“We are very excited about our 34th season because it exemplifies the work we are known for,” Executive Director Kappy Kilburn said. “It’s all new, smart, funny, touching, insightful, important, and thought-provoking.”
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Setting aside classics and more recognizable contemporary titles in favor of works running the gamut from air guitar and Dr. Seuss to deeper themes of connection, friendship, nostalgia and transgender issues, Moore is thrilled to offer audiences a refreshing change of pace. In fact, he regards the roster as a more apt reflection of the organization’s fundamental purpose to challenge audiences.
“I feel like we’ve been on a road back to what the Human Race always intended to be – a voice for new work, a voice for social awareness and a voice for change,” he said. “I think theater has to be a mirror of society allowing us to see ourselves or see someone’s life we may not be familiar with in order to become less judgmental and more compassionate and understanding about the rest of the world. We’re so polarized now and I feel theater can give us a safe space to experience (new ideas).
“Not everyone will like every show on the season and I get that. But my job is not to give audiences something they like. My job is to challenge audiences a little bit. If I’m not doing that, I’m not doing my job. I have to challenge the audience and the actors and this season offers a lot of (opportunities) to do so.”
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Subscription renewal packets are available now at all performances of "Gloria: A Life." Subscribers will have until May 3 to renew their subscriptions. Subscribers will also be able to add the "Extras" at a special rate, but these are limited time offers. New subscribers can join anytime and enjoy all the benefits as well as the early discount ticket prices to the two "Extras." For more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com. The Human Race Theatre Company is at 126 N. Main St., Dayton.
HUMAN RACE’S 2020-2021 SEASON
• Now and Then by Sean Grennan
Aug. 20-Sept. 6, 2020
“Sometimes what happens after last-call just might change your life forever… ‘Now and Then’ is a heartfelt romantic comedy about the costs of the choices we make and the people who make them with us.”
• Airness by Chelsea Marcantel
Oct. 15-Nov. 1, 2020
“When Nina enters her first air guitar competition, she thinks winning will be easy. But as she befriends a group of charismatic nerds all committed to becoming the next champion, she discovers that there’s more to this art form than playing pretend; it’s about finding yourself in your favorite songs and performing with raw joy.”
• Everything That’s Beautiful by Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder
Feb. 18-March 7, 2021
“When Luke and Jess decide to allow their 8-year-old Morgan, who was assigned male at birth, to identify as female, they relocate in order to give the family a clean start… But when an accident threatens to expose the truth about Morgan, tensions run high.”
• Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help by Katie Forgette
April 15-May 2, 2021
“A money-strapped family tries to cope in 1973. Linda O’Shea, 19, is our narrator and she is attempting to re-enact the most turbulent day of her life, but her family keeps interrupting to tell their side of the story. … When her parents ask her to explain to her younger sister about the birds and the bees, somehow the blunt explanation is overheard by the parish priest and he is not amused.”
• My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend: A New True Musical by librettist/lyricist Christian Duhamel, composer/lyricist Edward Bell and originally conceived and performed by Charissa Bertels
June 10-27, 2021
“Charissa, a quirky twenty-something actress, meets Milton, a quick-witted, eighty-something millionaire who loves Schubert, Shakespeare and Dallas BBQ. From a chance encounter to the unlikeliest of friendships, Charissa discovers there’s much she can learn from her surprising new companion.” Duhamel is a Wright State University graduate and Human Race alum whose works include “Reinventing Romance” and “Miss Mayor.”
HUMAN RACE EXTRAS
• The Art of Us: A Dayton Mosaic
Sept. 12-13, 2020
This collaborative performance at the Schuster Center highlights the Bach Society of Dayton, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Dayton Ballet, Dayton Opera, Dayton Philharmonic, Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus, Muse Machine, and Human Race Theatre Company. The Human Race, DCDC and Dayton Ballet will particularly perform a new work together. A commissioned world premiere entitled “Miriam” featuring performers from all eight organizations will also be featured. A special price of $25 for any seating is available to Human Race subscribers through May 30.
• Who’s Holiday by Matthew Lombardo
Dec. 10-27, 2020
“A wildly funny and heartfelt adults-only comedy (telling) the story of Cindy Lou Who as she recalls that Christmas Eve she first met the Grinch and the twisted turn of events her life has now taken.” A special price of $30 for any seating is available to Human Race subscribers through Aug. 17. The play is Rated R for adult language and sexual innuendo.
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