New Harmony Theatre opens its 31st season with Born Yesterday

New Harmony Theatre will begin its 31st season this summer 2018 with Born Yesterday by Garson Kanin.  The play runs June 22-24 and June 28-July 1 at the Murphy Auditorium in historic New Harmony, Indiana.

Post-war America could not get enough of Born Yesterday after it opened on Broadway in 1946. Garson Kanin's smart comedy made a star of Judy Holliday, who went on to appear in the celebrated 1950 film. Holliday played Billie Dawn, showgirl and "fiancé" of corrupt businessman Harry Brock, who brings Billie along with him to Washington while he pursues his business of bribing Congressmen to secure favorable contracts. Embarrassed by her ignorance despite her "arm candy" appeal, Harry arranges for Billie to be tutored by newspaperman, Paul Varral. Soon, everyone will discover that even if Billie Dawn lacked a little schooling, she was never dumb. Billie proves herself a quick study and soon this comic showgirl turns the world upside down! Throw in a little romance, and you have the perfect stage comedy.

Twice revived on Broadway, New Harmony Theatre chose Born Yesterday for this summer of 2018 because a classic comedy of this stature is always smart and its message always satisfying.

Born Yesterday is directed by New Harmony's artistic director, Elliot Wasserman.  Veteran New Harmony Theatre actors Linda Kennedy, Ron Himes, and Christianne Tisdale are joined by Matthew DeCapua, Chamblee Ferguson, Michael McKenzie, Allen Lewis Rickman, and Kristin Wetherington to round out an award-winning cast.  USI students Aaron Nulton, Gabriella Rivera, and Nathaniel Robles de Jesus will also make their debut on New Harmony Theatre's stage.

They will be joined by a design team from including USI faculty members Paul Weimer as scenic designer, Maya Michele Fein as lighting designer, and Shan Jensen as costume designer; USI staff members Kevin Gray as sound designer and Andy Hammond as technical director; and Actors Equity Stage Manager Erin Joy Swank and Actors Equity Assistant Stage Manager Margaret Kayes.

Single tickets are $30 for an adult, $28 for seniors age 60+, $10 for ages 25 and under, and $24 for USI employees.  Season package tickets are also available.  Shows start at 7:30 pm on Friday nights, 2 pm and 7:30 on Saturdays, and a 2 pm matinee on Sundays.  New to the 2018 season are Thursday evening performances on June 28, July 19, and August 2, which will begin at 7:30 pm and only cost $24 per ticket.  To purchase tickets or for more information, visit https://www.usi.edu/nht or call the box office at 812-465-1668.  Follow on Facebook at New Harmony Theatre for updates and photos.

Are you wanting more theatre? Tickets are now on sale for the rest of the season. Join us for Nunsense, directed by Elliot Wasserman from July 13-15 and July 19-22, and the 1980 Pulitzer Prize winner Talley's Folly, directed by Eric Altheide from July 27-29 and August 2-5. For more information on the remainder of the season visit https://www.usi.edu/nht or call the box office at 812-465-1668.  Follow on Facebook at New Harmony Theatre for updates and photos.