Hope Summer Repertory Theatre (HSRT) opens a 32nd season of professional theatre filled with dancing, laughter, and drama. The season opens Friday, June 13, with the classic musical "Guys and Dolls."
HSRT also presents "The Game of Love and Chance," a comedy about love; the "Caine Mutiny Court-Martial," a courtroom drama; and "Once Upon A Mattress," a family musical, all on the DeWitt mainstage.
A contemporary and moving story on the impact of the September 11 event, "The Guys," will be in Snow Auditorium, and the popular cabaret show returns to downtown Holland with "The World Goes Round."
"Guys and Dolls," with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, is one of most successful plays of all time. Classic songs like "Luck Be A Lady," and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat," are part of this now legendary Broadway hit from the 1950s. Add in HSRT veterans Dana Snyder, David Colacci, and Chip DuFord, and you have a sure-fire evening of great entertainment. "Guys and Dolls" opens at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 13, with additional evening shows on June 14, 17, 18, 19, 23 and 25; July 1, 3, 8, 10, 16, 19, 22, 24 and 29; and August 1. There will be an additional 2 p.m. show on July 29.
"The Game of Love and Chance," written by the French writer Marivaux, and adapted by Stephen Wadsworth, faces off the comedic geniuses of Dana Snyder ("Irma Vep," "Rumors") and Brandy McClendon ("Rumors," "Sylvia"). What are parents to do? They try very politely to arrange a marriage, and the children decide they want a realistic look at their prospective partners! An 18th century comedy with a timeless theme and ageless humor directed by Daina Robins. This great comedy opens at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 20, with additional shows on June 21, 24, 26, 28 and 30; and July 2, 9, 14 and 17.
"The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial," adapted for stage and film by Herman Wouk, is not simply a story about guilt or innocence, but a story of justice. The original JAG, WWII naval officer Stephen Maryk is charged with mutiny after taking command from Lt. Cmdr. Queeg of the U.S.S. Caine. Obie-award winning director Thomas Bullard returns to lead David Colacci and Mark Goetzinger in this riveting drama. Jury members will be made up of local community members and selected audience members. "The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial" opens at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 11, with additional shows on July 12, 15, 18, 23 and 30; and August 5 and 8.
The main stage season concludes with the uproarious musical "Once Upon A Mattress." While Prince Dauntless the Drab awaits a bride, his scheming mother, Queen Agravain, decides to keep the boy to herself by creating a series of impossible tasks for a possible bride to pass. Brandy McClendon, perhaps the funniest Wicked Witch of the West ever ("Wizard of Oz"), is Princess Winnifred the Woebegone. Based on the Princess and the Pea fairytale, the story was updated for adults and children alike, with music by Mary Rodgers, and book by Jay Thompson, Marshall Barer, and Dean Fuller. "Once Upon A Mattress" opens at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 25, with additional evening shows on July 26, 28 and 31; and August 2, 4, 6, 7 and 9. There will be an additional 2 p.m. show on July 31.
Snow Auditorium will play host to one of most moving and compelling contemporary dramas. "The Guys," recently released as a major motion picture, is a look at the aftermath of the September 11 tragedy. While a New York journalist tries to make sense of the events, a grieving fire captain approaches her, faced with giving the eulogies for most of the men in his company. "This is why we have theatre," said the "Los Angeles Times." The show features veteran actors Susan Ericksen and Mark Goetzinger. Former HSRT veteran, and current NYC firefighter David Morkal, will be at some of the shows to lead "talk back" sessions. Due to intensity of the material, this play is not recommended for young children. "The Guys" opens at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 27, in Snow Auditorium, with additional shows on June 28 and 30; July 2, 9, 14, 17, 26, 28 and 31; and August 2.
The World Goes 'Round" is HSRT's cabaret show, now in its sixth year. Featuring the ingenious lyrics and great music from the collaboration of Broadway legends Kander and Ebb, this show makes for an unforgettable evening. "The World Goes 'Round" opens at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, with additional shows on July 7, 9, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 23 and 30; and August 5. Check out the new location, the Park Theatre on River Avenue near 10th Street.
The DeWitt Theatre box office opens for season subscriptions on Friday, May 23, and single ticket sales begin Tuesday, May 27. The box office will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays. On performance dates, the box office will be open through intermission.
The box office is located in the DeWitt Cultural Center at 12th Street and Columbia Avenue. Tickets or additional information may be obtained by calling the box office at (616) 395-7890.