Six world premieres, including a new work by Neil Simon, are among the eight plays to be presented by Seattle Repertory Theatre during its 2005-2006 season.
This is the debut season for David Esbjornson, the Rep’s new artistic director. The season, which opens Sept. 10, will include plays by Ariel Dorfman, Amy Freed and Ping Chong. “Tuesdays with Morrie,” a heartfelt drama based on Mitch Albom’s tribute to a dying friend, is on the schedule as is “Rewrites,” a continuation in Simon’s autobiographical series of plays and based on his memoir of the same name.
The season is presented in the mainstage Bagley Wright Theatre and in the secondary Leo K. Theatre.
The mainstage season:
“The King Stag,” by Carlo Gozzi, Sept. 24 to Oct. 22: A world premiere production of a new adaptation of an 18th century fantasy play by Carlo Gozzi, with the adaptation by Shelley Berc and Andrei Belgrader.
“Purgatorio,” by Ariel Dorfman, Oct. 29 to Nov. 26: A world premiere play of crimes and redemption based on the story of Media.
“Restoration Comedy,” by Amy Freed, Dec. 3 to Jan. 7: A world premiere comedy based on the sex farces of 17th century London.
“Rewrites,” by Neil Simon, Jan. 19 to Feb. 18: The further adventures of Eugene find the playwright hitting his professional stride while running up against real-life issues.
“Temple,” music by Norman Durkee, book and lyrics by Silvia Peto, March 2 to April 1: A new musical based on the true story of Temple Grandin, an inventor who created more humane ways to treat animals about to slaughtered, opening a window on autism at the same time.
“Tuesdays with Morrie,” by Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Albom, April 8 to May 7: Sports writer Mitch Albom’s autobiographical best-seller about the lessons he learned from his visits with Morrie Schwartz, who was dying from Lou Gehrig’s disease.
In the Leo K:
“Cathay: Three Tales of China,” by Ping Chong and Shaanxi Folk Art Theatre, Sept. 10 to Oct. 9: Experimental theater artist Ping Chong returns with his newest work, performed in conjunction with puppet artists from Shaanxi Folk Art Theatre of China.
“9 Parts of Desire,” by Heather Raffo, March 18 to April 15: Raffo spent 11 years conducting interviews with Iraqi women, and this is the theatrical expression of that work.
Season subscriptions range from $116 to $309 for all eight plays with smaller packages available starting at $81; 206-443-2222, 877-900-9285, www. seattlerep.org.
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