Orlando Shakespeare Theater Sets 26th Season: LES MIS, RAPUNZEL, HENRY V & More

Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Managing Director PJ Albert announced the 10 productions that will comprise Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF's upcoming 2014-2015 Season. Featuring a mix of Shakespeare favorites, popular stories for children of all ages, daring new plays, and a musical event of epic proportions, the celebrated Theater's 26th Season offers something for every audience in Central Florida and beyond.

Previously announced in February, the monumental musical LES MISERABLES will headline the upcoming season. Complete with a live orchestra and a cast of 30 actors, the single production will be the largest in Orlando Shakes' history. Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, LES MISERABLES is a magnificent and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit in 19th century France. Winner of three Tony Awards© and a Grammy Award© for Best Musical Cast Show Album, "Les Mis" shines as the world's longest-running musical.

In conjunction with LES MISERABLES, the Season Gala will take place on September 7th at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center. Tickets for this annual fundraiser go on sale in June 2014.

Also included in the Signature Season is Bad Dog, a World Premiere by Jennifer Hoppe-House. The comedic family drama was featured as a staged reading in last season's weekend-long PlayFest. Scheduled for November 1 - 3, 2014, this season's festival will once again present readings of new works by local and national playwrights. Recent projects have included plays by Charlie Bethel, Jon Jory, Lauren Gunderson, Steve Yockey, and Mark Brown.

"Our patrons have asked us to present LES MISERABLES for a number of years," said Managing Director PJ Albert. "We are excited to finally offer this world famous musical, along with two Shakespeare productions, two new plays, an American classic, and a beloved holiday treat. We feel that this season gives everyone in Central Florida the opportunity to experience a show that fits their taste."

The 2014-2015 Children's Series includes three productions that are jam-packed with fun: an updated spin on Rapunzel, the whirlwind travelogue The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, and the classic story James and the Giant Peach.

Single tickets to Rapunzel go on sale April 22, 2014. Single tickets to all other productions in Orlando Shakespeare Theater's 26th Season go on sale June 10, 2014, but season subscriptions can be purchased now by calling (407) 447-1700 or in person at the Box Office (812 East Rollins Street). The season is subject to change; additional information about the season, including creative team and casting, will be announced at a later date.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of power2give.org/centralflorida, and the collaborative Campaign for the Arts. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

CHILDREN'S SERIES

Rapunzel
By Brandon Roberts | Based on the story by The Brothers Grimm
June 19 - July 27, 2014 | Goldman Theater

An evil enchantress forces a young couple to give up their beloved baby girl forever. The witch shuts her away in a lonely tower, but as Rapunzel grows -- so does her long golden hair! Will brave Rapunzel ever escape the clutches of her evil captor? Find out in this playful adaptation with an Orlando Shakes twist!

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley
Book by Timothy A. McDonald | Music by Jonathan Waller, David Weinstein with Stephen Gabriel
Lyrics by Timothy A. McDonald, Jonathan Waller and David Weinstein
Based on the books by Jeff Brown with illustrations by Scott Nas
October 23 - November 23, 2014 | Margeson Theater

Stanley Lambchop is just like everyone else, until he makes a wish to be as flat as a pancake... and his wish comes true! With his new, two-dimensional form Stanley becomes the ultimate exchange student, as he scours the globe to do something the world has never seen before. Learn that heroes come in all shapes and sizes in this whirlwind musical travelogue!

James and the Giant Peach
By David Wood | Based on the book by Roald Dahl
March 19 - April 26, 2015 | Margeson Theater

Young orphan James flees from his two conniving aunts, and launches on a journey of enormous proportions! Suddenly he finds himself in the center of a gigantic peach surrounded by human-sized insects with equally over-sized personalities. Follow James, the wise Old-Green-Grasshopper, and the pessimistic Earthworm on their wild adventure!

SIGNATURE SERIES

LES MISERABLES
Book by Alain Boublil | Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg | Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer
Based on the novel by Victor Hugo
September 10 - October 12, 2014 | Margeson Theater

Set in the early 19th-century, a French peasant named Jean Valjean is on a quest for redemption after serving nineteen years in jail for an innocent crime. When a compassionate bishop inspires him with a tremendous act of mercy, Valjean decides to start his life anew, but is relentlessly tracked down by Police Inspector Javert. Along they way, Valjean and a slew of characters are swept into France's revolution, where a group of young visionaries make their last stand at a street barricade.

The Best of Enemies
Produced in Partnership with The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida
By Mark St. Germain | Based on the novel by Osha Gray Davidson
October 15 - November 16, 2014 | Goldman Theater

Based on a true story about the relationship between a hate-filled leader of the KKK and an African-American civil rights activist, the unlikely pair must work together during the 1971 desegregation of Durham, NC schools. A stirring new play that exposes the poison of prejudice and the beauty of friendship.

A Christmas Carol
By Jim Helsinger | Based on the novel by Charles Dickens
December 3 - 28, 2014 | Margeson Theater

The miserly and miserable Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with a "bah humbug", until he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Over one sleepless night, the spirits show him warm childhood memories, cruel realities, and his grim future should he continue his cantankerous ways.

To Kill a Mockingbird
By Christopher Sergel | Based on the novel by Harper Lee
January 21 - March 8, 2015 | Margeson Theater

A compelling and timeless story told through the eyes of six year old Scout, the tomboyish daughter of small-town lawyer Atticus Finch. As a tense tug of war between justice and racism heats up, Atticus and his family must learn to temper violence and hatred with courage and compassion. Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, To Kill a Mockingbird continues to inspire hope in the face of inequality.

The Merry Wives of Windsor
By William Shakespeare
February 4 - March 7, 2015 | Margeson Theater

The impoverished knight Falstaff decides to simultaneously pursue two of the town's wealthy wives-with disastrous and hilarious consequences. One of the Bard's most delightful comedies, this high-spirited romp is full of mistaken identities, cross-dressing, and lots of laughs!

Henry V
By William Shakespeare
February 18 - March 22, 2015 | Goldman Theater

Young and brash King Henry V of England sets out to repair his broken nation after a bloody civil war and discovers the challenges of leadership are greater than he ever imagined. From Henry's rousing battle speeches to courting the Princess of France, Shakespeare explores what makes a man a king... and a king a man.

Bad Dog (A World Premiere)
By Jennifer Hoppe-House
April 8 - May 3, 2015 | Goldman Theater

After ten years of sobriety, Molly Drexler tumbles off "the wagon" by driving her Prius through her house. Her family tries to cope with her wreckage, but end up running headfirst into their own demons. Old wounds are re-opened and new ones are made in this comedic family drama that bites.

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