It’s Showtime!

Mamma Mia! Spring ushers in a wonderful season of Community Theater in North Central Massachusetts! Yes, there will be lots of lively singing – and familiar ABBA songs – when Mama Mia hits the Theater at the Mount stage in March. You probably know the story: On the eve of her wedding, Sophie has secretly invited three men from her mother Donna’s past back to the Greek Island paradise they last visited 20 years ago, in a quest to discover the identity of her father. The jukebox music is packed with tunes that will have you itching to sing along: Dancing Queen, Take a Chance on me, and, of course, the title song.

And it’s just the beginning of the season at the expansive theater located at Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner. The tunes keep on coming in June, when the Mount cast moves smoothly into The marvelous Wonderettes – a trip back to the 1958 Springfield High School prom. You’ll meet four girls with voices as big as their bouffants and personalities as kooky as their crinoline skirts! From prom night to their ten-year reunion the girls perform such classic hits as It’s My Party, Mr. Sandman, Son of a Preacher Man, Leader of the Pack, Hold me, Thrill Me, Kiss, Me, You Don’t Own ME, and Respect. Are those memories flooding back yet? Staying in the musical mode, the Theatre at Mount players return in August with Singin

In the Rain. You remember Gene Kelly splashing his way through the famous MGM film – and now you can see it live! Filled with every memorable moment from the film and a downpour of unforgettable songs, this show is guaranteed to make a big splash! And yes, it really will rain onstage!

On Stage in Barre:

Want even more music? Then don’t miss the Barre Players’ production of Godspell, a musical of the early ‘70s based on the life of Jesus Christ, at the Barre Playhouse. The April show is packed with music parables from The Gospel According to Matthew as Jesus recruits a group of followers and teaches them various lessons through song and dance.

Stratton Players Going Strong:

The Stratton Players have been entertaining local audiences for over eight decades – continuing even through the tragedy of losing their beloved playhouse to a fire several years ago. Since that devastating fire, the Players’ performances have bounced around a bit, but the troupe is now settled into the Alumni Center for Performing Arts at Applewild School in Fitchburg while working toward the opening of a replacement home. In June, they’ll present Anne of Green Gables, a contemporary telling of the classic story we all read in school. Stern Marilla and her warm-hearted brother Matthew hoped to adopt a boy to work on their farm. But the orphanage sends young, befreckled Anne by mistake, and their lives will never be the same. Follow Anne through her rebellious years, her transformation into a young woman, and her romantic paring with Gilbert.

For the Younger Set:

Want to introduce your kids to live theatre? Be sure to call early for tickets to Aladdin, Jr., a children’s show, presented by Theatre at the Mount. There’s just one show, at 2 pm on Sunday, April 7, and with tickets just $7, it’s likely to sell out. All of your favorite characters from the Disney hit will be here, including Aladdin, Jasmine, and of course, the Genie. Take a flying-carpet-ride of an adventure that soars to the Academy Award-winning score with songs like Friend Like Me and Whole New World. Curtains up! Light the lights! It’s show time n Johnny Appleseed country!