About Cortland Repertory Theatre
CRT Box Office Now Open
Seeing brisk business on the first day of opening, the Cortland Repertory Theatre Box Office is now available for all ticket sales. Subscription and Flex Pass sales have ended, but customers are now able to purchase individual tickets or gift certificates to all of CRT’s summer shows by calling 800-427-6160, visiting the Box Office at 37 Franklin Street in Cortland or online through CRT’s website at www.cortlandrep.org. In their 36th season, CRT is Central New York’s longest running professional summer theatre and this summer will present six mainstage productions, including three regional premieres, and one children’s show.
Starting the season is a musical celebrating one of America’s most beloved songwriters. "Almost Heaven: Songs of John Denver", running from June 6 - 16, weaves together Denver’s songs to create a theatrical narrative that reflects America in the early 70’s. 29 songs, including "Rocky Mountain High", "Sunshine on My Shoulders", and "Leaving on a Jet Plane" are performed by a cast of six, creating a spiritual tapestry of the late, great balladeer.
CRT’s farces have long been remarked upon as the best in the area. Filling the bill will be Alan Ayckbourn’s "How the Other Half Loves" from June 20 - 30. At the Fosters, Bob was out last night and his wife Teresa is suspicious. At the Phillips’ Fiona forgot her wedding anniversary and her husband Frank is disappointed. To cover their affair, Bob and Fiona drag in an unknowing third couple as their unwitting alibis. As the plot thickens, time and space are tossed in the air as two dinner parties take place at the same time but in two homes on two different nights!
From July 4 - 14 Agatha Christie’s most popular thriller "Ten Little Indians" is presented. Ten strangers are invited by an unknown host to spend the weekend in a island mansion. Trapped in by weather, each guest is accused of murder by a mysterious voice. Suddenly one of ten East Indian figurines sitting on the fireplace mantle topples over…and one of the guests dies! Whodunit? And who’s next?
The centerpiece musical of the summer season is widely considered the greatest work of American musical theatre. "Fiddler on the Roof", with book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick runs for three weeks from July 18 - August 4. Tevye, a poor dairyman living in a Russian village struggles to instill in his family the traditions of his Jewish community in the face of growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. The universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class and religion with beloved songs including "Matchmaker, Matchmaker" and "Tradition".
Playwright John Cariani employs elements of magical realism as he explores the mysteries of the human heart in a delightful new romantic comedy, "Almost, Maine". Four actors portray residents of the small mythical town called Almost in far northern Maine. One winter night, the Aurora Borealis flashes brightly overhead. Romance blankets the town like falling snow.
Some hearts are healed, some are broken, but everyone is “Almost” changed. This midwinter night’s dream of a play runs from August 8 - 18.
Finally from August 22 - September 1 comes the regional debut of "The Great American Trailer Park Musical" with music & lyrics by David Nehls and book by Betsy Kelso. In Armadillo Acres, Florida’s most exclusive trailer park, a new tenant is wreaking havoc. When Pippi, a stripper on the run, comes between the agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband, a team of desperate housewives prepare for the hurricane that’s a’brewin’! Songs include "This Side of the Tracks" and "Make Like a Nail (and Press On!)" Warning: This show may contain adult language, big hair, and pretty bad fashion sense.
The “CRT Kids” programs offers a participation comedy for young theatre lovers with "Treasure Island" based on the book by Robert Louis Stevenson and adapted by Steve & Kathy Hotchner on July 24, 26, 28 and Aug 4, all at 2:00 PM.
Also on sale are tickets for CRT’s one-night benefit "Broadway on the Lake", to be held on July 28th. This year, in addition to the hearty cocktail buffet, silent and live auctions, a full performance of “Fiddler on the Roof” will be presented.
Productions are held at the Little York Pavilion in Dwyer Memorial Park on Route 281 and is easily accessible at Exits 12 or 13 off Route 81. For more information, call 607-756-2627 or 800-427-6160.