Dreamcatcher’s 2008-2009 Season:
FRESH IDEAS, FAMILIAR FACES

Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre’s new season is one that celebrates new works while exploring Dreamcatcher’s identity as an ensemble company of actors. Dreamcatcher, in its fourteenth season, is the professional theatre in residence at the Baird Center of South Orange and a senior member of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance. This year, the Dreamcatcher Resident Acting Company and its guests will present two mainstage productions, two improvisational comedy nights, two new play readings, one holiday variety show, and Dreamcatcher Junior show, our annual production for families.

Kicking off the season is Multiple Personality Disorder, Dreamcatcher’s improvisational comedy troupe, on Saturday, September 20. At this first presentation, season passes will be available for the entire season, and the ticket price for the improv show can be applied to the cost of a pass. This popular event will also be held in the spring on Saturday, April 18, and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Dreamcatcher’s fall mainstage production is the world premiere of a new play by Suzanne Bradbeer, written expressly for the Dreamcatcher acting company. In earlier drafts the play was entitled DAVE MATTHEWS IS A GOOD MAN, and is now called YOU MISS THEM WHEN THEY’RE NOT AROUND. In this spirited comedy about letting go, Jill Olson is broke, pregnant and desperate to start her life over. She has just been offered a lot of money for her broken-down old wreck of a house. All she has to do is get rid of the ghost. Appropriately opening on Halloween, YOU MISS THEM WHEN THEY’RE NOT AROUND will play until November 16.

On December 5 and 6, Dreamcatcher will present A VERY SPECIAL (HOLIDAY) SPECIAL, an affectionate send-up of traditional television holiday variety shows. This Very Special Special will include holiday songs, comic sketches and improv, and lots of good old-fashioned fun.

Dreamcatcher will present its second mainstage production in March, the New Jersey premiere of THE GREAT GOD MONEY by Emily Davis. Previously performed at the NYC Fringe Festival, this ensemble comedy with music follows the story of Dot, an ordinary person who believes that if she just had enough money, all her problems would be solved. One day, after a series of seemingly coincidental disasters, she finds herself on an Alice in Wonderland journey through the bizarre and colorful Land of Money. As she travels through the labyrinth to meet The Great God Money, she discovers something unexpected about both the almighty dollar and herself that will change her life forever. THE GREAT GOD MONEY plays March 6 through 22.

In the spring, two free “Meet the Artist” new play readings will be held on May 6 and 20, thought-provoking experiences which include the opportunity for audience discussion with the writer, director and actors after the performance.

From July 24 through August 2, Dreamcatcher will present its annual DREAMCATCHER JUNIOR production, an original family show that always draws on the creativity of its young actors to shape the piece. Each year, the youth company creates a one-of-a-kind piece led by director Dave Maulbeck that ranges from fairy tale quest to Shakespeare adaptation to musical revue.

Throughout the year, Dreamcatcher offers internships for high school and college students, classes for teens and adults, and many volunteer opportunities. In addition, the Summer Theatre Conservatory is a four-week training program for students aged 10 to 17 that explores a variety of subjects in the performing arts. All of Dreamcatcher’s activities center on the collaborative nature of theatre and creating a comfortable environment for artists and audiences of all ages to explore and grow together. The company’s work is supported by grants from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, and several other corporate and individual donors that believe in the power of the arts to bring people together and promote understanding between them.

Season passes may be purchased that provide substantial discounts to all events, and special rates for groups are also available. FIRST FRIDAY, the first performance of each mainstage show, costs only $10 for students, and SENIOR SUNDAY, the first matinee performance of each mainstage show, costs only $10 for seniors. Performances are in the third-floor theatre at the Baird Center, 5 Mead Street, South Orange, NJ 07079. For more information and tickets for any of Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre’s programs, please call 973-378-7754, ext. 2228.

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