I Remember Mama by John Van Druten is a nostalgic play focusing on a Norwegian immigrant family in early 20th Century San Francisco. Narrated by daughter Katrin, it chronicles the family's daily struggles, triumphs, and Mama Marta's loving management of their bank account. Sprinkled into all of this is an extended family and community with big personalities.
May 21, 22, 28, 29, 30
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service. Author John Van Druten, adapted from Kathryn Forbes' Mama's Bank Account.
The Studio On The Square is thrilled to present SHREK, JR in collaboration with Theatre in the Park.
An embittered ogre named Shrek finds his home in the swamp overrun by fairy tale creatures banished by the obsessive ruler Lord Farquaad. With the help of Donkey, Shrek makes a pact with Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona in exchange for regaining control of his swamp.
The Studio’s third summer under the stars at the Kelso Hollow Amphitheatre promises to be a big, bright, beautiful one with our biggest ensemble yet and a powerful story about embracing our differences and being true to ourselves.
SHREK, JR will run June 11th - 14th.
This is the delightful, classic tale of the greatest optimist of all time--Pollyanna. But it's much more than that. It's the story of how a little girl's faith in her father's promise--that you can find something good about anything that happens--that guides her steadfastly through circumstances most adults would find formidable. Pollyanna becomes an orphan, and she is placed into the care of her purely pessimistic and domineering aunt. The townsfolk are always complaining, feeling sorry for themselves, and viewing their existence as dark and dreary. Yet, Pollyanna faithfully plays her "glad game," innocently teaching it to others wherever she goes, and the townspeople slowly learn the joy of the game. We’re optimistic that this fresh adaptation will put a smile on faces of all ages.
June 19, 20, 21, 26, 27
Adapted by Susan Pargman, based on the story by Eleanor Porter. Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Denver, Colorado.
This unique musical recreates the (now defunct) annual contest at a Texas truck dealership, where ten hard-luck Texans compete for a new hardbody truck. A new lease on life is so close each of them can touch it, and now for once, their fate is in their hands. Under a scorching sun, we will watch them laugh, cry and push their bodies and minds to the limits, as they fight to keep at least one hand on the brand new truck, all hoping they have the nerve and endurance to drive away with the American Dream. Based on the documentary by S. R. Bindler, Hands on a Hardbody is sure to hold onto your heart! Rated PG
July 10, 11, 12, 17, 18
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service. Book by Doug Wright, lyrics by Amanda Green, music by Trey Aastasio and Amanda Green. Amateur performance rights.
Rumble Fish dramatizes S. E. Hinton's young adult novella of the same name. The play focuses on Rusty-James, a "greaser" adolescent attempting to imitate his older brother, a character known only as the Motorcycle Boy. Rusty-James sees his brother as a role model--the natural, charismatic youth gang leader Rusty-James would like to be. Motorcycle Boy returns after a long absence, disillusioned by and disinterested in his former life, especially its gang culture. This leaves younger brother Rusty-James without a role model and without a lens through which to make sense of his experiences. The story explores themes of identity, gang culture, education, and change. Rated PG
July 31, August 1, 2, 7, 8
Adapted by Marcus Romer from the novel by S. E. Hinton. Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company, Woodstock, Illinois.