Summerset Theatre announced the playlist Friday for its 51st season. “The Musical of Musicals, The Musical,” “Leaving Iowa” and “Chicago” have been selected for next year’s performances.

“Jazzy” is how Co-Director Randy Forster described the upcoming season.

“We chose the plays because none of the shows have been performed in Austin before and also because we know our audiences love musicals and comedy plays,” he said.

“The Musical of Musicals, The Musical,” written by Eric Rockwell and Joanne Bogart, tells the story of June, an ingénue who can’t pay her rent. As her evil landlord threatens her, it begs the question of whether or not the handsome leading man will come to the rescue.

Forster called the show a satire about musicals, saying it will have a lot of familiar music with not-so familiar lyrics.

“Leaving Iowa,” by Tim Clue and Spike Manton, is a memory play about Don Browning, a middle-aged man who decides to bring his father’s ashes to his childhood home, only to discover it is now a grocery store. He remembers time with his father and going on family vacations in the car as he searches for a proper resting place in Iowa for his father’s ashes.

“It’s a heart-warming story with lots of comedy,” Forster said.

The final play of the season will be “Chicago” by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.

“Chicago” tells the story of rival vaudevillian murderesses Velma and Roxie, both locked up in Cook County Jail.

“‘Chicago’ has always been on the top of our list and it is one of our top requested shows,” Forster said. “It’s got a lot of good roles for women and it’s a Broadway legend that is still going on Broadway.”

Open auditions will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 12, and 6-9 p.m. on Monday, May 14 at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre at Riverland Community College.

“We encourage anybody to come and try out, even if you don’t have any theatre background or experience,” Forster said. “We love to get new people on the stage. We’re anticipating a larger cast for ‘Chicago.’ There are lots of parts for lots of different people, especially dancers.”

Forster also says they are looking for directors for all three shows. Interested parties can access the application at www.summersettheatre.org. Forster said they are hoping to have directors in place by December.

For those interested in season passes, Forster said they will be offering a deal of $40 for one ticket to each show, a saving on $11. He also said students 18 and younger and those in college can purchase a student ticket for $10 with a student ID.

Forster encouraged people to like Summerset Theatre on Facebook to get more information about auditions, director selections, and for chances to win free tickets.

“I think it is going to be a great season,” he said. “There’s lots of variety for everybody.”

Summerset Theatre’s 51st year

Showtimes for Summerset Theatre’s 51st Season.

All shows will be preformed at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre at Riverland Community College. For more information, visit www.summersettheatre.org.

• “The Musical of Musicals, The Musical!”

June 13-16 at 7 p.m.

June 17 at 2 p.m.

• “Leaving Iowa”

July 11-14 at 7 p.m.

July 15 at 2 p.m.

• “Chicago”

July 31 at 7 p.m.

Aug. 1-4 at 7 p.m.

Aug. 5 at 2 p.m.