ROSE COLORED GLASS


by Susan Bigelow-Marsh — September 18 – October 11

NCRT is very pleased to kick off the season with this charming play written by local playwright Susan Bigelow-Marsh. The action takes place in the back kitchens of Lady O'Riley's Pub and Rose Fleishman's Delicatessen in Chicago during 1938-39. Their disparate worlds, separated by much more than the alley between their kitchens, are about to collide. Peg O'Riley, the 13-year-old granddaughter of Lady, has grown determined that these two very different women will become friends, but it is not until they become involved in the same “cause” that this friendship has a chance to bloom.


THE GLASS MENAGERIE

by Tennessee Williams
November 13 – December 6

Amanda Wingfield is a faded tragic remnant of Southern gentility who lives in poverty in a dingy St. Louis apartment with her son, Tom, and her daughter, Laura. Amanda strives to give meaning and direction to her life and the lives of her children, though her methods are ineffective and irritating. The arrival of a gentleman caller for Laura raises the family’s hopes for a better future. One of the most famous plays of the modern theatre, this is a drama of great tenderness, charm and beauty. Winner of the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play.



BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS

by Neil Simon
January 22 – February 14

Part one of Neil Simon’s autobiographical trilogy, set in 1937. Eugene (the young Neil Simon) is the teen-aged narrator and central character. His mind is full of fiercely fantasized dreams of baseball and dimly fantasized images of girls. The play captures a few days in the life of a struggling Jewish household that includes Eugene’s hard-working father, his sharp-tongued mother, a widowed aunt, siblings and cousins. As Eugene’s father says, “If you don’t have a problem, you wouldn’t live in this house.” “In many respects his funniest, richest and consequently the most affecting of his plays.”—N.Y. Daily News.



HAMLET

by William Shakespeare
March 18 – April 10

An ancient story of treachery, lechery and lies. A modern story of angst, anger and revenge. A timeless story of duty, desire and death—it is the tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, as told in a dark vision for dark days. Don’t miss this unique production directed by actor/director/teacher James Floss.



CABARET

book by Joe Masteroff, music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb
May 20 – June 12

It’s the marvelous musical that everybody loves! Winner of twelve Tony Awards. The scene is a nightclub in Berlin, as the Twenties are drawing to a close. The Master of Ceremonies assures us that, whatever our troubles, we will forget them at the Cabaret. Musical numbers include “Cabaret,” “Willkommen,” “Two Ladies,” “The Money Song”, and many more. Join us for a fabulous night centered around the outrageous Kit Kat Club! “The best musical on Broadway” – Clive Barnes, N.Y. Post.



THE MISS FIRECRACKER CONTEST

by Beth Henley
July 23 – August 14

A long Off-Broadway success, this explosively funny play again demonstrates Pulitzer Prize winner Henley’s unique gift for finding rich lodes of humor—and simple wisdom—in the zany activities of small-town life. The story takes place in Brookhaven, Mississippi where Carnell Scott is rehearsing furiously for the Miss Firecracker Contest. The unexpected arrival of her cousin Elain complicates matters a bit, as does the repeated threat of Elain’s eccentric brother, Delmount, to sell the family homestead. “The evening’s torrential downpour of humor almost never subsides.” – The N.Y. Times.