PlayMakers Repertory Company will open its 34th mainstage season Sept. 23-Oct. 11 with the regional premiere of the play by Michael Hollinger.
PlayMakers is the professional theater company in residence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. All performances of “Opus” will be in the Paul Green Theatre at UNC’s Center for Dramatic Art on Country Club Road.
Things threaten to unravel when the most talented member of the ensemble goes missing, and a young woman is hired to take his place. Music enriches the drama, as in PlayMakers’ hit 2008 production of “Amadeus.”
Hollinger knows the world of the play intimately from his previous career as a concert violist. His first-hand experience takes audiences behind the curtain to witness the passion and drama of this tightly strung group.
BroadwayWorld.com proclaimed the show, “smart, funny and ultimately shocking and downright breathtaking.” “Sex, drugs and chamber music!” raved The New York Times.
Show times will be 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, and 2 p.m. Sundays. For a complete schedule, more information and to purchase tickets, call (919) 962-PLAY (7529) or visit www.playmakersrep.org. Tickets are $10 to $40.
During its 2009-2010 mainstage season, PlayMakers will also present an epic two-part production of Charles Dickens’ “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby” (Nov. 11-Dec. 20); Arthur Miller’s searing wartime drama “All My Sons” (Jan. 27-Feb 14); and Oscar Wilde’s comedy classic “The Importance of Being Earnest” (March 3-21).
In conjunction with “Opus,” PlayMakers introduces “The Vision Series-Directors in Conversation.” A “Vision Series” event will preview each of the theater’s mainstage plays, with the first gathering on Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Theater-goers and others interested in the creative process are invited to the Paul Green Theatre to share wine, coffee and other refreshments; learn about the production in process; meet the director; and get a behind-the-scenes look at the design and vision for the show.
Other “Vision Series” events will be at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 4 for “Nicholas Nickleby”; Jan. 20 for “All My Sons”; and Feb. 24 for “Earnest”.
“The Vision Series” is free and open to the public. Reservations are encouraged, as space is limited. Call PlayMakers’ box office at 919.962.7529.
Counter Culture Coffee is co-producing sponsor for “Opus” and will provide coffee for “The Vision Series.” Whole Foods Market of Chapel Hill is the food and wine sponsor.
Other special events during “Opus” will include:
• preview performances Sept. 23-25 at 8 p.m.;
• opening night performance at 8 p.m. Sept. 26, with a complimentary gala party afterward;
• free post-show discussions with the “Opus” creative team on Sept. 30 and Oct. 4;
• free post-show “Mindplay” discussions sponsored by the North Carolina Psychoanalytic Society on Oct. 10 and 11; and
• an all-access performance for attendees with special needs, with sign language interpretation and audio description, on Oct. 6.
Based in UNC’s College of Arts and Sciences, PlayMakers is the Carolinas’ premiere resident professional theater company. The Drama League has named PlayMakers one of the “best regional theatre companies in America.”
Coverage note: Media are welcome to cover “The Vision Series” preview and talk by director Brendon Fox at 6:30 p.m. Sept.16. Photography, videography, lights and flashes are not restricted. For assistance, call (919) 428-1744.
PlayMakers contact: Connie Mahan, (919) 428-1744, cmahan@email.unc.edu