Titles for the 65th season were revealed; some of them are still "under consideration," pending rights. Soap star Robert Newman of "Guiding Light" will star in Man of La Mancha opposite Barn favorite Penelope Alex.
The 481-seat Equity theatre, in the hills of Southwest Michigan outside of the town of Augusta, is in a converted dairy barn that sits on 80 acres. The same family has managed the troupe for 65 years.
Among the actors who got their professional start there are Tom Wopat, Tony Award nominee Marin Mazzie, Becky Ann Baker, Jennifer Garner, Lauren Graham, Stephen Lynch and Emmy winner Dana Delany.
The 2010 season of the commercial theatre near Kalamazoo was scotched due to lack of funds, a poor economy and a 2009 season that did not sell well.
The 2011 season is expected to include:
May 31-June 12
The Great Big Bar Show
Featuring the Barn's 2011 Summer Apprentice Company performing selections from this year's musicals.
June 14-26
Escanaba in Love
By Jeff Daniels
June 28-July 10
Man of La Mancha
By Dale Wasserman, Joe Darion and Mitch Leigh
Starring Robert Newman and Penelope Alex
July 12-24
Chicago
By John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
July 26-Aug. 7
A Streetcar Named Desire
By Tennessee Williams
Aug. 9-21
Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella
Aug. 23-Sept. 4
Sunset Boulevard
By Andrew Lloyd Webber, Christopher Hampton and Don Black
Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8:30 PM, Saturday at 5 PM and 8:30 PM (new this year); and Sunday at 5 PM. Single tickets are $34. Group discounts available. For more information, call the Barn box office at (269) 731-4121 or visit www.barntheatre.com.
