People’s Light announces ‘Series 2’ of 2023-24 programming

There will be some highly-anticipated shows hitting the stage in Malvern in the coming months, including a world premiere and two regional showcases. People’s Light recently announced the new slate of programming with both subscription passes (available now online) and single tickets being offered beginning March 5.

Kicking off ‘Series 2’ for the theater company will be the regional premiere of the Obi Award-winning play ‘Hurricane Diane’ by Pulitzer Prize finalist Madeline George, followed by the world premiere of ‘Off By One’ by Emmy Award-winning television writer Joseph Dougherty. The first show centers on the Greek god Dionysus, who returns to Earth in the form of a permaculture gardener named Diane, while the latter explores the legacy of a little-known poet named Douglas Roote.

This year’s shows will then conclude with the regional premiere of ‘Somewhere Over the Border’ by Brian Quijada, presented as a co-production with the City Theatre in Pittsburgh. As the release notes, the new musical is inspired by the true story of Quijada’s mother’s journey from El Salvador to the United States told through the framework of the ‘Wizard of Oz.’

There will be some familiar faces both on the stage and behind the scenes for these upcoming shows as well. ‘Hurricane Diane’ is directed by People’s Light Associate Producing Director Molly Rosa Houlahan and ‘Off By One’ stars film and TV actor David Strathairn.

Something to look out for with ‘Somewhere Over the Border’ is this new musical’s score. The play will feature live cumbia, Mexican mariachi, boleros, American rock, and hip hop by a series of musicians on stage.

People’s Light offers Relaxed Performances for each production, which invites individuals with autism, ADHD, dementia, and other sensory sensitivities to enjoy theatre in a relaxed, “shush-free” zone — a great option for parents with young children too, the release notes. Audiences can also attend performances that feature American Sign Language interpretation provided by Hands UP Productions or have an audio description, provided by Nicole Sardella (available upon request for select performances) among other features.

Philadelphians can also make a night of heading out to the Malvern-based venue by stopping by the campus’ restaurant as well, The Fern & Fable. The establishment is located just steps away from the stage, and it offers al fresco dining in the warmer months (when most of these productions will be.) The menu changes seasonally, but some previous standouts have included salmon pasta, braised short ribs of beef, roasted root vegetables, lemon chicken, apple crisp and more.

‘Hurricane Diane’ will play May 1 to 19, ‘Off By One’ from June 12 to July 7, and ‘Somewhere Over the Border’ from July 17 to Aug. 11, 2024.

People’s Light offers a range of ticket discounts, including youth tickets, 50% off Access Nights, 25% off for educators and military, and $15 student and industry tickets. Learn more about available ticket discounts online, and to purchase single tickets, visit peopleslight.org or call the box office at 610-644-3500. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information or to purchase group tickets, call the People’s Light Box Office or email tickets@peopleslight.org.