From Pulitzer Winners to U.S. Debuts: Harbinger Theatre’s Bold 2024 Season

By Kayla DeMicco On Nov 4, 2023

There is more in store for Harbinger Theatre for 2024!

As they are about to close out a successful season in their second year, they will continue their mission of Capital Region premieres with four playwrights who have yet to make their way to our area. These productions will be presented in four distinct venues across the Capital Region, as well as two individuals making their directorial debuts with the theater.

The four plays for Harbinger’s 2024 season are:

“In the Blood” by Suzan-Lori Parks, dir. by T.J. Collins at St. Rose Theatre (March 15-24)
“The Squirrels” by Robert Askins, dir. by Patrick White at Sand Lake Center for the Arts June 21-30)
“Maggie May” by Frances Poet, dir. by Chris Foster at Albany Civic Theatre (September 6-22)
“Into the Breeches!” by George Brant, dir. by Lauren D’Annibale at Albany Barn (November 7-16)

“In the Blood” by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks is a poignant reflection on “The Scarlet Letter.” It follows Hester, a single mother of five, struggling to care for her family while contending with the judgment of her community. Five actors play both her children and the societal forces opposing her.

“Harbinger is contributing not only to prominent theatrical premieres in the area but also to

New ideas of staging and producing and design as well, and I couldn’t be more excited to be on their roster to direct and choreograph this play,’ said Collins.

“The Squirrels,” a zany comedy by Robert Askins (“Hand to God”), introduces us to Scurius, the head of a gray squirrel family with enough nuts to endure ten winters. When a desperate clan of fox squirrels pleads for a share of his stash, it sparks a bitter conflict. This Capital Region Premiere offers a daring, satirical examination of wealth disparity, sparing no creature from its biting critique.

“Maggie May” by Frances Poet is exceptionally unique for this season as it will be making its debut in the United States! This drama delves into the lives of an ordinary family grappling with the complexities of dementia. Maggie and Gordon, who first met six decades ago, bonded over dancing and singing to Rod Stewart tunes. Now, those songs are sometimes all she can recall.

“Into the Breeches!” by George Brant narrates the WWII tale of Oberon Play House, where the director and male leads are away at war. Undeterred, the director’s wife takes charge, organizing an all-female rendition of “Henry V.” With a team that defies expectations and lacks a theatrical background, they come together with a shared passion. The result is a charming tribute to teamwork and tenacity in the face of adversity, proving that the show must indeed go on!

“I’ve worked with Harbinger behind the scenes since ‘The Christians,” and I’ve learned a lot. I’m really excited and thankful for the opportunity to direct for Harbinger next year,” said D’Annibale.

“I think the committee did a great job and worked together extremely well. I really enjoyed the process and look forward to next year’s committee working together to put together another strong season,” said Susan Katz, Play Reading Committee chair.

Do you wish you could pre-pay for all Harbinger Theatre shows for the whole year? The company will now offer a Flex Subscription, which means this is your opportunity to get four tickets for $50! The Flex Subscription can be used interchangeably, as you have the choice to use them all for a party to experience a single show or indulge in four plays you’ve never witnessed before!

$50 Flex Subscriptions are available by emailing [email protected] or making a Venmo payment to @HarbingerTheatre.

Harbinger closes out its 2023 season with “Mrs. Packard” by Emily Mann, directed by Chris Foster, running from December 7–16 at Albany Barn with a free preview on December 6. Tickets are $15 and available on Eventbrite here or by cash or Venmo at the door.

Poster by Marc Christopher