The Westport Country Playhouse today announced the lineup for its 90th season in 2020.
Mark Lamos: “New ways of bringing theatrical excitement to life at Playhouse.” Bruce Plotkin photo
It features five productions — two musicals, two dramas, and a new comedy — playing April 14 through Nov. 21, under the artistic direction of Mark Lamos.
“Our 2020 season speaks to the world today, embraces our communities, and explores new ways of bringing theatrical excitement to life at our historic Playhouse,” said Lamos, who next year will be in his 12th season as Playhouse artistic director. “We want to share this with you!”
Lamos noted that the new season has been planned “to build on the excitement generated by the current one, with two great musicals, an evergreen classic, fresh and funny new work, and engrossing drama.
Details and dates of the 2020 season lineup follow (as presented in a Playhouse news release.)
The musical, “Next to Normal,” with music by Tom Kitt, and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, will open the season, April 14 through May 2. Director and choreographer is Marcos Santana, who helmed the Playhouse’s 2019 hit, “In the Heights.” “Next to Normal,” a 2009 Tony Award-winning musical and winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, gives a groundbreaking look at a family in crisis, while pushing the boundaries of contemporary musical theater.
“Tiny House,” a new comedy fresh from its world premiere by Delaware’s Resident Ensemble Players, will play June 9 through June 27. Written by Michael Gotch, who was featured in the Playhouse’s 2018 award-winning comedy, “A Flea in Her Ear,” the play will be directed by Mark Lamos. Fireworks fly when family, friends, and quirky neighbors come together for a July 4 barbecue at the off-the-grid, isolated mountain paradise of a young, urban couple.
A dance-filled, re-imagined, sassy, and sultry “Ain’t Misbehavin’” will run from July 21 through Aug. 8. The 1978 Tony Award winner for Best Musical celebrates the legendary jazz great Fats Waller. The show as you’ve never seen it before will be directed and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, 2019 Tony Nominee for Best Choreography for “Choir Boy.” The musical is conceived by Richard Maltby Jr. and Murray Horwitz.
The world premiere translation and adaptation by Kenneth Cavander of Sophocles’ “Antigone” will play Sept. 29 through Oct. 17, directed by David Kennedy, Playhouse associate artistic director. A determined young woman bravely defies a king in this thrilling drama about the nature of power and resistance. This classic play speaks across centuries to those living in a climate of fear and polarization.
The Playhouse’s 90th Season will culminate with “Blues for an Alabama Sky,” from Nov. 3 through Nov. 21, written by Pearl Cleage and directed by LA Williams, who directed the Playhouse’s 2019 production of “Skeleton Crew.” As the creative euphoria of the Harlem Renaissance succumbs to the harsh realities of The Great Depression, a community of friends resolves to keep their hopes and dreams alive.
All play titles, artists, and dates are subject to change.
