Season 54 Revealed

SEASON 54 LINE-UP

SEASON 54 SHOW SYNOPSES

SHANKTOWN by Mary Donnet Johnson
TheatreWorks@The Square || July 8 – 24, 2022 *World Premiere
There’s a patriarch whose power is waning fast, a questionable friend, an estranged son, and a clinging daughter. Like an ancient Greek tragedy with modern-day laughs, Shanktown is an emotional processing arena that holds the potential for everything from hate to hope. 

SOMETHING ROTTEN! Book by John O’Farrell & Karey Kirkpatrick, Music and Lyrics by Karey & Wayne Kirkpatrick
Playhouse on the Square || August 19 – September 18, 2022
When Nick and Nigel Bottom decide their theatre troupe rivals that of William Shakespeare, the best way to beat him is to hire a soothsayer and write a musical about Eggs … right? This Tony Award-winning romp is a love story to all things theatre! Playhouse on the Square will produce the region’s first professional production. 

PASS OVER by Antoinette Nwandu
The Circuit Playhouse || September 16 – October 9, 2022 *Regional Premiere
Emotional and lyrical, audiences are taken on a journey in the typical day of Moses and Kitch. Two men on an inner-city corner, hoping that this day might be different from the others. As a stranger wanders into their space with his own agenda, their plans may be forced to change. With shades for Waiting for Godot, Pass Over is a politically charged and beautifully provocative piece of American Theatre.
*School matinee performances available

THE WIZARD OF OZ by L. Frank Baum with music and lyrics by Harold and E. Y. Harburg. 
Playhouse on the Square || November 11 – December 22, 2022 *Playhouse Revival
Based on the classic motion picture, young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away in a tornado to the magical land of Oz. In a plot of twists and turns, Dorothy’s amazing adventure returns to Playhouse on the Square. There is indeed no place like home! This revival is perfect for the entire family.
*School matinee performances available. 

JUNIE B’S ESSENTIAL SURVIVAL GUIDE TO SCHOOL Book and Lyrics by Marcy Heisler, Music by Zina Goodrich
The Circuit Playhouse || November 18 – December 22, 2022 *Regional Premiere
The Circuit Playhouse’s favorite first-grader is at it again! Junie B’s Essential Survival Guide to School is hilarious, whole-hearted show about owning up to your mistakes, and how no one is ever done learning.
*School matinee performances available

WHO’S HOLIDAY by Matthew Lombardo
The Memphian Room at The Circuit Playhouse || November 25 – December 22, 2022 *Regional Premiere
In this adults-only rollick through the land of Dr. Seuss’ classic tale, we return to Mount Crumpit to find Cindy Lou Who … living in a trailer? A lot of life has happened to the little girl from Whoville since we last saw her. Grab a drink or two as grown-up Cindy spills the tea for you. 

IF PEKIN IS A DUCK, WHY AM I IN CHICAGO? by Ann Eskridge
TheatreWorks@theSquare || January 13 – 29, 2023 *World Premiere
A gangster in 1920s Chicago kidnaps a lyricist and a composer to win a bet saying he can find two men to write music better than the music that is currently popular. Although the composer is willing, those times remind the lyricist of his failing talents and unrequited love. 

THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS Book by David Thompson, Music by John Kander and Fred Ebb
Playhouse on the Square || January 20 – February 19, 2023 *Regional Premiere
A vaudeville-style variety show is the thrilling final collaboration of Kander and Ebb. The Scottsboro Boys is a retelling of the landmark trial of 9 falsely accused black teenagers. This case would eventually give rise to the Civil Rights Movement.
*School matinee performances available

ROE by Lisa Loomer
The Circuit Playhouse || February 3 – 19, 2023 *Regional Premiere
The landmark case of Roe v. Wade is explored with the women who etched their names into the annals of history. The Supreme Court decision, still debated, takes new weight with the real stories of the women involved. 

FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY THE MUSICAL Music and Lyrics by Gary Kupper, Book by Gary Kupper and Rose Caiola, Based on the book written by Julianne Moore
The Circuit Playhouse || March 10 – April 15, 2023 *Regional Premiere
Based on the award-winning book by actress Julianne Moore, Freckleface Strawberry will do anything to get rid of her freckles – from scrubbing them with soap to caking on makeup … and even wearing a ski mask to school! With the help of her lovable schoolmates, Freckleface learns that everyone is different – and that’s what makes everyone special. Running in repertory with Ink.
*School matinee performances available

INK by James Graham
The Circuit Playhouse || March 24 – April 16, 2023 *Regional Premiere
A team of underdog reporters and a rouge editor set out to beat the competition to change the way the world looks at news – all this, under the watchful eye of controversial newsman, Rupert Murdoch. Running in repertory with Freckleface Strawberry.

NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 By Dave Malloy Adapted from War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Playhouse on the Square || April 28 – May 28, 2023 *Regional Premiere
Based on a 70-page segment of War and Peace, Dave Malloy’s electropop opera adaptation took New York by storm. Now, the immersive experience is making its Regional Premiere in the Mid-South. Natasha Rostova awaits in Moscow for her fiancé’s return, when she falls under the spell of the rogue Anatole, ruthlessly damaging her reputation. It is up to family friend Pierre to pick up the pieces.

CLYDE’S by Lynn Nottage
The Circuit Playhouse || May 12 – June 4, 2023 *Regional Premiere
In this new comedy by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, a truck stop sandwich shop in Reading, PA becomes the place of employment and redemption for the formerly incarcerated kitchen staff. Under the thumb of the callous and quick-tongued owner, the staff are given permission to dream of something big. Plus create the perfect sandwich. 

JERSEY BOYS Music by Bob Gaudio, Lyrics by Bob Crewe, Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Playhouse on the Square || June 16 – July 16, 2023 *Regional Premiere
Oh, What A Night! The Broadway smash hit, chronicling the rise and eventual breakup of the legendary doo-op group Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, makes its Regional Premiere in the Bluff City! Featuring chart-toppers like “Sherry,” “Beggin,” “Working My Way Back to You,” and “Walk Like a Man,” Jersey Boys is an exciting walk down memory lane to the golden era of American music.

P.NOKIO: A HIP-HOP MUSICAL Book and Lyrics by Psalmayene 24, Music by Nick tha 1Da
Theatre Education Touring Production || March 21 – May 19, 2023 *Regional Premiere
In this contemporary adaptation of The Adventures of Pinocchio, G.Petto, a video game designer, creates P.Nokio, an A.I. that magically comes to life. With the sacred Book of Rhymes, P.Nokio is sent to The Old School to master style, originality, and swagger. As a result of bad decisions and mischief, P.Nokio finds himself in a world of trouble. Now, he must fight for the opportunity to redeem himself and prove his love for his father.
*School matinee performances available.