MyNorth News Service
(Press Release provided by Parallel 45)
TRAVERSE CITY: Parallel 45, a professional theatre company based in Traverse City, announces their sixth season — “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” “Medea” and “A Streetcar Named Desire” — inspired by the idea that “Well-behaved women seldom make history.” The season will run November 2015 through April 2016.
The season begins Nov. 18 with the wildly entertaining musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” dubbed the “best rock musical ever” by Rolling Stone Magazine. Hedwig tells the “sublimely trashy and surprisingly powerful” story of a fictional rock and roll band fronted by Hedwig Schmidt, an East German transgender singer who recounts her storied life in a wickedly funny lounge act. The production will be directed by Parallel 45 Artistic Director Kit McKay and will feature a live band. The furiously funny Michael Burditt Norton travels from Berlin, Germany to perform the title role. “Hedwig” will have eight performances, closing November 22.
A bold new adaptation of “Medea” opens Jan. 20. This contemporary adaptation of Euripides’ iconic play — commissioned by Parallel 45 from celebrated NYC-playwright Kristina Corcoran Williams — re-examines the tale of a powerful woman whose husband has traded her in for a younger model. The famous Medea then brutally murders her children to punish the man who has betrayed her. Crisp, quickly paced, and starring the emotionally raw Caitlin McDonough-Thayer, Parallel 45’s Medea allows modern audiences to experience Euripides’ psychological masterpiece in an exciting, new way.
“Medea” will be directed by award-winning guest director Matthew Gutschick, artistic director of the Rose Theater, Omaha; McDonough-Thayer will appear courtesy of Actor’s Equity Association. “Medea” runs through Jan. 23.
April 27, the season continues with a re-envisioning of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” Tennessee Williams’ epic story of a woman struggling to survive in a combative, quickly-changing universe. Directed by Parallel 45 Artistic Director Kit McKay, the production will approach this classic story from a new angle, employing a large ensemble cast and immersive staging that pushes the production past traditional “kitchen sink” boundaries. California actress — and Parallel 45 audience favorite — Katherine Dillingham Mazer will return to perform the iconic role of Blanche Dubois. “Streetcar” will run through April 30.
Early Bird Season Subscriptions are available now through Aug. 31, offering 50 percent off the cost of two tickets to each of these three riveting shows. Subscriptions can be purchased at www.parallel45.org or via MyNorth Tickets. Individual tickets are on sale Sept. 1.
About Parallel 45 Theatre:
Parallel 45 is professional theatre company that brings nationally-recognized artists to northwest Michigan. Having established their careers in cities around the globe, these professional artists have connected with the incredible beauty of northwest Michigan and work to build a dynamic theatre culture in this region. By producing a repertory of innovative new works, reinvented classics and imaginative adaptations, Parallel 45 seeks to entertain, encourage critical thought and inspire. Visit them online at parallel45.org.
For more information, visit www.parallel45.org. For interview requests or additional press materials, contact Parallel 45 Marketing Director, Jordan Anderson, at (231) 342- 0761 or jordan@parallel45.org.