A certain sense of déjà vu sets in this fall as revivals of legendary dramas as well as neglected plays take up residence Off-Broadway – but knowing the powerhouse talents involved, these productions will be anything but dusty! (Arranged in chronological order.)

PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD
J. M. Synge’s comedy celebrates the grand poetry and reckless abandon of the Irish imagination, taking us to a hardscrabble corner of the world where murderers speak in earthy music, the underdog rules on high, feisty damsels are eager to be won, and it’s the tale well told that wins the day. The Pearl Theatre, New York City Center, Stage 2. October 2 – November 22, 2009.

THE EMPEROR JONES
An African-American man sets himself up as emperor on a Caribbean island after fleeing the United States following a prison escape. Lortel Award-winner John Douglas Thompson (Othello) stars in Eugene O’Neill’s 1920 drama, directed by Ciarán O’Reilly. The Irish Repertory Theatre, October 7 – November 29, 2009.

THE ORPHANS’ HOME CYCLE
The Signature Theatre dedicates its 2009-2010 season to a nine-play cycle by Horton Foote, adapted for the first time into a three-part theatrical event tracing the life and times of Horace Robadaux, a 20th century everyman. Michael Wilson directs at The Signature Theatre at The Peter Norton Space. Part One begins performances on November 5 and runs in repertory with Part Two (opening in December) and Part Three (opening in January) through March 6, 2010.

THE AGE OF IRON
An epic retelling of the Trojan War, drawn from the works of two dynamic Elizabethan playwrights: Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida and Thomas Heywood’s The Iron Age. Adapted and directed by Brian Kulick. Classic Stage Company, November 6 – December 13, 2009.

SO HELP ME GOD
Kristen Johnston stars in a revival of a hilarious and insightful backstage farce written by Maurine Dallas Watkins, whose play Chicago was adapted for the eponymous hit musical. The Mint Theatre at The Lucille Lortel Theatre, November 18 – December 20, 2009.

Click HERE for Fall 2009's DRAMAS.
Click HERE for Fall 2009's COMEDIES.
Click HERE for Fall 2009's MUSICALS.
Click HERE for Fall 2009's ONE-PERSON SHOWS.