New Season: Rover Dramawerks

The 12th season for Rover Dramawerks in Plano has been announced. As is typical with Rover, there are a lot of lesser-known works. That is, except for one very well-known title: Gilligan's Island. The musical version of the iconic TV sitcom is the second show of the season.

The season begins with a title by Steven Dietz, who's been popular on DFW stages this year, after WaterTower Theatre's Shooting Star and Circle Theatre's current Becky's New Car. The season also includes works by Norman Krasna, Scott Gibson, Howard Teichmann and a premiere from a Dallas playwright. The group's long-running "One Day Only" series returns, too.

Here's the lineup (descriptions are from Rover's news release):

More Fun than Bowling Oct. 27-Nov. 19

by Steven Dietz

directed by Jason Rice

If sport is a metaphor for life, a parallel of all things physical and metaphysical, then Jake's life is a 7-10 split. Whether being his own boss in a backwater bowling alley or curbing his daughter's attempts to help him find romance, his days are a dichotomy of life's certainties and death's mysteries, of perfect bowling form and disastrous marriages. He's a quintessential nobody, yet shadowed by a mysterious man with an attaché cuffed to his wrist. A hilarious comedy by the author of our past hit, Private Eyes.

Gilligan's Island: the Musical Jan. 26-Feb. 18, 2012

Book by Sherwood Schwartz & Lloyd J. Schwartz,

Words and Music by Hope Juber & Laurence Juber

directed by Jason Kane at Courtyard Theater

Based on the beloved TV series by Sherwood Schwartz and created by his talented family, this hilarious musical returns to the Rover stage to charm audiences of all ages. A small touring boat has been shipwrecked on a desert island, and the seven castaways must work together to try to get back to civilization while overcoming hurricanes, extra-terrestrials, and their biggest obstacle, Gilligan himself, who manages to bungle every chance of rescue. All the fun and silliness of the original series, plus singing and dancing!

Kill the Moment March 8-31

by Scott Gibson

directed by Sonya Jones

Who would you trust? This wry thriller brings four very different people together in a mix of greed, deception, and murder. Gina, a former soap opera star, has retreated to a remote mountain cabin after being acquitted of killing her husband. Trent is a stranded motorist she picked up so he can phone for help, but her friend Carol Ann is suspicious of his motives. Even before Trent's friend Gus can get there, the twists and turns begin as no one—not even the dead—can be counted on. Regional Premiere!

One Day Only 18

April 21, 2012, Courtyard Theater

Our famous 24-hour play festival returns! Seven short plays from concept to curtain in just one day!

Written in Time May 17 – June 9

by Matthew J. Edwards

directed by Carol M. Rice

Just before World War II, Angelica and Richard, a Navy sailor, meet and fall deeply in love. Years later, her granddaughter Angie, who longs for a good man herself, discovers the passionate letters Angelica received from Richard. Infused with humor and tragedy, the play deftly interweaves the wartime events with Angie's response to their growing love through these letters. Then, as Richard says, "This war changes things," and a strange twist of fate unexpectedly ripples through the lives of the wartime couple and the generations after them. Another World Premiere by a Dallas playwright!

Love in E Flat July 12-28

by Norman Krasna

directed by Lisa Devine at Courtyard Theater

In this effervescent comedy from the writer of last season's hit, Sunday in New York, love goes flat when lovers practice to deceive. Howard is a poor medical intern whose girlfriend Amy lives in the apartment right below his. He does love her, but out of imagined jealousy, has planted a listening device in her apartment. When Amy discovers the "bug," she and her sister invent some spicy conversations and situations that keep Howard on his toes. Can true love triumph over tricks and mistrust?

The Girls in 509 Aug. 23-Sept. 15 

by Howard Teichmann

directed by Mark-Brian Sonna

Do today's politicians make you want to bury your head in the sand? Two wealthy ladies cut themselves off from the outside world in 1932 when "that man" Roosevelt succeeded Hoover. Twenty-five years later their hotel has been condemned and a swarm of reporters has discovered their hideaway, followed close behind by the leaders of both the Republican and Democratic parties, greedily drawn to their supposed wealth. What changed during the girls' seclusion, along with all that has ridiculously stayed the same, makes this a comic delight no matter who you vote for.

One Day Only 19

September 29, 2012, Courtyard Theater

Our 19th signature 24-hour play festival is back again, featuring seven world premieres!

Season tickets are available on our website at www.roverdramawerks.com.