The Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s 51st season includes acclaimed musicals and plays, and just a touch of Shakespeare.
The theater announced its 2022-2023 season at an event in Montgomery.
“This upcoming season includes something for everyone,” said ASF Artistic Director Rick Dildine in a news release. “As we put together this slate of shows, we considered the diversity of our region; all with the goal of fulfilling our mission to build community.”
“Each production responds to our commitment to transformative theatre,” said Dildine. “All humans have the capacity for transformation, and each of these stories speaks to an aspect of change. The transformative power of music will play a particularly integral role in this season’s slate.”
Here’s a look at ASF’s coming season, taken from ASF press material:
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”: Dec. 1 – 31, 2022
Written by Joe Landry
This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers the impact of his life one fateful Christmas Eve. Kate Bergstrom will make her directorial debut leading a cast of five actors who will use sound effects, singing and quick character changes to bring to life this iconic American story. This production is perfect for all ages.
“Jubilee”: Jan. 5 – 29, 2023
Written by Tazewell Thompson
“A known showman” with a “gift for stirring theatricality,” playwright and director Tazewell Thompson brings an innovative and heart-stirring score to life with this inspirational a cappella tribute inspired by real life. The world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers shattered racial barriers in the U.S. and abroad, entertaining kings and queens. For more than 150 years, the bold a cappella African American ensemble born on the campus of one of the nation’s premiere HBCUs has blended their rich voices together to share a heritage of suffering, strength and endurance. Under the musical direction of Alabama State University’s Dr. Joel Jones, this production features uplifting spirituals and hymns including “Wade in the Water,” “Ain’t That Good News,” “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen.” This a cappella performance with more than three dozen songs is sure to ignite audiences of every generation.
“The Tempest”: Feb. 23 – March 19, 2023
By William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s final play is a story of adventure, magic, music, and forgiveness. Prospero has been exiled on an island with his daughter for more than a decade when he conjures a storm that crashes his enemies on the island in a violent shipwreck. What follows is a story that asks, “How do we forgive and move on after we have been harmed?” Rick Dildine directs, and ASF alumnus Greta Lambert stars as Prospero.
“Million Dollar Quartet”: April 13 – May 7, 2023
Written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux
On December 4, 1956, a twist of fate brought together Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley at Sun Records in Memphis. “Million Dollar Quartet” is a celebration of the contagious spirit, freewheeling excitement and thrilling sounds of the once-in-a-lifetime event where four of music’s best talents came together. This is a rocking night of classic music.
“Clyde’s”: May 11 – May 21, 2023
Written by Lynn Nottage
Creating the perfect sandwich is the shared quest of the formerly incarcerated kitchen staff of Clyde’s, a truck stop cafe. Even as the shop’s mischievous owner tries to keep them under her thumb, the staffers are given purpose and permission to dream — finding that “sometimes a hero is more than a sandwich.” From two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, this Tony-nominated hit from Broadway is full of laughs and insights into what it means to find your purpose. “Clyde’s” will be produced in partnership with the Equal Justice Initiative and Arkansas Repertory Theatre.
“Cabaret”: July 6 – Aug. 6, 2023
Music by John Kander | Lyrics by Fred Ebb | Book by Joe Masteroff
One of the most famous American musicals of all time — from the creators of “Chicago” — “Cabaret” takes us to 1929 Berlin during the twilight of the Jazz Age as the Nazis are ascending to power. This groundbreaking musical focuses on the nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and revolves around American writer Clifford Bradshaw and the English cabaret performer Sally Bowles. Based on the writings of Christopher Isherwood and winner of Tony Awards and Oscars, Cabaret will offer our audiences a transformative theatrical experience unlike anything they’ve ever witnessed.
Subscriptions are on sale now at ASF.net or by calling the ASF Box Office at 334-271-5353. Single tickets will go on sale for all season productions on Sept. 1.
