Geva Theatre’s 2017/18 Season

Even though, as a trustee, I’d already gotten a sneak peek at the line-up for next season, I went to the Season Announcement event. It was a relief finally to be able to share my excitement with other people!

Mark Cuddy introducing the new season

This season, Geva conducted a survey of audience reaction to a variety of musical titles (many oldies but goodies, but a few more recent and lesser known to Rochesterians) to gauge their levels of enthusiasm. When I had a chance to take the survey, there was only one on the list that I personally considered a “wouldn’t miss” (since I hadn’t seen it when it originally ran on Broadway). Many respondents hadn’t heard of the musical, but most people would recognize the composer: Lin-Manuel Miranda. Yes, the genius behind Hamilton. But I wasn’t holding my breath that I’d see it anytime soon. So when Artistic Director Mark Cuddy shared his desire to mount In the Heights (which won four Tonys in 2008,  including Best Musical and Best Original Score) here at Geva next fall, I wasn’t the only trustee to be giddy. Incredibly, Geva will be the first regional theatre to license the show.

That production, directed by Melissa Rain Anderson (who has appeared on stage at Geva, as well as directed multiple productions, including the recent hits Spamalot and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum), will open the Geva’s 45th season, but it won’t be the only reason to visit the theatre next year. Also on the Wilson Stage will be the world premier of Matt Smart’s The Agitators, The Story of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, which was recently commissioned by Geva and presented as a play-reading. This play is particularly timely, with the upcoming celebrations of Susan B.’s legacy and women’s suffrage.

And remember Rochester’s Steve Rosen, who recently starred in Forum? And Hunter Foster, who starred in Spamalot and Sylvia? Foster will be directing a new musical comedy, The Other Josh Cohen, co-written by Rosen and David Rossmer. The Diary of Anne Frank will follow, and I anticipate this play being as resonant and relevant to today’s world as the recent production of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. It is sure to provide some teaching moments for many of the RCSD classes that will go to see it (and Geva’s adding extra student matinees to meet the anticipated demand). The final Wilson Stage production will be Steel Magnolias, directed by Rochester’s Skip Greer. Mark even teased the audience with the promise that the production will feature a nationally known actress, to be announced in early 2018!

Chris Mannelli & Pam Sherman

I’ve had to subscribe to the Fielding Stage again, as well. If you read the D&C, or attend Geva’s Summer Curtain Call or the Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley Purse for Change event, you’re familiar with Pam Sherman. She’s not just an accomplished “Suburban Outlaw” and fundraiser auctioneer, but she’s also a comedic actress, and she’s going to star in Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End, directed by Mark Cuddy. Mark, himself, is returning to his acting roots to play a role in the world premier of Heartland. The Fielding will also host another world premier (yes, that makes three in total!): One House Over, a co-production with Milwaukee Repertory Theatre.

And that’s just the highlights! Executive Director Chris Mannelli reported that over 50% of current subscribers had already pre-renewed, and I suspect after today’s announcement, that figure will increase rapidly. For more information about the complete season, visit Geva’s website: gevatheatre.org.