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The Arizona Repertory Theatre kicks off its 2009-10 season next week with a presentation of "Rum & Coke."

The Arizona Repertory Theatre kicks off its 2009-10 season on Wednesday with a remount of the successful summer production "Rum & Coke."

Single tickets for the entire season are on sale now and can be purchased through The University of Arizona Fine Arts Box Office at 520-621-1162 or online at arizona.tix.com.

The first two spring productions, "The Taming of the Shrew" and "The Tamer Tamed," will be presented in rotating repertory – after each production opens, the plays will be performed in rotation, with a different show every night. This provides a challenging training opportunity for students and a wonderful experience for audiences.

Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" and John Fletcher's "The Tamer Tamed" offer a humorous look at the battle of the sexes from two very different perspectives. There are two sides to every story, and this is an opportunity to experience both.

Below is the lineup for the 2009-10 season.

"Rum & Coke" by Keith Reddin
Production Sponsor: University Park Marriott
Marroney Theatre
Evenings: Sept. 2-5, 10-12, 7:30 p.m.
Matinees: Sept. 5, 6, 12, 13, 1:30 p.m.

An idealistic political go-getter finds himself embroiled in one of the most infamous political events of American history as he sets out to do good "for God, for country, and for Yale."  

Featuring iconic figures such as Fidel Castro and Richard Nixon, this comic tale poignantly exposes the pitfalls of youthful innocence and its blind faith in a newly elected president, in revolutionary fervor, and in the warm stirrings of romantic first love.  

"Rum & Coke" offers an unforgettable glimpse behind the scenes of a defining moment for one young man and two nations. Adult language and themes

"The Diary of Anne Frank" by Frances Goodrich & Albert Hackett, newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman
Production Sponsors: Jane & Lee Kivel
Tornabene Theatre
Previews: Oct. 4, 1:30 p.m.; Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m.
Evenings: Oct. 7-10, 15-17, 23, 24, 7:30 p.m.
Matinees: Oct. 11, 17, 18, 25, 1:30 p.m.

This transcendent Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning play tells the true story of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis during World War II. 

Secretly living in a cramped attic with seven other people, Anne has only her diary in which to confide. In a reality where the slightest misstep could lead to detection, Anne chronicles the lives of the families forced into hiding.

Insightful, honest and at times heartbreaking, this play shows us Anne and her family's journey through fear and hope.  Mature themes.

"The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," book by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson, music and lyrics by Carol Hall
Production Sponsor: Barbara Molotsky
Marroney Theatre
Previews: Nov. 8, 1:30 p.m.; Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Evenings: Nov. 11-14, 19-21, Dec. 4, 5, 7:30 p.m.
Matinees: Nov. 15, 21, 22, Dec. 6, 1:30 p.m.

Featuring a catchy country-western score, this energetic and bawdy Broadway hit recounts the true story of the Chicken Ranch, a Texas brothel frequented by politicians, victorious football teams and even the town sheriff.

It's business as usual until Melvin P. Thorpe, an enterprising television anchor, targets his cameras at the house of ill repute. It's a tale of small town vice versus righteous indignation. Mature language and themes.

"The Taming of the Shrew" by William Shakespeare
Marroney Theatre
Previews: Feb. 21, 1:30 p.m., Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Evenings: Feb. 24-26, March 10, 11, 13, 26, 7:30 p.m.
Matinees: Feb. 27, March 7, 27, 1:30 p.m.

One of Shakespeare's earliest and most controversial comedies, "The Taming of the Shrew" is a wry and witty battle of the sexes.

Renowned for her sharp tongue and temper, Kate vows never to wed. Hearing of her sizable dowry, the flamboyant Petruchio agrees to marry Kate sight unseen. After a tempestuous meeting and surprising marriage, Petruchio engages in an unconventional and surprising courtship as he tries to "tame" Kate.

Will he succeed in curing Kate of her quick-witted, scolding tongue, or will she prove his perfect match?

"The Tamer Tamed" by John Fletcher
Marroney Theatre
Previews: Feb. 28, 1:30 p.m., March 1, 7:30 p.m.
Evenings: March 3-6, 12, 25, 27, 7:30 p.m.
Matinees: March 6, 13, 28, 1:30 p.m.

Written by Shakespeare's collaborator and protégé, Fletcher's "The Tamer Tamed" continues Shakespeare's beloved battle of the sexes, painting a postnuptial portrait in stark contrast to that of "The Taming of the Shrew." 

Petruchio remarries after Katherine's death only to discover that his new wife, Maria, has devised a plan to prove that women and men are equals. First she locks him out, then she locks him in, and by the end he is willing to fake his own death rather than succumb to her. The fun is in discovering just what it takes to tame the tamer.

"Violet," music by Jeanine Tesori, lyrics and book by Brian Crawley, based on "The Ugliest Pilgrim" by Doris Betts
Tornabene Theatre
Previews: April 11, 1:30 p.m., April 12, 7:30 p.m.
Evenings: April 14-17, 22-24, 30, May 1, 7:30 p.m.
Matinees: April 18, 24, 25, May 2, 1:30 p.m.

One of the most acclaimed off-Broadway musicals in recent years, "Violet" features a memorable score by Tony Award-winning composer Jeanine Tesori. 

Terribly disfigured from a childhood accident that has scarred her soul as well as her face, Violet – now a young woman – sets off on a journey from her small town in search of a TV evangelist she believes will heal her. Along the way, she learns about hope, love and courage, and ultimately discovers the beauty within herself. Mature themes.