The Colony Studio Theatre in Los Angeles has announced their 1997 season, along with their new 3-play policy.
For 20 seasons, the theatre has offered four shows per season, but now, according to artistic director Barbara Beckley, "We have grown so much that we simply cannot accomodate all the people who want to see our shows." Therefore, the theatre offers longer runs, so more people can see the productions that will no longer require the schedule-upsetting extensions the theatre has consistenly had.
The season opens with the West Coast premiere of Putting It Together, a muiscal review that features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The original production opened at Manhattan Theatre Company in New York. Putting It Together runs January 9-April 6.
The second show of the season, Our Country's Good, by Timberlake Wertenbaker, runs May 3-July 3. This epic drama set in the early days of Australia follows how an extraordinary event turns a barbaric penal colony into a civilized country.
The final show of the season is Thorton Wilder's The Matchmaker. With this classic production, the Colony honors the 100th anniversary of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright's birth. A second stage season, as well as various Late-Night At The Colony performances are yet to be announced.
The Colony is at 1944 Riverside Drive in the Silver Lake Area of Los Angeles. For subscription information, call (213) 665-3011.
-- By Blair Glaser
