Diversionary has announced its 2019-2020 line up. It is Executive Artistic Director Matt M. Morrow's fifth full season of programming. He has this to say about the season:
"Next season will feature our most inclusive program to date, proving that the LGBT community is united in the face of adversity. Diversionary's 34th Season boldly captures and celebrates the identity of our entire community, and I couldn't be more proud to present two hilarious and provocative stories about the trans experience. Given the politicization and daily attacks on our transgender community, it's vital that Diversionary creates a space where they can feel safe, and see themselves represented on our stage. Because here at Diversionary, diversity, inclusion, and representation is a priority."
Subscriptions are available at www.diversionary.org or by calling the Box Office at 619-220-0097. Additional information can be found at www.diversionary.org/Season33.
See the full lineup below!
San Diego Premiere Musical
GIRLFRIEND
Book by Todd Almond
Music and Lyrics by Matthew Sweet
Directed by Stephen Brotebeck
September 12-October 13, 2019 // Opening September 21
It's 1993 and mixtapes are the language of love. Set in the American heartland during the summer between high school and whatever comes next, College-bound jock Mike and self-assured but aimless Will find themselves drawn to each other. Their rush of first love full of excitement, confusion, and passion, forges an unlikely bond neither were expecting. Told to the power-pop precision of Matthew Sweet's seminal rock album, Girlfriend is a vibrant new musical about the terror and thrill of self discovery, and the life you want to lead.
Legacy Revival Production
THE SANTALAND DIARIES & SEASON'S GREETINGS
by David Sedaris
Adapted to the stage by Joe Mantello
Directed by Anthony Methvin
November 21-December 22, 2019 // Opening November 30
From the brilliantly twisted mind of David Sedaris comes a classic tonic for the holidaze. Out of work and options, The Santaland Diaries finds David as he begins his career as an elf in Macy's Santaland during the holiday crunch. Battling throngs of rabid families clamoring towards a drunken Santa to satiate their Christmas fix, David makes do with some hilarious observations on human nature, and an unexpected connection to the holiday spirit.
Add On just for the Holidaze:
In the form of a holiday newsletter, Season's Greetings finds Mrs. Dunbar, chipper as ever, updating us on her family's apocalyptic year. This rarely seen amuse-bouche of a play is performed by a rotating cast "after hours" in Fritz' Lounge post performance of The Santaland Diaries Friday and Saturday nights only*! Admission is free and the drinks are strong!
World Premiere
A KIND OF WEATHER
by Sylvan Oswald
Directed by Bea Basso
February 6-March 8, 2020 // Opening February 15
When Kid's grieving father pops up at his Brooklyn doorstep and asks to move in, it kinda puts a cramp in his sex life, not to mention the completion of his memoir about his gender transition. As he struggles to keep his professional and romantic deadlines, revelations about his family history begin to subvert his own narrative. A hilarious, time-jumping, tragi-comedy exploring gender identity and its effect on family, A Kind of Weather is about learning to be who you already are.
Oswald's work has been seen at Center Theatre Group, About Face Theatre, Joe's Pub and Clubbed Thumb. Honors include the Rosati Fellowship from Duke University Libraries, the Thom Thomas award from The Dramatists Guild, a Jerome Fellowship, and residencies at Sundance/Ucross, Macdowell Colony, and Yaddo.
West Coast Premiere
PLOT POINTS IN OUR SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT
by Miranda Rose Hall
Directed by Kym Pappas
March 26-April 26, 2020 // Opening April 4
Theo and Cecily are at a dire crossroads in their relationship and need to come clean with the details of their sexual histories. As they excavate their past encounters, the truth of their experiences begins to undermine the very foundation of their relationship. A contemporary queer love story, Plot Points In Our Sexual Development explores the intersection of gender and intimacy, and the dangers of revealing yourself to the person you love.
HEAD OVER HEELS
Songs by The Go-Go's
Based Upon The Arcadia by Sir Philip Sidney
Conceived and Original Book by Jeff Whitty
Adapted by James MacGruder
Music & Lyrics by The Go-Go's
Directed by Matt M. Morrow
May 21-April 21, 2020// Opening May 30
From the visionary behind Avenue Q comes a bold new Broadway musical fairytale where "Once Upon a Time" crashes into right now. In the mythical land of Arcadia, the royal family is challenged to set out on a journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction. Through their adventure gender roles are upended, relationships liberated, and love is discovered in the most surprising of ways. Told to the hypnotic beat of the iconic 80's all-girl rock band The Go-Go's, Head Over Heels joyously unveils a path to a new world where diversity is celebrated and ladies lead!
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