Written by Michael Slade
Directed by Marge Ventura
April 19 – April 22, 2012

Overview

At the height of the Nazi revolution, a city is torn apart when its Jewish residents are forced to live in a makeshift camp while awaiting a trip to the concentration camps. Amid the horror of this new way of life, the children write poems and stories to keep their hope and souls alive. This dramatic tale combines the poetry and stories of the children to weave this beautiful tale of creative survival.

Book by Michael Stewart
Lyrics by Lee Adams
Music by Charles Strouse
Directed by Tina M. Sheing
Assistant Direction by Lucy Marie Smith
June 15 to 24, 2011

Overview

This hit Broadway musical, inspired by the life of Elvis Presley, spawned such crowd favorites as “Put on a Happy Face,” “Kids,” and “Bye Bye Birdie.” Teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie is on a final tour of the country before he goes off to war. Who will win the ultimate prize – his one last kiss? Maybe it will be Kim McAfee, the all-American teenage girl who runs his fan club! Maybe Conrad will give up the rock and roll life and stay in Sweet Apple. Maybe parents will finally understand their kids. One thing’s for certain – Birdie isn’t going bye-bye so easily!

Book by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson
Music & Lyrics by Carol Hall
Directed by Henry Porreca
May 4 to 19, 2012

Contains adult language and situations.

Overview

Yeeee-haw! Come on down to Miss Mona’s Chicken Ranch for a good time – after all, it’s just a lil’ ole bitty country place, with nothing dirty goin’ on! But try telling that to Melvin P. Thorpe, the crusading reporter out to shut down Miss Mona and the Chicken Ranch for good. Inspired by a true story, this raucous and hilariously satiric musical delighted audiences for four years on Broadway.

Written by Steve Martin
Directed by Jean Eggen
March 16 – 31, 2012

Overview

What if Einstein and Picasso met before they fractured space and time and changed our understanding of the world? This rollicking and unpredictable comedy from famed comedian Steve Martin imagines just such a meeting at the dawn of the 20th Century in the Paris bar, the Lapin Agile. As they debate what the new century will hold, the bar patrons offer hilarious nonstop commentary. This absurdist comedy ends with a final flourish – a mysterious visitor from the future.

CAST:
Freddy: Ed Elder
Gaston: Mike Vuccola
Germaine: Kathy Buterbaugh
Einstein: Jumbo Schimpf
Suzanne: Erica Negron
Sagot: Andrew Chambless
Picasso: Tim Sheridan
Schmendiman: Wayne Meadows
Countess and Woman: Katie Brady
Visitor: Jackson Borges

Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Book by Alfred Uhry
Directed by Chris Turner
Music Direction by Steven Weatherman
Choreography by Barbara Walker
January 27 to February 11, 2012
Contains adult situations and language.

Susan Graham Paire of Philadelphia Jewish Culture Examiner, says:

“This cast presents a focused, seamless, energetic, passionate production of Parade.”

“The tender lyrics in “All the Wasted Time,” combined with Sheehan’s poignant portrayal and Gallatin’s superb talent, makes this a most excellent, moving scene.”

Charles “Ebbie” Alfree III, Delaware Arts Info, says:

“Brendan Sheehan…one of the best local performers in Delaware…gives an incredible performance.”

“[Rebecca Gallatin and Jeffrey Santoro] rise to the challenge of this compelling production and give outstanding performances.”

Holly Quinn of Stage Magazine says:

“If this all sounds like a lot for a small community theater to handle — the emotional subject matter, the shocking nature of the events, and the challenging Broadway musical pieces — it definitely is. The Wilmington Drama League, under the direction of Chris Turner, was up for the task, and I say without hesitation that they pulled it off completely.”

“PARADE left me with plenty to think about, and a renewed sense of awareness of the damage sensationalism and vitriol can cause, even today.”

Our friends Kristin Romero and Parade director, Chris Turner, shot and produced this promo video for the upcoming production. Watch it and buy your tickets today.

Overview

In 1913 Georgia, an uneasy racial truce is shattered when Leo, a Jewish man, is accused of murder. Corruption, blackmail, media sensationalism, and the need for a scapegoat seem to doom him to an early grave – but can his wife and a sympathetic governor save him in time? Based on a true story, Parade won Tony Awards in 1999 for its gripping book by Alfred Uhry and powerful score by Jason Robert Brown (Songs for a New World, The Last 5 Years).

Cast and Crew

A New Family Musical
Book and Lyrics by Kate Monaghan
Music composed by Matt Casarino
Directed by Tina Sheing
Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23, 7:30
Suggested Donation: $10

Overview

Don’t miss the first-ever public concert reading of the new family holiday musical RESOLUTIONS, staged by Tina Sheing with costumes and music!

RESOLUTIONS picks up where Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL leaves off, telling the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge’s next year. Have the Spirits of Christmas really changed him, or will Scrooge succumb to his old, greedy ways? Find out in this new musical filled with laughs, romance, and spirit (and spirits!). This reading features a large cast of adults, teens and kids and new, original music.

After the reading, stay for a talkback and Q&A session with playwright & lyricist Kate Monaghan, composer Matt Casarino, director Tina Sheing, and all the actors.

Suggested donation is only $10. All proceeds will support the Chrysalis Players.

Direction by Kathy Buterbaugh
Music Direction by Steven Weatherman
December 9 – 30, 2011

Overview

A tornado whisks young Dorothy away into a world of Munchkins, wicked (and good) witches, strange friends, flying monkeys, and an all-seeing Wizard in the epic musical The Wizard of Oz. Featuring all the characters and songs from the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz will take audiences of all ages on a breathtaking journey down the yellow brick road, through the Emerald City, and into the eyes of the Wizard himself. You’re not in Kansas any more!

Cast and Crew