Artisan Center Theater announces 2009 season

by Shawn Parikh

Artisan Center Theater in Hurst has been providing the metroplex with various genres of theatre throughout the years, and their 2009 season proves no different. Season tickets are available for $80-130 and you can call the box office at 817-284-1200 for more info. With 10 shows, you are bound to find something you like:

I Love A Piano from January 2 – 31, 2009. Conceived and written by Ray Roderick & Michael Berkeley. A nostalgic musical journey, spanning seven decades of American history as seen through the eyes of Irving Berlin. It has been said of the man, "Irving Berlin has no place in American music - he IS American music!" This show tracks the life of a piano with one sour key through four generations of singers and dancers who have performed with it and around it. With six actors and over 60 of Berlin's enduring and popular favorites, this spectacular new show captures the spirit of America from the Ragtime rhythms of the 20th century through the swinging sophistication of the 1920's and 30's. From the sentimental songs that inspired a nation during two World Wars to the innocent optimism of the 1950's. Timeless classics, such as "White Christmas," "God Bless America," "Puttin' On The Ritz," and "There's No Business Like Show Business," do more than define the music of a generation, they define the music of our country.
Harvey from February 6 - 28, 2009. Written by Mary Chase. Do you like rabbits? How about one who is six feet tall, wears a hat and talks to people? One of those happens to be the invisible, best friend of the charming Elwood P. Dowd. The classic story of Elwood is one of the most beloved and enduring comedies of the century. Bring the family and see why.
My Fair Lady from March 6 – April 11, 2009. Book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, music by Frederick Loewe. Everyone loves this timeless story about the cockney flower girl, her magic transformation into a genteel lady and the professor who falls in love with her. One of the greatest musicals ever written comes to life on our stage. Won’t it be just “loverly!”
Walking Across Egypt from April 17 – May 9, 2009. Adapted by Reid Leonard from the novel by Clyde Edgerton. A story of a sweet elderly lady whose faith and trust reform a juvenile delinquent. The God-fearing woman practically looks forward to her funeral, until Wesley comes along. He brings youth and joy to her life, and she brings intelligence, truth, and God into his. Both sides benefit from their experiences together.
Nunsense from May 15 – June 20, 2009. Book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin. The little Sisters of Hoboken have a problem: how to bury the Sisters from their order who died in a freak poisoning accident at the Convent. It's time for a fund-raising talent show, and the nuns are the talent...well, sort of. A laugh-out-loud show of fun for the whole family!
The Man With The Pointed Toes from June 26 – July 18, 2009. A Western Comedy by Lynn & Helen Root. Take a bunch of wild and uncouth cowboys and pair 'em up with a beautiful and proper schoolteacher to teach 'em how to function in a civilized world, and you've got yerself a mess on yer hands! The Man With The Pointed Toes is without a doubt one of the funniest shows ever. Lots of laughs! This hilarious story is loaded with fun and romance! So git your ladies and come see the show! This show is back at Artisan by popular demand!
West Side Story from July 24 – August 29, 2009. Book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The world's greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical favorite that is one of the theatre's finest accomplishments. Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the "American" Jets vs. the "Puerto Rican" Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.
The Mikado from September 4 – October 10, 2009. Written by Gilbert & Sullivan. Features those favorite G&S characters, Yum-Yum, Nanki-Poo, and Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner with his "little fist" of potential victims, not to mention the fearsome Katisha, the hilariously ridiculous Pooh-Bah, and the emperor himself, with his own list of punishments to fit the crime. Gilbert's lyrics and Sullivan's melodies have delighted over one hundred years of operetta lovers, but they are still as fresh as "the flowers that bloom in the spring."
The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe from October 16 – November 14, 2009. Written by C.S. Lewis. This dramatization of C.S. Lewis' classic faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the evil White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander through an old wardrobe into never-to-be-forgotten land of Narnia. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life.
The Forgotten Carols from November 20 – December 19, 2009. Written by Michael McLean. Back by popular demand, Artisan brings back Michael McLean's timeless Christmas tale. Constance is a middle-aged nurse whose empty life is changed by a new patient who tells her the story of Christ's birth as told from the perspectives of lesser-known characters in the nativity story. Their personal accounts help her discover what the world has forgotten about Christmas, and open her heart to the joy of this special season.