The lineup includes Christopher Durang's Tony-winning Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, as well as the politically charged Bethany and the cult musical hit Little Shop of Horrors. One-act plays by Sam Shepard, Steve Martin and Woody Allen will also be featured, as well as Arthur Miller’s The Price.
"The lineup of plays in 2014 is exactly the kind of season we aim for at ACT. It’s a mix that combines a classic heralded writer like Arthur Miller and puts his work right next to new exciting playwrights like Ayad Akhtar and Laura Marks," artistic director Kurt Beattie said in a statement. "This is a season about exploring the works of established masters of the theatre as well as boldly taking on new nail-biting and intoxicating works by the most exciting young writers working today."
The season-at-a-glance follows:
Little Shop of Horrors
(Co-production with The 5th Avenue Theatre)
Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Music by Alan Menken
Previews begin March 8, 2014
"This delightfully demented comedy that ran for five years Off-Broadway features hapless lovers Seymour and Audrey, a man-eating plant and a finger-popping trio of doo-wop singers in a hilarious send-up of B-movie horror flicks with an irresistible rock and Motown-style score."
Bethany
Written by Laura Marks
Previews begin April 11
"The reality of the economic meltdown as seen through the life of a struggling suburban single mom trying to keep it all together. It all comes down to one big sale, and when the pressure is on, she pushes her own limits to get back everything she wants – including her daughter." The Price
Written by Arthur Miller
Previews begin May 30
"Two grown brothers get a hard lesson in truth and consequences. After taking separate paths in life, their versions of family history collide when they meet after 16 years to settle their late father’s estate."
Triple Bill: An Evening of One Act Plays by Woody Allen, Steve Martin and Sam Shepard
Patter for a Floating Lady by Steve Martin
Riverside Drive by Woody Allen
The Unseen Hand by Sam Shepard
Previews begin July 18
"Three celebrated writers and their trio of short plays stretch the imagination with magic, surprise, wonder and a dose of science fiction fantasy to the summer. Famous for their successes on the big screen and the stage, we take a look at what Martin, Allen and Shepard bring to their respective short stories."
The Invisible Hand
Written by Ayad Akhtar
Previews begin Sept. 5
"When Nick, an American financial guru is captured and held by a militant Islamic organization in Pakistan, he is encouraged to raise his own $10 million ransom. In his desperate quest to gain his freedom, he warms to the task, as does his captor and avid student, Bashir, with terrifying results. An important new voice in the American theatre, Ayad Akhtar delivers a chilling examination of personal and political responsibility, and the shifting sands of the global power structure."
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Written by Christopher Durang
Previews begin Oct. 17
"Characters from Chekhov get a modern-day mix up in this hilarious family reunion set in present day Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Three middle-aged siblings come to grips with age, ambition and lifelong grudges. Serious Russian drama? Not this year."
Tickets and more information are available by calling (206) 292-7676 or visiting acttheatre.org.
