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National Award-winning Theatre Salina is announcing the titles for its 65th season. The new season will include three shows from the theatre’s past and four new titles. Two of the new musicals have just been made available to community theatres.
The season will open in September with Disney’s FROZEN. This production features music and lyrics from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez with the book by Jennifer Lee. The story follows Princesses Anna and Elsa in their frozen kingdom of Arendelle. Taken from the Disney movie of the same name, songs include “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” and “Let It Go”.
In October, the Theatre is pleased to present a world-premiere of the comedy LISTEN by Brigid Amos. This production is part of the American Association of Community Theatres New PlayFest. In this story, Kelly opens her first gallery in New York. Dale, a renowned but reclusive artist, wanders into her gallery with his latest painting. Kelly’s initial excitement dies when she realizes Dale has begun to copy PBS’s Bob Ross in his work. Dale’s caretaker sister and his greatest rival only make matters funnier.
Theatre Salina is excited to be one of the first community theatres in the country to present DR. SEUSS’S HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, THE MUSICAL. The Grinch hates all the joy down in Whoville, so he and his dog, Max, decide they will steal all the joy from the hapless WHOs. You’ll be delighted with all the characters you’ve known for decades in this new musical retelling including the Grinch, Max, Cindy Lou Who, and all the Who family. Songs to delight all audiences are “Welcome Christmas” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”.
January’s presentation is the classic drama TWELVE ANGRY MEN by Reginald Rose. This supremely entertaining production will be directed by Salina’s own Tyrees Allen. Coincidentally, Tyrees’ first role after reaching Hollywood was in the remake of this movie including George C. Scott, Jack Lemon, and Ossie Davis. The action takes place in a jury room where a seemingly “open and shut” case gets turned around when one juror isn’t quite sure it should be so easy to send a 19-year-old to his death.
February brings the hilarious comedy SWEET DELILAH SWIM CLUB by Jones Hope Wooten. This comedy follows five female college swimmers as they meet every year in the same beach house. This hit comedy was produced here previously under another title with great success. Follow Lexie, Dinah, Sheree, Vernadette, and Jeri Neal through a lifetime of love and friendship.
The Theatre will again partner with Kansas Wesleyan University in April with the exciting and slapstick THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE. This hilarious retelling of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta was recrafted at the Public Theatre and became a new instant classic. The topsy-turvy world of pirates and maidens will come to life on our stage with vaudeville physicality and humor.
The season closes in June with another new musical, JIMMY BUFFET’S ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE.
Featuring popular Jimmy Buffet classics, including “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “Margaritaville”, “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere”, and “Volcano”. The show tells the story of a handsome bartender and singer in the Caribbean who falls for a career-minded tourist. Created by Jimmy Buffet, Greg Garcia, and Mike O’Malley, this hilarious and heartwarming musical will have all the Parrot heads singing along.
Full and select season tickets are now available by stopping by the box office, calling 785-827-6126 or going to salinatheatre.com.