Ojai ACT Artistic Director Tracey Williams Sutton pulled some magic out of her hat with the announcement of the company’s 2023 season of plays.
Opening the season in January 2023 will be Becky’s New Car, by Steven Dietz. Becky is a middle-aged woman in a middle-aged marriage with humdrum job and a humdrum adult son living at home. Then she meets a mixed-up millionaire who makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Or can she? The audience are her new best friends on this quirky adventure so prepare yourself to listen. It’s definitely worth the ride.
Red by John Logan, directed by Aileen Marie Scott will open in March. This play swept the Tony Awards in 2010, winning more than any show that year. Set in the 1950s in the studio of renowned artist Mark Rothko, this two-man drama captures the artist at the height of his creativity as he struggles to complete a valuable commissioned work—a work that violates all his principles as an artist. A perfect fit for Ojai, Red explores the ever-changing relationship between an artist and his creations.
A young magician, a beautiful woman, and a mysterious stranger come to life in Disappearing Act, a new play by Ojai based actor/writer Peter Fox. Fox will direct this spell-binding brew of prestidigitation and discovery at the Ojai Art Center in May.
For the summer musical, Artistic Director Williams Sutton will direct Nunsense, the original musical in Dan Goggin‘s successful franchise. It seems there’s been a tiny mix up in the kitchen and the sisters need money. Fast. Don’t miss their raucous fundraising attempts next June.
The mood shifts to the dark side in September with the production of the classic 1929 mystery, Rope by Patrick Hamilton, directed by Kimberly Demmary. This spellbinding play received international accolades when it premiered in London and New York, and was one of the first plays ever filmed live for television in 1939. The play also inspired the 1948 Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name.
For the holiday season OACT will offer the majestic musical, Scrooge, directed by Gai Laing Jones, with book, music, and lyrics by Leslie Bricuse. Adapted from the film—also written by Bricuse—this colorful rendition of the Dickens’ classic brings 19th century London alive again.
Stay tuned for 2023 season ticket sales.