Clackamas Repertory Theatre announces 2013 season

Clackamas Repertory Theatre returns for its ninth season, featuring a classic American play, a Cole Porter musical and a new comedy. The season was announced during the theater company’s fundraiser on February 2.

The 2013 season begins June 27 with “Harvey,” Mary Chase’s light-hearted comedy about Elwood Dowd, a lovable eccentric and his invisible best friend Harvey, a 6-foot tall rabbit, whom he introduces to everyone. Doren Elias directs this classic American play, which features Jayson Shanafelt as Elwood, Amanda Valley as Veta and Tobias Andersen as Dr. Chumley. “Harvey” runs through July 21.

CRT’s annual musical, running August 3-25, is Cole Porter’s classic “Kiss Me Kate,” about a second-rate theater company’s musical production of “The Taming of the Shrew.” Leif Norby takes on the role of Fred Graham, a charming, feckless theater impresario. The same artistic team that created the CRT hits “Cabaret” and “Fiddler on the Roof” returns for “Kate.” Director David Smith-English, choreographer Wes Hanson, conductor Rick Modlin, CRT technical director Chris Whitten and costumer Alva Bradford recreate the cheerfully farcical backstage and onstage dramas.

Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have “The 39 Steps,” the third and final show of the season. Tim True will direct this fast-paced whodunit packed with nonstop laughs and over 150 zany characters played by a cast of four. A riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly inventive stagecraft, “The 39 Steps” amounts to an unforgettable evening of pure pleasure. CRT’s zaniest company members will be featured in this show.

CRT performances take place Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. All performances are in the Osterman Theatre at Clackamas Community College. Tickets may be purchased at www.clackamasrep.org or by calling 503-594-6047.

For more information, contact CRT managing director Cyndy Smith-English at 503-594-3915.