Contributed by AACT
Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) is excited to announce its full 2021-2022 season that kicks off in a few weeks.
The season opens on Aug. 19 with “End Days” by Deborah Zoe Laufer. As we approach the 20th anniversary of 9/11, this is a comedic redemption story about healing and family in the wake of 9/11. AACT’s artistic director says, “as theatre-makers, we search for the things that unite us. While this script is not for everyone, the emotions are universal. End Days — for all its quirks — is a family’s love story, reminding us to listen to each other and hold each other close.”
AACT will be giving the proceeds from the Saturday, Aug, 21 show to Tuesday’s Children, an organization formed in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, to provide a lifetime of healing for families who have been forever changed by terrorism, military conflict or mass violence.
AACT’s Young Performers, ages 5-11, will stage the second show of the season slated to open Sept. 30, “Jack and Lil and the Beanstalk.” A performance for the young and young at heart, come away with us to the Appalachian Mountains for a foot-stompin’, toe-tappin’ retelling of a folk story classic. Be prepared to be swept up into the action and adventure as we join Jack and his sister Lil on a magical journey up the beanstalk. Audition sign-ups are open online now!
Next up in the season, part of a worldwide event, is MTI’s “All Together Now,” A Global Event Celebrating Local Theatre.
Opening on Nov. 12, this is a fundraiser event for AACT and other theaters around the globe. Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. After COVID-19 affected so many theaters’ livelihoods, MTI is providing the opportunity for schools and theatres around the world to locally produce and perform an exclusive musical revue featuring 15 songs from MTI’s beloved shows. To date, there will be over 3,300 performances in 35 countries and territories.
For the holiday season, AACT is excited to be back for the second annual “Holiday Walk in the Woods.” After great success partnering with the Kreher Preserve last year, and after many requests for another showcase this year, we’ll be offering another festive walk in the woods filled with holiday music and cheer, showcasing members from our community. Mark your calendars for Dec. 17 and 18.
As the season moves into 2022, AACT’s Teen Performers will bring us a Prohibition Era telling of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” Opening Feb. 25, this abridged version of the classic is a great introduction to Shakespeare for both the performers and audiences alike. Directed by an Auburn University Theatre student, this show will be full of up-and-coming local talent that you don’t want to miss. You can say you “saw them when” once they become famous.
Lastly, the season will round out with the comedy, “Vanya & Sonya & Masha & Spike.” This Tony award-winning, Chekhovian comedy was scheduled to close out the season in May 2019 but had to be postponed due to COVID-19. It is with great excitement that it has been rescheduled to close out this season, opening May 6. Who doesn’t love to laugh?
AACT is thrilled to be bringing so many great shows to our area this season. This season also offers many opportunities to get involved with AACT. AACT is a volunteer organization that depends on the time and energy of many wonderful people from within the community. There’s something for everyone. Please visit www.auburnact.org to find our volunteer interest form or email info@auburnact.org to get involved. Follow AuburnACT on Facebook or keep up with us at www.AuburnACT.org for the latest information on auditions, volunteer opportunities, tickets and more.
Come be a part of the magic of theatre, we can’t wait to meet you!
To schedule press interviews, photos, press comps or for additional information, please contact Terry Kelley, president of the AACT Board at tkelley@auburnact.org.