March 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 13 (mat), 18, 19, 25, 26

Hearts racing. Minds reeling. Knees buckling. Connie and Tristan have palpable chemistry—or is it a side effect of a new antidepressant? They are volunteers in a clinical trial, but their sudden and illicit romance forces the supervising doctors to face off over the ethical consequences of their work. THE EFFECT takes on our pill-popping culture with humor and scintillating drama.

"Deathtrap" by Ira Levin

directed by Robin Frome

Comfortably ensconced in his charming Connecticut home, Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, is struggling to overcome a dry spell which has resulted in a string of failures and a shortage of funds. A possible break in his fortunes occurs when he receives a script from a student in the seminar he has been conducting at a nearby college—a thriller that Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway smash. Sidney’s plan, devised with his wife’s help, is to offer collaboration to the student for co-credit. Or is it? DEATHTRAP provides twists and turns of devilish cleverness, and offers hilariously sudden shocks in such abundance that audiences will be spellbound until the very last moment.

Tales from the Brookside - Ten Minute One Act Competition

organized by Jocelyn Beard

Our popular one act play festival returns! Playwrights from around the country have submitted 10 minute plays to compete in this audience voted competition. Join us for a week of fun!

"Mornings At Seven" - by Paul Osborn

directed by Frank Arcaro

This heart-warming comedy from the 30's was a forgotten gem until it was rediscovered in 1980 by a Broadway production that was the surprise smash of the year.  It is a true ensemble piece with all nine parts contributing to the story line in a significant way.    Its plot focuses on four aging sisters living in a small Midwestern town in 1928, and it deals with ramifications within the family when two of them begin to question their lives and decide to make some changes before it's too late.

This is a rollicking version of the Boucicault classic about an evil banker and a pure and deprived heroine embellished with exciting musical accents. To cover his embezzlement, the banker steals the ship captain's fortune, leaving the captain's widow and daughter to brave the cruel world as best they can. The equally destitute hero is forced to become engaged to the banker's villainous daughter. Then comes the foreclosure by the heartless banker; the splendidly nostalgic Christmas scene where the poor huddle in the snow, and the heroine laments the loss of her job; and finally the big fire, the reversal of fortunes, and the triumph of virtue. A deliciously idealized era, with excellent lyrics and musical originality.