The Lifespan of a Fact  February 5, 6 & 7. By Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell, and Gordon Farrel.

Presented by permission through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, A Dramatists Play Service Title.

In this sharp media satire that explores the boundaries between fact and fiction, fresh-out-of-Harvard fact checker Jim Fingal faces off against esteemed writer John D’Agata, whose new essay might be able to revitalize their fading magazine… if only he could prove its veracity. Taut, gripping and concerned with exactly how much we can stretch the truth in pursuit of a good story, The Lifespan of a Fact is based off Fingal and D’Agata’s critically-acclaimed nonfiction book of the same title.

Moving gracefully through discussions of Las Vegas geography, temporary lap dancing restrictions and accurately portraying the fullness of a teenage boy‘s life, the play shines with wit and wisdom. Under the watchful eye of their editor, Emily Penrose, Fingal and D‘Agata come head-to-head in a comedic yet gripping battle over facts versus truth.

Directed by Deb Hollett and Produced by Patrick Bracken

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time  March 12, 13, 19, 20 & 21.  Adapted by Simon Stephens. Based on the Novel by Mark Haddon. Presented by permission through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, A Dramatists Play Service Title.

15-year-old Christopher stands beside his neighbor Mrs. Shears’ dead dog. It has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight, and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in the book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington the dog.

Christopher has an extraordinary brain and is exceptional at math, but he is ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. But Christopher’s detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that turns his world upside-down.

Simon Stephens’ adaptation of Mark Haddon’s bestselling, award-winning novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time offers a richly theatrical exploration of this touching and bleakly humorous tale.

Directed by Mikey Dearn.  Produced by Stephen Jean.  Choreographer Valerie Langlais.

Haphazardly Ever After  April 30 & May 1, 2, 7 & 8.  By Jeff Fluharty. Presented by permission through special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service.

A kind king and queen have trouble in their royal family — four obnoxious, bratty, adult children who do not live up to their royal titles.  There’s the mean Princess Cinnamon, the not-so-bright Princess Peppermint, the vain Prince Hairgel, and Prince Slacker, who thinks being a prince is just way, way too hard.  The king and queen try everything to bring happiness and harmony to their family.  They hire a royal therapist, bring in royal teachers, and even attempt to marry off their children, all to no avail. 

The king and queen are ready for a happily-ever-after that doesn’t include adult children still living at home, so they call upon the fairy godmother to help.  However, after learning the outrageous cost of hiring the fairy godmother (let alone the permits required), the king and queen decide to create a do-it-yourself magic spell with the help of supplies purchased at The Enchanted Depot.  Royal chaos!  Of course, nothing goes as planned, but everyone is changed by their experiences.  And through a series of haphazard events, the royal family just might live happily ever after, after all.

This Youth Production is directed by Patricia Haddock.  Produced by Kathi Grenier.

9 to 5 The Musical   August 6, 7 & 8. Music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick. Presented by permission through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.

Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?

Directed by Lou-Ellen Corkum.  Produced by Stephanie Ruggiere. 

Our Town  October 8, 9, 15, 16 & 17.  By Thornton Wilder.  Presented by permission through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, a Samuel French, Inc. title.

A landmark in American drama, Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Our Town tells the story of a small town, Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, in order to tell us the story of every town, the whole world over. Narrated by the “Stage Manager”, we follow the Gibbs and Webb families, residents of Grover’s Corners, through twelve years of life changes — from the mundane in Act I, “Daily Life,” to the romantic in Act II, “Love and Marriage,” to the devastating in Act III, “Death and Eternity.” Through the young lovers Emily and George, their strong and loving parents, and the many other Grover’s Corners’ locals, Wilder delivers universal truths about what it means to be human. “Oh, earth,” Emily Webb exclaims towards the play’s end, “you’re too wonderful for anyone to realize you.” With humor, wit, and exceptionally powerful storytelling, Our Town offers a unique opportunity for audience members to make precisely that realization.

Directed by Hannah Bilis. Produced by Maritza Cordero.

Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus   December 10, 11 & 12.  By Jamie Gorski.  Presented by permission through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, a Playscripts Title.

Two compelling stories come together in this heartwarming play inspired by the famous editorial Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, 1897, in New York City, eight-year-old Virginia is left pondering whether or not Santa really exists after a series of unhappy events. Meanwhile, a young newspaper editor also struggles against tough holiday times as he is faced with losing his job if he can’t find his writer’s voice by morning. Even though they don’t know each other, the spirit of Christmas is about to bring these people together, creating in the process an unforgettable and cherished part of classic Christmas folklore.

Directed by Cheyenne Grenier and Kathi Grenier.  Produced by Kathi Grenier.