The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol Slates Second Season of 'Commitment'

SEASON TWO: Commit with Abandon: what will you gain by letting go?

The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol has announced its second season, featuring four scripts that share a common theme: Commitment.

"These four stories examine the many forms commitment takes in our lives-be it romantic, artistic, career oriented, or a religious commitment. We will look deeply at the confines of commitment, as well as the freedom that real commitment can bring to you, to others, to religion, or a life goal. Often, when we ponder commitment we think of the sacrifices we must make to stay true to our choice, but perhaps the benefits of commitment can outweigh the sacrifices. This year at The Studio Theatre we ask you to wonder what will happen when you "Commit with Abandon: what will you gain by letting go?" - Whitney Morse, Artistic Director

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ON THE Studio Theatre STAGE:

All dates and plays are subject to change.

BAD JEWS

By Joshua Harmon, directed by Trevin Cooper

Central Florida Premiere | Outer Critics Circle Award Nominee

Family and faith are not always kosher.

Set against the backdrop of 21st century Manhattan, Joshua Harmon's critically acclaimed comedy asks questions about what you choose to believe, when you're chosen. The patriarch of a Jewish family passes away, and three very different grandchildren gather at his funeral. Liam is a declared atheist, while Dapha has ferociously attached herself to every aspect of her Jewish heritage. Jonah, on the other hand, does his best to keep the peace and stay out of any arguments. When Liam brings home his shiksa girlfriend Melody and declares ownership of their grandfather's Chai necklace, a vicious and hilarious brawl over family, faith, and legacy ensues.

DATES: Preview: OCT 31st - NOV 2nd | Opening: NOV 3rd | Closing: DEC 3rd

Tickets: $15 for previews | $35 for performances

FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE

By Terrence McNally, directed by Bobbie Bell

Order Up! Moonlight, music, and meatloaf with a side of desire.

Four time Tony Award Winner, Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune tells the story of Frankie, a waitress, and Johnny, a short-order cook, who work together in the same restaurant. Lights up on Frankie and Johnny in the bed of a grimy 1987 New York studio apartment. Frankie is hopeful that Johnny will now put on his clothes and depart, but Johnny, the romantic, has other ideas.

Through sometimes touching and sometimes hilarious banter shared over sandwiches and a song, the promise of a relationship beyond a "one-night stand" begins to emerge for these two lonely hearts.

DATES: Preview: DEC 19th - 21st | Opening: DEC 22nd | Closing: JAN 11th

Tickets: $15 for previews | $35 for performances

COMPANY

Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by George Furth, Directed by Nathaniel Niemi, Music Director Gary Powell

Here is the church,

Here is the steeple.

Open the doors

And see all the crazy married people.

On the night of his 35th birthday, Robert struggles to think of a wish to make as he blows out his birthday candles. The lone bachelor, surrounded by "those good and crazy people" - his married friends - Robert is uncertain whether he should simply be happy with his lot or whether he should wish for his own romantic partner. Over a series of dinner parties, first dates, and thoughtful conversations, Robert attempts to understand the pros and cons of marriage from his diverse and frequently hilarious friends, and begins to make sense of his own persistent bachelorhood. Stephen Sondheim's seven time Tony Award winning musical, Company is a mature, intelligent, and wildly funny look at relationships, vulnerability, and "being alive."

DATES: Preview: JAN 30th - FEB 1st | Opening: FEB 2nd | Closing: MARCH 4th

Tickets: $20 for previews | $40 for performances

RED

By John Logan, directed by Trevin Cooper

Bleed for your art.

Famed abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko asks his recently hired young assistant, Ken, the loaded question, "What do you see?" John Logan's visceral two-hander, Red, features artist Mark Rothko at the height of his career. Set in 1950's lower Manhattan, this biographical play illustrates Rothko's struggle as he lands the biggest commission in the history of modern art, a series of murals for New York's famed Four Seasons Restaurant. When Ken begins to challenge Rothko, he faces the agonizing possibility that his crowning achievement could also become his undoing. This six time Tony Award winning play takes a compelling look at the ever-changing relationship between an artist and his creations.

DATES: Preview: MARCH 20th - 22nd | Opening: MARCH 23rd | Closing: APRIL 22nd

Tickets: $15 for previews | $35 for performances

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The Studio Theatre is an extension of The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, located in The Spanish Springs Town Square, in The Villages community. The Studio Theatre is led by Producer Jason Goedken and Artistic Director Whitney Morse. Trevin Cooper serves as Resident Director, with Technical Director, Preston Speaker; Scenic Designer, Kenneth Constant; Lighting Designer, Weston Corey; Sound Designer, Eric Mielke; Production Manager, Danielle Paccione, and Gary Powell as Resident Music Director.

For each performance The Studio Theatre's doors open thirty minutes before curtain. All dates and plays are subject to change. More information about The Studio Theatre's second season is available online at www.TheSharonStudio.com.

TICKETS AVAILABLE IN SEPTEMBER:

Sept 5th: Deadline to Renew Existing Subscriptions

Sept 12th: New Subscriptions on sale at 8:30am

Sept 19th: Individual Tickets on sale at 8:30am

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