The Hope Summer Repertory Theatre is ready to launch into another extraordinary season, again bringing a broad variety of plays to various venues as it celebrates its 28th year.
The season opens June 25 with the classic musical, Man of La Mancha, directed by Thomas Bullard, eight-time HSRT veteran. This interpretation of the Don Quixote tale will feature Equity Guest Artist Fabio Palanco in the title role, along with audience favorite Dana Snyder, whom many remember from The Compleat Wks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged). One of the most popular musicals of time, this performance will inspire you again to dream the impossible dream.
On July 9 HSRT goes to the dogs with Sylvia, one of today's most popular comedies. A side-splitting team of Dana Snyder, Jean Reed Bahle, and newcomers Brandy McClendon and Mark Waterman hilariously pit Man and Dog against Wife and Home. The evening will also feature a pre-show visit from some puppy pals from the Ottawa Shores Humane Society. Sylvia is directed by James Saba, returning for his sixth season with HSRT. Saba, also directing the Children's Performance Series, is well known to audience members for his comic genius as seen in The Nerd, The Odd Couple, and The Compleat Wks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged).
Twelve Angry Men opens July 23, carrying the audience into the courtroom to explore the drama of twelve ordinary citizens faced with jury duty and a life hanging precariously in the balance of the legal system. This riveting production is directed by Hope College faculty member Daina Robins, who's past HSRT directing credits include Cinderella, The Turn of the Screw, and Dancing at Lughnasa. Twelve Angry Men features Harrison Long, who has appeared in numerous HSRT productions (notably Chaps! and The Glass Menagerie) and Equity Guest Artist Mark Waterman. After the show there will be a talkback with the cast and a local attorney.
HSRT cleans up its act with SUDS, opening August 6. This early 1960's rock n' roll "soap" opera takes place inside the Fluff and Fold Laundromat and tells the story of Cindy, a teenager visited by a pair of gutsy guardian angels. SUDS will be directed by Artistic Director David Colacci and features the return of the talented Susan Ericksen to the main stage.
Shakespeare returns with his last and greatest play, The Tempest, opening July 2. In an unusual new staging, this Elizabethan classic will appear in the intimate setting of Hope College's Snow Auditorium that audiences have grown to love. Directed by Susan Ericksen, it features Harrison Long and Wilson Michaels, another HSRT veteran, who can be remembered from 42nd Street and 1776 among others.
On July 6, HSRT is Back to Backstreet!, bringing an all-new line up of song and dance from the Broadway stage to downtown Holland. Fred Tessler is again directing this popular cabaret extravaganza that takes place at Backstreet Restaurant and Brew Pub on 6th Street. With a dinner/theatre option, patrons can enjoy fine continental dining as well as the dazzling musical talents of the company.
The popular Children's Performance Series will also return with two shows: Free to Be…You and Me opening July 16, and the musical Mutiny in the Library, opening July 28. Both are directed Saba, and promise to be a delight for children and adults alike.
The ticket office is now open. It is located on Hope College's campus, in the DeWitt Center on the corner of 12th Street and Columbia Avenue. Ticket prices range from $6-22, and vary with show and venue. Season coupons and group discounts are also available. Ticket office hours are 10-5 Monday through Friday, noon-5 on Saturday, and one hour before all showtimes. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 616-395-7890.