This is the heart-warming saga of George Bailey, the Everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been repeatedly quashed by notions of family obligations and civic duty. It is Christmas eve, and George’s guardian angel, Clarence, descends to save him from despair, and to remind him (by showing him what the world would be like had he never been born) that his has been after all, a wonderful life. This play not only celebrates the season, it also celebrates the American philosophy of life: that hard work, fair play, and the love and support of family and community will be rewarded.
Performance Dates
December 4, 5, 11, and 12, 2009 at 8:00 PM
and December 6 and 13 2009 at 2:00 PM.
"The Lion in Winter"
a comedy by James Goldman
directed by Dave Glanville
King Henry II of England has three living sons by Eleanor of Aquitaine: Richard, Geoffrey and John. He wants the kingdom to stay united after his death, but all three sons want to rule and it is likely to be torn apart by revolution. Henry favors the youngest son while Eleanor favors the eldest. The middle son hopes to play both ends against each other and come out on top. Henry would like to have another heir by his mistress, but that would only add to the contenders. "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown," and uneasy the truce between a matchless king and queen. Few since Shakespeare have had such a marvelous gift for truly comic repartee.
Performance Dates
May 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23, 2010.
"Translations"
by Brian Friel
directed by Sandy Pickens
This intimate play is set in an unused barn, now serving as a Hedge School, in the mythical community known as Ballybeg, an Irish speaking area in County Donegal, Ireland. It is 1833 and the British Army of Royal Engineers is carrying out an ordinance survey of Ireland and Anglicizing the names of every road, stream, lake or place. The Hedge Schools, run by Headmasters who teach in Irish and also teach Greek and Latin, are only but just tolerated and everyone is strongly advised to go to the National School where only English is taught. This story is about a handful of people’s response to the loss of their language and power and of their indomitable spirit, and our reaction to it. As might happen when the oppressors are in the area, love, between one of the “sappers” and a student of the Hedge School develops, providing us with one of the most beautiful love scenes in drama.
Performance Dates
October 2, 3, 9, and 10, 2009 at 8:00 PM
and October 4 and11, 2009 at 2:00 PM
"Spitfire Grill"
a Musical by James Valcq and Fred Alley
directed by David Henshaw
A feisty parolee follows her dreams, based on a page from an old travel book, to a small town in Maine and finds a place for herself working at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill. It is for sale but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town, so newcomer Percy suggests to Hannah that she raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars and the best essay on why you want the grill wins. Soon, mail is arriving by the wheelbarrowfull and things are definitely cookin’ at the Spitfire Grill.
Performance Dates
March 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28, 2010
Summer Young Adult Theater Program
"House of the Seven Gables"
by Vin Morreale, Jr.
based on the classic novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne
directed by Cynthia Beale
This literate and lively play follows the demise and resurrection of the once-prosperous Pyncheon clan. In the 17th century, the cruel and cunning Colonel Pyncheon brings a curse down on his entire family when he hangs an innocent man. More than a century later, a young woman arrives to find the last of the family, and the mysterious House of The Seven Gables, beset by dark secrets and untimely deaths. In the end, greed and corruption finally give way to goodness, loyalty and romance.
Performance Dates
August 14, 15, 21, and 22, 2009, at 7:30 PM
and August 16 and 23, 2009 at 2:00 PM
"The Real Princess and the Pea"
by Anita Larsen
directed by Cindy Richard
No one knows more about the dreary life of being a servant than orphaned Lizzie, the maid at Madame Bombazine’s Royal Academy of Royalty. At the beck and call of the shallow student princesses and the bullying Madame Bombazine, Lizzie’s cheery personality defies her dismal life, but makes her a favorite of all the shopkeepers. Then grandmotherly Oldma steps in with a little magic. Forget all you ever thought you knew about princesses and peas and get ready for the real story!
