Here we are at the last performances of our first full season back—and what a miracle, indeed! Despite an extremely challenging time for OSF and theatres across the country, we proved that our community is resilient. This season we continued to rebuild and reimagine the possibilities, opening an expansive repertory season full of exciting, timely work and classics beautifully interpreted through a 21st-century lens. We featured eight on-stage plays and musicals, from classic Shakespeare to works by some of today’s most exciting playwrights. We also debuted an expansion into digital projects that explored the future of theatrical storytelling.
And what better way to finish off the season than with It’s Christmas, Carol!, bringing us back to our love of laughter during the winter holiday season? Created by Mark Bedard, Brent Hinkley, and John Tufts, and directed by Pirronne Yousefzadeh, this not-so-typical, endearing, song-filled comedy was such a hit in 2021 that we’re bringing it back for a second holiday spectacular! If you’re seeing it for the first time, I hope your experience is filled with joy and laughter—and if you’re seeing it again, I hope you catch new moments of magic, as no two performances are ever exactly alike.
Thank you again for being part of our 2022 season. Many of our longtime supporters have recognized what they have long loved about OSF, the unparalleled artistry and magic that emanates from this historical theatre. But there were new things this season as well. On the fourth weekend of every month, OSF has, for the first time, offered live American Sign Language translation plus audio describing services, closed captioning, and audio augmentation. We also strengthened our commitment to centering BIPOC stories and artists, more equitable and sustainable theatre-making practices, and a simplified ticket pricing and structure.
Through our digital and in-person offerings, we created—and continue to create—art that engages people where they are. We are building systems that enable us to reach more people, engage more minds, and touch more hearts in a way that only artists and theatre can.
Thank you, artists and audiences, for being part of our first full season back. We look forward to seeing you for our 2023 season!