ANN Starring Jayne Atkinson Will Be Presented In Dallas and Washington, DC

After the record breaking success of WAM Theatre's fall 2018 production of ANN by Holland Taylor, WAM is thrilled to announce that Arena Stage in Washington, DC, and Dallas Theatre Center are presenting a new co-production of ANN in July and October of this year. WAM's Artistic Director, Kristen Van Ginhoven, will again direct the production, and Jayne Atkinson returns to star in the title role.

A one-woman tour-de-force, ANN is a hilarious and spirited portrait of Ann Richards, legendary Governor of Texas, that brings us face to face with Richards' complex, colorful, and captivating character, with a personality bigger than the state she governed. Ticket sales for WAM's 2018 co-production of ANN with Dorset Theatre Festival broke all box office records.

"As a new citizen of this country, and as the Artistic Director of WAM, I cannot imagine a better way to contribute to the civic dialogue leading up to the 2020 election," van Ginhoven said. "All of us at WAM are thrilled that our work at the intersection of arts and activism will have a life outside of the Berkshires where it will reach even larger audiences. And personally, I am delighted to be able to continue work on this play with Jayne at these two acclaimed regional theaters."

"I am thrilled and proud to be continuing the journey - joining with Kristen to take ANN on the road and share the brilliance and humor of Ann Richards," Atkinson added.

"ANN is a whip-smart play, perfect for the times we're living in. Governor Ann Richards was so far ahead of her time, she was a rocket!" Molly Smith, Artistic Director of Arena Stage enthused. "We at Arena are excited about this co-production and bringing Jayne Atkinson's fantastic portrayal of Governor Richards, along with Kristen Van Ginhoven's wonderful direction, to Washington DC. There really is no better place for a play about a strong woman politician. We're tossing rocks at that glass ceiling! And reminding our audiences of those who went before."

"We are thrilled to welcome Kristen Van Ginhoven to Dallas to direct ANN," said Kevin Moriarty, Enloe/Rose Artistic Director of Dallas Theater Center. "Under Kristen's leadership, and with Jayne Atkinson in the title role, audiences will love this inspiring and hilarious play that brings us face to face with the complex, colorful and captivating character of Ann Richards."

The original design team will also return to design the co-production. WAM Associate Artist Juliana von Haubrich returns as scenic designer, Andi Lyons as lighting designer, M. L. Dogg as sound designer, Jess Goldstein as costume designer and Paul Huntley as wig designer.

The production will run July 11-August 11 at Arena Stage and in Dallas from October 15-November 10. Tickets and information can be found on those companies' Websites:

arenastage.org and dallastheatercenter.org

Back in the Berkshires, WAM is launching its 10th anniversary season this year. There will be two Mainstage productions - the world premiere of Lady Randy by Anne Undeland, running April 18-May 5, and Pipeline by Dominique Morisseau, running October 25-November 9, presented in partnership with Multicultural BRIDGE. Two Fresh Takes Play Readings - Native Gardens by Karen Zacarías (May 4) and Paradise by Laura Maria Censabella (November 2) - will correlate directly to each Mainstage production; and an expanded Education program will include a new Elder Ensemble for women 65 and older, along with the successful, established Teen Ensemble, both of which will debut their original devised theatre pieces at the WAM Gala in July.

For more information about WAM Theatre and the 2019 season, visit https://www.wamtheatre.com/2019-season/

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