Stage

THIS WEEK: SEPT. 3 to 9, 2010

The Mystery of Edwin Drood, a musical version of Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel about love and murder. Performed by the Limelight Players at the Phoenix Performing Arts Centre, 409-411 Main St., Duryea. Tonight and Saturday at 7 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. $10. 457-3589.

On Golden Pond, Ernest Thompson’s touching drama about a couple celebrating their 48th year at their summer home. Presented by Masque Productions at the Grove Theater, Nuangola Road and Lake Avenue, Nuangola. Tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m. $20. 868-8212.

A Magical Evening at the Theatre, a benefit performance with Scranton magician John Graham in an elegant act of magic and comedy. Joined by magicians Bill Dickson, Tony Leandri, Denny Corby, Michael Simon and host Damian. Electric Theatre, 326 Spruce St., Scranton. Saturday at 8 p.m. 558-1515.

The Last of the Red Hot Lovers, the Neil Simon comedy about a basically decent man who wants to join the sexual revolution but just can’t succeed in sinning. Shawnee Playhouse, 1 River Road, Shawnee on Delaware. Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. $28, $15 children. 421-5093.

Dracula, the legendary vampire rises again, ready to seduce anew in this smart, bone-chilling adaptation of the classic tale of bloodlust and immortality. Performed by the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble at the Alvina Krause Theater, 226 Center St., Bloomsburg. Opens Thursday and continues through Sept. 23, then re-opens Oct. 7 to 10 with performances Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m. Additional performance Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. 784-8181 or bte.org.

Nashville 2, an original “boot-scootin’, achy-breaky” country-western musical-comedy revue bringing back the country hits of the last 50 years. Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville. Opens Thursday and continues through Sept. 19 with performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m. 283-2195.

FUTURE

A Night of Cabaret, an evening of singing, dancing and comedy to benefit the NEPTA Scholarship Fund for the Arts. Phoenix Performing Arts Centre, 409-411 Main St., Duryea. Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. $10. 457-3589.

The Producers, the Broadway musical about a down-on-his-luck producer who teams with his timid accountant to produce a bona-fide flop, then pocket the surplus investments. The tables are turned when the show unexpectedly becomes a hit. Little Theatre, 537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 11 to 19 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. 823-1875.

The Diary of Anne Frank, the drama about a young Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis who delivers hopes and aspirations in her diary entries. Performed by the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts at the J.J. Ferrara Center, 212 W. Broad St., Hazleton. Sept. 17-18 and 24 at 7 p.m.; Sept. 19 at 3 p.m.; Sept. 25 at 1 and 7 p.m. $15, $12 seniors and students; $8 children. Pre-show dinner available. 454-5451 or ptpashows.org.

The Little Mermaid, a musical for the entire family presented by Phoenix Kids Rising Stars. Phoenix Performing Arts Centre, 409-411 Main St., Duryea. Sept. 24 to Oct. 3 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $12, $10, $5. 457-3589.

A Little Murder Never Hurt Anybody, a zany comedy about a husband and wife engaged in a battle of wits as he attempts to murder her – and she dodges each attempt. Performed by Actors Circle at the Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road, Scranton. Opens with a preview performance Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. ($8). Regular run: Sept. 24 to Oct. 10 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $12, $10 seniors, $8 students. 342-9707.

Rumors, Neil Simon’s comedy about four couples trying to dodge a scandal by covering up a missing wife, a damaged car, an absent cook, a gunshot wound and rumors galore. Shawnee Playhouse, 1 River Road, Shawnee on Delaware. Sept. 24 to Oct. 24 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. $28, $15 children. 421-5093.

SHOUT! The ’60s mod girl-group musical following the adventures of five women growing up in London and setting their lives to the music of the British Invasion. Presented by Masque Productions at the Grove Theater, Nuangola Road and Lake Avenue, Nuangola. Sept. 24 to Oct. 3 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m. $20. 868-8212.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, adapted by Laura Eason from the Mark Twain novel. Performed by the University Players at the McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts, Monroe Avenue between Linden and Mulberry streets, University of Scranton. Sept. 24 to Oct. 3 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 p.m. 941-4318.

El Salon, a performance by Concert Dance Inc., the resident contemporary dance company of Chicago’s Ruth Page Center for the Arts. Included: “El Salon Mexico,” set to the music of Aaron Copland; and “Irregular Pearls,” a multimedia work recalling the troupe’s China tour. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. Sept. 25 at 8:30 p.m. $20. 325-0249.

Julius Caesar, Shakespeare’s political tragedy detailing the conspiracy against the Roman emperor. Performed by the King’s Players at the King’s College Theater, Administration Building, 133 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre. Sept. 29 to Oct. 2 and Oct. 4-5 at 7:30 p.m. $10, $5 students and seniors. 208-5825.

A Chorus Line, the musical story of a group of dancers auditioning for a Broadway show. Winner of nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for drama. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. Oct. 15 at 8 p.m.; Oct. 16 at 2 and 8 p.m.; Oct. 17 at 1 and 6 p.m. 342-7784 or broadwayscranton.org.

Magic of the Night, a haunted magic show with illusionist Stephen Knight conjuring chills and thrills for the whole family. With Halloween-themed illusions, magical ghostly phenomena, special effects and pyrotechnics. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. $20, $10 children. 826-1100.

Little Shop of Horrors, the Broadway musical about a hapless florist who raises a plant that feeds on human blood. Performed by the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts at the J.J. Ferrara Center, 212 W. Broad St., Hazleton. Oct. 28-30, Nov. 5-6 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. $15, $12 seniors and students; $8 children. Pre-show dinner available. 454-5451 or ptpashows.org.

An Inspector Calls, J.B. Priestley’s mystery about the death of a working-class girl perhaps caused by an upper-class family’s actions and inactions toward her. Performed by Actors Circle at the Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road, Scranton. Nov. 12 to 21 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $12, $10 seniors, $8 students. 342-9707.

The Sound of Music, the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein family musical about a governess instructing the seven children of a Naval officer. Little Theatre, 537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. Nov. 13 to 21 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. 823-1875.

The Great Russian Nutcracker, the annual holiday performance by the Moscow Ballet, critically acclaimed for its exquisite artistry and dazzling sets and costumes. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Nov. 14 at 3 p.m. $67.50, $47.50, $37.50, $27.50. 826-1100.

It’s a Wonderful Life, the musical version of the beloved classic about a desperate man learning the true value of his life with help from a bumbling angel. Shawnee Playhouse, 1 River Road, Shawnee on Delaware. Nov. 19 to Dec. 19 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $28, $15 children. 421-5093.

Legally Blonde, a bubbly romp about Elle Woods, a fashion-forward sorority girl who decides to test her intellect at Harvard Law School. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. Nov. 19 at 8 p.m.; Nov. 20 at 2 and 8 p.m.; Nov. 21 at 1 and 6 p.m. 342-7784 or broadwayscranton.org.

A Christmas Story, Jean Shepherd’s official memoir of one of his youthful Christmases in Indiana when he longed for a Red Ryder Range Model Air Rifle. Adapted for the stage by Phillip Grecian. Performed by the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble at the Alvina Krause Theatre, 226 Center St., Bloomsburg. Nov. 26 to Dec. 23 with performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m. Additional performance Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m. $24, $19 seniors, $11 students. 784-8181 or bte.org.

The Dietrich Radio Players, authentic performances of old-time radio plays with accompanying sound effects. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Free. 996-1500.

It’s a Wonderful Life, the heartwarming Christmas tale about George Bailey, who is helped by a compassionate angel at Christmas. Performed by the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts at the J.J. Ferrara Center, 212 W. Broad St., Hazleton. Dec. 9-11 and 17 at 7 p.m.; Dec. 12 and 19 at 3 p.m.; Dec. 18 at 1 and 7 p.m. $15, $12 seniors and students; $8 children. Pre-show dinner available. 454-5451 or ptpashows.org.

The Nutcracker, the annual holiday presentation by Ballet Northeast. Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, West South Street at South River Street, Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre. Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 18 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. $20, $15 seniors, students and children. 287-5802.

The 39 Steps, the suspenseful Broadway hit in which a small cast plays more than 150 roles, re-creating the classic tale of an ordinary man caught up in a remarkable spy story. Performed by Actors Circle at the Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road, Scranton. Jan. 21 to Feb. 6 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $12, $10 seniors, $8 students. 342-9707.

The Graduate, comedy-drama about a recent college graduate who gets seduced by the mother of a girl he’s falling for. Little Theatre, 537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. Jan. 22 to 30 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. 823-1875.

Emma, based on the classic Jane Austen novel about a young, rich, spirited heroine who insists on managing the loves lives of everyone in her world. Wittily adapted for the stage by Jon Jory. Performed by the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble at the Alvina Krause Theatre, 226 Center St., Bloomsburg. March 3 to 20 with performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m. $24, $19 seniors, $11 students. 784-8181 or bte.org.

The Color Purple, the Oprah Winfrey-produced musical about the triumphs and struggles of a group of African-American women in Jim Crow-era rural Georgia. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. March 4 at 8 p.m.; March 5 at 2 and 8 p.m.; March 6 at 1 and 6 p.m. 342-7784 or broadwayscranton.org.

Chicago, the musical tale of murder, greed, corruption, violence and treachery with merry murderesses Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly and their hot-shot lawyer Billy Flynn. Little Theatre, 537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. March 19 to 27 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. 823-1875.

Dial M for Murder, the classic mystery about a washed-up tennis player hoping to murder his wealthy adulterous wife and walk away with her estate. But his plan is disrupted when his wife kills the hired assassin. Performed by Actors Circle at the Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road, Scranton. March 25 to April 3 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $12, $10 seniors, $8 students. 342-9707.

Monty Python’s Spamalot, Eric Idle’s adaptation of the cult comedy classic “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” full of absurd hilarity from flying cows to killer rabbits. The 2005 Tony Award winner for Best Musical. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. April 8 at 8 p.m.; April 9 at 2 and 8 p.m.; April 10 at 1 and 6 p.m. 342-7784 or broadwayscranton.org.

Ghost-Writer, a spine-tingling drama about a deceased novelist’s assistant trying to complete his “masterpiece.” Performed by the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble at the Alvina Krause Theatre, 226 Center St., Bloomsburg. April 28 to May 15 with performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m. $24, $19 seniors, $11 students. 784-8181 or bte.org.

Heaven Can Wait, a comedy about a young New Jersey palooka “collected” by heaven 60 years before his allotted time – then allowed to return to Earth in the body of a recently murdered crooked banker. Performed by Actors Circle at the Providence Playhouse, 1256 Providence Road, Scranton. May 13 to 22 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. $12, $10 seniors, $8 students. 342-9707.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s tale about a magical night of moonlit merriment in the Forest of Arden with mismatched lovers, mischievous fairies and comical Athenian craftsmen rehearsing their play for the king. Little Theatre, 537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. May 14 to 22 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. 823-1875.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Auditions for young ballet students (age 7 to young teens) to dance supporting roles in “The Great Russian Nutcracker” performed by the Moscow Ballet Nov. 14 at the F.M. Kirby Center. Harris Conservatory for the Arts, 545 Charles St., Luzerne. Sunday at 2 p.m. Information at 718-0673.

Auditions for Ballet Northeast Company positions for the 2010-11 season. Open to qualified students of classical dance age 10 and older. Degnan Ballet Center, 239 Schuyler Ave., Kingston. Sept. 18, noon to 3:30 p.m. 287-5802.

Theater Bus Trip to Hunterdon Hills Playhouse for the show “Plaza Suite,” starring Charlie Prose. Sponsored by Gate of Heaven Altar & Rosary Society. Oct. 1. $85 includes transportation, dinner and show. Reservations: 675-2522.

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