The 40th anniversary season under new artistic director J Ranelli [sic] will include ten plays and three musical theater works. For the first time, both programs will play together at the Waterford, Connecticut complex, July 11-31.

River's End featuring music by Chuck Larkin with a book and lyrics by Cheryl Coons casts two sets of actors playing the real-life couple of Glen and Bessie Hyde, who vanished on their honeymoon to the Grand Canyon in 1928, posing two separate answers to the question of what happened to them. Jack Cummings, III directs a cast that includes Matt Farnsworth, Colby Foytik, Morgan James, Herndon Lackey (Parade), Jodie Langel (Les Misérables) and Phyllis Sommerville. Music direction is by Mary-Mitchell Campbell.

.22 Caliber Mouth with book, music and lyrics penned by Lauren Robert follows the newfound relationship sparked between two strangers who both have secret pasts. David Pittu directs a cast that features Proof star Johanna Day opposite Aaron Berk, Brian Sutherland (Steel Pier, 1776), Diane Sutherland (Three Sisters, 1776) and Paul Oakley Stovall (The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci). Music direction is by F. Wade Russo.

Hell Hole Honeys features music by Dave Ogrin, a book by Steve Mackes, with lyrics by Ben Budick, Mackes and Ogrin. The "fast-paced, musical comedy with dark undertones" follows a television producer's journey through the prison system. Doug Moser directs Kristy Cates (Wicked), Veronica Vasquez, Jene Hernandez, Paul Kandel (The Who's Tommy), Greg Treco (Taboo), Farah Alvin (Nine), Tracy Lee, Christine Rea and Allison Briner. Music direction is by Tom Kitt and David Loud.

Details about the cast for the plays will be announced at a later date. The plays lineup is as follows: