Off-Broadway's Second Stage Theatre — host of the current Tony Award-nominated production of Metamorphoses prior to its transfer — will hope for the same from its new pool of talent lined up for the 2002 2003 season.
Among the familiar names scheduled to present works are Michael John LaChiusa, Regina Taylor and Craig Lucas.
Composer of Broadway musicals such as The Wild Party and Marie Christine, Michael John LaChiusa will present the world premiere of his new musical, Little Fish. The show, beginning in January 2003, centers around a neurotic New Yorker who reflects on her attempts to quit smoking, exercise regularly, and find the man of her dreams. Hyphenate Graciela Daniele (Once on This Island, Marie Christine, A New Brain) directs and choreographs the work with book, lyrics and music by LaChiusa — who provided material for Second Stage's A...My Name Is Alice.
Before Little Fish swims at Second Stage, the season will launch in November with Crowns. Based on the book by photographer Michael Cunningham and journalist Craig Marberry — a volume of photos of African-American women in their Sunday church hats — the new play with music is written and directed by Regina Taylor. Star of the Second Stage production of Jar the Floor, Taylor (Urban Zulu Mambo) dramatizes the accompanying stories for the stage to be performed by six actresses. Choreography is by Ronald K. Brown, and Daryl Waters serves as musical director.
Playwright Craig Lucas' Reckless — originally produced in 1983 — gets a second staging at Second Stage under the direction of Mark Brokaw (Lobby Hero, Old Money) in April 2003. Brokaw has teamed up with Lucas on his prior works, The Dying Gaul and Stranger, and has helmed Second Stage productions of This Is Our Youth and Gemini. In Reckless, a suburban wife lives in bliss until one Christmas Eve when a hitman — hired by her hubby — makes an attempt on her life. A fourth production is still being decided upon and will be announced in the fall.
For subscriptions or single tickets, call Second Stage, 307 West 43rd Street, at (212) 246-4422. For more information, visit the Second Stage website at www.secondstagetheatre.com.
