Mister Roberts: Bravery, honor, grace...and rowdy rebellion.
August 18, 2009
New Repertory Theatre, in residence at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, is pleased to announce its new Artistic Director’s, Kate Warner’s, Boston Premiere, Mister Roberts, a timeless classic by Thomas Heggen and Joshua Logan. Mister Roberts opens for the press on Monday, September 14, 2009 at 7:30pm and plays through Saturday, October 3, 2009 at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in the Charles Mosesian Theater.
“I am thrilled to open the season with a classic like Mister Roberts,” states Kate Warner, Artistic Director, New Rep. “For my inaugural season, I focused on stories that elevated the heroes around us and showcased how everyday people have the ability to find touching and surprising ways to motivate and lead individuals. No play I have ever read tells this story better than Mister Roberts. I am struck by how current and relevant the themes addressed in Mister Roberts are today. I think, now more than ever, we need to be reminded that inspiration can be found where we least expect it.”
Ms. Warner adds, “I am also excited to introduce New Rep’s Tell Us Your Story Campaign, where we are asking Veterans and Service Members to share their personal stories with us and how they, like Mister Roberts, displayed bravery, honor, and grace in challenging times; character traits that are as timeless and inspiring as the play.”
Mister Roberts features New Rep favorite, Paul D. Farwell, who was last seen on New Rep’s Mainstage in Picasso at the Lapin Agile as the Captain; Jonathan Popp, who is making his New Rep debut, as Ensign Pulver; and Thomas Piper, who has worked with Ms. Warner for over 10 years will also be making his New Rep debut, as Lt. J.G. Doug Roberts.
In this 1948 Tony Award-winning classic, a restless crew aboard a cargo vessel idling in the South Pacific is desperately craving some onshore action. When the comedic ensemble clashes with their tyrannical captain, it is Mister Roberts who must bail them out. Thomas Heggen and Joshua Logan's moving, yet humorous story of an officer, who sacrifices his personal quest for the morale of his crew, has us reflecting on one man's search for purpose during a time of war.
Tell Us Your Story Campaign: New Rep is calling all active Service Members and Veterans to Tell Us Your Story and share how they, or someone they know, showed bravery, honor, and grace in challenging times. All stories will be displayed on Backstage @ New Rep, New Rep’s blog. To submit a story and photos, please e-mail marketing@newrep.org or mail them to New Repertory Theatre, Tell Us Your Story Campaign, 200 Dexter Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472. Stories and photos that are mailed will not be returned.
Get Dressed for the Theatre Campaign: Veterans or service members that wear their Uniform to a performance of Mister Roberts receive 2 tickets for the price of one as our thanks to them. For more information or to reserve your seats, call the Box Office at 617-923-8487.
New Repertory Theatre produces plays that speak powerfully to the essential ideas of our time. Through the passion and electricity of live theatre performed to the highest standards of excellence, New Rep expands and challenges the human spirit of both artists and audience.
New Rep presents world premieres, contemporary and classic works in several intimate settings. We are committed to education and outreach, including special dedication to the creation of innovative in-school programming and providing access to underserved audiences.
New Rep is an active advocate for the arts and a major voice in the national dialogue defining the role of theatre in our culture.
For Press Inquiries: Contact Gia Podobinski at 617-923-7060, extension 205
or e-mail gia@newrep.org