- By Brett Bossard
- Entertainment
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From June 6th through the 16th, the regional premiere of John Patrick Shanley’s Doubt will begin the Hangar season. Set against the backdrop of a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, the award-winning script is the mystery-tinged story of a strong-minded nun faced with a difficult decision. Should she voice concerns about a priest’s behavior, even if she's not entirely certain of the truth? The New York Times referred to Doubt as “…remarkable! Inspired, extraordinary, tight, absorbing … a superb new drama.”
From June 21st to July 7th, the Hangar asks families to be their guest, as it presents the enchanting Broadway musical classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Associate Artistic Director Wendy Dann will direct this magical musical, based on the award-winning animated film. “Young audiences will rejoice in seeing their favorite characters live on stage, while adult audiences will take pleasure in the Hangar’s ability to approach each musical from a fresh perspective,” says Dann. “The Hangar’s history of reinterpreting classic musicals like Cats continues with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.”
Beginning July 12th, the Hangar lets the sunshine in with a three-week run of the one and only “American Tribal Love Rock Musical.” Even though the award winning musical was originally produced on Broadway in 1968, Artistic Director Kevin Moriarty thinks the time has never been better for the Hangar to let down its Hair. “Hair is one of the most unique, celebrated, and important works in musical theatre history,” he explains. Hair continues to provide an irreverent stab at the status quo almost forty years later.
The Mainstage Season continues with a world premiere drama set on America’s great frontier. From August 1st to the 11th, Bleeding Kansas will take audiences back to 1856 and a hard-livin’, hard-drinkin’ time before Kansas became a state. As homesteading farmers fight the elements to start a new life, a violent battle over ideology explodes around them. Abolitionists and pro-slavery factions descend on the territory, and a fledgling nation takes a dangerous step towards civil war. Moriarty will direct the new script by Kathryn Walat.
On August 15th, the Hangar finishes up the summer by rummaging through the classics of literature with All the Great Books (abridged). This three-man show is a goofy, prat-fall filled, whirlwind tour of 86 classic books. Moriarty thinks Books will be a perfect ending to a great summer: “This wacky play will have our audience rolling in the aisles with its wild energy and sharp intelligence.” Equal parts Monty Python, “Whose Line Is It, Anyway?”, and Cliffs Notes, All the Great Books (abridged) will run for three weeks through September 2nd.
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