The 2023 season
The Playhouse reduced its 2023 season from five to two fully produced theatrical productions, and added two smaller shows with shorter runs. The change reflected the impact that the pandemic had, and continues to have, on the Playhouse and the performing arts community nationwide. To overcome financial challenges, the board of trustees implemented a new plan to transform the Playhouse into a performing arts center with programming for a broader audience while continuing to produce theater.
“While there’s a deep respect for the Playhouse history and what it is today, there’s also an eagerness for growth, change, and the next chapter. We are listening; we care about what the audience wants to see on the Playhouse stage. We won’t lose our theatergoers; we simply are looking to increase our audience by offering more entertainment options to appeal to our entire community.” —Athena T. Adamson, chair, Playhouse board of trustees
Ain’t Misbehavin’
April 11 – 29
Director Jeffrey L. Page reimagines this vibrant celebration of jazz pioneer Fats Waller’s extraordinary career, while exploring the metaphorical masks Waller and his musicians assumed while performing for white audiences.
Conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray Horwitz
Directed and Choreographed by Jeffrey L. Page
A Co-production with Barrington Stage and Geva Theatre Center
Dial M For Murder
July 11 – 30
A devious husband, his wealthy wife, and her lover. This edge-of-your-seat, classic thriller has been brilliantly adapted by playwright Jeffrey Hatcher, who has created even more surprises and diabolic twists than the celebrated Hitchcock film! Artistic Director Mark Lamos’ final show prior to his retirement after 15 seasons at the Playhouse.
Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher
From the Original by Frederick Knott
Directed by Mark Lamos
First Lady of Song, Cherise Coaches Sings Ella Fitzgerald
October 27 – November 5
Broadway actress and recording artist Cherise Coaches presents a romantic concert event saluting America’s favorite jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. Weaving beloved songs with personal, heartfelt stories, Coaches reflects on Ella’s iconic artistry and celebrates her rags to riches life story.
Presented by Artists Lounge Live
Written and directed by Angela Ingersoll
A Sherlock Carol
December 19 – 23
Two beloved classic tales. One thrilling new mystery. A heartwarming holiday production for all ages—and a theatrical experience you’ll never forget! Reunite with the characters you love from Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, now brought together in a story of intrigue and suspense, with a helping of holiday cheer.
Written and Directed by Mark Shanahan
Learn MoreScript in Hand playreadings
Script in Hand playreadings offer intimate storytelling as professional actors bring the words to life without sets or costumes, rehearsing in the afternoon and taking the stage in the evening for one performance only. This season saw the launch of Mic in Hand – a spin-off of the Script in Hand series.
February 13
As Bees Drown in Honey
By Douglas Carter Beane
Directed by Mark Shanahan
March 13
Mauritius
by Theresa Rebeck
Directed by Theresa Rebeck
May 15
Ari Axelrod: A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway
Introducing – Mic in Hand!
June 12
Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Adapted for the Stage by Mark Shanahan
From the Novel by Agatha Christie
Directed by Mark Shanahan
August 21
Maytag Virgin
Written and Directed by Audrey Cefaly
September 18
100 Saints You Should Know
By Kate Fodor
Directed by Maria Dizzia
November 13
Theatre People
by Paul Slade Smith
Directed by Mark Shanahan
December 4
Warrior Class
By Kenneth Lin
Directed by Mark Shanahan
New Works
Providing a space for the incubation of plays, musicals, and other works of theater.
April 24
Bad Accents
by Matthew Greene
Directed by Liam Lonegan
June 5
Quick Service
by May Treuhaft-Ali
Directed by Christina Angeles
Family Festivities
Theater experiences for kids, parents, and grandparents to share.
February 12
Woof Woof the Shadow Pup
Produced by Woof Woof the Shadow Pup Theater
February 26
Pete’s Big Hollywood Adventure
Produced by TheaterWorksUSA
May 21
The Pout-Pout Fish
Produced by TheaterWorksUSA
June 24
The Magic School Bus™: Lost in the Solar System
Produced by TheaterWorksUSA
December 2
The Lightning Thief: TYA Edition
Produced by TheaterWorksUSA
Special Events
Concerts, fundraisers, and more!
March 5
Scaredy Kat Presents
by Janine Sobeck Knighton
Directed by Jenny Nelson
The inaugural production of the Playhouse Mobile Unit
June 15
Patti LuPone: Don’t Monkey with Broadway
Directed by Scott Wittman
Musical Direction by Joseph Thalken
September 9
An Evening with Justin Paul & Friends with Kelli O’Hara & James Naughton
Directed by Caley Beretta
Fundraiser
September 22
I’ll Drink to That! A Broadway Cocktail Hour
With Author Laurence Maslon
September 28
Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Being Alive
with Adam Ben-David on Piano
December 2023
A Merry Little Christmas Carol
Based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
English 
Spanish