8 minute read
At a Glance
2022 SEASON SHOWS | Our 57th Season
Advertisement
STEEL MAGNOLIAS
by Robert Harling Directed by Amanda Berg Wilson
FRIENDSHIP, LAUGHTER, & LOVE
Welcome to Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Aided by her eager new assistant, Annelle (Brittni Shambaugh Addison), wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser (Annie Butler); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee (Christy Brandt); the local social leader, M’Lynn (Kate Berry); and her daughter, Shelby, the “prettiest girl in town.” Filled with classic one-liners and hilarious repartee, the play speaks to the underlying strength—and love—of true friendship.
Dramedy / Ruth Humphreys Brown Theatre
ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE
created & originally directed by Ted Swindley based on a true story Directed by Michael Perlman
THE LEGENDARY VOICE
The true story of the legendary country singer’s friendship with Louise Seger, a super fan she met at a Texas honky-tonk in 1961. The two corresponded until the star’s tragic death in a plane crash in 1963. Featuring twenty-seven unforgettable hits including Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams, and Walking After Midnight, this musical brings the story of one of America’s most celebrated artists to life, with down-home country humor and true emotion. Starring Emily Van Fleet as Patsy Cline and Caitlin Wise as Louise. Musical, Family
Friendly / Mainstage Theatre
NATIVE GARDENS
by Karen Zacarías Directed by Julia Rosa Sosa Chaparro
WHEN FENCE LINES BECOME A BATTLEGROUND
Pablo, a high-powered lawyer, and wife Tania, a very pregnant doctoral candidate, are realizing the American dream when they purchase a house next door to community stalwarts Virginia (Christy Brandt) and Frank (Stuart Rider). But a disagreement over a long-standing fence line soon spirals into an all-out war of taste, class, privilege, and entitlement. The hilarious results guarantee no one comes out smelling like a rose. Comedy / Mainstage Theatre
For additional information, please see CRT's complete list of Content Information and Trigger Warnings. See schedule for dates and times.
KEN LUDWIG’S SHERWOOD:
THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD
Directed by John DiAntonio
ACTION-PACKED FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Packed with thrills, romance, laughter, and immortal characters like Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marian, Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood tells the enduring story of a hero of the people who takes on the ruthless powers that be. So get ready to duck a quarterstaff – or two – you won’t want to miss a moment of the swashbuckling fun! Starring Lavour Addison, Emily Van Fleet, and Caitlin Wise. Adventure, Romance, Family Friendly / Ruth Humphreys
Brown Theatre
THE ROYALE
by Marco Ramirez Directed by Kyle Haden
A KNOCK-OUT DRAMA
Jay “The Sport” Jackson dreams of being the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. But it’s 1905, and in the racially segregated world of boxing, his chances may be as good as knocked out. But when the fight of his life comes calling, Jay must face both his future and the shadow of his past. Inspired by the life of Jack Johnson, The Royale brings to explosive life the ultimate fight for a place in history. Drama / Ruth Humphreys Brown Theatre
20th Anniversary e KID Show: MUSIC BOX
by Allison Quiller Directed by Renee Prince
A MAGICAL ADVENTURE!
Under the umbrella of World War II, Music Box is a coming-of-age adventure tale that follows Maggie, a young magician, who journeys into the strange and illusory world of a music box in search of her missing father. There, she discovers a land ruled over by the tyrannical Eagle Man, where she makes new friends, faces dangers, and ultimately must use her skills to save her father – and the world. Family Friendly / Ruth Humphreys Brown Theatre
SPECIAL EVENTS
BEHIND THE CURTAIN
21ST ANNUAL NATIONAL SMALL PRINT SHOW
May 28-June 29 / Mainstage Lobby / Free
Founded by the late printmaker Larry Basky in 2000, this juried exhibition contains over 100 small prints from fine artists across the country. Whether you collect or just appreciate, come celebrate the miniature medium!
BOOMTOWN! Improv Comedy
Fridays at 9:30pm / July 1-Sept 4 / The Ruth / $15
Sixteen years of Boomtown improv! What does it all mean?! We’ve passed our drivers test! We’re revved up and ready to roll. Buckle up for an evening of hilarity and side-splitting laughter as these incredibly talented loony toons take you on a wild ride of improvisational comedy.
PANTS ON FIRE! A Totally Made-Up Musical for Kids
Fridays at 11am / July 1-Sept 2 / The Ruth / $10-$15
Beloved by children and adults alike, Pants on Fire! is back! A completely improvised musical for kids and based on your suggestions, this hilariously magical show is sure to be fun for the entire family.
MESS IS MORE: THE MUSICAL!
An Evening with Emily Van Fleet & Nathan Jones
July 19 / 7pm / Mainstage / $42
You know them from CRT musicals, Boomtown!, The KID Show, and their new podcast, Mess is More! For one night only, they’re bringing their messy marriage to the stage. They’ll sing some songs, tell some stories, and offer lots of unsolicited advice (like how to incorporate garbage cans into your wedding theme, and why you should never buy the blue sunflower seeds). Don’t miss this fun-filled musical celebration of relationships and self-discovery. For more messy fun, join us afterwards for a post-show hang in the lobby!
BETTER TOGETHER—CRT’S 2022 GALA!
Aug 5 / The Rio Grande Club / $300
See page 10 for details.
CREATING STEEL MAGNOLIAS WITH PAM BERLIN
Before the Aug 11 & Aug 27 performances of Steel Magnolias 6:30pm / The Ruth / FREE
Fun Fact: CRT alum and current board member Pam Berlin directed the World Premiere production of Steel Magnolias in 1987 that later moved to Broadway. Pam sits down with Producing Artistic Director John DiAntonio before two August performances of CRT’s production to share stories, chat about the origins of the play, and more!
10TH ANNUAL HEADWATERS NEW PLAY FESTIVAL
Aug 26-28 / The Ruth / $40
Get a front row seat to the adventurous process of bringing new plays to life: readings of brand new work developed specifically for CRT stages.This year’s readings feature new plays by CRT’s commissioned playwrights Beth Kander (Hazardous Materials, To the Moon) and Michael Perlman (To White Plains, At the Table). This year, we’re adding a meet and greet brunch to close out the festival weekend at The Creede Hotel. Plus, see the world premiere of our bilingual Young Audience Outreach Tour: Casa Alfosa before it hits the road.
THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT?
A Night of Stories, Songs, & Poetry featuring John Green
Sept 6 / 7pm / The Ruth / Pay What You Can
John Green has been on a search for enlightenment since he joined CRT back in the Sixties. Did he find it? Is he on the verge? Should he give up? Through stories and songs, John will playfully present his case, and let you decide. He will also introduce a new character, “Uncle Cannabis: Straight Thoughts From a Bent Mind.” As usual, he will be joined by several wonderful local performers.
DON'T JUST SEE A SHOW AT CRT... EXPERIENCE IT.
Deepen your connection to the plays, stories, and complex inner workings of live theatre through our FREE Audience Enrichment programs. Check our calendar for dates, or inquire at the box office.
Pre-show Talks
Pre-show Talks offer a comprehensive dramaturgical experience. In turn, you’ll appreciate and connect even more with our diverse repertory season. Arrive 35 minutes before show time for select shows.
Creating Steel Magnolias with Pam Berlin
Fun Fact: CRT alum and current board member Pam Berlin directed the World Premiere production of Steel Magnolias in 1987 that later moved to Broadway. Pam sits down with Producing Artistic Director John DiAntonio to share stories, chat about the origins of the play, and more! Before the August 11 & August 27 performances.
Chat Backs
Stick around after most Sunday performances as our artists answer your burning questions and share fascinating stories about the creation of the play.
Delve Deeper Study Guides
Don’t forget to pick up our in-depth study guides that accompany all shows in our 2022 season.