Annie Russell Theatre Announces 2018–19 Season

Rollins College’s Annie Russell Theatre, the longest running theatre in Central Florida, has announced its 86th season. The four-performance season, which runs from September 2018 through April 2019, explores trust, optimism, and hope for the future.

Twelve Angry Jurors

September 28 – October 6, 2018
Adapted by Sherman L. Sergel
Based on the movie by Reginald Rose
Directed by Thomas Ouellette

A young man just stood trial for the fatal stabbing of his father. If convicted, he’ll face the death penalty. “He doesn't stand a chance,” mutters the guard as 12 jurors are taken into a bleak deliberation room. It seems like an open-and-shut case, until one juror refuses to agree to a “guilty” verdict. This beautifully crafted, mature piece of dramatic literature brings together 12 complex characters to determine the fate of a man.

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Avenue Q

November 16 – December 1, 2018
Music and Lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx
Book by Jeff Whitty
Music Direction by Jason M. Bailey
Directed by Tim Williams

Avenue Q tells the timeless story of a recent college graduate named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment (all the way out on Avenue Q.) Princeton and his new friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life. With hilarious lyrics and a delightfully catchy score—and puppets!—Avenue Q won the Tony “Triple Crown” in 2004: Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book. Don’t let the puppets fool you. This one isn’t for the kids.

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A New Play

February 15–23, 2019
Written for Rollins College in collaboration with The Farm Theater
By Kimberly Belflower
Directed by David Charles

Each year, The Farm Theater in New York City partners with three colleges to commission a playwright to work alongside students on a world-premiere script inspired by current events. Rollins is proud to join Centre College and Furman University in welcoming Kimberly Belflower. Belflower will explore the #MeToo movement, which has exposed systemic issues of sexual violence and harassment by empowering women worldwide to break their silence.

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Sweet Charity

April 19–27, 2019
Book by Neil Simon
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Directed by Missy Barnes
Music Direction by Jason M. Bailey
Choreography by Robin Gerchman

Sweet Charity follows the story of Charity Hope Valentine, a hopelessly romantic but comically unfortunate dance hall hostess in New York City. The groovy 1960s score includes such memorable numbers as “Big Spender” and “If My Friends Could See Me Now.” Originally directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, Sweet Charity showcases all the energy, humor, and heartbreak of life in the Big City through the eyes of an irrepressible optimist.

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Subscription packages are $65, with discounts available for seniors, students, and Rollins alumni. Visit rollins.edu/annie to purchase a subscription online, or call the box office at 407-646-2145.

For more information on the Department of Theatre & Dance at Rollins, please visit rollins.edu/theatredance.