For the past 26 years, Vassar College and New York Stage and Film have presented the summer Powerhouse Theater season at Vassar, where audiences can experience the challenges and excitement of plays as they’re being developed. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Johanna Pfaelzer, Powerhouse supports established and upcoming artists. During the season, the directors and actors dorm on the Vassar campus, constructing a creative environment. “I think what’s important about the work we do here is that we support and protect these artists in their process,” says Pfaelzer. “I think they come here because they have the opportunity to work with really amazing collaborators. They have this amazing audience that really engages with them in the process of finding the play.”
Past Powerhouse residents include writers Christopher Durang, Steve Martin, and John Patrick Shanley; directors Mark Brokaw, Liz Swados, and David Warren; and actors Chris Cooper, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Meryl Streep.
The 2011 season kicks off Powerhouse’s 27th year with returning writers Duncan Sheik, Steven Sater, and Patricia Wettig, while also introducing talents like Gabriel Kahane, Ed Hime, and Mona Mansour. There are a few international artists as well, including Australian writer Joanna Murray-Smith.
“This is a really ambitious season. For whatever reason, the projects we’re working on right now have a real theatrical scale to them, which is exciting to see. I think if anything it’s the scope of what these writers are tempting to do. This year is about size and scale,” says Pfaelzer.
The Powerhouse Theater season continues through July 31. Full subscription, $170; matinee subscription, $59.50. Single ticket prices: mainstage, $35; Martel musicals, $30; Inside Look series, $20; Reading Festivals, free. (845) 437-5599. www.powerhouse.vassar.edu/visit.
MAIN STAGE
F2M by Patricia Wettig; directed by Maria Mileaf
Through July 10
Freshman year of college is always a challenge, especially if you’re changing from female to male. Starring Talia Balsam (“Mad Men”), “F2M” shows how the transition not only affects a body but also a famous family.
A Maze by Rob Handel; directed by Sam Buntrock
July 20-31
How does a graphic novelist, a musician, and a young girl recreating her identity interconnect with each other? See how the highly theatrical “A Maze” takes on power, love, addiction, and the impulse to create. Starring Daniel Oreskes (“Billy Elliot”) and Rebecca Naomi Jones (“American Idiot”).
MARTEL MUSICAL WORKSHOPS
The Nightingale book and lyrics by Steven Sater; music by Duncan Sheik; directed by Moises Kaufman
July 8-10
Returning creators of the Tony Award-winning “Spring Awakening” bring their wild imaginations into their musical version of the Hans Christian Anderson fable “The Nightingale.” The story slips into the world of a young emperor and his yearning for something outside his palace walls.
February House music and lyrics by Gabriel Kahane; book by Seth Bockley; directed by Davis McCallum
July 14-16
1940s Brooklyn Heights: artists including poets W. H. Auden and composer Benjamin Britten shack up together for comfort and inspiration in a time of war. Based on a true story, “February House” shows the dynamic influences artists have on one another. Starring Santino Fontana from “Billy Elliot.”
Piece of My Heart music and lyrics by Bert Berns; book by Daniel Goldfarb, Brett Berns, Cassandra Berns; directed by Leigh Silverman
July 29-31
The daughter of songwriting dynamo Bert Berns is on a quest to learn about her father. Writing hits like “Twist and Shout” and “Under the Boardwalk,” Berns’ short life is revealed and celebrated in this musical. With Linda Hart (“Catch Me If You Can,” “Hairspray”) and Jarrod Spector (“Jersey Boys”).
INSIDE LOOK PLAY WORKSHOPS
Margaret and Craig by David Solomon; directed by Sheryl Kaller
July 1-3
Mario Cantone (“Sex and the City”) takes on the role of 1970s female impersonator Craig Russell, performing as women like Judy Garland and Bette Davis. Craig and childhood best friend, author Margaret, battle with the demons of fame. Their relationship changes and grows when they encourage one another when no one else dared to.
Handball by Seth Zvi Rosenfel; directed by Candido Tirado
July 15-17
A handball court is the place for growing relationships in the heat of a New York City summer. Rob Morrow (“Northern Exposure”) joins the cast of multiple generations of men who explore how people of different backgrounds, social classes, and values can depend on and betray one another.
SPECIAL MUSICAL PRESENTATION
The Island Musical by Dar Williams; directed by Jeremy Dobrish
July 17
When the inhabitants of a beautiful island find out one of its elements is extremely valuable, they must face the outside world and reclaim what was once theirs. Before becoming a national hit, singer/songwriter Dar Williams started writing plays her senior year of high school and studied theater at Wesleyan University.
READING FESTIVALS
July 29-31
Powerhouse’s Readings Festivals showcase the earliest stage of play development. The cast and director meet for just four days going over the piece. One of the more popular parts of the Powerhouse season, audiences can be the first to witness possible plays for upcoming seasons (“F2M” was read at 2010’s Readings Festival).
APPRENTICE PLAYS
Wuthering by Mark Lindberg (July 7, 14, 21, 28)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare (July 8-11)
Dream Play by August Strindberg; new version by Caryl Churchill (June 22-25)
Cymbeline by William Shakespeare (July 15-18)
Condensed versions of the classics are performed by the Powerhouse Apprentice Company. Mark Lindberg’s “Wuthering” is a “Soundpainted” dance theater piece based on Wuthering Heights and set to a 1979 disco album by composer John Ferrara.
This article appears in July 2011.
