Compass Rose Theater, Annapolis’ longest-running professional theater and nonprofit theater education organization, has announced its 2023/24 season. The lineup includes award-winning comedies, dramas, and an all-time favorite family musical. The theater’s 2023/24 shows are Sylvia, I and You, The Gin Game, and The Music Man, with season membership discounts open until October 1, 2023.
“This season offers something for every person and every age. Heart-warming comedies, thought-provoking stories, a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, and a classical musical, we have it all,” said Barbara Webber, Executive Director of Compass Rose Theater. “We are particularly pleased with the number of professional actors vying for a place on our stage. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality, professional performances that entertain, uplift, inspire, and provoke meaningful discussion, attracting great talent from the DMV to New York and beyond.”
Compass Rose Theater starts its 2023/24 season with the comedic, heart-warming, and critically acclaimed Sylvia by A.R. Gurney, directed by Estelle Miller. Sylvia tells the story of a man who spontaneously adopts a stray dog when facing a life crossroads. (The dog is played not by a dog but by an actress.). He befriends the loveable mutt, much to his wife’s chagrin. September 29–October 29, 2023.
November brings to the Compass Rose stage I and You by Lauren Gunderson. American Theater Magazine called her the most-produced playwright in America. I and You, directed by Jerry Winters, brings together two teenagers to learn about one another, life, and the surprising mystery that connects them. November 10–December 10, 2023
The new year begins with the 1978 Pulitzer Prize winner for Drama, The Gin Game, by D. L. Coburn, directed by Rick Wade. Over a feisty game of gin rummy, retirees reveal the laughter, tears, and intimate details of their lives and the chapters ahead. January 19–February 18, 2024.
Spring blossoms with an all-time family favorite, The Music Man, a Tony Award-winning musical by Meredith Willson, directed by Lucinda Merry-Browne. A charismatic, traveling con artist sells the antidote to the humdrum of everyday living, promising more excitement through music. Forgiveness and love prevail in this classic, upbeat musical. March 15–April 28, 2024.
The theater offers a four-show season membership subscription. Compass Rose member benefits include ticket discounts, free ticket exchanges, early access seating, and priority invitations to special events such as after-show discussions and receptions. Four-show season ticket memberships are $126 for students, $162 for seniors and veterans, and $198 for adults and are on sale until October 1, 2023.
Ticketing/Show Information:
Performances at Compass Rose Theater at Maryland Hall are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 PM; select Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 PM.
Regularly priced tickets are $25/children, $35/students, $45/seniors and veterans, and $55/ adults—group rates: $40 for groups over 12.
To order season membership and tickets:
Online: www.compassrosetheater.org
Call: 410-980-6662
Mail: P.O. Box 4152, Annapolis, MD 21403
The Compass Rose Theater address is 801 Chase St., Third Floor, Annapolis, MD 21401 (Maryland Hall)—free parking, EVSE, accessible with ramps and an elevator. Doors open 20 minutes before show time.
COMPASS ROSE THEATER 2023/24 SEASON LISTINGS
Sylvia
By A. R. Gurney, Directed by Estelle Miller
September 29–October 29, 2023
A quirky love story about a married man, his wife, and his spontaneously adopted dog at a time when the man is facing a crossroads in his life. These relationships and how they affect the ultimate course of his future make it fun to watch and provide audiences with thought-provoking ideas.
I and You
By Lauren Gunderson, Directed by Jerry Winters
November 10–December 10, 2023
Anthony arrives unexpectedly at classmate Caroline’s door to finish an urgent assignment from their English teacher on Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass. As these two drop their guards and share their secrets, a deeper mystery – one that connects them both – is revealed.
The Gin Game
By D. L. Coburn, Directed by Rick Wade
January 19–February 18, 2024
In this winner of the 1978 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, two residents at a retirement home play repeated games of gin rummy which are revealed as metaphors for their lives. Their hilarious, feisty games reveal the laughter, tears, and intimate details of their long lives and the bittersweet realities of their most challenging chapter.
The Music Man
Musical by Meredith Willson, Directed by Lucinda Merry-Browne
March 15–April 28, 2024
The Pied Piper, Peter Pan, the Rainmaker, the Music Man – all have one thing in common: a solution to the humdrum boredom of everyday living and the promise of a more exciting life. The truth of what is promised might be a fantasy, but the thrill of what can be is enough to get started toward a better life. In this lovely story, the Music Man comes to this sleepy Iowa town and finds love. His pretense is uncovered, but the joy of what he has brought is enough for him to be forgiven. Join us for this fabulous musical story where we discover once again that truth is better than fantasy and that love is better than anything!
