For Immediate Release and Broadcast

Have the Time of Your Life at The Western Stage in 2006

The Western Stage (TWS) is launching into its fourth decade as the Central Coast’s premier regional theatre with seven not-to-be missed plays on the boards. From classic American musicals like Big River, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Meet Me in St. Louis to challenging contemporary comedies like Tom Stoppard’s The Real Thing and Ken Ludwig’s Shakespeare in Hollywood, The Western Stage is definitely the place to celebrate all the struggles and triumphs, laughter and tears, and romances and rivalries that make all of our lives such a delight…and such a mystery.

Here is what TWS has in store for 2006.

The Time of Your Life

By William Saroyan

June 9 – July 2

Pull up a barstool for William Saroyan’s Pulitzer Prize winning comedy about Nick’s waterfront saloon in San Francisco, where Joe, a kind and enigmatic regular, encourages the motley ensemble of sailors, gamblers, prostitutes, and stand-up comics who frequent the bar to follow their dreams—so that “in the time of their lives they don’t add to the misery and sorrow of the world”, but rather “smile to the infinite delight and mystery of it”.

Meet Me in St. Louis

Music and lyrics by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane

Book by Hugh Wheeler

Based on the “Kensington Stories” by Sally Benson

and the MGM musical “Meet Me in St. Louis”

July 15 – August 5

Gosh, Gum! This stage version of the classic MGM musical about the lives of the refreshingly cheerful Smith family at the turn of the 20^th century will have audiences longing for the carefree days of yore. Yet, when Mr. Smith gets a promotion that threatens to uproot his family, they suddenly face the heartbreaking possibility of leaving the only home they’ve known behind. A charming musical comedy featuring standards like “The Trolley Song”, “The Boy Next Door” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”.

Shakespeare in Hollywood

By Ken Ludwig

August 4 – 27, September 8 – 10 in Carmel

Lights, Camera, Shakespeare! It’s 1934, and the Bard’s most famous fairies, Oberon and Puck, have magically materialized on the glamorous Hollywood set of Max Reinhardt’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Blonde bombshells, movie moguls, and arrogant "asses" abound in this hilarious comical romp by the author of Crazy for You, Lend me a Tenor, and Moon Over Buffalo.

Big River, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Music and Lyrics by Roger Miller

Book by William Hauptman

Adapted from the novel by Mark Twain

October 7 - 28

Winner of the Tony for Best Musical, this re-telling of Mark Twain’s beloved classic follows the adventures of Huck, an untamable orphan, and Jim, a runaway slave, as they sing and dance their way to freedom on the Mississippi River. Featuring a country and blue grass score including the songs “Do You Want to Go to Heaven”, “Waiting for the Light to Shine”, “Muddy Water”, and “When the Sun Goes Down in the South”.

The Real Thing

By Tom Stoppard

September 15 – October 8

Tom Stoppard performs the verbal and theatrical acrobatics that have made him the greatest dramatist of his generation in this romantic comedy about love, politics, and infidelity. Henry is a stuffy playwright, his wife, Annie, a politically idealistic actress. When she asks him to help doctor a television script for an anarchist friend of hers, Henry is forced to confront some challenging questions about himself and his art - What makes a good play? Does art need to be political, or can there just be art for arts sake? When is love real, and when is it…illusion?

Inherit the Wind

By Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee

October 27 – November 9

Inspired by the legendary 1925 Scopes “Monkey” Trial…the courtroom debate that made Evolution a household name…this classic American drama is still as relevant today as it was over half a century ago. The small town of Hillsboro, Tennessee becomes the catalyst for a national controversy when a young school teacher is imprisoned for teaching his students Darwin’s theory of Evolution, leading to a fiery courtroom battle between two of the greatest lawyers of the day. At stake: the freedom of the American people.

Oliver

Music, lyrics and book by Lionel Hart

Based on the novel by Charles Dickens

December 1 - 17

Charles Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist springs to life in this Tony award winning rags-to-riches musical about a runaway orphan who becomes a London pick-pocket under the tutorage of Fagin, a notorious thief and gang leader. Featuring the songs “Food, Glorious Food,” “Where is Love”, and “As Long as He Needs Me.” A holiday treat for the entire family.

Priority season reservations are now being accepted only through the Friends of The Western Stage donation program that has received a boost through the recently established Western Stage Endowment. Call 831-755-6980 for more information. Season tickets are still the best bargain, saving subscribers up to 42% off of the door price. Season ticket packages go on sale through the ticket office on December 3 to coincide with the opening of “Wind in the Willows”, or call 831-375-2111 to place your name on the mailing list for a season brochure mailing in late winter. Single tickets go on sale in April. Groups interested in purchasing a block of tickets for a fundraiser or to celebrate a milestone for their organization should take advantage of TWS’ special group rate by calling Ron Cacas, TWS’ Marketing and Public Relations Manager, at (831) 759-6012.

Dan Tarker, Literary Associate