Clarence Brown Theatre has unveiled its nine-play lineup for the 2019–2020 season, beginning with Million Dollar Quartet on the theater’s mainstage starting August 28.
“Our 2019–2020 season is as exhilarating as any other we have offered,” said Calvin MacLean, CBT producing artistic director and head of the Department of Theatre. “It is a buffet of theatrical genres that includes farce, satire, classical tragedy, contemporary comedy, and some good old-fashioned rock ’n’ roll.”
Season tickets are on sale now.
Benefits for season ticket holders include free ticket exchanges, priority seating, and the opportunity to purchase single tickets at the Lab Theatre before they go on sale to the general public. Other benefits include special discounts at selected restaurants and access to special events.
The lineup:
Million Dollar Quartet
August 28–September 22, Clarence Brown Theatre Mainstage
If you loved Always Patsy Cline, Honky Tonk Angels, and Lost Highway, you won’t want to miss this Tony Award–winning musical by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux. It’s set on December 4, 1956, in Memphis, Tennessee, and Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins are holding an impromptu jam session at the Sun Record Studios.
Broadway at the Keys
September 22, Clarence Brown Theatre Mainstage
Singer-songwriter Levi Kreis won the 2010 Tony Award for originating the role of Jerry Lee Lewis in Broadway’s Million Dollar Quartet. Kreis will perform songs from Broadway in this one-night-only 90-minute concert. This performance is general admission.
People Where They Are
October 2–20, Carousel Theatre
Inspired by true events, this story takes place on a Tennessee hilltop where heroes in training meet in secret. All are changed. Some change America.
Exit, Pursued by a Bear
October 30–November 10, Lab Theatre
Set in the North Georgia mountains, this wild revenge comedy by Laruen Gunderson tells the story of Nan, who has had it with her abusive husband. She’s determined to teach him a lesson before she leaves.
A Christmas Carol
November 27–December 21, Clarence Brown Theatre Mainstage
It would not be Christmas in Knoxville without the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. Adapted by Edward Morgan and Joeph Hanreddy with music by John Tanner, the show invites the audience to follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a magical journey in a celebration of generosity, compassion, and personal transformation.
Blithe Spirit
February 5–23, 2020, Clarence Brown Theatre Mainstage
Hoping to gather material for his book, writer Charles Condomine invites psychic Madame Arcati to his home to conduct a séance and gets far more than he bargained for in his Tony Award–winning comedy by Noel Coward.
Hamlet
February 26–March 15, 2020, Carousel Theatre
This work by William Shakespeare is often called the greatest play in the English language. In the wake of his father’s death, Hamlet finds both his personal and political worlds unimaginably changed. When his father’s ghost demands vengeance, Hamlet must decide to submit or resist, accept or avenge, live or die.
The Clown Project
March 25–April 5, 2020, Lab Theatre
“I had a dream last night about a group of friends on a train . . . about travel, cities, migration . . . and the common threads of humanity that tie us all together.” Using clowning techniques, noted physical comedian Zack Fine develops an original performance piece with our own students about the power of friendship. A funny, new work with pitfalls, pratfalls, and heartbreaks.
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
April 22–May 10, 2020, Clarence Brown Theatre Mainstage
When young Monty Navarro learns he’s ninth in line for Earl of Highhurst and its vastly family fortune, he decides to intercede uproariously in the line of succession in this multiple Tony Award–winning musical. It’s based on a novel by Roy Horniman with book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and music and lyrics by Steven Lutvak.
For more information, tickets, and accessibility accommodation requests, including open captioning, ASL, and assistive technologies, call the CBT box office at 865-974-5161 or visit clarencebrowntheatre.com. Additional accessibility information is available online at clarencebrowntheatre.com/access.
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CONTACT:
Brian Canever (865-974-0937, bcanever@utk.edu)
Robin Conklin (865-974-2497, rconkli1@utk.edu)