Season 2003-2004

Brighton Beach Memoirs
By Neil Simon
August 29, 2003 – September 14, 2003

Part one of Simon’s autobiographical trilogy, here is the writer as a fantasizing Brooklyn teenager (Eugene) in 1937, living with his struggling, problem-filled Jewish family. As Eugene’s father says, “If you didn’t have a problem, you wouldn’t live in this house.” A deeply appealing work that deftly mixes drama with comedy!

Wait Until Dark
By Frederick Knott
October 10, 2003 – October 26, 2003

This masterfully constructed thriller moves from one moment of suspense to another as it builds toward an electrifying, breath-stopping final scene. A couple of crooks and the deceived young, blind wife makes this a deadly game of cat and mouse. As the play unfolds you are sure to enjoy this tense shocker.

Godspell
Music and Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz
Book: John-Michael Tebelak
November 21, 2003 – December 21, 2003*

This joyous rock musical, based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, is the passion of Jesus Christ, drawing on various theatrical traditions such as clowning, vaudeville and pantomine . It is a unique and flower-child view of Jesus, his disciples and followers, reflecting a message of kindness and love. Godspell received a Grammy Award for Best Score!

Waiting in the Wings
By Noel Coward
January 23, 2004 – February 8, 2004

Coward’s tribute to theater is set in a retirement home for actresses, all former stars. Jealousies abound and the rapier wit of Coward is in full blaze! A tragedy brings them to their senses and a new solarium fortunately brings out everyone’s good nature. It will make those of us who still have hearts rejoice!

12 Angry Men
By Reginald Rose
February 20th, 2004 – March 7th, 2004

A young delinquent awaits sentencing for the manslaughter of his aggressive father. One juror (to the frustration of his eleven colleagues) feels that there is a ‘reasonable doubt’ – thus preventing a quick verdict. During the heated deliberations, the hidden preconceptions and assumptions of the jurors are revealed. In a work of brilliantly balanced tension, when faced with playing the hangman, each juror is forced to face himself.

Charley’s Aunt
By Brandon Thomas
April 9, 2004 – April 25, 2004

This world-famous farce has moved millions to tears of laughter. Jack loves Kitty and Charles loves Miss Spettigue, but the path to love is never easy. Throw in a millionaire aunt who doesn’t appear and then does appear, but appearances are deceptive, so you never know who is really appearing, and the laughter just keeps coming all evening long!

Cinderella
By Rodgers and Hammerstein
May 28, 2004 – June 27, 2004

The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with charm and elegance. Who can resist the Cinderella story when transported to that miraculous kingdom of dreams-come-true….the stage. This fabulous, musical production has great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity. The hearts of children and adults alike still soar when the slipper fits!

The Screwtape Letters
By C.S. Lewis, adapted by Michael Appleby
June 4 – June 6, 2004

Lewis’ classic, witty, cautionary tale is sub-titled “From a Senior to a Junior Devil.” Screwtape is the self-important Under Secretary of the Department of Tempters in Hell, sending advice to his nephew Wormwood on how to ensure that his human ‘patient’ goes to the
bad—a mission that does not go smoothly. This energetic one-man show delivers a bulging mailbag of diabolical letters, some challenging, many amusing, all thought provoking.

One Act Festival – 2004
July 30 (A), 31 (B), August 6 (B), 7 (A), 2004

Group A
Mere Mortals by David Ives
directed by Stuart Fischer
The Cat That Went to Trinity by Robertson Davies
directed by Will Knapp
Untitled #57 by Eric Peterson
directed by Stacey Fearheiley
Dear Liar by Jerome Kilty
directed by John Alnutt

Group B
Naomi in the Living Room by Christopher Durang
directed by Paula Hubble
Tender Offer by Wendy Wasserstein
directed by Chris Williams
Cracking the Whip by Bruce Kane
directed by Cassandra Hoye
The Maternity Maze by Patricia Hackett
directed by Patty Hackett