Susanna Gellert, Executive Artistic Director of Weston Theater Company (WTC), formerly known as Weston Playhouse Theatre Company, announces the 86th season of Vermont's oldest, award-winning professional theater; and introduces audiences to Weston's rebranding.
“We are very excited to launch our 2022 season by introducing you to our new name and look,” Gellert said in a news release. “Our rebranding came together through conversations with members of our community and our artistic family.”
She said the new name “unites the historic Playhouse and our new venue, Walker Farm, under one moniker and reminds us all of the place we call home. It is timeless and fresh, and it embraces our history at the same time it looks forward to our future.
“Weston produced exceptional theater against all odds in the summer of 2021,” Gellert said. “This year, we will bring forward a season of belonging. We will share stories full of love and hope, stories that center on the power of theater to bring us together and remind us of all that we have in common.”
Weston's Young Company will start the season with Shrek: The Musical; music by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home) and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. “Follow Shrek,” say organizers, “that lovable, stinky ogre, on his quest to save quirky, captivating Princess Fiona.” The production will premiere outdoors at Walker Farm and tour throughout the state Wednesday, June 22, through Sunday, July 10.
Next at Walker Farm is Marry Me A Little, with music and lyrics by the late Stephen Sondheim, conceived and developed by Craig Lucas and Norman René.
According to the news release, Sondheim's “'songs that got away' breathe life into the yearnings of two single dreamers who live in the same building, just one floor between them. [It's a] charming and bittersweet musical revue featuring songs from Company, A Little Night Music, and other favorites.” Performances run Wednesday, July 6, through Saturday, July 30.
The first show at The Playhouse is Hair, book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado; music by Galt MacDermot. Organizers invite audiences to “celebrate the summer of love with a group of young Americans ready to create a world of harmony and understanding. For the first time ever,” they say, “this legendary musical bursts onto the Playhouse stage with its award-winning score, which includes hits such as 'Good Morning, Starshine' and 'Aquarius.'” Performances run Wednesday, July 20, through Saturday, Aug. 13.
Next on stage at The Playhouse is Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling. “Six friends gather for hairdos, manicures, juicy gossip, and witty banter in Truvy's salon,” according to the news release. “Anybody who's anybody is a regular. Through thick and thin, these six women form friendships strong as steel - friendships they are forced to lean on when tragedy strikes.” Performances run Thursday, Aug. 18, through Sunday, Sept. 4.
Closing out the season at Walker Farm is Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie, devised by David M. Lutken with Nick Corley and Darcie Deaville, Helen Jean Russell and Andy Teirstein, directed by co-author Nick Corley with music direction by David M. Lutken.
Four performers playing more than 20 instruments paint a portrait of “America's great troubadour, Woody Guthrie, whose songs brought joy and understanding to generations of Americans,” say organizers. Songs include “This Land Is Your Land” and “Bound for Glory.” Performances run Wednesday, Sept. 28, through Sunday, Oct. 23.
Subscriptions in 2022 are “Pick-Your-Price” and go on sale in April. Single ticket sales will be available online and by calling the Weston Box Office at 802-824-5288 beginning May 23. According to organizers, “subscribers get the best seats, early access to additional show tickets and special events, waived ticket exchange fees, and special, discounted pricing for guests.”
Child and student tickets are available for $25, as are limited VTix for residents with a Vermont ID.
WTC reports they are committed to protecting the health and safety of patrons, volunteers, staff, and artists as much as possible and continue to monitor local, state, and federal guidance to welcome the community back to the theater safely this summer. Learn more at westontheater.org.