Wednesday, May 21, 2014

FAC KICKS IT IN THE ASS WITH NEXT SEASON LINE UP

The Theatre at the Fine Arts Center of Colorado Springs is one of my favorite theatre companies in Colorado. The reason is simple- they create exciting, pertinent theatre that engages the mind and soul, on a visceral level. I believe that theatre should be like a good rock concert- an almost tribal event where you gather together with strangers, sit or stand in the dark, and for a few hours become one- a united tribe grooving together in the darkness. I have seen many shows at the FAC since Scott Levy became Artistic Director, and they have all been fantastic. Highlights include Hairspray, Lovers Leapt, and Other Desert Cities. I can't wait to see there upcoming Colorado premiere of Floyd and Clea Under the Western Sky, which opens June12.


Not only do they have a great main stage, but more and more they are using a second stage for smaller shows, staged readings, and their Rough Writers series- a festival of new work that spawned, among other things, my latest play APRIL'S FOOL, which is set to have it's world premiere at the 2014 New York International Fringe Festival. (You can find out more about April's Fool by clicking HERE)

Here is what they have planned for next season:

MAINSTAGE
Dracula
By Bram Stoker, adapted by Steven Dietz (Denver native)
Oct. 9-Nov. 2, 2014
A sensual, suspenseful, scary and bloody adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic.  Steven Dietz’s version conjures the raw, stark intensity of the original novel in this not-to-be-missed theatrical journey. For Mature Audiences Only.

Mary Poppins
Musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film
Dec. 11, 2014-Jan. 4, 2015
Based on the classic Disney film celebrating its 50th anniversary, our regional premiere of this award-winning Broadway musical features an irresistible story, eye-popping sets and costumes, breathtaking dance numbers and beloved songs such as the Academy Award-winning "Chim Chim Cher-ee," "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Feed the Birds," "Step in Time" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." You'll have a "Jolly Holiday" with Mary!

Reefer Madness
Book by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney/ Music by Dan Studney/ Lyrics by Kevin Murphy
Feb. 12-March 1
This raucous musical comedy inspired by the original 1936 film of the same name (long before there were dispensaries and retail shops), takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the hysteria caused when clean-cut kids fall prey to marijuana, leading them on a hysterical downward spiral filled with evil jazz music, sex and violence. You won’t be able to resist the spoofy fun of Reefer Madness!  You don’t even have to be stoned to laugh.  Mature Audiences Only.

4000 Miles
By Amy Herzog
March 26-April 12, 2015
This regional premiere by celebrated new playwright Amy Herzog is an acclaimed comic drama that tells the story of Leo, a 21-year-old tree hugger from Seattle who unexpectedly arrives at the Manhattan apartment of his feisty 91-year-old grandmother, Vera as he finishes a cross-country bike trip. Over the course of their reconnection, we discover the fragile connection they share between growing up and growing old. Named Time magazine's #1 Play or Musical of 2012.

Guys and Dolls
Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows/Music and lyrics by Frank Loesser
May 21-June 14, 2015
Winner of 8 Tony Awards, luck will be a Lady again as we produce what’s been appropriately called “the perfect musical comedy.” Capturing the 1920s confluence of gangsters, floating crap games and missionaries in New York City (“Runyonland”), Guys and Dolls continues to delight.  

SECOND STAGE
Love, Loss & What I Wore
Written by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron/Based on book by Ilene Beckerman
Sept. 18-28, 2014 
With its fashion forward subject matter, this intimate collection of stories by superstar sisters Nora Ephron (Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, Heartburn) and Delia Ephron (You’ve Got Mail, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants), is based on the best-selling book. The show has played to sell-out crowds from London to Los Angeles, using clothing and accessories and the memories they trigger to tell funny, startling, and often poignant stories that every woman can relate to. The perfect girl's night out!

Stuart Little
Book by E.B. White/ Adapted by Joseph Robinette
Oct. 23-Nov. 2, 2014
The debonair mouse in the smart little tennis shoes from E.B. White’s classic children’s book comes to life in this charming stage comedy.  Prone to one misadventure after another as he tries to adjust to his adopted human family, this is and witty adaptation of a timeless tale.

WYNOT Radio Theatre
Dec. 11-28, 2014
The finest old-time radio parody troupe around, WYNOT radio theatre is back and this time with a twist.  Three weeks, three different episodes.  Join the WYNOT gang for laughs after laughs and come back each week for an entirely different show!

Tilly The Trickster
By Jeremy Dobrish/ Music and lyrics by Drew Fornarola/ Based on the book by Molly Shannon
 March 20-30, 2015
This high-spirited musical adaptation of SNL alum Molly Shannon’s children’s book follows the adventures of a mischievous girl and her talking dog, from one scheming prank to another.

Rough Writers- 
June 4-14
Yes! The birthplace of APRIL'S FOOL! This new play festival will return with staged readings of original short and long plays written around a theme to be announced later this spring. 

Veronika String Quartet
Oct. 12, Jan. 18, May 3
One of the state’s finest classical quartets returns for another three-concert season in our beautiful Music Room, an intimate setting where their tight harmonies have helped them become a huge FAC hit.

SUBSCRIPTIONS
Season Subscriptions range from $99-$173, and we’ve added special Family Packages that range from $81-$105.
FlexPasses give even more ways to save money while maintaining flexibility -- picking your favorite four, five or six shows without committing to specific days.
Ticket prices for individual mainstage productions start at $20.
Current season ticket holders have until July 1 to ensure their seating preference.

For tickets and information call: 719-634-5583 or visit csfineartscenter.org.


I DON'T MEAN TO MAKE IT ALL ABOUT ME BUT THEN AGAIN I DO

Sometimes, oftentimes, now times, I wake with this feeling of existential dread. Or what I think existential dread is. I get up early, almos...