Spotlight also shines on kids’ musicals in upcoming season
T he fall repertoire of the Fredericksburg Theater Company (FTC) 28th season highlights wordsmiths from the 1900s and ends with a play written in the 21st century.
For more than 20 years, the FTC has been delighting audiences with professional-quality musicals, comedies and dramas on stage at the Steve W. Shepherd Theater, 1668 U.S. 87 South.
The theater also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including guest artists, musicians, comedy acts and classic cinema.
In the fall, shows include “The Odd Couple: Female Version”; “The Gift of the Magi”; “Peter and the Starcatcher” and “Proof.”
“We’re continuing to provide uplifting entertainment to the community and visitors,” said Jeryl Hoover, executive director of FTC. “There are three opportunities to come to our house for live theater fun this fall.”
Donations
Most of FTC’s funding is from private donations, but the theater also receives grants and corporate donations.
Donation levels begin at $250 with the Performer level and include Stage Manager ($500), Composer ($1,750), Playwright ($2,500), Producer ($5,000), Executive Producer ($7,500) and Award Winner ($10,000).
Eachlevelofsupportcomeswithtickets,recognition and other special features. Donors can also pledge support in the form of monthly donations, starting at $25 a month.
Tickets
Tickets go on sale for each production a full two weeks prior to opening night at the FTC Box Office at the Shepherd Theater.
Donors can order tickets three weeks prior to opening. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the FTC office at 888-669-7114 or online at fredericksburgtheater.org.
Office hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets may also be purchased online at fredericksburgtheater.org.
All main stage productions are on weekends, with Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday performances at 2 p.m. The schedule of Main Stage productions and Special Events can be found on the FTC website.
October 18-27 Fall Comedy: The Odd Couple: Female Version
Florence Unger and Olive Madison, that is, in Neil Simon’s hilarious contemporary comic classic: the female version of The Odd Couple make sparks fly. Olive invites the recently single Florence to move in as her roommate. However, Olive and Florence have very different personalities. Olive’s easy-going outlook on life soon clashes with Florence’s highly strung neurotic tendencies, testing their friendship to the limit. When Olive organizes a double-date, their differences come to a head.
Nov. 1-2
Texas Hill Country Cowboy Gathering
A two-day festival of song, story and poetry features internationally acclaimed, regional and local talent. Songwriters, poets and balladeers will celebrate the legend and cowboy spirit. Tickets available early fall and through Event Brite (Rated G) Texashillcountrycowboygathering. com.
Nov. 16-17 Winter Musical: Aristocats KIDS
Based on the beloved Disney animated film, and featuring a jazzy, upbeat score, Disney’s “The Aristocats KIDS” is a non-stop thrill ride of feline fun. In the heart of Paris, a kind and eccentric millionairess wills her entire estate to Duchess, her high-society cat, and her three little kittens. Laughs and adventure ensue as the greedy, bumbling butler pulls off the ultimate catnap caper. Now it’s up to the rough-and-tumble alley cat, Thomas O’Malley, and his band of jazz cats to save the day. (Rated G)
Dec. 5-15 Holiday Show: The Gift of the Magi
O. Henry’s classic Christmas story comes to life in this romantic musical adaptation, originally presented as a network television special. In turn-of-the-century New York, newlyweds Jim and Ella struggle to make ends meet. Despite their bleak circumstances, they each make sacrifices to try and make Christmas special, leading to an ironic but heartwarming conclusion.
Feb. 14-March 2, 2025 Winter Musical: Peter and the Starcatcher
This Tony Award winning play with music is based on the best-selling novel, and upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan boy becomes the legendary Peter Pan. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, and with characters such as Black Stache and Smee, this highly theatrical production playfully explores the depths of greed and despair ... and the bonds of friendship, duty and love.
April 5-6, 2025 Spring Musical: Godspell Jr.
A group of disciples help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, are employed as the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage. Jesus’ messages of kindness, tolerance and love vibrantly come to life. (Rated G)
May 2-11, 2025 Spring Drama: Proof
On the eve of her 25th birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions, the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire, and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father’s who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father’s madness — or genius — will she inherit? David Auburn’s play won a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize.
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