The holiday shows are on the way, but there’s still plenty of excellent, non-Christmas themed entertainment left to finish out November. Comedy and musical offerings are plentiful to help you end the month laughing, tapping your feet and maybe even singing along.
In Our Area
Franklin County:
Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 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.
Saturday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m. “Almost Maine” presented by CASHS Drama Club (parental guidance) Tickets $5-$10
This series of interwoven vignettes centered around life in a small Maine town is a perennial favorite for schools. By turns funny, touching, and uplifting, it’s a perfect watch on a chilly fall evening. Drop in to Chambersburg Area Senior High School Auditorium to enjoy the students’ take on a modern classic.
Saturday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m. “Legends of Sun Records” starring Jesse Aron and the Spin-Outs (family friendly) Tickets $35-$43
The stage of the Capitol Theatre Center will be rocking with this celebration of the music of iconic Sun Records artists, including Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley. The talented musicians promise to deliver audience favorites in an authentic style that will make you feel like the King never left the building!
Saturday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m. “Shippensburg University Community Orchestra” at the Luhrs Center (family friendly) Tickets free at door, $6 to reserve online
Eight movements from Tchaikovsky’s popular Nutcracker Suite will be performed by the full orchestra. The Shippensburg University Concert Choir joins the instrumentalists to perform Schubert’s magnificent Mass No. 6 in E-flat Major. Rich in musical contrasts, the Mass showcases the expressive power of the chorus alongside brilliant writing for brass and woodwinds.
Washington County:
Saturday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m. “Vignette Fest” presented by Painting With A Purpose (parental guidance) Tickets $17
Join host Molly Britland for the first ever Vignette Fest. This one-act festival showcases three plays with talented local creatives and drastically different styles. A satirical take on appliance maintenance, a dramatic look at family tragedy, and a comedic glimpse into the aftermath of a wedding.
Saturday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Nov. 22: “Al-la-la-la-laddin” presented by the ACT educational program (children encouraged) Tickets $25
This comedic adaptation, inspired by the story we all know and love, is sure to amaze and entertain. If repeated listening to “Friend Like Me” has you shying away from other Aladdin productions, the talented students who take the stage at the ACT Black Box are happy to offer an alternative.
Saturday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 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.
Friday, Nov. 20 – Sunday, Nov. 22, 7 p.m. “The One Act Play That Goes Wrong” presented by Hagerstown Community College (family friendly) Tickets free- $15
This one-act version of a British murder mystery production going horribly (and hilariously) awry will have you crying with laughter AND out the door in a little over an hour. A perfect introduction to live theatre for a younger audience or a great night out for those who also appreciate an earlier bedtime.
Saturday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m. “Magical Mystery Doors Tribute Band” presented at The Maryland Theatre (family friendly) Tickets $58-$70
This tribute act blends and layers the music of three legendary bands, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and the Doors to create something new and unique for music fans everywhere. Throughout the show, audience members will hear classic compositions combined in ways that surprise and delight. Imagine the melody from The Doors’ “Hello, I Love You” laying atop Led Zeppelin’s “Misty Mountain Hop.” MMD also enhances the audience experience with a captivating visual presentation featuring video screens and a stunning array of lighting.
Worth the Drive
Frederick:
Friday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 15, 3 p.m. “Death and the Girl” presented by Red Hill Theatre Group (parental guidance) Tickets $10
Dru is used to seeing things in her sleep. So when she sees a man in the middle of the night, she is not scared. Was he electrocuted, beheaded, hung, shot? He can’t remember. This Appalachian ghost story for the modern world is being performed at New Spire Arts Stages in downtown Frederick.
Fridays and Saturdays in November, 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 house improv troupes as well as guest performers from around the DMV, for a variety of side-splitting themed evening sessions. With a wide array of themes and styles everyone is sure to find a night geared towards their preferred vibe. Since it’s improv, anything can happen (and probably will!)
West Virginia:
Friday, Nov. 13- Sunday, Nov. 15: “Crimes of the Heart” presented by Brooks Production (parental guidance) Tickets $20
Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning off-beat comedy tells the story of the Magrath sisters from Hazelnut, Mississippi as they reunite at their family home under less-than-ideal circumstances. Old wounds re-open and family secrets, heartbreak, and plenty of Southern dysfunction rise as they struggle to navigate their complicated relationships.
Saturdays and Sundays throughout November, 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:
Friday, Nov. 13 and Saturday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m. “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.
Friday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m. “Wind Symphony Concert” presented by the Sunderman Conservatory of Music (family friendly) Tickets $5
The Conservatory’s wind and percussion ensemble is comprised of a select group of 40-50 musicians. They will take the stage at the Majestic Theatre to present a program tracing the American story from its Revolutionary roots through Civil War memory to the present day. The concert features Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, Richard Danielpour’s Vox Populi (“voice of the people”), William Schuman’s New England Triptych, drawn from Revolutionary era hymns, Frank Ticheli’s Shenandoah, Carolyn Bremer’s Early Light, and Jack Stamp’s Cenotaph. This concert is an official America 250th – Adams County event.
