Providence Mainstage Season
The Beatle Club
By Teresa Sullivan
It is the summer of 1965, and it is “the best of times and the worst of times” for global politics, America, and American families. But in the quiet Township of Teaneck New Jersey, a suburb of New York City, 10-year-old Mary O’Shea and her three schoolmates are consumed with the imminent arrival of The Beatles at Shea Stadium. Mary leads her lively band of friends in forming a fan club, intent on inviting the British band to stay in their homes and, in return, hopefully receiving a personal invitation to the concert. But events, both past and present, threaten to burst their youthful bubble. The Beatle Club is the story of a nostalgic and timeless memory full of endearing humor and love of friendship and family. This is world premiere event.
Performance Dates and Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
October 8 – 23
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
October 10 & 17
Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells
By Allison Gregory
In this holiday favorite, Junie B. Jones, First-Grader, is super-excited about the upcoming Holiday Sing-Along and Secret Santa gift exchange at her school. Too bad tattletale May keeps ruining all of Junie B.’s fun. So, when Junie B. draws May’s name for Secret Santa, she comes up with the perfect plan to teach her nemesis a lesson! But will the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill interfere before she can give you-know-who what she deserves? A hilarious and endearing tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park. Suitable for children and families.
Performance Dates and Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
December 10 – 19
Saturday & Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
December 11, 12, 18 & 19
Enchanted April
By Matthew Barber
In this gentle and romantic comedy, two London housewives pool their savings to rent a villa in Italy for a ladies-only holiday away, reluctantly recruiting a pair of difficult upper-class women to share the cost and the experience. Against the backdrop of a country still reeling from World War I, the women join together under the Mediterranean sun, seeking a necessary balm of sunshine and renewal. Soon joined by the villa owner, husbands and lovers, the four women clash — and then begin to bond and bloom. Enchanted April won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New American Play in 2003, along with numerous Tony Award nominations.
Performance Dates and Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
March 25 – April 9
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
March 27 & April 3
Playing Juliet and Casting Othello
By Caleen Sinnette Jennings
The New Vistas Theatre Company sets out to put on Romeo and Juliet and Othello using a multi-racial cast. Wendy, the determined white director, has cast her long-time black friend, Georgia, in the role of Juliet. Tempers flare and friendships are strained when Jimmy, Georgia’s maintenance-man boyfriend, tries to prevent her from playing the role. In a later production of Othello, Jimmy, now married to the pregnant Georgia, has grown accustomed to being a stand-in for the lead in rehearsals. Despite his lack of training, Wendy thinks Jimmy could perform the role of Othello in front of an audience. The atmosphere is charged as Georgia vigorously opposes this casting. In these companion one-acts, issues of race, class, gender, politics and nontraditional casting emerge as the Bard brings out surprising fears, animosities, love and laughter in this company of players.
Performance Dates and Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
June 10 – 25
Saturday & Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
June 12 & 19
Providence PopUp Season
Providence PopUp productions will be announced as they are selected.