Rubicon Theatre Company Sets 2016 Season

Rubicon Theatre Founders Karyl Lynn Burns and James O'Neil announce the company's 2016 Season of mainstage productions, entitled "Fair Ladies, Fine Gentlemen (and Others)." The season features two American Premieres, a beloved classic, a one-person drama about an American icon, and a campy musical send-up of '50s sci-fi films loosely based on Shakespeare's The Tempest. The season opens with See Rock City (January 27-February 14, 2016), the second play in the Nibroc Trilogy by Arlene Hutton. May and Raleigh's Appalachian love story continues as the couple plans a honeymoon in Rock City, Tennessee in 1943. When victory overseas brings unexpected consequences at home, May and Raleigh are forced to face hidden truths and find common solutions to the challenges of a new, post-war America. See Rock City stands alone as a funny, touching and universal portrayal of a young couple very much in love.

Rising star Katharine Farmer returns from London to helm See Rock City after directing the first show in the Nibroc Series last season to critical and popular acclaim. The production was nominated for an Ovation Award for "Best Production of a Play, Larger Theatre," and was a part of Rubicon's "Best Season" nomination. Farmer was also the recipient of an Indy Award for her direction (collecting her statue on her 22ndbirthday). She has since made her West End directing debut with Pig Farm by Greg Kotsis. Actors Lily Nicksay ("Boy Meets World"/"The Client") and Erik Odom "Twilight: Breaking Dawn") return to continue their journey as May and Raleigh.

Says Rubicon Producing Artistic Director Karyl Lynn Burns, "Last Train to Nibroc was the surprise hit of last year's season. The play seems understated and simple," she continues, "but it packs a powerful emotional punch. Many of our audience members related to the struggles faced by May and Raleigh and were captivated by the charm and gentle humor of the piece. The storytelling was so true, and the characters so real, that every night after the performance, attendees asked what happened to May and Raleigh after the play ended. We quickly knew we had to produce the sequel."

Jethro Compton's stage adaptation of the film classic The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance receives its American Premiere on the Rubicon stage March 2-20, 2016. An aging cowpoke and a tenderfoot schoolteacher represent two sides of the West-the wild frontier and the coming of age of law and order. Both are drawn to the same feisty woman. And both have to stand up for what they believe in when Liberty Valance comes to town. The production includes voiceovers by Robert Vaughn ("The Man from U.N.C.L.E."/"Coronation Street"). The play is directed by Rubicon Artistic Associate and multiple award-winner Jenny Sullivan, whose father actor Barry Sullivan, appeared in Western films and series including "The Tall Man," Seven Ways to Sundown" and "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid."

According to Rubicon Co-Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus James O'Neil, this version of the production is based on the original novel and has a slightly more contemporary feel than the well-known film version, while staying true to the same basic plot and themes. "I find this to be a stark and sexy telling of the story," says O'Neil, "that I think will have great appeal to those who love the Western genre, and to all who love great dramas."

Another American Premiere follows with Sabina Berman's eXtras, based on Marie Jones' hilarious comedy Stones in His Pockets (April 13-May 1, 2016). In this new adaptation, a Hollywood film crew arrives in a village in Mexico to shoot a major motion picture, wreaking havoc on the fragile ecosystem of the community. Two major stars from Mexico, brothers Bruno and Odiseo Bichir, play all of the characters -- starlet, director, crew and the locals who are working as extras on the set. Rubicon's production also features original music composed by 17-year-old wunderkind Maya Burns in Ranchero, Corrido and Mexican surfer rock styles. Maya and a three-piece band will perform pre-show and at intermission. The production will be performed in English during regularly scheduled subscriber performances, with additional performances available in Spanish.

"This play has been on our wish list for several years and we are looking forward to finally getting to share it with our audiences," says O'Neil. "It is deeply entertaining and full of laughs, but also raises interesting and important considerations about corporate America in relationship to workers and to other cultures. The play also touches upon other timely issues, including those related to immigration."

Next in the season is David Rintels' riveting tale of Clarence Darrow (May 25 -- June 12, 2016). This trenchant and timely drama is based on the life and landmark cases of the illustrious, controversial trial lawyer who at one time commanded over a quarter-million dollars for each case. A challenging one-man tour-de-force that has been performed by actors including Henry Fonda and Kevin Spacey, Rubicon's production features Co-Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus James O'Neil, whose great-grandfather was Clarence Darrow's cousin.

"Clarence Darrow was a legend in our home," says O'Neil. "And it's thrilling to have an opportunity to delve more deeply into his story and character."

Several productions are still in consideration for the company's fall offering (August 31-September 18), which will be directed by Stephanie Coltrin and feature local favorite Alyson (Schuster) Lindsay. Possibilities include a Pulitzer Prize-winning American classic, a contemporary comedy and a World Premiere.

Rounding out the 2016 mainstage season (October 26 - November 13) is Return to the Forbidden Planet by Bob Carlton, a fabulously campy send-up of the sci-fi film "Forbidden Planet," which is loosely based on Shakespeare's The Tempest. Set on a spaceship sometime in the future, the show features a galaxy of 1950's and 1960's rock-and-roll classics, including "Wipe Out," "Good Vibrations" "Great Balls of Fire," "All Shook Up," "Monster Mash," and "We Gotta' Get Out of This Place." In this musical, a young woman (with the aid of a roller-skating Robby the Robot) discovers a brave new world, despite the protestations of her mad scientist father and attacks from aliens. The futuristic set and lights will be designed by Thomas S. Giamario.

Subscriptions to Rubicon's 2016 Season include discounts of up to 15%, discounts for tickets purchased for friends, guaranteed seating, ticket insurance, free exchanges (with 72 hours' notice), and advance notice of special events. To order, call the Rubicon Box Office at (805) 667-2900 or visit in person at 1006 E. Main Street (Laurel entrance), 7 days a week from Noon to 6:00 p.m. Single tickets for each of the shows are also on sale and available via the box office or the company's website: www.rubicontheatre.org.

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