(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center has announced its lineup for the 2020-2021 Theater Series. The series opens with Dreaming Zenzile, a new musical based on the life of South African legend Miriam Makeba featuring international jazz sensation Somi Kakoma, directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz, in association with Octopus Theatricals and National Black Theatre. Next is the return of McCarter’s community-based Dickensian celebration of A Christmas Carol, directed by Adam Immerwahr. The new year begins with Mike Lew’s hilarious Tiger Style!, directed by Moritz Von Stueplnagel; followed by Kate Hamill’s timely adaptation of The Scarlet Letter. Closing the season will be Bhangin’ It, a brash, intoxicating, and joyous large-scale musical set in the world of intercollegiate competitive bhangra, directed by Amy Anders Corcoran in a co-production with La Jolla Playhouse. A sixth production will be announced later in 2020.

Dreaming Zenzile (September 12 – October 11, 2020) Based on the life of Miriam Makeba By Somi Kakoma; Directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz. An inspiring new musical based on the extraordinary life of South African musical legend and activist Miriam Makeba. Performing as Makeba on the eve of her last concert, international jazz sensation Somi Kakoma transports the audience through a spiritual journey in an electrifying portrait of a passionate artist’s singular voice and vision. This modern jazz play features a live band, a cast of 5, original music, and reinterpretations from Makeba’s popular repertoire including “The Click Song.” Dreaming Zenzile will premiere at Repertory Theatre of St. Louis in March, 2020. In association with Octopus Theatricals and National Black Theatre

A Christmas Carol (December 8 – 27, 2020) By Charles Dickens; Adapted by David Thompson; Directed by Adam Immerwahr. David Thompson’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, directed by Adam Immerwahr, continues the tradition of Ebenezer Scrooge’s magical journey through Christmas past, present, and future.  With beloved carols and original music, 35 members from the greater Princeton community share the stage with a professional cast, bringing this story to life. Usher in the community spirit with all the joy, wonder and generosity that Scrooge ultimately discovers.

Tiger Style!  (January 12 – February 7, 2021) By Mike Lew; Directed by Moritz Von Stuelpnegel. Siblings Albert and Jennifer Chen reached the pinnacle of academic achievement. But in adult life, they’re colossal failures. They do what any reasonable brother and sister would do: confront their parents and launch an Asian Freedom Tour! From California to China, this exuberantly sharp comedy by Mike Lew examines the successes and failures of tiger parenting through the lens of a playwright who’s actually been through it. Tony-nominated director Moritz Von Stuelpnagel (Broadway’s Hand to God) directs.

The Scarlet Letter (April 30 – May 30, 2021) By Kate Hamill; Inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel. Original sin. Shame. Redemption. A society reels with fear when a woman’s sexuality is on display. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s masterwork bursts to life in a chilling and timely adaptation. Known for her inventive and explosive take on classics (Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Dracula) Kate Hamill’s “A” examines a community in chaos—not far from our own, mad modern world.

Bhangin’ It (June 15 – July 3, 2021) A new musical By Mike Lew and Rehana Lew Mirza; Music and Lyrics by Sam Willmott;  Co-production with La Jolla Playhouse. Brash, intoxicating, and joyous, Bhangin' It is a celebration of the traditions we inherit from yesterday and those we create for tomorrow. Intercollegiate Bhangra, a competitive “dance-off” of traditional Punjabi folk styles, is a high stakes game. Mary, a biracial college student, thinks she's got all the right moves on the Bengal Tigers Bhangra team. But to teammate Preeti, Mary is just not “Indian enough.” When Mary is abruptly booted off the Tigers, she and her roommate Sunita put together a team whose only criteria for joining is a desire to dance. With Nationals coming up, can this eclectic, ragtag group whip themselves into shape to take on the competition? Find out in this brand new feel-good and dance-filled musical.

Subscription packages for the 2020-2021 Theater Series, as well as package options for McCarter's Dance, Music, and Signature Events - are available now by calling 609-258-5050, visiting mccarter.org, or visiting the McCarter Ticket Office, located at 91 University Place in Princeton. Please Note: All dates and times subject to change.

McCarter Theatre Center’s mission is to create world-class theater and present the finest performing artists for the engagement, education, and entertainment to the community. Winner of the 1994 Tony Award^® for Outstanding Regional Theatre, world premieres include Christopher Durang’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (2013 Tony^® - Best Play); Tarell Alvin McCraney’s The Brother/Sister Plays; Emily Mann’s Having Our Say; and Danai Gurira’s The Convert. Other works which later moved to Broadway include Brian Friel’s Translations, Nilo Cruz’s Anna in the Tropics (Pulitzer Prize), and Frank McGuinness’ translation of Electra. Additionally, McCarter brings the finest artists from around the world to Princeton, New Jersey, including upcoming visits from Branford Marsalis, David Sedaris, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and many more. Education and outreach efforts serve tens of thousands through student matinees, in-school residencies, and adult education classes. McCarter is supported by contributions from Princeton University, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, corporations, foundations, and from over 2,000 individuals.  

Photo by Tom Miller