The world's longest-running musical, an electrifying Pulitzer Prize award-winning rock musical, a riveting classic courtroom drama, and the Tony award smash-hit retelling of the origin of Peter Pan make up the 2017 Huron Playhouse season. Under the Artistic Direction of Nick Hrutkay, Huron's professional summer stock theatre will open its 69th season on July 4th with *The Fantasticks*. Whimsical, poignant, and romantic, *The Fantasticks* has been enchanting theatregoers for over 50 years as the world's longest running musical. In a theatrical and inventive fashion, our enigmatic narrator - El Gallo - introduces us to a world of moonlight and magic as a pair of young lovers journey through adolescent thrills, the growing pains of hurt and betrayal, the highs of passion, the challenges of distance, and the agonies of heartbreak to discover how to truly love. Grechen Wingerter directs what many consider to be the world's most beloved musical. *The Fantasticks* runs July 4-7. The season continues with the winner of three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score, and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, *Next to Normal*. This beautiful work has been hailed by critics around the country, including The New York Times, as one of the greatest musicals ever written. With provocative lyrics and an electrifying rock score featuring more than 30 original songs, this groundbreaking smash hit musical is a heart-swelling dissection of a mother's mental illness and her suburban family's struggle to keep their world intact. Directed by Nick Hrutkay, performances begin July 11 and close on July 14. Next up is Reginald Rose's immortal classic *12 Angry Jurors*. Based on the well-known film version released in 1957, this piece follows 12 jurors as they deliberate on a seemingly clear-cut murder case until one of the jurors begins opening the others' eyes to the facts. With each juror revealing his or her own character as the various testimonies are re-examined, the murder is re-enacted and a new murder threat is born before their eyes. Directed by Jennifer Wertz, the jurors' final verdict and how they reach it will shock you and keep you on the edge of your seat in this riveting courtroom drama. Performances are from July 18-21. The season draws to a close with the hysterical Tony Award winning hit *Peter and the Starcatcher*. Upending the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (a.k.a. Peter Pan), this wildly theatrical adaptation of Dave Berry and Ridley Pearson's best-selling novels, features a dozen actors portraying more than 100 unforgettable characters using ingenious stagecraft and the limitless possibilities of imagination to bring the story to life. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, *Peter and the Starcatcher* playfully explores the bonds of friendship, duty, and love in a thrilling adventure for all ages in this family favorite directed by Nick Hrutkay. Opens July 25 and concludes July 28. Season subscriptions are on sale for $80 which includes the 2017 productions of *The Fantasticks*, *Next to Normal*, *12 Angry Jurors*, and *Peter and the Starcatcher*. Individual tickets have been on sale to the general public since November 1st for $22 (adult tickets), $20 (senior tickets), and $15 (student tickets). Group rates are also available. Performances take place at the McCormick School, 325 Ohio St. in Huron. Curtain time for each show is 8 p.m. For tickets, more information, or how you can support The Huron Playhouse, please call 419.433.4744 or visit *HuronPlayhouse.com*. About The Huron Playhouse The Huron Playhouse is the award-winning, professional theatre company in residence at McCormick School nestled on the shore of Lake Erie. Led by Artistic Director Nick Hrutkay The Playhouse is entering its 69th season as Ohio's longest running summer theatre and is dedicated to creating inspiring new interpretations of contemporary and classic dramas, comedies, and musicals. Annually, The Playhouse serves over 10,000 people throughout the course of each summer season. In addition to its mainstage professional productions, The Playhouse offers numerous educational programs for our region such as the Community Voices monologue event, The Playhouse Writer's Lab developing new work for our region, master classes, and more. The mission of The Huron Playhouse is to create experiences that inspire, transform, and entertain.