HSRT announces shows for 48th season

Hope Summer Repertory Theatre (HSRT) finished its 47th season this summer with an incredible company of actors, technicians and leadership. HSRT, a company of nearly 90 people, produced three musicals and two plays: “The Wiz,” “Godspell,” “Dragon Pack Snack Attack,” “An Iliad,” and “The Odd Couple.” Each of these productions included a diverse ensemble that brought a unique and dynamic life to the shows that stands out from past seasons.

The company kicked off season 47 with a new artistic director to take the lead: Lenny Banovez. Banovez is a current New York City resident as well as the artisitic director and co-founder of the thriving and vibrant Titan Theatre Company hailing from Queens. “It was a fantastic season for HSRT, and a true joy for me personally to meet everyone over the summer,” stated Banovez. “It’s a very exciting time at HSRT right now and the future is extremely bright. Western Michigan has a vibrant art scene. That combined with the exceptional talent and support from Hope College, I truly feel Hope Summer Rep can become a shining light for theatre excellence, not only locally and regional, but nationally.”

Hope Summer Repertory Theatre is already in the making of their 48th season and coming in strong with its incredible show choices. The company will be producing “West Side Story,” “Shakespeare In Love,” “Truth: The Testimonial Of Soujourner Truth,” “Murder For Two,” “The Old Man And The Old Moon,” and “Elephant and Piggie’s We Are In A Play.” The company has already chosen two of their headlining performers and stars of “West Side Story.” Benjamin Lohrberg who previously played Jesus in “Godspell” and Sara Ornelas, featured actress in the song “Bless the Lord” in “Godspell” are to play Tony and Maria. These two talented performers announced their casting after the closing night of “Godspell” on August 8.

Hope Summer Repertory Theatre’s future looks very bright as the company looks to a wonderful season and spends the colder months hiring talented artists to spend a summer in Holland filled with diversity, historic tales, many laughs and theatre for all ages.