By Sue Suchyta
Since the Hilberry Theatre opened its doors nearly 50 years ago, more than two million people have enjoyed the theatrical treats of the graduate repertory theater company.
The 2011-12 season includes comedies and classics, musicals and more.
‘A DAY IN HOLLYWOOD, A NIGHT IN THE UKRAINE’
The graduate company will open its season with “A Day in Hollywood, A Night in the Ukraine,” which will run Sept. 23 to Oct. 15. “A Day in Hollywood” is an inspirational, red-carpet musical tribute to the screen stars and productions of the 1930s. The second act, “A Night in the Ukraine” is a comedy with a cast of character types featured in Marx Brothers films.
‘MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING’
This Shakespeare romantic comedy runs Oct. 28 through Nov. 19 as it follows the war of words between Benedick and Beatrice as they exchange verbal barbs about love, marriage and each other. While Claudio and Hero are tongue-tied over their love for each other, Beatrice and Benedick finally find the courage to stop their war of words long enough to recognize a soul mate in the other.
‘THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN’
The Martin McDonagh play, which runs Dec. 2 to Feb. 4 is billed as a “heartbreaking hilarious comedy.” The captivating tale has eccentric characters and surprising storylines. Set on the Irish coast, the people of the region are excited when they hear a Hollywood film crew is headed their way. Billy, the “cripple,” who has too much time on his hands and too little love, is the most excited of all about the visit.
‘CYRANO’
When a poet with an absurd nose is afraid to woo the lady he loves, he sets up a tongue-tied golden boy with his inspired words. The show runs Jan.13 through March 10 in rotating repertory with “The Cripple of Inishmaan” and “Summer and Smoke.”
‘SUMMER AND SMOKE’
Tennessee Williams’ sultry southern tale will run Feb. 24 through April 21 in rotating repertory. Alma is attracted to the handsome young doctor who lives near her. He is also attracted to her, but his desires are carnal and while hers are spiritual. As physical desires war with chaste dreams, roles reverse and feelings ignite.
‘MAJOR BARBARA’
George Bernard Shaw penned this comedy about a wealthy arms dealer whose daughter, Barbara, is a pacifist whose only hope is to save his soul before it’s too late. Ironically, the daughter’s pacifist church is in financial trouble, and her father has the cash to keep them afloat. The production runs April 6 to May 5 in rotating repertory.
‘NOISES OFF’
Hilberry subscribers will receive an extra bonus of the Bonstelle comedy “Noises Off” for $10 per ticket. The show, which runs Oct. 14 to 23, is a side-splitting comedy about a company of actors rehearsing a disaster-destined show. As the show moves from rehearsals to performance, the mayhem gets funnier and the laughs louder, and anyone who has ever been in an amateur production will see the truth in the fiction.
‘HAIRSPRAY’
The Hilberry ticket package will feature the Bonstelle company’s presentation of the musical “Hairspray.” The show, which runs April 13 to 22, features a plus-sized teen whose driving ambition is to dance on the “Corny Collins Show,” which is a local version of “American Bandstand.” When she learns how to step into the spotlight and break down the barriers of size discrimination, she realizes she can follow other dreams – including finding true love and integrating the show.
BONSTELLE OFFERS ‘TWELFTH NIGHT’ AND ‘IN THE RED AND BROWN WATER’
In addition to “Noises Off” and “Hairspray” the Bonstelle season includes Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” and Tarell Alvin McCraney’s “In the Red and Brown Water.”
The Hilberry season starts at $112 for Thursday night and Wednesday and Saturday matinees. Friday and Saturday night subscriptions are $148, with musical matinees on Sundays, and Thursday night patrons offered Friday seating for “Hairspray” at the Bonstelle.
The Bonstelle season is priced at $48 for all four shows.
For season ticket ordering information and more, go to the Hilberry website, www.hilberry.com, or call (313) 577-2972.
For the Bonstelle season offerings, go to www.bonstelle.com or call (313) 577-2960.