Revamped 'Pinafore,' 'Spider Woman' Part of Vortex Season

Vortex Theater Company has announced its plans for the company's 24th season. 

"As we approach the upcoming season, the Vortex will set a new standard for the Off-Off Broadway community and take on one of the most traditional structures of American theater: the musical.  We will present three classic musicals, each directed by one of our outstanding Resident Directors," stated Artistic Director Joshua Randall, and added "In true Vortex style, prepare to be swept away as each director opens a door to a new world and presents their musical with a fresh and exciting interpretation."

First up in March (March 5 through March 31) will be: Gilbert & Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore, their fourth and arguably most popular collaboration, will be directed by Dave Dalton, with musical direction by Edward Barnes.  Carrie Cimma will choreograph. 

"The production will reinvent this classic comic opera in a radical new version using only seven actors and integrating portions of text from W.S. Gilbert's successful children's novel The Story of H.M.S. Pinafore. This inventive retelling will reveal forgotten or dismissed portions of the progressive comedy, which has been an audience favorite since it first premiered in 1878," press notes state.

Next (September 13 through October 14) will be: John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Terrence McNally's Kiss of the Spider Woman, in its first New York staging since the original Broadway run.  Gisela Cardenas, 2006 Drama Desk nominee for Outstanding Direction of a Play (Agamemnon at Vortex), will direct "Spider Woman."

At Christmastime 2007, the Vortex will present A Christmas Carol (a new musical), directed by Kristjan Thorgeirsson, with music by Joel Bravo. 

All three musicals will be presented at the Sanford Meisner Theater, 164 11th Avenue (between 22nd and 23rd Streets).

Visit www.vortextheater.com for more information.