Refuge Theatre Project has announced the two shows that will make up its 2018 – 19 lineup. The season kicks off in the fall with THE LAST SESSION followed in the spring by HANDS ON A HARDBODY. Artistic Director Christopher Pazdernick will direct both.

The Refuge Theatre Project’s 2018 – 2019 Season includes (from the press release):

THE LAST SESSION
Book by Jim Brochu
Music and lyrics by Steve Schalchlin, with additional lyrics by John Bettis and Marie Cain
Directed by Christopher Pazdernik
October 26 – December 2
Location: Atlas Arts Studio, 4809 N Ravenswood Ave.

Nominated for Best Musical by the New York Drama League and the New York Outer Critics Circle and written as musical therapy, in real time, to songwriter Schalchlin’s own AIDS diagnosis and subsequent battle on the deathbed, “The Last Session,” an off-Broadway hit in its original run in 1997, reunites a group of singers, friends and bandmates to record one final album, except for the unexpected arrival of a guest singer who spoils what was supposed to be a nice, quiet goodbye party. All of them are deeply connected yet are unaware that their host carries a big secret: that he plans to end his struggle with AIDS after the session.

HANDS ON A HARDBODY
CHICAGO PREMIERE
Based on S.R. Bindler’s documentary film “Hands on a Hardbody”
Book by Doug Wright
Music by Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green
Lyrics by Amanda Green
Directed by Christopher Pazdernik
Music Directed by Jon Schneidman
March 22 – May 5, 2019

Nominated for Best Musical by the New York Drama League and inspired by true events, the hilarious and hopeful “Hands on a Hardbody” is based on the acclaimed 1997 documentary of the same name by S.R. Bindler, produced by Kevin Morris and Bindler. Only one winner can drive home the American Dream and 10 hard-luck Texans all want the keys. Under a scorching sun for days on end, they will each fight to keep at least one hand on a brand-new truck in order to win it.

For more information on Refuge Theatre Project visit refugetheatre.com.