MACT

book and lyrics by Willie Reale
music by Robert Reale

Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe… all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.

by Todd Wallinger

Get your kicks on Route 66! America’s most famous highway is the backdrop for this sweet comedy set in an Arizona diner in 1955.

Sally, a young, celebrity-obsessed waitress, can’t wait for the wedding that day between glamorous movie star Lovey Lamour and crooner Johnny Jerome. So you can imagine Sally’s surprise when a mysterious customer turns out to be Lovey herself!

Lovey tells Sally that she fled the ceremony and was heading east on Route 66 when her Ferrari broke down. With the press hot on her trail, Lovey is forced to hide out at the diner until her car is fixed. But how can she possibly keep her identity a secret? Simple, Sally answers. Pose as a waitress!

Sally teaches the movie star everything she knows about waitressing, but their entire scheme threatens to unravel when a nosy news photographer discovers Lovey’s identity and tips Johnny off as to her location.

With a cast of hilarious characters including a short-tempered cook, Sally’s geeky boyfriend, an ever-hungry customer, the world’s worst auto mechanic, and even Elvis Presley before he was famous, this affectionate tribute to the golden age of diners is guaranteed to warm your heart as it tickles your funny bone.

book by Tim Firth

by Todd Wallinger

Get your kicks on Route 66! America’s most famous highway is the backdrop for this sweet comedy set in an Arizona diner in 1955.

Sally, a young, celebrity-obsessed waitress, can’t wait for the wedding that day between glamorous movie star Lovey Lamour and crooner Johnny Jerome. So you can imagine Sally’s surprise when a mysterious customer turns out to be Lovey herself!

Lovey tells Sally that she fled the ceremony and was heading east on Route 66 when her Ferrari broke down. With the press hot on her trail, Lovey is forced to hide out at the diner until her car is fixed. But how can she possibly keep her identity a secret? Simple, Sally answers. Pose as a waitress!

Sally teaches the movie star everything she knows about waitressing, but their entire scheme threatens to unravel when a nosy news photographer discovers Lovey’s identity and tips Johnny off as to her location.

With a cast of hilarious characters including a short-tempered cook, Sally’s geeky boyfriend, an ever-hungry customer, the world’s worst auto mechanic, and even Elvis Presley before he was famous, this affectionate tribute to the golden age of diners is guaranteed to warm your heart as it tickles your funny bone.

book and lyrics by Willie Reale
music by Robert Reale

Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe… all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.

book by Harvey Fierstein music by Alan Menken lyrics by Jack Feldman When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right.

by William Goldman based on the novel by Stephen King Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.

book by Tim Firth

book by William Goldman from the novel by Stephen King Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.

by Tracey Power Directed by Sean Dooley The year is 1933 and four friends set out to prove to Canada that hockey isn’t just a sport for men. But with the Great Depression weighing heavily on the nation and political tensions rising in Europe, can they overcome the odds, and people’s expectations, to forge their own path to glory? Inspired by a true story and brimming with jazz music, Glory is a thrilling hockey story for the whole family.

book by William Goldman from the novel by Stephen King Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.

by Todd Wallinger

Get your kicks on Route 66! America’s most famous highway is the backdrop for this sweet comedy set in an Arizona diner in 1955.

Sally, a young, celebrity-obsessed waitress, can’t wait for the wedding that day between glamorous movie star Lovey Lamour and crooner Johnny Jerome. So you can imagine Sally’s surprise when a mysterious customer turns out to be Lovey herself!

Lovey tells Sally that she fled the ceremony and was heading east on Route 66 when her Ferrari broke down. With the press hot on her trail, Lovey is forced to hide out at the diner until her car is fixed. But how can she possibly keep her identity a secret? Simple, Sally answers. Pose as a waitress!

Sally teaches the movie star everything she knows about waitressing, but their entire scheme threatens to unravel when a nosy news photographer discovers Lovey’s identity and tips Johnny off as to her location.

With a cast of hilarious characters including a short-tempered cook, Sally’s geeky boyfriend, an ever-hungry customer, the world’s worst auto mechanic, and even Elvis Presley before he was famous, this affectionate tribute to the golden age of diners is guaranteed to warm your heart as it tickles your funny bone.

book and lyrics by Willie Reale
music by Robert Reale

Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe… all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.

book by Harvey Fierstein music by Alan Menken lyrics by Jack Feldman When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right.

by William Goldman based on the novel by Stephen King Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.

book by Tim Firth

book by William Goldman from the novel by Stephen King Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.

by Tracey Power Directed by Sean Dooley The year is 1933 and four friends set out to prove to Canada that hockey isn’t just a sport for men. But with the Great Depression weighing heavily on the nation and political tensions rising in Europe, can they overcome the odds, and people’s expectations, to forge their own path to glory? Inspired by a true story and brimming with jazz music, Glory is a thrilling hockey story for the whole family.

book by Tim Firth

by Todd Wallinger

Get your kicks on Route 66! America’s most famous highway is the backdrop for this sweet comedy set in an Arizona diner in 1955.

Sally, a young, celebrity-obsessed waitress, can’t wait for the wedding that day between glamorous movie star Lovey Lamour and crooner Johnny Jerome. So you can imagine Sally’s surprise when a mysterious customer turns out to be Lovey herself!

Lovey tells Sally that she fled the ceremony and was heading east on Route 66 when her Ferrari broke down. With the press hot on her trail, Lovey is forced to hide out at the diner until her car is fixed. But how can she possibly keep her identity a secret? Simple, Sally answers. Pose as a waitress!

Sally teaches the movie star everything she knows about waitressing, but their entire scheme threatens to unravel when a nosy news photographer discovers Lovey’s identity and tips Johnny off as to her location.

With a cast of hilarious characters including a short-tempered cook, Sally’s geeky boyfriend, an ever-hungry customer, the world’s worst auto mechanic, and even Elvis Presley before he was famous, this affectionate tribute to the golden age of diners is guaranteed to warm your heart as it tickles your funny bone.

book and lyrics by Willie Reale
music by Robert Reale

Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe… all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.

book by Harvey Fierstein music by Alan Menken lyrics by Jack Feldman When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right.

book by William Goldman from the novel by Stephen King Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.

by Tracey Power Directed by Sean Dooley The year is 1933 and four friends set out to prove to Canada that hockey isn’t just a sport for men. But with the Great Depression weighing heavily on the nation and political tensions rising in Europe, can they overcome the odds, and people’s expectations, to forge their own path to glory? Inspired by a true story and brimming with jazz music, Glory is a thrilling hockey story for the whole family.

by William Goldman based on the novel by Stephen King Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.

book by Tim Firth

book and lyrics by Willie Reale
music by Robert Reale

Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe… all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.

book by Rachel Sheinkin music and lyrics by William Finn An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.

book by John Cariani Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States. It’s almost in Canada. And it’s not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it almost doesn’t exist. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend-almost-in this delightful midwinter night’s dream. Dinner at 6:00 pm Show at 7:00 pm (No dinner for Sunday matinees – dessert only)

by William Goldman based on the novel by Stephen King Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.

book by Tim Firth

book by Harvey Fierstein music by Alan Menken lyrics by Jack Feldman When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right.

book and lyrics by Willie Reale
music by Robert Reale

Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe… all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.

by Elaine Liner This comedy about life’s second act finds older gents Al and Wizzer meeting on a park bench every morning to read and mock newspaper obits. Their daily rituals-shooting the bull about sports, women loved and lost and the many annoyances of aging-are suddenly shaken up by the appearance of a friendly young woman and her flirty mom. Wizzer pep-talks lonely widower Al to convince him to break out of his self-imposed “quantum of solace” and maybe find love again, while also dealing with his own fear of ending up in the memory care unit at their assisted living facility. Punctuated with true-to-life moments familiar to anyone with an aging parent or spouse, the play takes an upbeat attitude toward life after 60, 70 and beyond. This play was selected to be part of the AACTFest Newplay Fest 2018.

book by Nora Ephron & Delia Ephron Based on the bestselling book by Ilene Beckerman. A play of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes and memory covering all the important subjects-mothers, prom dresses, mothers, buying bras, mothers, hating purses and why we only wear black.

book by Rachel Sheinkin music and lyrics by William Finn An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.

book by John Cariani Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States. It’s almost in Canada. And it’s not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it almost doesn’t exist. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend-almost-in this delightful midwinter night’s dream. Dinner at 6:00 pm Show at 7:00 pm (No dinner for Sunday matinees – dessert only)

by William Goldman based on the novel by Stephen King Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.

book by Tim Firth

book by Harvey Fierstein music by Alan Menken lyrics by Jack Feldman When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right.

book and lyrics by Willie Reale
music by Robert Reale

Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe… all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.

by Elaine Liner This comedy about life’s second act finds older gents Al and Wizzer meeting on a park bench every morning to read and mock newspaper obits. Their daily rituals-shooting the bull about sports, women loved and lost and the many annoyances of aging-are suddenly shaken up by the appearance of a friendly young woman and her flirty mom. Wizzer pep-talks lonely widower Al to convince him to break out of his self-imposed “quantum of solace” and maybe find love again, while also dealing with his own fear of ending up in the memory care unit at their assisted living facility. Punctuated with true-to-life moments familiar to anyone with an aging parent or spouse, the play takes an upbeat attitude toward life after 60, 70 and beyond. This play was selected to be part of the AACTFest Newplay Fest 2018.

book by Nora Ephron & Delia Ephron Based on the bestselling book by Ilene Beckerman. A play of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes and memory covering all the important subjects-mothers, prom dresses, mothers, buying bras, mothers, hating purses and why we only wear black.

book by Rachel Sheinkin music and lyrics by William Finn An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.

by Elaine Liner This comedy about life’s second act finds older gents Al and Wizzer meeting on a park bench every morning to read and mock newspaper obits. Their daily rituals-shooting the bull about sports, women loved and lost and the many annoyances of aging-are suddenly shaken up by the appearance of a friendly young woman and her flirty mom. Wizzer pep-talks lonely widower Al to convince him to break out of his self-imposed “quantum of solace” and maybe find love again, while also dealing with his own fear of ending up in the memory care unit at their assisted living facility. Punctuated with true-to-life moments familiar to anyone with an aging parent or spouse, the play takes an upbeat attitude toward life after 60, 70 and beyond. This play was selected to be part of the AACTFest Newplay Fest 2018.

book by John Cariani Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States. It’s almost in Canada. And it’s not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it almost doesn’t exist. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend-almost-in this delightful midwinter night’s dream. Dinner at 6:00 pm Show at 7:00 pm (No dinner for Sunday matinees (2:00 pm) – dessert only)

by William Goldman based on the novel by Stephen King Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.

book by Nora Ephron & Delia Ephron Based on the bestselling book by Ilene Beckerman. A play of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes and memory covering all the important subjects-mothers, prom dresses, mothers, buying bras, mothers, hating purses and why we only wear black.

book by Tim Firth

book by Rachel Sheinkin music and lyrics by William Finn An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.

book by Harvey Fierstein music by Alan Menken lyrics by Jack Feldman When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right.

book and lyrics by Willie Reale
music by Robert Reale

Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe… all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons.

book by John Cariani Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States. It’s almost in Canada. And it’s not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it almost doesn’t exist. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend-almost-in this delightful midwinter night’s dream. Dinner at 6:00 pm Show at 7:00 pm (No dinner for Sunday matinees – dessert only)

book by Rachel Sheinkin music and lyrics by William Finn An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.

book by John Cariani Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States. It’s almost in Canada. And it’s not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it almost doesn’t exist. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend-almost-in this delightful midwinter night’s dream. Dinner at 6:00 pm Show at 7:00 pm (No dinner for Sunday matinees – dessert only)

by Agatha Christie, adapted by Ken Ludwig 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 eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again.  

by Elaine Liner This comedy about life’s second act finds older gents Al and Wizzer meeting on a park bench every morning to read and mock newspaper obits. Their daily rituals-shooting the bull about sports, women loved and lost and the many annoyances of aging-are suddenly shaken up by the appearance of a friendly young woman and her flirty mom. Wizzer pep-talks lonely widower Al to convince him to break out of his self-imposed “quantum of solace” and maybe find love again, while also dealing with his own fear of ending up in the memory care unit at their assisted living facility. Punctuated with true-to-life moments familiar to anyone with an aging parent or spouse, the play takes an upbeat attitude toward life after 60, 70 and beyond. This play was selected to be part of the AACTFest Newplay Fest 2018.

February 21, 22, 27, 28, March 1 @ 7 pm Feb 23 and March 2 @ 1 pm Performed in the Black Box at Rochester Civic Theatre Auditions Tuesday October 22 from 6 -8 pm Chateau Theatre – Downtown Rochester Directed by Philip Muehe Thomas Novachek, a director/playwright, has suffered through a long day of abysmal auditions for his adaptation of the German sadomasochistic novel Venus in Furs, until Vanda, a crass and pushy actress, stumbles into his audition room. While Vanda shares the lead character’s name, she lacks her sophistication. However, when Thomas agrees to let Vanda read for the role, she displays a surprising understanding of the material. Working through the script with Thomas playing the masochistic male lead, the roleplay becomes intense, erotic, and less like acting. David Ives’ mesmerizing play explores themes of submission, domination, and power with a fast-paced, mutable language he is known for. Reality and pretend become blurred lines in Venus in Fur, and the question of “who’s on top” always has a different answer.

Book, Music, and Lyrics by: Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over.

book by Heather Hach music & lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe & Nell Benjamin Legally Blonde JR. follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. When Elle’s boyfriend, Warner, dumps her and heads to Harvard, claiming she’s not “serious” enough, Elle takes matters into her own hands, crafting a showy song-and-dance personal essay and charming her way into law school. Befriending classmate, Emmett, and spunky hairdresser, Paulette, along the way, Elle finds that books and looks aren’t mutually exclusive. As Elle begins outsmarting her peers, she realizes that law may be her natural calling after all.  

book by Nora Ephron & Delia Ephron Based on the bestselling book by Ilene Beckerman. A play of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes and memory covering all the important subjects-mothers, prom dresses, mothers, buying bras, mothers, hating purses and why we only wear black.

by Karen Zacarías Directed by Kari Steinbach Two female scientists, living hundreds of years apart, explore the meaning of love, motherhood, family, art and science. Written by Karen Zacarías (The Book Club Play), Legacy of Light juxtaposes the true story of Émilie du Châtelet, a mathematician, scientist, and lover of the philosopher Voltaire, who became unexpectedly pregnant at 42, and that of a fictional 21st-century physicist desperately trying to conceive a child.

book by Rachel Sheinkin music and lyrics by William Finn An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.

book by John Cariani Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that’s so far north, it’s almost not in the United States. It’s almost in Canada. And it’s not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it almost doesn’t exist. One cold, clear, winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend-almost-in this delightful midwinter night’s dream. Dinner at 6:00 pm Show at 7:00 pm (No dinner for Sunday matinees (2:00 pm) – dessert only)

by Agatha Christie, adapted by Ken Ludwig 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 eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again.  

by Elaine Liner This comedy about life’s second act finds older gents Al and Wizzer meeting on a park bench every morning to read and mock newspaper obits. Their daily rituals-shooting the bull about sports, women loved and lost and the many annoyances of aging-are suddenly shaken up by the appearance of a friendly young woman and her flirty mom. Wizzer pep-talks lonely widower Al to convince him to break out of his self-imposed “quantum of solace” and maybe find love again, while also dealing with his own fear of ending up in the memory care unit at their assisted living facility. Punctuated with true-to-life moments familiar to anyone with an aging parent or spouse, the play takes an upbeat attitude toward life after 60, 70 and beyond. This play was selected to be part of the AACTFest Newplay Fest 2018.

February 21, 22, 27, 28, March 1 @ 7 pm Feb 23 and March 2 @ 1 pm Performed in the Black Box at Rochester Civic Theatre Auditions Tuesday October 22 from 6 -8 pm Chateau Theatre – Downtown Rochester Directed by Philip Muehe Thomas Novachek, a director/playwright, has suffered through a long day of abysmal auditions for his adaptation of the German sadomasochistic novel Venus in Furs, until Vanda, a crass and pushy actress, stumbles into his audition room. While Vanda shares the lead character’s name, she lacks her sophistication. However, when Thomas agrees to let Vanda read for the role, she displays a surprising understanding of the material. Working through the script with Thomas playing the masochistic male lead, the roleplay becomes intense, erotic, and less like acting. David Ives’ mesmerizing play explores themes of submission, domination, and power with a fast-paced, mutable language he is known for. Reality and pretend become blurred lines in Venus in Fur, and the question of “who’s on top” always has a different answer.

Book, Music, and Lyrics by: Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over.

book by Heather Hach music & lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe & Nell Benjamin Legally Blonde JR. follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. When Elle’s boyfriend, Warner, dumps her and heads to Harvard, claiming she’s not “serious” enough, Elle takes matters into her own hands, crafting a showy song-and-dance personal essay and charming her way into law school. Befriending classmate, Emmett, and spunky hairdresser, Paulette, along the way, Elle finds that books and looks aren’t mutually exclusive. As Elle begins outsmarting her peers, she realizes that law may be her natural calling after all.  

book by Nora Ephron & Delia Ephron Based on the bestselling book by Ilene Beckerman. A play of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes and memory covering all the important subjects-mothers, prom dresses, mothers, buying bras, mothers, hating purses and why we only wear black.

by Karen Zacarías Directed by Kari Steinbach Two female scientists, living hundreds of years apart, explore the meaning of love, motherhood, family, art and science. Written by Karen Zacarías (The Book Club Play), Legacy of Light juxtaposes the true story of Émilie du Châtelet, a mathematician, scientist, and lover of the philosopher Voltaire, who became unexpectedly pregnant at 42, and that of a fictional 21st-century physicist desperately trying to conceive a child.

book by Rachel Sheinkin music and lyrics by William Finn An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.

February 21, 22, 27, 28, March 1 @ 7 pm Feb 23 and March 2 @ 1 pm Performed in the Black Box at Rochester Civic Theatre Auditions Tuesday October 22 from 6 -8 pm Chateau Theatre – Downtown Rochester Directed by Philip Muehe Thomas Novachek, a director/playwright, has suffered through a long day of abysmal auditions for his adaptation of the German sadomasochistic novel Venus in Furs, until Vanda, a crass and pushy actress, stumbles into his audition room. While Vanda shares the lead character’s name, she lacks her sophistication. However, when Thomas agrees to let Vanda read for the role, she displays a surprising understanding of the material. Working through the script with Thomas playing the masochistic male lead, the roleplay becomes intense, erotic, and less like acting. David Ives’ mesmerizing play explores themes of submission, domination, and power with a fast-paced, mutable language he is known for. Reality and pretend become blurred lines in Venus in Fur, and the question of “who’s on top” always has a different answer.

by Karen Zacarías Directed by Kari Steinbach Two female scientists, living hundreds of years apart, explore the meaning of love, motherhood, family, art and science. Written by Karen Zacarías (The Book Club Play), Legacy of Light juxtaposes the true story of Émilie du Châtelet, a mathematician, scientist, and lover of the philosopher Voltaire, who became unexpectedly pregnant at 42, and that of a fictional 21st-century physicist desperately trying to conceive a child.

book by Rachel Sheinkin music and lyrics by William Finn An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.

by Agatha Christie, adapted by Ken Ludwig 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 eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again.  

Book, Music, and Lyrics by: Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over.

book by Nora Ephron & Delia Ephron Based on the bestselling book by Ilene Beckerman. A play of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothes and memory covering all the important subjects-mothers, prom dresses, mothers, buying bras, mothers, hating purses and why we only wear black.

book by Heather Hach music & lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe & Nell Benjamin Legally Blonde JR. follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. When Elle’s boyfriend, Warner, dumps her and heads to Harvard, claiming she’s not “serious” enough, Elle takes matters into her own hands, crafting a showy song-and-dance personal essay and charming her way into law school. Befriending classmate, Emmett, and spunky hairdresser, Paulette, along the way, Elle finds that books and looks aren’t mutually exclusive. As Elle begins outsmarting her peers, she realizes that law may be her natural calling after all.  

by Elaine Liner This comedy about life’s second act finds older gents Al and Wizzer meeting on a park bench every morning to read and mock newspaper obits. Their daily rituals-shooting the bull about sports, women loved and lost and the many annoyances of aging-are suddenly shaken up by the appearance of a friendly young woman and her flirty mom. Wizzer pep-talks lonely widower Al to convince him to break out of his self-imposed “quantum of solace” and maybe find love again, while also dealing with his own fear of ending up in the memory care unit at their assisted living facility. Punctuated with true-to-life moments familiar to anyone with an aging parent or spouse, the play takes an upbeat attitude toward life after 60, 70 and beyond. This play was selected to be part of the AACTFest Newplay Fest 2018.

book by Fred Carmichael directed by Connor Davis Once famous mystery writers involve the audience as they apply their individual methods to solving various murders. They include a couple who write sophisticated murders, a young author of the James Bond school. a retired writer of the hard hitting method and an aging queen of the logical murder. February 27–March 1 at 7:00 pm and March 2 at 2:00 pm March 13–15 at 7:00 pm

February 21, 22, 27, 28, March 1 @ 7 pm Feb 23 and March 2 @ 1 pm Performed in the Black Box at Rochester Civic Theatre Auditions Tuesday October 22 from 6 -8 pm Chateau Theatre – Downtown Rochester Directed by Philip Muehe Thomas Novachek, a director/playwright, has suffered through a long day of abysmal auditions for his adaptation of the German sadomasochistic novel Venus in Furs, until Vanda, a crass and pushy actress, stumbles into his audition room. While Vanda shares the lead character’s name, she lacks her sophistication. However, when Thomas agrees to let Vanda read for the role, she displays a surprising understanding of the material. Working through the script with Thomas playing the masochistic male lead, the roleplay becomes intense, erotic, and less like acting. David Ives’ mesmerizing play explores themes of submission, domination, and power with a fast-paced, mutable language he is known for. Reality and pretend become blurred lines in Venus in Fur, and the question of “who’s on top” always has a different answer.

This is an original play written by Amy Hunter. It illuminates some of the stories about the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland, the families effected, the survivors and the people shedding light and healing on behalf of the women and children, moms and dads. In addition to the performances in Staples, this show will also be entered into MACT*Fest to be performed March 7 or 8 at the Depot Theatre in Duluth.

by Agatha Christie, adapted by Ken Ludwig 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 eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again.  

by A.R. Gurney directed by Ruth Furan The play is set in the dining room of a typical well-to-do household, the place where the family assembled daily for breakfast and dinner and for any and all special occasions. A mosaic of interrelated scenes-some funny, some touching, some rueful-which, taken together, create an in-depth portrait of a vanishing species: the upper-middle-class WASP. The actors change roles, personalities and ages as they portray a variety of characters, from little boys to stern grandfathers, from giggling teenage girls to Irish housemaids. Each vignette introduces a new set of people and events; a father lectures his son on grammar and politics; a boy returns from boarding school to discover his mother’s infidelity; a senile grandmother doesn’t recognize her own sons; a daughter, her marriage a shambles, pleads futilely to return home, etc. Dovetailing swiftly and smoothly, the varied scenes coalesce, ultimately, into a theatrical experience of exceptional range, compassionate humor and abundant humanity.

book by Fred Carmichael directed by Connor Davis Once famous mystery writers involve the audience as they apply their individual methods to solving various murders. They include a couple who write sophisticated murders, a young author of the James Bond school. a retired writer of the hard hitting method and an aging queen of the logical murder. February 27–March 1 at 7:00 pm and March 2 at 2:00 pm March 13–15 at 7:00 pm

Book, Music, and Lyrics by: Lucy Moss and Toby Marlow Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric Celebration of 21st-century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over.

February 21, 22, 27, 28, March 1 @ 7 pm Feb 23 and March 2 @ 1 pm Performed in the Black Box at Rochester Civic Theatre Auditions Tuesday October 22 from 6 -8 pm Chateau Theatre – Downtown Rochester Directed by Philip Muehe Thomas Novachek, a director/playwright, has suffered through a long day of abysmal auditions for his adaptation of the German sadomasochistic novel Venus in Furs, until Vanda, a crass and pushy actress, stumbles into his audition room. While Vanda shares the lead character’s name, she lacks her sophistication. However, when Thomas agrees to let Vanda read for the role, she displays a surprising understanding of the material. Working through the script with Thomas playing the masochistic male lead, the roleplay becomes intense, erotic, and less like acting. David Ives’ mesmerizing play explores themes of submission, domination, and power with a fast-paced, mutable language he is known for. Reality and pretend become blurred lines in Venus in Fur, and the question of “who’s on top” always has a different answer.

book by Eric Ulloa directed by Karla Haij On December 14, 2012, Adam Lanza walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School and killed 26 innocent souls before taking his own life. These 26 innocent deaths, like pebbles thrown into a pond, created ripples and vibrations that were felt far beyond the initial rings. This is the story of those vibrations. Similar in style to The Laramie Project, 26 Pebbles is a heartbreaking and riveting docudrama. Playwright Eric Ulloa conducted interviews with members of the community in Newtown and crafted them into an exploration of gun violence and a small town shaken by a horrific event.

book by Heather Hach music & lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe & Nell Benjamin Legally Blonde JR. follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. When Elle’s boyfriend, Warner, dumps her and heads to Harvard, claiming she’s not “serious” enough, Elle takes matters into her own hands, crafting a showy song-and-dance personal essay and charming her way into law school. Befriending classmate, Emmett, and spunky hairdresser, Paulette, along the way, Elle finds that books and looks aren’t mutually exclusive. As Elle begins outsmarting her peers, she realizes that law may be her natural calling after all.  

Annual Original One-Acts: Fresh Stories, Local Talent! Join us for our annual Original One-Acts production—a night of bite-sized theatre packed with creativity, laughter, and heartfelt moments. These short plays, selected by our Playwriting Review Committee, showcase fresh voices and bold stories, brought to life by a talented cast of local performers.

This is an original play written by Amy Hunter. It illuminates some of the stories about the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland, the families effected, the survivors and the people shedding light and healing on behalf of the women and children, moms and dads. In addition to the performances in Staples, this show will also be entered into MACT*Fest to be performed March 7 or 8 at the Depot Theatre in Duluth.

by Karen Zacarías Directed by Kari Steinbach Two female scientists, living hundreds of years apart, explore the meaning of love, motherhood, family, art and science. Written by Karen Zacarías (The Book Club Play), Legacy of Light juxtaposes the true story of Émilie du Châtelet, a mathematician, scientist, and lover of the philosopher Voltaire, who became unexpectedly pregnant at 42, and that of a fictional 21st-century physicist desperately trying to conceive a child.