Huntington Theatre Company's 2013-14 Season to Include THE JUNGLE BOOK & More!

Huntington Theatre Company announces four productions of its 2013-2014 Season, each featuring celebrated artists beloved by Boston audiences. Continuing its 31-year tradition, the Huntington will present world-class productions of new works and classics made current created by the finest local and national talent. The varied lineup includes a ravishing new musical adaptation by a visionary director, a stirring world premiere by the Huntington's new playwright-in-residence, a sharp new work by Boston's most recent Broadway playwright, and a master's classic brought to life by two outstanding interpreters of his work.

The complete 2013-2014 Season will include four plays at the Boston University Theatre on the Avenue of the Arts, three plays at the Wimberly Theatre in the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA, and one play in the Roberts Studio Theatre in the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA.

The Jungle Book
September 7 - October 6, 2013
Avenue of the Arts / BU Theatre

From the imagination of Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman (Candide) comes a captivating new musical adaptation of a timeless favorite. The jungle springs to life in a kaleidoscopic song-and-dance-filled production that chronicles young Mowgli's adventures growing up in the animal kingdom. Based on Rudyard Kipling's time-honored tales and featuring music from the classic Disney film, this ravishing world premiere will enchant audiences of all ages. As the TAB/Wicked Local says, "Let Mary Zimmerman dazzle you!"

"I recently heard Mary Zimmerman and her creative team's take on The Jungle Book music while in Chicago," says Huntington Artistic Director Peter DuBois. "I was immediately reminded of what I love about Mary and what she brings to The Jungle Book - her big heart, sophisticated mind, and a playful imagination. In this latest creation, she brilliantly interweaves Kipling's evocative prose with the story of the classic film and marries traditional Indian instruments to its jazzy, instantly recognizable tunes. It's a dream!"

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be returning to Boston and to the Huntington," says Zimmerman. "I love the theatre and its audience. We've just finished our second, very intense, very joyful music workshop at the Goodman where six swing/jazz musicians and six Indian musicians brought their virtuosity to the project. The songs from the film are utterly recognizable, yet renewed and enriched by these new, beautiful sounds, and it was the thrill of a lifetime to work with Richard Sherman of the original composing team."

The Seagull
March 7 - April 6, 2014
Avenue of the Arts / BU Theatre

Nicholas Martin and Kate Burton (The Corn is Green and The Cherry Orchard) - renowned interpreters of Chekhov's blend of humor and pathos - reunite for this emotionally rich classic. Celebrated actress Irina Arkadina's visit to her aspiring playwright son with her successful novelist lover in tow kindles unrequited passions in this masterpiece about love, missed connections, and what it means to be an artist. Burton's son Morgan Ritchie, who appeared with her in The Corn is Green, plays Arkadina's son Konstantin. WBUR praises, "Nicholas Martin is a master."

"Nicholas Martin and Kate Burton are a Chekhov dream team," says DuBois. "Add Kate's son Morgan in the role of Konstantin, and this production is definitely one to anticipate."

"I'm thrilled to reunite with my beloved Nicholas Martin, my leading man from The Corn is Green - Morgan Ritchie, and one of my favorite theatres, the Huntington," says Burton.

Becoming Cuba
March 28 - April 26, 2014
South End / Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA

In 1898 Cuba on the eve of the Spanish-American War, spirited widow Adela runs a pharmacy, indifferent to the mounting conflict around her. But when the rebellion comes home to Havana, she must choose between loyalty to country or to family. By turns funny, steamy, and political, this powerful new drama from Playwright-in-Residence Melinda Lopez (Sonia Flew) asks whether freedom is something we all want. Huntington Associate Producer M. Bevin O'Gara directs. Variety says, "Melinda Lopez is a genuine talent."

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