Highlights include their 2012 production of NEXT TO NORMAL, acclaimed writer Lorene Cary’s 2020 production of MY GENERAL TUBMAN, plus the Arden’s 2016 production of A YEAR WITH FROG & TOAD.
The Arden Theatre Company in Philadelphia is pleased to announce their Fall 2020 virtual streaming season which features three productions that represent the range of the company’s work: an audacious musical; a brilliant new play by a Philadelphia writer; plus world-class theatre for kids and their families. As a way of thanking the Arden family for their support, the theatre is offering these productions to the public for free via their website, ardentheatre.org.
“Though we are unable to gather together in person, we are committed to staying together and will be offering a virtual fall season to stay connected and keep the Arden part of your lives,” noted Artistic Director Terrence J. Nolen. “Drawing from our video archives, we will be streaming three past Arden productions that represent the wide range of stories we seek to bring to our stages. Our current hope is that it will be possible for us to safely gather together for live performances in 2021, but until then, we will share the artistry of our extraordinary artists through these remarkable productions.”
The virtual season begins with the Arden’s 2012 production of NEXT TO NORMAL, featuring Kristine Fraelich as Diana, James Barry as Dan, Rachel Camp as Natalie, Michael Doherty as Henry, Robert Hager as Gabe, and Brian Hissong as Dr.Madden/Dr. Fine. Directed by Terrence J. Nolen, the production, co-conceived by Nolen and Jorge Cousineau with music direction by Eric Ebbenga, is an electric and emotional musical that follows the Goodman family’s struggle to maintain connection amidst crisis. Winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, NEXT TO NORMAL’s bold storytelling redefines the American musical. The production will be available for streaming now through October 18, 2020. Arden subscribers and donors have received access to see NEXT TO NORMAL for free. A donation of any amount of the Arden for Always Recovery Fund (ardentheatre.org/donate) grants access to NEXT TO NORMAL.
The Arden’s world premiere production of MY GENERAL TUBMAN, written by acclaimed writer Lorene Carey, was a sensation during its Winter 2020 premiere. Now, the production, directed by James Ijames, will be available to stream online from October 27 through November 2, 2020. MY GENERAL TUBMAN is a beautiful and exciting new play about the complex journey of Harriet Tubman and the impact she continues to have today. The cast includes Danielle Leneé as the title character, with Aaron Bell as Chorus, David Ingram as John Brown, Brandon J. Pierce as Nelson Davis, Damien Wallace as Earl Holloway, Bowman Wright as Guard Claude, Dax Richardson as Chaplain Ray, and Cheryl Williams as Abigail Wright.
Every fall and spring, the Arden’s acclaimed children’s theatre productions have become annual traditions for many audiences in the greater Philadelphia area. One of the company’s most popular productions, A YEAR WITH FROG & TOAD, will once again come alive for Arden virtual audiences from November 30 through December 13, 2020. Directed by Whit MacLaughlin with Musical Direction by Amanda Morton, the company includes Jeff Coon as Frog and Ben Dibble as Toad, with Leigha Kato, Elexis Morton, and Steve Pacek. An unlikely friendship between the cheerful Frog and the grumpy Toad blossoms and grows as they travel through four fun-filled seasons, learning life lessons along the way.
For more information on the virtual season, visit ardentheatre.org.
FAST FACTS
Arden Theatre Company’s Fall 2020 Virtual Season
NEXT TO NORMAL
Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorke
Music by Tom Kitt
Directed by Terrence J. Nolen
Production co-conceived by Jorge Cousineau and Terrence J. Nolen
Musical Direction by Eric Ebbenga
October 5-October 18, 2020
MY GENERAL TUBMAN
By Lorene Cary
Directed by James Ijames
October 27-November 2, 2020
A YEAR WITH FROG & TOAD
Music by Robert Reale
Book and Lyrics by Willie Reale
Developed by Adrianne Lobel
Directed by Whit MacLaughlin
Musical Direction by Amanda Morton
November 30-December 13, 2020
Pictured Danielle Leneé in MY GENERAL TUBMAN. Photo by Wide Eyed Studios
Philly Life & Culture 