Jerri Shafer - Page 9

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world–so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be biting or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! Soon everyone is calling for reluctant director Grace Bradley to cancel the whole thing. It’s up to the Bradleys and the Reverend to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic. Performances are December 8 - 10 @ 7:30 PM and December 10 - 11 @ 2:30 PM at McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening St. Worthington, OH 4308. Tickets https://www.wctpresents.org/

Orphaned while living in India, 10-year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire, England to live with her embittered, reclusive Uncle Archibald, whom she has never met. There, the ill-tempered and lonely Mary meets Martha, a chambermaid, who tells her of a secret garden which belonged to her aunt Lily before she died. Mary’s search for the garden introduces her to a slew of other characters and a spirited robin that seems to be trying to talk to her. Book and Lyrics by Marsha Norman, Music by Lucy Simon, Directed by Ross Shirley, Music Direction by Allan Finkelstein. Cast: Nadia Marshall, Ashley Winer, Jennifer Myers, Jay Rittberger, Amy Silver Judd, Michael Ruehrmund, Thor Collard, Nick van Atta, Michael Broadhurst, Molly Domanski, Deborah Brennan, Brady Brennan, Jacob Erney, Sonny Pierce, Dan Hildebrand, Alexa Rybinski, David Boley, Karen Sahlin, Lauren Bandman, Ajay Kumar, Madhavi Sudhir, Wendy Cohen, Laura Dachenbach. Performances run Dec. 3 - 18, 2022. Gallery Players, 1125 College Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43209. Please visit https://columbusjcc.org/the-secret-garden/ to get specific showtimes and purchase tickets.

On the occasion of Freddy's funeral and at his behest, six of his friends gather at the home of Hank and Kate in Kansas City, where five of them grew up. Hank and Kate were childhood sweethearts whose apparently idyllic relationship has proceeded uninterrupted through the years. Andy and Nessa were childhood sweethearts also, but are now divorced and living in New York. He's a successful advertising executive; she's the author of a bestselling roman à clef based on her friends' lives. Paul is the new Undersecretary for Eastern Affairs in Washington, and his wife, Alice, the only one who has not known the others since grammar school, is a housewife obsessed with the many infidelities she imagines Paul has committed. Hovering over them all is the spirit of Freddy, the only admitted homosexual in the group. As the liquor flows and memories (and recriminations) become more telling, Hank, in an emotional outburst, admits that he had been having an affair with Freddy for years prior to his death. Kate is overwhelmed by this revelation, the friends take sides and, as the night winds down into morning, facades are stripped away as no-holds-barred truth-telling replaces the party atmosphere with which the evening began. In the end Hank and Kate agree to strive for a more honest relationship, and the others, each in his or her own way affected by the absent Freddy, resolve to use the legacy of directness and honesty which he left them to set their own lives on firmer paths. Performances run Dec. 2 - 18, 2022 at Curtain Players, 5691 Harlem Road, Galena, Ohio 43021. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: http://curtainplayers.org

A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Disney Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Disney Frozen Jr. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! Performances run Dec. 2 - 11, 2022 at the Wigwam Theater 10190 Blacklick-Eastern Road, Pickerington, OH 43147. For tickets: http://pickeringtoncommunitytheatre.org/

Ohio University Lancaster Theatre, The Lancaster Playhouse, and Garret Players presents 'It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.' Adapted by Joe Landry, Music by Kevin Connors. PLOT: This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. It's a Wonderful Life is based on the story, 'The Greatest Gift' by Philip Van Doren Stern, Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. TICKETS, $10. https://commerce.cashnet.com/oul-theatre

A young boy named Ralphie Parker only wants one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder BB gun. However, he is not sure he will ever make it to Christmas, between his brother Randy and the school bully Scut Farkus. Whenever he tells someone how much he wants it, he/she tells him that he will shoot his eye out and refuses to get it for him. Even a department store Santa Claus tells him the same thing. Upcoming Events for MTVarts and MVAC: 'A Night of One-Acts', January 13 - 15, 2023, at Warehouse 14. Paul Reiser: Live Stand Up Comedy, Fri 3/3/2023 8:00 PM, at The Knox Memorial Theater. Community Concert Association Divas 3, Sun 3/19/2023 7:30 PM, at the Knox Memorial Theater For tickets for upcoming events or more information, visit: https://mtvarts.com/ & https://www.mvac.org/events

Stanley Lambchop is your ordinary, everyday ten-year-old until the bulletin board on the wall above his bed comes loose and falls right on top of him! The next morning, Stanley wakes up flat. In a whirlwind musical travelogue, Stanley — the ultimate exchange student — scours the globe for a solution to his unusual problem. He's stamped, posted and sent from Hollywood to France to Honolulu and beyond. All this in an effort to become a three-dimensional boy once more. Book by Timothy Allen McDonald, Lyrics by Timothy Allen McDonald & Jonathan K. Waller, Music by Timothy Allen McDonald, Jonathan K. Waller, David Weinstein & Stephen Gabriel Performances run Nov 17 - 19, 2022, at Dublin Jerome High School, 8300 Hyland-Croy Rd, Dublin, OH 43016, For tickets call 614-718-8263 or visit: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/67801

The New Albany High School Theatre Department is excited to announce Mamma Mia! as its fall musical. In Mamma Mia!, ABBA's timeless hits are woven into the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father. With non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers, Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good show. Book by Catherine Johnson, Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson, BJorn Ulvaeus and some songs with Stig Anderson. Directed by Elliott Lemberg. Choreography by Broadway Bound Dance Centre. New Albany High School Theatre presents Mamma Mia! to be performed Nov 17 - 19, 2022, at the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts. 100 E Dublin Granville Rd, New Albany, OH 43054 170 E Dublin Granville Rd, New Albany, OH 43054 Purchase tickets: https://my.cbusarts.com/overview/4661

After her sister Tilly’s death, Agnes discovers that Tilly was a well-known D&D player. Agnes recruits a “dungeon master” named Chuck to help her understand and grieve the loss of Tilly. Chock-full of supermodel elves, dominatrix warrior women, and nasty ogres, She Kills Monsters is a surprisingly sweet tale of friendship, loss, and acceptance. Moving between the “real” world and the “imaginary” world of Tilly’s creation, Agnes discovers truths about her sister and herself. By Qui Nguyen, Directed by Dan Heaton, Cast: Jesse Adair (Chuck, Kobold) Cheyenne Allen (Vera, the Beholder) Jack Blosser (Narrator, Monster) Madison Breyley (Farrah, Bugbear, Succubus Cheerleader) Michelle Costell (Agnes) Christina Everett (Lilith/Lily) Maddie Fleckenstein (Narrator, Monster, Succubus Cheerleader) Meg Garcia (Narrator, Monster) Sofie Gatling (Succubus Cheerleader, Bugbear) Mary Kate Gebhart (Tilly) Jess Guy (Troubled teen, Kobold, Bugbear) Sarah Howe (Evil Gabbi, Monster) B Karl (Miles/Doppleganger, Gelatinous Cube) Kailey Kuhnheim (Succubus Cheerleader, Bugbear) Garrett Lamb (Steve, Monster) Leah Nethers (Evil Tina, Bugbear) Clay Reher (Orcus/Ronnie) Caroline Ramey (Succubus Cheerleader, Kobold) Vianey Rodriguez (Succubus Cheerleader) Caitlin Weigel (Kaliope/Kelly) Performances run Nov. 10 - 13, 2022 at Cabaret Theater, Harry C Moores Student Union, Lower-level, 745 Pleasant Ridge Ave, Ohio 43209.. For tickets or more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/655959355941791/?ref=newsfeed

Assassins lay bare the lives of nine individuals who assassinated or tried to assassinate the President of the United States, in a one-act historical 'revusical' that explores the dark side of the American experience. From John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald, writers, Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman, bend the rules of time and space, taking us on a nightmarish roller coaster ride in which assassins and would-be assassins from different historical periods meet, interact and inspire each other to harrowing acts in the name of the American Dream. Performances run Nov. 11 - 19, 2022 at Columbus Performing Arts Center, Van Fleet Theatre, 549 Franklin Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43125.. For tickets or more information, visit: https://www.imaginecolumbus.org/

Oberon Play House’s director and leading men are off at war with the Axis. Determined to press on, the director's wife sets out to produce an all-female version of Shakespeare's Henriad, assembling an increasingly unexpected team united in desire, if not actual theatre experience. Together they deliver a delightful celebration of collaboration and persistence when the show must go on! Performances run Nov. 11 - 19, 2022 at Columbus Performing Arts Center, Shedd Stage, 549 Franklin Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43125. Tickets at the link: https://tinyurl.com/yzzyva24

Hilliard Arts Council held an opening night gala for their latest production of The Last Night of Ballyhoo. Performances run Nov. 4 - 13, 2022 at Hilliard Civic and Cultural Arts Center.

Hilliard Arts Council is presenting its fall production in their 2023 season: The Last Night of Ballyhoo. This Tony award winning dramatic comedy, written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Alfred Uhry (Driving Miss Daisy), concerning the trials and tribulations of a southern jewish family in 1939 Atlanta on the eve of WWII. See photos here!

Based on the Gospel according to Matthew, Godspell is the first musical theatre offering from composer Stephen Schwartz who went on to write such well-known hits as Wicked, Pippin, and Children of Eden. The show features a comedic troupe of eccentric players who team up with Jesus to teach his lessons in a new age through parables, games, and tomfoolery.

Seymour Krelborn is a nerdy orphan working at Mushnik's, a flower shop in urban Skid Row. He harbors a crush on fellow co-worker Audrey Fulquard, and is berated by Mr. Mushnik daily. One day as Seymour is seeking a new mysterious plant, he finds a very mysterious unidentified plant which he calls Audrey II. The plant seems to have a craving for blood and soon begins to sing for his supper. Soon enough, Seymour feeds Audrey's sadistic dentist boyfriend to the plant and later, Mushnik for witnessing the death of Audrey's ex. Will Audrey II take over the world or will Seymour and Audrey defeat it? Performances run November 4 - 13, 2022 at The Wagnalls Memorial, 150 East Columbus St, Lithopolis, OH 43136. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit:https://www.facebook.com/WagnallsCommunityTheatre/

for submissions is a mere three weeks away. With nothing to lose, the pair decides to try to create something new with the help of their friends. Nominee for a 2009 Tony Award and Best Book of a Musical. '[title of show] is, above all, a love letter to the musical theatre -- a uniquely American art form -- and to the joy of collaboration.' Adult language and themes. Music and Lyrics by Jeff Bowen, Book by Hunter Bell. Producer, Musical Director - A. Victor Jones, Vocal Music Director - A Victor Jones, Additional staging and blocking - Abby Reeves, Lighting Designer - Dale Harris, Set Design - Ethan Mauger, Stage Manager - Emily Bartholic, Lighting and Sound Boards - Emma Clement and Eliojah Boggs. Cast: Jeff, a composer/lyricist - Ethan Mauger, Hunter, a book writer - Hunter Allen, Susan, their actor friend - Emily Bartholic, Heidi, their actor friend - Abby Reeves, Larry, their pianist - A Victor Jones. Performances are Nov. 3 - 7, 2022 at the Wagner Theatre | Brasee Hall, Ohio University Lancaster, 1570 Granville Pike Lancaster, OH 43130. For tickets or more information, visit: https://commerce.cashnet.com/oul-theatre

Inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. Charismatic Newsie, Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across New York City to strike against the powerful newspaper publisher, Joseph Pulitzer when he raises the price of newspapers at the newsies' expense. Together the newsies learn that they are stronger united and fight for what's right. Newsies Jr. is a fun show for the entire family and features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.

Successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a car crash by his 'Number One Fan,' Annie Wilkes, and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads the manuscript to his newest novel and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new 'Misery' novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere. By William Goldman based on the novel by Stephen King, Directed by Ben Viccellio, the Cast includes: Maureen Browning, Bruce Jacklin & Steve Jefferson. Performances are Oct. 21 - Nov. 12 , 2022, at The Alcove Dinner Theatre, 116 South Main St., Mount Vernon, OH 43050. For tickets or more information, visit: https://www.alcoverestaurant.com/dinner-theatre.html#/

In this dramatic work by Lee Blessing, three generations of highly intelligent and freethinking women attempt to reconcile years of family dysfunction. Dorothea was a repressed housewife and mother of three sons and a daughter, Artemis (Artie), whom she favored. She discovered that being an eccentric suited her perfectly and spent a lifetime thrusting her wild ideas and beliefs onto an unappreciative and doubting Artemis. Artemis ran away from Dorothea as soon as she could and kept on the move until she married and had a daughter of her own. She named her Barbara, but Dorothea renamed the child Echo and began to teach her everything from Ancient Greek to calculus. What Echo loves most is words and spelling. The title of the show comes from the winning word that Echo spelled correctly at the National Spelling Bee. The play jumps backward and forward in time. As one character relives a memory, the other two play themselves as they were during that time. In one memory, Echo portrays herself as a three-month-old. At the beginning of the play, Dorothea has suffered a stroke and is bedridden and catatonic for several scenes. Throughout the play, however, she takes part in her memories and then transitions back to the present, trapped in her minimally responsive body. The director and actors in Eleemosynary have the challenge of making these memory scenes feel authentic with smooth transitions and blocking. Written by Lee Blessing. Directed by Aynn Titchenal, Stage Manager Kathy Hyland. the Cast includes: Sarah Bender (Echo), Mony Carpenter (Dorthea), & Shelly Riggs (Artie) Performances run Oct 21 - Nov 6, 2022 at Curtain Players, 5691 Harlem Road, Galena, Ohio 43021. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: http://curtainplayers.org

Struggling with recent changes in her life, Mary has come to the end of her rope and finds herself at the Sanderson Inn, where she finds that haunting can go both ways. This lighthearted comedy was written by our fondly remembered friend and local playwright, Jack Petersen, who worked with OOTBCT many times.