Summer, 1976
by Jarrott Productions
May. 13 - May. 29, 2027
Thursdays-Saturdays
David Auburn’s play takes place against the backdrop of Viet Nam and the Watergate years that. Summer, 1976 follows two women living in Ohio who become unlikely friends over playdates with their young daughters during the summer of 1976, the American Bicentennial.
New York Times called Summer, 1976 a “bittersweet, comic memory play — a story of profound connection,” while the Wall Street Journal called it “warm and beguiling,” and Deadline said it “captures an experience that’s as universal as it is inexplicable: a friendship that shouldn’t work, but does.”
Director Jarrott Reflects on the Summer of 1976
I was still in radio that summer, playing hot hits on KNOW like Johnnie Taylor’s Disco Lady, Paul McCartney’s Silly Love Songs, and Elton John and Kiki Dee’s summer smash Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.
I was supposed to emcee the Austin Symphony concert (with fireworks) on Auditorium Shores on July 4th, but the event got rained out. Just as well, in a way, as my current wife at the time (#2, but who’s counting) was sick with the flu.
I was still in radio that summer, playing hot hits on KNOW like Johnnie Taylor’s Disco Lady, Paul McCartney’s Silly Love Songs, and Elton John and Kiki Dee’s summer smash Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.
I was supposed to emcee the Austin Symphony concert (with fireworks) on Auditorium Shores on July 4th, but the event got rained out. Just as well, in a way, as my current wife at the time (#2, but who’s counting) was sick with the flu.
At Austin movie theatres, The Omen, Midway, and Logan’s Run were big hits; while nationwide, Operation Sail and the Freedom Train were iconic events celebrating the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
These and other widespread community events and festivals helped lift the national mood as we came out of the Viet Nam and Watergate years.
I was fortunate to see the original Broadway production in April 2023 and I walked out of the theatre knowing that I wanted to bring this play to Austin audiences. We’ve been trying to get the rights to produce this play for the past two years, and were just recently successful.
I’m so grateful to be able to bring you this work that’s been living in my brain and my heart for the past three years. And even more grateful to announce the amazing cast of two!
I’ve known Johanna Whitmore for ages, and admired her artistry as an actor as well as a director and much-loved educator. We are forever grateful that she sent us Tucker Shepherd (Admissions, The Sound Inside) and Kaitlyn Hartnagel (our props guru). For some reason our professional lives have never aligned and I’ve never had the privilege of working with her — until now. Johanna will star as Alice.
Appearing opposite Johanna as Diane is a new star in the Austin theatre constellation, Mimi Strum. You saw her as FLOTUS in 2024’s smash hit POTUS. New to Austin at the time, Mimi auditioned for JP for that role, I was gobsmacked. I’ve been searching for a role for her since then and I think she is the perfect choice to bring Diane to life.
Summer, 1976
by David Auburn
Jarrott Productions
May 13 - May 29, 2027
|
||
|
|
