The University of Delaware’s professional theater company will keep its offerings online in the fall, but begin planning for a return to live performances in 2022.
The Resident Ensemble Players will offer four plays, all for free: “A Scandal in Bohemia;” “The Murders in the Rue Morgue;” “Votetrickery: A Spoken Word Symphony;” and “A Christmas Carol.”
The theater, known for superb productions that often have directors and designers with Broadway pedigrees, is bucking the trend of state performing venues planning shows inside for fall.
REP Producing Artistic Director Sanford “Sandy” Robbins said in a press release that the troupe was excited to share its fall offerings.
“Everyone at the REP is looking forward to joyfully returning to live performances early in the new year,” he said “We wish everyone a wonderful summer full of good health as we prepare for an exciting theatre season ahead.”
The press release didn’t hint which shows may go inside in 2022.
But the four shows in some ways mirror what REP did in the fall of 2020, with a classic drama, a thrilling horror, a provocative premiere and a holiday favorite.
“A Scandal in Bohemia” features Sherlock Holmes, the detective the world can’t get enough of. In this tale, the King of Bohemia enlists Holmes’ services to recover a photograph that could ruin the king. Adapted for radio by Denis Green and Anthony Boucher, it will stream Sept. 29-Oct. 17.
Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” will be adapted and directed by REP company member Michael Gotch. It tracks murders in Paris that have shocked the city with bodies so viciously brutalized that many wonder if a supernatural force isn’t at work. The Halloween treat will run Oct. 27 through Nov. 14.
Early December will see the debut of “Votetrickery: A Spoken Word Symphony,” written and directed by REP company member Hassan El-Amin. The production focuses on America’s history of voting and the unresolved voting rights issues that continue to plague our country today. It will stream Dec. 1 – 19.
Wrapping up the year is “A Christmas Carol,” the Charles Dickens tale the follows miser Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from creep to beloved benefactor. It will stream Dec. 8 – Dec. 26.
For more information, go to www.rep.udel.edu.
Betsy Price is a Wilmington freelance writer who has 40 years of experience, including 15 at The News Journal in Delaware.
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