Denver Center Theater Announces New Season, Features THE LIAR And More

The Denver Center Theatre Company has announced its lineup of shows for the 2011/12 season. Artistic Director Kent Thompson continues the company's mission to foster new work with two productions set to receive full stagings after being read at the 2011 Colorado New Play Summit. Thompson has added a family production to the season to welcome families and middle-school children to the theatre. Next year's season also includes a new adaptation of a classic French comedy, the return of a stirring American favorite, a fresh comedy from LA's Culture Clash, a George Bernard Shaw classic, one of Shakespeare's most vibrant comedies and a musical inspired by the inimitable Johnny Cash. The DCTC also has announced that it will change its production schedule to include Sunday matinees, eliminating Monday evening performances.

The Liar
by David Ives
Adapted from the play by Pierre Corneille
Sept 16-Oct 16 (Opens Sept 22) | Space Theatre

Dorante has one little problem: he can't stop lying to get what he wants, including the lovely Clarice. Mistaken identities, tall tales and complications abound in this classic comedy by French writer Pierre Corneille, transformed into hilarious rhyming verse by David Ives (All in the Timing). The Liar is supported by Producing Partners Margot & Allan Frank and Judi & Robert Newman.

To Kill a Mockingbird
by Harper Lee
Adapted by Christopher Sergel
Sept 30-Oct 30 (Opens Oct 6) | Stage Theatre

Atticus Finch, an attorney in the segregated South of the 1930s, courageously defends a black man accused of rape. With indelible characters and gripping suspense, To Kill a Mockingbird examines loss of innocence and moral integrity in a time of fear.

American Night
By Richard Montoya for Culture Clash
Developed by Culture Clash and Jo Bonney
Oct 7-Nov 20 (Opens Oct 13) | Ricketson Theatre

Richard Montoya of LA's famed Culture Clash leads us on a comic odyssey through America's crazy-quilt history. As Juan José studies for his citizenship exam, a motley crew of unsung immigrants invades his dreams, telling tales not found in history books. American Night is a brash, fresh theatrical portrait of "Coming to America."

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
by Mark Twain
Adapted by Laura Eason
Nov 11-Dec 18 (Opens Nov 17) | Space Theatre

Mark Twain's classic novel of Missouri boyhood comes to the stage in a high-spirited theatrical romp. Mischievous Tom and his pal Huck witness a murder, then embark on a string of wild escapades. Becky Thatcher, Aunt Polly, Injun Joe and the rest join Tom in this timeless family tale. Generously supported by Boeing, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer also is a HealthONE Family Production.

A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens
Adapted by Richard Hellesen
Nov 25-Dec 24 (Opens Dec 1) | Stage Theatre

Denver's holiday tradition continues! This joyous and opulent musical adaptation returns to thrill us with its legendary ghosts and cheer us with Tiny Tim's heartwarming story. Once again, we trace Ebenezer Scrooge's triumphant journey to redemption in a tale that illuminates the meaning of the season.

World Premiere
The Whale
By Samuel D. Hunter
Jan 13-Feb 19 (Opens Jan 19)| Ricketson Theatre

Charlie hasn't seen his ex-wife or daughter in 17 years and has grown dangerously obese since his partner's death. In failing health, Charlie fends off family, friends and church as he doggedly tries to connect with his estranged daughter. The Whale is supported by Producing Partner Carol E. Wolf.

World Premiere
Two Things You Don't Talk About at Dinner
By Lisa Loomer | Directed by Wendy C. Goldberg
Jan 20-Feb 19 (Opens Jan 26) | Space Theatre

Myriam's annual Passover Seder, a multicultural mix of family and friends, threatens to explode as politics and religion hijack the conversation, severely testing the ties that bind. Is peace possible - even at the dinner table? Supported by Producing Partners Jim Steinberg and John & Jeannie Fuller.

The Taming of the Shrew
by William Shakespeare
Jan 27-Feb 26 (Opens Feb 2) | Stage Theatre

Hilarity ensues when ladies-man Petruchio takes on the challenge of transforming the wild and stubborn Kate into his loving bride, putting her through a set of physical and mental hoops that grow more and more absurd. Once the dust has settled, could what emerges be called a marriage of true minds? The Taming of the Shrew is supported by Producing Partners Sheri & Lee Archer, Katy Atkinson, Isabelle Clark and Mike & Diana Kinsey.

Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show
Created by Richard Maltby, conceived by William Meade
March 23-May 13 (Opens March 29) | Stage Theatre

Experience the music of the legendary Johnny Cash in this revue that uses 39 of the singer's best-known songs to describe the journey of a man in search of his soul. Full of love and emotion, humor and empathy, the show, like all country songs, tells it like it is. Ring of Fire is supported by Producing Partners L. Roger Hutson & Leslie McKay.

Heartbreak House
by George Bernard Shaw
March 30-April 29 (Opens April 5) | Space Theatre

At an English country house on the brink of World War I, a vibrant assembly of the pampered, privileged and powerful enjoy frivolous pursuits as disaster draws near. Shaw famously mixes comedy and drama to blend up a concoction that satisfies the heart as well as the head. Heartbreak House is supported by Producing Partners Noel & Terry Hefty and Karolynn Lestrud.

The DCTC 2011/12 season also will feature an 11th production, to be announced at a later date. That show will run March 16 - April 29 in the Ricketson Theatre, with a March 22 opening night.

Performance Schedule
The DCTC will alter its performance schedule beginning with the 2011/12 season, replacing its Monday evening performance with a Sunday matinee, meeting the increasing demand for weekend performances. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday performances at 6:30pm
Friday and Saturday evening performances at 7:30pm
Saturday and Sunday matinees at 1:30pm
No children under six admitted.

Tickets and Subscriptions
New and renewing subscribers may reserve season tickets now by calling 303.893.6030. TTY (303) 893-9582. Single ticket on-sale dates will be announced at a later time. Subscribers enjoy free ticket exchanges, payment plans, priority offers to Broadway and student shows, discounted extra tickets, a dedicated VIP hotline, a complimentary subscription to Denver Magazine, free events including talkbacks and receptions, and the best seats at the best prices, guaranteed.

Note: Plans for the new season are subject to change.

The Denver Center Theatre Company 2011/12 season is generously supported by the Steinberg Charitable Trust, Wells Fargo Advisors and Larimer Square. Media sponsorship for DCTC is provided by The Denver Post and CBS4. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is supported in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Please visit our website at www.denvercenter.org.

View video of the announcement below:

 

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