Woody Sez

May 5, 2012 - June 3, 2012

"A high spirited celebration...stirringly captures the rebellious spirit of Guthrie's times, and of our own."

— The Guardian

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Woody Guthrie is a musical hero of legendary proportion who transformed folk music into a vehicle for social protest and evoked the restless spirit of the Dust Bowl generation. Woody Sez brings the giant to life in a joyous, toe-tapping, and heartfelt theatrical portrait that uses Woody's words and songs to transport the audience through his fascinating, beautiful, and sometimes tragic life. Featuring many classic Woody tunes including "This Land is Your Land" and "Bound for Glory," Woody Sez captures the heart and spirit of Woody Guthrie and the stories of America.

In Woody's spirit, the A.R.T. is hosting post-show hootenannies after select performances led by cast members and other local artists. You are invited to bring your instruments and join in a free-form musical celebration. Click here for more information.

Read the features on Woody Sez in the A.R.T. Spring 2011-2012 Guide.

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PRODUCTION PHOTOS FROM WOODY SEZ

"Infused with passion....wit and music to appeal to young and old alike."

— Whatsonstage

In the News

Boston Globe feature story of "Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie"

ART’s ‘Woody Sez’ a tribute on his centennial that captures his spirit and shows its relevance

The Telegraph, England review of "Woody Sez"

In a time of widespread affluence, I doubt a show about the life and work of American singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie would strike much of a chord, unless hillbilly folk and blues were your bag. But, my, how the world has changed. I defy anyone to go and see Woody Sez at the Arts Theatre and not come away feeling that this modest yet delectable offering is a pretty snug fit for these cash-strapped, anxious times.

Florida Theater on Stage review of "Woody Sez"

What chokes your throat in this show is the profound pride in being the heir to people who despite struggling with real hardship, still believed in the inherent goodness of their neighbors and saw worth in banding together with them to make a better world for everyone. Pride, and shame at what we sometimes seem to have lost.

The Guardian, London review of "Woody Sez"

Long before Bob Dylan and the folk-inspired protest singers of the 1960s, there was Woody Guthrie, a troubadour of backwoods America who believed in "singing for the plain folks and getting tough with the rich folks".

Press Releases

A.R.T. adds seven performances to the run of Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie

May 14, 2012

Due to popular demand, A.R.T. adds seven performances to the run of Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie, now running through June 3rd at the Loeb Drama Center.

American Repertory Theater’s production of WOODY SEZ THE LIFE & MUSIC OF WOODY GUTHRIE Live Outdoor Simulcast on Thursday, May 17 on Harvard Campus Honoring Woody Guthrie Centennial Celebration

May 2, 2012

The American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) production Woody Sez, a musical tapestry of the American folk hero’s life and songs, is to be simulcast live — the first live outdoor simulcast of a theater production outside of New York. The simulcast will be presented in collaboration with Harvard University and the American Repertory at The Plaza next to the Science Center on the Harvard campus, on Thursday, May 17th.

American Repertory Theater to host post-show hootenannies after select performances of WOODY SEZ: THE LIFE & MUSIC OF WOODY GUTHRIE Featuring The Whiskey Boys, Alastair Moock, Marylou Ferrante, and more

April 26, 2012

In the spirit of composer/balladeer Woody Guthrie, as the nation celebrates the 100thanniversary of his birth, the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) is hosting post-show hootenannies after select performances led by cast members and other local artists. The audience is invited to bring their own instruments and join in a free-form musical celebration in the Loeb Drama Center’s West Lobby and Patio,following the performances listed below.

Words and Music by	Woody Guthrie
Devised by	David M. Lutken* with Nick Corley and Darcie Deaville, Helen J. Russell, and Andy Teirstein*


Scenic Design	Luke Hegel-Cantarella
Costume Design	Jeffrey Meek
Lighting Design	Matt Frey
Stage Manager	Katie Ailinger*
Music Director	David M. Lutken
Director	Nick Corley
Company	David M. Lutken* Darcie Deaville* Helen J. Russell* Andy Teirstein*
Alternates & Understudies	Mimi Bessette, David Finch
Assistant Stage Manager	Chris De Camillis*
Assistant Lighting Designer	Seth Riser

(*) Member of Actors’ Equity Association

Sites we like

Woody Sez Production Website

Woody Guthrie

Performance Dates:

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Venue:

Loeb Drama Center

64 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138

Need to know:

Running Time: 90 minutes with no intermission.

Recommended for ages 8+

Discussions:

There will be post-show discussions with the cast after the following 2:00 PM matinee performances:
Wednesday, May 16
Saturday, May 19
Wednesday, May 23
Saturday, May 26

Wednesday, May 23 - Marylou Ferrante
Thursday, May 24 - Woody Sez Cast
Friday, May 25 - Geoff Bartley and Howie Tarnower
Thursday, May 31 - Woody Sez Cast

Also join the cast after each Thursday night performance.