North Coast Repertory Theatre Announces its 2019-2020 Season - AMADEUS, FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, and More!

Two West Coast premieres and one San Diego premiere highlight an engaging, eclectic 2019-20 seven-play series at North Coast Repertory Theatre, now celebrating its 38th season. Among the offerings are two Tony Award winning masterpieces, beloved audience favorite by Neil Simon, a poignant love story, a political satire, a humorous social commentary, and a hilarious musical of Broadway's greatest hits.

Artistic director David Ellenstein, who recently was honored with the rarely presented Craig Noel Award as Director of the Year, said that he has selected plays that are passionate, hilarious, heartfelt, unexpected and entertaining. "We believe that our upcoming season will appeal to both our loyal subscribers and a broad spectrum of theatre lovers throughout the county."

With the glorious music of Mozart as a backdrop, Peter Shaffer's Tony Award winning tale, AMADEUS, starts the season on a rousing note. Told with humor, intrigue and theatricality, it explores two men - Antonio Salieri, who is consumed with jealousy, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who is blissfully unaware of his extraordinary gifts. This audience-pleasing production will enhance your appreciation of a musical genius. Richard Baird directs the play, which runs September 4 - 29, 2019.

Next up is THE SUNSHINE BOYS, one of the late Neil Simon's most endearing plays that showcases his brilliant ear for sidesplitting dialogue and his sharp eye for physical comedy. Yet, beneath the raucous laughter are two vulnerable people struggling to make sense of their lives. North Coast Rep has earned a reputation for consistently mounting critically acclaimed Neil Simon comedies, so reserve your tickets now to avoid disappointment. Directed by Jeffrey Moss, it runs October 23 to November 17, 2019.

Uncorking the New Year's celebration is the San Diego Premiere of Steven Dietz's BLOOMSDAY. If you've ever wished you could go back and have a second chance at a decision you made back in your 20s, this emotional story captures the intensity of experiences, as an older couple retraces their steps to discover their younger selves. BLOOMSDAY gives us a funny, touching and stark look at what it is to be in love no matter what stage of life you're in. This lovely story plays January 8 - February 2 , 2020 will linger in your mind. Directed by Andrew Barnicle.

Following is the West Coast premiere of THE OUTSIDER, a razor-sharp, hilarious satire of modern American politics and an inspirational tribute to democracy. Overflowing with clever plot twists portraying the contemporary political climate, Paul Slade Smith's (Unnecessary Farce) play is a fun-house mirror, held up to reflect our often confounding governmental system. If you're overwhelmed by today's headlines, this thoroughly non-partisan laugh-fest is just what you need. Directed by David Ellenstein, it runs February 19 - March 15, 2020.

Next on the schedule is a powerful Tony Award winning drama, THE HOMECOMING. Often regarded as Harold Pinter's most enduring play, this masterwork of family warfare is set in an all-male household that relies on fantasy and one-upmanship for its very existence. This toxic, but familiar pattern is disrupted when a long-absent son returns with his new wife. Her presence ignites an explosive situation, one that is vicious, funny and unsettling. A must-see for discerning theatregoers. Directed by David Ellenstein. Runs April 8 - May 3, 2020. Suitable for mature audiences only.

Following is the West Coast Premiere of HUMAN ERROR, written by Eric Pfeffinger and directed by Jane Page. Full of warmth, heart and outrageous humor, two couples - one liberal, the other conservative - are forced to meet and establish a relationship with binding implications due to a medical mix-up. It's an uncharted journey for these unlikely friends, one that is brimming with surprises and self-revelation along the way. You won't want to miss this engaging play. Runs May 27 to June 21, 2020.

Season 38 concludes with Forbidden Broadway'S GREATEST HITS. Celebrate Broadway's unforgettable musical legends! Meet Broadway's greatest satirist in this hilarious, loving, and endlessly entertaining tribute to some of the theatre's most cherished stars and songwriters. Gerard Alessandrini parodies Broadway musicals including Chicago, Phantom, Fiddler and many others, with wit, charm, and hysterical lyrics. This world- renowned show is your one-stop ticket to non-stop laughs! Directed by William Selby. Runs July 8 to August 9, 2020.

Finally, a special treat Summer of 2020 but not part of the Subscription, is the return engagement of a dramatic musical theatrical experience, Always...Patsy Cline. Created and originally directed by Ted Swindley with additional material by Ellis Nassour, and music by various composers, it is based on a true story. This musical has enjoyed great success all over the United States including a successful run off Broadway. The show is based on a true story of Patsy's friendship with a fan, Louise Seger, who continued a correspondence with Cline to the end of her life. The musical play includes many of Patsy's unforgettable hits such as "Crazy," "I Fall To Pieces," and "Walking After Midnight." Treat yourself to the play that will leave you humming these memorable songs from August 14- August 23, 2020.

With American and British treasured playwrights, two West Coast premieres, one San Diego premiere, and a whole lot of laughs, this season promises to be one of the most exciting ever.

*Shows subject to change.

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