Stage West has been full of big announcements this week, including one about expansion that it put out on its Facebook page.

The other big news is the season, which looks to be one of its best lineups in awhile, with works from G.B. Shaw, Tom Stoppard, David Ives and comedy genius Joe Orton. There'll also be some Texas themes in the season, with a new work by local playwright Larry Herold, who won the group's Texas Playwriting Competion in 2010; and a special engagement of a one-woman show about the late and much-missed Texas columnist Molly Ivins.

First, let's get to the expansion news: 

Stage West will begin a one-year pilot program on September 1, 2011. The program centers on the expansion of the theater's space from their current 9,000 sq. ft to a total of 18,000 sqft. Offices, rehearsal space and the scene shop and more will move to the new space right next door.

So what this means for now is:

• Expanded runs on three of our 33rd season productions
• More educational opportunities
• An additional season offering
• Additional public space in our cafe/gallery
• Shorter "dark" time between plays.
• Public rental opportunities for receptions, business luncheons, weddings, book clubs, classes and more!

And now, let's get to the season. Descriptions are from Stage West's news release:

Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw

October 20 – November 27

When an enemy soldier breaks into Raina’s room seeking refuge, her life is turned upside down.  After all, her father is an army major, and her fiance, a dashing war hero.  This charming and funny Shaw tale was first produced in 1894, and on Broadway six times since then.

New Jerusalem by David Ives

January 5 – 29

In 1656, Amsterdam has given special asylum to the Jewish community.  However, the major governing rule is that no Jew may speak of religion to any local resident. Baruch Spinoza’s radical beliefs on God and religion draw him into a riveting trial which irrevocably challenges Western thought.

The Sports Page by Larry Herold

February 9 – March 18

Dallas playwright and former sports writer Larry Herold takes a comic look back at a Dallas Cowboys training camp in 1966, when the whole media world is about to change. Television has landed in the form of the first woman reporter in a man’s world. Look what has happened to the newspapers since!

The Real Thing by Tom Stoppard

March 29 – April 29

Playwright Henry and actress Annie have fallen love—but is it the real thing?  And what, exactly, is the Real Thing?  “A funny, smart play, vibrating with contemporary concerns—art and life and sex and sacrifice and rock classics.” (New York Post) As potent today as it was when it opened in 1984, and one of our all-time faves.

What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton

June 28 – July 29   

A philandering psychiatrist, his nymphomaniac wife, and a totally mad psychiatric examiner from the government provide the fodder for this wacky, subversive farce.  In one door and out the other has never been more irreverent, funny, and wise all at once.  

Around the World in 80 Days by Mark Brown

August 16 – September 23

This zany adaptation of the Jules Verne novel chronicles what may have been the first “Great Race.”  Phileas Fogg has wagered his entire life savings that he can accomplish the feat of the title.  He and his resourceful manservant, Passepartout, confront a series of misadvantures as the clock and the calendar press relentlessly on.

Special Added Attraction! 

This one is not part of the season, but Stage West will also be presenting Red Hot Patriot:  the Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins, by Margaret Engel and Allison Engel, May 10-June 17. The story of the famously brassy newspaper columnist who wrote for the Dallas Times-Herald and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and as a frequent op-ed contributor for the New York Times and the Washington Post.  A true Texas original, who skewered the political establishment and the “good ol’ boys” with sharp-tongued wit and wisdom.  This one has been a smash wherever it has played to date.

Red Hot Patriot played in Austin in January, and we reviewed it.

Tickets for the 2011-2012 season are now on sale, and range in price from $130 to $150, with discounts for students, seniors, and teachers. Orders sent by Sept. 30 will receive an additional discount. For more information, call Stage West at 817-784-9378. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.stagewest.org.