Pictured: Lili-Anne Brown, director of Drury Lane’s THE COLOR PURPLE

Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook has announced the lineup for its 2019/2020 season, which includes the regional premieres of MATILDA, based on the novel by Roald Dahl, and the Gershwin musical AN AMERICAN IN PARIS. The season is rounded out with productions of THE COLOR PURPLE, MARY POPPINS, and Agatha Christie’s thriller AND THEN THERE WERE NONE.

“At Drury Lane, our goal is to produce Broadway-caliber shows,” says William Osetek, Artistic Director. “In order to do this, we have coupled a line-up of fantastic titles with some of the best directors from across the country—including 3 directors completely new to Drury Lane.”

More info at DruryLaneTheatre.com.

The Drury Lane Theatre 2018/2019 Season (from the press release):

MATILDA
Book by Dennis Kelly
Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin
Based on the book by Roald Dahl
Directed by Mitch Sebastian
April 26 – June 23, 2019

Wonder and amazement abound with this award-winning musical. Based on the 1988 children’s novel by Roald Dahl, MATILDA tells the tale of a precocious 5-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis. Faced by many obstacles caused by her family and school, the book-loving Matilda befriends her teacher and helps her to reclaim her life. Tied for winning the most Olivier Awards ever, including Best New Musical, MATILDA won five Tony Awards, including Best Book of a Musical.

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE
Written by Agatha Christie
Directed by Artistic Director William Osetek
July 12 – September 1, 2019

Ten strangers on a clandestine island. Each holds a murderous secret. Who will pay the ultimate price? This play is a murder mystery penned with cruelty by the master of the craft, Agatha Christie. AND THEN THERE WERE NONE brings together tension, fear, and the macabre to weave a tale that captivates the audience until the last curtain. Can you unravel the mystery? Based on the novel by Christie, which is the world’s best-selling mystery and one of the best-selling books of all time.

THE COLOR PURPLE
Book by Marsha Norman
Music and Lyrics by Brenda Russel, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray
Directed by Lili-Anne Brown
September 13 – November 3, 2019

Join the heroic journey of Celie, an African-American woman in the American South during the early 1900s as she navigates the love she has for her family, the strife of being in an abusive relationship, and her adoration for her beloved children. This heart-wrenching musical is based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker and has earned nearly fifteen Tony Award nominations including two wins, one for the Best Revival of a Musical.

MARY POPPINS
Book by Julian Fellowes
Original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
New songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe
Co-Created by Cameron Mackintosh
Based on the stories by P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film
Directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge
November 15, 2019 – January 19, 2020

MARY POPPINS flies onto the stage to deliver whimsy, emotion, and memorable song numbers to a story that will melt your heart. Nominated for seven Tony Awards and winner of the Oliver Award for Best Theatre Choreography,MARY POPPINS is a can’t miss for the entire family. It is based on the Academy Award-winning film of the same name and acts as a fusion between the film and the children’s books by P. L. Travers. MARY POPPINS is an entertaining adventure of enchantment and wholesome fun.

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
Book by Craig Lucas
Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Originally produced on Broadway by Stuart Oken, Van Kaplan and Roy Furman
by special arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical & Pittsburgh Clo and the Théâtre Du Châtelet
Directed by Lynne Kurdziel Formato
January 31 – March 29, 2020

A tale inspired by hope and possibility,AN AMERICAN IN PARIS brings breathtaking moments of dance and song to the musical stage. Jive along with Jerry Mulligan, an American GI doing his best to make it as a painter in the bustling city of Paris following the end of World War II. The storied streets of the City of Lights become the dancefloor to a ravishing and passionate voyage into art, friendship, and love following the aftermath of the war. This Grammy Award nominee has also won four Tony Awards for its heart and dedication. It will have you leaping to your feet and dancing along from the very first number.