KING to rule Theatrical Outfit’s 2009-2010 season
When Theatrical Outfit opens its Gospel music play Tent Meeting this week, artistic director Tom Key will announce the theater’s 2009-2010 season. Despite the current economic conditions, the downtown playhouse’s 33rd season presents no shortage of artistic ambition and includes two world premieres with strong local ties. Exact dates have yet to be announced, but the press release includes some details.
<span style=”font-family: “Times New Roman"""""""”“>KING<span style=”font-family: “Times New Roman"""""""”“> (September): The Outfit stages this world premiere, with libretto, music, and lyrics by Douglas Tappin. “The story of a preacher from Atlanta, this glorious musical tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., blends the operatic form with indigenous gospel, blues and other contemporary musical influences and features a cast of twenty-five and a fifteen-person orchestra.”
<span style=”font-family: “Times New Roman"""""""”“>Around the World in 80 Days<span style=”font-family: “Times New Roman"""""""”“> (Oct.-Nov.). Adapted by Mark Brown from the novel by Jules Verne. “The original ‘Amazing Race, this comedy/adventure, set in 1872, is a high-spirited romp through different continents, cultures and time zones that puts one mans life and fortunes at risk.” (Key would probably make a great Phileas Fogg.)