) Disney songs to get motivated; I am a self-professed chocoholic.

Pick two celebrities to be your parents. Who and Why?

Tina Fey & Neil Patrick Harris : My life would be one long musical comedy.

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Today in Theatre History: Re-Imagining the Past

TODAY IN THEATRE HISTORY: June 12th

In the “Today in Theatre History” series, we take a specific event in theatre history and use it as a starting point for discussion about aspects of theatre – past, present, and future.

By Irene Casey, Education Intern 

On June 12th, 1977 the original Broadway production of Pippin closed after 1,944 performances
 

The cast of the 1972 Broadway production of Pippin.Source: http://dramaleague.org/blog/2012/03/12/diane-paulus-to-stage-new-pippin-at-a-r-t-this-winter/ 

Broadway today is filled with "revivals." But what do people mean when they say that something is a revival? That the show has already been produced somewhere? Or that it has already been on Broadway? How different are revivals from the original production? Typically, a revival means a new production of an old show, which brings us to what happened today in theatre history: the original Broadway production of Pippin closing in 1977.

The original Broadway production of Pippin opened on October 13, 1972 (after a try out in D.C.). Pippin's book was written by Roger O. Hirson, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and was originally directed by Bob Fosse. Fosse saw the musical, which follows a medieval prince as he becomes embroiled with a troupe of players on his quest to find his place in the word, as a surreal experience and wanted his production to disturb audiences.

Since its first production, Pippin has been performed all over the country and the world. This year, for the first time, Pippin returned to Broadway. The revival was developed at the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) and directed by Diane Paulus. Just this week, it won four Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Direction of a Musical. While the A.R.T. revival differed from the original production by trimming the first musical number and using an alternate ending, the biggest change was the way that Paulus envisioned the players. Instead of a troupe of actors, they became a troupe of circus performers, filling the musical with wild, bold spectacle. 

Paulus's revival of Pippin departs from the original in several ways. Major re-imaginings of shows are not out of the ordinary today. Whenever directors approach scripts, they think about how they want the story to be told. Each production is different because each production has different directors, designers and actors developing it. It's true that some productions stick fairly closely to the interpretation of the original production, while others take the musical or play in an entirely different direction, choosing to highlight or introduce different elements in the show. More and more productions of classic musicals and plays are closer to being adaptations than simply revivals, with directors re-imagining them to bring them into the modern day. 

Signature is know for taking big musicals and performing them in our black box theatres, creating intimate original stagings of shows that were often originally seen in giant proscenium theatres.

Signature's production of Les Miserables transformed the musical. Trevor Nunn's internationally acclaimed original production, relied heavily upon a turntable in its design. But director Eric Schaeffer used a 3/4 thrust stage that pushed the action into the middle of the audience, creating a grittier production happening just feet away from the audience. Chairs hung from the ceiling and set pieces moved on and off from the stage, entering as one thing only to re-enter a scene later as something completely different.

In 2006, the Washington Post described Signature's Assassins as a "startling new staging." Director Joe Calarco (a Signature regular) went beyond merely placing the piece in a black box and onto a way that had never been seen before. The set was a literal mirror image of the audience: rows and rows of chairs on risers, all identical to what the audience was sitting in. This brought the idea that these disenfranchised assassins and would-be assassins 
are just like the rest of us home in frightening and unsettling ways.

What dramatic re-imaginings of blockbuster musicals will be seen on Signature's stages next season? First up, will be an environmental production of Miss Saigon, meaning the entire theatre will become part of the set. As soon as the audience enters the theatre, they will enter the broken world of 1970s Vietnam. Check it out here.

 

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Celebrating Signature's Sondheim Award Gala

Source: http://bit.ly/17X0VVS

Sondheim. Signature's signature. Since 1991 Signature has produced at least one Sondheim musical as part of their season. This past Monday evening marked the fourth annual Sondheim Gala, an event where Signature Theatre presents the Stephen Sondheim Award to "an individual for his or her career contributions to interpreting, supporting, and collaborating on Stephen Sondheim’s music works." This year's award honored 21-time Tony Award-Winning director Harold Prince. In honor of this incredible event, the award and these two incredible men, we have a few videos and pictures below celebrating their numerous collaborations.

In 1979 Sondheim's musical Sweeney Todd hit the stage with direction by Harold "Hal" Prince. The musical took the Tony Awards by storm, garnering nine nominations and eight wins, including best direction for Prince and best original score for Sondheim.

Be sure to check out this clip from Signature's 20th Anniversary production of Sweeney Todd as well!

Source: http://bit.ly/10zBObr

While Sweeney Todd may be one of Sondheim and Prince's better known collaborations, it was neither the first nor the last. Together they worked on such shows as Follies, Pacific Overtures, Merrily We Roll Along and Company, many of which have enjoyed productions at Signature Theatre.

Of the opportunity to present Prince with the award, Sondheim said, “After nine major collaborations over a period of 55 years and a friendship that is even longer, it seems somewhat redundant, not to say bizarre, that I should be giving an award in my name to Harold Prince. But any award that acknowledges Hal’s skills, inventions, and generosity is an award worth giving. His achievements range well beyond his contributions as a director and a producer.”

Check out the video below to see Sondheim and Prince at work on Company:

Signature Theatre's upcoming production of Company begins previews on May 21st. For more info, click here.

SOURCES
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweeney_Todd_(musical)
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/177112-Harold-Prince-Receives-Stephen-Sondheim-Award-at-Arlingtons-Signature-Theatre-April-22

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Company Seminar: Sondheim's Secrets Revealed

Source:http://bit.ly/14z2N8u

DID YOU KNOW?

• The original title of Company was "Threes."
• Dean Jones, who originated the role of Robert on Broadway, was shortly thereafter replaced by Larry Kert, who is also famous for originating the role of Tony in West Side Story.
• Company is considered one of the first "concept musical" - a musical where the show's central imagery, metaphor or message takes precedence over traditional narrative structure. 
• The recording session for the Original Cast Recording of Company stretched into the wee hours of the morning. Elaine Stritch, who played Joanne, was the last to leave. A critically acclaimed documentary, following the recording sessions for Company, was created by D.A. Pennebaker. 
• The first FOUR HOURS of rehearsal for the original production were spent on just the first page of the show.
• The final song of the show was changed three times before it was finalized.

Want to know more of the secrets behind Sondheim's Company? Or find out how Signature is putting their own spin on the show?

Register for Signature Seminar: Side by Side with the Creative Team of Signature's Company

Sign up today for a special six part look into Signature Theatre’s 2013 production of Company. This unique opportunity will take you right into the center of this timeless musical examination of marriage, loneliness, and commitment. This production is brought to life under the direction of Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer.

For more information about Signature Seminar or how to register, click here.
REGISTRATION CLOSES ON MONDAY, APRIL 22nd!

Enjoy a taste of this classic musical:

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