Laughter On the 23rd Floor

Written by Neil Simon
November 3 - 18, 2023
Directed by Steve Allen

The play focuses on Sid Caesar-like Max Prince, the star of a weekly comedy-variety show circa 1953, and his staff, including Simon's alter-ego Lucas Brickman, who maintains a running commentary on the writing, fighting, and wacky antics which take place in the writers' room. Max has an ongoing battle with NBC executives, who fear his humor is too sophisticated for Middle America. The play is notable not only for its insider's look at the personalities and processes of television comedy writing, but also for its reflection of the political and social undercurrents of its time, in particular the rise of Joseph McCarthy, relationships between various (European) American ethnicities, and attitudes toward women.


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A Comedy of Tenors

Written by Ken Ludwig
February 2 - 17, 2024
Directed by Anita Rowland

One hotel suite, four tenors, two wives, three girlfriends and a soccer stadium filled with screaming fans. What could possibly go wrong? It's 1930s Paris and the stage is set for the concert of the century - as long as producer Henry Saunders can keep Italian superstar Tito Merelli and his hot-blooded wife, Maria, from causing runaway chaos. Prepare for an uproarious ride, full of mistaken identities, bedroom hijinks and madcap delight.

 

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Jesus Christ Superstar
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice
May 3 - 18, 2024
Directed by John Blackwell

Jesus Christ Superstar tells the story of biblical Jesus in the final days leading up to his crucifixion. The musical has no spoken dialogue and is loosely based on the Gospels. The story is told through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, who is concerned the movement led by Jesus, has devolved into personality cult.

 

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A VILLAGE PLAYBOX
SPECIAL EVENT

Cobb
Written by Lee Blessing
March 15 & 16, 2024
Directed by John Blackwell

The character of controversial baseball legend Ty Cobb is split into three differently aged versions of himself: The Peach, aged nineteen, at the beginning of his long career with the Detroit Tigers; Ty, in his early forties, at the end of his playing days; and Mr Cobb, in his early seventies, at the point of death from cancer. The play floats freely in time, moving back and forth among the Cobbs as they contend with each other over whom Ty Cobb really was and what he represented. Invading this self-imposed “argument in limbo” is Oscar Charleston, a black player of Cobb’s time who, though relegated to the Negro Leagues, was dubbed the “Black Cobb” by the white press. Ty tries to avoid Charleston just as he always avoided playing exhibition games against him or any other black players. As Cobb fights both popular opinion, and himself, to justify his life, Charleston provides a deeper challenge to his self-esteem. Ultimately we come to know Cobb in his full complexity—as a sports hero of the highest order, fulfilling one of America’s most cherished dreams, and as an example of some of its greatest failures..

 

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Season Tickets for all 3 mainstage shows, for just $50.00.  
Click here to purchase now or mail to: P.O. Box 35, Haddon Heights NJ 08035.

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