CYRANO
October 3 - October 18 2008     [ Peformance Schedule ]
Cyrano! His wit is as sharp as his sword, the enormity of his talent, intellect, and passion are matched only by the enormity of his, well, nose. When he falls for the beautiful, strong-willed Roxane, he is too ashamed of his large nose to share his feelings. Instead, when he learns that she loves the handsome but not-so-bright Christian, he writes poetry and love letters to Roxane on Christian's behalf. Complete with exciting swordplay and cavalier costumes, this fresh adaptation of the classic love story is cleverly told entirely in rhyme.

SENIOR CLASS SOCK HOP
October 24 - October 26 2008     [ Peformance Schedule ]
Grab your poodle skirts and penny loafers and get ready for a trip back in time as our seniors celebrate the fabulous '50s. It was a decade of innocence, a time when Republicans liked Ike and everyone loved Lucy. Teenagers across the country tuned in to American Bandstand and the sounds of Frankie Avalon, The Platters, Elvis Presley, Patti Page and Pat Boone filled the airwaves. Featuring all the songs that you remember, this tune-filled musical review is gonna be more fun than a stack of 45's.

ESPERANZA RISING
November 7 - November 15 2008     [ Peformance Schedule ]
Two countries. Two cultures. Two languages. Is this too much for a young girl to overcome? Esperanza might have thought so but, put to the test, she proves to be stronger and more resourceful than she would ever dream. This beautifully written stage adaptation of the award-winning children's novel is the story of a wealthy Mexican girl whose privileged existence is shattered when tragedy strikes. Forced to flee her country and work in a migrant labor camp, Esperanza learns to rise above her difficult circumstances and discover what she's truly made of. Set during the great depression of the 1930's, Esperanza Rising is the hopeful tale of one young girl's triumph over adversity.

WILLY WONKA
November 21 - December 13 2008     [ Peformance Schedule ]
Everybody's favorite candy man is coming to the Civic just in time for the holidays. This confectioner’s delight is a brand-new stage adaptation of the magical film that has entertained children of all ages for over 30 years. When poor Charlie Bucket wins one of the five golden tickets hidden among thousands of Wonka chocolate bars, he finds himself touring Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, a fantasy world filled with wild inventions, secret rooms, oompa loompas and lots and lots of delectable sweets. Whether you're young or young at heart, you're going to love spending time with Charlie, Willy, Veruca, Augustus, Grandpa Joe and all of the other colorful characters that have made this enchanting tale a family favorite.

DEATHTRAP
January 16 - January 31 2009     [ Peformance Schedule ]
Homicide and humor play a deadly game of cat and mouse in this wickedly funny “who'll-do-it”. Sidney Bruhl, once a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, hasn't had a hit in nearly two decades. He's living off his wealthy and emotionally supportive wife in Connecticut, when suddenly fate holds out hope as Clifford Anderson, a former student, sends Bruhl a script to review. The script is a surefire hit, and the trap is set. One of the longest running plays in Broadway history, Deathtrap provides twists and turns at every corner, causing audiences to laugh one minute, and then gasp the next. You’re going to love this feel-good thriller with a killer ending! (Adult Situations)

THE BAKER'S WIFE
January 30 - February 15 2009     [ Peformance Schedule ]
Old world charm permeates every moment of this bittersweet, wise and gently romantic fable of life and love in southern France. The bickering residents of a small Provencal town at last find peace and contentment in the heavenly bread of the newly arrived baker and his attractive young wife. But when she is lured away by the attentions of a handsome young gigolo, the middle-aged baker is heartbroken and loses all zest for life and baking, throwing the community into chaos. If you're looking for a musical that is warm, mature, intelligent and melodic, you're sure to enjoy The Baker's Wife. But be warned, you should only see it if you're prepared to fall in love. (Adult Themes)

THE AFFECTIONS OF MAY
February 13 - February 28 2009     [ Peformance Schedule ]
Who says romance can't be funny? May and Brian quit their high-paying jobs and purchased a rural bed & breakfast in an attempt to restore their troubled marriage. Unfortunately, Brian gets “allergic smelling hay” and returns to the city to pursue other interests, leaving May alone and broke. As she struggles to make the best of her situation, May finds herself the most popular woman in town, attracting the attention of two local bachelors. One is a banker who promises security; the other a handyman who awakens her long-lost desires. While piecing her life back together, May must decide what she wants. Will she choose bachelor number one, bachelor number two or her unfaithful husband? Only time will tell who will win the affections of May. (Adult Themes)

DOUBT
February 27 - March 14 2009     [ Peformance Schedule ]
As compelling as today's headlines, this Pulitzer Prize winning play is set in a Catholic school in the Bronx in 1964. Sister Aloysius, the strong-minded school principal, takes matters into her own hands when she suspects the well-liked Father Flynn of committing the most unthinkable of crimes. Though the evidence is circumstantial, she shows no pity for the likeable priest as she sets out to destroy him for the sin she believes, beyond a shadow of a doubt, he has committed. This powerful new work, focused less on scandal than on fascinating questions of moral certainty, is sure to leave audiences debating the cost of justice.(Adult Themes, Situations)

DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2
March 20 - March 29 2009     [ Peformance Schedule ]
School's out for summer, and the East High Wildcats are ready to kick back and have the time of their lives. If they can land decent summer jobs, all will be right with the world. Troy can hardly believe his luck when he's offered a job at the posh Lava Springs Country Club in Albuquerque. What he doesn't know is that his newfound employment is part of club queen Sharpay's plot to lure him away from Gabriella. Unfortunately for Sharpay, her plan begins to unravel when Troy lands a lifeguard position at the club for Gabriella, as well as jobs for Chad, Taylor, Zeke, Martha, Kelsi, Jason and the rest of his Wildcat pals.

INTIMATE APPAREL
March 27 - April 11 2009     [ Peformance Schedule ]
This beautifully written play offers unforgettable insight into class and race relations as seen through the eyes of Esther, a gifted African-American seamstress living in Manhattan at the turn of the 20th century. While sewing intimate apparel for clients ranging from socialites to prostitutes, Esther has built a good life for herself, though at 35, she fears she may never marry. Still, she dreams of love, happiness and a successful business venture. So, when she begins to receive beautiful love letters from a Caribbean man named George, Esther opens her heart to the possibilities of romance and a future filled with happiness. (Adult Themes, Situations)

STAGE DOOR
April 10 - April 25 2009     [ Peformance Schedule ]
It's often said that there's a broken heart for every light on Broadway. Modeled on the actual Rehearsal Club in Manhattan, this fast paced American classic traces the hopes, dreams and disappointments of aspiring actresses living in the Footlights Club, a popular boarding house for young theatricals. The adventures of these talented young women and their gentlemen callers unfold as we get to know the dancers, actors, and waitresses who are looking for their first big break. Written by Kalamazoo native Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman, Stage Door offers a wonderfully nostalgic look at the Broadway of a bygone era.

THE CURIOUS SAVAGE
April 24 - April 26 2009     [ Peformance Schedule ]
This warm-hearted comedy revolves around Mrs. Ethel Savage, a slightly eccentric widow who has been left ten million dollars by her late husband. She wants to use the money to establish a fund which would help others realize their hopes and dreams, in spite of the efforts of her grown-up stepchildren to get their hands on it. Fearful that she will squander the money before they can get hold of it, the greedy siblings have the widow committed to a sanatorium where she meets a most interesting group of social outcasts. With the help of her new-found friends, Mrs. Savage leads her stepchildren on a merry chase and along the way learns the true meaning of family.

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
April 24 - May 2 2009     [ Peformance Schedule ]
Life is very hard for poor James Henry Trotter until one day he meets an old man who gives him a mysterious bag filled with the most marvelous magic ever! When James accidentally spills the magic crystals onto the ground near an old peach tree, incredible things begin to happen and he sets off on a wonderful journey inside a giant peach. Along with his fantastical new friends, Old-Green-Grasshopper, Glow Worm, Ladybug, Centipede, Silkworm, Miss Spider and Earthworm, James crosses the ocean in search of happiness. This tasty tale of friendship, bravery and triumph is sure to be a magical adventure for the whole family.

THE FULL MONTY
May 15 - May 31 2009     [ Peformance Schedule ]
Based on the Academy Award-nominated film of the same name, this hit Broadway musical is the raucous and heartfelt story of six unemployed steelworkers who come up with a bold way to make some quick cash. In the process, they also discover renewed self-esteem, the importance of family and friendship, and the ability to have fun. Combining a tightly woven storyline with a number of show-stopping musical numbers, this rollicking, pop-rock musical sizzles with heat and heart. But the big question is, will they or won’t they go the full monty. To find out, you’ll have to drop everything and order your tickets! (Adult Themes, Situations, Language)