Jonesborough Repertory Theatre unveils 2012-2013 shows

By Staff Reports

Jonesborough Repertory Theatre has announced its 2012-13 season, beginning in September with the Broadway musical “Hairspray,” and ending in July 2013 with the theatre’s own 1940s-style USO Show.

“Hairspray” will delight audiences as lovable plus-sized heroine, Tracy Turnblad, takes on life in 1960s Baltimore, during a time of integration and change. The show runs Sept. 7 through 23 with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan and based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters.

Adding chills to the Jonesborough’s Halloween activities, JRT will present “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” the adaptation of Washington Irving’s classic story of Ichadbod Crane, running Oct. 26 to Nov. 4 with public performances as well as special performances for school groups. In the spirit of the holidays, “It’s a Wonderful Life” will grace the stage of JRT running Nov. 28 to Dec. 16 adapted by Doug Rand from the screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra, and Jo Swerling. Join George Bailey, his family and the rest of Bedford Falls in this production for a magical live version of this holiday classic that will warm your heart and remind you of the simple blessings in life.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, “A Grand Night for Singing” is the perfect treat for your valentine. This musical revue features 30 songs of Roger and Hammerstein’s collection including Oklahoma!, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Cinderella and A Grand Night for Singing. The productions runs Feb. 1-17 with special date night packages available.

Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien will be thrilled in March, as “The Hobbit” comes alive on stage. This adaptation by Patricia Gray, authorized by J.R.R. Tolkien himself, tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a portly, easy-going creature known as a Hobbit who has his quiet, comfortable life drastically altered when he makes a very out-of-character decision to join a quest. “The Hobbit” runs March 15 through 31.

“The Voice of the Prairie,” by John Olive, will run May 3 through 19. In this heart-filled dramatic comedy an exciting new form of mass communication is sweeping the country and Davey Quinn, a young man from Nebraska with a gift, has stories to share about Pappy the young blind girl who changed his life.

The season’s finale and crowd favorite returns June 27 to July 7. The 1940s USO Show created by JRT’s own Jennifer Schmidt includes classics such as “Over There,” “Swing on a Star,” “Count Your Blessings,” and “Remember Pearl Harbor” staged as 1940s radio show.

Tickets to the theatre’s shows are $14 general admission and $12 for students and seniors. Season subscriptions are available by calling the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center at 753-1010 or online at www.jonesboroughtheatre.com. The prices are $98 for general season passes and $84 for students and seniors.