101ST SEASON
We’re kicking it up a notch with the presentation of ten show-stopping productions during the 101st Season starting in September 2024 and running through August 2025.
“WAITRESS”
Book by Jessie Nelson, Music and Lyrics by Sara Bareilles
September 13 - 29, 2024 | Mainstage Theatre
Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, is stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. Faced with an unexpected pregnancy, Jenna fears she may have to abandon the dream of opening her own pie shop…until a baking contest in a nearby county and the town's handsome new doctor offer her a tempting recipe for happiness. Supported by her quirky crew of fellow waitresses and loyal customers, Jenna summons the secret ingredient she's been missing all along — courage.
Recommended for ages 13 and above
“TUCK EVERLASTING”
Adapted by Mark Frattaroli from the novel by Natalie Babbitt
October 4 - 13, 2024 | Circle Theatre | A Youth Theatre Production
Eleven-year-old Winnie Foster yearns for a life of adventure beyond her white picket fence, but not until she becomes unexpectedly entwined with the Tuck family does she get more than she could have imagined. When Winnie learns of the magic behind the Tuck’s immortality, she must fight to protect their secret from those who would do anything for a chance at eternal life. As her adventure unfolds, Winnie faces an extraordinary choice: return to her life, or continue with the Tucks on their infinite journey.
Appropriate for all ages
“ANGRY, RAUCOUS, AND SHAMELESSLY GORGEOUS”
Written by Pearl Cleage
November 8 - 24, 2024 | Circle Theatre
A lifetime ago, actress Anna Campbell and manager Betty Samson ignited a major theatrical controversy with a performance of monologues from August Wilson’s Fences. After decades of self-imposed exile to escape the critics, they receive an invitation to perform the show at a women’s theatre festival promising to be “angry, raucous, and shamelessly gorgeous.” Uncertain of what kind of reception she will get, Anna’s insecurity grows when she meets Pete Watson, the ambitious young performer who has been chosen to replace Anna in the role but whose theatrical experience is so far limited to the adult entertainment industry. Searching for common ground, Anna and Pete must confront their ideas about themselves and each other as they reconcile two vastly different worldviews.
Recommended for ages 13 and above.
ROALD DAHL’S “WILLY WONKA”
Adapted by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald with Music and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newly
December 6, 2024 - January 5, 2025 | Mainstage Theatre
Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka follows enigmatic candy manufacturer, Willy Wonka, as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats: the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory... or suffer the consequences.
Appropriate for all ages
“LOVE/SICK”
Written by John Cariani
January 24 - February 9, 2025 | Circle Theatre
A darker cousin to Almost, Maine, John Cariani’s LOVE/SICK is a collection of nine slightly twisted and completely hilarious short plays. Set on a Friday night in an alternate suburban reality, this amusing romp explores the pain and the joy that comes with being in love. Full of imperfect lovers and dreamers, LOVE/SICK is an unromantic comedy for the romantic in everyone.
This production will be directed by three separate individuals who come together to create the ultimate for of collaboration onstage.
Recommended for ages 13 and above
There are two sides to every story, and when the Big Bad Wolf takes the stand in Piggsylvania’s Trial of the Century, he finally gets his say. But whether he’ll get a fair trial in a corrupt piggy court is anyone’s guess. Will the pigs’ splashy puppet show make a puppet out of justice, or is the wolf’s catchy song and dance about a sneeze gone wrong all razzle-dazzle? Enter the jury box and decide the fate of Big ‘n’ Bad in this musical adaptation of the hit children’s book.
Appropriate for all ages
“THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS”
Musical Adaptation by Robert Kauzlaric, Composed by Paul Gilvary, and
Co-Composed by William Rush
February 21 - March 2, 2025 | Main Theatre | Youth Theatre Production
“DREAMGIRLS”
Book and Lyrics by Tom Eyen, Music by Henry Krieger
March 28 - April 13, 2025 | Mainstage Theatre
Dreamgirls is a Tony Award-winning stage musical chronicling the meteoric rise of The Dreams, an African American female singing trio, in the turbulent music industry of the 1960s and 1970s. Led by the powerhouse vocals of Effie White, the group faces trials and triumphs as they navigate the complexities of fame, love, and betrayal under the management of the ambitious Curtis Taylor Jr. Tensions escalate within the group as Curtis manipulates their path to success, leading to a dramatic showdown that tests their bonds of friendship and resilience.
Appropriate for ages 10 and above
DISNEY’S “101 DALMATIANS, KIDS”
Music and Lyrics by Mal Leven, Randy Rogel, Richard Gibbs, Brian Smith, Martin Lee Fuller, and Dan Root, Based on the novel by Dodie Smith
May 9 - 18, 2025 | Mainstage Theatre | Youth Theatre Production
Pet owners, Roger and Anita, live happily in London with their Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, loyal dogs devoted to raising their puppies. Everything is quiet until Anita’s former classmate, the monstrous Cruella De Vil, plots to steal the puppies for her new fur coat. The Dalmatians rally all the dogs of London for a daring rescue of the puppies from Cruella and her bumbling henchmen.
Appropriate for all ages
“TWELFTH NIGHT, A BEACH PARTY”
Written by William Shakespeare, Adapted by Scott Dunlap
June 6 - 22, 2025 | Circle Theatre
Get ready to ride the wave of laughter in this groovy mashup that brings Shakespeare’s classic comedy crashing into the wild world of 60s Beach Party flicks. Picture Frankie and Annette shaking hands with the Bard himself! Twins Viola and Sebastian get swept away by a shipwreck, only to find themselves stranded on the sandy shores of Illyria. But instead of simply soaking up the sun, they’re dodging surfers and revving motorcycle “rats” in a quest to find each other. With wild bikinis, bodacious gender-bending, and some seriously rad lip-syncing, get set for a totally tubular time that’ll leave you rolling in the sand with laughter. Shakespeare may never be the same again!
Recommended for ages 10 and above
“THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL”
Book by Kyle Jarrow, Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg
July 18 - August 3, 2025 | Mainstage Theatre
Plunge into this stunning all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show based on the beloved animated series! When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. Can the power of optimism really can save the world? Find out in The SpongeBob Musical!
Appropriate for all ages