A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE
September 17-October 3
Musical Tribute | Created by Dean Regan
Starring Lana Hawkins | Directed by Kathy Mulay

Farmers Alley kicks off its third season with the works of one of the most beloved female singers of all time.  Following her climb to stardom from her hometown in Virginia to The Grand Ole Opry, Las Vegas and Carnegie Hall, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline is a wonderful blend of theatre and music that audiences of all ages will enjoy.  Starring Lana Hawkins, the popularity of Patsy’s music is witnessed by the fact that she is the number one juke-box play in the world. Twenty of her best-known songs, including “Crazy”, “Walkin’ After Midnight” and “I Fall to Pieces”, make this show a treat for the young and old alike.

DRIVING MISS DAISY
November 5-November 21

Modern Classic | Written by Alfred Uhry
Starring Peg Small| Directed by Art Nemitz

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the basis for the Academy Award Winning Film of the same name, Driving Miss Daisy comes to theatrical life this fall at Farmers Alley Theatre.  In Mid-century Atlanta, a Jewish widower, Daisy Werthan, is none too happy about being forced to rely on her black chauffeur, Hoke Colburn for transportation.  But over the 25 year span of the play, Hoke gradually wins her over, and the two develop a deep-rooted affection.  A delicate depiction of racial tensions and of growing old, Alfred Uhry has created two outsiders who come to a mutual respect based on their independence, strength, and stubborn integrity.

THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES
December 3-19
Family Cabaret | Created by Roger Bean
Directed by Sandy Simpson | Music Direction by Marie Kerstetter

Get ready for a non-stop musical blast from the past!  You’ve been invited to the 1958 Springfield High School Prom where we meet the Wonderettes – four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts and voices to match!  As we learn about their lives and loves, we are treated to such classic 50’s and 60’s songs as “Lollipop”, “Dream Lover”, “It’s My Party” and so many more! It’s like Forever Plaid with an estrogen kick! Just in time for the holidays, and performed in our fabulous cabaret setting, with desserts and coffee, The Marvelous Wonderettes is a must-take musical trip down memory lane!

ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT
February 4-20
Hilarious Comedy | By Jeff Daniels
Starring Michael Ray Helms, Roy Brown, & Ben Gougeon | Directed by D. Terry Williams

Those Super Yoopers are back, in the original classic that started it all!  When the Soady clan reunites for the opening day of deer season, 35-year-old Reuben brings with him the infamous reputation of being the oldest Soady in family history to never bag a buck.  In the hunting story to beat all hunting stories, Escanaba in Da Moonlight spins a hilarious tale of humor, horror and heart as Reuben goes to any and all lengths to remove himself from the wrong end of the family record back.  A delight for men and women alike, this winter spend an unforgettable night in the Upper Peninsula without the long drive up north!

AN EVENING WITH SCOTT BURKELL AND PAUL LOESEL
March 4-6

SPECIAL CABARET EVENT!

In March, we are thrilled to welcome in the award-winning songwriting team of Scott Burkell and Paul Loesel for a special cabaret weekend.  Together they have written full-length musicals and cabarets, including Ella Minnow Pea, The Extraordinary Ordinary, and Sorta Love Songs. Their songs have been recorded by Broadway stars Marin Mazzie, Jason Danieley, and Stephanie J. Block, and their trunk full of smart, witty, and moving melodies are coming to Downtown Kalamazoo for one weekend only!  AN EVENING WITH SCOTT AND PAUL is sure to be filled with fun and surprises, and some famous faces from Farmers Alley and the Great White Way may just show up and join the party!

A CATERED AFFAIR
March 25-April 10

Charming New Musicall | Book by Harvey Fierstein | Music and Lyrics by John Bucchino
Starring Joe Aiello, Barbara Marineau, and Scott Burkell | Directed by Scott Burkell | Music Direction by Marie Kerstetter

Based on the 1956 movie starring Bette Davis and Ernest Borgnine, this brand new Tony-nominated musical was chosen as Best Musical by the New York Drama League for 2008.  A Catered Affair tells the story of two parents in the Bronx trying to give their daughter the elaborate wedding they never had.  In this funny, poignant, and oh, so human show of love and disaffection, Fierstein's book and Bucchino's score explose both our need for love and the true meaning of family.  Starring area favorites Joe Aiello, Barbara Marineau as the bride's parents, and Scott Burkell as Uncle Winston (Fierstein's role), you're invited to RSVP for this charming and heartfelt new musical this spring!

BLOOD BROTHERS
June 3-19

Riveting Musical | By Willy Russell
Directed by Kathy Mulay

Blood Brothers is the longest running show in the history of the West End, and now you’ll be able to see it without crossing the pond!  Premiering in London in 1983, and still playing to sold out house today, Blood Brothers is a haunting rags to riches tragedy for our times.  Two twins are separated at birth after their mother makes an agreement with her well-to-do employer.  The boys grow up streets apart, never learning the truth but becoming firm friends and falling in love with the same girl.  But the price of fate is costly, and must be paid.  Known as “The Standing Ovation Musical” for its harrowing final scene, Blood Brothers is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat until its final moments.

URINETOWN
July 15-31

One-of-a-kind Crowdpleaser | By Greg Kotis and Mark Hollman
Directed by Laurel Scheidt | Music Direction by Catherine Walker Adams

Don’t let the title scare you, Urinetown is good clean fun!  One of the most uproariously funny musicals in recent years, this three-time-Tony winner is a hilarious tale of greed, corruption, love, and revolution.  In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage has led to a government enforced ban on private toilets.  Now its citizens must pay for the privilege to pee! Inspired by the works of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, this modern satirical masterpiece includes nods to Les Mis, West Side Story, and many more.  With its outrageous perspective, wickedly modern wit, and sustained ability to produce gales of unbridled laughter, Urinetown is so much more than its title.