The Montverde Academy Theatre Department proudly open the 2020-21 theatre season with three live productions in October. This season will feature memorable theatrical presentations, spotlighting the Academy’s award-winning student performers who bring the characters to life surrounded by spectacular sets and brilliant costumes to captivate audiences.
This season opens with a timely piece, “Clybourne Park,” a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner. A sharp satire about the politics of race, playwright Bruce Norris designed “Clybourne Park” as scenes that bookend Lorraine Hansberry’s, “A Raisin in the Sun.” Set in 1959, Russ and Bev move to the suburbs and sell their home to the neighborhood’s first black family. Fifty years later, a young white couple buys the home in the predominantly black neighborhood, signaling a new wave of gentrification. Both scenes prompt community showdowns, pitting race against real estate.
Ticket price: $15 for “Clybourne Park” Show Dates:
Friday, October 16 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 17 – 2 p.m. matinee and 7 p.m.
The next production is, “Edges,” a non-traditional musical and exciting show written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (author of “Dear Evan Hansen”) about burgeoning adults asking classic coming-of-age questions. This contemporary song cycle carries an honest voice advocating introspection while providing a witty and honest examination of adulthood, exploring what happens when we are teetering on the edges of our lives. The songs cover universal issues of love, identity, commitment, and meaning while characters confront emotions, escape expectations, and decipher complicated relationships.
Ticket price: $15 for “Edges” Show Dates:
Thursday, October 22 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 24 – 2 p.m. matinee and 7 p.m.
Audiences will be swept up in familiar songs from the 50s and 60s with the production of “Smokey Joe’s Café.” This jukebox musical celebrates the timeless songs of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stolle, and is infectiously fun. “Smokey Joe’s Café” features dozens of cherished hits and its propulsive, nonstop energy barely leaves the audience, let alone the ensemble, time to catch their breath. There’s no narration or particular structure, just one terrific number after another, soaring through musical styles of rock, pop, soul, R&B, gospel, and doo-wop to keep toes tapping all night!
Ticket price: $8 for “Smokey Joe’s Café” Show Dates:
Thursday, October 29 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 31 – 2 p.m. matinee
Sunday, November 1 – 2 p.m. matinee
To accommodate social distancing, all tickets will only be sold through the MVA Box Office by e-mailing: BoxOffice@montverde.org. Be sure to indicate the total number of tickets and date/time desired. Cash, check, or credit card are accepted. Ticket requests are filled based on party size (e.g. a family of five will be grouped together before socially distancing the next party). Please note it will be difficult to change and/or move seats once purchased, so please try to have an accurate party size when ordering.
Anticipated seating is approximately 125 patrons. We expect tickets to sell quicker than usual. MVA Arts Alliance members received guaranteed and preferred seating for all productions. If interested in becoming a member, click HERE, or contact Mary-Kay.Rath@montverde.org to secure seating and other benefits.
Please note the following conditions in place for performances in the Sandra O. Stephens Auditorium:
- Limited socially distanced seating.
- All patrons will be temperature checked prior to entering the building.
- Face coverings must be worn throughout the time in the auditorium.
- The lobby and house open 15 minutes prior to showtime.
- Path of travel requirements are in place; ushers will assist seating and dismissal.
- No food or drinks are allowed in the theatre, nor will the concession stand be open.
- Water fountains are not available. Bottled water is available outside the theatre during intermissions.
- Patrons will not be allowed to congregate in the lobby during intermission other than for restroom use.
