The Arvada Center’s 2007-08 season:
(descriptions provided by Arvada Center)
Sept. 11-Oct. 7, 2007: “Moonlight and Magnolias”
Written by Ron Hutchinson
Directed by Bev Newcomb-Madden
Regional premiere. It’s 1939 and the famous producer David O. Selznick is on the brink of silver-screen flop or Oscar-winning success. He has stopped production of his new epic film, Gone with the Wind because the screenplay has a problem. Selznick sends for famed screenwriter Ben Hecht and pulls director Victor Fleming from the set of The Wizard of Oz. Given just five days, these three men with hilarious desperation create a screenplay that will result in one of the most successful and beloved films of all time. Historical fact or fiction?
Oct. 2-Nov. 4, 2007: “Defiance” (Black Box Theater)
Written by John Patrick Shanley
Directed by Jane Page
Regional premiere. According to playwright John Patrick Shanley, “‘Defiance’ explores specifics of my life story as it overlaps with major changes in the social fabric of this country.” The play takes place on a North Carolina Marine base in 1971, and racial tensions are high as are antiwar sentiments. Lt. Colonel Littlefield, white, middle-aged, wants to clean up racism on the base while Captain King, a young African American, doesn’t want to be made the example of an accomplished black man. Within the strict confines of the military mindset, Littlefield and King face off. This provocative new work is about power, duty and responsibility – and what happens when defiance trumps all.
Nov. 13-Dec. 23, 2007: “Plaid Tidings” (Black Box Theater)
Written by Stuart Ross
Directed and choreographed by Anita Boland
Colorado premiere. Jinx, Frankie, Smudge and Sparky, young male singers from the ’50s, who usually reside in heaven, are called back to Earth to stage a nostalgic holiday extravaganza. Complete with your favorite seasonal tunes including “White Christmas,” “I’ll be Home for Christmas,” “Carol of the Bells” and more. But the nostalgic journey wouldn’t be complete without a side-splitting tribute to “The Ed Sullivan Show” with guest stars The Chipmunks and the Vienna Boys Choir.
Nov. 20-Dec. 23, 2007: “La Cage aux Folles”
Written by Harvey Fierstein
Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Directed by Rod A. Lansberry
Winner of the 2004 Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for the best revival, “La Cage” was also popularized by the very successful 1996 comedy remake “The Birdcage” starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane. It is a story of two middle-aged men Georges, the manager of the St. Tropez nightclub featuring drag entertainment and his friend Albin, the club’s star attraction. Having lived happily together for many years, their lives are turned upside down when Georges’ son announces he is getting married to the daughter of a local morals crusader. They collectively attempt to put their best faces on and the right foot forward to ensure their son’s future happiness.
Jan. 29-March 9, 2008: “Of Mice and Men” (Black Box Theater)
Written by John Steinbeck
Directed by Terry Dodd
One of the most acclaimed fictional works in American literature, this is John Steinbeck’s gripping tale of average people dealing with complex issues – survival, the bonds of friendship and the pursuit of happiness. Two lonely migrant workers, George, optimistic and responsible and his companion Lennie, a gentle but simple-minded giant wander from job to job. They know they won’t always be drifters for they have a dream a place of their own, working their land and taking orders from no one. This unlikely pair is held together by common dreams, aspirations and dependencies, but all goes awry when the unthinkable happens. For even “the best laid plans of mice and men&”
April 8-May 11, 2008: House of Blue Leaves” (Black Box Theater)
Written by John Guare
Directed by Billie McBride
It is 1965: The Pope is coming to New York City and comical chaos is about to reign. “House of Blue Leaves,” winner of four Tony Awards, is a dark comedy with neurotic characters. This social commentary of the ’60s follows Artie Shaughnessy, a zookeeper by day and a wannabe songwriter by night. He fears he is “too old to be a young talent.” Artie’s creative space is interrupted by a cast of crazy characters – nuns on the roof, his loony wife Bananas, his manic mistress Bunny, and his psychotic son Ronnie, who is preparing to assassinate the Pope. This absurd comedy brings to light the lengths people will go to for their 15 minutes of fame.
July 8-Aug. 10, 2008: “Buddy …The Buddy Holly Story”
Written by Alan Janes and Rob Bettinson
Before the Beatles, before Elvis, there was Buddy Holly. This award-winning, musical revives the 1950s icon who defined the future of rock ‘n roll. In an electrifying musical celebration, two of Holly’s unforgettable performances are recreated: The Crickets’ appearance at the Apollo Theatre, and his final concert with Ritchie Valens, and JP Richardson, the Big Bopper. For audiences of all ages.
Special engagement
March 6-23, 2008: “Nunsensations: The Nunsense Vegas Revue”
Created and directed by Dan Goggin
Regional premiere. The nuns of Nunsense are back in their entire sequined and feathered splendor. Creator Dan Goggin will be directing this production. The regional premiere of this brand new Nunsense adventure is a light spoof of Vegas revues delighting audiences with favorite ’50s doo-wop, “Cirque du Blimp” and a “Holy Rollers Giant Slot Machine.” The production is rated “G.”
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