Theatre News Wire

Northlight Theatre unveiled its captivating 2024-2025 season, curated by Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans. Theatergoers will embark on an enchanting journey, starting with the charming play with music, "The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk," which explores the whimsical romance between Marc Chagall and his poet wife Bella. Next, audiences will be treated to a fresh adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's timeless classic "Little Women," penned by Northlight favorite Lauren Gunderson. The season continues with Lloyd Suh's poignant and humorous play "The Heart Sellers," delving into the Asian immigrant experience during the 1970s. In a exciting collaboration with Theater Wit, Northlight will co-produce Joshua Harmon's acclaimed play "Prayer for the French Republic," directed by Jeremy Wechsler. The final production of the season will be announced at a later date, adding an element of anticipation to this already remarkable lineup.

"We're so pleased that the current season has struck a chord with audiences. It feels like we are truly back from the most challenging time for the theatre in modern history. That's why we've chosen a season that provides compassionate, insightful and thought-provoking work that both entertains and inspires," comments Artistic Director BJ Jones. "Lauren Gunderson teams with our Associate Artistic Director and director Georgette Verdin on a world premiere of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. We're collaborating with Theater Wit's Jeremy Wechsler to produce Prayer for the French Republic, which made its Broadway premiere earlier this season. In The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk, we celebrate musically, Marc Chagall and his poet wife Bella. And The Heart Sellers brings a heartwarming immigrant story by Lloyd Suh."

The 2024-2025 season includes:

The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk

by Daniel Jamieson with music by Ian Ross
September 5 - October 6, 2024

Marc Chagall and his poet wife Bella were partners in life and in art. Their romance is
immortalized in a feast of music, dance, and paintings brought-to-life, capturing the essence of a marriage that soared above the upheaval through which it endured. From their first meeting in Vitebsk, and through the Russian revolution, pogroms, and two world wars, their joy manifests in moments as vibrant and whimsical as the treasured artist's best-known works. With a klezmer-inspired score, wistful songs, and inventive staging, Flying Lovers celebrates the inspiring life and love of an extraordinary couple.

Louisa May Alcott's Little Women

adapted by Lauren Gunderson
from the novel by Louisa May Alcott
Directed by Georgette Verdin
November 29 - December 29, 2024

In 19th century New England, ambitious Jo, traditional Meg, gentle Beth, and spirited Amy grow up balancing their sisterly bonds with their distinct personalities. With their father away at war, the March sisters are nurtured by their wise and selfless Marmee. In a time marked by societal expectations, their love and shared feminine strength bind them through hardships, friendships, romantic entanglements, and inevitable losses. Captivating readers for generations, this beloved classic shines in an all new stage adaptation. A timeless tale of family, resilience, and a determined young writer finding her way in the world.

The Heart Sellers

by Lloyd Suh
Directed by Helen Young
January 23 - February 23, 2025

It's Thanksgiving 1973, and life in the USA is lonely for recent Asian immigrants Jane and Luna, with their workaholic husbands leaving them to fend for themselves. Over sips of wine and a questionable frozen turkey, they reminisce about home and dream of spreading their wings together in the land of opportunity: disco dancing, learning to drive, and even a visit to Disneyland. Inspired by the landmark "Hart-Celler Act" which opened a new path to citizenship for people around the world, this funny and moving play gives a big-hearted voice to the Asian immigrant experience.

Prayer for the French Republic

by Joshua Harmon
Directed by Jeremy Wechsler
In a co-production with Theater Wit
April 10 - May 11, 2025

In 1944, a Jewish couple in Paris desperately awaits news of their missing family. More than 70 years later, the couple's great-grandchildren find themselves facing the same question as their ancestors: "Are we safe?" Following five generations of a French-Jewish family, Prayer for the French Republic is a sweeping look at history, home, and the effects of an ancient hatred. Winner of the 2022 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best New Off-Broadway Play, this celebrated work is from the author of Bad Jews and Significant Other.