"Next season we will crack open and re-explore some of the most iconic pieces of American theatre, but we are also thrilled to introduce our patrons to exciting contemporary pieces. From a brand new musical revue of the great Jerry Herman's songs to a reimagined production of the enchantingly exquisite South Pacific, we are immensely excited for the 2014-15 season and the third season of our American Character Project," producing artistic director Michael Donald Edwards said in a statement.
The theatre will continue with the third season of its five-year American Character Project, an in-depth exploration of the soul of this country's people, past and present.
The season will also include a new work, which will be presented in April, as well as a summer musical in May. The productions will be announced at a later date.
The season-at-a-glance follows.
A Midsummer Night's Dream
By William Shakespeare
Adapted by Lauryn E. Sasso
October-November 2014
"Presented by Asolo Rep and the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, the New Stages Tour, which features a cast of third-year Conservatory students, brings exciting 45-minute adaptations of classic literature to schools and community venues throughout the state of Florida. One of the most beloved comedies in Shakespeare's canon, A Midsummer Night's Dream is Shakespeare's hilarious collision of young runaway lovers, amateur actors, and fairy magic." South Pacific
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Directed by Rob Ruggiero
Nov. 14-Dec. 28
Previews Nov. 11-13
"The winner of 10 Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, South Pacific tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples — US Navy nurse Nellie Forbush and French plantation owner Emile de Becque, and Navy Airman Joe Cable and young local girl Liat — and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and their own prejudices."
The Matchmaker
By Thornton Wilder
Directed by Peter Amster
Jan. 9-April 11, 2015
Previews Jan. 6-8
"With his eye firmly fixed on the bottom line, wealthy hat merchant Horace Vendergelder can't see the value of love, even as he searches for a wife. But he gets more than he bargains for when he employs the services of matchmaker Mrs. Dolly Levi. Mistaken identities, near misses and a wild romp through 19th Century New York City flow through this madcap comic adventure like vintage champagne. The uproarious comedy that inspired the Broadway musical, Hello, Dolly!, Thornton Wilder's The Matchmaker proves that sometimes money can buy happiness."
Good People
By David Lindsay-Abaire
Directed by Greg Leaming
Jan. 16-Feb. 26
Previews Jan. 14 & 15
"Welcome to Southie, a Boston neighborhood where this month's paycheck barely covers last month's bills, bingo is a night on the town, and sharp-tongued single-mom Margie Walsh has just been let go from yet another job. Faced with the reality that her neighborhood is providing her with the same opportunities it always has — none — Margie concocts a plan to solve all her financial problems — and it might just be crazy enough to work. This humor-filled, Tony-nominated hit from Pulitzer Prize-winner David Lindsay-Abaire takes a look at the 'haves' and the 'have-nots' as it questions the American dream and how to achieve it — hard work, skill, or luck?"
Both Your Houses
By Maxwell Anderson
Directed by Frank Galati
Jan. 23-April 12
Previews Jan. 21-22
"Imagine a divided Congress. Imagine lawmakers more interested in lining their own pockets than serving the national interest. Imagine an idealistic young Congressman determined to expose the corruption by introducing a bill so stuffed with pork it is sure to oink itself to death. Will his fight cost him the support of his peers, his constituents, and the woman he loves — who just happens to be the daughter of the Appropriations Committee chairman? A comic masterpiece that could have been pulled straight from today's headlines, this marvelous political satire is as relevant today as when it won the Pulitzer Prize in 1933. Colorful characters, sharp wit and glorious wisecracks reminiscent of 1930s screwball comedies add to the fun and fury."
Our Betters
By W. Somerset Maugham
Directed by Michael Donald Edwards
March 13-April 18
Previews March 11-12
"If this play were a personal ad, it might read: Rich American women seeking financially strapped British men with titles. A hot topic (i.e. 'Downton Abbey') on both sides of the pond when this delightfully cheeky play was written in 1915, the exchange of a 'milady' for a large financial sum was all the rage. Bessie Saunders, 22, pretty and the heiress to several million dollars, has come from America to stay with her sister Pearl, aka Lady Grayston. Pearl's friends include a cougar Duchess, a widowed Princess and two fellows both besotted with Bessie. But once Bessie witnesses the scandalous habits of this less-than-virtuous society, the emotional cost of social climbing is revealed in this sexy, stylish and wildly witty look at Europe's posh set and the Americans who crashed the party."
It Only Takes A Moment
World Premiere
Featuring the Music of Jerry Herman
Directed by Gordon Greenberg
May 1-24
Previews April 28-30
"His music and lyrics have kept audiences tapping their feet, humming along, and wiping their eyes with tears of joy for generations. The creator of Hello, Dolly!, Mame, La Cage aux Folles and so much more, Jerry Herman almost single-handedly personifies the all-American tradition of unstoppable show tunes and the Golden Age of Broadway. His music is unabashedly uplifting and his title tunes are the melodies that stay with you for life. A resident of Miami, Jerry Herman has graciously granted Asolo Rep permission to produce the first-ever production of a new, fully staged revue of his vast canon of songs. Join us when some of Broadway's finest talents converge in Sarasota next spring to celebrate a living legend."
Season subscriptions for the 2014-15 season are on sale now. Single tickets will go on sale in September 2014.
Call (941) 351-8000 or visit asolorep.org for more information.
