Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC) has named the directors who will bring the magic of theater to its 47th season, called Truth and Illusion, a journey through reality and fantasy that features returning favorites and new voices.
“We’ve assembled what I can only describe as our theatrical ‘Avengers,’” said Scott DeVine, executive artistic director.
“This season explores how stories shape our reality, and we’ve got the perfect directors to guide audiences through these mind-bending, heart-stopping, and absolutely hilarious theatrical experiences,” DeVine said.
The directors are:
Jamie Torcellini returns to ETC after his uproarious hit directing last season’s “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors.”
“Now he’s tackling ‘War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast,’ because apparently making audiences laugh at vampires wasn’t enough; he wants to terrify them with Martians, too,” according to ETC.
Robert Kelley makes his ETC debut with “The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged.” Previously, Kelley collaborated with DeVine for 12 seasons at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley before Scott joined ETC.
“I have been trying to find the right project to get Kelley to come to Santa Barbara for the last few seasons,” DeVine said. “I know Santa Barbara is going to love Kelley as much as I do.”
Pesha Rudnick also joins ETC for the first time, directing “The Shark is Broken.” As a lecturer at UCSB and founding artistic director of the Local Theatre Company in Boulder, Colorado, Rudnick brings her academic chops and a track record of theatrical excellence to ETC.
Rudnick’s involvement marks the start of a new collaboration between UCSB and Ensemble Theatre Company, a partnership that brings fresh academic perspectives and student opportunities to ETC’s professional productions.
Brian McDonald is back fresh off directing “Million Dollar Quartet,” which became the highest-grossing show in ETC’s 47-year history.
McDonald is teaming up with Mary Bridget Davies to co-direct “A Night with Janis Joplin.”
“If anyone can follow up box office gold with rock and roll magic, it’s this dynamic duo,” ETC said.
Jenny Sullivan returns after her direction of “JUSTICE” last season to lead “Every Brilliant Thing,” “proving she can handle both hard-hitting drama and heartwarming solo shows with equal brilliance,” ETC said.
“This season is like a greatest hits album,” said DeVine. “We’ve got returning directors who knocked it out of the park, incredible new talent joining our family, and shows that range from radio drama to rock concert to intimate storytelling. It’s truth, illusion, and everything in between.”
For ticket information, visit www.etcsb.org or call 805-965-5400. For more about ETC at etcsb.org.