The Washington Stage Guild Announces its 2017-2018 Season

The Washington Stage Guild, a fixture on the DC theatre scene since 1986, announces a season of plays that confront us with the perils and pitfalls of refusing to accept the truth, and of questioning, rather than accepting, the facts in front of us. In an era when scientific research is dismissed and statistics are ignored in favor of preferred alternatives, the Stage Guild will take a look at the consequences of that phenomenon in four productions at the Undercroft Theatre in downtown DC. From undisclosed financial dealings in the 1890s, to idealistic hopes and memories during the holidays, and from wartime disappointments, to opposition to social progress, the refusal to face facts and the effect on those who do will take center stage.

"No one likes to be wrong, and some people simply refuse to accept that they are," says Bill Largess, artistic director of the Stage Guild, "but facts are stubborn, and in spite of skeptics' best efforts, they won't go away. But they certainly can be ignored to limit their power, and that inspires a question-is merely factual the same as true? This season we'll offer the views of some wonderful writers, and with two area premieres and a world-premiere adaptation, DC audiences will have a lot of facts to ponder, no matter what's being said by others in town. And having completed our cycle of George Bernard Shaw's cosmic Back to Methuselah, we turn to his first play, a social comedy of amazing relevance today."


The 2017-2018 Season:

WIDOWERS' HOUSE by George Bernard Shaw Directed by Laura Giannarelli
September 28 through October 22, 2017
Press Night: Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 8 pm
An ambitious young doctor falls in love with the daughter of a predatory real-estate speculator, but while her wealth is appealing, he balks at its source. Her refusal to live on his income alone spells trouble, until the facts about his own family finances is revealed. Shaw's first play, from 1893, sparkles as it fences with some unpleasant truths.

A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES & OTHER STORIES
adapted by Bill Largess November 24 through December 17, 2017
Press Night: Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 8 pm

Holiday memories are treasures, but not always reliably reported. An evening of works adapted from Dylan Thomas, Charles Dickens, AA Milne, Louisa May Alcott and others in the age-old tradition of stories that give us our idea of what Christmas should be, even if ours were not quite like that, will receive its world premiere in a warm and nostalgic production.

SEE ROCK CITY by Arlene Hutton Directed by Bill Largess January 18 through February 11, 2018 Press Night: Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 8 pm

In the height of World War II, Raleigh and May, the young couple from last season's uplifting hit LAST TRAIN TO NIBROC, have returned home to Corbin to figure out their lives. Raleigh's guilt at not going to war, and at May's need to support them, colors their lives in Corbin, where their two very different mothers have plenty of ideas for them. The war's progression has an effect on all, and leads to a heartwarming, bittersweet conclusion. Returning as Raleigh and May are Wood Van Meter and Lexi Langs, the critically acclaimed cast of last season's NIBROC. An area premiere.


ALABAMA STORY by Kenneth Jones Directed by Kasi Campbell March 22 through April 15, 2018 Press Night: Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 8 pm

A librarian in segregation-era Alabama purchases a new childrens' book for the library, The Rabbits' Wedding. But the nature of the seemingly innocent wedding draws the attention of a grandstanding, intolerant state senator, who leads a crusade against it. When the librarian stands her ground, the attention of the country focuses on the unexpectEd Battle. Based on a true story from the 50s, this is an area premiere.

Performance 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. Contact Us!

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