It’s a day some thought would never come: the reveal of an upcoming season for the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. When The Rep suspended operations in April, the community was shocked, but soon gathered in force to help make sure the theater’s 42nd year was not its last.
“The community responded,” board chair Ruth Shepherd says. “Since April, we have received more than $875,000 in donations, which the John and Robyn Horn Foundation and the Windgate Charitable Foundation have matched. We have a plan to rebuild The Rep as a stronger organization that will serve our community and state long into the future.”
With the goal to “Rebuild The Rep,” the 2019 season is an abridged one, but one organizers hope will bring in audiences not just to help save an institution, but to enjoy the exceptional performances for which The Rep is known.
“Storytelling will be our focus in 2019 at The Rep,” Shepherd says. “Our 2019 season brings a diverse array of uniquely American stories. We feel passionate about each and every one of these stories, and I am truly excited about the combination.”
Without further ado, here’s the 2019 Arkansas Repertory Theatre mainstage season:
“Chicago”
Feb. 20 – March 24
Directed and choreographed by Ron Hutchins
Opportunity knocks when a crime of passion earns Roxie Hart the kind of notoriety that slick-talking attorney Billy Flynn can exploit for her dreams of fame and his hunger for fortune. Roxie’s story captures the imaginations of newspaper readers and reporters who fall hook, line and sinker for Billy’s clever manipulation. Roxie quickly overshadows previous murderess, media darling, and fellow Cook County inmate – vaudevillian Velma Kelly.
Set in the Jazz Age, Kander and Ebb’s legendary, Tony Award-winning musical takes a tantalizing look at how the times may change, but the allure of fame remains a fundamental motivation for those willing to sacrifice their scruples for the spotlight.
“We are thrilled to open with ‘Chicago’!” Shepherd says. “Who doesn’t love a little ‘Razzle, Dazzle’? This beloved, wonderful, big musical says, ‘We’re back! And how!’ Even though ‘Chicago’ is totally fun, it also presents a timely question – what does celebrity mean and is it more important than substance?”
“Native Gardens”
April 17 – May 5
By Karen Zacarias
What makes a good neighbor?
When a young, up-and-coming Latinx couple move in next door to an older, well-established white couple, everything is downright neighborly until it’s discovered that the fence separating their backyards is over the property line — a property line that cuts right through a prize-winning flowerbed! Cultures and generations clash with comedic results in this hip and hysterical new play written by one of the nation’s leading Latina playwrights, Karen Zacarias.
Audiences will love this sidesplitting contemporary comedy that critics have called a “woke ‘Dick Van Dyke Show’ for the stage.”
Zacarias is one of the most produced playwrights in the nation. She is one of the inaugural Resident Playwrights at Arena Stage in Washington D.C, and is a core founder of the Latinx Theatre Commons. She is founder of Young Playwrights’ Theater, an award-winning company that teaches playwriting in public schools in Washington D.C.
“Million Dollar Quartet”
Sept. 4 – Oct. 6
Directed by Hunter Foster
Four musical legends. A once-in-a-lifetime recording session. On Dec. 4, 1956, in Memphis at Sun Studios, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis gathered to meet with legendary producer Sam Phillips. What happened next was pure rock and roll magic.
With a collection of hit songs that includes “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Great Balls of Fire” and “Hound Dog,” this Tony Award-winning musical is guaranteed to bring down the house!
“Based on the real-life meeting of Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley, this musical features some of the biggest hits from the early years of rock and roll,” Shepherd says. “When this foursome gets going, there’ll be a ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On!'”
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”
Dec. 4 – 22
Adapted by Joe Landry
Back by popular demand, The Rep brings this holiday classic back to our stage to close the 2019 season.
Ring in the holidays with an entertaining spin on a familiar holiday favorite. Set in a 1940s radio station on Christmas Eve, enjoy a live radio version of Frank Capra’s classic 1946 film as the actors on stage transform into dozens of characters from Bedford Falls.
Faced with the threat of scandal and financial ruin, George Bailey experiences a crisis of faith and wishes he had never been born. Divine intervention arrives in the form of Clarence (Angel Second Class), who is on a mission to restore George’s will to live and earn his own wings in the process. Every life impacts countless others, whether we know it or not.
And coming next summer for Education at The Rep:
“Willy Wonka Jr.”
June 21 – 30
Directed by Anna Kimmell
The scrumdidilyumptious adventures of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory light up the stage this summer at The Rep. Featuring many of the enchanting songs from the 1971 film, generations of candy lovers will delight in this devilishly delicious adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic tale, brought to life by a company of young artists. Grab your golden ticket to see Willy Wonka Jr.!
“We’re thrilled to showcase the amazing talent of our local young artists and offer both performance and training opportunities for generations to come here at The Rep,” director of education Anna Kimmell says.
Individual ticket sales open in January, but season subscriptions are on sale now. The Rep introduced a new Pay-Your-Age subscription option for young adults ages 22-40, while traditional subscriptions are $88 for students and $155 for adults.
Get more information about the upcoming season at The Rep’s website. Call the box office at (501) 378-0405 for ticket information and season subscriptions.