FORT LEE, Va. – Making a comeback after more than a year of COVID precautions, the Theater Company at Fort Lee will resume live performances in September.
The group has lined up four shows for the 2021-‘22 season. All of them are open to the public. Members of the community interested in performing in any of the productions should follow the group on social media – https://www.facebook.com/fortleeplayhouse – for audition announcements.
Tryouts for the opening show, “They’re Playing Our Song,” are set for July 11 at 2 p.m. and July 22 at 7 p.m. Both will take place at the Lee Theater on Mahone Avenue. The auditions are for adult performers. Those trying out will be asked to sing a 32-bar musical theater selection of their choice. Bring sheet music for the theater group pianist. There also will be dance moves and readings from the script. Those interested should click here to reserve an audition slot. No performers are paid. Rehearsals will begin by the end of the month.
Performance dates for “They’re Playing Our Song” are September 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 8 p.m., and September 5, 12 and 19 at 3 p.m. This romantic comedy was written by Neil Simon, and it first debuted on Broadway in 1979. It offers a humorous glimpse at the real-life relationship of Hamlisch and Sager, a wisecracking composer and his newly hired offbeat lyricist. The two undergo a series of trials and overcome a number of hurdles before finding true love by the final curtain.
The theater group will present “A Christmas Story” as its second main stage production. Performance dates are November 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. and November 14, 21 and 28 at 3 p.m.
Popularized by the movie that has become a holiday season staple, “A Christmas Story” was written by humorist Jean Shepherd who shares memories of his Midwest upbringing in the 1940’s. The central character is 9-year-old Ralphie Parker who dreams of seeing a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree at Christmas. While pleading with his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself at Higbee’s Department Store, they all utter the same refrain, “You’ll shoot your eye out!”
The third production will be “Diary of Anne Frank.” This play is a reenactment of journal entries by a Jewish girl who hid with her family from the Nazis in Holland. For decades, the award-winning play, along with the diary on which it is based, has been viewed as an insightful portrait of courage, dignity and perseverance. Performance dates are February 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. and February 6, 13 and 20 at 3 p.m.
Another Broadway classic, “Kiss Me Kate,” closes the main stage season. This crowd-pleaser centers on a cast putting on a musical version of William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” and the conflict on- and off-stage between Fred, the show’s egotistical director, producer and star, and the leading lady, his ex-wife Lilli. The battle of the sexes continues until it becomes clear that, as much as this couple professes to hate each other, they are also still in love. Cole porter’s sparkling score features such classics as “It’s Too Darn Hot” and “So in Love.”
Season tickets for all four shows can be purchased for $52 each. For further information or to subscribe, call the box office at 804-734-6629. Community members also are reminded that those who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must wear a mask in any location where they will be in close contact with other people. This requirement is outlined in General Order No. 1.
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