Artists’ Ensemble unveils 2010-11 season

From press release

Artists’ Ensemble (AE) Theater will perform their 2010-2011 season of professional theater in the Cheek Theatre at Rockford College. AE come back to Rockford College next season as renters, rather than the relationship AE has enjoyed with the college for the past five seasons.

AE will produce four terrific plays ranging from the comic wit of Steve Martin to a whimsical romantic comedy, a new suspense thriller, and ending with a hilarious take on Little League Baseball and the dads who coach the teams.

For the first time, AE is offering a bonus summer show to kick off next season. The irrepressible ladies of WGAL return in an encore of last season’s smash production of Radio Gals!

Radio Gals, July 2-11 in the Cheek Theatre (book, music and lyrics by Mike Craver and Mark Hardwick)—The whole cast is back for a two-week encore of last season’s rip-roarin’ musical hit. Tim Anderson, Patte Armato-Lund, Jodi Beach, Carolyn Cadigan, Rachel Handlin, Margaret Raether and Stephen F. Vrtol III will delight audiences with toe-tapping music and the outrageous comedy that made Radio Gals the best-selling show in AE’s history.

Radio Gals is not part of the subscription series, but subscribers to next season have the opportunity to purchase Radio Gals tickets at a discount and before they go on sale to the general public May 15.

The 2010-2011 season opens with The Underpants, a comedy by funny man Steve Martin. Moon Over the Brewery, a romantic comedy by Bruce Graham will play in December. In March 2011, AE will present a suspense thriller by Theresa Rebeck, Mauritius. The season concludes with Rounding Third, by Richard Dresser, a comedy about Little League, fatherhood and friendship.

Subscription prices are $90 for the season, $85 for seniors, $75 for Discount Thursday and $40 for students. Single tickets are $28, $26 for seniors, $19 for Discount Thursday and $10 for students.

AE shows often sell out, so the best way to guarantee a seat and save more than 20 percent on tickets is to subscribe to the season.

Season tickets may be purchased through the AE Web site, www.artistsensemble.org, or through the AE box office, which has a new number—(815) 904.2277. The old box office number, (815) 394-5004, will also be active until the end of May.

From the May 12-18, 2010 issue