The Marvelous Wonderettes kicks off a full season of entertainment

Shira Dubrovner, Artistic Director of the Mammoth Lakes Repertory Theatre in cooperation with the Mammoth Lakes Foundation, announced the 2012-13 Edison Theatre theatrical season. “We are excited to be able to expand our season this year. Two projects we’ve done – Theatre for Young Audiences and Evening with the Stars, we’ve not done together in the same season due to cost and staff restraints. It’s through the generosity of our donors and sponsors, our loyal audiences, dedicated local performers, and Measure U funding that we are able to offer both this season and bring even more culture to the Mammoth Lakes community and the Eastern Sierra,” commented Dubrovner. “We have something going on every month from October through May; it’s exhausting and exhilarating at the same time!”

The season opens Oct. 4 with “The Marvelous Wonderettes” written by Roger Bean. It’s a trip back to 1958 and the Springfield High School prom with Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. Classic songs include “Lollipop,” “Sandman,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” “Respect” and many more. The lively musical runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. through Oct. 21.

It’s quickly followed by a very special Theatre for Young Audiences production of “Bluenose.” This rollicking pirate story has quick and witty banter, fantastic physical comedy, and a story of tolerance and acceptance. What’s special about this production is that there is only one public performance; however elementary schools from across the Eastern Sierra will be bringing their students to performances during the week prior. Schools are provided with an Educator’s Resource Guide that ties in the educational elements within the production. “This is one way we begin to grow our audiences of the future,” stated Dubrovner. “The students not only have a great time, they also learn about theatre etiquette, the excitement of live theatre, and take away a lesson in tolerance. It exemplifies the mission of the Mammoth Lakes Foundation-supporting education and the arts, together in one event.”

December’s play this year is a hysterical farce based on a Christmas Classic. “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts” will have the audience rolling in the aisles. Then January sees the return of Poetry Out Loud for the third year. It’s the poetry recitation competition where Mono County high school students compete to represent the County at the State competition in Sacramento. Last year the number of schools participating doubled and a Mammoth High School student won for the second time. Who will take the title this year?

In mid-January is a very exciting Evening With the Stars staged reading of Bernard Slade’s popular romantic comedy “Same Time, Next Year” starring Linda Purl (Matlock, The Office) and Robert Picardo (China Beach, The Wonder Years, Star Trek: Voyager). The event, which also acts as a fundraiser for the theatre, is expanded this season for two evenings with special pricing allowing for twice as many opportunities to see these talented stars in action. “I’m thrilled to have Robert Picardo return to Mammoth for this event and bringing Linda Purl with him,” stated Dubrovner. “I directed him in Los Angeles; he’s very supportive of theatre in Mammoth. It’s also exciting to meet and direct Linda Purl whose work I’ve admired for a long time.”

In February “The Miracle Worker,” the story of Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan will be presented, followed by the return of Todd Offenbacher’s Tahoe Adventure Film Festival, a touring festival of extreme outdoor adventure footage. April will see a special engagement of Edward Albee’s Tony Award winning Best Play “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” a play that Women’s Wear Daily called “… a scorching, scalding, revealing and completely engrossing drama.”

The season closes on Friday, May 3, 2013 with a return of the Long Beach City College Studio Singers, a group that had everyone in the palm of their hands last season.

Prices for the productions vary with most tickets costing $20 for adults and $18 for students. However, a Season Pass is available for $60 per person and provides entrance to four shows of the pass-holder’s choice. The Evening with the Stars $35 ticket counts as two shows. “Having a season pass is a fantastic way for our audience members to get the most out of this year’s season,” added Dubrovner. “We’ve been rehearsing ‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’ for weeks and you won’t want to miss the season opener.”

To purchase season passes, make reservations for a specific show, or to donate to the theatre, call 760.934.6592, or visit the website at www.mammothlakesfoundation.org/theatre.html.