The 2007-08 season includes the finest in powerful, relevant and engaging theatre including a side-splitting comedy, riveting dramas, audacious musicals and a world premiere!
For the holidays, playwright and Buffalo native A.R. (Pete) Gurney will bring his newest piece, INDIAN BLOOD, to the stage. INDIAN BLOOD is said to be like “a love letter to Buffalo wrapped inside a Christmas card” as the production is set on Christmas Day in Buffalo, 1946. Studio Arena is very pleased to offer Buffalo audiences this unique holiday production critics call “a snow globe for the stage.”
The New Studio Arena Theatre’s 2007-2008 season includes the following productions:
* DON’T TALK TO THE ACTORS by Tom Dudzick (World Premiere), September 11 – October 7, 2007
Studio Arena is proud to present Don’t Talk to the Actors, which is written by Buffalo-born and raised Tom Dudzick. This hilarious comedy depicts the story of a young Buffalo playwright who is thrust into the high stakes, big money, ego driven world of Broadway after being discovered by a big-time producer. Come see how the best-laid plans go awry when the people involved only think of themselves and turn to bribery, temptation and chaos to get what they want.
* Studio Arena presents the MusicalFare production of BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming, October 23 – November 11, 2007
BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL is outrageous yet tender and will constantly surprise you. The story is ripped from the front page of the tabloid, ‘The Globe,’ headlined “Bat Boy Found In Cave.” Studio Arena is pleased to present this MusicalFare production which will bring you a darkly funny and curiously touching tale. Widely known as one of the most imaginative musicals in years, Bat Boy won the Lucille Lortel Award and Outer Critics Circle Award. The large and talented cast tells the story of the half-bat, half boy yearning to be accepted in a small, narrow-minded West Virginia town. The audience will walk away with an appreciation of what it is like to be persecuted for being different.
* INDIAN BLOOD by A.R. (Pete) Gurney, December 4 – December 30, 2007
INDIAN BLOOD takes you back to Christmas Day in a much simpler time. A time when bad manners were a catastrophe and foul language was unheard of coming from a young boy’s mouth. This is a witty, warm and delightful comedy, written by Buffalo’s own A.R. Gurney. With an amazingly talented cast, it explores the family relationships and social status of a well-to-do 1940’s Buffalo family. Eddie, a student at the private Nichols School, uses his historical Indian bloodline as an excuse for his lewd drawing in class. This heart-warming, coming-of-age production deals with the repercussions that occur as a result.
* Studio Arena presents a Road Less Traveled production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD adapted by Christopher Sergel, book by Harper Lee, January 29 – February 22, 2008
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is a story that spans generations. This tremendous theatrical adventure involves the largest cast that the Studio Arena stage has seen in years. A compelling piece that speaks to the very heart of American integrity, it raises questions about racism and prejudice. Tom Robinson, a black man in Alabama, is accused of a crime he didn’t commit, and Atticus Finch, a well-respected white lawyer in the community, defends him. The progression of the story is unique in its simplicity, because it’s told through the eyes Atticus’ young daughter Scout. Her summer is filled with discovery as she uncovers the secrets that the neighbors and community hide.
* THE VERTICAL HOUR by David Hare, March 11 – March 30, 2008
THE VERTICAL HOUR is an up-to-the-minute dissection of global and sexual politics. Playwright David Hare examines both the current situation in Iraq and American politics as a whole. Dealing with controversial and contemporary American themes, this production tells the story of young American war reporter-turned-academic, Nadia. After traveling abroad for a brief holiday with her boyfriend, she finds herself in contact with a man whose culture and beliefs are dangerous challenges – both to her own beliefs and her relationship. The seductive ideas of lust and desperation, complemented by the brilliant use of language, will keep you on the edge of your seat.
* SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM, April 22 – May 18, 2008
The musical selection, SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM, will grace the Studio Arena stage with the sophistication, wit, insight, and heart of one of Broadway’s most innovative and influential artists, Stephen Sondheim. SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM is a dazzling musical tribute that includes some of Sondheim’s best-known songs, and features numbers from landmark shows that revolutionized musical theatre. The performance showcases well-known tunes from most beloved of musicals including “Follies,” “Anyone Can Whistle,” “Company,” and “West Side Story.” This Tony Award-winning musical is both the perfect introduction to Sondheim’s musical genius and a refreshing delight for his already die-hard fans. -- www.studioarena.org
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