An Inspector Calls (September 30 – October 9, 2010)

A Thriller by J. B. Priestly

Though ostensibly a remarkably clear and effective drama, an air of mystic unreality underlies An Inspector Calls. When a young girl commits suicide in an English industrial city, an eminently respectable British family is subjected to a routine inquiry in connection with the death. An inspector calls to interrogate them. To some degree, all are implicated, but what was a friendly, close-knit family at the beginning of the evening is revealed as selfish, self-centred, and cowardly before the night is over. And who was the “inspector”? Why was no suicide reported to the police? How did he know?

“A psychologically adept work and a most engaging play!” – Variety

Little Women (November 18-27, 2010)

A Drama by John D. Ravold from the novel by Louisa May Alcott

“A wonderful way to start the Holiday Season!” – Artistic Director L. Garth Allen

A dramatization of Louisa M. Alcott’s beloved novel, Little Women. It is the classic story that has entertained and moved generations with the travails of the March family and their loves and loyalties. From Marmee to her wonderful girls Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy — who can forget the stories of this very special family? The stage adaptation of this literary masterpiece will be the must-see event of the holiday season!

Inherit the Wind (January 13-22, 2011)

A Drama by Jerome Lawrence & Robert E. Lee

“A masterpiece! To see a play once, twice, three times, and each time to leave the theatre as deeply moved, as enlightened, as lifted up, as magnificently entertained—this is the test!” – Columbus, Ohio, Citzen

This is the play that has as its genesis the events of the famous Scopes trial and its controversial arguemnt as to the origin of man! One of outstanding dramas of our time. The portrait it draws of an explosive episode in American culture, vigorously written, remains one of the most stirring plays in recent years, yet retains its folk flavour and spiritual awareness.

‘Art’ (March 10-19, 2011)

A Drama by Yasmina Reza. Translated by Christopher Hampton

How much would you pay for a white painting? Would it matter who the painter was? Would it be art? One of Marc’s best friends, Serge, has just purchased such a painting. To Marc, the painting is a joke, but Serge insists that Marc doesn’t have the proper standards to judge the work. Another friend, Ivan, although burdened by his own problems, likes the work. Lines are drawn and these old friends square off over the canvas, using it as an excuse to relentlessly batter one another over various failures. Arguments become more personal. Serge gives Marc a felt pen and dares him: “Go on!” Friendship is finally tested but the aftermath affirms the power of those bonds. Absolute hilarity!

“…sounds like a marriage of Molière and Woody Allen.” – Newsweek

The Crucible (May 5-14, 2011)

A Drama by Arthur Miller

Winner of the 1953 Tony Award for best play, this exciting drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem, Massachusetts, is both a gripping historical play, and a timely parable of our contemporary society. The plays shows how small lies — children’s lies — build and build, until a whole town is aroused and nineteen men and women go to the gallows for being possessed of the Devil. After a servant girl maliciously accuses a farmer’s young wife of witchcraft, the farmer brings the girl to court to admit the lie. The ensuing thrilling, blood-curdling, and terrifying trial scene, with its depiction of bigotry and deceit, hurtles the characters to a sad and ironic conclusion. Miller wrote the play after he was hauled before the House Committee on Un-American Activities on charges of being a Communist.