By SDCN Editor
Carlsbad, CA–New Village Arts have announced its 21st season of programming, and the first inst the newly renamed Conrad Prebys Theatre at the Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center.
The season features two regional premieres, a return to an original holiday musical commissioned by New Village Arts, and a popular movie musical.
Kristianne Kurner, founder and Executive Artistic Director of New Village Arts, calls the programming and renovation of the theatre “the most ambitious season in our history.”
“This 21st season of professional theatre is all about change. In each of our shows, the characters are confronting times of change in their lives. They have to make the choice between keeping things the way they have always been or stepping out into the unknown to make a different life. The results are thrilling,” Kurner said.
The Dea Hurston New Village Arts Center will reopen on December 3 with the return of “1222 Oceanfront: A Black Family Christmas,” written by Hurston with original songs from Milena (Sellers) Phillips, and created by Hurston, Phillips, Frankie Alicea-Ford, and Kevin “Blax” Burroughs. Acclaimed San Diego-based director Jacole Kitchen will be leading the team through the joyous holiday show.
The next production, Jez Butterworth’s 2019 Tony Award-winner “The Ferryman,” is the first theatre company outside of London and New York to be granted the rights to produce this epic thriller that takes place during the troubles in Northern Ireland in 1981. With a cast of 21 actors, live animals onstage, and much more, this play promises to invade New Village Arts’ intimate theatre space and have the audience feeling very much a part of the Carney family. Kristianne Kurner will direct on the opening night of February 4, 2023.
Following “The Ferryman,”is the two-person show “The Roommate” written by Jen Silverman. This regional premiere will be directed by Samantha Ginn and features Milena (Sellers) Phillips and Kim Strassburger. A dark comedy, “The Roommate” explores the search for connection at times when life is constantly changing.
The season will conclude with “Singin’ In The Rain,” directed by New Village Art’s former Director of Connectivity AJ Knox. This beloved movie musical will be re-created in the style that the theatre has become known for – creating intimate versions of large-scale musicals that focus on the storytelling and talents of the performers. The score includes such popular numbers as “Make ‘Em Laugh” and “Good Mornin’” in addition to the title song.
The inaugural season in the Conrad Prebys Theatre is sponsored by the Conrad Prebys Foundation.
Showtimes are Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday Matinees/Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Season passes are $106 to $208, single tickets $25 to $57, with discounts available for Seniors, Students, and Active Military. Tickets can be purchased online at www.newvillagearts.org, or by phone at (760) 433-3245.
