The SCRT is proud to share the directors for the previously announced 2019 Summer Repertory Season. Under the Artistic Direction of Eli Carpenter, the season encompasses a complex psychological landscape, a musical full of love and loss, and a rollicking adaptation of a Hitchcock classic. Carpenter and the SCRT is proud to introduce the creative leadership for the summer productions, with both new and returning talent.
The season begins with the military play, Grounded by George Brant and will be directed by Artistic Director, Eli Carpenter. Starring returning favorite from New York City, Kayla Ryan Walsh, this one woman show tells the story of an unnamed fighter pilot in the US Air Force who becomes pregnant unexpectedly, forcing her to stop flying. On returning from maternity leave, she’s co-opted into “the chair force” as a reluctant drone operator. “I stare at grey,” she says glumly; “12 hours a day, seven days a week.” After each shift, she drives home to family life, a process that becomes increasingly dislocating. The play delivers a ferocious journey, as the pilot’s state of mind unravels. Last season you might have seen Carpenter’s directorial work on Fly By Night or Tethered: A New Musical as part of the SCRT’s New Works Initiative. Grounded runs July 5-August 18.
Next in the season is The Last Five Years directed by SCRT Associate Artistic Director, James Bruenger. This piece of musical theatre, written by one of the most important living American composers, Jason Robert Brown, follows Jamie through the start of his relationship with Cathy, moving forward in time, while it follows Cathy after their relationship has ended, moving backwards. For one brief moment they meet in the middle of the show, as we see a glimpse at the momentary brush of balance in the relationship. In 2018 Bruenger directed the SCRT’s Evita as well as The Next 15 Cabaret. New to the SCRT’s directing team this year is The Last Five Years Music Director, Jacob Stebly. The Last Five Years runs July 12-August 17.
Jacob Stebly is a Syracuse-based pianist and graduate of The Eastman School of Music. He has worked as the associate conductor for Elf and The Wizard of Oz. He serves as assistant music director and a voice teacher for the Department of Drama at Syracuse University where he recently served as Music Director for Little Shop of Horrors as well as serving as the assistant music director for The Wild Party, Into the Woods, and Crazy for You. He recently performed in Rochester Lyric Opera’s production of You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow and has composed incidental music for Rochester’s Screen Plays’ production of Cat’s Meow.
To round out the season, the SCRT will produce The 39 Steps, a laugh-out-loud adaptation of Hitchcock’s classic movie by the same title. Directing this brilliant comedy is Shawn Hann. When asked about her thoughts on the show, Hann says, “I originally saw The 39 Steps in London in 2008. The creative direction, the fast-paced energy, the multiple characters played by one actor, and the sheer fun of the story so thoroughly entertained me. I’m very excited to bring Trinidad a night out at the theatre that makes you forget the outside world and simply enjoy storytelling in a masterful way. I came for two of the shows last season and know that the SCRT is the perfect space for this wonderful comedy. This parody is loosely based on John Buchan’s 1915 novel and spoofs Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 movie of the same name. Hold onto your hats and join us for an uproariously fun 2 hours!” The 39 Steps runs July 26-August 16.
Shawn Hann has an MFA in Directing from Roosevelt University/Chicago College of the Performing Arts and BA in Communication/Theatre Arts Education from University of Northern Iowa. Hann is in her 18th year as the Director of Theatre at Denver School of the Arts, the only Arts Magnet school in the region. DENVER SCHOOL OF THE ARTS CREDITS: The Normal Heart, Shrek, And Then They Came For Me, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Wall 2.0 (Edinburgh Fringe Festival), The Lion King Jr., The Producers, The Rest is Silence, The Learned Ladies, The Little Mermaid, Jr, Moon Over Buffalo, Spring Awakening (International Thespian Festival Mainstage 2016), The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later, Hairspray, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Shrek: The Musical, The Crucible, Noises Off, A Glee Inspired Romeo and Juliet (Edinburgh Fringe Festival), Avenue Q, Almost, Maine, Disney’s Tarzan the Musical, The Importance of Being Earnest, Hamlet, Of Mice and Men, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. AWARDS: Colorado High School Theatre Educator of the Year (2018), Mayor’s Award for Excellence in ARTS & CULTURE In School Arts (2015), Juilliard Directing Fellow (2012), Educational Theatre Association’s National Theatre Educator of the Year (2011) and the Alliance for Colorado Theatre Middle School Educator of the Year (2005).
Season subscriptions are available for purchase now at the SCRT Box Office or online at SCRTheatre.com. Purchase your tickets soon as tickets are expected to go quickly for this emotionally intimate season where audiences will feel more connected to these characters than ever before.
