Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre recently announced the lineup for its 87th season. In spite of the name, providing live theatrical entertainment to residents of Wyoming Valley for more than eight decades is no small task. There are some big things planned for the North Main Street stage, including a generation-defining musical, a rock miracle, a tuneful fairy tale classic and a few murders by elderberry wine.
Current fans can continue to expect more of the quality shows they’ve come to know and love, while newcomers will have plenty of reasons to give the local theatrical institution a try. From high-energy musicals to classic comedy, here’s what LTWB has planned for 2009-10.
‘Rent’
In 1996, Jonathan Larson’s “Rent” hit Broadway, forever changing the musical theatre landscape. “La Boheme” with a modern twist, Larson’s story of struggling young artists ran for more than five thousand performances, scoring four Tony Awards, six Drama Desk Awards and a Pulitzer Prize. Many already consider Mark, Roger and the rest of the artists and musicians of Eleventh Street and Avenue B friends, having seen “Rent” and listened to its songs countless times. Others may just be familiar with the buzz surrounding the long-running stage show, touring productions or 2005 movie. Riveting songs including “Light My Candle,” “La Vie Boheme,” “Tango: Maureen” and “Seasons of Love” tell a story of loving, creating, surviving and living in the moment, making “Rent” a season premiere not to be missed. (Sept. 18-27)
‘Arsenic and Old Lace’
Care for a little wine? For lonely old men visiting the Brewster house, the answer should be a definite “No.” While spinster sisters Martha and Abby seem to be sweet as pie, they take it upon themselves to cure their guests of their loneliness with some homemade elderberry wine spiked with arsenic, strychnine and just a pinch of cyanide. Theatre critic Mortimer Brewster is more than a little shocked when he stumbles upon his aunties’ hobby, but his hands are already quite full with his girlfriend, one brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt and another who looks just like Boris Karloff. What’s a poor critic to do if he can’t turn his aunts in to the police but can’t allow them to continue their “charity” work? Well, since this dark comedy by Joseph Kesselring ran for 1,400 Broadway performances beginning in 1941, and since Frank Capra brought the Brewster family quirks to the big screen in 1944, the ending is likely no surprise. The real surprise comes from all the laughs a pinch of “Arsenic and Old Lace” still packs all these years later. (Nov. 14-22)
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’
“Jesus Christ Superstar,” the first professional collaboration by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, opened on Broadway in 1971. The rock musical ran for more than 700 performances, earning five Tony Award nominations, spawning two revivals and a 1973 silver screen version. After almost 40 years, this musical tale of the struggle between Jesus and Judas is still a hit on professional, school and community stages. Mixing the gospel with modern sensibilities, “Jesus Christ Superstar” covers the last seven days of Christ’s life, traveling from Jerusalem to the Crucifixion, with dazzling numbers like “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” ”What’s the Buzz,” “King Herod’s Song” and “Hosanna.” (March 12-21. 2010)
‘Cinderella’
Once upon a time, Rodgers & Hammerstein teamed up to create a spectacular television musical based on a beloved children’s fairy tale. In 1957, the spell was cast when “Cinderella” premiered on CBS, with the story of a young girl’s dream come true told through songs like “In My Own Little Corner,” “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful” and “Impossible.” The musical’s incredible success led to remakes in 1965 and 1997, as well as numerous live stage productions. Now the magic is headed for Little Theatre, wrapping up the 87th season with a shimmering happily ever after. (May 15-23, 2010)
Tickets will be available for individual productions, but to say “thank you” to its subscribers and to help get new visitors through the lobby doors, Little Theatre is offering a season special between now and June 1. Subscribers at the Sustainer level receive 16 tickets for $180. Patrons get eight tickets for $95. Regular members receive four tickets for $50. (After June 1, rates go to $200, $110 and $60.) Best of all, subscribers can use these tickets however they’d like — taking a big bunch of friends to one show or spreading them out over the course of the year.
But wait. …
Though the talented bunch at LTWB is understandably excited about the upcoming season, the 86th season isn’t over yet. The cast has just been announced for this season’s May finale, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” which promises less tragedy tomorrow and more comedy tonight.
LTWB is also giving the next generation of actors and actresses a chance to step into the spotlight with a children’s production, “The Fabulous Fable Festival,” under the direction of Stacey Horst. The magic begins with tales of Hansel and Gretel, the fairy godmother’s assistant and a talking caterpillar, and ends with the audience’s realization of just how much Little Theatre has to offer, both now and in seasons to come. (“The Fabulous Fable Festival” runs April 18, at 7 p.m. and April 19 at 3 p.m. at Little Theatre, 537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. Tickets are $10.)
For more information on “Forum,” “Fables” or the 87th season, call Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre at 570.823.1875.
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