Three hits from the past 39 years are set to headline the Depot Theatre’s 40th Anniversary Season!
The main stage season, which includes a tribute to a legendary country singer, a fast-paced whodunit, and a sassy musical celebration of a jazz great, was selected by the Depot’s Producing Director, Kevin Cochran, whose choices were inspired by an informal survey of audiences last year.
“We’re excited to present what will be both a high-quality and crowd-pleasing lineup,” said Cochran. “These shows are a perfect backdrop to a season-long celebration of the Depot’s longevity and significance as part of the robust Adirondack arts community.”
The season opens with Always…Patsy Cline, from June 30 – July 15, with a $20 Preview on June 29. The popular musical comes complete with down home country humor, heartfelt emotion, and even some audience participation. More than a tribute to the legendary country singer who died tragically young in 1963, the show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk, and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death. Musical performances include many of Patsy’s unforgettable hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams,” and “Walking After Midnight.”
The season ramps up with The 39 Steps, from July 21 – August 5, with a $20 Preview on July 20. The hilarious play is a combination of a Hitchcock masterpiece and a juicy spy novel, with a dash of Monty Python added in. This two-time Tony® and Drama Desk Award-winning show is packed with nonstop laughs, over 150 zany characters (played by a cast of four), an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers, and some good old-fashioned romance!
The final production of the main stage season is a revival of Ain’t Misbehavin’, which will be on stage from August 11-26, with a $20 Preview on August 10. Winner of the 1978 Tony® Award for Best Musical and a well-crafted musical review, audiences will love this celebration of legendary jazz great, Fats Waller, complete with a live band.
“We’re looking forward to a summer full of fan-favorite shows and special events to celebrate this Anniversary Season,” said Kim Rielly, Depot Theatre’s executive director. “Look for upcoming announcements about additional special presentations and be sure to save the date for our 40th Anniversary benefit celebration on June 30!”
Auditions will be held regionally and in New York City in the spring.
Group and single tickets will go on sale in late spring, and season subscriptions will be available for sale online in February at depottheatre.org.
Depot Theatre 2018 Main Stage Productions*
ALWAYS… PATSY CLINE
June 30 – July 15, with a $20 Preview on June 29
Created and originally directed by Ted Swindley – based on a true story.
Author: Ted Swindley
Author’s Representative: Joan Kovats
Business Management: Melanie Clark
Original Music Director: Vicki Masters
Band and Vocal Orchestrations: August Eriksmoen, Tony Migliore
Legal Counsel: Clair G. Burrill, Richard Garmise, Sawnie R. Alderedge
LICENSED BY THE FAMILY AND ESTATE OF PATSY CLINE. All rights reserved.
ORIGINAL CAST ALBUM AVAILABLE ON MCA.
THE 39 STEPS
July 21 – August 5, with a $20 Preview on July 20
Adapted by Patrick Barlow
From the novel by John Buchan
From the movie by Alfred Hitchcock
Licensed by ITV Global Entertainment Limited
And an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’
August 11-26, with a $20 Preview on August 10
The FATS WALLER Musical Show
Conceived by RICHARD MALTBY, JR. and MURRAY HORWITZ
Created and Originally Directed by RICHARD MALTBY, JR.
Original Choreography and Musical Staging by ARTHUR FARIA
Musical Adaptations, Orchestrations & Arrangements by LUTHER HENDERSON
Vocal & Musical Concepts by JEFFREY GUTCHEON
Musical Arrangements by JEFFREY GUTCHEON & WILLIAM ELLIOTT
Originally produced by The Manhattan Theatre Club
Originally produced on Broadway by Emanuel Azenberg, Dasha Epstein, The Shubert Organization, Jane Gaynor & Ron Dante
*ALL TITLES AND DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
ABOUT THE DEPOT THEATRE
The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2018 Season, its 40th, is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Essex County Arts Council.