Season planning goes on year round as we read, research, and discover new plays and are re-introduced to beloved classics. Our artistic community makes many of the initial suggestions. All of these make it onto a long list that is discussed and refined throughout the year. When we’re making final decisions for the season, we start with a question of relevance: why this play now? That question has many different answers. It’s a new work and we want to introduce it to Austin. It has an incredible opportunity to showcase our artists. It uniquely speaks to a cultural moment. And of course, we want our work to engage, surprise, transform, and delight our audiences. Sometimes all at once.
Our subscribers are also surveyed about the shows they want produced and we’re thrilled when, like this upcoming season, their top picks line up with ours. The #1 choice from this year’s poll was Steven Dietz’ new adaptation of an Agatha Christie classic, Murder on the Links which will be produced in December. It’s a Hercule Poirot mystery and this new adaptation is a fast-paced, fun, thrill-ride where 6 actors play all the characters.
But before we get to that mystery, we’re opening the season with local playwright C. Denby Swanson’s The Norwegians. We produced The Norwegians as an off-season play in 2015 and we’re delighted to bring back this very funny, very dark comedy about the nicest gangsters you’ll ever meet. The Norwegians is rated R for adult language and subject matter. It kicks off our 5-Play subscription season. If you want to skip the darker comedy, our 4-Play season opens with Murder on the Links.
This past season’s musical, Big Fish was a huge, record-breaking hit. Next year we’re producing another intimate musical. The Spitfire Grill has gorgeous, folk-inspired music and engaging characters in a moving story.
Last year we went to the Alley Theatre’s new play festival where we caught the world premiere of Liz Duffy Adams’ Born With Teeth. It uses the rumor that Shakespeare and Marlowe collaborated on a history play cycle and uses that as a jumping point for a thrillride filled with danger, intrigue, and a lot of flirting.
Our season closes with another fresh look at a classic story. Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma is a fast-paced delight and will be filled with incredible costumes, scenic design, and iconic characters brought to life by our acting company.
We’re also producing an intimate, off-season production in our studio space. Every Brilliant Thing is a unique experience that invites an extra level of audience engagement and will have a very limited seating capacity. Subscribers will get the first opportunity to make reservations.
Our subscribers have been very clear that they really appreciate the flexibility in our season ticket packages. Typically that meant the flexibility to reserve seats for any play at any time and to reschedule as many times as needed for no cost. Flexible, free scheduling and rescheduling.
This year we’re expanding that flexibility to include three different subscription options so everyone can choose the package that works best for them. And they all come with the same subscriber benefits.
Our classic 4-Play Subscription includes Murder on the Links, The Spitfire Grill, Born With Teeth, and Emma. The 5-Play Subscription also includes The Norwegians.
Our brand-new All-Inclusive membership means just that. For a low monthly price, All-Inclusive subscribers may make reservations to everything Austin Playhouse produces including all the season plays, Every Brilliant Thing, and our cabaret series. All-inclusive members may also see season productions as many times as they like. These memberships will only be on sale through August or until they’re sold-out .
4-Play and 5-Play season ticket holders will have the opportunity to purchase seats for Every Brilliant Thing and our cabaret series for a discounted price.
Our current interim venue has a smaller seating capacity than ACC Highland. Every play last year had sold-out performances and Big Fish sold out over half its run. The best way to guarantee the best seats at the best prices to our popular shows is by being a subscriber. It’s also wildly helpful to us as we plan the season. We’re grateful for the support of everyone who chooses to purchase a season ticket and engage as a very special part of the Austin Playhouse community.
Season Ticket packages are available HERE.
Thank you and we’ll see you at the theatre!