Libra Theater Company Announces 2012-2013 Season

Libra Theater Company announces its third season of programming, which will include a second season of the free In the Balance reading series, the world premiere of The Thirteenth Commandment by Joshua H. Cohen, and a new collection of songs by emerging composer/lyricist Will Reynolds (also the co-star of Love Story at Walnut Street Theatre). 

Libra’s season begins with Poems & Moon Songs – a journey through the soaring melodies and sharp style of rising composer Will Reynolds (The Greenwood Tree). Linking his singular lyrical voice with some of greatest poets of all time, Poems & Moon Songs is a piece for anyone who’s looked at the night sky and felt seemingly alone yet utterly connected. Directed by MK Lawson (Libra's The Entropy Songs), Poems & Moon Songs will play from November 10-12, 2012, at 7:30pm (with additional 10:00pm performances on November 10-11) at The Underground Lounge (955 West End Avenue). Full cast and ticket information will be announced soon.

Following Poems & Moon Songs, Libra will present the world premiere of The Thirteenth Commandment, a new play by Jonathan Larson Grant recipient and MAC Award nominee Joshua H. Cohen (Libra’s The Entropy Songs). The Thirteenth Commandment is an intelligent piece that pushes the boundaries of what’s perceived as “right” and “appropriate.” In the play, Jason – a popular high school teacher – tries to provoke debate within his sleepy 11th grade class by presenting “evidence” that the Holocaust never happened. However, when the press gets wind of his controversial lesson, jobs and reputations are put in jeopardy and sharp battle lines are drawn at Jason’s resort-town high school. Supported in part by the Puffin Foundation, The Thirteenth Commandment will play from April 18-May 5, 2013, at the Bridge Theatre at Shetler Studios.

Libra will also offer its free quarterly In the Balance reading series, which begins with Kenny Finkle’s Indoor/Outdoor. Directed by Daniel Johnsen, Indoor/Outdoor will play on Saturday, October 13, 2012, at 8:30 p.m. at the Penthouse II at Shetler Studios. Other In the Balance readings will include A. R. Gurney’s A Light Lunch this December, Frank Wedekind’s Spring’s Awakening in March 2013, and William Shakespeare’s As You Like It in June 2013. Admission is free of charge, and each reading is accompanied by a pre-show reception and meet-and-greet. 

In addition, this winter Libra will once again present Songs You Should Know, a one-night concert of new and rarely performed songs from great composers. Last year’s concert featured lesser-known work by writers such as Adam Gwon (Ordinary Days), Joe Iconis (Bloodsong of Love), and Pete Mills (Illyria) and included performances from Jeremy Jordan (Newsies, “Smash”), Ashley Spencer (Rock of Ages), and Jessica Grové (A Little Night Music) among others. 

Libra Theater Company believes all artists must maintain a balance between art and everyday responsibility. Since its inception in 2010, Libra has been dedicated to creating quality theater that is flexible and works with the time commitments of its artists. Most recently, Libra finished a production of 12th Night directed by Evan Mueller. Featuring an Ensemble Cast including Drama Desk nominee Jeremy Morse (Bloodsong of Love), this sold-out production earned a 2012 NY Innovative Theatre Award for “Outstanding Original Music” by Jeff Raab. 

Learn more about Libra and its 2012-13 season at www.libratheater.org.