Theater News

Keen Company to Present Steven Dietz and A.R. Gurney Revivals

Artistic director Jonathan Silverstein will helm the company’s 18th-season productions.

Jonathan Silverstein will direct Lonely Planet and Later Life for the Keen Company's 18th season.
Jonathan Silverstein will direct Lonely Planet and Later Life for the Keen Company's 18th season.
(© Tricia Baron)

The Keen Company has announced two productions set for its 18th season — "A Season of Connection."

Opening in the fall will be the 25th anniversary production of Lonely Planet, written by Steven Dietz and directed by Keen artistic director Jonathan Silverstein. Set in a small map store on the oldest street in an American city, Lonely Planet is an intimate portrait of two friends at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Shop owner Jody becomes increasingly fearful of the world outside and the dangers it poses, refusing to leave his shop. Meanwhile Carl, his spirited friend, begins filling the store with a variety of mysterious chairs. The limited engagement will run October 3-November 18, with an October 19 opening.

Next will be the 25th anniversary production of Later Life, written by A.R. Gurney, who passed away this past June. In Later Life, a middle-aged man and woman meet at a cocktail party and ponder beginning the relationship that eluded them 30 years ago. While the pair rediscover each other and themselves, a bevy of delightful guests rally behind them. Also directed by Silverstein, performances will run February 27-April 14, 2018, with a March 15 opening.

All performances will be at the Clurman Theatre at Theatre Row. Casting and design teams will be announced at a later date.

For more information about Lonely Planet, click here.

For more information about Later Life, click here.