Triad Stage's 09-10 Season To Include Picnic, Oleanna & More

Artistic Director Preston Lane notes "We will bring you five stories next season that will bring us together to laugh, engage, and rejoice. Stories that take us literally around the world to the end of summer in the middle of America to a woman who has her life transformed by song to a university torn apart by accusations and from the piedmont to the mountains of the state we call home. Our new season at Triad Stage is “A Season Together.” We look forward to seeing you with us, at the theater."

 
The 2009-2010 season is as follows:

Picnic
A Summer Romance
By William Inge
September 6 – 27, 2009
It’s a peaceful time for a small quiet Kansas town in the early 1950s and summer is drawing to a close with the excitement of the annual Labor Day picnic. But the sudden arrival of Hal Carter, a handsome young drifter, stirs the emotions of a group of neighbors as he develops an instant attraction with Madge, one of the most beautiful girls in town. As Hal hides deep insecurities with grand shows of bravado, Madge is torn between her heart and her head in this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama where passions turn one small community upside down.

Oleanna
A Power Play
By David Mamet
October 18 – November 8, 2009
When an unconventional professor tries to help a struggling female student who is failing his class, the end result is far beyond what either originally expected in this shocking case of “he said, she said.” What begins as a simple meeting behind closed doors leads to misinterpretations, accusations and a high-stakes struggle for power. This controversial play by David Mamet (creator of The Unit and author of Glengarry Glen Ross) promises to defy expectations and challenge opinions. Who is right; who is wrong? Who is to say in this examination of power, privilege and political correctness?

Around the World in 80 Days
A Comic Adventure
By Mark Brown
Adapted from the novel by Jules Verne
February 7 – 28, 2010
Jules Verne's classic tale springs to life in this clever, fast-paced comedy for the whole family. Proper gentleman Phileas Fogg strikes a wager and sets off on a race that puts his fortune and life at risk. With his faithful servant at his side, he has just 80 days to circle the globe–an inconceivable feat in the year 1872! Fierce natives, furious typhoons, runaway trains, a damsel in distress and a dogged detective threaten to delay him at every step in this delightful, whirlwind odyssey that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to unexpected end.

Ethel Waters: His Eye Is on the Sparrow
A Life in Song
By Larry Parr
April 11 – May 2, 2010
From the hopeless slums of Philadelphia to the heights of fame, from anger towards almost everyone to a love for all mankind, Ethel Waters lived it all. Now her life takes center stage. From a childhood as a thief and unwilling bride, she became a Vaudeville success, a recording sensation and a Broadway and Hollywood star. Then a reputation for being difficult and her own distrust made her a recluse until she found a purpose beyond herself as a performer with the Billy Graham Crusades. Through it all, there were the songs, the ones that gave her strength and the one that made her a legend. This is her incredible story, filled with the greatest hits of a lifetime, including “Stormy Weather” and “Am I Blue?”

Providence Gap (World Premiere)
An Appalachian Saga
By Preston Lane
Original music by Laurelyn Dossett
June 6 – July 4, 2010
In the tradition of Brother Wolf, Beautiful Star and Bloody Blackbeard comes a new play blending magic, myth and music. Chance Presnell is lucky. Abandoned at birth, he is rescued by a stranger. He meets his wife by accident. And coincidence saves his only child. But luck can change. As war calls him to Europe and an old jealousy splits his family apart, fate twists and his fortunes change. From a farm in the Blue Ridge to a mill village in the Piedmont, from the trenches of World War I to the Mexican border, Chance must take his destiny into his own hands as he searches for a place where all that is lost can once again be found.

Beautiful Star: An Appalachian Nativity*
A Seasonal Celebration
By Preston Lane
Original music by Laurelyn Dossett
November 27 – December 23, 2009
The Triad’s newest holiday tradition proves that the best tales are the ones worth repeating. Returning for a fourth season of celebration, Reverend Ledbetter and the Open Heart Community Fellowship gather once again for their rendition of the Christmas story, with down home laughter, toe-tapping music and a tug at the heartstrings. Come experience the joy and wonder that have made Beautiful Star the biggest hit in Triad Stage’s history.

*Beautiful Star: An Appalachian Nativity is presented as a special event and is not included in Season Pass packages. However, 2009-2010 Season Passholders have the exclusive opportunity to order advance Holiday Flex Tickets to Beautiful Star at a special reduced rate of $30 each with their Pass purchase or renewal. Otherwise, individual tickets to this show will go on sale August 3, 2009, along with individual tickets to the other 2009-2010 productions.

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