New Edgecliff Announces 2015-2016 Season: The Eye of the Beholder

At the opening night of our current production, Race by David Mamet, New Edgecliff Theatre announced their 2015-16 Season: The Eye of the Beholder. Included in the season are Frankie and Johnny in the Clare de Lune by Terrence McNally, the return of The Santaland Diaries (based on the writings of humorist David Sedaris) and Neil LaBute’s The Shape of Things. In addition to the regular season, NET will again present their annual radio-style performance fundraiser, Sweet Suspense. This year’s Sweet Suspense will present Strangers on a Train directed by NET Artistic Associate Bob Allen.

“These are plays that challenge the way the characters view their lives and the circumstances they find themselves in,” says Producing Artistic Director Jim Stump. “They are stories of how much can change when you change how you look at things.” Impossible relationships, how we see ourselves versus how others see us and even holiday expectations explore perceptions that alter with time.

NET brings back two popular directors this season. Jared Doren, who helmed their critically acclaimed production of Bus Stop, returns to direct Frankie and Johnny in the Clare de Lune. Doren has directed for a number of Cincinnati theatres including the Carnegie, Falcon Theatre and, of course, New Edgecliff Theatre. Former NET Artistic Director Elizabeth Harris returns to direct The Shape of Things. Harris’ direction of NET’s production of The Night of the Iguana also garnered critical praise.

September 17 – October 3, 2015
Frankie and Johnny in the Clare de Lune by Terrence McNally
directed by Jared Doren

The season begins with Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune by Terrence McNally. Jared Doren, who directed NET’s critically acclaimed production of Bus Stop directs. Winner of the Dramatists Guild Hull Warriner Award, this bittersweet comedy combines poignancy and laughter as it traces the unlikely romance that begins to develop between two middle-aged “losers.”

December 3 – 19, 2015
The Santaland Diaries based on the writings of David Sedaris, adapted by Joe Mantello

Everyone’s favorite elf is back as we continue our seasonwith the wickedly hilarious The Santaland Diaries based on the writings of David Sedaris and adapted by Joe Mantello. Out of work, a slacker decides to become a Macy’s elf during the holiday crunch. At first the job is simply humiliating, but once the thousands of visitors start pouring through Santa’s workshop, he becomes battle weary and bitter. He grins and bears it, occasionally taking out his frustrations on the children and parents alike.

April 14 – 30, 2016
The Shape of Things by Neil LaBute
directed by Elizabeth Harris

NET’s 18th season concludes with Neil LaBute’s The Shape of Things directed by former NET Artisitic Director Elizabeth Harris. A modern day retelling of the fall of man, after a chance meeting in a museum, Evelyn, a sexy, aggressive artist, and Adam, a shy, insecure student, become embroiled in an intense affair. Before long, it veers into the kind of dangerous, seductive territory that LaBute does best, as Adam, under Evelyn’s steady influence, goes to unimaginable lengths to improve his appearance and character. How far would you go for love? Only in the final and shocking exhibition, which challenges our most deeply entrenched ideas about art and love, does Evelyn reveal her true intentions.