Cumberland County Playhouse announces 2003 lineup
“The Belle of Amherst” will kick off the season, beginning on Jan. 31, and ending April 17. Through the intertwining of poetry, letters, dramatic flashbacks, and narrative, people and events that shaped Emily Dickinson’s reclusive life are exposed. Ms. Dickinson, with all the attributes of a master of words, shares her eruption of imaginative brilliance as she composes her exquisite poetry and embraces her only love: Language. Patty Payne adds Emily Dickinson to her memorable roles, bringing the poet to life with humor, warmth and heart.
Next in line, beginning Feb. 28 and ending March 22 is the popular “Fiddler on the Roof.” Jim Crabtree and Carol Irvin return as Tevye and Golde in the rich musical based on the stories of Shalom Aleichem. “A Grand Night for Singing” will take the stage beginning March 29. This beautiful musical shares a romantic and emotional journey through loves various stage. The beginning and ending share a joyous affirmation of hope and possibility, while the whole show radiates delightful music and grand sounds.
The Broadway smash hit ad popular film “Sleuth” will begin performances in the O’Brien Adventure Theater on May 1. Terry Schwab and Jason Ross star in this marvelous mystery thriller full of style, suspense, skullduggery and surprises. The Sanders Family will return in the gospel musical comedies “Smoke on the Mountain” beginning May 15, and “A Sanders Family Christmas beginning Oct. 30. With them they will bring a heaping serving of southern culture, and a plethora of wholesome humor.
A special treat will be in store for audiences frequenting the playhouse beginning June 13. After earning the title of the longest running show in Broadway history, the remarkable popular “Cats” will grace the Playhouse stage. Packed with one of the most memorable musical scores of our time, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s fantastic feline musical will make its first Tennessee regional theater presentation, and one of the first in the south, in Cumberland County.
Settling into the O”Brien Adventure Theater on June 26, will be Larry Shue’s hilarious comedy. “The Foreigner” will be back to fill the season with laughter. Audiences will follow a socially inept English man, who is taken by a friend to rural Georgia to get away from the pressures of life. Due to his social shortcomings, he pretends to be a foreigner in hopes of not having to communicate with anyone. In the end he develops his own dialect with humorous repercussions.
Taking its place on the Mainstage beginning Sept. 4 is “Carousel,” one of Roger and Hammerstein’s greatest musicals. This work takes place in a quaint New England fishing village, and is a story of a love affair between a carnival man (Billy Bigelow) and a local factory worker (Julie Jordan). Despondent, and needing money after learning that Julie is pregnant Billy is killed during a botched robbery. Later, when he is allowed to return to earth for a short time, he seeks out the daughter from his final love affair.
“Little Me” joins the lineup Sept. 4. This show traces the intricate romance of lowly Belle Schlumpfert and lofty Noble Eggleston, expertly encompassing al the enjoyable elements of musical comedy. Belle embarks on a diverse career in hopes of improving her social ranking and justifying her will to marry Noble. In each experience, an admiring male accompanies Belle, and the result of each situation leads her one step closer to her intent.
The greatest Broadway tap musical of them all comes to the Playhouse Oct. 9. We can’t announce it yet, but you’ll want to come and meet those dancin’ feet, and see the chorus girl come back a star! This is the first Playhouse production of this 1930s movie — inspired Broadway favorite! Scrooge will make an appearance again this season as well. It will be here just in time to spread a little seasonal cheer, and round out the Mainstage season. Terry Schwab returns to portray Ebenezer Scrooge in a role that received superb reviews last year and is sure to attract much attention again.
Tickets for these shows range from $18 to $28 for adults and $9 to $14 for children and students. Group and senior discounts are available. For reservations please call the Cumberland County Playhouse box office at 931-484-5000. For more information on the Playhouse, visit us on the web at www.ccplay-house.com.