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Russ Widdall as Robert F. Kennedy in New City Stages's production of "RFK" in 2013.

San Jose Stage Season to Include Luis Valdez Premiere

The slate includes a new play from the El Teatro Campesino founder, as well as a political drama, a farce, and a musical.

SAN JOSE, CALIF.: San Jose Stage Company has announced its 2015–16 season, which will include a Luis Valdez world premiere and a new play about Robert F. Kennedy.

“In our 33rd season, the Stage is thrilled to be working with Luis Valdez and El Teatro Campesino to bring the world premiere of Valley of the Heart, exemplifying our mission to bring bold and politically provocative new work to our region,” said artistic director Randall King in a statement.

“Both Bobby Kennedy, in his short yet inspirational life, and Luis Valdez have dedicated their life’s work to creating change by shining light on injustice and human rights issues,” King continued. “The struggles of RFK’s legacy lives on in today’s cultural leaders like Luis who take action and ignite hope in us all. We’re proud to partner with Luis and El Teatro Campesino, and I look forward to presenting these important works to our community.”

The season begins with the California premiere of Jack Holmes’s RFK (Sept. 30—Oct. 25), a high-stakes drama about the life of the iconic politician.

Next will be The 39 Steps (Nov. 25—Dec. 20), adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan and the movie by Alfred Hitchcock, a whodunit spy story filled with romance, trains, handcuffs, and missing fingers.

Following will be the world premiere of Valley of the Heart (Feb. 10—March 6), written and directed by Valdez in partnership with El Teatro Campesino, a love story set in the culturally diverse Santa Clara Valley.

Next is Marc Camoletti’s Boeing Boeing (April 6—May 1, 2016), translated by Beverly Cross and Francis Evans, about an American architect whose attempt to juggle three relationships goes awry as schedules change, flights are delayed, and chaos ensues.

The season will end with a musical to be determined (June 1—July 17, 2016).

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