2006-2007 Kean Theatre Season Announced
Richland Township theatre kicks off fifth year with 'The Graduate'
Gibsonia, Pa. - Aug. 24, 2006 - As the Kean Theatre approaches its fifth season, it is preparing for two notable milestones: the Pittsburgh premier of "The Graduate" and the expansion of its plays to two weekends.
"We're in a position to make the 2006-2007 theatre season a banner year," said Tom Madden, managing director of the Kean Theatre. "We're kicking the season off with 'The Graduate' in September and beginning in the 2007 calendar year, each of our plays will run two weekends rather than our traditional one weekend. This is possible because of the audience base we've built up over the last five years. Our numbers have exceeded even my expectations and really underscore what a demand there is for the arts in the North Hills."
The Kean Theatre is located in The Washington Place at St. Barnabas, 5847 Meridian Road. Tickets for each play are on sale now and are $19 each for reserved general admission or $25 for the first two rows of the 350-seat theatre. Curtain time is 8 p.m. An optional dinner precedes each show at 6 p.m. in The Washington Place's Mount Vernon Restaurant. Cost for dinner and the show is $37 or $43. For tickets or more information, call 724-444-KEAN (5326) or visit www.keantheatre.com.
The season is composed of:
- "The Graduate," Friday, Sept. 29 and Saturday, Sept. 30. Actors Gregory Caridi, Theresa Hune and Jessica Ream star as iconic characters Benjamin, Mrs. Robinson and Elaine. Terry Johnson's adaptation of the Oscar-winning film won critical praise in its London and Broadway runs, as well as a world tour that continues to seduce audiences. A college student spends his first summer out of school in the arms of his father's best friend's wife. Meanwhile, he is falling in love with the man's daughter. Kathleen Turner, Morgan Fairchild, Anne Archer, Jerry Hall and Linda Grey have appeared throughout the world as the unforgettable Mrs. Robinson.
- "Laughter on the 23rd Floor," Friday, Nov. 17 and Saturday, Nov. 18. This Broadway hit pays homage to Neil Simon's early days in show biz when he worked as a junior jokesmith for Sid Caesar's "Your Show of Shows." He was stuck in a room with a bunch of the looniest comedy writers ever, who grew up to be the likes of Mel Brooks, Larry Gelbart and others. As the writers try to top each other with gags while competing for the attention of head madman Max Prince (the Sid Caesar character), Max contends with the NBC brass who fear his humor is too sophisticated for middle America.
- "Lend Me a Tenor," Jan. 26 and 27 and Feb. 2 and 3. This night in September 1934 is the biggest in the history of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. World-famous tenor Tito Morelli is to perform Otello, his greatest role, at the season opener. Morelli is late; when he finally sweeps in it is too late to rehearse with the company. Through a hilarious series of mishaps, Il Stupendo is given a double dose of tranquilizers which mix with the booze he has consumed and he passes out. Through more mishaps, two Otellos end up running around in costume and two women are running around in lingerie, each thinking she is with Il Stupendo!
- "Private Lives," April 13 and 14 and April 20 and 21. "Private Lives" is one of the most flippant plays ever written. Elyot and Amanda, once married and now honeymooning with new spouses at the same hotel, meet by chance, reignite the old spark and impulsively elope. After days of being reunited, they again find their fiery romance alternating between passions of love and anger. Their aggrieved spouses appear and a roundelay of affiliations ensues as the women first stick together, then apart, and new partnerships are formed. Eventually there is a knock-down, drag-out fight which opens the eyes of Elyot and Amanda, who then steal off together a second time. Laurence Olivier, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor starred in the Broadway production.
The Kean Theatre is open to the public and has built a reputation for its convenient location, free parking, quality entertainment and elegant setting. The theatre is operated by St. Barnabas Charities, the fund-raising arm of St. Barnabas Health System. The Health System also includes St. Barnabas Nursing Home, Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas, The Arbors at St. Barnabas, The Village at St. Barnabas, The Woodlands at St. Barnabas, The Washington Place at St. Barnabas, and St. Barnabas Medical Center. Theatre proceeds benefit the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund.
Contact:
Kathleen Brenneman
(724) 444-5530
kbrenneman@stbarnabashealthsystem.com
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