Asolo Repertory Theatre has announced its 2016-17 season. Included in the slate will be a revival of the popular musical Guys and Dolls; Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Schenkkan's sequel to All The Way, titled The Great Society; and the world premiere of Beatsville, a new musical comedy with a book by Tony nominee Glenn Slater (School of Rock, The Little Mermaid).
The season will launch in November with the Tony-winning musical Guys and Dolls, helmed by Josh Rhodes. The classic musical, which debuted on Broadway in 1950, is based on the stories and characters of Damon Runyon and features music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. Performances will run November 15-January 1, 2017.
Following Asolo Rep’s acclaimed production of All The Way, the theatre will continue to examine LBJ’s presidency with The Great Society, Schenkkan's sequel that continues right where the first play left off. Nick Wyman will reprise his role as the President, with direction by Nicole A. Watson. Performances are scheduled to run January 11-April 2.
The season continues with John Strand’s play The Originalist, directed by Molly Smith; followed by Oscar winner Garson Kanin’s comedy Born Yesterday, directed by Peter Amster. In March, Tony winner Frank Galati will helm The Little Foxes, Lillian Hellman’s landmark play.
In May, Asolo Rep will present Beatsville, a new musical based on the 1959 cult film A Bucket of Blood. Set in New York’s Greenwich Village, it tells the story of Walter Paisley, who inadvertently goes from being a down-on-his-luck busboy to a successful artist. The musical features a book by Slater and music and lyrics by Wendy Leigh Wilf. Performances are scheduled to run April 27-May 28.
The season will also include a production of Kristoffer Diaz’ The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity and a tour of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Season subscriptions for the 2016-17 season are on sale now and available by visiting the Asolo Rep Box Office, located at 5555 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, by calling (941) 351-8000 or (800) 361-8388 or online at asolorep.org. Single tickets will go on sale in September.
