A Noise Within shows ‘True Grit’ in 2024-25

A Noise Within has announced six-plays for 2024-25 — a family-friendly modern classic; a play from August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle”; a holiday show; a Shakespeare; a new adaptation; and a musical — each of which exhibits “True Grit.”

“All of the plays next season are about people who are resolved to get what they want or need in one way or another, either for themselves or for the people they love,” suggest co-artistic directors Geoff Elliott and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott.

Launching the season on Sept. 7, the two will co-direct “The Skin of Our Teeth,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Thornton Wilder. Set in 20th century New Jersey and the Ice Age, Wilder’s ambitious, funny, unruly story of humankind told through the lives of the Antrobus family uses humor, history and mythology to highlight humanity’s drive to carry on. 

October brings another Pulitzer Prize-winning play along with the continuation of A Noise Within’s commitment to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.”  Gregg T. Daniel returns to direct Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson,” following on the heels of critically acclaimed ANW productions of “Gem of the Ocean,” “Seven Guitars,” “Radio Golf” and “King Hedley II,” each directed by Daniel. In 1936 Pittsburgh, Berniece battles with her brother, Boy Willie, to save a treasured family heirloom: a piano decorated with images of their African ancestors carved by their enslaved grandfather. 

The holidays signify the return of A Noise Within’s festive, musically merry production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” In Geoff Elliott’s faithful adaptation of what might just be the greatest story of redemption ever written, Marley and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future join forces to save Ebenezer Scrooge from a lonely and terrible fate.

“What’s done cannot be undone.” Andi Chapman will direct “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare in February. In the Bard’s grand and gripping tale of murder, treason, ambition and greed, Macbeth and his wife will stop at nothing in their pursuit of wealth and power. 

Adapted by Elizabeth Williamson from the novel by Charlotte Brontë, “Jane Eyre” follows the orphaned Jane, who takes a position working as governess at Thornfield Hall for the brooding Edward Rochester. Our strong-willed heroine falls in love with her mysterious employer, but the discovery of a dark secret and its devastating aftermath forces the young governess to make a heart-wrenching decision that changes their lives forever. 

Finally, closing out the season in May, Julia Rodriguez-Elliott directs “A Man of No Importance” featuring music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and a book by the late Terrence McNally. An amateur theater group in Dublin is determined to stage a version of Oscar Wilde’s “Salome” at their leader’s church despite the objections of church authorities in this intimate musical, a queer coming-out story inspired by the 1994 film starring Albert Finney.  

For more information about A Noise Within’s 2024-25 “True Grit” season, and to purchase season subscriptions (save up to 28%) or single tickets (on sale beginning July 9), call (626) 356-3100 or go to www.anoisewithin.org.

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