The Depot Theatre has announced the details for its 39th Season. The main stage lineup will be filled with lots of laughs, love and music as it presents three productions: a hilarious new comedy (with penguins!?); the true story of the infamous “singer” Florence Foster Jenkins; and a musical tour of 1950’s with an aspiring girl group.
“I wanted to create a season that would deliver a journey without leaving the station and I know we’ve succeeded!” said Kevin Cochran, Producing Director. “The summer of 2017 is definitely going to be a summer to remember,” said Cochran, who is also the Creative Director of the Grove Theater Center in Burbank California.
Opening the season on July 7th in its East Coast Premiere, A Brief History of Penguins & Promiscuity is an outrageous new comedy in which Victorian literature, Penguin musk, shotguns, fantasy men, and French waiters all collide in this racy look at paternity. “We’re excited that the playwright, James McLindon will be onsite working with us to make the show as crazy and unpredictable as possible,” stated Cochran.
Next up, Souvenir is a funny and touching look at the New York Socialite who thought she could sing, but couldn’t – at all! This amazing and true story about her awful, off key recitals became a sensation in the late 1930’s and early 40’s with everyone in on the joke except her (this story was told in a different way in the recent movie starring Meryl Streep and in the 2005 film Marguerite).
Closing the season, The Taffetas takes us down a musical memory lane through the fabulous fifties as we experience the story of a four woman girl group desperately trying to get on The Ed Sullivan Show. They’ll sing such classics as “Mr. Sandman”, “Johnny Angel”, “Dedicated to the One I Love”, and many, many more!
In addition, the new reading series, page2stage, will feature new works and the playwrights will be in attendance at each reading to hear your feedback and answer your questions. Come and be part of developing the plays of the future!
“We are looking forward to an entertainment packed summer. Our fearless Producing Director, Kevin Cochran, and the Depot team have put together a novel lineup of shows and play readings. And this year, you can sit in air conditioned comfort in our brand new seats!” said Amy McNamara, Depot Theatre Board President.
Season subscriptions will be available for purchase in March. Single tickets go on sale to the public on June 1. For more information, updates and program announcements, visit depottheatre.org or contact the box office at 518.962.4449. Our season sponsor is The Galley Restaurant and Marina in Westport, NY.
DETAILS ABOUT THE SEASON
A BRIEF HISTORY OF PENGUINS & PROMISCUITY
Written by James McLindon
July 7-22
A Brief History of Penguins and Promiscuity, is an outrageous new comedy by Boston playwright James McLindon. Is the stuffy but steady English Lit Professor the true father of his son? Or is it the incredibly ugly Marine Biologist? Or the obnoxious French Waiter? Or the Fedex, DHL or UPS Deliverymen? (Not to mention the aspiring Mime…) A simple question becomes hilariously convoluted when the power of Penguin Musk is unleashed on the unsuspecting mother! The LA Times named it a Best Bet that “yields plenty of laughter!”
SOUVENIR
Written by Stephen Temperley
July 28-August 6
A funny and touching look at Florence Foster Jenkins, the true story of a New York Socialite who thought she could sing, but couldn’t – at all! Her recitals became a sensation in the 1930’s with everyone in on the joke except her. Her “career” culminated with a recital at Carnegie Hall. It sold out in two hours! By the end of that concert, her understanding of music (and our understanding of her) will both change profoundly
THE TAFFETAS
Conceived by Rick Lewis
Additional Material by Arthur Whitelaw
Musical & Vocal Arrangements by Rick Lewis
August 11-27
This four woman girl group sings hit after hit of the 1950’s as they desperately try to get chosen for The Ed Sullivan Show. Songs include such classics as “Mr. Sandman”, “Johnny Angel”, “Dedicated to the One I Love”, “Where the Boys Are”, “Sincerely” and many, many more!
ABOUT THE DEPOT THEATRE
The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, 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. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre’s 2017 Season 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.