Alabama Shakespeare Festival 2010-2011 Season
World Premiere!
The Nacirema Society Requests the Honor of Your Presence at a Celebration of Their First One Hundred Years
by Pearl CleageSept. 24 - Oct. 3, 2010
Every year since Emancipation, the Nacirema Society of Montgomery, Alabama, introduces six elegant African-American debutantes to a world of wealth, privilege and social responsibility. This year, at its 100th anniversary, with young love brewing, old flames simmering and national media on hand-what could go awry? Plenty! Don't miss this sparkling and sassy new romantic comedy that features television, film and Broadway star Jasmine Guy!
A.A. Milne's The House at Pooh Corner
Adapted by Bettye KnappSept. 25 - Oct 16, 2010 Saturdays ONLY !
Christopher Robin is being sent away to school - in Africa! Meanwhile, Eeyore needs a new house built so he doesn't catch pneumonia! What to do? An emergency meeting has been called. Should everyone run away to the South Pole (the other side of the berry patch)? Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Kanga, Roo and Tigger have big problems to solve in this entertaining and delightful slice of family fun.
Holiday Encore!
Peter Pan
Lyrics by Carolyn LeighMusic by Mark Charlap
Additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Nov. 19 - Dec. 24, 2010
ASF revives this family musical sensation! Join Peter, Wendy and Tinker Bell on an enchanted flight to Neverland where they join the Lost Boys and take on the dreaded Captain Hook. This amazing production features classic songs including "I'm Flying," "Pirate Song," "I Won't Grow Up," "I've Got to Crow," and many more.
One Week Only!
Bear Country
By Michael VigilantJan 13 - 23, 2011
ASF's Octagon stage's biggest hit ever returns with Rodney Clark reprising his role as Paul "Bear" Bryant for a limited encore engagement. But this time experience the famed Alabama football coach on a reconceived set on the Festival stage! Sit in the stands and absorb the wit, wisdom and life journey of a man who started life as the child of a dirt poor sharecropper and went on to become an Alabama icon and the national standard by which college coaches are judged.
Two ASF World Premieres Marking the Civil War Sesquicentennial
(based on true characters and events)
The Flagmaker of Market Street
By Elyzabeth Gregory WilderFeb. 4 - March 19, 2011
By day George Cowles is a respected Montgomery merchant whose store produced the very first Confederate flag. But by night, Cowles is a Unionist who is secretly running anti-Confederate meetings and supplying the North with vital military information. When a customer becomes suspicious of his activities, Cowles' life and the lives of everyone close to him are placed in jeopardy.
Blood Divided
By Jeffry L. ChastangFeb. 18 - March 20, 2011
It is 1861 and Montgomery, Alabama is a hotbed of political activity. Dr. William Baldwin, one the city's most prominent citizens, is vocal against secession and proves his convictions by freeing his slaves. But fire and brimstone politician William Lowndes Yancey is for war and hell bent on bringing everyone within his reach, including Baldwin's teenage son, to the Confederate side. Friends, family members and community clash in this gripping story that is both heartening and heartbreaking.
Blood Divided is a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New American Plays award.
Spring Repertory Season
Moonlight and Magnolias
By Ron HutchinsonApril 8 - May 29, 2011
Frankly, my dear, does anybody give a damn? Imagine this: the production of the epic movie Gone with the Wind has stopped, the director's been fired and the screenplay deemed unworkable! A new writer is brought on board to turn this bomb into blockbuster - but can he do it in a week? Creative forces clash, the press hounds, and Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh wait impatiently for their lines in this hilarious fast-paced comedy.
Much Ado About Nothing
By William ShakespeareApril 14 - May 21, 2011
Shakespeare is at his fun-loving best in this raucous comedy. Don John the wedding crasher spoils the special day of lovers Claudio and Hero by casting false aspersions on the bride. What's a woman to do when she's dumped at the altar? Well, if friends work behind the scenes to make things right, there's a chance the lovers will live happily ever after
Julius Caesar
By William ShakespeareApril 16 - May 21, 2011
Friends, Romans and Alabamians, don't miss this spectacular tale of power, betrayal and revenge. There are those in the ranks of Rome's political elite who believe Julius Caesar is becoming too arrogant and powerful. So conspirators gather to plot his murder. But Brutus and company do not quite pull off the perfect coup d'état and are forced to fight off Caesar's avenging allies, including Marc Antony, who will not rest until justice is done.
Summer Fun!
Menopause the Musical
By Jeanie LindersJuly 8 - 24, 2011
Hot flashes, night sweats, memory loss and chocolate binges have never been as funny as in this long-running smash hit. Menopause is a hilarious celebration of women who are on the brink of, in the middle of or have survived The Change. The show features 25 parodies of classic baby boomer hits including "Hot Flash" ("Heat Wave"), "My Thighs" ("My Guy") and "Stayin' Awake" ("Stayin' Alive").