TheatreWorks (Silicon Valley)

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TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
Theatreworks.jpg
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley logo
LocationPalo Alto, California,
United States
TypeRegional Theatre Company
Capacity
  • Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts: 600
    Lucie Stern Theatre: 400
OpenedJuly 1970
Artistic DirectorGiovanna Sardelli
Website www.theatreworks.org

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley is a professional non-profit theatre company based in Palo Alto, California, United States. It was founded in 1970 by Robert Kelley.

Contents

History

1970s

Robert Kelley, a Bay Area native and Stanford University graduate in creative writing, founded TheatreWorks in July 1970. [1] : 3-5  The company's inaugural production was Popcorn, an original musical reflecting the social changes of the era, which premiered in July 1970. [1] : 6-7 

1980s and 1990s

In the 1980s, TheatreWorks continued to emphasize diversity and innovation under the leadership of Associate Artistic Director Anthony J. Haney. The company premiered productions such as The Fireworks Rag (1981), featuring a predominantly African-American cast. [1] : 45-47 

2000s

In 2002, TheatreWorks developed the musical Memphis at its New Works Festival. TheatreWorks then produced the world premiere of Memphis on its main stage in 2004. [2] [3] Memphis later opened on Broadway in 2009 and won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical. [4]

2010s and 2020s

Founding Artistic Director Robert Kelley retired in June 2020 after 50 years with the company. [5]

In 2019, TheatreWorks received the Regional Theatre Tony Award. [6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Young, Steve (1989). TheatreWorks: 20 Years of Magic. TheatreWorks.
  2. ↑ Connema, Richard. "Regional Reviews: San Francisco". Talkin' Broadway. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  3. ↑ PIane, Charlie (14 June 2010). "Theatreworks Celebrates MEMPHIS' Tony Wins". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  4. ↑ "'Red' and 'Memphis' Win Top Tony Awards". The New York Times . 13 June 2010. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  5. ↑ Shea, Christopher D. (11 May 2017). "Robert Kelley to Retire After 50 Years at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley". The New York Times. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
  6. ↑ Libbey, Peter (9 June 2019). "2019 Tony Award Winners: Full List". The New York Times. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
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