Welcome to the Turning Leaf Theater Company!

We are a new theater with an unusual mission.  Turning Leaf is dedicated to the re-interpretation of Classical and American plays through multicultural casting.  We begin with the premise that audiences attend the theater primarily to be entertained--not lectured to.  In fact, we have no social or political agenda.  The sole item on our agenda is high-quality theater that will appeal to a broad spectrum of the public.

The cast in each production will be racially, or culturally, mixed; with race or culture often used as interpretative elements in the show.  We endeavor to breathe new life into familiar pieces, and to nurture unfamiliar works, through unconventional casting.  The conceit behind this approach is not political correctness, but artistic freedom.  We start with diversity in casting, and we finish with exciting theater that reflects the faces of our culturally diverse society.

Although we are a fledgling enterprise, our goals are ambitious.  We plan to produce shows that are thematically bold, emotionally electric, and, above all, uncommonly entertaining.  Our methods are a little different, but we think that you will enjoy our work.  So, please turn over a new leaf; join us on our journey.

Why Create Turning Leaf Now?

2009 was a very tough year for the arts.  Theater was no exception.  In fact, more theaters closed their doors this year than I care to remember.  What’s more, recovery is likely to be long and arduous.  So, why start a new theater company in the midst of privation and uncertainty?

The short answer is that the time is right, and uncertainty is as familiar as an old pair of jeans.  Producing the same plays in largely the same way to the same audiences just wasn’t providing the sense of satisfaction that we sought.  We wanted to do theater differently, something challenging, and well . . . different. Looking at the familiar in a new way, and thus paving the way to introducing the unfamiliar is where we want to be.  Re-interpreting classic plays in terms of racial and cultural differences provides that initial challenge.  The shopworn becomes refreshing and exciting again.  It is inclusive.  It speaks to a broad spectrum of audiences.  It entertains, but still puts a fire underneath themes and ideas that challenge how we see our everyday lives.

We, of Turning Leaf, do not perform political or social statements.  We don’t perform our shows because it is “the right thing to do.”  We’re not that altruistic.  We produce artistically satisfying shows that we hope will reach as wide a range of audience as possible

Turning Leaf Theater Company proudly presents

The Glass Menagerie

by Tennessee Williams

July 29, 30, 31 and August 5, 6, 7

At Circle Playhouse

416 Victoria Avenue

Piscataway, NJ

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