The days are getting shorter and a little colder, so escape the night air inside a local theatre. The talented casts and crews of the upcoming performances in your area will brighten your spirits with a wide variety of options from the Bard to the B-52s!
In Our Area
Franklin County:
Thurs. 10/29 – Sat. 10/31: “The Rocky Horror Show” presented by Chambersburg Community Theater (Recommended 18+) Tickets $20-$25
When straight-laced Brad and Janet break down outside a mysterious mansion they have no idea how twisted their night is about to get. Richard O’Brien’s play was immortalized in the sci-fi cult classic film, but you can experience it in its original form with this full stage version performed at The Capitol Theatre. The audience is encouraged to sing-along and make it an interactive show to remember. Prop bags will be for sale to use at the Fri. & Sat 8pm shows ONLY for a little extra fun. Outside props are not permitted. Things can get rowdy with the audience involvement, so parents should use their discretion when deciding to bring teens.
Thurs. 11/5 – Sat. 11/7: Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” presented by Shippensburg Area Senior High Drama Club (Family Friendly) Tickets $8- $10
Given the name, November may seem an odd time for this classic play, but Midsummer is full of fairies and magic. Two sets of young lovers hide out in the woods while a local community theatre group tries desperately to pull a play together. When the mortals disrupt the feuding king and queen of the fairies, tricks and spells wreak hilarious havoc. Presented in the SASHS Auditorium,you can enjoy the show and support our next generation of theater artists.
Fri. 11/6 7 p.m. & Sat. 11/7 at 1 p.m.: “Disney’s Aladdin Jr.” at Waynesboro Area Middle School (Children Encouraged) Tickets free-$6
Tina Schaubroeck and Ashlie Funkhauser direct 6th, 7th and 8th graders from WAMS in this popular tale of a thief who sets out to win the love of the local princess with the help of a magical genie. Junior versions feature all the best parts of the original story with a shortened running time that makes them perfect for younger performers AND audience members. Tickets are $6 for ages 12 and up, $3 for ages 4-11, and ages 3 and under are free.
Fri. 11/6 & Sat. 11/7 at 7 p.m.: “The Play That Goes Wrong: High School Edition” presented by the FAHS Drama Club (Family Friendly) Tickets $8-$10
We’ve all been to a high school play where props get broken, lines are forgotten, and costume malfunctions occur. The Auditorium at Fairfield Area High School will feature a heavy dose of theatrical mishaps in one of the funniest shows of the past decade. Thankfully, all of the ‘accidents’ are well rehearsed for the audiences’ entertainment.
Sat. 11/7 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.: “Toby: A Tribute to Toby Keith” at Totem Pole Playhouse (Family Friendly) Tickets $45-$56
Fronted by dynamic performer Hollywood Yates, this high-energy show pays tribute to 30 years of Toby Keith’s signature American sound, featuring the songs that defined a generation of country fans. With powerful vocals, high energy, and plenty of personality, “Toby: A Toby Keith Tribute Concert” is a night of great country music and unforgettable entertainment.
Fri. 11/13 & Sat. 11/14 7 p.m.: “Knock-Knock” presented by JBHS Drama Club (Family Friendly) Tickets $5
The JBHS Auditorium becomes a series of delivery stops in this rapid-fire one act comedy.
Jaded veteran delivery driver Logan thinks she’s seen it all, while newbie Sam is convinced attitude is everything. From a former teacher to … there’s a surprise behind every door.
With a runtime of about an hour it’s a great night out for families and friends.
Washington County:
Fri. 10/30 – Sat. 10/31: “The Feeding Ground-A Haunted House Experience” presented by Authentic Community Theatre (Parental Discretion for horror and scares) Tickets $15-$20
ACT offers the ultimate immersive experience with this haunted house walk through their black box space. A royal vampire family has ruled from the shadows for centuries, concealing a gruesome secret that keeps an isolated community under their control. Guests can choose general admission or pay a slight premium to get to the front of the line. Prior to your visit you can sink your fangs into charcuterie or enjoy a themed cocktail. Scares start with first group at 7 p.m. and the last group at 11 p.m. Your ticket purchase allows you to check in at any time during the event.
Fri 10/30 6 p.m. & Sun 11/1 1 p.m.: “Dracula” presented by The Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theatre (Parental Discretion: scary themes) Tickets $67 *discounts available for children and active military/first responders.
Bram Stoker’s masterpiece that defined the vampire genre is re-imagined for the stage in a way that’s sure to send shivers down your spine. Audiences can enjoy themed cocktails with their provided dinner and will be served by members of the cast, making this a night out to remember. Tickets include the show, a buffet dinner, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Sat. 10/31 8 p.m.: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Movie with Shadow Cast” presented by The Potomac Playmakers (18+, under 18 must be accompanied by an adult) Tickets $20
Watching the movie version of Rocky while a live cast performs has become a pop culture rite of passage. Playmakers add a hefty dose of burlesque to their ‘act along’ and the result is sure to make you ‘shiver with antici…………….PATION!’ Things can get wild so leave your inhibitions at the door. Goody bags will be sold for $3 cash at the show and the audience is encouraged to come in costume. A tutorial on audience interaction will be provided for first timers. SOLD OUT Fri. 10/30
Sat. 11/14 7:30 p.m. & Sun. 11/15 3 p.m.: “Shakespeare in Symphony” presented by Maryland Symphony Orchestra (Family Friendly) Tickets $20
Join MSO at The Maryland Theatre for music that explores the enduring power of Shakespeare’s stories inspired by some of his most memorable plays. Selections from Prokofiev’s ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ Mendelssohn’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ and more bring Shakespeare’s characters, emotions, and stories vividly to life through the color and energy of the orchestra.
Worth the Drive
Frederick:
Thurs. 10/29 – Sat. 10/31: ”Planet Claire” presented by Maryland Ensemble Theatre (Parental Discretion)
This Sci-Fi Go-go musical features songs by The B-52’s, book by Tad Janes, with additional material by Gené Fouché & Tim King. MET developed this original musical in partnership with Theatre FCC. Claire, a waitress, is longing for something of importance in her life. After her job takes a turn for the worse, Claire finds herself in the midst of a car wreck and is transported to another planet where she is greeted by aliens who look as if they are members of the B-52s. And then it gets a little weird! Performances are held at Frederick Community College in the JBK Theatre (Building F) at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on 10/31.
Fri. & Sat. 10/30 -10/31 8:30 p.m.: “Comedy Night: Themed Improv” presented by The Maryland Ensemble Theatre (Parental Discretion for adult language) Tickets $17
Join the MET’s improv troupes like Comedy Pigs and Key City Improv, for a variety of side splitting themed evening sessions. Fans of ‘Whose Line is it Anyway’, ‘Dropout’, and satirical takes on classics by Edgar Allen Poe will find shenanigans they can enjoy. Since it’s improv, anything can happen (and probably will!)
Sat. 10/31 4 p.m.: “The Canterville Ghost” presented by Endangered Species Theatre Project (Family Friendly) Tickets ‘Pay What You Will’
Catch the final performance of this wild and witty Oscar Wilde comedy at the Frederick Senior Center. When a no nonsense American family buys a haunted English manor, the ghost in question finds terrorizing them harder than anticipated. With a running time of under an hour and a ‘pay what you will’ pricing scheme, the show is a perfect day out.
Sun. 11/1 – Sun 11/8: ”Welcome to Quarantino’s” presented by Unstrung Harpist (Parental Discretion) Tickets are ‘Pay What You Will’ $20 suggested donation
Welcome to Quarantino’s is a brand-new, riotous musical comedy set in the heart of the pandemic. A failing local dive bar and its inept staff navigate their final day before it closes as a COVID casualty, all while dealing with overwrought regulars, oversexed bartenders, and an overzealous health inspector. Irreverent, ridiculous, and with a lot of heart, W2Q’s will have you laughing, humming, and reminiscing about a time that seems both immeasurably distant and like it just happened yesterday. The show runs two and a half hours with a 15-minute intermission. Performances are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
West Virginia:
Sat. & Sun. 10/31-11/1 1 p.m.: “Hokey Pokey Magic Show” presented by Wonderment Puppets (Children Encouraged) Tickets $7.50 cash or check only
Join the Puppeteers of Wonderment Theatre for a joyful display of magic and fun. Each show ends with a dance party and the venue includes a whimsical art gallery so you can make the most of your visit.
Gettysburg:
Fri. 11/6 8 p.m.: Symphony Orchestra Concert, Sat. 11/7 8pm: Jazz Ensemble Concert presented by The Gettysburg College Sunderman Conservatory of Music (Family Friendly) Tickets $5
Enjoy two evenings of wonderful music at the historic Majestic Theatre performed by these top tier students from Gettysburg College. Whether you prefer the intricate harmonies of a full orchestra or the more free flowing riffs of a jazz ensemble, these two concerts are sure to delight!
Fri. 11/6 – Sat. 11/14: “Airness” presented by Gettysburg Community Theatre (Parental Discretion, 13+) Tickets $20
In this electric musical by Chelsea Marcentell, heroine Nina steps onto the stage for her very first air guitar competition convinced she’s got it in the bag. But as she’s swept into a wildly passionate community of eccentric, big-hearted competitors — all chasing the title of champion — she quickly realizes this isn’t just playing pretend. Packed with laugh-out-loud moments and an unexpected amount of heart, Airness is a high-energy comedy about finding your people, owning your weird, and discovering the freedom that comes from fully embracing who you are.
