Orlando Shakespeare Theater Unveils a Portion of its Upcoming 26th Season

ORLANDO, Fla. - Feb. 20, 2014 - PRLog -- Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is excited to unveil four of the productions in its highly anticipated 26th Season. Audiences will be inspired by the award-winning music of Les Misérables and challenged by the themes of Mark St. Germain’s new play, The Best of Enemies (both part of the Theater’s Signature Series). Previously known as the Theater for Young Audiences (TYA) Series, Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s 2014-2015 Children’s Series will include a World Premiere adaptation of Rapunzel, followed by The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley. The complete 26th Season will be announced at a later date. Season subscriptions can be purchased by calling (407) 447-1700 or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park.

On the heels of this spring’s massive two-part epic, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Orlando Shakes will open its 2014-2015 Signature Series with the monumental musical Les Misérables. Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Misérables is a magnificent and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit in 19th century France. Winner of three Tony Awards© and a Grammy Award© for Best Musical Cast Show Album, “Les Mis” remains one of Broadway’s longest-running musicals.

"We’ve had such success with Nicholas Nickleby that I can’t wait to bring Les Misérables to life,” said Artistic Director Jim Helsinger. “This will be the largest single production in our history. Come join 30 actors, a live orchestra, and experience the power of the human voice at the barricades this fall!"

The Best of Enemies, inspired by Osha Gray Davidson’s best-selling book, is based on a true story about the relationship between a hate-filled leader of the KKK and an African-American civil rights activist during the desegregation of the Durham, NC, schools in 1971. Adapted for the stage by Mark St. Germain (Freud’s Last Session), The Best of Enemies has played to sold-out houses across the country since its World Premiere in 2011. This new play is sure to move audiences as it exposes the poison of prejudice and the beauty of friendship.

"Les Misérables and The Best of Enemies are compelling pieces about standing up for what you believe. Whether it is social injustice, racism, or the redeeming power of love, we will be celebrating the power of the human spirit throughout our 26th Season," said Helsinger.

After record-breaking productions of Cinderella (2012) and Sleeping Beauty (2013), playwright Brandon Roberts returns to provide audiences with another hilarious, family-friendly fairy tale this summer. Based on the story by The Brothers Grimm, this World Premiere adaptation of Rapunzel will introduce the classic fairy tale to a new generation of children. “Brandon Roberts’ twisted fairy tale adaptations are always great fun for the whole family,” Helsinger said. “Audiences young and old will love our new spin on Rapunzel this summer!” The production runs June 19 through July 27, 2014.

Young audiences will also delight in The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, a lively musical journey based on the popular books by Jeff Brown. Two-dimensional Stanley becomes the ultimate exchange student, as he scours the globe to do something the world has never seen before. Learn that heroes come in all shapes and sizes in this whirlwind musical travelogue!

Single tickets to Rapunzel go on sale April 22. Single tickets to all other productions in Orlando Shakes’ 26th Season go on sale June 10, but season subscriptions can be purchased now by calling (407) 447-1700 or in person at the Box Office (812 East Rollins Street).

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host ofpower2give.org/centralflorida, and the collaborative Campaign for the Arts. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.