Science Fiction Triple Feature Unveils the Coterie Theatre's 32nd Season 9/21

Three science fiction masterpieces bundled as one imaginative production as Science Fiction Triple Feature unveils the Coterie Theatre's 32nd season of live theatre. The Veldt, Flowers for Algernon and By the Waters of Babylon will perform in the Coterie's intimate space September 21 - October 17.

"Science fiction has had such resurgence with young adult readers. I wanted to tap into that by selecting three short story masterpieces from this genre," said Jeff Church, producing artistic director, who created the concept of putting these stories together on stage.

"It's almost spooky how omniscient these pieces are, though they were written some time ago," he said. "We'll present these classic short stories on stage in a unique and contemporary way with projections and a set design that will have a stimulating aesthetic for our audiences."

The Veldt, by science fiction genius Ray Bradbury, is the story of a family with a virtual reality playroom that comes alive. There may be an unhealthy side effect, especially when the parents object to the playroom. In Flowers for Algernon, by Daniel Keyes, Charlie Gordon is a man in his thirties with an IQ of 68. Through a controversial operation, his IQ soars to 185. Charlie's journal entries about this stunning experiment hinge on his predecessor, the lab mouse Algernon, whose success foretells what Charlie's fate will be. By the Waters of Babylon, by Stephen Vincent Benét, is the journey of a young priest's mission to explore the forbidden Place of the Gods.

New this season and starting with Science Fiction Triple Feature will be Something Fun Friday Night! Every Friday night, there will be a free Something Fun experience after the show: Audiences may experience an Opening Night reception, a comedy spoof by the Coterie's teen comedy troupe ("The Culture Hacks"), or a backstage tour.

Science Fiction Triple Feature is first of three productions in the Coterie's Preteen/Young Adults Series and is funded in part by the Missouri Arts Council (MAC) and the ArtsKC Fund.

ABOUT THE COMPANY
The talented cast includes Martin Buchanan, Vanessa Severo and Rusty Sneary, as well as Allison Banks, Demetrius Hodges and Dayton Hollis. The artistic and Production Company includes Jeff Church (director), Scott Hobart (set designer/technical director/composer), Georgianna Londre (costume designer), SeifAllah Cristobal (projection designer), Art Kent (lighting designer), David Kiehl (sound designer), Amy Abels Owen (stage manager), Ron MeGee (properties), Megan Engstrom (assistant director, production assistant).

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The Coterie Theatre, now in its 32nd Season and named "One of the Five Best Theaters for Young Audiences in the U.S." by TIME magazine, is located on level one of Crown Center Shops in Kansas City, Mo. Science Fiction Triple Feature performs September 21 - October 17 Tuesdays through Sundays.

Opening Night September 24 audiences are invited to a free post-performance reception with director and cast members. Free question and answer sessions about the show and "how it's done" will take place after the 2 p.m. performances September 25 and 26. In addition, links to the new Coterie Viewtube series for Science Fiction Triple Feature for enhancing the theatre experience will be posted on the Coterie website three weeks prior to the first performance.

Individual Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for all children, students and seniors age 60 and up; $9 for Season Discount Deal holders. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. Tickets may be purchased online at www.coterietheatre.org or by calling the Coterie box office (816) 474-6552 from 10 a.m. to 4 p. m. Monday through Friday. TARGET Saturdays: Free ticket with purchase; restrictions apply; not available online.

NOTABLE DATES:
September 24, Opening Night: Free post-performance reception with director and Company.

September 24, Oct. 1, 8 and 15: Something Fun Friday Night! A free post-performance event that may be an opportunity to meet the cast, tour the stage, enjoy a comedy spoof or free Q&A. Event will change with each performance.

September 25 and 26, Q&A: Free post-performance question and answer sessions with the Company.

September 25, Oct. 2, 9 and 16: TARGET Saturdays: Free ticket with purchase; restrictions apply; not available online.

October 9: Interpreted performance in American Sign Language

 

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