KNOXVILLE, TN - The Clarence Brown Theatre announces its exciting eight-play lineup for the 2017/2018 Season, which includes two Tony-winning musicals, a classic play by Chekhov, a new CBT-commissioned drama, the return of our holiday classic ...and more. Sales for renewing and new subscriptions are on sale now. Season ticket holders enjoy several exclusive benefits, including free ticket exchanges, priority seating, the opportunity to purchase Lab Theatre and A Christmas Carol single tickets before they go on sale to the general public, special discounts at selected restaurants, and the inside scoop on special events. The deadline for the Early Bird extra discount rate is April 21.
"Fantasy and satire, politics and poetry, human struggle and joy. I think it is one of our most exciting seasons and look forward to seeing new and returning patrons in the theatre," said Calvin MacLean, CBT Producing Artistic Director and UT Theatre Department Head.
> Peter and the Starcatcher
By: Rick Elice
Based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Aug. 30 – Sept. 17
Clarence Brown Theatre
In this multiple Tony Award-winning play with music, a dozen actors portraying more than 100 unforgettable roles take to the high seas to answer the century-old question: How did Peter Pan become The Boy Who Never Grew Up? This magical evening of madcap fun is suitable for younger audiences but most enjoyable for ages 10 and up.
> Three Sisters
By: Anton Chekhov
New Version by Libby Appel
> Sept. 27 – Oct. 15
> Carousel Theatre
Olga, Masha and Irina struggle to let go of their past and to shape their future. A domineering sister-in-law, romance, soldiers and money challenge the Prozorov family's happiness and unity. With artful depiction of three very different women, Chekhov fascinates audiences with his deeply sensitive observations on life's struggles.
>Blue Window
By: Craig Lucas
> Oct. 25 – Nov. 12
Lab Theatre
A portrait of loneliness in one of the world's most densely populated cities. Libby, for her own private reasons, has invited six disparate friends to her apartment in New York for dinner and drinks. As their conversations drift, they begin to open up to one another...but how do you really know anyone?
> A Christmas Carol
Nov. 22 – Dec. 17
By: Charles Dickens
Adapted by: Edward Morgan and Joe Hanreddy
Clarence Brown Theatre
Our spectacular, heart-warming version of Dickens' classic tale of redemption returns. Filled with traditional carols, stunning costumes, a gorgeous set and memorable characters, it's guaranteed to enrich the holiday season for you and your family.
> Alabama Story
Jan. 31 – Feb. 18
By: Kenneth Jones
Clarence Brown Theatre
A gentle children's book with an apparent hidden message stirs the passions of a segregationist senator and a no-nonsense state librarian in 1959 Montgomery, just as the Civil Rights Movement is flowering. Inspired by true events, "Alabama Story" puts politicians, star-crossed childhood friends, and one feisty author in a struggle for the soul of the Deep South.
> the strangers
By: christopher oscar peña
Feb. 21 – March 11
Carousel Theatre
In this CBT-commissioned World Premiere, Cris returns to a place he once used to know, only to find a world he no longer recognizes. As he connects with a new stranger tasked to show him around town, an unexpected spark challenges all of Cris' preconceived notions. "the strangers" is a modern day reimagining of Thornton Wilder's Our Town, depicting a contemporary American world thrown into chaos.
This production contains adult content and language.
> Dream of the Burning Boy
By: David West Read
March 28 – April 15, 2018
Lab Theatre
Since the death of his favorite student, Larry Morrow, a 50-something high school teacher, has been falling asleep at his desk and dreaming. The student's sister and his friends find little solace in schoolwork. And the school's guidance counselor keeps hanging inspirational slogans on the walls to help everyone "process their emotions." A bittersweet story of finding the way and strength to move on.
This production contains mature language and themes.
> Urinetown, the Musical
Music and Lyrics by Mark Hollman
Book and Lyrics by Greg Kotis
April 18 – May 6
Clarence Brown Theatre
A water shortage caused by a 20-year drought has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. Citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission. Deciding he has had enough, a hero plans a revolution.
Winner of three Tony Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, two Lucille Lortel Awards and two Obie Awards, this musical is a satire of capitalism, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, politics, greed and the musical theatre.
With a dual mission to train the next generation of theater artists and to provide top quality professional theatre, the Clarence Brown Theatre at the University of Tennessee Knoxville is one of only 13 academic League of Resident Theatre institutions in the nation. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Calvin MacLean and Managing Director David B. Byrd, the CBT season runs from September through May and features eight productions ranging from musicals to drama.
For more information, tickets or accessibility accommodation requests including Open Captioning, ASL, and assistive technologies, call the CBT Box Office at 865-974-5161 or visit us online at clarencebrowntheatre.com/access. Stay
