Spotlight on Stage: Community Theater Unites Audiences Across North Central Massachusetts

By Amber Robidoux

Community theater offers more than entertainment. It also provides a gateway to new worlds of experience, emotion, and creativity. Supporting local performers and artists, theater can extend a valuable part of communities beyond the Commonwealth.

With thousands of community theaters in the United States, it is no surprise how much of an impact community theater has on the culture of the locals within a given area.

Theatre at the Mount – Gardner

Mount Wachusett Community College’s Theatre at the Mount is a cornerstone of regional performing arts, known for its engaging productions and welcoming atmosphere. This season, it will stage a dynamic lineup of musicals, ranging from classic Broadway to children’s theater.

Anything Goes
October 3–4, 10–11 at 7:30 p.m.
Matinee: October 12 at 2:00 p.m.

The Cole Porter musical Anything Goes is packed with unforgettable tunes, dazzling dance numbers, and hilarious hijinks aboard the S.S. American. Follow the madcap antics of a colorful cast of characters, including the charming nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and the lovestruck stowaway Billy Crocker, as they navigate romance and mischief on the high seas. With hits like “I Get a Kick Out of You” and “You’re the Top,”

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
November 28–29, December 5–6 at 7:30 p.m.
Matinee: December 7 at 2:00 p.m.

A lively and family-friendly musical composed by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat brings the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors to vibrant life on stage. With catchy songs, dynamic dances, and a heartwarming tale of dreams, betrayal, and triumph, the production includes the electrifying “Any Dream Will Do” and the infectious “Go, Go, Go Joseph.”

Young Frankenstein
February 27–28, March 6–7 at 7:30 p.m.
Matinee: March 8 at 2:00 p.m.

In early 2026, Mel Brooks musical comedy will take center stage at the Mount.

Children’s Theater Performances

In spring, TAM turns the spotlight to younger audiences with two engaging children’s productions:

• Have You Filled Your Bucket Today?
• Willy Wonka Jr.

A Special Sensory-Friendly Performance of Willy Wonka Jr. will be held April 4 at 11:00 a.m., welcoming audience members of all sensory sensitivities

More information and ticket details can be found at mwcc.edu/campus-life/tam/shows.

• Mary Poppins Jr. – Mahar Regional School, Orange
The talented students of Mahar Regional School will present Mary Poppins Jr. this November:
Fridays: November 14 & 21 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays: November 15 & 22 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday Matinee: November 23 at 2:00 p.m.

This whimsical musical invites audiences of all ages to revisit the magic of everyone’s favorite nanny. Updates and details are available at facebook.com/mahartheater.

More Than a Stage: A Force for Connection

Community theater fosters inclusivity between all ages, genders and stages of life. It provides cast, crew, designers, and audience from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to experience and collaborate on individual productions. Requiring collaboration and the ability to bring people together, community theater creates connection and contributes to a more inclusive society.

Stay tuned for the next issue where we cover Center Stage FSU, New Players Theatre Guild, Stratton Players, and Barre Players.