LATER LIFE
by A.R. Gurney
April 26-May 21, 2017
Austin has spent his entire life convinced that something terrible is bound to happen to him. One night, at a party, overlooking Boston harbor, he has the pleasure of rekindling a romance begun almost thirty years ago with Ruth. Now a multiple divorcee, Ruth’s personal life is in such turmoil that mutual friends look to Austin as Ruth’s last shot at normalcy.
At the same time, these friends are hoping the wildly unpredictable Ruth will help loosen Austin from the grip of years of depression and lifelessness. Comically, and sometimes painfully, these two people rediscover each other and themselves while a bevy of free-spirited other guests rally behind them and remind them of the infinite possibilities that life holds, should one only choose to pursue them.
Directed by Luke Yankee
Actors: Teri Bibb (Multiple Roles), Joel Bryant (Multiple Roles), William Fair (Austin), and Barbara Niles (Ruth)
“(CVRep’s) production of this ‘dramedy’ could not be better. It shows a huge amount of thought, and fascinating results. You will never see anything else like it – so make sure you do see it!”
– V.J. Hume, CV Independent
“It’s amazing how the performing talent plus the artistry of the creative team led by director (Luke) Yankee, grabs the audience and makes the on stage magic spring to life. The stunning set design by resident award-winning design wizard Jimmy Cuomo, dishes up one of his best…”
– Jack Lyons, DesertLocalNews.com
DISGRACED
by Ayad Akhtar
March 8-April 2, 2017
Amir Kapoor is a successful Pakistani-American lawyer who is rapidly moving up the corporate ladder while distancing himself from his cultural roots. Emily, his wife, is white; she’s an artist, and her work is influenced by Islamic imagery. When the couple hosts a dinner party, what starts out as a friendly conversation escalates into something far more damaging.
Directed by Joanne Gordon
Actors: Kamran Abbassian (Abe), Arash Mokhtar (Amir), Joel Polis (Isaac), Maya Lynne Robinson (Jory), and Elizabeth Saydah (Emily)
“CVRep’s ‘Disgraced’ is an eye-opening achievement of theatre.”
– Bruce Fessier, The Desert Sun
“This production succeeds on every level. One of the best examples of an ensemble cast … however, each actor also stands out. I applaud artistic director Ron Celona’s choice to hold a Q&A immediately after every performance.”
– Bonnie Gilgallon, CV Independent
“Akhtar’s script is critically profound and insightful. Coupled with Joanne Gordon’s staging and direction, you would be hard pressed to find a more engaging and meaningful night of theatre. . . CVRep’s production of ‘Disgraced’is a breathtaking ride that will leave you in search of your next theatrical fix.”
– Dee Jae Cox, Coachella Valley Weekly
BABY: The Musical
Music by David Shire; Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr.’ Book by Sybille Pearson
January 18-February 12, 2017
Three couples on a university campus deal with the painful,rewarding and agonizingly funny consequences of the universal experience of pregnancy and upcoming parenthood. There are the college students, barely at the beginning of their adult lives; the thirty-somethings, having trouble conceiving but determined to try; and the middle aged parents, looking forward to seeing their last child graduate from college when a night of unexpected passion lands them back where they started.
Directed & Choreographed by Ron Celona
Musical Direction by Scott Storr
Actors: Tom Andrew (Alan), Janna Cardia (Arlene), Erica Hanrahan-Ball (Pam), Melody Hollis (Lizzie), Caleb Horst (Danny), and Perry Ojeda (Nick)
Ensemble: Jaci Davis, Joseph M. Dahman, Jeff Stewart, and Giulia Ethel Tomasi
“The Coachella Valley Repertory has managed to deliver an amazing ‘Baby’ onto its tiny Rancho Mirage stage. You may see bigger musicals this year, but you may not see a better one in this desert.”
– Bruce Fessier, The Desert Sun
“Coachella Valley Repertory artistic director Ron Celona…has truly outdone himself with his current offering, Baby – The Musical. It’s wonderful—and not all that common—to have absolutely nothing negative to say about a show. I had that experience watching CVRep’s production of Baby. It’s not just about childbirth. It’s about life, love and the complexity of human relationships. This show will touch your heart…even if you have no kids—or don’t even like them.”
– Bonnie Gilgallon, CV Independent
ANNAPURNA
by Sharr White
October 26-November 20, 2016
After twenty years apart, Emma tracks Ulysses to a trailer park in the middle of nowhere, for a final reckoning. What unfolds is a visceral and profound meditation on love with the simplest of theatrical elements: two people in one room. A breathtaking story about the longevity of love.
Directed by Ron Celona
Actors: Eric Charles Jorgenson (Ulysses) and Anna Nicholas (Emma)“(Sharr) White’s play is pure theatre and one of the best shows I’ve seen. A story told entirely through dialogue, by two characters in a single setting. Both Jorgenson and Nicholas have mastered their roles and easily bring the audience along for their emotional journey.”– Dee Jae Cox, Cocahella Valley Weekly“ANNAPURNA, is a finely acted and directed, intelligent comic drama that generates plenty of laughs on its way to a moving ending. ANNAPURNA, which tackles CVRep’s theme for the season, “love, marriage, and life changing events,” with heart and grit, will satisfy theatregoers seeking a play with intellectual and emotional depth.””– Audrey Liebross, BroadwayWorld.com