The Public Theater has announced most of the productions that will make up its 2003-2004 season; two additional productions will be announced shortly.
The season will kick off with Caroline, or Change, a musical with book and lyrics by Tony Kushner (Homebody/Kabul), Angels in America) and music by Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Violet) and direction by George C. Wolfe. It tells the story of a Jewish family and their African-American maid on the cusp of the civil rights movement. The show will begin previews this fall at the Newman Theater.
Tracey Scott Wilson’s The Story, a co-production with the Long Wharf Theatre, follows an African-American reporter as he attempts to learn the truth about a Caucasian man’s murder. The play deals with the power of the media, the nature of ethics, and the boundaries between reality and fantasy; directed by Loretta Greco, it will begin previews in Martinson Hall this fall.
The New York premiere of the musical The Visit, with a book by Terrence McNally (Ragtime, Master Class) and a score by John Kander and Fred Ebb (Chicago, Cabaret), will begin previews at the Newman Theater next spring under the direction by Frank Galati (Seussical, Ragtime) and with choreography by Ann Reinking (The Look of Love, Chicago). This musical adaptation of Friedrich Dürrenmatt’s classic play will star Broadway legend Chita Rivera as Claire Zachanassian, a vengeful woman who offers to rescue her hometown from hard economic times — at a price.
Well, by Lisa Kron, will also begin previews at the Public next spring. Directed by Leigh Silverman, the play tells the story of Kron’s mother’s ability to unite her divided neighborhood while suffering from chronic illness.
The Public Theater will be hosting a residency of the LAByrinth Theater Company, currently represented Off-Broadway by Our Lady of 121st Street. LAByrinth will produce its own work at the Public and will collaborate with the theater on one production. Joe’s Pub, the cabaret space at the Public, will offer performances by Audra McDonald, Barb Jungr, Maria Muldaur, Radiant Baby star Julee Cruise, and many others.
Tickets for all Public Theater productions are available at the box office (425 Lafayette Street) or by calling Telecharge at 212-239-6200. For additional information about single ticket sales or Public Theater memberships, call 212-260-2400 or visit the website www.publictheater.org.