WHAT'S PLAYING THIS WEEKEND? (NOVEMBER 13-15)
OPENING THIS WEEKEND
HOLLY JOLLY HOLIDAY (opens November 13)
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with this original holiday musical extravaganza sure to make you merry. The halls are decked with holly, so let the jolly festivities begin with lively dancing and singing to the yuletide tunes you know and love—along with a visit from Old St. Nick himself! The perfect feel-good, hometown Christmas revue the entire family will enjoy. At Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre. (dutchapple.com)
EFF LIVE! (One Night Only. Special Event. Friday, November 13)
Nerd culture has given us some amazing characters over the years, and television, movies, comics, and books have given us nuanced, deep, and emotionally stirring storylines. This is not that. EFF LIVE! features local artists reading the best of the worst of online erotic fanfiction for your amusement and horror. It's gonna get weird. Join us? At Open Stage. (openstagehbg.com)
THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE (Opens November 14)
Based on the classic children’s fantasy by C.S. Lewis, this story of love, faith, and giving is a true celebration of life!
Follow the adventures of four children: Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. There, they learn the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, and his struggle with the White Witch, who is determined to keep Narnia in her possession and to end the reign of Aslan. At Gamut Theatre. (gamuttheatre.org)
C O N T I N U I N G
IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY (Through November 22)
Set in a hospital, It Runs in the Family contains the usual assortment of farcical nuts running in and out of doors mistaking everybody for someone else, as Dr. Mortimore tries to fend off a paternity suit, a former mistress, their illegitimate punkish son and various other lunatics so that he may, at last, deliver the Ponsonby Lecture in an international conference. At Oyster Mill Playhouse. (oystermillplayhouse.com)
I N T H E W I N G S
ILLUMINATION (Opens November 20)
Step into the glow -- where candlelight, harmony, and the beauty of the holiday season surround you. This intimate experience returns newly imagined — beloved songs reborn in-the-round by radiant performers and rich live music. Immerse yourself in this soul-stirring concert that reminds us of what still feels sacred and leaves you carrying a little more light with you. At Prima Theatre. (primatheatre.org)
THE WIZARD OF OZ (Opens November 20)
Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, continues to thrill audiences worldwide. At Theatre Harrisburg’s Krevsky Production Center, 513 Hurlock Street, Harrisburg. (theatreharrisburg.com)
LAS FABULAS DE ESOPO (One performance only. Saturday, November 21)
Las Fábulas de Esopo returns in a vibrant new version performed entirely in Spanish by The Popcorn Hat Players En Español. This fast-paced and hilarious adaptation of Aesop’s classic fables features actors of Hispanic descent, offering kids a theatrical experience filled with authentic representation and cultural pride. With quick humor, charming characters, and beloved stories told in fresh and exciting ways, this production invites young audiences to see their own cultures reflected onstage. At Gamut Theatre. (gamuttheatre.org)
EMMET OTTER’S JUG BAND CHRISTMAS (Opens November 21)
With a superb score by Academy Award®–winner Paul Williams (The Rainbow Connection, Evergreen), this musical transports audiences to Frogtown Hollow, where Ma and Emmet Otter risk what little they have to make each other’s holiday dreams come true. At Open Stage. (openstagehbg.com)
JUNIE B IN ‘JINGLE BELLS, BATMAN SMELLS’ (Opens November 27)
Junie B. Jones is excited about the holiday season, and her Secret Santa gift exchange at school. But when she draws tattletale May as the recipient of her gift, will Junie keep in mind the spirit of Christmas and good will? At Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg. (ltmpa.com)
S P E C I A L E V E N T S
BARPG (Special event. One night only: Friday, November 20)
It’s roleplaying games! It’s improv! It’s theatre! It’s audience participation! It’s shouting! It’s drinking! And…it’s NEW every month!! Join the area’s most easily persuaded gamers for an evening of one-shot adventure in the worlds of science fiction, horror, fantasy – and more. At Open Stage. (openstagehbg.com)
Visit these theatres’ websites for ticket information or go to paonstage.com for details.
If you are part of a theatre staff or board, and have questions about how to include your organization on PA On Stage, contact us at richwine@paonstage.com.