For theatre lovers who want something old and something new, South Puget Sound's Resident Professional Theatre, Centerstage has something for everyone. The 2009-2010 Season is off to a stellar start with a brand new musical: Carl Sagan's CONTACT running September 24 - October 18 2009. Carl Sagan's widow, Ann Druyan recently wrote to Centerstage, "My feeling is hugely positive ...I really believe your CONTACT has a place on Broadway and all around the planet." With a keen eye toward future regional or NY runs Alan Bryce emphasizes, "Centerstage is dedicated to bringing high quality entertainment at an affordable price to South Puget Sound. We want to push the artistic limits of this theatre and this is a benchmark season for us with a solid show lineup and a new role as manager for the beautiful Knutzen Family Theatre."
Bryce continues, "As a southern neighbor to Seattle's vibrant theatre scene I firmly believe that we must participate and engage as wide an audience as possible. Events like Live Theatre Week offer the perfect opportunity to reach out to our neighbors up North and demonstrate our strengths to an expanded audience. For the 2009 Live Theatre Week, Centerstage will present two free play readings on October 14th, A Piece of My Heart and on October 15th we will present Just the Ticket. Both readings are at 8:00pm, are free, and are at the Knutzen Family Theatre."
But like most arts organizations, Centerstage cannot survive by presenting Free events. Like most theatres Centerstage survives on revenue generated from ticket sales. The discounted Season Pass has proven to be a very popular and affordable option for area residents, and this season five-, nine-, and eleven-show passes are available. Savings are up to 25% off single ticket prices. In addition individual tickets are on sale now. Pass prices for adults range from $112.50 (5 show season pass) to $283.75 (11 show ultimate pass). Substantial discounts are available for seniors, military, youth (age 12-17) and kids (under age 11).
All shows are performed at the Knutzen Family Theatre and are general admission. New this season are Wine with the Director Nights presented by Mount Baker Vineyard and Winery. For an extra $10, on one special night for each Centerstage production patrons can meet with the show's director at 7:00pm. Wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served, and the Director will give a short presentation on the show you are about to see that night. There will also be a general audience Q&A for anyone who wishes to stay after the performance. The season shows include:
5 SHOW SEASON PASS:
CARL SAGAN'S CONTACT: Sept. 24 - Oct 18, 2009
Ellie Arroway, the director of "Project Argus," is in search of extraterrestrial intelligence. After encountering the first confirmed communication from extraterrestrial beings, she discovers something more dramatic and unexpected than anyone could have ever predicted. This thrilling new musical is based on the novel by renowned astrophysicist and Pulitzer prize-winning author, Carl Sagan. The score is by European Composer of the Year, Peter Sipos, Lyrics by ASCAP award-winner Amy Engelhardt and Book by Centerstage artistic director, Alan Bryce.
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK: Nov 28-Dec 20
Following up on the wildly popular Cinderella and Aladdin, Centerstage presents its third annual English Christmas pantomime. "Panto" is a boisterous, high energy musical, designed for kids from 5 to 105. Full of painfully funny gags (many of which you have heard before...but still make you laugh), guys dressed as gals, gals dressed as guys, popular songs and glorious costumes, Jack and the Beanstalk is guaranteed to brighten even the darkest winter's day.
I LOVE YOU BECAUSE: Feb 5 - 21, 2010
This sweet, funny romantic comedy about dating is set in modern day New York City. Join us as we follow the adventures of two brothers, one a stiff greeting card writer, the other a free-spirited pedi-cab driver, and the women they date, a flaky photographer and an actuary. "I Love You Because is everything an Off-Broadway musical should be! ... A charming piece of work that will send you home smiling." - The Wall Street Journal
ENCHANTED APRIL: March 26 - April 11 , 2010
What could be better than a month by the Mediterranean at a luxurious Italian villa? That sounds grand to the four English women in Enchanted April. This romantic comedy adapted from Elizabeth von Armin's best-selling 1921 novel tells of four dissimilar women in post-World War One England going on a holiday to a secluded castle in Italy. Seeing this play is the next best thing to taking a vacation.
AIN'T MISBEHAVIN': May 21 - June 6, 2010
In the 1920's and 30's, when Manhattan nightclubs like the Savoy Ballroom were the playgrounds of high society, dives were filled with piano players banging out the new beat known as swing. One such musician, a part of the Harlem Renaissance, was Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller. Step back in time as five performers present an evening of rowdy, raunchy, and humorous songs that encapsulate the various moods of the era and reflect Waller's view of life -journeys are meant for pleasure and play.
