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DREAMCATCHER’S 2009-2010 SEASON: CELEBRATING THE HUMAN JOURNEY

Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre’s new season is one that celebrates our shared experience of being human with heart and humor. Dreamcatcher, in its fifteenth season, is the professional theatre in residence at the Baird Center of South Orange and a senior member of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance. This year, the Dreamcatcher Resident Acting Company and its guests will present two mainstage productions, two improvisational comedy nights, two new play readings, one holiday variety show, and one Dreamcatcher Junior show, our annual production for families.

Kicking off the season is Multiple Personality Disorder, Dreamcatcher’s improvisational comedy troupe, on Saturday, September 12. At this first presentation, season passes will be available for the entire season, and the ticket price for the improv show can be applied to the cost of a pass. This popular event will also be held in the spring on Saturday, April 17, and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Dreamcatcher’s fall mainstage production is the New Jersey premiere of a play by Richard Dresser entitled THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. Part of his trio of plays exploring happiness in America, this play tells the story of Annie and Neil, who have placed their hopes and dreams on the shoulders of Jodi, their high-achieving 18-year-old daughter. When Jodi rebels at following their ambitious script for her life, everyone in the family is forced to reconsider what really constitutes happiness and to begin a more authentic chapter in their lives together. When it played at The Guthrie Theatre, Variety called it a witty and insightful comedy that “offers laughs and knowing nods, especially for baby boomers.” THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS will open on October 30 and will play until November 15.

On December 4 and 5, Dreamcatcher will present A VERY SPECIAL (HOLIDAY) SPECIAL, an affectionate send-up of traditional television holiday variety shows. This Very Special Special will include holiday songs, comic sketches and improv, and lots of good old-fashioned fun.

Dreamcatcher will present its second mainstage production in March, the New Jersey premiere of the revised version of PARALLEL LIVES: THE KATHY AND MO SHOW by Mo Gaffney and Kathy Najimy. This playfully satirical series of sketches achieved cult status in its long Off-Broadway run, and was updated in 2006 for a triumphant revival. Dreamcatcher’s all-female cast will lead the voyage from adolescence to midlife crisis to the golden years, skewering sexual stereotypes and contemporary identities with wit and wisdom. “Above all, PARALLEL LIVES is a smart, provocative show,” wrote Variety. PARALLEL LIVES plays March 5 through 21.

In the spring, two “Meet the Artist” free new play readings will be held on May 5 and 19, thought-provoking experiences which include the opportunity for audience discussion with the writer, director and actors after the performance.

From July 30 through August 1, Dreamcatcher will present its annual DREAMCATCHER JUNIOR production, an original family show that always draws on the creativity of its young actors to shape the piece. Each year, the youth company creates a one-of-a-kind piece that ranges from fairy tale quest to Shakespeare adaptation to musical revue.

Throughout the year, Dreamcatcher offers internships for high school and college students, classes for teens and adults, and many volunteer opportunities. In addition, the Summer Theatre Conservatory is a four-week training program for students aged 10 to 17 that explores a variety of subjects in the performing arts. All of Dreamcatcher’s activities center on the collaborative nature of theatre and creating a comfortable environment for artists and audiences of all ages to explore and grow together. The company’s work is supported by grants from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and several other corporate and individual donors that believe in the power of the arts to bring people together and promote understanding between them.

Season passes may be purchased that provide substantial discounts to all events, and special rates for groups are also available. FIRST FRIDAY, the first performance of each mainstage show, costs only $10 for students, and SENIOR SUNDAY, the first matinee performance of each mainstage show, costs only $10 for seniors. The theatre at The Baird is wheelchair accessible, and such access services as large print scripts, assistive listening devices, audio description and open captioning will be available by prior arrangement throughout the season. Performances are in the third-floor theatre at the Baird Center, 5 Mead Street, South Orange, NJ 07079. For more information and tickets for any of Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre’s programs, please call 973-378-7754, ext. 2228, and visit www.DreamcatcherRep.org.

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Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) corporation, incorporated under the laws of the State of New Jersey.