Artistic director Mark Cuddy announced the seven Mainstage productions recently. The slate will be preceded by a summer run of 3 Mo' Divas, a gospel/R&B revue by Marion J. Caffey. It plays July 7-Aug. 9.
The 2009-2010 Mainstage Season at Geva includes:
Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins by Stephen Temperley (September-October). "Long before 'American Idol' there was wealthy socialite Florence Foster Jenkins. She fancied herself a gifted soprano. She could not have been more wrong. She could not have been more famous. Based on a true story."
The Clean House by Sarah Ruhl, directed by Emma Griffin (October-November). "Mathilde works as a maid but would rather spend her days devising the perfect joke. Lane wants her and husband Charles’ house tidy, but doesn't want to clean it herself. Virginia loves to clean — even her sister Lane's house. When Charles falls out of love with Lane, magical things begin to happen. The path to true happiness might be a bit messy."
A Christmas Story by Philip Grecian, based upon the film "A Christmas Story" written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, and "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash" by Jean Shepherd, directed by Mark Cuddy (November-December). "Ralphie wants one thing and one thing only for Christmas: an official Red Ryder 200-Shot Carbine Action Range Model Air Rifle — a BB gun! But when even his own mother counters with 'You'll shoot your eye out,' what's a boy to do? We can all remember a time when there was such a thing as the one perfect Christmas gift . . . the gift that just might change your life. Recommended for the entire family!" Almost, Maine by John Cariani, directed by Skip Greer, a co-production with Syracuse Stage (January-February 2010). "On a cold, clear moonless night, in the mythical town of Almost, Maine, its residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected, sometimes hilarious, always heart-filled ways. A surprising and funny midwinter romance. When true love comes knocking at the door, will you answer?"
The Price by Arthur Miller, directed by Tim Bond, a co-production with Syracuse Stage (February-March 2010). "When two brothers meet to sell their parents' furniture, they uncover an attic full of memories. What price has each paid for the choices he made? A powerhouse drama from the author of Death of a Salesman and The Crucible."
Two Trains Running by August Wilson (March-April 2010). "1968. Change is in the air. In Memphis Lee's diner, the regulars gather to trade news and play the numbers. The restaurant is slated for 'urban renewal' as Memphis tries to negotiate a fair price for it from the city. Can a hard-working man get a fair deal in America? One of Wilson's most accessible, funny and optimistic plays."
Five Course Love, music, lyrics and book by Gregg Coffin, directed by Mark Cuddy (May-June). "5 restaurants, 3 actors, 15 characters. All on the hunt for one true love. Will Cupid triumph or will it all just end in heartbreak and heartburn? A tour-de-force performance and a feast for the eyes and the ears as each new restaurant serves up a different style of music. First developed at Geva and brought to Off-Broadway in 2005 — a triumphant homecoming."
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Founded in 1972, Geva attracts over 160,000 patrons annually, including more than 16,000 students. The 552-seat Elaine P. Wilson Mainstage offers a wide variety of shows, from musicals to American and world classics. The 180-seat Ron & Donna Fielding Nextstage is home to Geva's own series of cutting-edge drama, comedy and musical theatre; Geva Comedy Improv; Geva's New Play Reading Series and the Hornet's Nest – a nationally recognized, innovative play-reading series facilitating community-wide discussion on controversial topics.
The Nextstage also hosts visiting companies of both local and international renown. For information, visit www.gevatheatre.org.
