playbill vip

The President’s playbill note is usually a place to look forward at the upcoming season of productions.  However, I know you’ll agree that there’s little of the ‘usual’ about theatre at present, so you’ll forgive me a little retrospection here.

The spread of the COVID-19 virus led to our Playhouse going ‘dark’ mid-run in March 2020, just as that year’s season got underway.  Like everyone else we hoped for a rapid return to normality.  Now, 18 months later, we find ourselves in a position where we can reopen the theatre to audiences. With caveats, restrictions and policies it’s not the normality we hoped for, however I’m OK with that.  The safety of our audience, cast, crew and staff is always our top priority and we knew that we wouldn’t open our doors again unless we could be certain we were doing our best to make the Playhouse that safe and healthy place for all.

And so I find myself, late in the year, eagerly welcoming you to our 2021 season.  I can’t express how proud I am of everyone involved in the Sherman Players for the hard work in keeping us active over this unsettling period, which now allows us to reopen to bring you the quality productions you’ve come to expect.

So, what do we have for you in 2021? 

In June, Matt Austin and Jess Smith tackled the absurdist humor of one of the funniest playwrights in America today, Christopher Durang, with a pair of one-act plays presented as Durang Outdoors. 

Fall brings us the highly anticipated regional premier of A Doll’s House, Part 2.  This Broadway hit by Lucas Hnath earned 8 TONY nominations (including best new play) in 2017, and garnered a win for actor Laurie Metcalf!  Michael Schaner makes his directorial debut at the Playhouse with this fresh, witty, intriguing and important play.  Running September 17 thru October 9 it’s certainly not your Grandma’s Ibsen! 

We round out the year with the return of local favorite Bradford Blake.  Last seen here directing his hit production of Cabaret in 2019, Brad brings his immensely popular, and very irreverent, Wreck The Halls to our stage.  With brand new songs and fresh material his seasoned (pun intended!) cast is ready to kick the Holidays off with a bang!  Runs November 26 thru December 18.

There’s so much to look forward to at the Sherman Playhouse.  All that’s left for me to say is Welcome Back!

Steve Stott – President