Through September 17, Creede Repertory Theatre (CRT) will present its 57th season, welcoming audiences back with a return to fully live, indoor performances, audience enrichment opportunities and thriving education programs.
The season kicked off on May 28.
“From a variety of popular and thought-provoking works to introducing new voices and educational programs, Creede Rep has unend- ing options to engage our guests this season,” said CRT’s Producing Artistic Director John DiAntonio. “There are so many reasons to ‘Go Rep!’ this summer.”
The season opened at the historic Mainstage Theatre with “Always … Patsy Cline,” created and originally directed by Ted Swindley. Directed by Michael Perlman (“Annie Get Your Gun”), the musical stars Emily Van Fleet (“9 to 5”) as Patsy Cline. Based on the true story of her friendship with honky-tonk fan Louise Seger, played by perennial favorite Caitlin Wise (“Pride and Prejudice”), the show includes 27 of Patsy’s greatest hits like “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces”, and “Sweet Dreams.”
Also at the Mainstage is “Native Gardens” by Karen Zacarías and featuring CRT legend Christy Brandt. This moving comedy, directed by Julia Rosa Sosa Chaparro, introduces young professionals Pablo and Tania as they move into their dream home, right next door to community stalwarts Frank and Virginia, starting an all-out war of the roses over a long-standing fence line dispute.
The Ruth Humphreys Brown Theatre (‘The Ruth’) welcomes audiences back this season with all new LED lighting technology, keeping it cooler to increase audience comfort. Here patrons can enjoy Robert Harling’s hilarious and devastating “Steel Magnolias,” directed by Amanda Berg Wilson. Audience engagement opportunities are returning for select shows this season, including a conversation with CRT alumna and current board member Pam Berlin, who directed the world premiere production of “Steel Magnolias” in 1987.
Also playing at The Ruth is the swashbuckling and family-friendly “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood” by Ken Ludwig (“Crazy for You”).
“It’s a story we all know, told like we’ve never heard it before,” said DiAntonio. “It captures the adventurous spirit that represents Creede and CRT. Plus, there is nothing more the world needs right now than to be swept away in an epic romance!”
Next is “The Royale” by Marco Ramirez, which is directed by Kyle Haden, who also directed the world premiere of “Hazardous Materials” at CRT in 2018. Inspired by the life of Jack Johnson, this sports drama set in the early-20th-century world of racially segregated boxing and featuring Lavour Addison (“An Iliad”) brings to life the ultimate fight for a place in history.
If it’s improv that delights, “Pants on Fire!: A Totally Made-Up Musical for Kids” returns to The Ruth Fridays at 11am from July 1 through Sept. 2. “Boomtown! Improv Comedy” also returns Fridays, July 1 through September 4.
CRT’s 10th annual Headwaters New Play Festival is also back this season, featuring new work by playwrights Beth Kander and Michael Perlman.
Education at CRT will be cel- ebrating the 20th anniversary of “The KID Show with Music Box” written by “KID Show” alumna Allison Quiller and directed by “KID Show” founder Renee Prince. This coming-of-age adventure follows Maggie, a young magician, while she makes new friends, faces dangers and ultimately must use her skills to save her father — and the world. Running July 7 through July 9 at The Ruth, “The KID Show” offers a professional theatrical experience for students ages 10 and older through the creation of an original show. Additionally, the Education Department hosts camps for learners of all ages July 12 through August 5.
CRT’s flagship program, The Young Audience Outreach Tour, now in its 39th season, is staging the world premiere of “Casa Alfonsa” by Diana Grisanti on August 26 and August 27 at the Virginia Christensen Multi Use Facility.
For tickets or information about multi-show, flex and VIP passes, visit www.creederep.org, call the box office at (719) 658-2540 (option 1) or email boxoffice@creederep.