Cumberland County Playhouse Announces 2017 Season

"Something that's sure to please everyone in 2017," is the promise of Cumberland County Playhouse producing director Bryce McDonald while announcing the upcoming season at the award-winning theatrical venue located in the hill of Tennessee.

The 2017 CCP season is described as "a lineup that includes recent Broadway blockbusters, perennial favorites and world premieres" sure to keep audiences coming back to Crossville for what's been called "the best musical theatre this side of New York."

"There'll be something that's sure to please everyone in 2017," says McDonald. "From a lavish Disney spectacle for the whole family to some of the funniest farces ever, from a gripping mystery to an electrifying, history-making recording session, from a hilarious political satire to a hand-clapping musical so jubilant it threatens to shake walls down, our new season will be filled with excitement."

The 2017 season includes:

The Odd Couple: This classic comedy opens as a group of guys assemble for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it's no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean-freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as The Odd Couple is born. Jason Ross and Britt Hancock star in this hysterically funny Tony Award winner! Running January 21 through March 31, and directed by Kathleen Gilpatrick, Adventure Theater.

Seussical the Musical: A fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza based on the books of Dr. Seuss! The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a little Who with a big imagination. Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community emerge triumphant and all these unique characters find what they seek ? their places in the world. Join our Playhouse youth and volunteer cast on this exciting, magical journey that's fun for the whole family! Running February 4 through March 3, and directed by Weslie Webster.

Greener Pastures: After quitting her job, Dorothy, a stressed out, 38-year-old children's television star checks out a retirement center for her soon-to-be-divorced mother and impulsively decides to move in herself. However, her curmudgeonly roommate, Maxine, and Maxine's motley posse make Dorothy's dreams of a calm future uncertain. Greener Pastures is a hilarious new comedy by Lori Fischer, author of The Sparkley Clean Funeral Singers and Barbara's Blue Kitchen, and stars Playhouse favorites Patty Payne, Weslie Webster and Carol Irvin. Running March 10 through April 21, and directed by Bryce McDonald, Adventure Theater.

A Second Helpin': They're servin' it up again in the Church Basement kitchen! In the sequel to 2016's smash hit Church Basement Ladies, the year is 1969 and the world is a changing. In their small rural Minnesota community, the church basement ladies are dealing with changes of their own. With heartwarming humor and hilarious antics, A Second Helping takes us from serving the High School students at the Luther League Banquet to a church sponsored Missionary Night and the rise and fall of a Viking's Super Bowl Sunday. From the elderly matriarch of the kitchen to the young mom-to-be, these women find strength in each other as they once again deal with the joys and upheavals from below the "House of God!" Running April 7 through May 27, Adventure Theater.

Million Dollar Quartet: The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by the true story of the famed recording session where Sam Phillips, the "Father of Rock 'n' Roll" brought together icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley for one unforgettable night at Sun Records in Memphis, TN. Featuring over 20 Rock 'n' Roll hits including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Folsom Prison Blues," "That's All Right," "Hound Dog," "See You Later, Alligator"and "Great Balls of Fire", this incredible musical is sure to get your toes tappin' and hands clappin' as these legendary performers come to life on stage! Running April 28 through June 9, and directed by Bryce McDonald, Mainstage.

Masterpiece: A Masterpiece is defined as an example of excellence; an outstanding work, achievement, or performance. At CCP, we believe every student is a masterpiece. Join our Education Department as they explore classical and contemporary works of art through theater, song, and dance. In this inspirational journey, watch their love, hard work, and skill come together - and experience their Masterpiece. Running May 12 and 13, and directed by Weslie Webster, Mainstage.

Smoke on the Mountain: Return to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church for the 24th year! The enthusiastic minister of the North Carolina church has enlisted the Sanders Family in his efforts to bring his tiny congregation into "the modern world." Between singing and playing a dozen bluegrass songs, each family member "witnesses" and tries to appear perfect in the eyes of a congregation who wants to be inspired by their songs. By the evening's end, the Sanders Family has endeared themselves to us by revealing their often hilarious weaknesses and allowing us to share in their triumphs. Running June 2 through August 10, and directed by Weslie Webster, Adventure Theater.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast: This smash hit Broadway musical tells the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. Disney's Beauty and the Beast has become an international sensation that has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 13 countries. We are thrilled to bring this magical production back to The Playhouse stage! Running June 16 through August 20, and directed by Britt Hancock, Mainstage.

Sister Act: Based on the hit 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act is the feel-good musical comedy that has audiences jumping to their feet! Filled with gospel music, outrageous dancing, and a truly moving story, it features original music by Tony and Oscar winner, Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors). After disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she's put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent! Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community, but in turn, blows her cover! A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is reason to REJOICE! Running July 21 through September 8, and directed by Bryce McDonald, Mainstage.

Lying in State: This side-splitting comedy centers on a late state senator who dies in a ridiculous gun accident, turning him into a national hero. The local political party leaders are frantically looking for someone to fill his senate seat. His ex-wife is looking for a bugler to play at his funeral. A host of other zany characters are looking for love, votes and the right casket in this madcap farce about love, politics and things not being what they seem to be. Running August 18 through October 6, Adventure Theater.

The Drowsy Chaperone: Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving send-up of the Jazz Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another. As the show begins, a man in a chair (Jason Ross) appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and The Drowsy Chaperone begins as The Man looks on. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theater producer, a not-so-bright hostess, gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and a tipsy chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight. Running September 15 through October 27, and directed by Britt Hancock (who starred in the national touring company of the show), Mainstage.

Sleepy Hollow: All is not what it seems in Sleepy Hollow: people are disappearing one by one. Legend has it the victims are being taken by a Headless Horseman? The town, wary of any outsiders, becomes fearful of the books and teachings schoolmaster Ichabod Crane brings to the village. And when Ichabod falls in love with Katrina Van Tassel, their blossoming romance leads to jealousy, mistrust, and ultimately betrayal, as we learn that the darkest monsters are the ones that lie within. Originally commissioned by the Signature Theatre in Arlington Virginia, Sleepy Hollow has a book by Tony nominee Hunter Foster (Summer of '42, Jasper in Deadland) and music and lyrics by Tony nominee Paul Gordon (Jane Eyre, Daddy Long Legs). Running October 13 through November 11, and directed by John Fionte, Adventure Theater.

Inspecting Carol: A regional theatre company is rehearsing its annual production of "A Christmas Carol," its cash cow, when it gets news of the impending arrival of an inspector from the National Endowment for the Arts to review their work. The actor playing Tiny Tim gets a better offer and leaves the production in the lurch. When an aspiring actor of somewhat questionable talent arrives to audition, he is mistaken for the inspector and given the part of the child actor. Hilarity ensues when the company goes on to stage an accident filled, error-laden production of their play. "I laughed till I cried...Sheer comic genius." - Journal American. Running November 3 through December 17, and directed by Kathleen Gilpatrick, Mainstage.

A Sanders Family Christmas: A Sanders Family Christmas is the sequel to Connie Ray and Alan Bailey's wildly successful bluegrass gospel musical Smoke on the Mountain. It's December 24, 1941, and America is going to war. So is Dennis Sanders of the Sanders Family Singers. Join Pastor Mervin Oglethorpe and the rest of the Sanders Family as they send Dennis off with hilarious and touching stories and twenty-five Southern Gospel Christmas favorites. A Playhouse Christmas family tradition now in its 19th year! Running November 17 through December 22, and directed by Weslie Webster, Adventure Theater.

Currently at The Playhouse, to close out 2016: A Christmas Story, through December 18, and A Sanders Family Christmas, through December 22. For details about season tickets, go to www.ccplayhouse.com.

To post a comment, you must register and login.