Dorset Theatre Festival Announces Ambitious Line-Up

Dorset Theatre Festival is thrilled to announce an ambitious line-up for its Summer 2014 Season which will include the 6-time Tony Award-winning play "Red" by John Logan starring Tim Daly, a World Premiere of the summer comedy "Out of the City" by renowned playwright Leslie Ayvazian, the 20th Year Anniversary revival of the smash comedy "All in the Timing" by Tony Award-winner David Ives, and the 60th Anniversary revival of the Agatha Christie classic "The Mousetrap."

"Red" by John Logan, known for his Academy Award-winning screenplays for "Gladiator" and "Any Given Sunday," is a play about renowned artist Mark Rothko at the peak of his career. It captures the dynamic relationship between an artist and his creations. "The play asks audiences an important question: What do you see when you look at a work of art? What is art? Who gets to decide anyway?" explains Dina Janis, DTF's Artistic Director. The Festival is excited to have actor Tim Daly return this summer to star in this role.

"Out of the City" by acclaimed NY playwright Leslie Ayvazian continues DTF's tradition of developing and producing World Premieres as part of its programming each summer. A summer comedy, the play brings together two long-married couples and best friends as they get away to the country to celebrate a "big" birthday. Events occur and they discover that no matter how long or well they have known each other, there can still be surprises. The playwright, known for her work at Manhattan Theatre Club and the Atlantic Theater Company among others, carefully creates a portrait of baby boomer identity as it continues to redefine itself in our times.

"All in the Timing" is a critically acclaimed evening of six short vignettes by Tony Award-winning playwright David Ives which investigate for audiences of all ages the classic existential questions of life and the complications involved in romantic relationships. The play, which opened on Broadway 20 years ago to rave reviews, remains one of the classic American comedies of our times. The DTF production marks its 20th Anniversary revival.

DTF continues its Murder and Mayhem series with "The Mousetrap" by Agatha Christie. The world's longest running play, this murder mystery and family favorite tells the story of a homicidal maniac who terrorizes a group of snowbound guests at a country inn to the refrain of "Three Blind Mice." "I am so excited to celebrate this fantastic classic on its 60th Anniversary - plus I couldn't resist the fact that the play is set in Dorset, England. What a coincidence!" says Dina Janis, DTF's Artistic Director.

Following the success of last season's presentation of TV and stage actor Gordon Clapp and his one man show about Robert Frost, DTF will be presenting "Travels with Mark Twain," created and performed by Tony Award-winning actor Ron Crawford. The show is drawn from Twain's lectures, his adventures as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi, and his mining days out West, interspersed with selections from classics including "Tom Sawyer" and "Huck Finn."

In addition to the five Main Stage productions, DTF continues its contributions to New Play Development with its presentation of three original works by nationally recognized playwrights. The popular series opens on June 5 with Theresa Rebeck's latest new work "Zealot," a Susan Blackburn Award Finalist which will star award-winning actress Alfre Woodard. Nicole Burdette of Naked Angels Theater fame, will be featured next on July 14 with her poignant new drama "Utterly Changed." Finishing up the series on August 19, DTF will feature an original and hip new musical "Dillingham City" from the writing team of renowned playwright Lucy Thurber and award-winning up and coming composer Matt Gould. All new play readings begin at 7 p.m., cost $15 and feature a talk-back with the writer and creative team directly after the performance.

DTF will offer a new tiered pricing structure this summer designed to allow theatre-goers of all budgets an affordable way to see great theatre. New as well is the exciting 30 Below Subscription Pass set at $50 for DTF's growing audience of younger patrons.

For more information or to purchase season passes or individual tickets, call
802-867-2223 or go to www.dorsettheatrefestival.org.

MAIN STAGE

June 18 - July 6
"Red"
By John Logan
Directed by Adrienne Campbell-Holt
Starring Tim Daly (rest of cast TBA)

July 10 - July 19
"Out of the City"
By Leslie Ayvazian
Directed by Dina Janis

July 24 - August 9
"All in the Timing"
By David Ives
Directed by Jenn Thompson

August 14 - August 30
"The Mousetrap"
By Agatha Christie
Directed by Paul Mullins

September 18 - September 20
"Travels with Mark Twain"
Created and performed by Ron Crawford