What a pleasure and honor it is to join the Civic Theatre community, as we move into a new era of artistic leadership with the Landmark 2000-2001 Season. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be working with local talent, developing exciting new programs, and meeting new friends, especially Civic's loyal volunteers, performers and patrons.

Civic Theatre is indeed a treasure to the community -- a true cultural landmark, which offers the Lehigh Valley area the very best in theatre, music, film and arts education. Especially over the past decade, Civic has received accolades and support from the Allentown Arts Commission, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, The Allentown Morning Call, and many other companies, foundations, newspapers and individuals that have an interest in promoting excellence in the arts. Add to that our ever-increasing patron base -- last season was the best attended in Civic's 72-year history -- and Civic has forged a remarkable legacy, which has opened up a world of endless possibilities.

We are particularly fortunate to be living here in Allentown. After directing in New York, in Europe, and in regional theatres all around the country, I was overjoyed to discover what an impressive facility you have here. We'll continue to take loving care of this gorgeous landmark building, the historic 19th Street Theatre, working to restore the building's original lustre, and adding the most modern state-of-the-art amenities -- all so that we can continue to move ever closer to making Civic a full-fledged, all-inclusive arts center.

As we continue to expand our artistic vision, we must never lose sight of the important place an arts organization like Civic holds in our community. Producing a season of high quality theatre is not our only priority. We must also provide you with countless opportunities to take part in the artistic process -- whether onstage, behind the scenes, in workshops, in the classroom, or in the audience. That means presenting a broad range of events that offer something for everyone, and that make the attempt to cross the boundaries of age, ethnicity and background which often arise in local arts. It means maintaining a deep respect for the classics, even while we seek out and nurture new voices; it means focusing on outreach and educational programs; it means inviting everyone in.

You'll see this commitment reflected throughout this brochure -- in a Staged Readings Series that focuses on the work of local artists; an expanded Children's Theatre Series; in a new "Civic In Concert" series that features the music of great songwriters and the voices of local talent. You'll see it in the incredibly diverse offering of stage productions, from a 17th century French farce to a world premiere gospel musical; from an evergreen Christmas classic to fairy tales for children. And this brochure doesn't even include the exciting array of classes offered by our theatre school in drama, dance, Shakespeare, musical theatre, and more!

Sure, this sounds like a lot, but with the help of an intrepid board and staff -- and with your help -- we can achieve all this and more. So welcome to what promises to be an incredible season of landmark plays at Civic. We hope you'll join us as a Season Subscriber; subscribing is still the best and most affordable way to experience the magic, and an even better deal this year, with some great added benefits! Please stop by and say hello! Get involved! We are always looking to extend our Civic family. For Civic to continue being a leading presence in the Lehigh Valley arts community, your help and support are going to make all the difference.

Happy Theatregoing,