A rock musical starring the first “populist” President and founder of the Democratic party, a beautiful witch with a conscience struggling in Manhattan to wield her powers morally, and a play with a NSFW title are just a few of the plays coming to San Francisco.
SF Playhouse announced its tenth season, 2012-2013 season. The line-up includes 6 plays, and kicks off this October.
The mainstage season opens with rock musical, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, an election time visit with our first “populist” President, founder of the Democratic party, a rock star of his time, who left an indelible imprint on our American character.
For the Holiday season, a seldom performed American comedy, Bell, Book and Candle byJohn Van Druten takes the audience to mid-century Manhattan, where a beautiful witch with a conscience struggles to wield her powers morally.
Next up, Stephen Adly Guirgis’ — who more than any other playwright, has defined what San Francisco Playhouse has become — The Motherf***** With the Hat, a hit Broadway comedy of 12-step programs, personal responsibility and haberdashery.
Reasons to be Pretty, another Broadway hit by Neil LaBute (which we last saw at San Jose Stage Company), follows the rocky path of a working class guy who casually remarks that his girl’s looks are “just OK.”
Turning to the unique voice of Mike Leigh comes Abigail’s Party, an all-night drink-a-thon set in 1978 with a motley crew of social climbers.
A revival of Arthur Miller’s seldom performed first play, The Man Who Had All the Luck closes out the main-stage season with a look at the depression years and a man with a lucky break who may be broken by his own luck.
In addition SF Playhouse announced the Sandbox series of world premieres, which feature its own commissions. In the Fall, Bauer, by Lauren Gunderson, will shed light on a gifted artist, a contemporary of Kandinski, who mysteriously stopped painting, just as he was becoming well-known. Rounding out the eight-show season, the second Sandbox show will be selected from commissions currently in development by playwrights Steve Yockey, Dan Hoyle, Bill, Bivins, and Aaron Loeb.
SF Playhouse 10th Season: 2012-2013
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson
Written by Alex Timbers, Music and lyrics by Michael Friedman, Directed by Jon Tracy
October 9th to November 24th, opens October 13th
He may or may not have used his blazing Stratocaster to drive the Indians West or force the Spanish out of Florida – the history is unclear. But we know for sure that ti was his controversial presidency doubled the size of this, our fair country, and set the stage for a fabulous Broadway Musical.
Bell, Book and Candle
By John Van Druten, Directed by Bill English
December 4 to January 19th, opens December 8th
Bewitched, bothered and bewildered. That’s what happens when you fall in love with a witch. But is it worth it? Our good witch (well, fairly good) Gillian risks everything – if she falls for him she could lose her magical powers forever. A romantic, Christmas Eve comedy from the 50’s.
The Motherf*****with the Hat
Written by Stephen Adly Guirgis, Directed by Bill English
January 29 to March 16th, opens February 2nd
This high-octane, verbal cage match about love, fidelity, and misplaced haberdashery comes straight from the playwright of Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train, Den of Thieves, and Our Lady of 121st Street. Jackie and Veronica have been in love since the eighth grade. Nothing can come between them. Except a hat.
Reasons to be Pretty
Written by Neil LaBute, Directed by Susi Damilano
March 26th to May 11th, opens March 30th
You. Me. America. This bristling comedy confronts our collective obsession with physical beauty. See what happens when Greg, a working-class guy in a long-term relationship, inadvertently remarks to a friend that, compared to a pretty coworker, his girlfriend is “regular.”
Abigail’s Party
By Mike Leigh, Directed by Amy Glazer
May 21st to July 6th, opens May 25th
A biting, disco infused satire of British suburbia in the 70’s is a party only Mike Leigh could conceive. Stolen straight from real life, these friends test the strength of the ties that bind.
The Man Who Had All the Luck
By Arthur Miller
July 16 to September 14th, opens July 20th
What do you do when everything goes right for you, while those around you suffer? Maybe you deserve it. Or maybe you’re just lucky, and it’s only a matter of time before your luck runs out. This little known Arthur Miller gem explores fate and freedom, and asks how much of our lives really belong to us.
