THE CALENDAR may seem to be winding down, but the Millennium Repertory Company isn’t. The footlights barely cool off before the switches are flipped for the next production.
In August, the Teen Actors’ Guild entertained audiences with its production of “Catch Me If You Can,” directed by Travis Lawson, a former member of the teen guild. Colorful costumes and fun dance numbers brought to life the real-life story of con man Frank Abagnale, Jr.
Follow the meteoric rise and tragic fall of one of Shakespeare’s most dynamic couples in “Macbeth,” on stage Sept.16-18 and 23-25. This new modern staging of Shakespeare’s shortest tragedy oozes magic, malice, and murder.
In November, treat yourself to a break from Thanksgiving dinner planning and early Christmas shopping with tickets to “Hello Dolly!” Nov. 11-13 and 18-20. The $10-15 ticket price buys romance and matchmaking laced with song, dance, and laughter. With today’s sticker shock, that’s a pleasant surprise!
While that wraps up the season for the repertory company, there’s more theater before the new year. What’s December without a Christmas play or pageant? That’s a loaded question as the Home School Theater Enrichment Program presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” Dec. 9-11. Feel the pain of those in charge of a church Christmas pageant when faced with casting the Herdman kids.
And who doesn’t want to see “The Nutcracker” as part of their favorite Christmas traditions? Thanks to Duck River Dance, your opportunity to enjoy it with your entire family is Dec. 2-4.
There’s still more on the art center’s calendar in 2022. Elvis is a household word again, thanks to a recent movie which has garnered a new generation of fans and allowed long-time fanatics to revisit their fondest memories. Continue that stroll down memory lane with Jamie Harden’s “Ultimate Oldies Elvis Tribute” Oct. 14-15.
The Arts Council presents its Second Annual Haunted Theater Oct. 28-29, transforming into a haunted house. Stranger, frightening things from the ’80s will scare and thrill you if you dare to enter.
The Manchester Arts Center is managed by the Manchester Arts Commission. According to the center’s website, the commission’s mission is to foster, promote, and encourage the development of the arts in Manchester and the surrounding areas. The Millennium Repertory Company, the Teen Actors Guild, and the Wee Actors Guild, together with other production groups, serve up the theater with remarkable local talent. The upscale sets are a visual delight and rival those usually found in more metropolitan areas.
And speaking of visual, the visual arts are at home at the center and have been greatly expanded. Local artisans’ exhibits are featured, and art classes for adults and children are offered throughout the year.
Keep your calendar filled with upcoming events at the center. It’s good medicine for the blues brought on by all the economic downturn stories in the news. It’s good, really, for whatever ails you! GN
