Shows Archive - Page 126 of 130

Winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award, August: Osage County tells the story of a vanished father, a pill-popping mother, and three sisters harboring shady little secrets. When the large Weston family unexpectedly reunites after Dad disappears, their Oklahoman family homestead explodes in a maelstrom of repressed truths and unsettling secrets. Mix in Violet, the drugged-up, scathingly acidic matriarch, and you’ve got a major play that unflinchingly—and uproariously—exposes the dark side of the Midwestern American family.

James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching. The story follows a Baker and his wife who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

This season’s production of “Into The Woods” was a reprise for the Community Players. The show was first performed as the closing production of the 1991-1992 season. Time has been good to the show and the current production had a very successful run and was well reviewed with praise for the set, orchestra and singers. Recently, the musicals at Community Players have used recorded music, but this production of “Into The Woods” featured a nine piece orchestra under the direction of Mike Wallace.

Can three actors really cover thirty-seven Shakespeare plays in less than two hours? This fast-firing comedy does just that as it parodies all of the Shakespeare plays (plus the sonnets!) with only three performers in two acts. The play is full of energy as the characters run across the stage and keep you guessing how they will pull off the next play.

The play starts with an eccentric version of “Romeo and Juliet,” followed by a parody of “Titus Andronicus” (portrayed as a cooking show). Next is “Othello” done as a rap song (the infamous “Othello Rap”). The members of the trio then compete in a hilarious football game which summarizes the histories (“King John,” “Richard II,” “Richard III, “Henry IV,” etc.), complete with commentary and details of each character’s rise and fall from power.

As the characters are about to come to the end of the first act, they realize they forgot to perform Hamlet. One of the actors becomes nervous and runs out of the theatre with another actor chasing him. The final actor is left to entertain the audience by himself, which he does by telling jokes and calling for the intermission.

After the intermission, the missing two actors return and save their companion from reciting all of the sonnets. All three actors then perform their very abbreviated version of Hamlet (with a little help from the audience), thus “completing” the canon in only an hour and a half!

“Sister Act” is the feel-good musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Tony and eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (“Newsies,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Little Shop of Horrors”), this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing, and a truly moving story, Sister Act will leave audiences breathless. The cast is chock full of amazing roles for women of all ages, making this a perfect choice for high schools and community theatres. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is a reason to REJOICE!