Florida Rep's 11th season: new works and the classics

Florida Repertory Theatre enters a new decade of professional theater next month in Fort Myers with an eclectic lineup for its 11th season at Historic Arcade Theatre.

After celebrating a 10-year milestone, Florida Rep is breaking new ground and starting new traditions while upholding its mission to produce a wide variety of work that is accessible to all.

The theater's 2008-09 season features eight plays that include three regional premieres, a Tony-winning Best Play and an American classic by one of the world's most beloved playwrights.

"It is a true celebration of theater," said Producing Artistic Director Robert Cacioppo. "We're happy to begin another decade with these interesting plays that explore the human experience in such different ways."

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams - Oct. 3-12

This classic tale is one of the most beloved and moving stories of the 20th century, and is Florida Rep's World Classic Initiative for 2008 as well as Lee County Library's One Book One Community. Set in a humble St. Louis apartment, it is the story of fading Southern gentility in the wake of Depression-era realities. Performances are set aside for Lee County schools, and it will have only 12 public performances.

Cacioppo Born Yesterday by Garson Kanin - Oct. 24 - Nov. 16

A perfect play for the heated election season, this play is a classic love story set in the midst of 1940's Washington politics. When Harry Brock, an uncouth and corrupt tycoon, brings his showgirl mistress, Billie, to Washington, her innocence and naivety threaten to undermine his shady business deals. When Harry hires someone to teach Billie the ropes, he gets more than he bargained for. Indian Blood by A.R. Gurney - Nov. 28 - Dec. 21

It is Christmas 1946 in upstate New York. Truman is president, a gallon of milk costs 50 cents, and Eddie is in trouble at school. This charming new play finds Eddie in hot water, and much to the chagrin of his staid and WASPy world, he blames his bad behavior on his restless, Native American ancestry - his "Indian blood."

Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel - Jan. 9 - Feb. 1

This Tony Award-winning Best Play is a captivating Irish drama peppered with humor, heartbreak and hope. Set against the backdrop of jazz in the

1930s, the colorful cast of characters weaves a beautiful and human tapestry in the mind of an impressionable 7-year-old boy.

Alone Together by Lawrence Roman - Feb. 13 - March 8

It is an amazing feeling... the kids are raised, 30 years have flown past and finally you're alone together. You look forward to the peace, the quiet, and the privacy that an empty nest can provide, but it won't last. In the style of "Father of the Bride," this witty comedy is the story of an empty nest that just can't seem to stay empty.

The Art of Murder - March 20 - April 12

Another new play by Joe DiPietro, author of Florida Rep's biggest hit, "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," and winner of the Edgar Award for Best Mystery, "The Art of Murder" is a tantalizing whodunit. Jack is an eccentric painter who plans to dispose of his underhanded art dealer, but the tables may be turned. The evening unfolds as a thrilling, suspenseful and seductive dance macabre that will have audiences on the edge of their seats.

Gurney The Last Romance by Joe DiPietro - April 24 - May 17

From the same playwright who delighted audiences with "Over the River and Through the Woods," this play is a true, old-fashioned romance about unlikely senior citizens meeting, connecting and living out their dreams - a touching comedy that proves it is never too late to have a little fun or to follow your heart.

Shirley Valentine by Willy Russell

- May 29 - June 7

Our heroine is a rather ordinary middle- class English housewife. As Shirley prepares dinner, she ruminates on her life, her husband, her children and an attractive offer from a friend. This one-woman-show is an acting tour de force and stars Florida Rep favorite Lisa Morgan (Doubt).

Subscriptions offer patrons the best seats and best prices at as much as 30 percent off single ticket prices. They are now on sale through the box office, (239) 332-4488. Florida Repertory Theatre is located on Bay Street between Jackson and Hendry in the Historic Arcade Theatre in the Fort Myers River District. Visit Florida Rep online at www.floridarep.org