WAT E R T O W E R T H E AT R E . O R G
2019-2020 2019-2020 2019-2020 2019-2020 2019-2020 SEASON
WaterTower Theatre has stood for quite a lot over the past two decades. As a nationally recognized organization, WTT remains a theatrical leader in the North Texas community. In just 23 seasons we have produced 177 plays and musicals, including 10 World Premieres and 41 Regional Premieres. Our rich history of producing award-winning and ground-breaking theatre is a legacy to be proud of and one that I look forward to building off of as we embark on a new chapter for WTT. As I begin my tenure as Producing Artistic Director, I am reminded of the first time I set foot in this one-of-a-kind theatre, and began to work with the incredible artists who help create the innovative and diverse theatre you’ve come to expect. I felt a true sense of community and collaborative effort. Watching the organization grow through the years has been very inspiring. It’s one of the greatest privileges of my life to now lead a theatre that I proudly called an artistic home during my years as an actor in Dallas-Fort Worth.
I A M EXC I T E D TO SHARE THESE UNIQUE STORIES W I T H YO U, OUR SPECIAL GUESTS, AND T O C E L E B R AT E OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER.
My philosophy is simple: to build community through storytelling that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. This theatre – our theatre – will do just that. It will be a place for all to be entertained and hopefully find a part of themselves in each story. I’m thankful for the opportunity to share these wonderful stories with you and I look forward to the exciting years ahead!
Shane Peterman SHANE PETERMAN |
PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
O N T H E T E R RY M A R T I N M A I N S TAG E :
T H A N K YO U
01 02 03 04
SISTER ACT
05
THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY
CIRQUE HOLIDAYS HARVEY I AM MY OWN WIFE
TO OUR SEASON SPONSORS
M US I C BY
A D I V I N E M U S I C A L C O M E DY
Alan Menken
OCTOBER 24 – NOVEMBER 10, 2019
LY R I C S B Y
Glenn Slater B O O K BY
Cheri & Bill Steinkellner D I R E C T E D BY
Cheryl Denson MUSIC D I R E C T E D BY
Adam C. Wright
After witnessing a murder, disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent! Finding herself at odds with a rigid lifestyle and the uptight Mother Superior, Deloris uses her unique flair and singing talent to inspire the choir, breathing new life into the church and community. In doing so, however, she blows her cover and soon her gangster boyfriend and his cronies are giving chase. But little do they know that they’re about to find themselves up against the power of Deloris’ newfound sisterhood. Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing, and a truly moving story, Sister Act will have you REJOICING in the power of sisterhood!
“
This is a musical that hits all the right spots… – A S S O C I AT E D P R E S S
”
A COPRODUCTION
with Lone Star Circus
A T H E AT R I C A L C I R C U S S P E C TAC U L A R
DECEMBER 5 – 22, 2019 WaterTower Theatre, in partnership with Lone Star Circus, will celebrate the diversity of holidays from around the world through a magical collaboration of theatre and circus with Cirque Holidays! Featuring international stars alongside Dallas’ amazing and entertaining circus talent, audiences of all ages will be treated to incredible acts, ranging from hula-hoops to death defying trapeze stunts all tied together with a charismatic host and hilarious clowns. Forget your troubles this holiday season and get ready for a bright tomorrow!
“
Circus is a celebration of life. At this time of the year, soaring acrobatics, gravity-defying feats and the sheer beauty of the human body in action are a means of reminding us what we are able to achieve with hard work and passion, with love and joy.
”
– FA N N Y K E R W I C H , L O N E S TA R C I R C U S
H W R I T T E N BY
AN AMERICAN CLASSIC
Mary Chase
FEBRUARY 6 – 23, 2020
D I R E C T E D BY
Dick Monday
This Pulitzer Prize-winning play follows Elwood P. Dowd – a polite man with a very strange best friend. Elwood’s sister, Veta, is concerned her brother’s friend will interfere with her life as a socialite. And who can blame her! Elwood’s friend is a six-foot, three-and-one-half-inch invisible rabbit named Harvey. To avoid future embarrassment, Veta attempts to have Elwood committed, but after her frantic recount of her brother’s condition she finds herself mistakenly committed instead. The truth quickly reveals itself, and the search is on for Elwood and his invisible companion. But Elwood and Harvey’s influence on more than one of the doctors leads Veta to realize that maybe Harvey isn’t so bad after all.
“
HARVEY is a sweet treat.
”
– T H E H O L LY W O O D R E P O R T E R
W R I T T E N BY
A N AS T O N I S H I N G T R U E S T O RY
Doug Wright
APRIL 16 – MAY 3, 2020
D I R E C T E D BY
Ashley Puckett Gonzales
“
Based on a true story, and inspired by interviews conducted by the playwright, Doug Wright, over several years, I Am My Own Wife tells the fascinating story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, an elegant and eccentric 65-year old German transgender woman who, against all odds, managed to survive both the Nazi onslaught and the repressive East German Communist regime. Using more than 30 characters, Wright pieces together Charlotte’s captivating and controversial life. Winner of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award for Best Play, I Am My Own Wife is a profound story of survival.
A truly remarkable experience in the theatre, I AM MY OWN WIFE is a must-see… – N Y T H E AT R E .C O M
”
MUSIC &
A MUSICAL ROMANCE
LY R I C S B Y
JUNE 11 – 28, 2020
Jason Robert Brown B O O K BY
Marsha Norman D I R E C T E D BY
John De Los Santos MUSIC D I R E C T E D BY
Vonda K. Bowling
“
Based on the best-selling novel, The Bridges of Madison County recalls the unexpected affair of Francesca Johnson, a devoted Italian-born housewife, and Robert Kincaid, a roving National Geographic photographer. Set amidst the cornfields of Iowa in 1965, this sweeping musical romance about the roads we travel and bridges we dare to cross brings to life four sensual, heart-stirring days that will alter Francesca and Robert’s lives forever. With a soaring score by Tony Award-winner, Jason Robert Brown, The Bridges of Madison Country is a touching and powerful story that will leave you breathless.
BRIDGES burns brightly. – T I M E O U T N E W YO R K
”
For over two decades, WaterTower Theatre has striven to continue to bring you the high-quality and innovative programming you have come to expect. As production costs increase and demand for live entertainment decreases across the country, it’s important not only to support our art form with sound programming and smart business planning, but also to preserve our unique form of storytelling for future generations. In response to this and our immediate needs, we are announcing our “Ignite the Mission” campaign. WaterTower Theatre’s future is only as good as the stories that have brought us to our present day.
N O S T O RY I S T O O C O M P L E X . N O A R T I S T I S U N WO R T H Y. N O PAT R O N I S U N R E C O G N I Z E D. N O A R T S E D U C AT I O N I N I T I AT I V E I S T O O B O L D. N O D O N AT I O N I S T O O S M A L L .
Our mission is your mission. Our story is your story. Let’s ignite our future.
C O N S I D E R A D O N AT I O N T O O U R “ I G N I T E T H E M I S S I O N ” C A M PA I G N W I T H YO U R S E A S O N S U B S C R I P T I O N .
BUY FOUR, GET THE 5TH SHOW WaterTower Theatre is one of the leading professional theatres in North Texas. We are dedicated to producing innovative, diverse theatre that builds community through the art of live theatre! Now is the time for you to be a part of our exciting future and, you should know up front, subscribers pay less! HERE ARE JUST A FEW REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE: • •
• • • • •
Lowest prices by as much as 20% Never hear the words SOLD OUT First dibs on the best seats in the house Guaranteed same seats each season or priority upgrade Free ticket exchanges* Discount tickets to Season Add-ons Subscribers save on additional individual tickets
5 - S H O W M A I N S TAG E S U B S C R I P T I O N SERIES
B E F O R E AU G 1
A F T E R AU G 1
PR EVIEW THURSDAY
$1 1 9
$ 1 45
W EDN E SDAY
$1 1 9
$ 1 45
T HURSDAY
$1 5 6
$ 1 75
FR I DAY
$1 5 6
$ 1 75
SATURDAY
$1 5 6
$ 1 75
SU NDAY
$1 1 9
$ 1 45
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WAY S T O S U B S C R I B E
BY P H O N E
IN PERSON
BOX OFF I C E 972.450.62 32
1 5 65 0 A D D I S ON ROA D AD D I S ON , TX 75 0 0 1
E XC H A N G E S
Subscribers enjoy one free upgrade per season and reasonable upgrade fees apply for higher-priced performance dates after that.
In the spirit of WaterTower Theatre’s mission to build community through fostering empathy and dialogue, WaterTower is proud to offer our community engagement program, Intersections. This program is constantly exploring where our artistic work intersects with our larger community. INTERSECTIONS PROGRAMMING INCLUDES, BUT WILL NOT BE LIMITED TO: P O S T- S H O W D I S C U S S I O N S A N D C O N V E R S AT I O N S W I T H T H E A R T I S T S
WaterTower strives to partner with experts, organizations, and community leaders to host post-show discussions throughout the season with specific focus on each production’s themes. Additionally, after every Wednesday and Sunday performance you can stay late for a conversation with the artists. P AY I T F O R W A R D W I T H P AY- W H AT-Y O U - C A N
Name your price and support great organizations! 100% of the proceeds from our PWYC Thursday previews are donated to various causes and organizations in need. To date, we have donated thousands of dollars to hurricane relief, literacy programs, crisis centers, youth initiatives, and more and we couldn’t do it with you! SIGN-INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE
At WaterTower Theatre, we are committed to making our theatre accessible to as many communities as possible. We are happy to offer a sign-interpreted performance every 3rd Thursday of each run. P L AY G U I D E S
Delve deeper into every play in the season by exploring our Play Guides. Digital copies are available online at www.watertowertheatre.org. CABARET NIGHTS
Grab a drink and stay late with DFW favorite, Denise Lee, for a post-show cabaret following the Saturday night performances of Sister Act and The Bridges of Madison County, featuring actors from the show as well as other local performers.
INTRODUCING THE NEW
WAT E R T OW E R T H E AT R E
JULY 6 – 24, 2020
LIFE SKILLS T H R O U G H S TAG E S K I L L S
The legacy of teaching life skills through stage skills in a positive atmosphere, while building community, where young people can trust themselves and others, see that it is okay to be themselves, and learn to overcome the fear of failure by taking positive risks in a completely supportive, non-competitive environment is what we are about at the WaterTower Theatre Academy. Our goal is to build self-esteem, reinforce positivity, and cultivate the vital skills necessary for each student to become a creative, innovative, and healthy adult. MAIN PROGRAM 1-W E E K , 2-W E E K , O R 3 -W E E K: F U L L- DAY C L A S S E S F O R G RA D E S 3 R D -1 2 T H All Main Program classes meet Monday - Friday, 9AM - 3:35PM
A fantastic program designed specifically for students eager to learn about theatre! Core acting classes include voice & movement, improvisation, scene study, and musical theatre. Students will also explore technical elements of theatre and create original work to be shared with audiences. All Main Program students rotate through four classes daily. Subject material varies with age and experience. The Main Program culminates in an exuberant presentation of class work for family and friends! PRICING 1 -W E E K
$285
2-W E E K
$455
3 -W E E K
$595
JUNIOR PROGRAM 1-W E E K O R 2-W E E K ; H A L F - DAY C L A S S E S F O R G RA D E S K-2 N D Morning session, 9:30AM - 12:00PM Afternoon session, 1:00PM - 3:35PM
The perfect program to introduce the excitement and discipline of theatre to children! Whether your child’s personality is outgoing or reserved, they can find success in this program. Our friendly teachers use games, storytelling, improvisation, puppetry, singing, and movement in a creative and safe environment. We focus on confidence, concentration, cooperation, and FUN. The Junior Program culminates in a joyous presentation of class work for family and friends! For more information, visit
PRICING 1 -W E E K
$195
2-W E E K
$295
watertowertheatre.org or email info@watertowertheatre.org.
INVOLVED W O M E N O F WA T E R T O W E R T H E AT R E ( W O W ! ) Annual Dues = $150
The goal of Women of WaterTower Theatre is to offer members the opportunity to connect with an exciting and diverse group of women, a place to expand horizons about the arts with prestigious speakers – often women working in the arts – and a forum to help build wider community support for WaterTower Theatre. For more information on joining WOW!, visit www.watertowertheatre.org/donor-groups.
C O R P O R AT E C O U N C I L Annual Dues = $500
Corporate Council is the entry level donor group that is home to dozens of corporate business sponsors. Membership allows them to network at exclusive member receptions, support the arts and arts of WTT, and hear from highly sought after corporate speakers. CEOS’s welcome! For more information on Corporate Council, visit www.watertowertheatre.org/donor-groups.
VO LU N T E E R Show your support for WaterTower Theatre by becoming a volunteer usher! WTT is always in need of passionate, smiling faces to greet each and every patron to ensure that they have the best experience possible. Join us!
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WA T E R T O W E R T H E A T R E . O R G
Please visit www.watertowertheatre.org or www.addisontx.gov to learn more about what Addison has to offer.
And remember, at the Addison Theatre Centre, PARKING IS ALWAYS FREE!
With easy access to more than 175 restaurants, Addison is an exceptional place to work, live, visit, and enjoy a night out on the town!
WAT E R T O W E R T H E AT R E W O U L D L I K E TO T H A N K T H E TOW N O F A D D I S O N FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT!
Shane Peterman, Producing Artistic Director
WAT E R T O W E R T H E AT R E
972 .45 0.62 32
BUY 4 S H OWS, G E T T H E 5T H F R E E !
S U B S C R I B E T O DAY !
WAT E R T O W E R T H E AT R E . O R G
A D D I S O N , T X 75 0 0 1
1 5 6 5 0 A D D I S O N R OA D
ADDISON, TX PERMIT #106
PA I D
NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE