Performances

First performed around 1596, Shakespeare’s comic fantasy of four lovers who find themselves bewitched by fairies is a sly reckoning with love, jealousy and marriage. For centuries it’s been one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays.

This modern musical ingeniously chronicles the five-year life of a marriage, from meeting to break-up and from break-up to meeting.

A brave Scottish general named Macbeth receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the Scottish throne for himself.

Welcome to Almost, Maine, a town that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States—it’s almost in Canada. And it almost doesn’t exist. Because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it’s just…Almost. One cold, clear Friday night in the middle of winter, while the northern lights hover in the sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in the strangest ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. Love is lost, found, and confounded. And life for the people of Almost, Maine will never be the same. ALMOST, MAINE: It’s love. But not quite.

Online Performances:

Saturday, November 7, & Friday, November 20, 7:00 pm

Saturday, November 14, & Sunday, November 15, 2:00 pm

No amount of parallel-parking practice can prepare sixteen-year-old Gail for this driver’s test. Dangerously insane, fun-loving DMV tester Margie is feeling the need for speed, is hot to hit the road, is…well, a terrible instructor…

AND

This play will be collaboratively created by the actors in a workshop format. It will focus on literary characters placed in (and dealing with) our COVID/quarantine world and tell their stories through a humorous and thoughtful lens.

Online Performances:

Saturday, November 7, & Sunday, November 8, 2:00 pm

Friday, November 13, & Saturday, November 21, 7:00 pm

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, directed by Karen Allen

April 2, 3, 4, and 5, 2020–CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19!

“Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, detective Hercule Poirot must identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again.”

March 12, 13, 14. & 15, 2020

Law & Order: Fairy Tale Unit, directed by Heather Mitchell

“In the fairy tale criminal justice system, the characters from fairy tales and nursery rhymes are represented by two separate yet equally ridiculous groups: the fairy tale police who investigate fairy tale crime, and the fairy tale district attorneys who prosecute the fairy tale offenders. These are their stories.”

Relative Strangers, directed by Ashleigh Watt

“A young airline passenger decides that the woman seated next to her might be the mother she never had. She finds an ally in a wacky stewardess who, unlike the reluctant mother figure, believes these two passengers are a match made in heaven.”

Disney Newsies, directed by Karen Allen

November 22, 23, & 24, 2019

Newsies is based on the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899. The New York newsies – boys and girls who sold newspapers on the street – went up against two newspaper publishers, Joseph Pulitzer of the New York World and William Randolph Hearst of the New York Journal, to fight for the chance to earn a livable wage.”

The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza, directed by David Brooks

May 2, 3, 4, & 5, 2019

“Two battling narrators attempt to cover the entirety of Greek mythology using audience participation, cross-dressing, and general theatrical insanity. Famous myths such as Pandora’s Box, Jason and the Argonauts (the original Super Friends), and Hercules: Intern God jostle for space with obscure, weird myths such as the myth of Linus and the legend of the Argus. Culminating in a bizarre, musical dance-influenced version of The Iliad complete with a full-scale battle of little green army men, this play is wild, silly, and a complete blast for audiences of all ages.”

Arcadia, directed by Karen Allen

May 9, 10, 11, & 12, 2019

“This brilliant play moves smoothly between 1809 and the present as it explores the nature of truth and time, the difference between classical and romantic temperaments, and the disruptive influence of sex on our life orbits- the attraction Newton left out.”

Roald Dahl’s Matilda: the Musical, directed by Karen Allen

November 16, 17, & 18, 2018

“Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey… Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.”

The Phantom Tollbooth, directed by David Brooks

April 12, 13, 14, & 15, 2018

“Here are Milo’s adventures in the Land of Wisdom, where he’s forced to think about many new things. Milo learns of the argument between King Azaz and his brother, the Mathemagician, whose disagreement over words and numbers has led to the banishment of Princesses Sweet Rhyme and Pure Reason. Milo is dispatched to rescue the princesses from the Land of Ignorance. The knowledge and skills Milo picks up on his journey help him to save the princesses. When he must return home, Milo’s sorry to leave his friends – but enriched by his experience, he realizes his attitude toward learning will never be the same.”

She Kills Monsters, directed by Karen Allen

Spring 2018

“She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and ’90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.”

Fiddler on the Roof, directed by Karen Allen

November 17-19, 2017

“Based on Sholom Aleichem’s Tevye and his DaughtersFiddler on the Roof is the beloved story of the small, tradition-steeped town of Anatevka, Russia, where Jews and Russians live in delicate balance. During the course of the show, the time honored traditions of Anatevka are both embraced and challenged by Tevye and his colorful community, as they witness his daughters, Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava, grow up and fall in love in a time of extraordinary change. Fiddler on the Roof’s Broadway premier became the longest-running Broadway musical in history, a title it maintained for almost ten years. It is a story that captures the essential human longings for love, community, success, freedom, family, and meaning. Fiddler features such iconic songs as the beautiful ‘Sunrise, Sunset,’ the boisterous “If I Were a Rich Man”, and the classic ‘Matchmaker, Matchmaker.'”

Love Letters, directed by Karen Allen

September 7-9, 2017

“Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner, both born to wealth and position, are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through the boarding school and college years—where Andy goes on to excel at Yale and law school, while Melissa flunks out of a series of “good schools.” While Andy is off at war Melissa marries, but her attachment to Andy remains strong and she continues to keep in touch as he marries, becomes a successful attorney, gets involved in politics and, eventually, is elected to the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, her marriage in tatters, Melissa dabbles in art and gigolos, drinks more than she should, and becomes estranged from her children. Eventually she and Andy do become involved in a brief affair, but it is really too late for both of them. However Andy’s last letter, written to her mother after Melissa’s untimely death, makes it eloquently clear how much they really meant, and gave to, each other over the years—physically apart, perhaps, but spiritually as close as only true lovers can be.”

Cymbeline, directed by Karen Allen

April 20-23, 2017

“One of Shakespeare’s last plays, and one of his few genre-bending romances, Cymbeline contains story elements and themes from many familiar tragedies, including his own. Considered one of Shakespeare’s greatest heroines, Imogen is the daughter of King Cymbeline of Britain, who falls in love and secretly marries Posthumus Leonatus, a lowborn Lord of the Court. King Cymbeline disapproves of the marriage and angrily banishes Posthumus, who flees to Italy. Imogen, loyal to her husband, rebuffs advances from her oafish stepbrother, Cloten, and from a devious Italian, Iachimo, who, unbeknownst to her, has made a wager with Posthumus that he can seduce her. Posthumus believes Iachimo’s lies and orders his servant, Pisanio, to murder Imogen. Pisanio, however, dresses Imogen as a boy, and she escapes into the forest. Imogen, now “Fidele,” takes up with a man and his two sons, who had been banished many years ago by Cymbeline. As inner battles rage, a larger war comes to Britain, and Roman forces invade, counting both ‘Fidele’ and Posthumus in their ranks. In one of Shakespeare’s most complex final acts, hidden identities are revealed, two brothers are reunited with their sister, and the lovers, forced apart by lies and mistrust, come together once again. Cymbeline has the makings of a great tragedy, but concludes with joy, reconciliation, and forgiveness: as Cymbeline himself proclaims, ‘Pardon’s the word to all.’”

The Orphan Train, directed by Cinnamon Simpson

April 14-15, 2017

“The play tells the story of nine orphans on an “orphan train” that left New York City on May 28, 1914. The train travels to Midwestern towns in search of homes, any homes, anywhere for the orphaned and unwanted children. There’s Mary, Evie, spunky Pegeen, Annie and Little Lucy, a quiet one. Other orphans include Frank (who later becomes Frankie, a small girl), Raymond, Lucky and Danny the song-and-dance boy. And there are the men and women hoping for children. The lonesome whistle wails as the train chugs between encounters of anxiety, laughter, wistfulness, rejection and acceptance. Eight stories unfold, each a memorable surprise. The Orphan Train is a charming heart-warmer and all we expect from one of legendary playwrights for children, Aurand Harris. The staging creates a highly theatrical story, moving, amusing and always tellingly human.”

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, directed by Karen Allen

November 18-20, 2016

“Soldiers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis served under General Henry Waverley in World War Two and, ten years later, they are still working together in a popular song and dance duo, Wallace and Davis. When they meet the singing sisters, Betty and Judy Haynes, Phil becomes enamoured with the beautiful Judy, while Bob is more reserved about his feelings for Betty. The two men follow the sisters up to their seasonal engagement at The Columbia Inn in Vermont. They discover the inn is owned by General Waverley but, unbeknownst to him, the inn is struggling to survive. With the help of Martha, the concierge, and the General’s granddaughter, Susan, Bob, Phil, Betty and Judy decide to put on a big show to draw in business.

Bob arranges for his old friend Ralph Sheldrake to bring the General’s former troops up to Vermont to support the show. Betty overhears Bob’s plans and misinterprets his intentions, believing that he wants to buy the inn instead. Confusion ensues as Betty leaves to go back to New York alone. Bob follows her to attempt to reconcile but, believing he has lost her, he goes on the Ed Sullivan Show to reach out to his former comrades. Back in Vermont, the rehearsals are coming to an end and the General is convinced to wear his uniform to watch the show. He is moved to see his former men return to support him and decides to put his efforts into making the inn a success. Betty returns to apologize to Bob and the couple finally declare their love for each other. With the show a huge success, Bob leads the whole theater in a rendition of ‘White Christmas’.”

The Scarlet Letter/Marvin’s Room, directed by Karen Allen

April 21, 23, & 24, 2016

The Scarlet Letter:  “This brilliant, unusual adaptation of the classic novel has a decidedly contemporary slant. Although set in Puritan times, it deals with issues which make it almost a feminist deconstruction of the novel even as it preserves the familiar story of Hester Prynne, Roger Chillingworth and Arthur Dimmesdale.”

Marvin’s Room: “Bessie lives in Florida where she cares for her pain-ridden aunt and ailing father, Marvin, who is confined to his bed and unable to speak. When Bessie is diagnosed with leukemia, her only hope is to contact her long-estranged sister, Lee, to see if their bone marrow is compatible for a transplant. Lee reluctantly makes the trip from Ohio, bringing along her two sons, one of whom, Hank, has just been released from an institution after a wave of arson. The sisters’ reunion is uneasy at best, with long buried recriminations coming to the surface even as love slowly overwhelms Lee’s veneer of selfishness and glib denial. Bessie’s challenge becomes reuniting Lee and Hank before he rejects her completely for her years of neglect. Beloved for its mordant humor and unflinching wisdom, Scott McPherson’s dark comedy allows us a moving view of one woman’s commitment to family and response to despair.”

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs/ All I Really Need To Know I Learned By Being In A Bad Play, directed by Cinnamon Simpson

March 18-20, 2016

… Bad Play: “Based on several disastrous theatrical experiences, Bad Play peels back a tattered curtain to examine the process of putting on a show that is less than good. A stuffy narrator (what bad play is complete without a stuffy narrator?) guides the audience through the whole sorry process. We go from the audition—where the director is more worried about roast beef than paying attention to the warm-up exercise, and the neurotic cast pretends to be bacon—to rehearsals—where a passive-aggressive stage manager gives everyone grief. There’s also a special meeting of the Small Part Support Group and a production of Romeo and Juliet set in a Starbucks with costumes of potato sacks and bowler hats. This bad play within a play won’t win any awards, but All I Really Need to Know I Learned by Being in a Bad Play will keep audiences in stitches.”

The Mousetrap/Blithe Spirit

The Mousetrap: “A group of strangers is stranded in a boarding house during a blizzard, and one of them is a murderer. When there is nowhere to run, everyone is a suspect. Agatha Christie’s most famous play opened in London’s West End in 1952 and has not closed.”

Blithe Spirit: “Inviting the local medium over for a little séance seems like such a good idea until a cynical novelist accidently summons the ghost of his first wife. This satirical farce is considered by many to be Noel Coward’s stylistic masterpiece.”

Annie Warbucks, directed by Karen Allen

November 20-22, 2015

“The world’s favorite orphan returns in ANNIE WARBUCKS, the sequel to the international smash hit ANNIE. All the ingredients that made ANNIE so successful are here once again, with an old-fashioned romance thrown in for good measure!”

The Tempest, directed by Karen Allen

April 17-19, 2015

“Prospero uses magic to conjure a storm and torment the survivors of a shipwreck, including the King of Naples and Prospero’s treacherous brother, Antonio. Prospero’s slave, Caliban, plots to rid himself of his master, but is thwarted by Prospero’s spirit-servant Ariel. The King’s young son Ferdinand, thought to be dead, falls in love with Prospero’s daughter Miranda. Their celebrations are cut short when Prospero confronts his brother and reveals his identity as the usurped Duke of Milan. The families are reunited and all conflict is resolved. Prospero grants Ariel his freedom and prepares to leave the island.”

Anne of Green Gables, directed by Cinnamon Simpson

April 10-12, 2015

“This dramatization captures the charm and excitement of L.M. Montgomery’s enduring classic about an orphan girl, Anne Shirley, from her first encounter with her austere guardian to her thrilling graduation from Queen’s Academy. The play faithfully recreates the memorable events and characters from the brilliant novel. All the tragedies and triumphs that mark Anne’s growth from adolescence to early adulthood are here: her friendship with Diana, her feuds with Gilbert, her adoration of Matthew, the mistaken wine bottle, the cake disaster, the broken leg, the scholastic achievements, and the saving of Green Gables. Whether the playgoer is an ‘old friend’ of Anne’s or meeting her for the first time, this play will solidify a lasting friendship between the audience and one of literature’s most unforgettable characters. The flexibility of casting and the simplicity of the set make this an ideal production for community and school groups.”

Calamity Jane, directed by Karen Allen

November 21-23, 2014

“In the wild-west outpost of Deadwood City, 1876, sharpshooting tomboy Calamity Jane carouses with cowboys, townsfolk, and her arch rival, the famous Wild Bill Hickok. After a mix-up in the talent pool at Deadwood’s saloon/theater, Calam goes to Chicago to fetch the glamorous actress Adelaid Adams, but she returns instead with Adelaid’s maid, Katie Brown. Katie turns out to be quite a performer herself, and she wins the heart of the young Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin. At the local ball, Calam briefly sheds her tomboy persona and discovers she’s in love with Wild Bill Hickok.”

How Things Happen in Threes!, directed by Cinnamon Simpson

October 30, November 1, 2014

“Seven all-time favorite stories are dramatized in a fast-paced musical comedy. ‘Funny, isn’t It? How Things Happen in Three?’ sings the company in an opening number which traces the recurring ‘three’ through nursery rhymes and poetry. The Three Billy Goats Gruff dispose of the ugly troll, and Goldilocks sings ‘I Want To Know’ as curiosity leads her to the house of the Three Bears. The song ‘Everyone Should have the Chance to Make Three Wishes’ introduces the playing of three tales: The Fisherman and His WifeThe Three Wishes and The Evergreen Who Wishes for Leaves. There is high-spirited audience participation in ‘What Fun We Had at the Fair,’ interrupted by the arrival of the big bad wolf.”

Alice in Wonderland, directed by Cinnamon Simpson and Karen Allen

April 26-28, 2014

“Alice slides into view at the end of her long fall down the rabbit-hole. It is a more delightful place for the audience than for Alice, who is trying desperately to get back home. She tries to get help from the Mad Hatter, the Rabbit, and from the very nice Cheshire Cat. Long enough to contain the most delightful incidents, it is short enough to keep audience attention.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seussical, directed by Cinnamon Simpson and Karen Allen

November 22-24, 2013

“‘Oh, the thinks you can think’ when Dr. Seuss’ best-loved characters collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper!”

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, directed by Cinnamon Simpson

December 7, 8, 14, 15, 22, & 23, 2012

“The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world–so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be fighting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! Soon everyone from the terrified pint-sized shepherds to the furious church ladies is calling for first-time director Grace to fire the Herdmans. But it’s up to Grace and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic. Silent night? Not a chance. But sometimes a little joyful noise is just right for Christmas.”

Once Upon a Mattress, directed by Cinnamon Simpson

November 15 – 18, 2012

“Our story begins in a faraway kingdom long ago. Due to an unhappy curse, King Sextimus is unable to speak. Meanwhile, his terror-of-a-wife, Queen Aggravain, has taken over control of the kingdom. Most importantly, in an attempt to keep Prince Dauntless single, she has decreed that only the princess that can pass her test may marry her son. Further, no one else in the kingdom may marry until Prince Dauntless does. Lady Larken and Sir Harry are extremely disturbed by this fact since Lady Larken is now pregnant with Sir Harry’s baby.

Luckily, Sir Harry is able to find an amazing princess, Winnifred the Woebegone. She instantly catches the attention of Prince Dauntless, and in the end, is able to pass the Queen’s supposedly impassable sensitivity test. When the Queen still tries to prevent the Prince Dauntless from marrying, he tells her to ‘shut up’ which ends up breaking the curse on the king. Now able to speak, King Sextimus regains his rightful position as leader of the kingdom, and all is well. Mary Rodger’s classic Once Upon A Mattress is a delightful musical that is sure to become a fan favorite in theatres everywhere!”

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