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Melanie Munk, Features Editor munk@heraldnet.com

Village Theatre sets schedule for 2008-09

Herald staff

Village Theatre has announced its 2008-09 Mainstage Season, which features five shows that explore the perils of young love and the thrill of a great story.

The season will take audiences from a small provincial town to illustrious Victorian England and into the warmth of Southern charm and grandeur. The season boasts two all-new musical productions that were developed through Village Theatre's Village Originals program.

"Our 2007-08 season has been outstanding artistically and wonderfully received by our audiences," executive producer Robb Hunt said in press materials. "We are delighted that our bold choice to include two new musicals in our season was so successful and we are pleased to repeat the adventure in our next season."

Village Theatre's season schedule includes the following:



"Saint Heaven": Music and lyrics by Keith Gordon, book by Martin Casella, based on the story by Steve Lyons. Playing in Everett Oct. 31-Nov. 23.

Winner of the 2006 New Musical Theatre Network Directors' Choice Award, "Saint Heaven" has been through the developmental process and was featured in the Village Theatre Village Originals series.

"Saint Heaven" is based on the novel "The Gift of Tongues" by Steven Lyons and is set in the quaint town of Saint Heaven, Ky., in 1957. The musical tells the soulful story of a young doctor as he returns home to settle his father's affairs and confront the past. Upon his return, he comes face to face with the friends and family he left behind, and encounters a young female preacher with a special spiritual gift. As their journey unfolds, they come together to learn the power of faith, courage and acceptance. A spirited score of country, gospel and R&B propels this intimate and inspiring love story.

"Disney's Beauty and the Beast": Music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and nook by Linda Woolverton. Playing in Everett Jan. 9-Feb. 1.

Debuting on Broadway three years after the release of the movie version of the story, "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" was nominated for a variety of Tony and Drama Desk awards. The musical tells the story of the strong-willed and lovable Belle. Longing to escape her everyday life, she finds her path takes a sudden turn when she arrives at the gate of a magical palace.

"The Importance of Being Earnest": By Oscar Wilde. Playing in Everett March 6-29, 2009.

First performed for the public on Feb. 14, 1895, "The Importance of Being Earnest" quickly reached the pinnacle of success among theatergoers. When two hapless gentlemen grow tired of their restrictive lifestyles, they create a series of elaborate lies leading to a twisted labyrinth of conflict and hilarity. Forced to acknowledge their duties and responsibilities by their respective love interests, the gentlemen realize the true importance of being earnest.

"Stunt Girl": Music by David Friedman, lyrics by Peter Kellogg. Playing in Everett May 1-24, 2009.

With a book and lyrics written by Tony-nominated artist Peter Kellogg and composed by David Friedman, "Stunt Girl" is a funny, fresh new musical based on the life of Nellie Bly, the investigative reporter, world-traveler and captain of industry. "Stunt Girl" was a wild success at Village Theatre's fifth annual Festival of New Musicals in 2005 and is ready to take on the Mainstage.

In the production, Nellie's adventures begin in an age when women don't have the right to vote. Her story is a testament to what can be achieved with hard work and persistence. "Stunt Girl" captures the adventure and romance, dreams and disappointments, and thrills and sorrow of a true trailblazer.

"Show Boat": Music by Jerome Kern, book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, based on the novel "Show Boat" by Edna Ferber. Playing in Everett July 10-Aug. 2, 2009.

Come one, come all and climb aboard the Cotton Blossom for a magnificent show you won't forget. This Tony award-winning production originally premiered in 1927 and is set in the South in the 1880s. The story of love and intrigue, friendship and deception, and marriage and family spans 47 years, tracing the lives of Cap'n Andy Hawks and his company of entertainers. "Show Boat" boasts a brilliant score filled with captivating ballads including "Ol' Man River" and "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man."



Subscription packages are on sale now, ranging in price from $60 to $200 in Everett, at the box office, 425-257-8600, or online at www.villagetheatre.org. Performances take place at Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave., Everett.