TheatreWorks (Silicon Valley)
 TheatreWorks Silicon Valley logo | |
| Location | Palo Alto, California, United States |
|---|---|
| Type | Regional Theatre Company |
| Capacity |
|
| Opened | July 1970 |
| Artistic Director | Giovanna 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.
History
[edit]1970s
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]- ^ a b c Young, Steve (1989). TheatreWorks: 20 Years of Magic. TheatreWorks.
- ^ Connema, Richard. "Regional Reviews: San Francisco". Talkin' Broadway. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ PIane, Charlie (14 June 2010). "Theatreworks Celebrates MEMPHIS' Tony Wins". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ "'Red' and 'Memphis' Win Top Tony Awards". The New York Times. 13 June 2010. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Libbey, Peter (9 June 2019). "2019 Tony Award Winners: Full List". The New York Times. Retrieved 1 November 2024.