Telling Stories for a Reason

Company of Fools is proud to announce its 14th Season running July 2009 through March 2010. This year the Company looks at its work through stories that explore the journeys that unite us. Each of the stories Company of Fools will be sharing in their 2009/ 2010 season explore the power of finding our way – bringing us to worlds that delight, provoke, entertain and connect us.

OUR 14th SEASON!!

Summer Fools Festival

110 IN THE SHADE

By N. Richard Nash, Tom Jones & Harvey Schmidt

Direction by John Glenn

Musical Direction by R.L. Rowsey

July 4 – August 1, 2009 – Part of the Summer Fools Festival

Set in a drought-stricken community in the 1930’s American West, 110 in the Shade is the story of finding our own truth and beauty by overcoming the fears and perceptions we have about ourselves and others. Company of Fools’ production features Rachel Abrams, Andrew Alburger, Jana Arnold, Michelle Carter, Scott Creighton, Dawson Howard, David Janeski, Jeffrey Maxwell, Nick Miller, John Moreland, Kelly Kennedy, Ciff Todd and Aly Wepplo. Musical direction is by R.L. Rowsey, choreography by Kelly Kennedy, set design by Joe Lavigne, costume design by Ann Hoste and stage management by K.O. Ogilvie.

Though it premiered on Broadway 43 years ago and is set in 1936, poetic and heartbreaking … 110 in the Shade feels younger, truer, and more vibrant than most of the musicals. —talkinbroadway.com

WELCOME HOME JENNY SUTTER

By Julie Marie Myatt

Direction by Joel Vilinsky

July 4 – August 2, 2009 – Part of the Summer Fools Festival

This is a present-day story of personal recovery and acceptance. Upon her return from Iraq, wounded Marine Sergeant Jenny Sutter finds herself lost in the California desert, without the body and mind she once knew. The eccentric inhabitants of a makeshift community give her the homecoming she needs before returning to her previous life. Company of Fools’ production features Rachel Abrams, Michelle Carter, David Janeski, Denise Simone and Ciff Todd. Set design by Joe Lavigne, scenic art by Richard Rush, costume design by Ann Hoste and stage management by K.O. Ogilvie.

This is political theater at its best, theater where the characters suck us into their world so powerfully that the play echoes in our hearts as well as in our heads. - San Jose Mercury News

STEEL MAGNOLIAS
By Robert Harlig
Direction by Steve Perigard
July 4 – August 2, 2009 – Part of the Summer Fools Festival

Set in a beauty salon in rural Louisiana, the play covers nearly three years in the lives of six women. The play is alternately hilarious and touching – and, in the end, deeply revealing of the strength and purposefulness which underlies the antic banter of its characters. Company of Fools’ production features Jana Arnold, Anna Johnson, Kelly Kennedy, Claudia McCain, Jennifer Jacoby Rush and Aly Wepplo. Set design by Joe Lavigne, costume design by Ann Hoste and stage management by K.O. Ogilvie.

…a skillfully crafted, lovingly evoked picture of eccentricity in the small town South. - Drama-Logue

THE SYRINGA TREE

By Pamela Gien

Direction by John Glenn

October 21 – November 8, 2009

The Syringa Tree is a personal, deeply evocative story of an abiding love between two families, one black, one white, and the two children that are born into their shared household in early 1960’s South Africa. This one woman show features Core Company Artist - Denise Simone. Set design by Dennis Rexroad and stage management by K.O. Ogilvie.

Instantly engaging, exotic, complex, deeply shocking… a thoroughly persuasive transport to a time and a place… Stun(s) with the power of a gut punch .... —The New York Times

A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD

By Willie and Robert Reale

Based on the books by Arnold Lobel

Direction by John Glenn

Musical Direction by R.L. Rowsey

December 16 – January 2, 2010

THEY’RE BACK!! Friendship, loyalty, music and amphibians – what more could you want out of a show? Get swept up in the Broadway musical smash-hit that had everyone talking about a couple of guys with gills – spring has sprung and with it Frog and Toad must wake from their winter-long hibernation. There are gardens to plant, kites to fly, cookies to bake, and songs to be sung. Company of Fools’ production features Rachel Abrams, Andrew Alburger, John Glenn, Cheryl Morrell and Cliff Todd.

In these troubled times, A Year with Frog and Toad is a fun, gentle reminder of what’s really important in life. Without high-tech distractions of extravagant trappings, this tony Award-nominated family musical shines from the warm glow within. - BroadwayWorld.com

THE GLASS MENAGERIE

By Tennessee Williams

Direction by Denise Simone

February 24 – March 14, 2010

No play in the modern theatre has so captured the imagination and heart of the American public as Tennessee William’s The Glass Menagerie. This is truly the great American Theatre masterpiece. Company of Fools’ production features David Janeski, Adam Kroeger, Claudia McCain and Aly Wepplo.

The Glass Menagerie, like spring, is a pleasure to have in the neighborhood. — New York Times