1st Stage Sets 2016-17 Season

"Our 9th Season is guided by 1st Stage's promise to provide breadth and depth of storytelling for our community," stated 1st Stage Artistic Director Alex Levy. "This unique line-up of plays, some of the greatest in the American theater, utilizes humor, humanity, warmth, and drama to tell perceptive and, at times, heart-wrenching stories about American life. Our mission is to create a deep connection between our art and our audience, and this incredibly diverse season of stories will do just that."

The 2016-2017 season begins with the masterful comedic wit infused with irrepressible drama of Kenneth Lonergan's Lobby Hero, directed by Alex Levy. A luckless young security guard's loyalties are strained when he becomes involved in a murder investigation. Time Out NY calls the piece, "A masterpiece. The best drama, the best comedy and the best romance of the year, all rolled into one."

In November-December, 1st Stage will present Neil Simon's Broadway Bound, directed by Shirley Serotsky. Eugene and his older brother Stanley are trying to break into the world of show business as professional comedy writers while coping with their parents' break-up and eventual divorce. When their material is broadcast on the radio for the first time, the family is upset to hear a thinly-veiled portrait of themselves played for laughs. This warm and gently humorous play is a welcome treat for the Holidays.

In February, 1st Stage stages the regional premiere of Trevor by Nick Jones, directed by Alex Levy. Trevor is a 200-pound chimpanzee and former commercial star. He and his owner Sandra fight against a world unable to understand their love. Trevor is a moving exploration of family, flawed communication, and humanity. Doug Wilder returns to 1st Stage for the first time since his Helen Hayes Award winning performance in One Man, Two Guvnors

In March-April, 1st Stage will present Tony award-winner, Lisa Kron's autobiographical hit, Well, directed by Michael Bloom. In this play that "is not about [her] mother," Lisa explores her mother's extraordinary ability to heal a changing neighborhood, despite her inability to heal herself. In this "solo show with people in it," Kron asks the provocative question: "Do we create our own illness?" The answers she gets are much more complicated than she bargained for as the play spins dangerously out of control into riotously funny and unexpected territory.

In June, 1st Stage presents another Tony award-winner, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom by August Wilson, directed by Deidra LaWan Starnes. In 1927 Chicago, a recording session with legendary blues singer, Ma Rainey becomes about more than just music. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is a riveting portrayal of black rage...of racism, of the self-hate that racism breeds, and of racial exploitation.

1st Stage will conclude its exciting 9th Season with the innovative 1st Person Solo Festival, a festival of solo performances featuring national, award-winning performers. This June/July festival will be the first of its kind the DC area and will bring unique performances and perspective to the region.

Subscriptions and Flex Passes are available for savings of up to 20% off regular price tickets. The new Premier Subscription includes admission to every piece in the innovative, new 1st Person Solo Festival. Tickets, Subscriptions, and Flex Passes can be purchased online at www.1ststagetysons.org or by calling the 1st Stage box office at 703-854-1856.

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