Celebrating 25 years, Writers Theatre announces 2016-17 season

Writers Theatre today announced its 25th anniversary season, its first full season at the newly inaugurated, Studio Gang Architects-designed venue.

The six-show lineup will include:

A world-premiere adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar,” adapted by Michael Halberstam and Scott Parkinson, and directed by

Michael Halberstam (Sept. 7-Oct. 23). “A streamlined (performed without intermission) interpretation of the classic tale of conspiracy, friendship and betrayal in ancient Rome.”

“East Texas Hot Links,” written by Eugene Lee and directed by Ron OJ Parson, by special arrangement with Manhattan Theatre Club (Oct. 19, 2016-Jan. 22, 2017). “A small East Texas cafe offers solace and companionship for the regulars who come in each night. However, it is the summer of 1955, and times are changing. In the face of oppressive Jim Crow laws, seven strong-willed locals join forces to protect one of their own — until the unthinkable catches them by surprise, changing their lives forever.”

The world premiere of “The Hunter and The Bear,” in collaboration with Ars Nova and Manhattan Theatre Club, directed by Stuart Carden and PigPen Theatre Co., (Dec. 7, 2016-Jan. 22, 2017). “A haunting story of an imaginative young boy and his father, the pragmatic hunter tasked with protecting their isolated town. When his son disappears in the woods, the search to recover him will lead the entire community through a landscape teeming with dark secrets and supernatural threats.”

“The Scene,” written by Theresa Rebeck and directed by Kimberly Senior (Feb. 22, 2017-April 2, 2017). “What starts off with an amusing exchange at a hip Manhattan party quickly turns into something more complex. The provocative comedy-drama explores the dark edges of commitment and the struggles of balancing authenticity with ambition.”

“The Mystery of Love and Sex,” written by Bathsheba Doran and directed by Marti Lyons (April 5-July 9, 2017). “The compelling story of intricate relationships takes a contemporary look at race, sexual identity and family dynamics and the challenges of loving someone completely while trying to determine exactly what that means.”

“Parade,” the Tony Award-winning musical with a book by Alfred Uhry and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown; directed by Gary Griffin (May 24-July 9, 2017). “Based on the true story of Leo Frank, a Brooklyn-born Jewish man falsely accused of murder in 1913 Atlanta, the musical is a moving love story, murder mystery, courtroom drama and an exploration of innocence and coming face-to-face with ignorance and prejudice.”

Season packages only ($269-$399) are available at the theater box office, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, and online at writerstheatre.org.