MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Playhouse has announced a celebratory 2017-2018 season of events heading into its 50th anniversary at the downtown Mansfield location.
Tickets will be available in June and more information is available at www.mansfieldplayhouse.com.
The schedule includes:
NOISES OFF
Main Stage Production
Comedy by Michael Frayn
Called the funniest farce ever written, Noises Off presents a manic menagerie as a cast of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called Nothing’s On. Doors slamming, on and offstage intrigue, and an errant herring all figure in the plot of this hilarious and classically comic play.
Auditions: July 18 & 19
Show dates: September 8-9, 15-17
ROALD DAHL’S JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH JR. (MUSICAL)
Main Stage – Youth Theatre Production
Book by Timothy Allen McDonald
Musical Score by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Based on the book, “James and the Giant Peach” by Roald Dahl
Based on one of Roald Dahl’s most poignantly quirky stories, Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach JR. is a brand new take on this “masterpeach” of a tale. Featuring a wickedly tuneful score and a witty and charming book, this adventurous musical about courage and self-discovery is destined to be a classic.
When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that grows a tremendous peach, rolls into the ocean and launches a journey of enormous proportions. James befriends a collection of singing insects that ride the giant piece of fruit across the ocean, facing hunger, sharks and plenty of disagreements along the way.
Auditions: August 22 & 23
Show dates: October 20-21, 27-29
MARRIAGE CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH
2nd Stage Production
A Comedy by Arnold Kane
Eddie is having a full on mid-life crisis so he ditches his picture perfect family and moves in with his sexy new girlfriend, Miss Tush. He has it all, much to the envy of his nervous and inept best friend, Roger, who looks on with envy. So why does Eddie begin cheating on his girlfriend….with his ex-wife? This comedy explores relationships, forgiveness and sex in a hilarious fashion. It’s a perfect evening out with your spouse…or girlfriend…or whoever. Just join us for laughs and have some fun!
Auditions: September 19 & 20
Show dates: November 10-11, 16-18
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER
Main Stage Production
By Barbara Robinson
In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids–probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem – and the fun – when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!
Auditions: October 10 & 11
Show dates: December 8-9, 15-17
BETTER LATE
Main Stage Production
A Comedy by Larry Gelbert
Nora has a big surprise for her husband Lee. She is bringing her ex-husband, Julian to the house to recover from his recent stroke. Lee is a compassionate man but his nerves are soon stretched tight. Then their son, Billy, reveals he is going through a divorce. Filled with zany one liners and poignant moments this play proves romance is tough at any age. But a little understanding and a lot of laughs go a long way to smooth things over.
Auditions: November 21 & 22
Show dates: January 19-20, 26-28
HAVING A WONDERFUL TIME, WISH YOU WERE HER
2nd Stage Production
A Comedy by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore
This wild bedroom farce involves three couples, infidelity, double standards, a midnight rendezvous and a hungry bear. What’s not to like? The action culminates at a fateful 29th wedding anniversary where many juicy secrets are revealed. This adult themed show is packed with laughs, so get your tickets early!
Auditions: December 19 & 20
Show dates: February 9-10, 15-17
VANIA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE
Main Stage Production
A Comedy by Christopher Durang
This 2013 Tony Award winning play is filled with wonderful, quirky characters. Middle aged siblings Vanya and Sonia share a home and a life of constant bickering. Their movie star sister, Masha, swoops in to shake things up with her newest boy toy, Spike, in tow. Add a sassy maid and a young aspiring actress to the mix and the chaos escalates. This comedy is filled with surprises and deliciously witty humor.
Auditions: January 9 & 10
Show dates: March 9-10, 16-18
YOU SAY TOMATOES
Main Stage Production
A Comedy by Bernard Slade
Libby Daniels, a NYC film critic travels across the pond to track down elusive author Giles St. James hoping to secure the rights to his popular British mystery series. The problem is he despises all things American as much as she loathes anything British. Naturally, a bumpy romance blossoms.
Auditions: February 27 & 28
Show dates: April 27-28 and May 4-6
DISNEY’S MULAN JR. (Musical)
Main Stage – Youth Theatre Production
Music and Lyrics by David Zippel, Jeanine Tesori, Stephen Schwartz, Matthew Wilder and Alexa Junge
Music Adapted and Arranged, and Additional Music and Lyrics by Bryan Louiselle
Book Adapted and Additional Lyrics by Patricia Cotter
Based on the 1998 Disney film, Mulan, and the story, “Fa Mulan” by Robert D. San Souci.
Based on Disney’s Oscar-nominated film, Disney’s Mulan JR. is a heartwarming celebration of culture, honor and the fighting spirit. With hit songs and a story packed with action, humor and heart, Disney’s Mulan JR. brings ancient China to life with a modern sensibility.
The Huns have invaded, and it is up to the misfit Mulan and her mischievous dragon sidekick, Mushu, to save the Emperor! Defying the village matchmaker, Mulan takes up arms and disguises herself as a boy in order to spare her father from having to serve in the army. As the great battle with the Huns approaches, Mulan must choose between revealing her true identity as a girl or saving all of China with her clever plan.
Auditions: April 10 & 11
Show dates: June 8-9, 15-17
