"Is He Dead?" based on the play by Mark Twain; adapted by David Ives Is A Must See Comedy!
directed by Greg Tavares
Authored by Mark Twain in 1897, this play was discovered by Shelley Fisher Fishkin and updated by David Ives. Jean-Francois Millet is a brilliant but unrecognized artist who can't sell a painting to save his life. With the help of his madcap bohemian friends, Jean decides to stage his own demise to revive sales. However, in order to keep an eye on his success, he re-emerges as his imaginary twin sister. Join Footlight for farce that will have you laughing loud enough to wake the dead. Read the review on "Is He Dead?" here.
Playing August 27, 28; September 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 at 8pm; August 29 & September 12 at 3pm.
"The Lion In Winter" by James Goldman
directed by Evan Parry
Sponsored by Piggly Wiggly
Back stabbing, spying, and rampant infidelity - just a typical family Christmas for the Plantagenets, England's royal family. This ingenious drama pits King Henry II against his strong-willed wife Eleanor of Aquitaine and their three heirs in the 12th-century struggle for love and power. James Goldman's 'historical comedy' takes place in 1187, but is as timely as today. Winner of 3 Tony's and 7 Academy Awards.
Playing October 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 at 8pm; October 10 & 17 at 3pm. $25 adults; $22 seniors; $15 students ($10 student rush 15 minutes before curtain with your student id).
Haunting Tale.....The Weir
by Connor McPherson
directed by Jo Ellen Aspinwall
Set in a small tavern in rural Ireland, local men swap spook stories in an attempt to impress a young woman who recently moved into a nearby "haunted" house. The tables are soon turned when she tells a tale of her own and an innocent evening soon becomes a night of personal revelation. Beautiful, devious, and darkly magical, "The Weir" celebrates old-fashioned storytelling and guarantees to serve up more than chilling ghost stories about what goes bump in the night.
Playing October 28, 29 30; November 4, 5, 6 at 9pm. Tickets $10 Thursday; $15 Friday/Saturday.
"White Christmas" by Irving Berlin; book by David Ives & Paul Blake
directed by Robert Ivey
Sponsored by SunTrust Bank
Direct from Broadway, the classic holiday movie "White Christmas" comes to the stage at last! This brand new musical shines with classic Berlin hits like "Blue Skies," "How Deep is the Ocean?" and, of course, the unforgettable title song, "White Christmas," and tells the story of two buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont Inn and finding their perfect mates in the process. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, this musical promises a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family!
Playing December 3-19, 2010
"A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry
directed by Henry Clay Middleton
Sponsored by The Hat Ladies
The intensely affecting drama chronicles how a financial windfall touches the lives of an African-American family living in Chicago in the late 50's. A simple desire for a home of their own becomes the touchstone of their integrity. This modern classic, remembered from the film starring Sidney Poitier and most recently, Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs, is an inspiring, moving and poignant tale that includes themes relevant and as universal today as they were then.
Reviews here: Charleston Scene; Charleston City Paper; Charleston Today; Lowcountry Today.
Playing January 2011: 28, 29; February 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 at 8pm; February 6 & 13 at 3pm. Tickets are $25/adults; $22/senior; $20/student; $10 for children 10 and under.
"Fat Pig" by Neil LaBute
directed by Robbie Thomas
Read reviews here: Charleston City Paper; Charleston Today; Lowcountry Today.
How many insults can you hear before you have to stand up and defend the woman you love? Tom faces just that question when he falls for Helen, a bright, funny, sexy young woman who happens to be a plus-sized - and then some! Forced to explain his new relationship to his shallow (although shockingly funny) friends, tom finally comes to terms with his own preconceptions of the importance of conventional good looks.
Playing February 24, 25, 26; March 3, 4, and 5 at 9pm.
"Messiah on the Frigidaire" by John Culbertson
directed by Don Brandenburg
The small town of Elroy, SC is thrust into the evangelical spotlight, when what seems to be the image of Jesus appears on a refrigerator in a trailer park. The discovery sets into motion a frenzy of conflict, communion and good old-fashioned commerce. When the National Investigator turns the appearance into front page headlines, the trailer park becomes a Mecca for miracle seekers, soul searchers and disciples with a decidedly political agenda. In an area where religion is as much a part of life as grits and cotton fields, God surely moves in mysterious ways.
March-April 2011
"The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas" music by Carol Hall; book by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson
directed by Robert Ivey & Robbie Thomas
Read the review here.
Based on the true story of the Texas brothel known as the "Chicken Ranch" this fun, tongue-in-cheek show features a country-western score and brims with rousing chorus numbers and beautiful ballads. Throw in a classy madam with a heart of gold, a hot-headed sheriff, an evangelical television reporter (not to mention a championship football team and a house full of beautiful women!) for a down-home good time!
May 2011
Coming to Piccolo Spoleto by the Footlight Players
If you LOVED “Oh George; On Stage with George Gershwin” you will love our second musical revue of George Gershwin songs. You don’t have to see the first to see the second. With all the songs George Gershwin wrote, there are too many to put in one show. Come out and enjoy this loving tribute to George Gershwin. Playing during the Piccolo Spoleto Festival.
OH GEORGE Too! The Life & Songs of George Gershwin
A Musical Revue written and directed by Robert Ivey
(Musical 75 minutes; Rated G)
Join us as we take you on the life journey of George Gershwin, featuring his songs and life stories. Experience the wit, the nostalgia and the great passion of George’s music as well as his longing for relationships and the long hours spent composing and playing the piano. You will hear the last song he played on his piano, "Fascinatin’ Rhythm" along with many more songs, featuring "Summer Time" and "Rhapsody in Blue." Shows sold out last year so get your tickets now!
Playing: May 28 at 8pm; May 29 at 3pm; June 4 at 5pm; June 9 at 6pm; June 10 at 7pm; June 11 at 2pm. Tickets: $26 Adults; $21 Students & Seniors (includes Piccolo’s $1 surcharge).
