LGDT Announces 2011 Season

Every summer, I start ordering plays to read, soliciting suggestions for possible scripts from colleagues and members of our artistic staff, and researching what other theatres around the country are planning to produce, all in an effort to find the "right" play for the dinner theatre's upcoming season.

The criteria for this "right play"? If it were easy to know what audiences want to see, the theatre industry wouldn't be the risky profession it's always been. Simply put, audiences have diverse tastes and enjoy different things. Some like their entertainment "mainstream" and non-controversial; some like plays that are a bit "edgy" and that push the envelope a bit; some want to be surprised and challenged by their entertainment. Needless to say, not everyone is going to like every season's show.

That said, one of the things I've learned about the LGDT audience is that even when some audience members might not care for a particular season's production, they always come back the next year. That kind of loyalty is not only greatly appreciated, it's a tribute to the character of the LGDT patron.

This year, after scoring a big critical and commercial success with our production of OUR SON'S WEDDING, and being fully aware that some of our regular audience members and groups decided not to attend LGDT because of the play's subject matter (two parents' very funny and very different reactions to their gay son's imminent wedding ceremony), I knew that we needed to balance 2010's somewhat "edgy" production with a more mainstream comedy for 2011.

And so I'm pleased to anounce that LGDT has just been granted exclusive regional performance rights to produce to Jon Lonoff's comedy, SKIN DEEP, in celebration of our 44th season. SKIN DEEP is a delightful comedy for all audiences and is a smart, funny four-character script that I know our audiences will enjoy.

In SKIN DEEP, large, lovable lonely-heart Maureen Mulligan gives romance one last shot on a blind date (arranged by her older sister) in this story of last chance romance. Loaded with razor-sharp wit and touching sensitivity, SKIN DEEP is "...a quick-witted, intelligent voyage into the not-so-tranquil seas of middle-aged love and dating." NYTheatreWorld.com

In a continuing effort to offer our audience a diverse variety of contemporary comedy, I think SKIN DEEP will prove to be a smart, funny, sensitive and thoughtful production that continues the LGDT tradition of offering a unique combination of Fine Dining and Professional Theatre Entertainment at a Great Price.

For more information about our 44th season, log onto lakegeorgedinnertheatre.com where you'll find lots of info regarding our season dates, menu, history of LGDT and, beginning in March, our Early Bird Patron Discount Order forms so you can print and order your tickets early and save 15% on your tickets.

I'll be blogging with updates as we line up our creative team, cast the production and head into rehearsal so stay in touch. And feel free to contact me via this blog or our website with any questions or suggestions.