The stage is set for the 57th season of the Maysville Players, the 12th to be presented under the artistic direction of Producing Director Mike Thomas.

“It’s always exciting to announce a new season of shows,” Thomas said. “And, it’s always agonizing trying to select those shows.”

Thomas explained there are many factors to consider when choosing the five show-season including casting requirements, availability of production rights to present the shows, technical aspects (lighting, set design, sound design,) production expenses and projected income.

“Those are just of few of my worries,” he said. “The biggest challenge is trying to select a well-balanced season of comedies, dramas, and musicals that our audiences might want to see.”

And while Thomas is aware some audiences always seek the familiar titles (usually those based on or have become popular movies and television shows,) he knows that part of his theatre company’s mission is to expose the audiences to some “not so tried and true” scripts and experiences.

“In my opinion, some of our finest work during the past 12 years has been with a few of the little-known scripts,” he said. “While it is always fun to revisit classic shows, it is exciting to watch an audience discover a story with which they are not familiar.”

Thomas further explained that in spite of all considerations, his main mission for the company is to “continue to give our audiences and artists the professional-quality they deserve and have come to expect from the Players.”

“We are blessed with talent for the stage and very blessed with a brilliant team of set and light designers who make us look really good,” he said. “I am consistently amazed at the some of the feats we have managed to produce.”

What it all comes down to is support from the community, Thomas adds.

“These shows, no matter how large or small cost quite a bit of money to produce,” he said. “The public has no real idea of our expenses and off or losses.”

Though he says he doesn’t cry over the losses many of the shows incur, he is often disappointed that more people don’t take advantage of the Players’ offerings.

“We have a loyal following of supporters; many of whom come from outside of Maysville,” Thomas said, “but we see too many empty seats at most shows and it makes me sad to know that folks are missing out on something very special which could easily go away without community involvement.

“I spend so much time year-round reading and researching plays,” he said. “Thank goodness I love to read.”

Maysville Players 57th Season

Mother Hicks

A Timeless Tale by Suzan Zeder

October 11-14 and 18-21

Mother Hicks is a witch….people say! Set in southern Illinois during the Great Depression, this magically-poetic and moving tale follows three outsiders…a foundling child known only as “Girl;” a deaf boy named Tuc (eloquent in the language of his silence;) and the eccentric recluse called Mother Hicks. As the play unfolds, the three misfits find themselves, and one another, in the midst of troubled times and hearts.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever; The Musical!

A Holiday Favorite!

Book and lyrics by Jahanna Beechman

Music and lyrics by Malcolm Hilgartner

Based on the play and novel by Barbara Robinson

December 12-16

The horrible Herdman kids are back for the holidays, but it won’t be a silent night! This Christmas classic returns, but this time with music mixed into the mischief, the merriment, and the loving message for the season. Featuring a cast of all ages, the entire family will make a joyful noise when this gift-wrapped musical comes alive on the Washington Opera House stage!

Doubt

A Parable by John Patrick Shanley

February 14-17 and 21-24

Winner of the 2005 Pulitzer Prize, this powerful and provocative drama examines the conflict between a young, progressive priest and a rigidly conservative nun in the face of a possible wrong-doing within their parish. Though set in 1964, the subject could not be more timely, as the play reveals a gripping story less about scandal than about the question of moral certainty. Suggested for adult audiences.

Heaven Can Wait

A Knockout Comedy by Harry Segal

April 25-28 and May 2-5

Time’s up for Joe Pendleton…or so it seems! The Pearly Gates will just have to hold the door when this prizefighter is mistakenly guided toward the Hereafter sixty-years too early! To make things right, the mysterious Mister Jordan finds Joe a temporary home in the body of a freshly-murdered millionaire. Can Joe beat the clock, solve the murder, and find romance as all hell breaks loose? This romantic comedy goes round-after-round with big laughs and lots of heart.

The Music Man (Jr. Edition)

The All-American Musical

Book, Music and Lyrics by Meredith Willson

Based on a story b Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey

July 31-August 4

Trouble (with a capital “T”) returns to our own River City as fast-talking Professor Harold Hill gets his heart stolen by Marian the Librarian in our summer youth theatre presentation of this red, white and blue musical. Featuring a bright, bouncy score and toe-tapping dances, the adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic is sure to make your heart sing!

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Staff Report