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The Off Broadway Players have announced their lineup for the upcoming season, featuring a diverse range of performances designed to engage and entertain audiences. Following a successful previous season, the team is excited to introduce new stories to the stage, starting with a poignant touring production intended to resonate with viewers.
One of the highlighted productions is Tuesdays with Morrie, adapted from the acclaimed book by Mitch Albom. Directed by Terri Hoover, this touching narrative explores the relationship between a young man and his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz. As Mitch navigates the challenges of his career, he discovers a television interview revealing Morrie’s battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. This revelation leads to a heartfelt reconnection, transforming their casual meetings into profound lessons about life. This moving production will be presented at Court Square Theater on May 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m., and on May 22 at 3 p.m. It will then move to The Sipe Center on March 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m., concluding on March 29 at 3 p.m.
Return to home stage with classic adventures
After the tour, the Off Broadway Players will return to their home stage, beginning with Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood. This vibrant adaptation, written by Ken Ludwig and directed by Jeff Obenshain, embodies the spirit of the legendary outlaw. The story follows a young Robin Hood, who, after initially pursuing a carefree life, confronts the harsh realities of greed and injustice. Fleeing to the depths of Sherwood Forest, he teams up with iconic characters such as Little John, Friar Tuck, and the spirited Maid Marian, who inspires both his heart and sense of purpose. Audiences can experience this exhilarating tale filled with romance and adventure on April 24, 25, May 1, and 2 at 7 p.m., with matinees on April 26 and May 3 at 3 p.m. at J. Frank Hillyard Middle School.
A musical twist for the summer
Continuing a cherished tradition, the Off Broadway Players will present the summer musical Once Upon A Mattress (pending licensing approval), a comedic take on the classic fairy tale The Princess and the Pea. Set in a whimsical kingdom, the ambitious Queen Aggravain declares that her son, Prince Dauntless, shall not marry until he finds a suitable bride. Numerous princesses attempt to meet the Queen’s outrageous tests—until the quirky Winnifred the Woebegone arrives. Will she succeed in the absurd Sensitivity Test and win the heart of her prince, while also helping Lady Larken and Sire Harry in their quest for love? This enchanting musical, featuring delightful tunes by Mary Rodgers and Marshall Barer, will be performed on July 24, 25, 31, and August 1 at 7 p.m., with matinees on July 26 and August 2 at 3 p.m.
Closing with comedy and whimsy
The season will wrap up with an adaptation of O. Henry’s classic tale, The Ransom of Red Chief. Adapted for the stage by Anne Coulter Martens and directed by Michael Strawderman, this comedic story follows the misadventures of two bumbling kidnappers, Bill and Sam. Their plan to abduct a young boy named Red spirals into chaos when the child, raised by a miserly uncle and a stern housekeeper, turns their kidnapping into an adventure of his own, leading to unexpected hilarity and a twist that reinforces the idea that crime does not pay. This entertaining production will be staged on November 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 7 p.m., and again on November 15 and 22 at 3 p.m., also at J. Frank Hillyard Middle School.
The Off Broadway Players express their gratitude to the community for their continued support throughout the previous season. As they prepare for an exciting lineup filled with theatrical opportunities, both on stage and behind the scenes, they invite everyone to participate. For ticket purchases or to explore ways to get involved, visit The Off Broadway Players website at www.offbroadwayplayersva.org.