The hit Broadway musical “Avenue Q” features a song called “I Wish I Could Go Back to College,” in which the characters long for their relatively carefree coed days. While it’s great to reminisce, sadly that sort of time travel just isn’t possible. While days of paid room and board may be long gone, there is still a chance for a brief escape from everyday work and woes. Just take a quick spring break courtesy of our local theatres. It’s cheaper than a trip to the beaches of Florida, it only takes a few hours and there’s much less of a chance that an embarrassing picture of you will wind up on the Internet. Plus, there’s something for everyone.
Travel Abroad
Long before TV procedurals like “Law and Order” and “CSI,” Agatha Christie had detectives leading people down the winding path of mystery and murder. This weekend and next, Actors Circle in Scranton is giving the Dame her due with its production of “The Hollow.” Under the direction of Lou Bisignani, this classic murder mystery features a fascinating collection of characters whose fears run deep and whose passions run deeper. At the center of Christie’s tangled web are the dashing John Cristow, his current mistress, his former mistress and his wife. When Cristow, his harem and the rest of the guests assemble for a weekend in the country, lust, money, jealousy and murder are sure to follow. Everyone is a suspect and no one is safe, until Inspector Colquhoun and Sergeant Penny arrive to sort out the secrets and untangle the web. (March 27–April 6, tickets are $12, info 570.342.9707)
Take a Cruise
The Little Sisters of Hoboken sure are a well-rounded bunch. They’ve performed variety shows and country music jamborees. They hit the small screen with a Christmas special. They’ve dabbled in cross-dressing. They’ve even played Vegas. Now they just need a vacation. So in “Meshuggah-Nuns,” the Little Sisters embark on a Faiths of All Nations cruise in search of some much-needed rest and relaxation. But where these holy ladies go, wackiness just seems to follow. With the exception of Tevye, the entire cast of the ship’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” suffers a bout of seasickness and it’s up to the Sisters to dance, sing and save the day. Join director Kevin Costley and the Music Box Repertory Players as Dan Goggin’s “Meshuggah-Nuns” makes its Northeastern Pennsylvania debut. The mixture of Yiddish and Catholic comedy is new, but the musical features the same Sisters theatre audiences have come to know and love. (March 28- April 13, tickets are $35 for dinner and show/$18 show only, info 570.283.2195)
Hit a Nightclub
“Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl.” Barry Manilow’s ’70s hit “Copacabana” was practically a mini-musical in its own right, and now Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre is bringing the whole thing to Technicolor life. “Barry Manilow’s Copacabana” tells Lola’s story through the eyes of Stephen, an aspiring songwriter whose fantasies transport him and the audience into a glamorous 1940s large-scale musical. Lola is a fresh-faced, small town girl with dreams of fame in the big city. Tony is a bartender/songwriter who helps her land a gig as a Copa girl. Rico is the seedy nightclub owner who whisks the wholesome Lola away to his joint in Havana. Can Tony and his pals rescue her before the yellow feathers fade? Even if you know the song, you’ll have to stop by LTWB to catch the whole story in the musical’s regional premiere. (April 12 – 20, tickets are $18, info 570.823.1875)
Take a Gamble
Are you the betting type? Come on, it all goes to a good cause. Join Kids Innovating Stage and Sound, better known as KISS Theatre Company, as they host a Night at the Races in Hanover Township. Doors open at 6 p.m., post time is at 7 p.m. Food and beverages will be available. Put 10 bucks on a pony and help to keep these talented kids singing and dancing all year long. (April 5, horses are $10, info 570.991.1818 or 991.0844)
Fantasy Island
The theatre on School and Apple Streets in Nuremberg will magically transform as the Nuremberg Community Players present the classic Lerner and Loewe musical “Camelot.” The timeless tale of Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot is told through songs such as “Follow Me,” “The Lusty Month of May” and “What Do the Simple Folk Do.” Of course, Merlyn, Mordred and the Knights of the Round Table are all along for the joust, bringing a little bit of chivalry and nobility to NEPA. (May 9–18, tickets are $22 dinner and show/$10 show only, info 570.384.4309)
Court Order
Enjoy spring break too much, and you might find yourself in court. Bracken Theatre Company has spent quite a bit of time there in the past, and after a brief hiatus, it’ll be returning with a production of “Twelve Angry Men” under the direction of Greg Korin. The drama by Reginald Rose takes place following a capital murder trial. Though it seems to be an open-and-shut case, one juror is not so sure. Through deliberations, facts of the case are revealed, as well as the personalities and prejudices of 12 people who hold a young man’s very life in their hands. With Bracken again taking on gypsy status, the group’s first production in more than a year will be hosted by Temple B’nai B’rith in Kingston. (May 3-11, tickets are $12, info 570.822.7106)
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