Press release:
Our 2017 Season will kick off with our Annual Gala on Jan. 7th and include many tremendous performances and interesting works by a varied list of playwrights and musicians. Plays and musicals will include classic literature, Shakespeare and timeless upbeat performances, thus the seasonal theme of “Astonishment, Disbelief & Disclosure.”
This year’s productions range from traditional to avant-garde looks at familiar and not so familiar performances, throwing in a dash of the bizarre and horror and ending with a holiday tradition. Sure to please our theater audiences and provide a comprehensive theatrical experience for all.
Annual Gala - Une Nuit Blanch A’ Paris (A White Night in Paris) -- Saturday, Jan. 7th @ 7:30 p.m.
This French-themed evening will pay homage to a traditional Parisian event. White dress, white lights, white decorations and all underlined by flowing champagne, basket raffles and our Annual Harvester 56 Theater Performance Awards and our most memorable performances. A sure not to miss event as we kick off the 2017 Season and celebrate the amazing 2016 Season!
On Broadway 8 – The Magic Kingdom on Broadway – Feb. 10th, 11th, 17th & 18th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – Feb. 12th @ 2 p.m. – Directed by Amanda Melissa Taylor & Kathy White.
Sure to be a huge hit and a tremendous family event, as special performances loved by all come from that Magical Kingdom to our stage. The combination of new songs and longtime favorites are brought alive with colorful costumes, dance and song. Expertly directed by Amanda Melissa Taylor & musically directed by Kathy White, this is sure to be a great spirited start to our 2017 Season.
This Ain’t Your Mamma’s Shakespeare – March 10th & 11th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – March 13th @ 2 p.m. – Produced by E. Jane Burk and directed by Susan Buckley, Joan Cirillo & Michele Stamp.
An irreverent look at the English Bard and his works by contemporary authors which include William Shakespeare having inspiring dreams, a community theater’s disaster with the play Hamlet and a college themed farce the night before a very special exam. Full of fun, fantasy and colorful characters, this is a great way to enjoy the themes and of Shakespeare while getting quite a few laughs.
William Shakespeare’s Hamlet – April 21st, 22nd, 28th & 29th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – April 23rd @ 2 p.m. – directed by E. Jane Burk & assisted by Michele Stamp – Shakespeare in Springtime Production.
The perils, clashes and revenge of the young Danish Prince Hamlet as he tries to avenge his father’s murder and subsequent marriage of his mother to his uncle, the play explodes on stage with all the drama of Shakespearean tragedy. Acutely directed and conceived by E. Jane Burk, this study into love, tragedy, revenge, madness and terror is sure to be incredible.
The Last Five Years – May 12th & 13th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – May 14th @ 2 p.m. -- Produced by Kathy White & directed and starring Amy Martin and Joe Kusmierczak in this very special performance.
You are sure to enjoy Jason Robert Brown’s musical experience in the life of a five-year relationship from the beginning to the end. This compelling award-winning musical is told in the unique aspect of an aspiring young actress and a novelist meet, fall in and out of love. The actress’ story is told in reverse narrative from the end of the relationship to the beginning and the novelist’s story from the beginning to the end. Only once do the characters interact in a poignant wedding scene. This is a truly amazing musical offering.
Grey Gardens – June 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – June 11th @ 2 p.m. – Produced, designed and directed by Patrick D. Burk with musical direction by Kathy White.
Based on the Documentary of the same name, this is a compelling look at the lives of Edith Ewing Bovier Beale and her daughter Edith Bouvier Beale, aunt and first cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Once the bright lights of East Hampton, Long Island society, this musical delves into the complicated dynamics of this unique and tragic mother/daughter relationship as they diminish from the rich and polished society lovelies to their isolated and demented lives. Written by Doug Wright with Music written by Scott Frankel and Lyrics by Michael Korie this production is set at their palatial estate Grey Gardens as it too declines into disarray.
Kids Camp Presents -- A Midsummer’s Night Eve – July 21st & 22nd @ 7:30 p.m. – Kids Camp runs from July 10th - 22nd with this musical rendition of Shakespeare’s classic as the culmination of a fantastic program.
Led by trained and knowledgeable staff, our theater opens its doors to the 12 and under crowd to experience all aspects of theater work from conception to design. This year’s program is a fun curriculum that will expand the experiences of the young actor and musician. Included will be voice, dance, movement, design and acting. Auditions will be held for the roles in the performance and campers will work to perfect their final performance for the public. Lauded as “one of the best summer experiences around,” this summer staple of the Harvester 56 Theater will once again be supervised by Wendy Williams, Education Director & Musical Director, Kathy White. Camp spots are limited so watch for auditions and signs ups on our website.
21st Summer Youth Theater - FAME – The Musical – August 11th, 12th, 18th & 19th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – Aug. 13th @ 2 p.m. Directed by Patrick D. Burk and musical direction by Kathy White.
This high-energy musical based on the 1980’s television show was conceived and developed by David De Silva. Book by Jose’ Fernandez, Lyrics by Jacques Levi and Music by Steve Margoshes. Set in the famed School of the Performing Arts in New York City, this production looks at the highs and lows of the education and training aspect of a career in the arts. Packed with memorable songs and amazing dance numbers, Fame will become a theatrical highlight for all to see. Directed by Patrick D. Burk and Musically Directed by Kathy White along with a solid number of professionals, this will make our 21st Summer Youth Theater, a huge success. A must see for the entire family this show is jam-packed with great characters and tremendous performances.
The Laramie Project – Sept. 15th & 16th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Sept. 17th @ 2 p.m.
Directed by Norm Argulski as a special 2017 Tribute Performance of this moving American masterpiece.The Laramie Project is a true American masterpiece that abruptly and pointedly takes on the horrors of prejudice and the tribute of love and resolution. Written by Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project, this play explores the aftermath of the torture and murder of a gay University of Wyoming student, Matthew Shepard, in 1998. This memorable and moving piece of American theater is sure to be a sober and reflective piece in our theater season. Expertly directed by Norm Argulski, who appeared in the first Laramie Project performance in Batavia, this indeed is a Tribute Performance and a very special offering this year.
Frankenstein the Musical – Nov. 3rd, 4th, 10th & 11th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Nov. 5th @ 2 p.m. Produced, directed & designed by Patrick D. Burk and musically directed by Kathy White.
Mary Shelley’s classic story comes to life at the Harvester 56 Theater stage with a tremendous score and soaring musical numbers. Set in Europe and the Arctic in the late 1790s this spectacle of the stage, with music by Mark Baron and book and lyrics by Jeffrey Jackson was originally adapted by Gary P. Cohen. Painstakingly performed and adapted for our stage, the audience will be immersed in the horror, madness and tragedy that Shelley put on the pages of her most famous novel. Enter the world of Frankenstein as he creates his creature and realizes the impact this has on his family and all mankind.
Whispers in the Snow – Dec. 15th & 16th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Dec. 17th @ 2 p.m.
Written, designed and directed by Patrick D. Burk and musically directed by Kathy White.Our magical year ends with an astonishing look at the Christmas Season. This production, written by Patrick D. Burk includes this area’s brightest and best performers, our younger artists as well as dance and song to tell a poignant tale of Christmas, community and love. It is a companion piece to last year’s The Christmas Gift. Full of the awe and wonder of the Holiday Season, Whispers in the Snow will be the performance that will put you in the spirit of joy and giving. It is indeed a wonderful and colorful way to end our 2017 Season, perfect for the entire family and kids of all ages.
