Wendy Wasserstein’s book “Pamela’s First Musical” will be turned into a musical itself, in Red Bank.
“Pamela’s First Musical,” a musical written by Wendy Wasserstein and Christopher Durang, will make its world premiere as the first production of the 2018-19 season at the Two River Theater.
The Red Bank theater’s 25th anniversary season will feature eight plays overall, including August Wilson’s “King Hedley II” and the popular farce, “Noises Off.”
Subscriptions are now on sale, with single tickets going on sale in August. For information, visit tworivertheater.org.
Here is an annotated list of the season’s offerings:
Sept. 8-Oct. 7: “Pamela’s First Musical.” Written by Wendy Wasserstein and Christopher Durang. Music by Cy Coleman; lyrics by David Zippel. Directed and choreographed by Graciela Daniele.
Based on Wasserstein’s 1996 book of the same name, about a young girl going to her first musical, this musical was originally developed in the early 2000s, but has not received a full production until now. Wasserstein (“The Heidi Chronicles,” “The Sisters Rosensweig”) died in 2006; Coleman (“Sweet Charity,” “City of Angels,” “Barnum”) in 2004. Durang made his contributions later.
Nov. 10-Dec. 16: “King Hedley II.” ;Written by August Wilson. Directed by Brandon J. Dirden.
This 1999 play is the 1980s installment of the late Wilson’s “Century Cycle” (also known as “Pittsburgh Cycle”), featuring one play set in each decade of the 20th century.
Nov. 23-25: “Journey to Oz: A Wizard of Oz Story.” Written and directed by Christopher Parks. Music by John Totora.
An interactive production, for children.
Jan. 12-Feb. 3: “Noises Off.” Written by Michael Frayn. Directed by Sarna Lapine.
This comedy’s initial Broadway run, from 1983 to 1985, produced four Tony nominations. It was also revived on Broadway from 2001 to 2002, and in 2016, and the Two River Theater presented it as part of its 1998-99 season.
Jan. 25-Feb. 2: “A Little Shakespeare.”
A 75-minute production of a Shakespeare play to be announced, performed by high school students, and recommended for children ages 9 and older.
Feb. 23-March 24: “Theo.” Written by Martin Moran. Directed by Carolyn Cantor.
The world premiere of this family drama, commissioned by the theater.
April 13-May 5, 2019: “The Belle of Amherst.” Written by William Luce. Directed by Robert Rechnitz. Starring Maureen Silliman.
The 1976 one-woman play about Emily Dickinson, drawing from her poems, diaries and letters.
June 8-30, 2019: “Oo-Bla-Dee.” Written by Regina Taylor. Music by Diedre L. Murray. Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson.
A play about a female, African-American bebop band traveling around the country after the end of World War II.
1 comment
Two Rivers has more interesting offerings than any other NJ theater. Among others, its August Wilson plays are must-see’s.