Headed by producer-director George C. Wolfe, The Public Theater season will kick off with Caroline, Or Change, a new musical boasting a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner.
Kushner, whose Angels in America will soon make its way to HBO, has written a story about an African-American woman working as a maid for a Jewish family as the civil rights movement is about to ignite. Caroline features music by Thoroughly Modern Millie's Jeanine Tesori and direction by George C. Wolfe. Set in 1963 Louisiana, Caroline, Or Change is scheduled to begin previews at the Newman Theater in the fall.
Playbill On-Line has previously reported on some of the new season's programing, like Caroline, Or Change, but the official announcement came June 12. Exact dates have not been announced.
Also scheduled for fall previews is the world premiere of Tracey Scott Wilson's play, The Story. A co-production with the Long Wharf Theatre, The Story concerns an African-American reporter who searches for the truth behind the brutal murder of a white man. Loretta Greco will direct the production, which will play the Martinson Hall.
In February-March 2004, New York will see the long-awaited Kander and Ebb musical based on Friedrich Dürrenmatt's The Visit. Chita Rivera — a recent Tony nominee for her performance in Nine — will head the cast of the musical, which features a book by Terrence McNally, direction by Frank Galati and choreography by Chicago's Ann Reinking. Rivera stars as Claire Zachanassian, a woman driven by a decades-old desire for revenge. The Visit will follow Caroline, Or Change into the Newman Theatre. Lisa Kron will return to the Public in March 2004 with the world premiere of her play Well. Directed by Leigh Silverman, Well presents an "intimate portrait of family dynamics."
The 2003-2004 season will also include two additional productions to be announced at a later date as well as a partnership with the LAByrinth Theater Company. The Public will host a residency of the LAByrinth Theater Company that will include the LAByrinth's own work and, possibly, a first time collaboration between the two organizations.
The Public Theater is located in Manhattan at 425 Lafayette Street. Tickets are available at the theatre’s box office or by calling (212) 239-6200. For more information, visit the Public Theater at www.publictheater.org.
