I’m really excited about the lineup for next season – a new play, a new musical, some heartfelt warm fuzzies, some serious topics, some dark biting humor,  just the right amount of make-you-misty-eyed-lump-in-your-throat moments, and a whole lotta laughs!

The Williamston Theatre
2011-2012 Season

 

The Dead Guy 

by Eric Coble

Directed by Tony Caselli
A co-production with the Michigan State University Department of Theatre
September 29 – October 30, 2011

•The Pitch: You get one million dollars to spend over the next seven days. A camera crew follows your every move and broadcasts your adventures on national television.

•The Hook: At the end of the week…you die.

•The Best Part: The viewing audience gets to vote on the method of your death! For hard-luck Eldon Phelps, the deal is irresistible. But does America have the stomach for this much reality? 

A wicked satire, this hilarious dark comedy skewers "reality television" and our national obsession with it.

*Contains Mature Language and Themes

 

This Wonderful Life

by Steve Murray
Directed by Tony Caselli
November 25 – December 23, 2011 

Back by popular demand!  John Lepard returns to the Williamston stage in his award-winning role as George Bailey, Mr. Potter, and the entire population of Bedford Falls in this theatrical re-telling of the classic holiday film It’s A Wonderful Life.  Superbly adapted from the most irresistible and entertaining “what if” story of all time, this one-man tour de force reminds us of the power of perspective, friendship and faith.  A holiday experience for the whole family.

“If you’re impressed…you should be.” – Martin Kohn, EncoreMichigan

 

Dead Man’s Shoes 

by Joseph Zettelmaier
Directed by David WolberA co-production with Performance Network Theatre
January 26 – February 26  

A World Premiere from a Michigan playwright!

The year is 1883.  The notorious outlaw Injun Bill Picote has escaped from prison, along with a hard-luck drunk named Froggy.  The unlikely partners endure trials and bizarre misadventures as they set out to right a terrible wrong in this outrageous new dark comedy about life, friendship and vengeance in the Wild West.  As Bill’s past catches up with him, and Froggy helps him discover his long-ignored conscience, a question arises: Is the hope of a better life stronger than the need to avenge the death of a friend? What starts out as a sweeping epic tale boils down to an incredibly funny, insightful and deeply personal journey for two men… and a pair of shoes.

*Contains Mature Language and Themes

 

The Usual: A Musical Love Story
Directed by Tony Caselli

Book and Lyrics by Alan Gordon 
Music by Mark Sutton-Smith

March 22 – April 22, 2012

 
The World Premiere of an exciting new musical!
Take one lonely guy, add a shot of lonely girl and a dash of spunky bartender, blend and serve!  Two strangers, each unhappy with their love lives, have a chance encounter in a bar where “the usual” isn’t usual at all. Join Kip, Valerie and Sam as they navigate the treacherous waters of dating, romance and relationships.  This modern musical journey through love and life will keep you coming back for more.

*Contains Mature Themes

 

The Understudy
By Theresa Rebeck
Directed by Rob Roznowski
May 17 – June 17, 2012

Jake is a mid-level action film star seeking legitimacy by acting in a Broadway play.  Harry is a middle-aged journeyman actor who may or may not be just a little bitter about understudying a mid-level action film star in a Broadway play.  Roxanne just wants to run the rehearsal without anyone killing anyone else. Take a trip behind the scenes as a trio of theatre professionals struggle to balance ego, art and commerce in this biting, thoughtful comedy that highlights the ridiculous and fleeting nature of fame. 
*Contains Mature Language

 

Red, White and Tuna
By Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard
Directed by John Lepard
July 12 – August 19, 2012

 

Reprising their roles from our smash-hit production of Greater Tuna, the hilarious team of Aral Gribble and Wayne David Parker return for the outrageous summertime sequel, once again portraying the entire population of the town in this quick-change comedy.  The 4th of July in Tuna, Texas means it’s time for the Tuna High School Class Reunion, and the return of some of your favorite Tuna residents, like Petey Fisk and Reverend Spikes, as well as some outlandish newcomers!  You won’t want to miss this loving, side-splitting satire of life where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies.