IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY and More Set for Washington Stage Guild's 2016-17 Season

The Washington Stage Guild announces the 2016-2017 season of our distinctive repertory, an array of eloquent plays of idea and argument, passion and wit-smArt Theatre for a smart town!

This year we celebrate our 30th, or "pearl" anniversary, in a season bookended by works from the beginning of George Bernard Shaw's career and its height, and in between we'll revive a holiday favorite and present an endearing romantic comedy. And to mark the anniversary month, October will be dedicated to a look back at some of our most fondly-remembered plays.

"When we opened in 1986 downtown Washington was a very different place, and the changes are extraordinary" says Bill Largess, Artistic Director of the Stage Guild. "As the heart of the city gets livelier and livelier, we're proud to have been a part of the excitement for thirty years. A set of old favorites, a holiday favorite, a romantic comedy with a twist, and a visionary fable add up to a great start to the next thirty years!"

---

The 2016-2017 Season:

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY

adapted by Joe Landry

November 25 through December 18, 2016

"Well, you've got your wish. You've never been born."

Directed by Laura Giannarelli

In the late 40s, a group of voice actors team up in the studio with the ever-inventive sound effects man to tell the heartwarming story of George Bailey and his guardian angel, Clarence, for a nationwide audience--complete with period ads! A much-requested revival of last season's Helen Hayes Award-nominated hit, and a new holiday tradition.

LAST TRAIN TO NIBROC

by Arlene Hutton

January 26 through February 19, 2017

Press Night: Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 8 pm

"Wanting something's not brave. Giving up One Dream for another is brave"

On the train carrying F. Scott Fitzgerald's coffin cross country, a young couple, each returning home from disappointment, begin a journey to life together that takes several detours, in this charming WW II-era romantic comedy.

BACK TO METHUSELAH: AS FAR AS THOUGHT CAN REACH

by George Bernard Shaw

March 23 through April 16, 2017

Press Night: Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 8 pm

"One moment of the ecstasy that is my life would strike you dead."

Directed by Bill Largess

One of the first works of science fiction ever put on stage hurtles humanity 25,000 years into the future, with GBS' celebrated wit and a touch of satire. The conclusion of our multi-year cycle of productions of Shaw's visionary landmark, Back to Methuselah, will be accompanied by readings of the first two parts and a number of special events!

During the season, we will again present readings that complement the full productions. This year, to celebrate the 30th anniversary, we are adding readings of works produced in our early years in our many homes, including as many of the original Stage Guild casts as possible!

CANDIDA

by George Bernard Shaw (from Carroll Hall, 1988)

Sunday October 9, 2016, 2:30 PM

One of Shaw's greatest female characters and his unexpected take on the "love-triangle."

GETTING MARRIED

by George Bernard Shaw (from Source Theatre, 2002)

Sunday, October 16, 2016, 2:30 PM

GBS takes on the redefinition of marriage-- in 1909! As relevant as today's wrangling the topic.

WORLD WAR ONE-ACTS: O'FLAHERTY, VC & AUGUSTUS DOES HIS BIT

by G.S. Shaw

(from Arena Stage at 14th & T, 2007, and

The Callan Theatre, 2009)

Sunday, October 23, 2016, 2:30 PM

Ireland and England during the Great War, with Shavian commentary on both lands, and the war itself.

LORD ARTHUR SAVILE'S CRIME

(from The Undercroft Theatre, 2010)

Adapted from Oscar Wilde by Bill Largess

Sunday, October 30, 2016, 2:30 PM

Wilde's deliciously silly story of utterly incompetent murder, in the adaptation we premiered.

A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES

by Dylan Thomas

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at 7 pm

Presented in 1992, our seventh season, a charming portrait of a village Christmas by the Welsh poet.

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO

by Beaumarchais

February 15, 2017 at 7 pm

Produced in 1988, our third season, the revolutionary farce that inspired Mozart's opera. Wednesday,

THE MAKROPOULOS SECRET

by Karel Capek

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Produced in 1993, our seventh season, this fantasy of a woman with a secret formula keeps her alive for centuries was Czech playwright Capek's response to Shaw's Methuselah cycle.

---

Performances, at the Undercroft Theatre (900 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20001), times and prices for all productions: Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm - $50.00; Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm - $60.00; Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30 pm - $50.00. Discounts are available for senior citizens, students, and groups. Season passes are available, offering incredible savings for the entire Stage Guild season. Call 240.582.0050, email info@stageguild.org or visit www.stageguild.org for more information.

To post a comment, you must register and login.