Women take the spotlight in Human Race’s 2019-2020 season
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment, which allowed women the right to vote and ushered in the groundswell for equality for all American citizens, the Human Race Theatre Company’s 2019-2020 season will be entirely devoted to local premieres of female stories past and present.
Titled “Women of Influence: Their Power, Passion and Pitfalls,” the organization’s 33rd season covers the gamut from a beautiful play-with-music chronicling the life of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday to an insightful exploration of feminist icon and Toledo native Gloria Steinem.
The five-show lineup opens with Lanie Robertson’s “Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar and Grill” (Sept. 12-29, 2019, directed by Human Race Resident Artist Scott Stoney) followed by “This Is Us” supervising producer and writer Bekah Brunstetter’s topical comedy “The Cake” (Oct. 31-Nov. 17, 2019, directed by Greg Hellems), Emily Mann’s “Gloria: A Life” (Feb. 27-March 15, 2020, directed by Human Race Resident Artist Marya Spring Cordes), Lauren Gunderson’s spirited, “Sex and the City”inspired, girl power circa 1793 Paris comedy “The Revolutionists” (April 16-May 3, 2020, directed by Margarett Perry), and Matthew Lombardo’s Tallulah Bankhead-driven comedy “Looped” ( June 11-28, 2020, directed by Human Race Artistic Director Kevin Moore).
“This may be the first time in our 33 years that we selected a season theme before we selected our shows,” Moore said. “The season showcases unique women’s stories and plentiful, strong female characters – both factual and fictional. It also features some of the country’s outstanding women playwrights.”
“Throughout this remarkable season,” stated Human Race Executive Director Kappy Kilburn, “I am especially thrilled about all the opportunities it presents to further our engagement with our audience and collaborate with many old and new community partners.”
In particular, the Human Race is notably partnering with the Neon Movies. Neon Manager Jonathan McNeal will select films that relate to each of the five shows.
“We’re getting a lot of groups together to help us collaborate – not just arts groups,” echoed Moore. “We’ve met with about 50 groups from the League of Women Voters to local universities. We’re looking at how we’re going to connect, cross-promote and collaborate on this programming because there are a lot of opportunities for so much to happen. It’s exciting to be able to generate something really interesting next season that will be unique.”
In addition, the Race, Dayton’s only professional theater company, will present a special holiday concert Elisabeth von Trapp and Friends (Dec. 14) and the Monday Night Playreading Series will return with titles to be determined at a later date.
“I feel our 2019-2020 season is a good collection,” Moore added. “I’m very excited about what all of these collaborations will bring.”
Subscribers’ renewal packets will be available when they attend the troupe’s upcoming production of “Sylvia,” slated April 25-May 12, or they can call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit the Schuster Center Box Office to renew. Subscriber deadline for renewal is May 24. New subscription orders are available anytime but will not be seated until the renewal process has completed. For more information, call the Human Race at (937) 461-3823 or visit humanracetheatre.org.