Playhouse season includes 15 productions
As the Lake City Playhouse enters its 50th season, it's in sound shape, financially and artistically, said artistic executive director, George Green.
He said this year's Playhouse season is balanced.
"There's something in it for everybody. That is our goal."
There will be 15 productions, including eight major shows and children's camps.
It's an ambitious schedule, Green said.
"Hopefully, we're providing the community with the opportunity to see as much theater as they possibly can," he said.
In preparation for its 50th season, the Playhouse has undergone $57,000 in renovations and remodeling in the past six months.
That includes plumbing, painting, electrical, lighting, fixtures, carpeting, flat screen monitors and a new concession system. Some backstage changes, including a renovated makeup and costume room, have been completed.
"The goal is to get the production value up and backstage area more efficient," Green said.
Another $100,000 in services have been donated to finish more projects by next summer, including roofing, landscaping, siding, more electrical and redoing the auditorium.
"I feel like with the foundation we're laying this season, the community can expect to see a strong representation of community theater for 50 years to come," Green said.
The lineup of major productions includes:
The Elephant Man
Directed by Marina Kalani
Oct. 29-31; Nov. 4-7, 11-14
By Bernard Pomerance
Under the care of physician Frederick Treves, the deformed Joseph (a.k.a. John) Merrick evolves from an object of pity to a favorite of the aristocracy only to be denied his dream of becoming a man like any other.
A Taffeta Christmas
Directed by Andy Renfrew
Dec. 3-5, 9-12, 16-19
Musical
By Rick Lewis
The Dumont Television Network is featuring Kaye, Peggy, Cheryl and Donna on its weekly broadcast. It's Christmas in Muncie - and everyone is there. A Taffeta Christmas is a classic hometown Christmas, the way it used to be!
Of Mice and Men
Directed by Dan Heggem
Jan. 14-16. 20-23, 27-30
By John Steinbeck
Companionship, hopes and dreams are what bond the men of the Great Depression together. Those needs and ideals are compromised by tragedy in this literary classic.
Almost, Maine
Directed by Anne Mitchell
February 18-20, 24-27; March 3-6
Romantic Comedy
By John Cariani
On a cold, winter night, all is not what it seems in the town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the sky, residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways.
The Scarlet Letter
Directed by George Green
March 25-27, 31; April 1-3
By Phyllis Nagy
Based on the book by Nathaniel Hawthorne
A contemporary slant of the familiar story of Hester Prynne, a woman who gives birth after committing adultery and struggles to create a new life of repentance and dignity.
Dearly Departed
Directed by Doug Dawson
April 22-24. 28-30; May 1, 5-8
Comedy
By David Bottrell and Jesse Jones
A dysfunctional group of Southerners gather when the patriarch of the Turpin family kicks the bucket. The struggle to get him buried stirs up some hilarious mayhem.
Urinetown
Directed by Marina Kalani
May 27-29; June 2-5, 9-12, 16-19
Musical
Music by Mark Hollmann, Lyrics by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis
Book by Greg Kotis
If you liked Evita, Big River, Les Miserables and West Side Story, then you're going to love Urinetown. It's all those and more rolled into one. Don't be fooled by the title, this musical parody is pure fun!
Call 667-1323 or visit the box office at 1320 E. Garden Ave. to purchase tickets.
Box Office Hours: Monday - Friday: Noon to 4:30 p.m. or until curtain time on show nights.
The box office is also open 2 hours prior to each Saturday and Sunday showtime.