Racine Theatre Guild announces 2008-'09 season

Since 1938, the Racine Theatre Guild has been producing live theatre with the highest standards possible, and expects to do no less in its 71st season. Subscriptions are now being sold for a season loaded with laughter and song, running from July 2008 through June 2009.

Standard subscription packages ($50-$65) include reserved seats for five shows running September through June.

Preceding the fall season, there is a summer bonus show, one of three added attractions that fill out the year and bring the total to eight offerings on the main stage, with something for everyone. For those with unpredictable schedules, flex pass packs ($65-$104) provide five to eight admission coupons which can be used throughout the season for any or all eight RTG plays and musicals.

Although season tickets and flex passes offer the most savings, and subscribers get further discounts on additional tickets purchased, everyone is welcome and encouraged to give the Racine Theatre Guild a try. Individual tickets go on sale in June.

Each of the five following productions is part of the regular season and included in standard (reserved seat) subscription packages:

“The Nerd” by Larry Shue
Rick saved Willum’s life in Vietnam. Though they never got to meet, Willum pledged in a letter to help Rick any way he could. When Rick unexpectedly turns up on his doorstep, Willum is delighted at first, and then desperate to rid himself of the bumbling oaf who triggers one uproarious incident after another. Sept. 5-28.

“Beauty and the Beast,” music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice, book by Linda Woolverton
A magic spell has transformed a handsome prince into a hideous beast. To reverse it, he must find someone to love him despite his appearance. Disney’s Midas touch has turned this timeless tale into a dazzling Broadway musical. “Beauty and the Beast” and “Be Our Guest” are among the song favorites. Nov. 28-Dec. 21.

“Dearly Departed” by David Bottrell and Jessie Jones
Meet an eccentric community of misfits in the backwoods of the Bible Belt, where the Turpins are the ultimate dysfunctional family. After their patriarch drops dead, they try to pull together for the funeral. You’ll die laughing as their ongoing problems and peculiarities overshadow the solemn occasion. Jan. 9-Feb. 1, 2009.

“Leading Ladies” by Ken Ludwig
Romantic entanglements abound in this rollicking comedy of mistaken identities a la “Some Like It Hot.” Two down-and-out actors try to pass themselves off as the long-lost nephews of a rich old lady. Their scheme becomes increasingly complicated after they discover that the heirs are actually nieces. Feb. 20-March 15, 2009.

“Godspell,” music & (new) lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by John-Michael Tebelak
Drawing from various theatrical traditions--clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics and vaudeville--the parables and teachings of Jesus are humanly and joyously brought to life. The sparkling score, by the composer of “Wicked,” includes “Day By Day,” “All Good Gifts” and “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord.” May 15-June 7, 2009.

Not to be missed are these three bonus plays, each running for two weekends only:

“Side by Side by Sondheim,” music & lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and music by Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers, Richard Rodgers, Jule Styne; narrative by Ned Sherrin
This musical tribute to Stephen Sondheim features gifted singers offering a brilliant array of hits from landmark shows: “Company,” “A Little Night Music,” “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum,” “West Side Story,” “Gypsy” and more. A charming narrator ties it all together. July 18-27.

“Steel Magnolias” by Robert Harling
In the haven of Truvy’s beauty salon, six dissimilar women come together to share their secrets and bare their souls, throwing in a little gossip for good measure. From weddings to divorces, babies to funerals, new beginnings to happy endings, they face every event with grace, determination and perfectly coifed hair. Oct. 24-Nov 2.

“The Boys Next Door” by Tom Griffin
Arnold is a hyperactive chatterer. Lucien has the mind of a 5-year-old. Norman is intensely proud of the large key ring dangling from his belt. Barry fantasizes that he’s a golf pro. This compassionate yet very funny play focuses on life in a group home supervised by a sincere, but burned out, social worker. April 17-26, 2009

For further information or a brochure, call the Racine Theatre Guild at (262) 633-4218, visit the website, or stop by the box office between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays. The Racine Theatre Guild, a nonprofit community theatre, provides a variety of live entertainment at 2519 Northwestern Avenue (Highway 38) in Racine.