Our 39th Season: A Storied Life

It's 1934 at the Cleveland Grand Opera, where the tickets have been sold, the stage set, and the thirty-piece orchestra rehearsed. All that's missing is one world-famous Italian tenor. When he appears, so does drama at levels usually reserved for the stage, which in turn plays on the nerves of the company's very high strung manager who enlists his skittish but determined assistant to save the day. This madcap comedy navigates from one catastrophe to the next including crazy costumes and loads of slamming doors. In the end, two men share the role of a lifetime to bring the big night to its grand, farcical finale.

Rated PG -13

directed by Emily-Ann Moriarty-Phillips

Don't most families find the holiday season a bit stressful? Join us as we hang the holly in a twelfth century castle and feast on family drama of the most royal order. King Henry II has gifted his wife temporary freedom from prison to join him and their sons for Christmas, but he'll also be bringing his mistress to the dinner table. Oh, and to top the tree, his mistress is promised to marry his eldest, Richard, who is locked in a battle with his brothers over who will reign next. Typical Christmas family fodder, right? This classic tale explores quintessential family foibles in a funny, fanciful fashion!

Rated PG

directed by James Hansen Prince

Amidst the 1940's austerity, one sparkling socialite named Florence Foster Jenkins takes New York, and the world, by storm with her enthusiasm as a soprano who boasts far from perfect pitch. Based on a true story, Florence slides from note to note and recital to recording session surrounded by a dedicated entourage who can't help but feast on Florence's joy. Warbles, screeches, and laughter score a delightful melody of moments leading up to her sold-out show at Carnegie Hall. Known as the worst opera singer who ever lived, her confidence and passion ensure memories of her adventurous spirit will never die.

Rated PG-13

directed by Byron Holder

Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest - and then some! His larger-than-life tales of witches, giants, and mermaids he's encountered delight almost everyone around him, but his disgruntled son is determined to separate fact from fiction in his desire to understand what's really real about his family before starting one of his own. Through heart and humor, this extraordinary musical showcases what real friendship can mean throughout the journey of life.

Rated PG

directed by Misty Baptiste

The 90's may be jammin' with the invention of the internet but, inside the Magnolia Place Assisted Living, the days creep by for retired burlesque queen Beatrice and her aging friends. Things have gone from dull to dangerous now that Nurse Pat Jones has joined the staff and Beatrice is desperate to board a Sassy Seniors Cruise but before she can talk her crew into joining the adventure they'll have to investigate the disappearance of their resident physician, go under cover to uncover the significance of a mysterious pill being handed out with alarming regularity, and enlighten the authorities on the "dark side" of the building. Team work is just the ticket to save the day and savor the ride through retirement!

Rated PG-13

directed by Kelsie LeFlore

The true story of a nineteenth century female astronomer draws beauty straight from sky to stage. When Henrietta Leavitt joins the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she becomes part of Dr. Edward Pickering’s “harem,” mapping the stars without scientific credit. As friendships form among the female "computers," Henrietta spends her free time attempting to calculate the light and distance of stars but discovers she must also learn to measure her dedication to science against family obligations and even the possibility of love.

Rated PG

directed by Amy Jackson