Newcastle’s Heartwood Regional Theater Company, sponsored this season by Bath Savings Institution, is announcing a very full 14th season, with three synergistic areas of programming: main-stage productions with adults and professionals, special events, and youth programming.
The company’s long-term dedication to student education continues with a high-energy Broadway song-and-dance review titled “CenterStage ’16” and the tender story of four strong women in “These Shining Lives.” Both shows are collaborations with Lincoln Academy. Additionally, Heartwood will offer the E.B. White classic “Charlotte’s Web,” for Midcoast youths in grades three through eight, and Summer Camp ’17 for students of all ages.
Spring 2017 will bring “Eurydice,” by Sarah Ruhl, with professional actors in principal roles. Modern and classical at the same time, this piece touches many emotions. Evocative and sensuous imagery, at times whimsical and highly emotional, make Ruhl’s thoughtful, philosophical writing largely unparalleled by her contemporaries.
It’s time for another Heartwood summer musical, to be delivered next July: “Into the Woods,” by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. This delightful production will focus on the brilliant lyrics and rhythms inherent in Sondheim works, with Sean Fleming at the keyboard and a cast of 14 amazing performers from across the country.
Three special events fill out the calendar, beginning in December with the old time Lux Radio Theatre show version of Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” titled “Merry Christmas, George Bailey.” Heartwood produced this wildly popular show (performed at Skidompha Public Library’s atrium) in 2009 and is pleased to restage this classic with a new cast in the Parker B. Poe Theater. It is family fare for all ages, with music, storytelling, and the good old feel of live radio.
In January, actor and writer Susan Stein will present “Etty,” her poignant memoir of Etty Hillesum. This thoughtful one-woman show brings humanity and dignity to a character living through unbearable times. Stein will also be in residence at Lincoln Academy for a day, connecting with high school students.
There is a new play in the works, too: “Down Along the Cove,” a vignette-driven play, set in a fictional small town in coastal Maine. Eight to 10 actors will work with author and director Griff Braley through the season to prepare a single workshop reading open to the public.
There is nothing like live theater – and Heartwood Regional Theater Company has much in store for audiences this season. For details, go to heartwoodtheater.org or phone 563-1373.
