Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Magic Theatre Announces 2010-2011 Season
Magic Theatre announced its 2010-2011 Season:
The west coast premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s The Brothers Size, an unforgettable tale of brotherhood directed by Octavio Solis
The world premiere of Theresa Rebeck’s What We’re Up Against, a subversive comedy about men, women, and survival in the workplace directed by Loretta Greco
The west coast premiere of Liz Duffy Adams’ Or, a cross-dressing contemporary restoration comedy directed by Loretta Greco
The rolling world premiere of The Lily’s Revenge, a fantastical 5-hour cornucopia of theatre, party, and circus, written by and starring playwright and burlesque performer Taylor Mac.
Magic will also continue the development of new plays in the Martha Heasley Cox Virgin Play Series. These works-in-progress are presented as staged readings throughout theatres and cafes in San Francisco.
Details about the season will be shared in a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, April 13th at 6:30pm at Magic Theatre. Artistic Director Loretta Greco and special guest artists will share behind-the-scenes information about Magic’s exciting plans for next year. This event is free and open to the public.
You can find out a lot more detail about every play, its schedule and the playwrights/directors by visiting the Magic Theatre web site: www.magictheatre.org
Details about the season will be shared in a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, April 13th at 6:30pm at Magic Theatre. Artistic Director Loretta Greco and special guest artists will share behind-the-scenes information about Magic’s exciting plans for next year. This event is free and open to the public.
You can find out a lot more detail about every play, its schedule and the playwrights/directors by visiting the Magic Theatre web site: www.magictheatre.org
Labels: Magic Theatre, San Francisco Theatre
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Hits are in the air...for the Magic and San Jose Stage
Apparently Bay Area theatre goers enjoy attending theatre in May/June, because today I received two different emails about shows being extended past their original runs:
1. San Jose Stage Company is putting on a show that sounds...interesting...to say the least, namely:
THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL
Music and Lyrics by David Nehls
Book by Betsy Kelso
May 27 - July 5, 2009
There's a new tenant at Armadillo Acres, and she wreaking havoc all over Florida's most exclusive trailer park. When Pippi, the stripper on the run, comes between the Dr. Phil-loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband, the storms begin to brew. The Village Voice calls it "a show that actually lives up to the hype of its title." and, according to Broadway.com, "a sparkling, sharp irreverence lights up this musical and makes it one of the most laugh-out-loud shows in town."
According to the audience reviews on Artsopolis, it's the best thing since sliced bread.
But hey, see for yourself, they've got a clip on YouTube:
2. The Magic Theatre has extended another intriguing piece, called Mauritius:
MAURITIUS
By Theresa Rebeck
May 23 – June 28, 2009
Who knew stamp collecting could be so dangerous? A young woman unknowingly discovers the rarest of stamps in her dead mother’s inheritance. Can she maneuver her way past scheming collectors, greedy dealers, and her own sister all the way to the bank? Pulitzer Prize nominated and Emmy Award winner Rebeck weaves a wickedly smart thriller that will keep your eyes on the prize!
Have you seen either of these hot hits?
1. San Jose Stage Company is putting on a show that sounds...interesting...to say the least, namely:
THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL
Music and Lyrics by David Nehls
Book by Betsy Kelso
May 27 - July 5, 2009
There's a new tenant at Armadillo Acres, and she wreaking havoc all over Florida's most exclusive trailer park. When Pippi, the stripper on the run, comes between the Dr. Phil-loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband, the storms begin to brew. The Village Voice calls it "a show that actually lives up to the hype of its title." and, according to Broadway.com, "a sparkling, sharp irreverence lights up this musical and makes it one of the most laugh-out-loud shows in town."
According to the audience reviews on Artsopolis, it's the best thing since sliced bread.
But hey, see for yourself, they've got a clip on YouTube:
2. The Magic Theatre has extended another intriguing piece, called Mauritius:
MAURITIUS
By Theresa Rebeck
May 23 – June 28, 2009
Who knew stamp collecting could be so dangerous? A young woman unknowingly discovers the rarest of stamps in her dead mother’s inheritance. Can she maneuver her way past scheming collectors, greedy dealers, and her own sister all the way to the bank? Pulitzer Prize nominated and Emmy Award winner Rebeck weaves a wickedly smart thriller that will keep your eyes on the prize!
Have you seen either of these hot hits?
Labels: Magic Theatre, San Jose Stage
Sunday, January 11, 2009
In case you were wondering what's up with the Magic Theatre
Per my earlier post the Magic Theatre joined other local theatres in being in dire straits.
They are very very close to their $350K goal (only $39,500 away), and if they reach it an anonymous donor will give them another $100K.
But KCBS is reporting that it is far from a done deal that they'll raise that last remaining piece.
They've gone into rehearsal on their next play assuming they will make it.
I've given a bit, how about you?
They are very very close to their $350K goal (only $39,500 away), and if they reach it an anonymous donor will give them another $100K.
But KCBS is reporting that it is far from a done deal that they'll raise that last remaining piece.
They've gone into rehearsal on their next play assuming they will make it.
I've given a bit, how about you?
Labels: Magic Theatre
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Another theatre doing a desperate fundraising drive, this time The Magic
If you visit San Francisco's Magic Theatre's web site today you'll be greeted by this notice:
What with AMTSJ closing its doors, and Shakespeare Santa Cruz needing to do a desperate plea like the Magic's, these are not good times for arts organizations.
And while the Magic might do theatre a bit more off the beaten path, commercially-speaking, AMT had tried to stay in there by doing absolutely commercial shows.
So, what theatre is doing really well financially, I wonder? Anyone know?
Hat tip: Bay Area Stage & Screen
MAGIC THEATRE ON THE VERGE OF CLOSING
Please donate now to save this treasure of American Theatre
San Francisco's nationally acclaimed new plays theatre, MAGIC THEATRE, is on the brink of shutting its doors. Now in the midst of a staff shutdown, MAGIC may be forced to cancel the remainder of its season and close for good. To keep our doors open we must raise $350,000 by January 9, 2009. This will allow us to bring back our staff, go on with our season, and remain responsible to our creditors. You can make a difference! Please help us save this historic institution.
Our core value of risk over commercial gain makes MAGIC a challenging endeavor in any economy, and in going forward, MAGIC is committed to a new model of financial stability for a new world-- without compromising our mission. Today however, MAGIC's accumulated debt of $600,000, combined with sharp declines in earned and contributed revenue due to the global economy, place us in imminent peril of shutting our doors.
For 42 years, San Francisco's MAGIC THEATRE has been central to the cultural life of the Bay Area and beyond, giving life to some of the most important, diverse, and powerful voices of contemporary American artists, including four Pulitzer Prize winners. From its humble beginnings in a Berkeley bar, MAGIC has emerged as one of the crown jewels of American Theatre. Please donate now.
The closing of MAGIC THEATRE would be a great loss for artists and audiences here and across the country. The second largest theatre in San Francisco, MAGIC employs 200 artists annually and touches the lives of tens of thousands of people. We need to keep our artists and our work on the stage!
The Board remains committed to MAGIC's new plays mission and in concert with the staff has been proactive in drastically cutting its $2 million budget by over $300,000 and raising additional funds in an attempt to close the gap between MAGIC's expenses and revenue lost as a result of the recession. With rehearsals for MAGIC's next production--Tough Titty by Oni Faida Lampley--slated to begin in early January, MAGIC must raise $350,000 within the next twelve days in order to continue its 43rd season. Please donate now.
Artistically, MAGIC is thriving, building upon its rich legacy under the artistic direction of Loretta Greco, who joined the theatre last spring. The critical success of the first two productions of this season demonstrate the rigor MAGIC passionately brings to each aspect of new play production — and the hoped for excitement, awe, and wonder that come from watching great art play out for audiences.
We need YOU to help us raise $350,000 by January 9, 2009. Please help us keep our doors open by making a donation today of $15.00 or more. Please give whatever you can to save MAGIC THEATRE. No amount is too small or too large. Each of you can make a difference.
What with AMTSJ closing its doors, and Shakespeare Santa Cruz needing to do a desperate plea like the Magic's, these are not good times for arts organizations.
And while the Magic might do theatre a bit more off the beaten path, commercially-speaking, AMT had tried to stay in there by doing absolutely commercial shows.
So, what theatre is doing really well financially, I wonder? Anyone know?
Hat tip: Bay Area Stage & Screen
Labels: Magic Theatre
