Book by Howard Craft; Musical Arrangements by Kevin Wilson
CAST: Serena Ebhardt, Rasool Jahan, and David zum Brunnen
DESCRIPTION: The late 1960s were one of the most fascinating times in American History. The Tet Offensive and President Lyndon B. Johnson’s surprise decision not to run again set the stage for Richard Nixon’s presidential inauguration in 1969, the year on which this musical play is specifically focused. The turbulent year was filled with war, protests, senseless violence, and radical movements. This was counterposed with incredible music, avant-garde art and scientific achievements that literally took us to the moon. Star Trek shared the television screen with the Vietnam War. The Black Panthers and The Weathermen absorbed our youth. Soldiers who were lucky enough to return home from Vietnam entered into yet another conflict, one of conscience and anti-war attitudes. It was a violent, vibrant time to be alive.
’69 Seasons is a look back at the music, the people, and the unexpected events of the year 1969. Through the eyes of Ann, an awakening feminist and photojournalist, we navigate the protests at People’s Park, the moon landing, the Manson murders, and Woodstock. Ann’s fiancée, “Soldier Boy,” leaves her to enlist and fight in Vietnam, but he struggles to figure out who the real enemy is. The death of his best friend, Smitty, on Hamburger Hill leaves him broken. Back home, Smitty’s sister joins the Black Panther movement, leaving her mother devastated by the loss of both of her children. When Ann and “Soldier Boy” meet again, the homecoming is bittersweet.
THEMES: Civil Rights, Feminism, Free Speech, Gay Liberation, Environmentalism, Music, Protests, PTSD, Veterans, Vietnam War, Woodstock.
AUDIENCE: General Adult; College; Student Matinee for Grades 9+.
BOOKING: EbzB Productions – ebzb@ebzb.org – 919-387-4616
Thank YOU for a great production of '69 SEASONS here at the Turnage Theatre this past Saturday. I think you have a great show on your hands that will be a vital part of EbzB's roster for a long time to come.
As the audience left the theatre, I heard lots of praise for the show. But what I really noticed were the visceral reactions - people who felt personally invested in that turbulent time and how your production brought a lot of those emotions back to the surface.I loved the show. It was heavy, without being heavy-handed. But it also had its lighter moments which were important to keep that proper balance. The show looked wonderful on our stage - your use of projections were able to really place the actors and the various narrative threads in context to a specific place and time. For those who were coming of age and/or lived through those times, it was a nostalgic show. For those who didn't, it was a great history lesson.
Please give my regards to the entire company of '69 SEASONS. We so enjoyed hosting you at the Turnage!-Joey Toler, Executive Director, Turnage Theatre, Washington, NC
PRESENTER TOOL KIT
Run Time: 90 minutes (no intermission) Student Version: 55 minutes
Technical Rider with Light Plot