The Woolgatherer

by William Mastrosimone

Directed by Cathy and Michael McVey

Oct. 14, 15 & 20, 21, 22

This “opposites attract” story features Rose, a shy dime-store clerk, and Cliff, a hardworking truck driver, who struggle to find love. First staged in 1979, The Woolgatherer “profiles two lonely people who have nothing in common except that they are in the same room together, yet by the end of the play, they have found each other, soothing their respective senses of isolation and loneliness.” (VC Onstage Review)

Profanity, Poetry, Humor, Hauntings, Wackos, Wine, Birds, Beer, Sweaters, Sweets, and Nosy Old Ladies

Educating Rita

by Willy Russell

directed by Ben Mattox

Feb. 16, 17, 18 & 23, 24, 25

This comedy by British playwright Willy Russell is a witty yet poignant look at a working class woman’s attempts to change her social circumstances through pursuit of an Open University qualification. Frank is a tutor of English in his fifties whose disillusioned outlook on life drives him to drink and bury himself in his books. Enter Rita, a forthright 26 year-old hairdresser who is eager to learn. Their relationship as teacher and student blossoms, ultimately giving Frank a new sense of self and Rita the knowledge she so craves.

Murder at the Howard Johnson’s

by Ron Clark and Sam Bobrick

directed by Kayleigh Swatzell

Apr. 19, 20, 21 & 26, 27, 28

Is all fair in love? Even murder? That’s the question posed by this light and funny suspense comedy about a love triangle set in a Howard Johnson’s Motor Inn. Self-absorbed Arlene is married to blundering car salesman Paul, who adores her. Arlene’s lover Mitchell, a dentist who fancies himself an irresistible ladies’ man, joins her to plot the murder of her husband. But wait—a betrayal shifts the alliances and the intended victim. A rambunctious suspense comedy where the target keeps changing and the laughs keep coming!