The Cracked Slipper
Written and Directed By Madeleine Fichera Music by Natalie Lindblooom On Stage August 16th- Sept.1st 2024 We are excited to announce that Barnstormers is hosting the world premier of this delightful and funny play by a local playwright.Buoyed with self-confidence (and a little over-exaggeration of experience) Salem embarks on a hilarious misadventure into the community theatre world. Suddenly finding them-self in charge of a production of Cinderella, Salem decides that breaking free of stereotypes will get them high marks in their classes. But will feminist Grace, cast as Cinderella, be able to rein in her feelings about women’s rights. Or what about Parker, cast as a lead, who barely speaks above a whisper? And what will happen when the original director finally returns for the opening night performance? If only fairy godmothers were real because Salem could definitely use a little magic to fix the mess they have made.
Angel Street
(Gaslight)
by Patrick Hamilton Directed by Esteban Linares On Stage Oct.11-27th 2024 Murder and mystery loom in the air in Patrick Hamilton’s classic Victorian thriller, Angel Street. Mysterious things have been happening in the Manningham household: items go missing, their dog is injured, and Mrs. Manningham hears footsteps coming from the locked, uninhabited top floor. She fears that she is going mad–that is certainly what Mr. Manningham believes. But when Detective Rough arrives one night to visit Mrs. Manningham while she is alone, questions arise and secrets are revealed about her husband. Suddenly, insanity is no longer the biggest threat she faces as she discovers she has married a dangerous man.
The Velveteen Rabbit
By Philip Grecian
Directed by Jeremy Pyle
On Stage December 6th-29th 2024
Margery Williams’ beloved children’s book comes to life in this enchanting tale for young and old alike. Through the eyes of a young child, the Velveteen Rabbit discovers the true meaning of being loved and cherished.The story follows a stuffed rabbit’s journey to become real. With whimsical characters, imaginative storytelling, and a sprinkle of wonder, this timeless play reminds us all that real beauty lies within the depths of our hearts.
Devour The Snow
by Abe Polsky
Directed by Robert Pyle
On Stage Jan.31st-Feb.16th 2025
A riveting courtroom drama drawn from the harrowing saga of the ill-fated Donner Party, some of whose members perished while snowbound in the Sierra Nevada mountains.The action takes place at Sutter’s Fort, in northern California, in 1847. Lewis Keseberg, a German emigrant and survivor of the tragic Donner Party expedition, has brought a suit for slander against several other survivors, who have accused him of being a grave robber and murderer. As the trial testimony proceeds the awful facts of the expedition’s demise are revealed…
Lost (and found) In IKEA
by Gary Ray Stapp
Directed by Jill Glover
On Stage March 21st-April 6th 2025
Can two strangers find love at IKEA? Possibly—with a playful ghost involved. Winifred and Lex are both lonely hearts, but neither of them is convinced that true love can be found while shopping. Winifred’s brother and Lex’s deceased wife think differently and have decided to play cupid for their reluctant loved ones, who unexpectedly find themselves wrestling with love-at-first-sight. Unfortunately, the budding romance is distracted by mayhem of all sorts when a homeless man and a shopaholic ex-con fight over an alarm clock, while a snarky, bitter married couple play a convoluted game of hide-and-seek that eventually leads to several of them literally losing their shirts. Luckily, the store security guard has words of wisdom for all, but even his hands are full when a protest organizer launches into the National Anthem. But when push comes to shove, all is well that ends well when those who are lost in IKEA find love where they least expected it.
Join us for the Marcy Anne Kightlinger One Act Play Festival and Fundraiser! Watch as 5 talented, local drama troupes bring their one-act plays to life. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Marcy Anne Kightlinger Foundation, which awards scholarships to aspiring young theater artists in our community. Come and celebrate Marcy Anne’s legacy and passion for the stage and support the next generation of theater makers.
Marcy Anne Kightlinger was truly extraordinary. You would often find her walking through school halls in her Shakespearean outfits reading scripts, oblivious to the outside world. Her passion for drama ignited at the tender age of nine when she attended the ice capades. The magic on the ice resonated deeply with her, awakening a love for the arts that was palpable even to her seven-year-old sister.
Marcy’s journey in drama began with her first play, a Christmas production when she was nine. She participated in one play during middle school and blossomed in high school, where she starred in eight different productions. Her standout roles included Annie Sullivan in “The Miracle Worker,” “The Crucible,” Maggie Pollitt in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” and Katherine Minola in “The Taming of the Shrew.”
She was also a part of her high school’s drama club, performing at various events such as a Halloween Maze and a Christmas play at nursing homes, where she portrayed the Angel of Christmas. Marcy’s talents extended beyond high school as she took the stage at the Barnstormers Theater in four plays. Remarkably, she landed a lead role over her drama teacher, Sue Dawson, who was also auditioning for the part.
In addition to her acting prowess, Marcy helped her mother make costumes for her drama club. Marcy was a great seemstress and made beautiful costumes for herself. Her dedication and talent were so impressive that Sue Dawson even encouraged her to try out for a lead role at the Barnstormers, a challenge Marcy embraced and conquered.
After Marcy’s untimely passing, her parents established a scholarship in her honor. From 1985 to 1995, Barnstormers Theater hosted a One-Act Play Festival fundraiser to support the scholarship. Now, Marcy’s sister Marleen is rekindling the festival at Barnstormers once again, and enlisting the participation of Grants Pass High School, North Valley High School, Hidden Valley High School, North Middle School, and South Middle School in this tribute to Marcy’s legacy and passion for drama.
9-5 The Musical
By Patricia Resnik
Music & Lyrics by Dolly Parton
Directed by Gabrielle Hahn and Tanaia Green
Three unlikely friends take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can’t do, even in a man’s world.
Based on the 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s. this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.
Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?
On stage May 23rd- June 15th