BWW Previews: '18-'19 SEASON at DE Theatre Company

DTC Producing Artistic Director Bud Martin comments that in this 40th year "we're bringing you a little bit of everything from classics to class acts."

SANCTIONS - Sept 12-30.

A World Premiere written by Philadelphia playwright Bruce Graham, writer of White Guy on the Bus and The Outgoing Tide. When a university athletic department returns to the big business of college football after its NCAA probation is lifted, staff con?ict and a new scandal involving a freshman tutor threaten to blow up the whole program. This incendiary and timely new drama inspired by true events tackles issues of institutional racism in sports and sexual assault on college campuses.

According to Director Bud Martin, "The subject matter is incredibly timely, and it is our responsibility to tell this story. I recall the effects of sanctions and scandal against Penn State and Ole Miss. It's more than a game- it cripples the town's economy." Chock full of the 'priorities' of the university as an institution and #MeToo.

DTC will be partnering with Wilmington University, the University of Delaware, Delaware State University and the YWCA and will be hosting talk backs and speaker panels after performances to offer audiences the opportunity to talk about the subject matter in a productive and safe way.

FULLY COMMITTED - Oct 17-Nov 4

This one-man show follows a struggling actor who mans the red-hot reservation line at Manhattan's number-one restaurant. Coercion, threats, bribes, histrionics-a cast of desperate callers will stop at nothing in their zeal to land a prime reservation, or the right table. Actor Kraig Swartz portrays our everyday hero Sam and 40 other characters. He premiered this years ago at Act II Playhouse in Philly.

A SIGN OF THE TIMES - Nov 28-Dec 23

Juke box musicals are in. DTC brings back the tunes of Petula Clark. It tells the story of Cindy, a young woman pursuing her passion and finding her voice in New York City in 1965. It features songs such as ring classic songs such as "Downtown," "You Don't Own Me," "Don't Sleep in the Subway," "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)," and "The Boy From New York City".

Set against the backdrop of women's liberation, the civil rights movement, and the Vietnam War, the book is by legendary comedy writer and six-time Emmy Award-winner Bruce Villanch. The show is directed by Gabriel Barre (Amazing Grace), choreographed by JoAnn M. Hunter (School of Rock) and will feature Broadway Chillina Kennedy (Beautiful), Chrystal Lucas-Perry (Lincoln Center's Bull In A China Shop), Drew Steeley (Jersey Boys), and Ryan Silverman (The Phantom of the Opera).

SAINT JOAN - Feb 6-24 by George Bernard Shaw

A French country girl who finds herself on trial for her life after the nation's rulers become threatened by her influence and popularity. With mysterious visions of saints inspiring her to help recover France from English domination, she paves the way for victory. Starring Clare O'Malley from Hetty Feather and Something Wicked This Way Comes, this epic, transcendent story brings renewed life to one of history's greatest heroines as she pushes the boundaries of a society dominated by political and religious forces.

Adapted by Chelsea Marcantel, this adaptation will inspire girls and women. Marcantel says that she grew up without watching female heroes. Inspired by the stories of female saints, her adaptation condenses George Bernard Shaw's original, adding a stronger female voice and presence.

HONK! - April 17-May 12

A family-friendly musical with a familiar tale of an ugly duckling. This delightful and award-winning adaptation of one of the world's most beloved fables is a heartwarming celebration of what makes us special. Winner of multiple awards, this tale of learning to embrace being different is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Philly area actors including Kim Carson (DTC: Nora,) Jake Blouch (DTC: Something Wicked This Way Comes, Ella: First Lady of Song,) Clare O'Malley (DTC: Something Wicked This Way Comes, Hetty Feather,) Rachel Brennan, Michaela Shuchman, Adam Hoyak, Michael O'Brien (DTC:Hetty Feather), and Nichalas Parker.

And, speaking of legends, local icon Sonny Leo will choregraph.

Delaware Theatre Company 302.594.1100