July 20, 2004

Philadelphia Theatre Company's 2004-2005 Season will feature four Philadelphia premieres including the 2003 Tony Award-winner for Best Play. As the city's gateway to new American theater, the season will include Trumbo, starring Bill Irwin; The Story; Elegies: A Song Cycle; and Take Me Out. All mainstage productions are performed at 1714 Delancey Street.

"Our new season continues our celebration of the genius and diversity of the American playwright," said Producing Artistic Director Sara Garonzik. "Philadelphia Theatre Company's long-standing commitment to introducing new voices to Philadelphia audiences allows us to showcase rising stars such as Tracey Scott Wilson while establishing new and exciting partnerships with William Finn and Richard Greenberg."

The season begins with Trumbo by Christopher Trumbo, an homage to the playwright's screenwriter father, Dalton Trumbo (Spartacus, Roman Holiday, Exodus) running October 8-November 7 and starring Bill Irwin. In 1947, Dalton Trumbo, legendary screenwriter, stood up to the House Un-American Activities Committee and was thrown into prison as one of the infamous "Hollywood Ten." Through his brilliant and funny letters to friends, enemies and family emerges the story of a family's survival and one stubborn artist's quest to break the blacklist. With concern about infringement of individual rights associated with today's Patriot Act and a presidential election only months away, this epistolary evening has a special topicality. The production stars Tony Award-winner Bill Irwin, who appeared on Broadway in Edward Albee's The Goat or, Who is Sylvia? with Sally Field, and who will also star, along with Kathleen Turner, in the upcoming Broadway revival of Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? In honor of his extraordinary physical work in shows such as The Regard of Flight, Largely New York and Fool Moon, New York's Signature Theatre devoted its entire season 2003/04 season to his original work.

The season continues with The Story by Tracey Scott Wilson running January 28 through February 27. The production will be directed by Maria Mileaf, who returns to Philadelphia Theatre Company where she recently directed Nickel and Dimed and Wit. A shocking murder exposes a web of ambition, prejudice and social politics as a young African American newspaper reporter investigates a killing and finds a great story – but is it the truth? Tracey Scott Wilson, a thrilling new voice in American theater, explores the mysterious boundaries between reality and fiction, morality and ambition. Ms. Wilson has a Philadelphia connection, having graduated from Temple University ten years ago with a degree in creative writing.

On March 18 through April 17, Philadelphia Theatre Company presents the musical Elegies: A Song Cycle by William Finn (composer of Falsettos). Joe Calarco, who returns to Philadelphia Theatre Company after directing the Barrymore Award-winning The Last Five Years, will direct this production. William Finn is known for his clever lyrics and a musical style that mixes elements of pop, rock, R&B and jazz. In this extraordinary celebration of life, he has created a buoyant, uplifting evening of witty and moving songs that serve as musical love-letters to those who have gone before him.

The season concludes May 13 through June 12 with Richard Greenberg's 2003 Tony Award-winning play Take Me Out, directed by James J. Christy, who directed Philadelphia Theatre Company's Barrymore Award-winning production of The Laramie Project. Darren Lemming, a baseball star at the top of his game, makes a shocking announcement that sends fans and media alike reeling. With poignancy, humor and just a touch of social commentary, Take Me Out chronicles the fallout of his revelation on America's favorite pastime.

Special lifestyle series are also available during the run of each show including: Meet-the-Artists, an in-depth, behind-the-scenes discussion following the performance; two Wine Tasting nights, with opportunities to sample top wines selected by noted sommelier, Luca Mazzotti; and the Young Friends of Philadelphia Theatre Company, a group for young professionals with a passion for theater.

Subscriptions for the 2004-2005 season are available for $108-$162 for a four-play season by calling Philadelphia Theatre Company at 215-985-1400 x100 or visiting www.philadelphiatheatrecompany.org. Special 25 & Younger Flex subscriptions are also available for only $60.

Philadelphia Theatre Company, entering its 29th season, is Philadelphia's only non-profit professional theater dedicated to producing regional and world premieres of works by contemporary American playwrights. Under the artistic direction of Sara Garonzik, Philadelphia Theatre Company has had ever-increasing national impact with over 100 new American plays. Recent world premiere productions include: Bruce Graham's According to Goldman; Jeffrey Hatcher's A Picasso (to receive its New York premiere at Manhattan Theatre Club in March 2005); Daniel Stern's comedy Barbra's Wedding; John Henry Redwood's No Niggers, No Jews, No Dogs; J.T. Roger's White People; David Ives' Lives of the Saints; three-time Tony Award-winning Master Class by Terrence McNally; Bunny Bunny by Alan Zweibel; and the American premiere of Birdy by Naomi Wallace. Philadelphia Theatre Company was chosen Best Theatre Company 2003 by Philadelphia Magazine. Since 1995, Philadelphia Theatre Company has received 77 nominations and 21 awards from Philadelphia's Barrymore Awards, most recently for The Last Five Years (Overall Outstanding Production of a Musical, 2002-2003) and A Picasso (Outstanding New Play, 2002-2003). Philadelphia Theatre Company has been in residence at the historic Plays & Players Theater since 1982.

For further information, please call 215-985-1400 or visit www.philadelphiatheatrecompany.org.

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