STONEHAM, MA—Stoneham Theatre’s 2008–2009 season, “Embark,” includes the U.S. premiere of Colin Teevan’s How Many Miles to Basra? (October 30–November 9), the New England Premiere of gender-bending musical Pageant (September 11–October 5), and Pulitzer Prize-winning Picnic (April 2–19, 2009).  Also featured are two exciting musical selections: the family-friendly A Year with Frog and Toad (February 26–March 15, 2009), and local favorite Kathy St. George in And Now Ladies and Gentlemen, Miss Judy Garland (June 4–28, 2009). Completing the theatre’s ninth season is the Hitchcockian thriller Strangers on a Train (May 7–24, 2009) and the holiday classic, It’s a Wonderful Life (November 28–December 21).

Alongside the recent completion of two new rehearsal spaces at the theatre, 2008–2009 also heralds the return of Stoneham Theatre’s Emerging Stages, a platform to present staged readings and workshop productions of new and innovative plays. Titles are expected to be announced in the coming months.

According to Producing Artistic Director Weylin Symes, “For our 9th Season, we’ve chosen work that invites our audience to embark, along with the fascinating characters they’ll meet over the course of this year, on journeys, both physical and spiritual. From new loves to chance meetings on a train, to an unexpected mission of redemption and spring’s promise of a whole new year to explore, this rich mix of plays and musicals will delight and captivate.”

New England Premiere

PAGEANT
SEPTEMBER 11–OCTOBER 5, 2008

Book and lyrics by Bill Russell and Frank Kelly
Music by Albert Evans

Like no beauty Pageant you’ve seen before.  Six young(ish) men dressed as six young women compete in a prestigious beauty pageant to determine who will be the new Miss Glamouresse. This silly, fun musical is Miss America meets Some Like it Hot. And members of the audience get to choose the winner!  Performances are Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 4:00pm and 8:00pm and Sunday at 2:00pm. Tickets prices are Adults $40, Seniors $35 and Students $20.
 

U.S. Premiere

HOW MANY MILES TO BASRA?
OCTOBER 30–NOVEMBER 9, 2008

By Colin Teevan

A small military unit embarks on an unauthorized journey deep into Iraq in a disastrous attempt to make amends for an accidental checkpoint killing. An examination of how definitions of truth and responsibility become blurred in times of war. Performances are Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 4:00pm and 8:00pm and Sunday at 2:00pm. Tickets prices are Adults $40, Seniors $35 and Students $20.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
NOVEMBER 28–DECEMBER 21, 2008

By James W. Rodgers
Based upon the film by Frank Capra and the story by Philip Van Doren

A classic holiday film retold on stage. George Bailey’s desperation brings the assistance of his guardian angel, who reminds George of all the lives he’s touched. Performances are Thursday at 7:00pm, Friday at 7:00pm, Saturday at 3:00pm and 7:00pm and Sunday at 1:00pm and 5:00pm. Additional Wednesday performances are 7:00pm. Tickets prices are Adults $40, Seniors $35 and Students $20.

A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD
FEBRUARY 26–MARCH 15, 2009

Book and lyrics by Willie Reale
Music by Robert Reale
Based on the “Frog and Toad” books by Arnold Lobel

First produced on Broadway, this charming musical’s jazzy score lovingly captures the spirit of Arnold Lobel's whimsical stories.  Follow the journey of best friends Frog and Toad in this frothy, fun show for the kid in everyone. Performances are Thursday at 7:00pm, Friday at 7:00pm, Saturday at 3:00pm and 7:00pm and Sunday at 2:00pm Tickets prices are Adults $40, Seniors $35 and Students $20.
 
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, 1953
PICNIC
APRIL 2–APRIL 19, 2009
By William Inge

In this classic American drama, a seductive drifter awakens a young woman’s desire and disrupts the quiet lives of a small Kansas community. Performances are Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 4:00pm and 8:00pm and Sunday at 2:00pm Tickets prices are Adults $40, Seniors $35 and Students $20.

STRANGERS ON A TRAIN
MAY 7–MAY 24, 2009
By Craig Warner
Based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith

“Maybe we should swap murders.” An innocent joke between two strangers proves deadly in this chilling Hitchcockian thriller. Performances are Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 4:00pm and 8:00pm and Sunday at 2:00pm. Tickets prices are Adults $40, Seniors $35 and Students $20.

AND NOW LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, MISS JUDY GARLAND
JUNE 4–JUNE 28, 2009
A musical event starring Kathy St. George
Adapted and created by Tony McLean

Local favorite Kathy St. George stars in this musical concert featuring Judy’s biggest hits and most intimate confessions. A posthumous letter from Judy to her one great love: her audience. Performances are Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 4:00pm and 8:00pm and Sunday at 2:00pm Tickets prices are Adults $40, Seniors $35 and Students $20.

Performance and Ticket Information

Stoneham Theatre is located at 395 Main Street, Stoneham Square. Performances are Thursday evening, Friday evening, Saturday matinee and evening, and Sunday matinee. Show times vary depending on performance. Subscriptions are available. For tickets and information visit or call the Stoneham Theatre Box Office: 781-279-2200. Box Office hours are Tuesday–Saturday 1–6pm. Tickets and show details also available online at www.stonehamtheatre.org .

updated April 14, 2008