Totem Pole Playhouse Announces New Season Lineup

When picking a season for the Totem Pole Playhouse, Artistic Director, Ray Ficca, equates it to putting on a carnival that lasts the whole summer. "I want our patrons to feel that there will always be something new, different, and exciting, on the next ride. Like moving from the carousel to the roller-coaster to the bumper cars, a theatrical season shouldn't just be a menagerie of plays, but a total experience." With a collection of musicals, along with Broadway and Off-Broadway hits, variety and thrills abound at Totem Pole in 2009.

There will be two musical offerings at the Playhouse next season; The Cotton Patch Gospel, sponsored by Walker, Connor & Johnson LLC and Rotz & Stonesifer, a modern-day retelling of the Gospels of Matthew and John-set to the music of legendary singer/songwriter, Harry Chapin, and I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, an Off Broadway hit musical that explores the joys and woes of dating, romance, marriage, husbands, wives, and of course, in-laws and sponsored by Patriot Federal Credit Union.
For the comedy lover, Totem Pole will present three comedies in 2009. Bernard Slade, author of Same Time, Next Year, serves up a hilarious romantic comedy about a retired British writer and a hard-nose New York fim producer in You Say Tomatoes, sponsored by The Orchards Restaurant. The Martha's Vineyard Times says, "Slade's characters are colorful, the dialogue glib and spicy. . . . You Say Tomatoes is easy summer theatre light, juicy, warm." In I Hate Hamlet, sponsored by Franklin County Visitors Bureau, the ghost of the legendary John Barrymore duels both verbally and literally with a cocky, young television actor on the ways and means of the Bard in this delightfully funny send up to the theatrical word. The Queen of BINGO sponsored by F & M Trust Co gives the audience a chance to join in the fun as they visit sisters Babe and Sis at their weekly BINGO game at the local Catholic school. There is a BINGO game for all at intermission and the winner will receive a 10lb. frozen turkey as a prize.

Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie, sponsored by Orrstown Bank, spent nearly four years on the New York Times Best Seller List and has been adapted for both the stage and film. This touching and poignant story takes on a special breath of life when presented on stage for a live audience. It is a play for both the young and old alike.

The 2009 summer officially kicks off with Totem Pole's annual Theatre Fun Fest on Saturday, May 24 from 10 AM to 3 PM. This is a FREE community event with something for children of all ages. There will be back stage tours, sneak previews of the summer shows, magic shows, crafts & games for the children, face-painting, costume displays, a giant Flea Market with items from the Totem Pole attic. Totem Pole Friends provide a delicious array of bake goods for sale. Totem Pole Playhouse board members man the grill & soup stand selling hot dogs, burgers and home made chili & soup. This year's event is sponsored in part by The Rotary Club of Chambersburg Foundation.
A special showing of the movie version of Hamlet will be on Tuesday, June 23 at 7:30 PM. Don't understand Hamlet? Come share an evening at the Playhouse with the cast and crew of I Hate Hamlet. Ray Ficca, Artistic Director and the gang will offer a few easy insights on how to understand the fun and wonderment of the Bard's most famous work. General admission is $5.00.

Totem Pole's Children's Theatre Camp is scheduled for June 22 - July 3. Camp Director Jenny Kreyl Shoeman, director of drama at Renaissance Academy in Philadelphia is back by popular demand. Enrollment is limited to children ages 8 to 15 and acceptance is on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of scholarships are available. Tuition remains at $325 per student. Chambersburg Polka Charities is sponsoring in part several scholarships.

There is something for everyone at Totem Pole next season. For more information on any of the 2009 events, ordering tickets or holiday gift certificates call 888-805-7056 or visit www.TotemPolePlayhouse.org.

 

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