The company's 38th season, which is dedicated to the memory of playwright Arthur Laurents, will begin with the world premiere of two musicals, followed by the New Jersey premiere of a Tony-winning play. Two additional productions for spring 2012 are still to be announced.
The fall/winter season will begin with the world premiere of the new musical It Shoulda Been You, which features book and lyrics by Brian Hargrove and music by Barbara Anselmi. Tony winner David Hyde Pierce will direct a cast led by Tony winner Tyne Daly. The Nutty Nutcracker Musical, a spoof of the holiday classic – complete with Tchaikovsky’s score – with a book and lyrics by Emmy Award-winning writer Peter Brash and Forbidden Broadway's Gerard Alessandrini, will follow. The New Jersey premiere of the Tony Award-winning play Red begins in 2012.
Season details follow:
It Shoulda Been You
Book and Lyrics by Brian Hargrove
Music by Barbara Anselmi
Based on a concept by Barbara Anselmi
Directed by David Hyde Pierce
Produced in association with Scott Landis and Michael Hanel
"A musical comedy for anyone with parents. The bride is Jewish. The groom is Catholic. Her mother is a force of nature, his mother is a tempest in a cocktail shaker. And when the bride’s ex-boyfriend shows up, the perfect wedding starts to unravel faster than you can whistle 'Here Comes the Bride!' Plots are hatched, pacts are made, secrets exposed – and the sister of the bride is left to turn a tangled mess into happily ever after!" Tyne Daly will star as the mother of the bride.
Performances begin Oct. 4 and run through, Nov. 6. Opening night is set for Oct. 14.
The Nutty Nutcracker Musical
Conceived and created by Gerard Alessandrini & Peter Brash
Directed by David Saint
"At a chaotic dress rehearsal for the local dance company’s annual production of The Nutcracker Ballet, the lead dancer has an unfortunate accident with a prop Christmas Tree -- bringing new meaning to the old adage 'Break-A-Leg!' When the pain killers kick in and visions of sugar plums begin to dance in her head, we’re off for a wild adventure in Snow Globe City with a life sized Nutcracker (of course) and the Sugar Rush Fairy in hot pursuit. A wacky, wonderful holiday comedy -- complete with magic nuts and mistletoe!"
Performances begin Nov. 29 and run through Jan. 1, 2012. Opening night is set for Dec. 2, 2011.
Red
By Academy Award nominee John Logan
Directed by Anders Cato
"In 1958, abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko had just landed the biggest commission in the history of modern art -- a series of murals for New York’s famed Four Seasons Restaurant. In the two fascinating years that followed, Rothko worked feverishly with his young assistant, Ken, in his studio on the Bowery. But when the assistant gains the confidence to challenge the master, Rothko must face the agonizing possibility that his crowning achievement could also become his undoing."
Performances begin Jan. 31, 2012, and run through Feb. 26. Opening night is set for Feb. 3, 2012.
George Street Playhouse is located at 9 Livingston Avenue. For ticket information visit GSPonline.org.
