I wrote this piece about The Hipp’s new season lineup for The Sun.
A chef who believes that just the right sandwich can transform lives. A boy who strives to tell his despondent mom that life really is worth living. Two closeted State Department employees about to be outed by commie hunters.
Oh, and the United States Constitution finally gets to take a bow.
They are fond of theming each new performing seasons at The Hippodrome, Gainesville’s only professional theater. And the Hipp’s upcoming 2024-25 season – its 52nd season as a matter of record – has been officially dubbed “Ignite.”
“I feel like the theater ignites ideas and connection in our community,” says Hipp Artistic Director Stephanie Lynge. “Live theater is so much more energize than going to a movie. It really pulls you in, and ignites your imagination, your passion, your thinking.”
The Hipp’s new lineup consists almost entirely of comedies and musicals. “But we’re heavy on comedy that has a dark side or a spin to it,” Lynge said. “To be honest, people like coming to musicals and comedy. And we have found some amazing comedies that have deeper levels to them.”
The Hippodrome’s ‘24-25 shows are:
Perfect Arrangement: Aug. 30-Sept. 22
Bob and Norma are married and work for the government. But their marriage is strictly one of convenience – she’s a lesbian and he’s gay. Alas, Red Scare hysteria has put the State Department under a microscope, and the bloodhounds are not just on the trail to sniff out communists.
Every Brilliant Thing: Oct. 12-26
This is one of those comedies that, as Lynge says, has a dark side. His mother just tried to commit suicide, and a seven-year old boy is desperate to cheer mom up. So he begins to give her hand written lists of things that make us all happy (“Laughing so hard you shoot milk out of your nose”). As it turns out, compiling don’t worry, be happy ma’ lists becomes the work of a lifetime that follows him well into his adult years.
What The Constitution Means To Me: Oct. 11-27
Yes, somebody finally wrote a funny play about America’s most humorless document. “This was the favorite of all the entries chosen by the selection committee,” Lynge said. “It’s brilliant.” Called a “love letter” to our founding document, it traces the impact of the Constitution on the lives of four generations of women from the same family.
Honkey Tonk Angels Holiday Spectacular: Nov. 29-Dec. 23
We’ve seen these angels before in previous Hipp seasons. Three women from different backgrounds trying to make it big in the country music scene. Only this time their numbers are holiday themed. And things really get complicated when a physic gospel soul singer mind-melds with our angels on stage.
A Christmas Carol: Nov. 30-Dec. 23
The Hipp wouldn’t be the Hipp without Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and, of course, ghosts. Hippodrome regular Nell Page said the first time she performed in that play was about 1987 (it was first staged at the Hipp in 1978). “The thing I love about it is seeing all of the school children coming in to experience it for the first time,” she said. Did we mention there are ghosts?
Laughs in Spanish: Jan. 24-Feb. 16
The Art Basil festival is a really, really big deal for Miami’s Wynwood Art District. It’s certainly a make-or-break event for Mariana’s modern art gallery…which, unfortunately, has just been taped off as a crime scene. What to do? What to do? Listen, I’m certainly not gonna spill the beans.
Clyde’s: March 28-April 20
If you can make a comedy out of the Constitution then getting a laugh out of a diner that serves the world’s most perfect sandwich ought to be (mixed metaphor alert!) a piece of cake. I’ll just leave you with a quote from a New York Times review: “Sometimes a hero is more than just a sandwich.” Nuff said.
Summer Musical: May 30-July 6
As is its habit the Hipp likes to spring a surprise summer musical extravaganza on us. We won’t know what it’s going to be for months and months and months.
So eat your heart out, Gainesville.
For further details and other upcoming events see The Hippodrome’s web page.
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