In a statement Westport artistic director Anne Keefe said, "We've selected a diverse 2009 season, from plays that provide insight and inspiration, to those that offer charm and great fun. There are buried treasures as well as new voices that will engage and captivate our audiences as only live theatre can." The 79th season at Westport begins April 21, 2009. Productions dates will be announced at a later time.
The first offering will be a stage adaptation of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. A co-production with Hartford Stage, the classic American story will be directed by Hartford Stage artistic director Michael Wilson.
A.R. Gurney's family drama Children will follow. The play, according to press notes, is described as such: "When their mysterious brother, Pokey, returns to the family's beachside vacation home, all the family plans crumble as love affairs and family secrets explode."
John Tillinger returns to stage an Alan Ayckbourn comedy for Westport audiences. How the Other Half Loves is described as "a late night affair [that] turns into a dinner party to remember where comedy is the main course."
Late Rent composer Larson will be represented with the semi-autobiographical musical tick, tick…BOOM!, which explores "the struggles of a starving artist and his determination to live out his dream." Charlotte Moore will direct the classic Jules Verne adventure Around the World in 80 Days. Westport presents Mark Brown's stage adaptation, which was recently seen Off-Broadway at the Irish Repertory Theatre.
An additional holiday production will be the world premiere of The Greatest Gift, penned by Westport playwright-in-residence David Wiltse.
Westport will announce one additional work for the 2009 season in the coming months. Casting and creative duties will also be revealed shortly.
Subscriptions are currently available by calling (203) 227-4177 or by visiting www.westportplayhouse.org.
In its 78-season history, the Westport Country Playhouse — located in Westport, CT — has produced more than 700 plays, 35 of which have transferred to Broadway.
