The Fall season at Stoneham Theatre will begin with the classic Rodgers & Hart musical, "Pal Joey," playing from September 15 - October 2.  The musical is based on the book by John O'Hara in which a cheap nightclub emcee ditches his naive girlfriend to romance a rich older woman.  The original Broadway production, which debuted in 1940 and starred Gene Kelly and Vivienne Segal, ran for 374 performances. The score includes such popular standards as "I Could Write a Book" and "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered."  

Just in time for Halloween, "Dracula" takes to the stage from October 20 - November 6 in a chilling adaptation of Bram Stoker's original story.  First published in 1897 and never out of print, "Dracula" has been translated into virtually every major language in the world and reportedly stands as the biggest selling novel ever. The original story has inspired or influenced more than 700 films.

In celebration of its fifth anniversary, Stoneham Theatre triple-dog dares you to have a good time in December with its new holiday family production, the film-to-stage classic of "A Christmas Story."  Adapted by Philip Grecian from the 1983 motion picture by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, and Bob Clark, this is the tale of Young Ralphie, who only wants one thing for Christmas: an official Red Ryder BB gun.  His all-out campaign for the prized gift twists in and out of other Christmas adventures ranging from the infamous freezing flagpole to Dad's leg lamp and the Christmas dinner that got away. "A Christmas Story" runs from November 25 - December 23.

John Irving (The World According to Garp and The Cider House Rules) has received numerous awards for his best-selling novels. From January 12 - 29, Stoneham Theatre will bring one of Irving's most celebrated tales to the stage: "A Prayer for Owen Meany."  Adapted by Simon Bent, "Owen Meany" is Irving's epic story of the young boy with the "wrecked voice."  

The theater reports that of all the productions it has presented in its five year history, "The Sweepers" has resonated most with audiences. Playwright John C. Picardi is now in the process of creating a ten play series, each set in a different decade of the Twentieth Century, telling the story of the Italian American experience in Massachusetts.  From March 2-19, 2006, the theater will present the New England Premiere of the second in Picardi's series, "Seven Rabbits on a Pole," which focuses on a Massachusetts farming family in the midst of the Great Depression.  

In the spirit of biographical tributes, the theater will complete its 2005-2006 mainstage series with "Unforgettable: The Nat King Cole Story." Starring Monroe Kent III ("Five Guys Named Moe"), "Unforgettable" will play March 30 - April 16.  National Public Radio has called this show, "a dazzling representation of Nat King Cole...backed by a delicious trio, Monroe Kent III is a consummate performer and will make you feel for two solid hours that Nat King Cole is back - and as magnificent as ever."  

In addition to its mainstage series, Stoneham Theatre will continue to work with the young co., its successful education program for youth, develop new plays through its Emerging Stages series, and present popular concerts and music events for its audiences.

For information on subscriptions call 781-279-2200 or visit www.StonehamTheatre.org.

-- OnStage Boston

05/14/05

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