The Next Arena

After 5 seasons we’ve been through a lot together: We were trapped in Hell, followed our grandfather’s ghost to Russia, were invited to a beheading, journeyed to Babylon and Ragnarok, faked pregnancy in order to steal food, tried not to step on a naked man, traveled with a pink hat through the mind of an angry man, went back in time by drinking beers, conned a con artist, had an affair with our sibling, offended an Indian at the first Thanksgiving, were prodded by government employed social scientists, and traveled to Mars to settle a bet…as well as other little jaunts.

Now in the 2010 season we take you to more places than we have before- all hatched from the minds of The Next Arena’s members. That’s right, this is our first season where all the work is original TNA material!

First off, we’d like to invite you into The TNA Collaboratory. This is a new format where members can create new shows or projects and present them in exclusive, 3-night engagements throughout the season. We will be presenting three such events this year:

March: "Our Own Devices": A stage adaptation of two short stories by Kurt Vonnegut and EM Forster. Adapted by Scott Rognlien and Maggie Bandur, these two stories tell the tales of how mankind’s constant connection to machines can be often ridiculous as well as dangerous.

June: "Socially Numb - A Musical (sort of)": In an age where technology can easily connect people, one man finds he is becoming more disconnected than ever when he is transported into today's magical world of modern convenience through parody songs and fantastical characters. Think Tommy. Actually, don't - we don't want to get sued. Our first original stage musical is forged from the minds of Matt Taylor and Tim Koch.

July: "High School Reunion Musical": An adult dark comedy musical set in an idyllic middle-class All-American town where the lives of 7 former classmates have changed dramatically from their high school days and will change furthermore upon the arrival of their 20th Year High School reunion. This project is an original screenplay written by Kristina Hayes and Michael Cornacchia and will be presented as a staged reading with music.

And then our main stage, "Von Bach" by Owen Hammer: Frankenstein! Dracula! The Phantom of the Opera! Just a bunch of second rate knock-offs of the original movie monster -- Baron Von Bach. This fall, TNA presents the shocking true story behind the story as Hollywood readies the one hundredth remake of the undead scientist's immortal saga, but this time, Doktor Von Bach himself surfaces to give new meaning to the phrase "development hell."

Also, as an added bonus, last summer’s hit, "Obsessions," will return for one night only! This May, the ladies of TNA are back to perform their wickedly entertaining night of original solo pieces as a benefit for The Next Arena’s 2010 season. If you missed it last time, now’s your chance!

And, this summer, we will host a special event with the music of Spirit Alley and friends! Stay tuned in for more details.

So much to see…You just can’t get enough TNA.

The Next Arena

TNA's 2010 Season