Bristol Valley Theater Announces 2015 Season

Bristol Valley Theater, the Finger Lakes' award-winning live, professional theater announces the line-up for their 2015 Summer Season. BVT, rated one of the top 20 Cultural Attractions by the Rochester Business Journal and voted Best Theater numerous times in the Messenger Post's Best of Ontario County, will present six plays and musicals beginning in June. 

 

“Last year, BVT celebrated its 50th Anniversary,” says Bristol Valley Executive Artistic Director, Karin Bowersock, “In 2015 we'll kick off our next 50 years with an exciting lineup that includes a mix of new titles and theatrical favorites.”

 

The season, which will run from June 11 – August 30, kicks off with Godspell 2015, conceived by John-Michael Tebelak with music and lyrics by Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz. This beloved musical based on the Gospel according to Matthew will feature new musical arrangements and updated punch lines from the recent Broadway revival. Godspell 2015  will run  June 11 -21.

 

Following Godspell is David L. Kimple's Who Is Theo? Kimple, frequently seen on stage as a BVT actor, has been developing his play since 2013. A free reading of the work-in-progress was presented at BVT that summer, but 2015 will mark the first fully-staged professional production of this original play.

 

“I'm thrilled that we're bringing Theo to the BVT stage!” says David Shane, the show's director, and BVT Associate Artistic Director. “Kimple's script is fresh, exciting and full of laughs! Our audience will be the first ever to experience it up on its feet. I can't wait!”

 

Taking place on St. Patrick's Day in New York City, Who Is Theo? features a strange man (dressed as a leprechaun!) who appears in Donna and Ellie's apartment. A sleep-deprived roommate, a novice policeman, numerous 911 calls, a little romance, and a lot of green beer mix together to make this a “must see” new American farce! The world premier production of Who Is Theo? will run June 25 – July 5.

 

The season continues with Rent by Jonathan Larson. It celebrates the joys and the heartaches of a year in the life of bohemian artists living in NYC's East Village in the early 90's. With a compelling rock score including hits such as “Seasons of Love,” Rent is the Broadway sensation that lit up the Silver Screen, toured the nation for over and decade, and won the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. This contemporary classic comes to the BVT stage July 9 – 19.

 

Next up is a laugh out loud look at what really goes on when the lights go out in Black Comedy. It's the biggest night of Brindsley's life and he's pulled out all the stops to impress his flighty new fiancee, including embellishing his humble apartment with furniture “borrowed” from an absentee neighbor. When the lights go out, Brindsley struggles to salvage the evening, but the unexpected return of the neighbor – not to mention a jealous ex-girlfriend – means that he might be better off keeping everyone in the dark! Black Comedy runs July 23-August 2.

 

Following Black Comedy will be Steven Dietz's Becky's New Car. Becky Foster doesn't have a bad life; it's just stuck in neutral. She isn't exactly unhappy, but an honest misunderstanding with a wealthy widower offers Becky the chance for an exciting double life. Mishaps turn to mischief, and before she can hit the brakes things quickly accelerate out of her control. This devious comic romp down the road not taken will run August 6-16.

 

Rounding out the season is Family Matters. Four favorite BVT performers share plenty of melodies and laughter as they take a tuneful look at the fun- and foibles- of family. From “Teach Your Children Well” to “Daddy Sang Bass” and “If Mama Were Married,” this is a musical celebration of the joy and power of the ties that bind. Family Matters, the 2015 season closer will run August 20-30.

 

Each show will run for 2 weekends. Week one: Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Week Two: Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. For the full season calendar and schedule details, visit www.bvtnaples.org.

 

Just in time for the Holidays, Season Subscriptions and gift certificates can be purchased at the lowest prices of the season by calling the theater administrative office at 585-374-9032. Holiday Subscription prices start at $87 for a three play series to $155 for a six play series, with additional discounts for seniors and children.

 

“What do you give the person who seems to have everything?” asks Bowersock, “Give the gift of live theater!”

 

Constellation Brands returns as the Season Producer of Bristol Valley Theater's 2015 Summer Season, which is also sponsored in part by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.