25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
September 2nd through September 25th, 2011
Directed by Suzy Willhoft
Six nerdy teens (played by adults) compete in a highly charged annual county spelling bee. The competition is intense, the words outrageous. Let the spelling and the singing begin! Judged by outlandish adults: a nostalgic former bee winner, a mildly insane Vice Principal, and the Official Comfort Counselor who is completing his community service obligations. Both tender and sardonic, this hilarious, irreverent Tony Award-winning musical about brainy kids takes you inside the wacky, end all spelling championship.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
October 14th through November 6th, 2011
Directed by Elliot Weiner
An elegant re-telling of the classic horror story: however, this is not your grandfather's version. The dark Mr. Hyde, indeed, comes out, but he is not entirely evil: he loves, and is loved. Likewise, Dr. Jekyll is not the pure soul we've come to believe him to be. While Hatcher's play honors the original, it gives a more complex interpretation of the duel nature of personalities and the evil that lurks in the hearts of men. A perfect play for mystery lovers on a dark fall night!
A Christmas Carol
December 2nd through December 24th, 2011
Directed by Brie Yost
Dickens' beloved ghost story comes to life in a whole new way as seen through the eyes of Dickens himself. On Christmas Eve 1843, friends and family gather at his home and ask him to tell a story, but he refuses to work on Christmas Eve. If there is going to be a story told, each must take a part in its telling. Thus they are transformed into the familiar characters of the classic tale with the cast often playing over 40 parts. We are reminded once again of the true meaning of Christmas.
California Suite
January 20th through February 14th, 2012
Directed by Frank Kohel
Seldom staged in recent years, this Simon classic uses one of the author's favorite devices: a posh Beverley Hills hotel suite and four different pairs of occupants. Simon, the quintessential quipster, is a genius at two-character scenes particularly those involving spouses caught in highly charged dilemmas. If only the walls could talk. But this is the theatre and we, the audience, become the fourth wall as we glimpse into the lives of the Visitors from New York, the Visitors from Philadelphia, the Visitors from London and the Visitors from Chicago. Prepare for a night of verbal sparring and rib-tickling laughter.
Someone Who'll Watch Over Me
March 9th through April 1st, 2012
Directed by Doug Kerr
Winner of the New York Drama Critics Award for Best Foreign Play, this script was also nominated for several Tony Awards, including Best Play, in 1993. From Ireland's foremost playwright, Frank McGuinness, comes a tale that is as current as it was twenty years ago. Three men, an American doctor, an Irish journalist, and an English professor have been kidnapped and are being held captive in Beirut. How do they survive as they attempt to overcome their dilemma when their only weapons are hope, humor, and sheer determination? This play is an incredible journey into the soul that will make you laugh out loud, cry, and affirm your faith in the human spirit.
Footloose the Musical
April 20th through May 20th, 2012
Directed by Chris Nardine
Based on Kevin Bacon's 1984 hit movie which captured the heart of America, this musical bursts on to the stage with a youthful spirit, dazzling dance scenes and electrifying music. Ren, a teen from Chicago, is forced to move with his mother to a puritanical small town in Texas after his father abandons the family. To his shock, dancing and rock and roll are forbidden! He and his classmates want a senior prom. It doesn't take Ren long to shake up the status quo and soon the whole class is on their feet sending the town into a frenzy. This show will have everyone ready to join in as the cast dances across the stage!
