Pioneer Theatre Company’s 2014-2015 season to include new programs, plus a line-up that includes musicals, a utah premiere, and a world premiere
Salt Lake City – Pioneer Theatre Company announces its 2014-2015 season, including two musicals, a world premiere of a new play, a Utah premiere of a comedy, and the first offering of a brand-new musical concert event.
The season opens with the musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which runs September 12 through September 27, 2014. The award-winning comedy One Man, Two Guvnors makes its Utah premiere from October 31 through November 15, 2014. The family-friendly Peter and the Starcatcher runs December 5 through December 20, 2014. The world premiere drama Alabama Story runs January 9 through January 24, 2015. American theatre icon Arthur Miller’s The Crucible runs from February 13 through February 28, 2015. The comedy I Hate Hamlet runs from March 20 through April 4, 2015, and the season finale musicalThe Music Man runs May 1 through May 16, 2015.
Additionally, PTC has added a new concert presentation to its core programming this season. Richard O’Brien’s raucous musical The Rocky Horror Show will be offered as a special event, for three performances only, in a script-in-hand, singing-and-dancing concert style presentation with a full, onstage orchestra. The three performances are Friday, October 24at 8:00 p.m. and at 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2014.
Remarking on the new program, PTC Artistic Director Karen Azenberg said, “There are many musicals that I would love to do but, for a variety of reasons, they aren’t feasible—maybe the story is dated, maybe it isn’t particularly family-friendly. But the beauty of the concert series is that we can do these shows. A similar series, called ‘Encores!’ is regularly one of the hottest tickets in New York City, and it’s always one of my favorite experiences when I visit. By doing only three performances, with a full on-stage orchestra, limited costumes and scripts-in-hand, you get to experience some of these undiscovered gems, or your new favorite, with the stellar performances you’ve have come to love at PTC.”
Of the shows receiving full productions in the season, Azenberg said, “We begin and end the season with two wonderful musicals. Spelling Bee is lovable and funny, and if you’ve ever been in a ‘bee’ you’ll appreciate this quirky show—which also has a fun audience participation element! Our season finale musical is The Music Man—a big, traditional-style musical with a huge orchestra, a huge cast, and songs you can’t help but leave the theatre humming. I think it is one of the best musicals ever written.”
The five plays on the 2014-15 season include a world premiere, a Utah premiere, a magical show for the holidays, and an American icon. “I saw One Man, Two Guvnors in New York two years ago and laughed and laughed—it’s physical comedy and farce at its best. My friend and colleague David Ivers, co-artistic director of the Utah Shakespeare Festival, will direct this Utah premiere.”
The holiday show is Peter and the Starcatcher. “This is good, old-fashioned storytelling combined with good, old-fashioned theatre magic – perfect for the holiday season,” Azenberg said. Of the following show, Alabama Story, she continued, “In recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the enactment of the Civil Rights Act, I am thrilled that PTC is producing the world premiere of this wonderful play that so beautifully blends fictional characters and real life events.
Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is a landmark work of the American theatre, at once a powerful cautionary tale and a mesmerizing psychological drama. It’s followed up by the comedy I Hate Hamlet, which, Azenberg said, “Will satisfy Shakespeare lovers and haters alike.”
Pioneer Theatre Company will also continue the new play reading series that it started this season, called Play-By-Play. Although titles for that program are still being chosen, the staged readings will take place in the spring of 2015, with three performances of each show, on February 20 and 21, March 6 and 7, and March 27 and 28.
Prices for most season ticket packages have remained unchanged for the 2014-2015 season. Upper Balcony and Rush Pass holders will see a slight increase. Season tickets range from $91 to $307, which means that season ticket patrons pay between $13 and $44 a ticket to see shows that cost over $150 on Broadway or National Tours. Notes PTC Managing Director Chris Lino, “For the price of one or two tickets to a Broadway show theatergoers can have a full season of entertainment at PTC, and be assured of the best seats and the convenience of exchanging their tickets if they can’t make their regular performance. And, as our long-time patrons know, you’ll be seeing the same actors who appear on Broadway stages, and the same spectacular sets and costumes that you would see on Broadway.”
For season tickets contact Pioneer Theatre Company’s Box Office at 801-581-6961 or visit online at www.pioneertheatre.org.
Pioneer Theatre Company, Utah’s premier professional theatre, performs at the Roy W. and Elizabeth E. Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, located on the University of Utah campus at 300 South and 1400 East, Salt Lake City UT 84112-0660. The theatre is equipped with an elevator, hearing assistance devices, and handicapped parking.
Free parking within a block of the theatre is available for all performances.
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Season Ticket Packages
For season tickets contact Pioneer Theatre Company’s Box Office at 801-581-6961 or visit us online at www.pioneertheatre.org.
The Seven-Play Package
Get tickets for all seven shows in our season, and receive a discount of up to 63%, a shot at the best seats before they go on sale to the general public, and a voucher good for free admission toOne Man, Two Guvnors, Alabama Story, The Crucible or I Hate Hamlet.
The Pick-Five Package
This option allows patrons to select any five shows in the season and receive both a season ticket discount and preferred seating. Pick Five patrons may choose from any of the seven productions on PTC’s 2014-2015 season.
The Flex Pass
This season package provides patrons with $250.00 worth of credit redeemable at the discounted season ticket rate for any shows the patron wishes to see.
$91 Upper Balcony Package
Patrons can purchase tickets to all seven shows for only $91.00. Seats in this package are in the Upper Balcony section, and can be upgraded to any available Main Floor or Loge seat at the discounted season ticket price. This package does not include a free play voucher.
The $125 Rush Pass
This is a season pass that allows patrons to come to the theatre an hour before any show and get the best available single ticket for that night, based on availability. The pass is good for all shows in the season, including all three musicals.
All packages include a discount on tickets, flexible exchange privileges, priority seating, the ability to purchase additional tickets to individual shows at a discount, and an electronic subscription to Backstage, PTC’s newsletter.
PIONEER THEATRE COMPANY’S 2014-2015 SEASON
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Music and Lyrics by William Finn, Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman, Additional Material by Jay Reiss
September 12 through September 27, 2014
“Can you spell irresistable? Drat! I mean, irresistible? That’s precisely the word for the lovably inconsequential, entirely adorable new musical” – The New York Times
Winner of 2 Tony Awards!
A hilarious tale of high school-aged overachievers, their hopes, their dreams, and their angst as they compete for a slot in the National Spelling Bee. Overseen by adults still stuck in adolescence themselves, they sing their stories, utilize unique spelling techniques, and learn that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser.
Concert Presentation: The Rocky Horror Show
Book, Music and Lyrics by Richard O’Brien
Three Performances Only!
October 24 through October 25, 2014
A fun-loving tribute to horror and science fiction B-movies of years ago, The Rocky Horror Showtells the wacky tale of innocent couple Brad and Janet. Newly engaged, their car breaks down in the woods on the proverbial dark-and-stormy night. They soon meet Dr. Frank N. Furter, the “Sweet Transvestite” mad scientist about to reveal his latest Frankenstein-esque creation. With a little help from drive-in usherettes, creepy sidekicks, and, of course, the “Time Warp,” Brad and Janet usher in the Halloween season.
Contains strong themes, sexual content and language.
One Man, Two Guvnors
By Richard Bean
Based on The Servant of Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni
With songs by Grant Olding
October 31 through November 15, 2014
Nominated for 7 Tony Awards in 2012!
“…as rowdy as the Three Stooges and as light-footed as Fred Astaire.” – The New York Times
One Man, Two Guvnors is a knockabout comedy set in swingin’ 1963 London, as one man tries to serve, and hoodwink, two employers at the same time. Throw in a sweet and beautiful but dimwitted young woman, a vain actor—is there any other kind?—a woman disguised as her murdered twin brother, a crooked lawyer, and a couple of low-level hoodlums, and it’s almost more than one man can govern.
Peter and the Starcatcher
By Rick Elice
Based on the book by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
December 5 through December 20, 2014
Winner of 5 Tony Awards in 2012!
“The most exhilarating Broadway storytelling in decades!” – The New York Times
Ever wonder how Peter Pan ended up in Neverland? How Captain Hook became Peter’s arch enemy? Peter and the Starcatcher explains all this and more. Based on the bestselling novel by humorist Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, this highly theatrical and wonderfully inventive new play was a sensation when it took Broadway by storm in 2012. A holiday offering that’s perfectly magical, and magically perfect, for audiences of all ages.
World Premiere!
Alabama Story
by Kenneth Jones
January 9 through January 24, 2015
Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the enactment of the Civil Rights Act, Alabama Story tells the tale of state librarian Emily Wheelock Reed, who orders a seemingly innocuous children’s book called The Rabbits’ Wedding and ignites a state senator’s segregationist ire in 1959 Montgomery, Alabama. A finalist for the 2014 National Playwrights’ Conference, Alabama Storyis a gentle, fact-based drama that unfolds at a pivotal time in American history.
The Crucible
By Arthur Miller
February 13 through February 28, 2015
“A powerful drama.” —New York Times
“Strongly written.” —New York Daily News
In 1692, a group of young girls suddenly manifest signs of “demonic possession.” Before the hysteria ends twenty Salem townspeople are dead–executed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the crime of witchcraft. The Crucible is a landmark work of the American theatre, at once a powerful cautionary tale and a mesmerizing psychological drama.
I Hate Hamlet
by Paul Rudnick
March 30 through April 4, 2015
“Unapologetically silly and…hilarious” – New York Times
“You just can’t hate ‘I Hate Hamlet.’” – L.A. Times
Andrew Rally is on the top of the world. He’s a big TV star, and has just moved into a ritzy apartment in Manhattan so he can start rehearsals for his New York debut as Hamlet. There’s only one problem—he hates Hamlet—and when the ghost of John Barrymore shows up to help him prepare for the role, he’s in for the ride of his life.
The Music Man
Book, Music and Lyrics by Meredith Willson
Story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey
May 1 through May 16, 2015
Fast-talking Harold Hill sweeps into a sleepy Iowa town, and soon there’s trouble, right here in River City. Harold is selling marching bands, despite the fact that he doesn’t know the difference between a treble clef and trumpet. Taking the townspeople for a ride, with rousing numbers likeSeventy-Six Trombones, Goodnight Ladies, and The Wells Fargo Wagon, Harold plans on skipping town with their cash before anyone’s the wiser—but he didn’t count on falling for Marian, the town’s librarian.