Book-It 2010-11 Season Brochure

Have you ever tried to describe a Book-It show to someone who hasn’t seen one?

Great literature transformed into great theatre? Narrative theatre? “A magical spot, right in the middle of literature and theatre and bedtime story” (as critic Michael Dare, LA Free Press describes)?

Even after 20 years, we struggle to make a simple explanation of what it is we do. But we think “where literature and theatre collide” really gets to the heart of it.

We also think you just have to be there. So come along as we reconnect with four beloved Book-It heroes: John Irving, Berkeley Breathed, Charles Dickens, and Jim Lynch. And join us in welcoming a new hero to Book-It, celebrated novelist and Northwest treasure, Ivan Doig.

These authors’ words will carry us headlong into wildly varied landscapes, and their diverse writing (and illustrating!) styles have presented us with incredible characters poised to leap off the page and onto the Book-It stage. We can’t wait for you to witness the beautiful collisions that happen when our Book-It artists come together with radiant writing to create unforgettable worlds.

Celebrating our 20 years of novel theatre has been humbling and thrilling. We are deeply honored to receive the 2010 Mayor’s Arts Award and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Grant. We recognize that you have everything to do with our success. Your fierce loyalty to Book-It urges us onward, and we look forward to sharing our future with you at the theatre. Join us!

P.S. We hope you’ll notice that our ticket prices remain low, thanks to you and your patron support beyond ticket purchases.

When you choose to add additional dollars to your subscription package, you help keep Book-It accessible. And for that we thank you!

Cover: Connor Toms and Terri Weagant in The Cider House Rules, Part One, 2010; photo by Adam Smith. Above: Tim Hyland and Jeffrey Frieders in The River Why, 2010; photo by John Ulman.

Connor Toms, Emily Grogan, and Richard Nguyen Sloniker in The Cider House Rules, Part One, 2010; photo by Adam Smith.

“nothing short of spellbinding” —The Seattle Weekly

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THE CIDER HOUSE RULES, Parts One and Two

by Peter Parnell, adapted from the novel by John Irving Directed by Jane Jones (based on the original direction by Tom Hulce & Jane Jones) PART TWO: IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD September 15 – October 16 PART ONE: HERE IN ST. CLOUDS Played in repertory on selected dates, see calendar performed in The Center House Theatre, in the round Irving’s Cider House is truly a signature piece for Book-It; Part Two completes the epic story that closed the company’s 20th Anniversary Season. Leaving St. Cloud’s to experience the world beyond the orphanage and Dr. Larch, our Dickensian hero, Homer Wells, discovers that life’s joys and sorrows are neither black nor white, and the choices we make determine whether or not we become “the hero of our own lives.” The critically-lauded Part One is reprised in repertory, giving a second opportunity to see this mighty two-part epic. Adventurous theatre-goers may choose to see both Parts One and Two in “marathon” performances Oct 2, 9, or 16. Limited dinner packages available.

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Edd Key, Kevin McKeon, and Stephen Hando in Red Ranger Came Calling, 2004; photo by Erik Stuhaug.

Post-Show Talk Back

RED RANGER CAME CALLING: A GUARANTEED TRUE CHRISTMAS STORY

by Berkeley Breathed Adapted and directed by Myra Platt, music by Myra Platt and Edd Key November 23 – December 23, 2010 performed in the Eve Alvord Theatre at Seattle Children’s Theatre “A Guaranteed True Delight” —Seattle Gay News Book-It’s musical holiday favorite, Red Ranger Came Calling, is based on the true story of Berkeley Breathed’s father who, at age nine, insisted on being addressed as the “Red Ranger of Mars.” For Christmas 1939, the Red Ranger is sent to Vashon Island to spend the holiday with Aunt Vy, where he encounters a mysterious hermit named Saunder Clös who leaves an indelible mark on the landscape—it’s still visible today!

Todd Jefferson Moore and Colin Byrne in A Tale of Two Cities, 2007; photo by John Ulman.

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GREAT EXPECTATIONS

by Charles Dickens Adapted by Lucinda Stroud, directed by Kevin McKeon February 8 – March 6, 2011 performed in the Center House Theatre A terrifying graveyard encounter with an escaped convict; a summons to meet the bitter, decaying Miss Havisham and her beautiful, cold-hearted ward Estella; the sudden generosity of an unknown benefactor—this series of events changes the orphaned Pip’s life forever, and he eagerly flees his humble origins in favor of a new life as a gentleman in London. Dickens’ haunting late novel depicts Pip’s education and development through adversity as he discovers that having “expectations” is a two-edged sword.

Great Expectations is made possible, in part, through the generosity of The Boeing Company Charitable Trust.

PRAIRIE NOCTURNE

by Ivan Doig Adapted by Elena Hartwell, directed by Maekala Pollock May 25 – June 26, 2011 performed in the Center House Theatre

“Ivan Doig never disappoints those who love good writing and Prairie Nocturne is Doig at his best.” —Author Tony Hillerman Prairie Nocturne is made possible, in part, through the generosity of The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.

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Sylvester Foday Kamara in Cry, the Beloved Country, 2004; photo by Erik Stuhaug.

Set in 1924 Montana, Prairie Nocturne tells the story of two former lovers reunited in pursuit of an extraordinary goal: launching the singing career of Monty Rathbun, a black chauffeur and former rodeo clown who possesses a phenomenally beautiful voice. Doig’s rich, poetic narrative runs fearlessly up against the KKK in the West, circles back into his characters’ pasts, and reels ahead into their shared futures in New York amidst the Harlem Renaissance.

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BORDER SONGS

by Jim Lynch Adapted by Bryan Willis, directed by David Quicksall September 14 – October 9, 2011 performed in the Center House Theatre In a small Washington town that straddles our border with Canada, more than a line on a map separates folks. This second novel from the author of The Highest Tide explores what divides us—including the contentious marijuana trade. It’s a humorous, hopeful vision of the commonalities we discover if we look at things a little differently, the way 6’8” dyslexic, bird-watching, Border Patrolman Brandon Vanderkool does. Jim Lynch’s masterful use of metaphor and quirky characters offer an extraordinary opportunity for a Book-It Style™ adaptation.

Post-Show Talk Back

Sam Lai and Ray Gonzalez in Waxwings, 2004; photo by Erik Stuhaug.

Border Songs is made possible, in part, through the generosity of The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.

NOVEL WORKSHOP SERIES April 15-17, 2011

Last April, actors, adaptors, playwrights, and directors gathered to launch the creation of seven potential works for Book-It’s stage. The work culminated in our first-ever series of new works. We are thrilled to present full productions of two of those works in the 2010-11 season: Ivan Doig’s Prairie Nocturne and Jim Lynch’s Border Songs.

Plan ahead to get your own sneak preview of Book-It’s future with our 2011 Novel Workshop Series. Join us for our second annual weekend of work-in-progress readings by veteran and fledgling adaptors alike. You may just witness the birth of the next big thing.

Made possible, in part, through the generosity of The Boeing Company Charitable Trust.

Photos: Anders Bolang and David Anthony Lewis in a Novel Workshop Series Reading of Border Songs, 2010; and below: Nik Perleros & Damien Peterson in a Special Edition staged reading of Two Wheels North, 2010; photos by Laine Mullen.

Book your special edition tour

Book-It tours original adaptations to schools, libraries, corporate, and community venues. Each performance runs 30 – 45 minutes.

Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices by Shanna Stevenson

In 1910, women in Washington State won the right to vote—ten years before the rest of the U.S. Women’s Votes… marks the centennial of that landmark victory and details women’s continuing struggle for equal rights.

Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices is made possible, in part, through the generosity of 4Culture.

Owen Meany’s Christmas Pageant by John Irving

Actor Stephen Hando brings to life the quirky Owen Meany, a charismatic kid with a bit of a Messiah complex determined to play the baby Jesus—and all of Irving’s colorful characters— in a hilarious one-man rendition of our wildly popular holiday show. Nov./Dec. 2010 only.

Danger: Books!

Our ongoing series features readings from books that have been banned or challenged in the U.S. They are presented in the Book-It Style™ by professional actors who perform the most controversial sections from the books, then facilitate a discussion on the First Amendment and how and why books are banned or challenged.

For rates & booking call 206.770.0880 or email: education@book-it.org.

Our popular kid-focused family gatherings are a great chance to see the energetic productions that our education department tours to thousands of young people all over Washington State. This season’s series features more great children’s literature with book-themed craft projects and post-show workshops.

All events are held in the Center House Theatre. Doors open for crafts at 10:30 a.m.; performance at 11:00 a.m.; workshop follows performance. Children 12 & under $10; Adults $12.

James Weidman, Gavin Cummins, and Kate Jaeger in Johnny Appleseed, 2010; photo by Chirs Bennion.

The Prince of the Pond: Otherwise Known as De Fawg Pin by Donna Jo Napoli September 25, 2010 This fanciful story—told from the frog prince’s viewpoint— blends the silly and the scientific, taking us beyond the delightful fairy tale to an entertaining lesson in pond life.

Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine February 19, 2011 Born a slave, Henry Brown bravely takes an incredible risk and literally mails himself to freedom. This remarkable true story shines a light on perseverance in the face of oppression.

The Secret Garden

by Frances Hodgson Burnett June 18, 2011 Orphaned in colonial India, spoiled Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle in England. Lonely and friendless, she discovers a key that unlocks a mysterious unkempt garden and, ultimately, her heart.

Student matinées of Book-It Repertory Theatre’s mainstage productions­—Red Ranger Came Calling, Great Expectations, and Prairie Nocturne—are also available for low cost: $10 per student, one free chaperone ticket per 10 students.

All matinées begin at 10:30 a.m. and run 2-3 hours.

Contact Book-It All Over for more information Ph: 206.770.0880 Email: education@book-it.org

Tickets

Book-It has some of the most reasonably priced tickets in town Premium Tickets (Sat Evening & Sun Matinée): Adult $36, Seniors (60+) $30, Student $20 Standard Tickets (Wed–Fri Evening & Sat Matinée): Adult $32, Seniors (60+) $25, Student $20 Opening Nights: All Seats $42, includes post-show party with artists and Book-It luminaries.

Paid Previews: All Seats $22 Under-30 Tickets may be purchased on the day of the show only, $20 at the Box Office window. Subject to availability; ID required.

Teen Tix Book-It participates in the Seattle Center Teen Tix program for 13-18-year-olds. Teen Tix members can get $5 tickets, in person only, at the Box Office window one hour before the show. Subject to availability.

Groups of 8 or more adult tickets are eligible for a 10% discount. Larger groups equal larger discounts. Please call the Box Office for details.

206.216.0833 Daniel Brockley, Casi Nicole Wilkerson, and Sylvie Davidson in Emma, 2009; photo by Adam Smith.

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We take your advance commitment to our work very seriously and strive to make your experience with Book-It enjoyable from the first moment you choose your shows and beyond.

Subscribers get great benefits: Discounted tickets—subscription packages are 10% less than single tickets Premium Subscriptions (Sat Evening & Sun Matinée) 5-Plays $162 | 4-Plays $129.60

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up to two exchanges per patron per show, upgrade changes may apply. When you provide your email address*, we can email your new tickets immediately—no more waiting in will call lines!

Standard Subscriptions (Wed–Fri Evening & Sat Matinée): 5-Plays $144 | 4-Plays $115.20

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Special invitation to our annual open house each spring.

For the first time ever, you can subscribe 24/7 on our website. Cheerful personal service is also available at the Box Office or by calling 206.216.0833.

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Brandon Whitehead and Kevin McKeon in A Confederacy of Dunces, 2009; photo by John Ulman.

Above: Connor Toms in The Cider House Rules, 2010; photo by Adam Smith.

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Border Songs

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BOX OFFICE 206.216.0833 www.book-it.org

Book-It Repertory Theatre Center House Theatre 305 Harrison Street Seattle, WA 98109 Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Seattle, WA Permit No. 631