COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 8, 2021) — The Fine Arts Center Theatre Company is pleased to announce its blockbuster line up for the 2021–2022 season. The FAC will produce a season of diverse and exciting plays and musicals, including “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark,” by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage and the Tony Award-winning musical “La Cage aux Folles.” The season kicks off in September 2021.
“This season is full of stories of healing, connection, inclusivity, discovery, and celebration,” said Co-Interim Producing Artistic Director Nathan Halvorson. “We’re so excited to share these stories with our community.”
2021–2022 Mainstage Season
- “Guadalupe in the Guest Room,” Sept. 30–Oct. 24, 2021
- “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” Dec. 2, 2021–Jan. 9, 2022
- “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark,” Feb. 17–March 13, 2022
- “La Cage aux Folles,” April 21–May 15, 2022
2021–2022 Studio Series
- “The Wolves,” June 1–26, 2022
2021–2022 Family Series
- “Balloonacy” Oct. 23–Nov. 21, 2021
- “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus,” March 5–April 3, 2022
Subscriptions to the 2021–2022 season are on sale now at fac.coloradocollege.edu or through the box office at (719) 634-5583. Single tickets will be available for purchase starting July 29, 2021.
2021–2022 MAINSTAGE SEASON
All mainstage productions are performed in the FAC’s beautifully restored 400-seat theatre.
Guadalupe in the Guest Room
Sept. 30–Oct. 24, 2021
by Tony Meneses
Guadalupe is living in the guest room of her son-in-law, Steve, while she works to translate the children’s books her deceased daughter has written from English to Spanish. Overcome with grief and separated by a language barrier, the unlikely housemates struggle to communicate. As Guadalupe and Steve begin watching a television show together, they bond in unexpected ways, leading them to learn that understanding doesn’t always require speaking the same language. “Guadalupe in the Guest Room” is a funny and heartfelt celebration of new beginnings, breaking barriers, and the healing power of telenovelas.
“In ‘Guadalupe in the Guest Room,’ communication about loss and renewal goes beyond mere words…Meneses conveys emotional truths that are difficult to articulate, whether through Claudia’s quirky, fantastical stories or through wordless exchanges that range from violent to compassionate… Guadalupe makes it clear that his is a distinctive voice worthy of attention.” —NJ Star-Ledger.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Dec. 2, 2021–Jan. 9, 2022
Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
New Book by Douglas Carter Beane, Original Book by Oscar Hammerstein II
A thoroughly modern twist on the timeless enchantment of this magical fairy tale brings new life to the story of a young woman who dreams of—and achieves—a better life. This contemporary take on the classic tale features Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago.” With great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, this romantic fairy tale will warm your heart.
“This ‘Cinderella’…emphasizes the inner magic of character, self-reliance and love.” —The New York Times
By the Way, Meet Vera Stark
Feb. 17–March 13, 2022
by Lynn Nottage
A new comedy from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage (‘Intimate Apparel’) draws on the screwball films of the 1930s to take a funny and irreverent look at racial stereotypes in Hollywood. “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark” is a seventy-year journey through the life of Vera Stark, a headstrong Black maid and budding actress, and her tangled relationship with her boss, a white Hollywood star desperately trying to hold on to her career. When circumstances collide and both women land roles in the same Southern epic, the story behind the cameras leaves Vera with a surprising and controversial legacy scholars will debate for years to come.
“A satisfying screwball comedy in which Nottage uses stereotypes to expose them, tapping into a current of rueful emotion beneath the surface.” —Vogue
La Cage aux Folles
April 21–May 15, 2022
Book by Harvey Fierstein, Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman; Based on the play by Jean Poiret
After twenty years of un-wedded bliss, Georges and Albin, two men partnered for better or worse, get a bit of both when their son announces his impending marriage to the daughter of a conservative politician. Further complicating the situation is the family business: they run a drag nightclub where Albin is the star performer. Georges reluctantly agrees to masquerade as straight when he meets the family of the bride-to-be, but Albin has other plans, with hilarious results. This riotously funny, Tony Award-winning musical remains one of the all-time biggest hits.
“This is Jerry Herman’s best musical yet—happier, more assertive, more buoyant than ‘Hello Dolly!’ or ‘Mame.’” — The New York Post
2021–2022 STUDIO SERIES
This production will be performed in the Fine Arts Center courtyard.
The Wolves
June 1–26, 2022
by Sarah DeLappe
Left quad. Right quad. Lunge. A girls indoor soccer team warms up. From the safety of their suburban stretch circle, the team navigates big questions and wages tiny battles with all the vim and vigor of a pack of adolescent warriors. This Pulitzer Prize finalist paints a portrait of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for nine American girls who just want to score some goals.
“The scary, exhilarating brightness of raw adolescence emanates from every scene of this uncannily assured first play by Sarah DeLappe.” —The New York Times
2021–2022 FAMILY SERIES
Family series productions are performed in the FAC’s gorgeously intimate 108-seat Music Room.
Balloonacy
Oct. 23–Nov. 21, 2021
by Barry Kornhauser
Imagine a single balloon changing one person’s life forever. “Balloonacy” is tender, uplifting show for the little ones (and the big ones, too). Sweet, inventive and packed with physical comedy, this play explores the power of friendship and shows how, with a little imagination and acceptance, companionship is everywhere.
“‘Balloonacy’ is short and simple; a lovely tale that easily captures the attention of the tiniest of audience members and holds their focus until the end. Don’t miss this adorable production that teaches that the potential for friendship is everywhere, as long as you are willing to accept it.” —DC Metro Theater Arts
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!
March 5–April 3, 2022
Script by Mo Willems and Mr. Warburton, Lyrics by Mo Willems, Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
It’s not easy being the Pigeon—you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning Pigeon picture books, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!” is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.
“The musical is delightfully, rip-roaringly, giggle-inducingly kid-friendly.” —DC Metro Theater
TICKET INFORMATION
Season subscriptions start at $125. Reserve online at fac.coloradocollege.edu or call the box office at (719) 634-5583.
Season ticket holders enjoy additional benefits, including:
- The best prices—save up to 55% off single ticket prices!
- Priority seating—subscribers will be assigned seats before all other ticket buyers.
- Flexibility—Need to switch dates? Exchange tickets easily (with no exchange fee) if your plans change.
- Friends & family discount—Receive $5 off per ticket when you bring friends or family to a show.
- See it again free—Love it? See it again for free when you accompany someone buying a full-price ticket.
- Free ticket insurance—Lose your tickets? No worries! We will gladly reprint them and hold them at will call.
Single tickets will be available for purchase starting July 29, 2021.
For the latest information on visitor guidelines and safety details, visit the FAC website.
ABOUT THE FAC THEATRE COMPANY
The award-winning FAC Theatre Company produces an annual season of innovative and exciting theatrical productions. In 2019, The Colorado Theatre Guild recognized the FAC with its most prestigious honor, the Henry Award for Outstanding Season for a Theatre Company (2018–2019). Theatre at the Fine Arts Center traces its roots back to 1919, when the Colorado Springs chapter of the Drama League began performing at the newly opened Broadmoor Art Academy (the predecessor to the FAC). Since then, the company has gained a reputation for high-quality productions of musicals, comedies and dramas and the Colorado premieres of new American work.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
The FAC and Colorado College recognize and honor the original inhabitants of the land on which it resides. The story of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) begins with the founding of the Broadmoor Art Academy 1919. A museum, performing arts theatre, and community art school, the FAC is a pillar in the cultural community of the Rocky Mountain West providing innovative, educational, and multi-disciplinary arts experiences designed to elevate the individual spirit and inspire community vitality. For more information about the FAC, visit fac.coloradocollege.edu or follow on Facebook @CSFineArtsCenter.
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