SALT LAKE CITY: Pioneer Theatre Company (PTC) has announced a shortened 2020-21 season, which will begin in February 2021 and include two rescheduled productions from the 2019-20 season. PTC a professional theatre located on the campus of the University of Utah.
“The pandemic has disrupted all our lives,” said PTC managing director Chris Massimine in a statement. “We are working closely with the state of Utah and the university as reopening guidelines continue to evolve. With these challenging times comes the responsibility of balancing increased public safety and the well-being of staff and artists, alongside producing the first-class theatrical experiences to share and enjoy. After reviewing possible strategies, with an eye on minding public welfare first and foremost, we are optimistic but remaining flexible. ”
The season will open with the rescheduled Something Rotten! (Feb. 19-March 16, 2021), conceived by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick, with book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, and music and lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick. The comedy pokes fun at Shakespeare as brothers in 1595 go about making the world’s first musical.
Next up will be the world premiere of Ass (March 26-April 10, 2021), by Ellen Simon, previously scheduled to premiere this spring. The play, about complicated family relationships from the daughter of playwright Neil Simon, first appeared as part of PTC’s Play-by-Play new play reading series.
The shortened season will conclude with Legally Blonde (May 7-22), with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, book by Heather Hach, and based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the MGM motion picture. Like the hit movie, the musical follows Elle Woods as she subverts stereotypes in pursuit of her dreams.
“After being away from the stage and from our patrons,” said PTC artistic director Karen Azenberg in a statement, “it is important that we come back with a season that appeals to our entire audience base—a season that will make us laugh and forget our troubles, and rekindle the excitement that live theatre provides.”
