THIS WEEK: Nov. 18 to 24, 2015
The Great Gatsby, an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel about a self-made millionaire and his passionate pursuit of the elusive Daisy Buchanan. James M. Coughlin High School, 80 N. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. Nov. 19 to 21; 2 p.m. Nov. 22. $7, $5 students. 570-406-3976.
The Curious Savage, John Patrick’s comedy about greed, age and love performed by the Wyoming Area Drama Club. Wyoming Area Secondary Center, 20 Memorial St., Exeter. 7 p.m. Nov. 20 and 21; 2 p.m. Nov. 22. $8. 570-466-9550.
The Illusion, Tony Kushner’s witty adaptation of Corneille’s “L’Illusion Comique,” a fairytale about a dying man’s search for his long-lost son and the wizard who conjures visions of the adventurous and romantic life his son has been living since being expelled from home. With guest artist professional actor and puppeteer James Godwin. Presented by the King’s College Theater Department at the George P. Maffei II Theatre, Administration Building, 133 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20 and 21. $12, $7 seniors, $5 students. 570-208-5825.
Shout! The Mod Musical, a hip-swiveling journey through the pop classics of London in the sixties through the lives of five “birds” coming of age. Presented by Wilkes University at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 100 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Nov. 20 and 21; 2 p.m. Nov. 22. $10, $5 students and seniors. 570-408-4540.
You Can’t Take It with You, the Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy about Grandpa Vanderhof and his quirky family who manufacture fireworks in the basement and avoid paying their income taxes. Presented by the Dallas High School Theater Club in the high school auditorium, 2000 Conyngham Ave., Dallas. 8 p.m. Nov. 20 and 21. $6. 570-675-5201.
The Laramie Project, Moises Kaufman’s chronicle of the apparent hate-crime death of gay college student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming. Little Theatre, 537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Nov. 20 and 21. $18. 570-823-1875.
Fall Dance Showcase, a performance by students minoring in dance along with special guest artists. Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts, Marywood University, 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton. 8 p.m. Nov. 19; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20; 2 p.m. Nov. 21. Free. Reservations: 570-348-6268.
FUTURE
Live from the Met: Lulu, Alban Berg’s 20th-century opera about the dark underbelly of human behaviors, drives and desires broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. 12:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre and Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. Encore performance at Cinemark 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2. $25, $22, $20, $17. 570-825-4444 or 800-326-3264.
A Christmas Story, the nostalgic and witty story of young Ralphie and his all-out campaign to get a Red Ryder Air Rifle for Christmas despite everyone’s admonitions that he’ll “shoot his eye out.” Presented by the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble at the Alvina Krause Theatre, 221 Center St., Bloomsburg. Opens Nov. 27 with a “Food Preview” performance (bring a non-perishable food item for admission) at 2 p.m. Continues Nov. 28 to Dec. 27 with performances 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.; 3 p.m. Sundays. Special matinee performance 2 p.m. Nov. 28. 570-784-8181 or bte.org.
Plaid Tidings, a holiday version of “Forever Plaid,” in which members of a singing quartet are killed on the way to their first professional gig but are allowed to return to Earth to do the show. Theatre at the Grove, 5177 Nuangola Road, Nuangola. Nov. 27 to Dec. 13 with performances 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Special matinees 3 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 12. $20. 570-868-8212.
White Christmas, the Irving Berlin musical based on the 1954 Bing Crosby-Danny Kaye movie. Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville. Nov. 28 to Dec. 20 with performances 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Dinner served 90 minutes before showtime. $35 with dinner; $18 show only. 570-283-2195.
The Winter’s Tale, the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company’s production of Shakespeare’s romance about a jealous king starring Sir Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judi Dench, captured live on film from the Garrick Theatre in London. Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30. $15. 800-326-3264.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze, a new holiday stage extravaganza with soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats, elaborate production numbers, imaginative costumes, illusions and more. Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 7 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2. 570-342-7784.
Golden Days of Radio, a holiday performance of old-time radio plays by the Radio Players. Dietrich Theater, 60 E. Tioga St., Tunkhannock. 7 p.m. Dec. 1. Free. 570-996-1500.
Scrooge, the musical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. Presented by the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts at the J.J. Ferrara Center, 212 W. Broad St., Hazleton. Dec. 3 to 13 with performances 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. $32 with dinner; $16 show only. 570-454-5451.
A Christmas Story, presented by Phoenix Theatrics at the Phoenix Performing Arts Centre, 409 Main St., Duryea. Dec. 4 to 13 with performances 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. $12. 570-991-1817.
A Christmas Carol, a dramatic reading of the Charles Dickens classic by actors Therese and Joe Plummer Jr. Grey Towers National Historic Site, 122 Old Owego Turnpike, Milford. Noon and 3 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6. $20. Reservations: 570-296-9630 or greytowers.org.
Parsons Dance Company, the internationally renowned troupe founded by David Parsons, joined by the East Village Opera Company, performing selections from its rock-dance opera “Remember Me.” Mitrani Hall, Haas Center for the Arts, Bloomsburg University. 8 p.m. Dec. 5. $30, $15 children. 570-389-4409.
The Lady of the Camellias, a filmed performance by the Bolshoi Ballet captured from Moscow, Russia. The production tells the love story of Marguerite Gautier, a gorgeous courtesan celebrated by Parisian high society. Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. 12:55 p.m. Dec. 6. $18, $17 seniors. 800-326-3264.
A Christmas Carol: The Musical, presented by the Greater Hazleton Concert Series. Hazleton Area High School, 1061 W. 23rd St. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7. $30, $10 students. 570-788-4864.
The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, the annual holiday performance with local dancers joining in the production as mice, snowflakes and other supporting roles. The production includes the exclusive Dove of Peace with a 20-foot wingspan, life-sized Matrushka dolls and whimsical 10-foot silk puppets. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. Dec. 9. 570-826-1100.
Live from the Met: The Magic Flute, Mozart’s enchanting comic opera broadcast live from the Metropolian Opera in New York City in a shortened English-language version. 12:55 p.m. Dec. 12. Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre and Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. $25, $22, $20, $17. 570-825-4444 or 800-326-3264.
Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream, with Disney princesses and fairytale characters taking to the ice in a show featuring scenes from “Tangled,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Cinderella” and “The Princess and the Frog.” Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. 7 p.m. Jan. 13 to 15; 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Jan. 16; noon and 4 p.m. Jan. 17; 1 p.m. Jan. 18. $15 to $55. 800-745-3000.
Live from the Met: The Pearl Fishers, Bizet’s opera of lust and longing set in the Far East, broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. 12:55 pm Jan. 16 at Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre and Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. Encore performance at Cinemark 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20. $25, $22, $20, $17. 570-825-4444 or 800-326-3264.
Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s tragic tale of star-crossed lovers in old Verona. Presented by the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble at the Alvina Krause Theatre, 221 Center St., Bloomsburg. Opens Jan. 22 with a “Pay What You Wish” (cash only) performance. Continues Jan. 23 to 30 with performances 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays. 570-784-8181 or bte.org.
Saturday Night Fever, the classic dance story in a new production based on the 1977 movie, packed with legendary hits by the Bee Gees. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Jan. 23. $58.50, $48.50, $38.50. 570-826-1100.
The Taming of the Shrew, a filmed performance by the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow of Shakespeare’s comedy adapted for the ballet stage. Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. 12:55 p.m. Jan. 24. $18, $17 seniors. 800-326-3264.
Madama Butterfly, Puccini’s heartbreaking tale of innocence, betrayal and sacrifice. Performed by Teatro Lirico D’Europa with a live orchestra. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29. $57, $42, $27. 570-826-1100.
Live from the Met: Turandot, the Puccini opera about a proud princess of China, broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. 12:55 p.m. Jan. 30 at Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre and Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. Encore performance at Cinemark 6:30 p.m. Feb. 3. $25, $22, $20, $17. 570-825-4444 or 800-326-3264.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the trials and triumphs of Israel’s favorite son with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 8 p.m. Feb. 5; 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 6; 1 p.m. Feb. 7. 570-342-7784.
Dogfight: The Musical, about a soldier leaving for Vietnam intent on proving his macho superiority by playing a trick on a lonely waitress. Presented by Wilkes University at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 100 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre. Feb. 19 to 28 with performances 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. $10, $5 students and seniors. 570-408-4540.
Macbeth, Shakespeare’s tragedy of greed, ambition, treachery and personal destruction that follow Scots general Macbeth after he receives predictions of his greatness by three witches. Performed by the King’s College Theater Department at the George P. Maffei II Theatre, Administration Building, 133 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 to 26; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26; 2 p.m. Feb. 27. $12; $7 seniors; $5 students. 570-208-5825.
A Moon for the Misbegotten, the final play and only love story written by four-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eugene O’Neill. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. Feb. 25. $38, $28, $18. 570-826-1100.
Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles, a live multi-media journey through the life and times of the celebrated foursome. Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28. 570-342-7784.
Annie, the Tony Award-winning, much-loved musical based on the comic-strip character “Little Orphan Annie.” Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 7 p.m. March 4; 1 and 7 p.m. March 5. 570-342-7784.
Live from the Met: Manon Lescaut, Puccini’s opera of obsessive love between a Parisian temptress and a dashing student, broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. 12:55 p.m. March 5 at Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre and Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. Encore performance at Cinemark 6:30 p.m. March 9. $25, $22, $20, $17. 570-825-4444 or 800-326-3264.
Million Dollar Quartet, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by the true story of the famed recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for one unforgettable night of music. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. March 18. $60.50, $50.50, $40.50. 570-826-1100.
Don Quixote, the full-length ballet about the chivalrous but off-kilter adventures of the self-appointed knight errant, performed by the Moscow Festival Ballet. Mitrani Hall, Haas Center for the Arts, Bloomsburg University. 8 p.m. March 18. $35, $17 children. 570-389-4409.
Live from the Met: Madama Butterfly, Puccini’s tragic love story between a U.S. Naval officer and a young Japanese girl, broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. 12:55 p.m. April 2 at Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre and Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. Encore performance at Cinemark 6:30 p.m. April 6. $25, $22, $20, $17. 570-825-4444 or 800-326-3264.
Secret in the Wings, Mary Zimmerman’s compelling narrative on human impulses using short fairy tales which delve into the lands of ogres and princes. Performed by the King’s College Theater Department at the George P. Maffei II Theatre, Administration Building, 133 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre. April 14 to 23 with performances 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. Special matinee 2 p.m. April 23. $12; $7 seniors; $5 students. 570-208-5825
Twelfth Night (or What You Will), Shakespeare’s comedy involving mistaken identity, shipwrecks, love triangles, disguises and more. Presented by Wilkes University at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center, 100 W. South St., Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. April 14 to 16; 2 p.m. April 17. $10, $5 seniors and students. 570-408-4540.
Live from the Met: Roberto Devereux, Donizetti’s opera about Queen Elizabeth I who was forced to sign the death warrant of the nobleman she loves, broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. 12:55 p.m. April 16 at Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre and Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. Encore performance at Cinemark 6:30 p.m. April 20. $25, $22, $20, $17. 570-825-4444 or 800-326-3264.
Materialize! A Broadway-caliber magic show with master illusionist Drew Thomas, a finalist on “America’s Got Talent.” F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. April 16. $40, $30, $25. 570-826-1100.
Koresh Dance Company, with guest performers from local and regional dance studios. Mitrani Hall, Haas Center for the Arts, Bloomsburg University. 9 p.m. April 23. $30, $15 children. 570-389-4409.
Riverdance, the 20th-anniversary tour of the show that propelled Irish dancing and music into popular culture. Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 8 p.m. April 29; 2 and 8 p.m. April 30; 1 and 6:30 p.m. May 1. 570-342-7784.
Live from the Met: Elektra, Richard Strauss’ opera about a woman’s primal quest for vengeance, broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. 12:55 p.m. April 30 at Movies 14, 24 E. Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre and Cinemark, 40 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic. Encore performance at Cinemark 6:30 p.m. May 4. $25, $22, $20, $17. 570-825-4444 or 800-326-3264.
42nd Street, the quintessential Broadway musical comedy about a starry-eyed dancer who leaves her Allentown home to become a Broadway star. Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 8 p.m. May 20; 2 and 8 p.m. May 21; 1 p.m. May 22. 570-342-7784.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Theater Bus Trip to the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse in Hampton, New Jersey, to see “A Playhouse Christmas.” Sponsored by St. Joseph Senior Social Club. Leaves from the Pittston Plaza, 1872 N. Township Blvd. 8:45 a.m. on Dec. 2. $99 includes full-course dinner, show, tips and transportation. Reservations (by Nov. 19): 570-654-2967.
