Theater Latte Da has selected a couple of the higher-profile musicals from recent years for its 2011-12 season. "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" kicks things off Oct. 6-30 at the Ordway's McKnight Theatre. Tod Petersen is the only announced cast member, as the vice principal. "Spelling Bee" spoofs the competitions feared by students everywhere. It won two Tonys, including Best Book by Rachel Sheinken.
Latte Da and the vocal ensemble Cantus will bring back the popular and affecting "All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914" for the holiday season at the Pantages Theatre, Dec. 15-18.
Artistic Director Peter Rothstein will take a breather in February. Jeremy Cohen, producing artistic director at the Playwrights' Center, will stage "Beautiful Thing," Feb. 24-March 18, at The Lab Theater. "Beautiful Thing" focuses on two boys from working-class London who fall in love. It was made into a film in 1996. The music of "The Mamas and the Papas" figured in the story so Erin Schwab will lead a group singing those songs.
Next spring, Latte Da will collaborate with the University of Minnesota on "Spring Awakening," April 12-May 6, on the Rarig Center thrust stage. Carl Flink, chair of the department of theatre arts and dance, will choreograph and Rothstein will use a number of student actors. "Spring Awakening," based on the German expressionist play, won eight Tonys, including Best Musical.
Information at www.LatteDa.org
Minneapolis Musical Theatre has also announced its season. "Bat Boy: The Musical" will be back to open the year, Oct. 28-Nov. 13. An off-Broadway hit more than a decade ago, this goofy musical spoofs tabloid news and manages a sweet message about acceptance. MMT did it in 2004 with great results. Steven Meerdink directs with Kevin Hansen heading the music.
Meerdink and Hansen are on stage in "The Story of My Life," March 9-25. It has been six years since these two — the artistic director and executive director, respectively, of the company — have appeared together. The musical, an area premiere, is about two childhood friends whose relationship profoundly affected their lives.
MMT dips into the glitter of spectacle with "Xanadu," the big Broadway disco hit from 2008 (nominated for Best Musical). Based on the Olivia Newton John film, "Xanadu" features a score by Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra and has more rolling skating than any musical this side of Busby Berkeley. It runs June 8-24. Meerdink directs with musical direction by Lori Maxwell.
All MMT shows are staged at Illusion Theater in downtown Minneapolis.