Barn Theatre announces lineup for 78th season with 'a little something for everyone'
AUGUSTA - With musicals, comedies, new shows and some old favorites, the lineup for the Barn Theatre seemingly offers something for everyone as the 2024 summer schedule gets underway.
The Augusta Barn Theatre has announced a diverse range of shows for its 78th season, which will kick off with "The Play That Goes Wrong" from June 4-9.
"With our show selection this year, we wanted to have a little something for everyone," said Penelope Ragotzy of the Barn Theatre. "We have the tried and true musicals we like to have every year. And we have the farces that everyone loves, and that we love to do. We have a brand new show in 'Mystic Pizza', that is full of music from the 80s and the 90s. And we have the big musicals like 'Fiddler On The Room' and another one that we can't announce yet. That one is a family show, I can tell you that.
"We are just so excited for another season and we are working hard to get ready. We are preparing and our apprentices and staff are all arriving now and we are just looking to hit the ground running."
The opener on June 4 - "The Play That Goes Wrong" - is a one-week run of a comedy that follows the misadventures of the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society as they attempt to stage the mystery play "Murder at Haversham Manor." The season opener is suitable for all ages.
Overall, the Barn Theatre will have eight shows, ending with the 14th running on the Barn stage of "The Rocky Horror Show" on Sept. 6.
"It's a lot of work, but it's a lot of fun. For our little group, putting together eight shows is like throwing eight weddings in one summer," Ragotzy said.
Rest of the 78th Season
June 11-16: "The Woman In Black" - The one-week show offers a 'spine-tingling experience'. Dive into the tale of a lawyer, consumed by a curse he believes to be cast by the specter of a "Woman in Black." The gripping drama is for ages 18-up.
June 18-30: "Fiddler On The Roof" - The family favorite musical will bring special guest star Robert Newman back to the Barn stage. Former Barnie and television actor Newman will play the role of Tvye in the timeless classic.
July 9-21: "Mystic Pizza" - A 80s jukebox musical, this is a new show to the Barn featuring the hits of the 1980s and 90s - based on the romantic comedy movie of the same name from 1988. Follow three working-class young women as they navigate life, love and family in a small-town pizza joint.
July 23-Aug. 4 - "Boeing, Boeing" - A farce featuring adult humor, highlighted by mistaken identities and merry misadventures, the Barn suggests you 'fasten your seatbelts for a wild ride of laughter'.
Aug. 6-18 - Musical - To be announced June 10.
Aug. 20-Sept. 1: "Heartbreak Hotel" - A prequel to "Million Dollar Quartet," this shows features the legendary life of Elvis Presley, highlighted by the music of 'The King' himself.
Sept. 6-8, 13-15: "The Rocky Horror Show" - A local favorite, the Barn Theatre's one-of-a-kind production of "The Rocky Horror Show" has become a cult classic and will enjoy its 14th time on stage in Augusta. With adult humor and situations, get ready to sing and dance along to the 'Time Warp' again.
For information about the season, show details, ticket information, and more, visit www.barntheatreschool.org.
Contact Bill Broderick at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter @billbroderick.
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Barn Theatre's lineup for 78th season features 'something for everyone'
