For the Love of Theater

By Marlene Chaisson

Some really great shows will take North Central Massachusetts stages in fall and winter. Waiting in the wings: regional performers who just love the stage and great choreography, storytelling, and music.

Theatre at the Mount Mount

Wachusett Community College
444 Green Street, Gardner, MA

Murder on the Orient Express

• 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays October 2 and 3, 9 and 10
• 2 p.m. Sundays October 4 and 11

All aboard for a thrilling ride of mystery and intrigue in Murder on the Orient Express, Agatha Christie’s iconic whodunit brought to life on stage. When a snowstorm halts the luxurious train, a murder is discovered—and every passenger is a suspect. Enter the legendary detective Hercule Poirot, whose sharp mind and signature mustache get tested as he unravels a web of secrets. With lavish period style, suspenseful twists, and unforgettable characters, the gripping theatrical journey delivers old-school glamour and edge-of-your-seat excitement. Can you solve the case before Poirot does?

White Christmas

• 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays November 27 and 28 • December 4 and 5
• 2 p.m. Sunday November 29 and December 6
• 2 p.m. Saturday, December 5 Special sensory-friendly performance

Step into a winter wonderland with White Christmas, the heartwarming stage musical brimming with nostalgia, romance, and dazzling holiday cheer. Based on the beloved film, the Broadway-style production features classic Irving Berlin songs like “Blue Skies,” “Sisters,” and the timeless title tune “White Christmas.” Follow two showbiz buddies as they team up with a pair of talented sisters to save a Vermont inn—and discover love and laughter along the way. With stunning choreography, sweeping melodies, and a flurry of festive spirit, White Christmas presents sparkling celebration that’s sure to warm hearts and lift spirits all season long.

Titanic

• 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays February 26 and 27 • March 5 and 6
• 2 p.m. Sunday March 7

Embark on the grandest ship ever built as stories of ambition, love, class, and destiny unfold against one of history’s most unforgettable events. With a soaring Tony Award–winning score, richly drawn characters, and breathtaking theatrical storytelling, Titanic, the Musical delivers a voyage filled with heart, drama, and awe inspiring beauty.

FOR THE KIDS

How I Became a Pirate

• October 15 and 16 • October 21 through 23

Set sail for adventure with How I Became a Pirate, the swashbuckling musical for young audiences and the young at heart! When Jeremy Jacob joins Captain Braid Beard and his quirky crew, he discovers life on the high seas full of songs, surprises, and silly pirate rules—like no vegetables and no bedtime! Based on a beloved children’s book, the show features catchy tunes, colorful characters, and plenty of laughs. Details to be announced for performances for school groups. Contact at box-office@mwcc.mass.edu for pricing and availability.

Disney’s Frozen Jr.

• 11 a.m. Saturday, April 3 Special sensory-friendly performance
• 2 p.m. Saturday, April 3 Performance for general audience.
• 10 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday Performances for school groups. April 6 and 7
• 9:30 a.m. and noon Thursday and Friday April 8 and 9

A musical adaptation of Disney’s hit film tailored for young performers and audiences, Frozen Jr. tells the story of sisters Anna and Elsa as they discover the power of love, courage, and self-acceptance amid a kingdom trapped in eternal winter. With beloved songs like “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” the show blends heartfelt storytelling, humor, and dazzing moments of icy enchantment.

Barre Players Theater

64 Common Street, Barre, MA

The Enchanted Bookshop

• 7:30 p.m. March 6 and 7
• 2 p.m. March 7 and 8

Barre Players Youth Theater will present The Enchanted Bookshop by Todd Wallinger and directed by Raiden Bousquet in the Barre Players Theater. Characters inside books will come alive on the stage as Dorothy Gale, Robin Hood, Pollyanna, Sherlock Holmes, Heidi, and Tom Sawyer long to help the store’s owner, Margie, save her struggling store.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

• In June, details to be announced

In June, details to be announced, Jessie Olson will direct a Barre Players performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Area high schools put on theatre productions that shine a light on young people together and their love of theater.

Mahar Regional School

507 South Main Street, Orange, MA

Mary Poppins Jr.

• Fridays through November 14 through 16 and 21 through 23

The Mahar Regional School, Orange, theater department will perform Mary Poppins Jr., directed by Julie Bouchard, also a performer in productions at Theatre at the Mount. Curtains up at Mahar on Fridays through November 14 through 16 and 21 through 23.

St. Bernard’s High School

45 Harvard Street, Fitchburg, MA

Fall Revue Concert

• November, 2026 • More information available in July

StageWorks, plans a November, 2026 production Fall Revue Concert directed by Kate Olson and Gavin Grey coming up. More information available in July.

A retired senior national account executive, Marlene serves on the board of directors of Athol Kindness Connection. A retired certified instructor with American Council on Exercise, she owned a group fitness studio and co-owned a cycling studio.