George street Playhouse Season Brochure Fall 2017

GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE

Artwork by Scott McKowen

2016 – 17 Season

ENGAGING. QUALITY. EXCELLENCE. L-R: John Glover and Laila Robins in The Second Mrs. Wilson, photo by T. Charles Erickson.

Welcome to our 2016-17 Season – my 20th season as Artistic Director of George Street Playhouse! Twenty years ago, we began a journey together to discover and experience the highest quality of intellectually challenging new plays, musicals and re-imagined classics.

Over the last two decades, the Playhouse has produced 102 main stage productions plus scores of workshops, festivals and readings.

We’ve presented more than 40 premiere productions and moved several to Broadway and off-Broadway, including Clever Little Lies, It Shoulda Been You, Spitfire Grill, Down the Garden Paths and The Toxic Avenger!

These twenty years have brought hundreds of artists to our stage including such luminaries as Arthur Laurents, Tyne Daly, Kathleen Marshall, Marlo Thomas, Stephen Sondheim, Anne Meara, Joe DiPietro, David Hyde Pierce, Chita Rivera, Paul Rudd, Jack Klugman, Dan Lauria, Eli Wallach and many, many more.

I’m thrilled to have been here as New Brunswick grew into a dynamic cultural hub for audiences and artists, and I look forward as George Street Playhouse continues to reach new heights.

Please join our celebration this season.

David Saint Artistic Director

“a gripping family drama

that illuminates

history

by adding a touch of humanity.”

– Press Herald

Mama’s Boy

by Rob Urbinati directed by David Saint

October 18 — November 6, 2016 She never believed her son was a monster – but was she the cause?

Marguerite Oswald was domineering, obsessive and desperate in her need to be loved by her younger son, Lee Harvey. A chilling glimpse into what may have happened in the Oswald household during the months leading up to that fateful November morning in Dallas.

Sponsored by The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation.

“One of the most

enthralling, entertaining and

moving love stories

on the American

musical theater stage.”

– Stage Scene LA

Daddy Long Legs

A Musical Romance based on the classic novel by Jean Webster book by John Caird music & lyrics by Paul Gordon directed by Michael Mastro

November 29 — December 24, 2016 A witty and winsome young woman’s wishes are answered when an anonymous gentleman she nicknames Daddy Long Legs gives her the opportunity to leave her orphanage and attend university.

In return, Jerusha shares her life with her unknown benefactor through treasured letters as she grows into an intelligent and independent woman and experiences a budding romance with a young suitor. This heartwarming new musical has charmed audiences of all ages from London to New York. From the adapter and director of Broadway’s Les Misérables, and winner of a 2016 Drama Desk Award.

“A timely, important work;

a compelling,

ripped-from-the-headlines

drama”

– The Times Union

American Son

by Christopher Demos-Brown

February 7 — 26, 2017 Jamal’s mother and her estranged husband rush to the police station when their son’s car has been pulled over in a certain part of town. With no answers forthcoming and emotions building, this highly-charged drama twists, turns and builds to an explosive conclusion. American Son is certain to challenge assumptions and ignite conversations regarding recent events and the racial divide in this country. Recipient of the Laurents/Hatcher Foundation Award for a new play by an emerging playwright.

Sponsored by The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation.

“The

BEST COMEDY

of the season.”

– The New York Times

Bad Jews

by Joshua Harmon directed by Jessica Stone

March 21 — April 9, 2017 Liam is a self-proclaimed “bad Jew” – he may actually be an atheist.

It’s the night after his grandfather’s funeral – Liam and his high-strung and unbending cousin Daphna are arguing over who should inherit “Poppy’s” Chai necklace. The verbal battle rages until Liam stakes claim to the heirloom, and a vicious and hilarious brawl about family, faith and legacy begins.

“…be prepared for some

EXTRAORDINARILY

Good Theater…”

– Asbury Park Press

The cast of Gettin’ the Band Back Together, photo by T. Charles Erickson.

“Here’s

‘exhibit A’ that JERSEY THEATRE CAN BEAT BROADWAY at its own game.”

– News 12 NJ

Season Finale May 2 — May 21, 2017 A note from David Saint As I’ve done in some previous seasons, I am not announcing our final production just yet because we are looking for the perfect bookend to my 20th Anniversary. Perhaps it will be a hit show right from Broadway, a new comedy by an acclaimed playwright or an exciting new musical. As soon as the selection is made, we’ll be sure to let you know!

JOIN US FOR THESE SPECIAL SERIES PACKAGES Sunday Symposium – Following the performance, remain in your seats for a special conversation about the play with George Street Playhouse artists and special guests: Oct. 30, Dec. 11, Feb. 19, Apr. 2, May 14.

Audio Described Performances: Nov. 3, Dec. 15, Feb. 23, Apr. 6, May 18 Open Captioned Performances: Nov. 5, Dec. 17, Feb. 25, Apr. 8, May 20

ACCESS George Street Playhouse offers all people equal access and opportunities to participate in its services, programs and activities. If any individual requires special assistance or assistive technology, please contact the box office at 732-246-7717, as far in advance of the program as possible.

Assistive Listening Devices For patrons who have a hearing impairment, light-weight, comfortable, padded ear buds and receivers are available in the lobby at the bar.

Large-Print and Braille Programs are available free of charge by request in the inner lobby.

A Front Entrance Ramp between George Street Playhouse and The State Theatre allows for wheelchair entrance accessibility. Limited wheelchair seating available on request at time of purchase.

Take a Google Tour! Visit our website to see the wheelchair access ramp to George Street Playhouse, located on the left side of the building (near the State Theatre) as you approach the front door along Livingston Ave. Keep clicking up the ramp until you reach the side entrance. Click on the doorway to virtually enter the lobby. This program is made possible in part by support from Kessler Foundation, in partnership with the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.

For information about access services, please call 732-246-7717

GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE is grateful to the following for their leading support:

The Karma Foundation

The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation

LAURENTS / HATCHER

F O U N D A T I O N

Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund.

This program is also made possible in part by funds from The New Jersey State Council on the Arts Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

L-R: Miles G. Jackson and Bob Ari in My Name is Asher Lev, photo by T. Charles Erickson.

ORDER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION NOW! Great savings off of regular ticket prices!

FIVE-PLAY PACKAGE – Get the best savings and the best seats with tickets to all five main stage productions! Only Five-Play subscribers get to keep their same seats season after season.

CHOOSE THREE – Choose the three plays you want to see.

FLEX-PASS – Four, five and six admissions to our main stage season.

You just call the box office and redeem your passes for the show(s) of your choice.

Performance Day/Time

5-Play

Previews

Previews Tues – Thurs: 8 pm

$

Evenings

Tuesday – Thursday: 8 pm

$

Friday: 8 pm

$

Saturday: 8 pm

$

Sunday: 7 pm

$

Thursday: 2 pm

$

Saturday: 2 pm

$

Sunday: 2 pm

$

Matinees

Special Series

Flex-Passes

Opening Night: Fri 8 pm

Choose 3

190

$

200

$

250

$

285

$

200

$

200

$

200

$

260

$

sold out

Sunday Symposium: Sun 2 pm

$

Audio Described: Thurs 8 pm

$

Open Caption: Sat 2 pm

$

Student*: T – Th; Sun Eve; Sat Mat

$

120 120 150 171 120 120 120 150

sold out

260

150

$

125 135 100

6 – Admission 270 5 – Admission $225 4 – Admission $180 $

Flex-Passes are redeemable for any performance. * - Must present full-time, dated student photo identification.

Join Now and Save!

732.246.7717 | www.GSPonline.org 9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

L-R: Howard McGillin, Harriet Harris, Tyne Daly and Richard Kline in It shoulda Been You,

photo by T. Charles Erickson.

Gather Together!

GROUPS George Street Playhouse is the choice for your next group outing, whether you are looking for a fun time with friends or prefer a provocative play that prompts discussion. For an even more memorable occasion, let us plan your party, fundraiser or corporate event in one of our two spacious Party Rooms.

BOOK CLUB Read. Talk. See. For one low price, our Book Club program gives you in-depth access to why and how one of our productions comes to life. The package includes a ticket to the production, a copy of the script or related novel, a study guide and the opportunity to have a GSP staff member lead your group discussion.

If you already have tickets to the show, you can purchase just the Book Club materials for $20.

TAKE A BUS For those who prefer to leave the driving to someone else, let the Playhouse pick you up! We offer a Monroe Township Bus subscription for those in the active adult communities. In addition, all groups have the opportunity to rent a luxurious charter bus through our Group Sales office.

For more information on these special group opportunities, contact our sales office at 732-846-2895 x134.

2016 – 2017 SEASON CALENDAR MAMA’S BOY S

M

T

OCT/ NOV 18

DADDY LONG LEGS

W

T

F

S

S

M

19

20

21

22

NOV/ DEC 29

8ppr 8ppr 8ppr 8pon 2p

8p

23

25

T

F

S

30

1

2

3

8ppr 8ppr 8ppr 8pon 2p

8p

28

29

4

2p 8p

2p 8p 8p 2p 8p 7p

2p 8p

30

5

11

13

2pss 7p

8p

2p 8p 8pad

17

2poc 8p

2poc 8p

22

2

2pss

8p 7p

27

W

2p 8p 8p 2p 8p 7p

26

T

3

4

2p 8p 8pad

6

7

14

6

18

20

2p 7p

2p 7p

2p 8p 8p

AMERICAN SON S

M

FEB

W

T

F

S

S

7

8

9

10

11

MAR /APR 21

M

8ppr 8ppr 8ppr 8pon 2p

8p

12

16

10

23

24

2p 8p 8p

2p

W

T

F

S

22

23

24

25

8ppr 8ppr 8ppr 8pon 2p

8p

17

18

26

2p 8p

2p 8p 8p 2p 8p 7p

2p 8p

19

25

2

8

2poc 8p

2pss 8p 7p

22

2pss 8p 7p

16

T

2p 8p 8p 2p 8p 7p

21

15

15

9

BAD JEWS

T

14

21

8

23

24

2p 8p 8pad

26

9

2p 7p

2p 7p

M

MAY

T

W

T

F

S

2

3

4

5

6

8ppr 8ppr 8ppr 8pon 2p

8p

7

9

10

12

13

2p 8p 8p 2p 8p 7p

2p 8p

14

20

17

2pss 8p 7p

21

11

18

29

5

30

6

31

7

2p 8p 8pad

1

2poc 8p

SAVE the DATE!

TO BE ANNOUNCED S

28

19

2p 8p 8pad

2poc 8p

The George Street Playhouse ANNUAL GALA Honoring Artistic Director David Saint on the occasion of his 20th Anniversary Sunday, April 2, 2017 For information call 732-846-2895 x141

2p 7p pr: previews

| on: opening night | ad: audio described | ss: sunday symposium | oc: open-captioned

David Saint, Artistic Director Michael Mastro, Resident Artistic Director Kelly Ryman, Managing Director

9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

732.246.7717 | www.GSPonline.org

GEORGE STREET PLAYHOUSE

Miche Braden in The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, photo by T. Charles Erickson.

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