A world-premiere musical by actor-playwright Steve Martin, the return of the grinch and a classic by George Bernard Shaw are among the productions announced Friday by the Old Globe in unveiling its 2014-15 season.
“The Old Globe’s 2014-2015 season offers some of everything that makes this theatre one of America’s greatest,” said Artistic Director Barry Edelstein.
“From a world premiere musical by two of our country’s entertainment giants to a classic by Shaw; from an historical drama by an eminent novelist to a wacky musical whodunit; and from a visually splendid take on a classic fable to a wry and riotous look at contemporary celebrity—the range and variety of the season is enormous.”
“Bright Star,” Sept. 13 – Nov. 2
This new American musical by Martin and singer-songwriter Edie Brickell will have its world premiere at the Old Globe. The play features 25 new songs and tells a beguiling tale that unfolds in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina between 1923 and 1945.
“The Royale,” Oct. 4 – Nov. 2
Jay “The Sport” Jackson dreams of being the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. But it’s 1905, and in the segregated world of boxing, his chances are as good as knocked out.
“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Nov. 15 – Dec. 27
Everyone’s favorite green meanie will return for his 17th consecutive year.
“Murder for Two,” Jan. 24 – March 1
Multi-millionaire Arthur Whitney has been murdered at his own birthday party, and his killer could be any one of the guests. The entire world of this hilarious musical is brought to life by two incredible performers: one plays the detective, the other plays all 10 suspects, and both play the piano.
“The Twenty-Seventh Man ,” Feb. 14 – March 15
In a Soviet prison in 1952, Stalin’s secret police have rounded up 26 writers, the giants of Yiddish literature in Russia. As judgment looms, a 27th suddenly appears: a teenager, unpublished and unknown.
“The White Snake,” March 21 – April 26
Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman creates an enchanting theatrical spectacle with live music and sumptuous visuals. In this visionary staging of a classic Chinese fable, a gentle serpent transforms into a beautiful woman. She falls in love with a dashing young man and decides to stay human forever, until a wicked monk discovers her true identity and vows to destroy her.
“Buyer & Cellar,” April 4 – May 3
What’s a renowned diva to do with decades of memories that light the corners of her mind? And where to put the acres of memorabilia bursting the seams of her Malibu estate? If you’re Barbra Streisand, you enshrine them in a mini-mall in your basement where you can pretend to go shopping!
“Arms and the Man,” May 9 – June 14
This is George Bernard Shaw’s most romantic comedy. The beautiful Raina Petkoff is about to marry the heroic soldier Sergius. But the battlefield sweeps into her boudoir when an enemy soldier takes refuge under her bed.
The Globe plans one more production, a new American play to be announced, running May 23 – June 21.
The Tony Award-winning Old Globe is one of the country’s leading professional regional theatres and has stood as flagship arts institution in San Diego for over 75 years.
— From an Old Globe press release
