Florida Repertory Theatre announces 2018-2019 Season!

FORT MYERS, FL – Florida Repertory Theatre is pleased to announce its 2018-2019 Season, which begins the company’s third decade of producing nationally-recognized, professional theatre in the Fort Myers River District. Set to open Sept. 21 and run to May 5 in the Historic Arcade Theatre and ArtStage Studio Theatre, the nine-show season includes two musicals, multiple comedies, a modern American classic, a southeastern United States premiere, and a world-premiere adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

Subscriptions start as low as $150 for 6 plays and offer the best seats and the biggest savings. Packages for 9, 8, 7, and 6 shows are on sale for both new and renewing season ticket holders through the box office at 239-332-4488, and renewing subscribers have until May 15 to keep their current seats. Single tickets are priced at $55/$45 for regular performances and $35/$25 for previews, and will go on sale July 17 through the box office and online at www.FloridaRep.org.

The 2018-2019 Season features five productions in the 393-seat Historic Arcade Theatre and four in the intimate 120-seat ArtStage Studio Theatre, and kicks off with the one-woman tour-de-force, “Becoming Dr. Ruth,” by Mark St. Germain – whose farce, “George Washington’s Teeth,” is set to close the current season with its world premiere this May. Also featured in the season is “Million Dollar Quartet,” Broadway’s rock ‘n’ roll sensation; “Native Gardens,” one of the hottest new comedies in the country right now; “Tenderly,” a salute to jazz icon, Rosemary Clooney; August Wilson’s “Fences,” the Pulitzer Prize and multiple Tony Award-winning modern American classic fresh from a Broadway revival and Academy Award-winning film adaptation, and more!

Florida Repertory Theatre’s 21st season also includes two brand-new plays as part of its ongoing efforts to develop new works and nurture playwrights. Opening Nov. 9 in the ArtStage Studio is “Damascus” by Bennett Fisher, an electrifying psychological thriller that was read as part of Florida Rep’s 2017 PlayLab. Opening Nov. 30 in the Historic Arcade is a new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” by Mark Shanahan, whose play “The Dingdong” had its regional premiere to critical acclaim at Florida Rep in 2016. Shanahan is a Broadway actor, regional theatre veteran, and a familiar guest director at Florida Rep, who most recently helmed “How the Other Half Loves” earlier this year.

“We are delighted to be celebrating the beginning of our third decade with this very exciting season,” said Interim Artistic Director, Jason Parrish, “this diverse line-up of plays and musicals, both classic and contemporary, will break new ground for the theatre, introduce many new faces, and of course, showcase our ensemble of artists in a variety of roles. It is particularly exciting to be taking on one of August Wilson’s American Century Cycle plays that will introduce Florida Rep audiences to one of the great 20th century American playwrights. Our 21st will be a season of new beginnings, and we hope you’ll join us.”

Newly unveiled for the current season, Florida Rep’s weeknight performances (Tuesday-Thursday) in both venues will continue at the earlier curtain time of 7 PM. Friday and Saturday evening performances will begin at 8 PM, and matinee performances on Wednesday (Arcade), Thursday (ArtStage), selected Saturdays, and Sunday will continue at the popular 2 PM curtain time.

FLORIDA REP’S 2018-2019 SEASON

BECOMING DOCTOR RUTH
by Mark St. Germain • Based on the Life of Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer
SEPT 21-0CT 21 • Previews: Sept 18-20
In the ArtStage Studio Theatre
The heartfelt, hilarious, and triumphant story of the girl who became Dr. Ruth! A one-woman tour-de-force from the author of “George Washington’s Teeth” and “Best of Enemies!”

STEEL MAGNOLIAS
by Robert Harling
OCT 19-NOV 7 • Previews: Oct 16-18
In the Historic Arcade Theatre
Make an appointment at Truvy’s Beauty Salon to see the play that inspired the classic 1989 film! ”A skillfully crafted picture of eccentricity in the small-town South!” -Drama-Logue

DAMASCUS
A SOUTHEASTERN PREMIERE by Bennett Fisher
NOV 9-DEC 9 • Previews: Nov 6-8
In the ArtStage Studio Theatre
A gripping and electrifying NEW PLAY! Chosen from the 2017 PlayLab! Nothing is what it seems in this dangerous psychological thriller that challenges all we think we know!

Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL
A WORLD PREMIERE ADAPTATION by Mark Shanahan
NOV 30-DEC 19 • Previews: Nov 27-29
In the Historic Arcade Theatre
Southwest Florida audiences are in for a holiday treat with a brand-new adaptation of the beloved holiday classic! Join Ebenezer Scrooge on a thrilling journey of discovery and redemption that is perfect for the whole family!

TENDERLY: The Rosemary Clooney Musical
by Janet Vogt & Mark Friedman • Based on the Life of Rosemary Clooney
DEC 21-FEB 24 • Previews: Dec 18-20
In the ArtStage Studio Theatre
A NEW MUSICAL salute to the beloved radio, TV, and film icon! Featuring over 20 amazing tunes like “Come on-a My House,” “Hey There,”‘ “Sisters,” “Mambo Italiano,” and many more!

August Wilson’s FENCES
JAN 11-30 • Previews: Jan 8-10
In the Historic Arcade Theatre
The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning American Classic! Hot off a Broadway revival and Academy Award-winning Film adaptation, August Wilson’s universal story will strike a chord in every heart!

HAY FEVER
by Noël Coward
FEB 15-MAR 6 • Previews: Feb 12-14
In the Historic Arcade Theatre
Razor-sharp and dry as a martini! A delightfully madcap comedy of bad manners! Watch a weekend getaway spiral into mayhem as tempers flare and eccentricities reign supreme!
“An evening of intoxicating escape!” -NY Times

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
Book by Colin Escott & Floyd Mutrux  • Original Concept & Direction by Floyd Mutrux
MAR 22-APR 10 • Previews: Mar 19-21
In the Historic Arcade Theatre
One of Broadway’s hottest tickets! Inspired by the true story of the famed recording session where icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley got together for one unforgettable night. The Tony-winning Broadway rock ‘n’ roll SENSATION! Sit in on the Memphis jam session that changed music forever!

NATIVE GARDENS
by Karen Zacarías
APR 5-MAY 5 • Previews: Apr 2-4
in the ArtStage Studio Theatre
It’s neighbor against neighbor in this hilarious NEW hot-button comedy! Cultures and gardens clash as well-intentioned neighbors become arch-enemies! One of the hottest NEW comedies in America!

Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with limited free parking in the Fort Myers River District. Visit Florida Rep online at FloridaRep.org, and by following the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.