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Although the Hippodrome Theatre is dark these days because of COVID-19, the 2020-21 season has been announced. The theme for the season is “Remember and Reimagine.” Here’s a quick rundown of the mainstage productions starting this fall:
> Aug. 28-Sept. 20: “Shakespeare in Love.” Promising young playwright Will Shakespeare has writer’s block. When he finds his muse against a bustling background of mistaken identity and backstage theatrics, his love inspires him to write the greatest love story of all time: “Romeo and Juliet.” The show is a co-production with the UF School of Theatre + Dance.
> Oct. 9-Nov. 1: “Murder for Two.” Everyone’s a suspect in this hilarious murder mystery with a twist. One actor plays the investigator, the other plays all 13 suspects — and both play the piano throughout! This whodunit is a zany blend of music, mayhem and murder!
> Nov. 20-Dec. 23: “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” Based on the classic holiday movie and staged as a live 1940s radio broadcast. Whether you love the original story, or have never seen the film, you will love this heartwarming holiday production!
> Nov. 28-Dec. 22: “A Christmas Carol.” A troupe of veritable Victorian actors weave the web of this cherished holiday tale. A Gainesville tradition of singing and storytelling that all ages will enjoy. Adapted by Niall McGinty.
> Jan. 22-Feb. 14, 2021: “Detroit ’67.” It’s 1967 and Chelle and her brother Lank make ends meet by turning their Detroit basement into an after-hours club. When a mysterious woman makes her way into their lives, tensions escalate both in their home and in their community. Written by Dominique Morisseau.
> March 5-28, 2021: “Living on Love.” When a demanding diva discovers her husband enamored with the young lady ghostwriting his autobiography, she hires a handsome writer of her own. Romance blossoms and silverware is thrown in this delightful and hilarious romantic farce written by Joe DiPietro.
> April 16-May 9, 2021: “Silent Sky.” The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt as she navigates a woman’s place in society. This inspiring drama explores the determination and sacrifice of the women who redefined our understanding of the cosmos. Written by Lauren Gunderson.
> Opening June 4, 2021: “Little Shop of Horrors.” Nerdy floral clerk Seymour cultivates a saucy, R&B-singing plant with a thirst for blood. A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash hit, this campy musical will have the audience wanting more.
Subscriptions to the Hipp’s 2020-21 season are on sale at thehipp.org. Meanwhile, the Hippodrome is moving forward with its summer musical, “Rock of Ages,” scheduled to open June 3. For ticket info and how to donate to the Hippodrome, visit thehipp.org.
Noel Leroux is the publisher of gainesvilledowntown.com, a website dedicated to covering all things downtown. His mission is to inform, entertain and engage readers with compelling articles about arts, entertainment, and the foodie scene in Gainesville.