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The New Season of Theater: Listings for the Fall Season and Beyond

WARHOLCAPOTE Two very unusual personalities share a room — or a stage — in this new play, based on a series of conversations Andy Warhol and Truman Capote had in the 1970s when they were considering creating a Broadway production together. The script for this American Repertory Theater premiere was adapted, by Rob Roth, from recordings of those discussions; is directed by Michael Mayer; and stars Stephen Spinella as Warhol, Leslie Jordan as Capote and the rest of us as flies on the wall. In previews. Sept. 18-Oct. 13. Loeb Drama Center, americanrepertorytheater.org.

AS YOU LIKE IT The composer Stephen Schwartz provides original music for the director John Doyle’s interpretation of this Shakespeare romance, set in the Jazz Age. Ellen Burstyn, Quincy Tyler Bernstine and André de Shields are among the cast. Sept. 13-Oct. 22. Classic Stage Company. classicstage.org.

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE Five actors of varied race and gender share the role of Shylock in the director Karin Coonrod’s interpretation of this Shakespeare play, thus making the infamous antagonist more complex than simply a victim or villain. This American premiere comes to Peak Performances following a run in the former Jewish ghetto in Venice last year. Previews begin Sept. 19. Sept. 25-Oct. 1. Alexander Kasser Theater at Montclair State University. peakperfs.org.

KPOP Dive into this Korean popular music genre — perhaps literally — in this immersive show that requires comfortable shoes and a willing spirit. The production, presented by Ars Nova in association with Ma-Yi Theater and the Woodshed Collective, and conceived by Woodshed and Jason Kim, features a book by Mr. Kim and music and lyrics by Helen Park and Max Vernon. Teddy Bergman (“Empire Travel Agency”) directs. In previews. Sept. 22-Oct. 7. A.R.T./New York Theaters, arsnovanyc.com.

MARY JANE Well, they had me at Carrie Coon, whose Honey in the 2012 revival of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” was indelible, and who was recently gripping as Nora on the HBO series “The Leftovers.” But if you need other compelling reasons to see this New York Theater Workshop season opener, about a single mother caring for her sick child, the talented playwright and director are Amy Herzog (“Belleville”) and Anne Kauffman (“A Life”). In previews. Sept. 25-Oct. 15. New York Theater Workshop, nytw.org.

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE This adaptation of Anthony Burgess’s creepy, dystopian 1962 novel, directed for the British company Action to the Word by Alexandra Spencer-Jones, has been bopping around Europe for a while, from London Fringe to Edinburgh Festival Fringe and to a very well-received run in London last year at the Park Theater. It’s disturbing, stylish and sexy, and it’s New York-bound now. Jonno Davies, who played the malevolent Alex at the Park, will make his New York stage debut. In previews. Sept. 25-Jan. 6. New World Stages, aclockworkorangeplay.com.

THE TREASURER The bond between mother and son is tested when the ailing Ida Armstrong (Deanna Dunagan) is spending everything and forcing her son (Peter Friedman) into the position of becoming her treasurer, in this new play by Max Posner (“Judy”). David Cromer (“The Band’s Visit”) directs the Playwrights Horizons production. In previews. Sept. 26-Oct. 22. playwrightshorizons.org.

BIG NIGHT An Academy Award-nominated actor’s life is about to change on Oscar night in this new comedy by the playwright-essayist-humorist-satirist Paul Rudnick (the controversial “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told”). The always busy Walter Bobbie directs this world premiere for the Center Theater Group. Previews begin on Sept. 10. Sept. 16-Oct. 8. Kirk Douglas Theater, centertheatergroup.org.

STAIRWAY TO STARDOM A paean to the “wildly passionate but questionably talented,” this show takes its title from a 1980s public-access TV talent show made on the cheap with performers of dubious stock. A creation of the all-female dance theater company cakeface, the show asks what happened to these performers, and dissects what it means to “make it.” Sept. 12-23. HERE, here.org.

TIME AND THE CONWAYS A celebratory postwar atmosphere fills the Conways’ Yorkshire home in 1919, but time takes quite a toll in J. B. Priestley’s 1937 play. Elizabeth McGovern stars, with the recent Tony-winning director Rebecca Taichman (“Indecent”) at the helm of this Roundabout Theater Company revival. Previews begin on Sept. 14. Oct. 10-Nov. 26. American Airlines Theater, roundabouttheater.org.

MEASURE FOR MEASURE Elevator Repair Service (“Gatz”) will apply an unusual, Marx Brothers-inspired style to Shakespeare’s story about a duke’s ethical experiment. John Collins, the troupe’s founder and artistic director, directs a cast that includes Rinne Groff and Scott Shepherd. Previews begin on Sept. 17. Oct. 10-Nov. 5. The Public Theater, publictheater.org.

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Jason Alexander and Sherie Rene Scott, who will appear in “The Portuguese Kid.”

Credit
Robert Trachtenberg

THE PORTUGUESE KID Jason Alexander stars as a smarmy Providence lawyer trying to help a cheap Greek widow (Sherie Rene Scott) handle her dead husband’s estate in John Patrick Shanley’s latest romantic comedy. Mr. Shanley directs. Previews begin on Sept. 19. Oct. 24-Nov. 26. Manhattan Theater Club, manhattantheatreclub.com.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO THOMAS JEFFERSON, CHARLES DICKENS AND COUNT LEO TOLSTOY: DISCORD The three monumental minds of the title engage in a battle of wits in this play by Scott Carter, a writer and executive producer of “Real Time With Bill Maher.” Kimberly Senior (“Disgraced”) directs the Primary Stages production. Previews begin on Sept. 19. Oct. 1-22. Cherry Lane Theater, primarystages.org.

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From left, Nuri Hazzard, Elisha Lawson and Kara Young in “Syncing Ink.”

Credit
Christopher Diaz

SYNCING INK This semi-autobiographical story by the Baltimore actor and playwright NSangou Njikam, about a young man discovering his passion for freestyle rap, will be performed with partly improvised freestyles that will change from night to night. It’s part of the Flea Theater’s first season in its new TriBeCa complex. Niegel Smith directs. Previews begin on Sept. 25. Oct. 8-29. Flea Theater, theflea.org.

TORCH SONG Michael Urie stars as the drag performer Arnold Beckoff in a revival of Harvey Fierstein’s play, initially presented as “Torch Song Trilogy” in 1982, when it won Tony Awards for best play and, for Mr. Fierstein as Arnold, best actor. Moisés Kaufman will direct the revival with a newly edited script by Mr. Fierstein. Previews begin on Sept. 26. Opens on Oct. 19. Second Stage at the Tony Kiser Theater, 2st.com.

THE HONEYMOONERS To the moon! This musical version of the beloved Jackie Gleason television series, about a Brooklyn bus driver with a head full of dreams, will finally have a world premiere this fall. The book is by Dusty Kay and Bill Nuss; the music by Stephen Weiner; and the lyrics by Peter Mills. John Rando will direct a cast that includes Michael McGrath as Ralph Kramden. Previews begin on Sept. 28. Oct. 8-29. Paper Mill Playhouse, papermill.org.

THE LAST MATCH As the women in their lives watch, an aging American tennis star and a hotshot Russian rival clash at the U.S. Open in Anna Ziegler’s play that digs into themes of identity and our desire for relevance. Gaye Taylor Upchurch directs the Roundabout Theater Company production. Previews begin Sept. 28. Oct. 24-Dec. 24. Laura Pels Theater, roundabouttheater.org.

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Stephen Adly Guirgis, who will see two of his plays revived at the Signature Theater.

Credit
Jacob Hannah for The New York Times

October

JESUS HOPPED THE ‘A’ TRAIN Stephen Adly Guirgis’s play, about a bike messenger awaiting trial at Rikers Island for murder, is one of two Guirgis plays to be presented at the Signature Theater Company this season, where he joins as a Residency 1 playwright. “Our Lady of 121st Street” will be produced in May, and a new play of his will have its premiere in the 2018-19 season. Mark Brokaw directs “Jesus.” Oct. 3-Nov. 12. Signature Theater Company, signaturetheatre.org.

OEDIPUS EL REY Oedipus is reimagined as a Latino ex-con in contemporary South Central Los Angeles in Luis Alfaro’s version of the classic Greek tragedy about fate. Chay Yew directs this New York premiere. Previews begin on Oct. 3. Oct. 24-Nov. 19. The Public Theater, publictheater.org.

JUNK This drama by the Pulitzer winner Ayad Akhtar (“Disgraced”) is about a 1980s finance whiz and junk bond king (Steven Pasquale) who specializes in hostile takeovers. “Akhtar has written a modern-day morality tale that scrupulously questions the possibility of moral choice in a world where money, the new might, now makes right,” Charles McNulty wrote in his Los Angeles Times review of the 2016 world premiere of “Junk.” Doug Hughes will direct for Lincoln Center Theater. Previews begin on Oct. 5. Opens on Nov. 2. Vivian Beaumont Theater, lct.org.

STRANGE INTERLUDE David Greenspan takes on Eugene O’Neill’s complex nine-act play in a five-hour solo performance. The Transport Group, directed by Jack Cummings III, reconceives the story of lost love and elusive happiness. Previews begin on Oct. 6. Oct. 21-Nov. 18. Irondale Center, transportgroup.org.

WHEN PIGS FLY Howard Crabtree was once told he’d succeed at a stage career “when pigs fly.” But his campy, comical and life-affirming musical, about a guy named Howard trying to put on a spectacular revue while dealing with the outsize egos of performers and numerous other obstacles, opened Off Broadway in 1996, just after Mr. Crabtree died of complications from AIDS. Mark Waldrop, who conceived the work with him and wrote the book and lyrics, will direct the revival. Previews begin Oct. 6. Opens on Oct. 30. Stage 42, whenpigsflymusical.com.

M. BUTTERFLY Clive Owen stars in this revival of David Henry Hwang’s Tony-winning drama about the two-decade relationship between a French diplomat and a Chinese opera singer with a shocking secret, to be played by Jin Ha, recently of the Chicago production of “Hamilton.” Julie Taymor directs. Previews begin on Oct. 7. Opens on Oct. 26. Cort Theater, mbutterflybroadway.com.

THE BAND’S VISIT If you missed the Off Broadway production of this musical about an Egyptian police band stranded in Israel, where its members must lean on the local residents for help, you’re in luck. The show, with a book by Itamar Moses, music and lyrics by David Yazbek and direction by David Cromer, is headed to Broadway, with a cast including Katrina Lenk, Tony Shalhoub and John Cariani. Previews begin on Oct. 7. Opens on Nov. 9. Ethel Barrymore Theater, thebandsvisitmusical.com.

ANIMAL WISDOM This odd-sounding new music-theater piece by the composer and performer Heather Christian (a standout from the TEAM’s “Mission Drift” at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2011) feels like a must-see. Described as a folk-blues opera, the show is apparently drawn from discussions with the dead, perhaps theoretical, perhaps actual, and draws upon Methodist and Roman Catholic hymns. Created by Ms. Christian in collaboration with Andrew Schneider; the director Mark Rosenblatt; and Ms. Christian’s group, the Arbornauts. Previews begin on Oct. 11. Oct. 14-Nov. 4. The Bushwick Starr, thebushwickstarr.org.

FIREFLIES The quiet life of a retired Texas schoolteacher is upended when she meets a strange drifter, and an unlikely romance develops, in this new play by Matthew Barber (“Enchanted April”). Gordon Edelstein directs the world premiere production at the Long Wharf Theater in New Haven. Previews begin on Oct. 11. Oct. 18-Nov. 5. Long Wharf Theater, longwharf.org.

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“The Siege,” performed by the Freedom Theater, with, clockwise from far left, Faisal Abu Alheja, Hassan Taha, Ahmed Tobasi, Rabee Hanani and Ahmed Rokh.

Credit
The Freedom Theater

THE SIEGE The story of the 2002 siege of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, in which a group of armed Palestinian fighters sought refuge in the church, comes to the United States from the political theater company Freedom Theater, based in a West Bank refugee camp and focused on issues related to the Palestinian experience. The show was produced in 2015 in the West Bank and in British venues like the Battersea Arts Center in London. In a review of the London production in The Guardian, Lyn Gardner wrote that the show, “in the very act of its telling, speaks for the voiceless and forgotten.” Oct. 12–22. N.Y.U. Skirball, nyuskirball.org.

OFFICE HOUR Dennis, 18, is trouble; his writing — violent and obscene — is meant to freak people out. His teacher tries to get to know her problem child in this new play by Julia Cho. Neel Keller directs. Previews begin on Oct. 17. Nov. 8-Dec. 3. The Public Theater, publictheater.org.

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“People, Places & Things,” which will be performed at St. Ann’s Warehouse.

Credit
Johan Persson

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS Denise Gough’s Olivier Award-winning performance as an actress ferociously addicted to numerous substances got raves in London when this play by Duncan MacMillan, in a co-production of the National Theater and Headlong, had its premiere. St. Ann’s Warehouse now joins forces with the two London companies to bring the show — and Ms. Gough — to Brooklyn. Jeremy Herrin (“Wolf Hall”) directs. Oct. 19-Nov. 19. stannswarehouse.org.

ILLYRIA As the Public Theater this season celebrates 50 years at Astor Place, Richard Nelson’s new play chronicles the company’s early days there, and the persistence of its founder, Joseph Papp, in offering free Shakespeare productions in Central Park. Previews begin on Oct. 22. Oct. 30-Nov. 26. The Public Theater, publictheater.org.

UNCOMMON SENSE This multimedia production, inspired by true stories about people living with autism, looks at the challenges they face, their families and friends — and what we will do for those we love. This Tectonic Theater Project production is written by Anushka Paris-Carter and Andy Paris and directed by Mr. Paris. Previews begin on Oct. 25. Nov. 2-26. Sheen Center for Thought & Culture, tectonictheaterproject.org.

HARRY CLARKE When he moves to New York City, a shy Midwesterner creates an alter ego for himself — a cocky Brit named Harry — and finds that his double life eventually becomes dangerous, in this solo play written by David Cale and starring Billy Crudup. Leigh Silverman directs the Vineyard Theater’s season opener. Previews begin on Oct. 26. Nov. 21-Dec. 3. Vineyard Theater, vineyardtheatre.org.

MEAN GIRLS This is so fetch! The 2004 film about high school girls and their fierce rivalries takes the stage in this new musical adaptation, with a book by Tina Fey and music and lyrics by Jeff Richmond and Nell Benjamin. Casey Nicholaw is the director and choreographer. The production has Broadway ambitions, but first comes this premiere in Washington. Oct. 31-Dec. 3. National Theater, meangirlsonbroadway.com.

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A scene from a 2016 production of “The Wolves.”

Credit
Sara Krulwich/The New York Times

November

THE WOLVES Sarah DeLappe’s play about the complex dynamics of an adolescent girls’ soccer team, which had a well-received premiere last year and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama this year, gets an encore, thanks to Lincoln Center Theater. Lila Neugebauer (“Kill Floor”), who seems extremely busy these days, will once again direct. Previews begin on Nov. 1. Opens on Nov. 20. Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, lct.org.

METEOR SHOWER A late entry in the fall theater season, this new comedy by Steve Martin is sure to be a hot ticket — the cast includes Amy Schumer, in her Broadway debut. An absurdist comedy about two couples spending a very strange evening watching a meteor shower, it got mixed reviews after a premiere at the Old Globe Theater and a subsequent staging at the Long Wharf, but a talented crew has come together for the Broadway bow. Jerry Zaks is directing, and Keegan-Michael Key (also making his Broadway debut), Laura Benanti and Alan Tudyk are also in the cast. Previews begin on Nov. 1. Nov. 29-Jan. 21. Booth Theater, meteoronbroadway.com.

CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE OR WHEN QUEENS COLLIDE Marking 50 years since the creation of the wild, avant-garde Ridiculous Theatrical Company, and 30 years since the death of its founder, Charles Ludlam, the esteemed downtown mainstay La MaMa presents a revival of Mr. Ludlam’s 1967 play, directed by Everett Quinton. This outrageous epic about an intergalactic war, inspired by Christopher Marlowe’s “Tamburlaine the Great,” is one of many productions at La MaMa in the coming season, including visits from the Belarus Free Theater, the Italian company Motus Theater and many other American and international companies. Nov. 2-19. lamama.org.

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“SpongeBob SquarePants” in Chicago in 2016, with, from left, Danny Skinner, Ethan Slater and Lilli Cooper.

Credit
Joan Marcus

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS Believe it or not, the stage adaptation of this odd Nickelodeon cartoon series is coming to the Great White Way, following a premiere last year in Chicago. Someone’s got to save Bikini Bottom, after all. The book is by Kyle Jarrow, and the show includes music by a long list of artists, including Steven Tyler, Cyndi Lauper, They Might Be Giants, Sara Bareilles and David Bowie. Tina Landau directs. Previews begin on Nov. 6. Opens on Dec. 4. Palace Theater, spongebobbroadway.com.

THE MAD ONES A young woman sits in the driver’s seat of her car and tries to decide which way her future lies in this new musical by Kait Kerrigan and Brian Lowdermilk, directed by Stephen Brackett (“The Lightning Thief”). The production is the Prospect Theater Company’s first in its recently announced three-year residency at 59E59 Theaters, where it will present a new musical every year. Nov. 7-Dec. 17. 59E59 Theaters. prospecttheater.org.

SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL Dim all the lights: The Queen of Disco lives again in this new bio-musical featuring many of her popular songs, like “Love to Love You, Baby” and “Bad Girls.” Des McAnuff directs the show, with a book by Colman Domingo, Robert Cary and Mr. McAnuff, and the choreography is by Sergio Trujillo. Previews begin on Nov. 7. Nov. 19-Dec. 10. La Jolla Playhouse, lajollaplayhouse.org.

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Uma Thurman and Josh Lucas, who will star in “The Parisian Woman.”

Credit
Ruven Afanador

THE PARISIAN WOMAN Uma Thurman, in her Broadway debut, stars in Beau Willimon’s (“House of Cards”) play about a Washington socialite trying to get her lover to help her husband land a big government job. Inspired by the controversial 1885 French play “La Parisienne,” by Henry Becque, Mr. Willimon’s adaptation was first presented at South Coast Rep a few years ago, but has been reworked to reflect the current American political scene. Pam MacKinnon will direct a cast that also includes Josh Lucas and Blair Brown. Previews begin on Nov. 7. Opens on Nov. 30. Hudson Theater, parisianwomanbroadway.com.

THE MINUTES Trouble is brewing at the town meeting in this exploration of the sometimes ugly world of small-town politics, by Tracy Letts, who continually manages to create new work while juggling a busy acting career. A Broadway bow has been discussed, but first comes the premiere at Mr. Letts’s artistic home base in Chicago, with Anna D. Shapiro directing. Previews begin on Nov. 9. Nov. 19-Dec. 31. Steppenwolf Theater Company, steppenwolf.org.

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND A peasant girl falls for a rich young man on the other side of their Caribbean island homeland in this 1990 musical by Lynn Ahrens (book and lyrics) and Stephen Flaherty (music). Michael Arden directs, with choreography by Camille A. Brown. Previews begin on Nov. 9. Opens on Dec. 3. Circle in the Square Theater, onceonthisisland.com.

NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN Using the jazz singer and composer Nina Simone’s 1966 song about black female archetypes, “Four Women,” and the backdrop of the 1963 church bombing in Birmingham, Ala., the playwright Cristina Ham imagines Simone at a moment in her life when she transformed into an activist. The play (with music) is directed by Timothy Douglas, and Harriett D. Foy takes on the role of Simone. Previews begin on Nov. 10. Nov. 16-Dec. 24. Kreeger Theater at Arena Stage, arenastage.org.

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