Summerset announces shows for Season 53

Published 2:01 pm Saturday, September 21, 2019

Summerset Theatre will again produce two big musicals during its 53rd season next summer.

Summerset Theatre is thrilled to be producing two shows that are new to audiences in Austin: “Mary Poppins” and “We Will Rock You.” Both productions will feature large casts and unforgettable music. Open auditions for both shows will take place next spring.

“We are so excited to get started on next season!” said Summerset Theatre Co-Executive Director Randy Forster. “ Based on the overwhelming success & support from last season, where we produced Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Mamma Mia!, we know that our audiences love and appreciate Big Broadway style musicals. Season 53 will not disappoint when it comes to big music. Everyone loves the classic tale of Mary Poppins, and We Will Rock You features the music of Queen! We encourage everyone to save the dates.”

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“Mary Poppins,” one of the most popular Disney movies of all time, is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical. Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, “Mary Poppins” is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft.

Jack-of-all trades Bert introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep.

Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael are not the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises, “Anything can happen if you let it.”

“Mary Poppins” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Show times will be at 7 p.m. June 18-20 and June 25-27 and 2 p.m. June 21 and June 28.

After a victorious 12-year reign and having rocked over 7 million people in London’s West End, “We Will Rock You,” a musical by Queen and Ben Elton, achieved the distinction of becoming the longest-running show ever at London’s Dominion Theatre.

It has been performed in 28 countries around the globe and has been seen by more than 16 million people.

Featuring more than 20 hit Queen songs including “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” “Somebody To Love,” “We Are the Champions,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” and many more, “We Will Rock You” follows two revolutionaries as they try to save rock ‘n’ roll in a post-apocalyptic world. In an age where algorithms predict our every preference, “We Will Rock You” is a unique and wild musical for our time: a fist-pumping, foot-stomping anthem to individuality.

“We Will Rock You” is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide. Show times will be 7 p.m. July 23-25 and July 30-Aug. 1 and 2 p.m. July 26 and Aug. 2.

Summerset Theatre is a not-for-profit community theatre founded in 1968.

Productions take place each summer in the Frank W. Bridges Theatre, located on the Austin campus of Riverland Community College. Summerset encourages community members with an interest in theatre to get involved through auditioning, volunteering, donating, or attending a production. Summerset Theatre operates in collaboration with the Riverland Community College Foundation.

The mission of Summerset Theatre is to provide the community with engaging entertainment and artistic opportunities in a positive, collaborative environment. Summerset Theatre is open to all community members.

To get involved or find out more, please visit the Summerset Theatre website at www.summersettheatre.org.