Weston Theatre's Summer Season Kicks Off June 20

After thousands of miles travelled by plane, train, and automobile, thirty-plus members of the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company's summer staff have arrived and begun work on the 2013 season. The production, technical and artistic teams are diligently bringing shows to life one needle stitch, hammered nail, and written word at a time.

As always, the 2013 season kicks off with Weston's Young Company of talented theatre undergrads performing at the Weston Rod and Gun Club. From June 20 - July 7, families are invited to the musical adaptation of Judith Viorst's delightful children's story, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Under the direction of Tim Fort, the show tells the tale of poor Alexander, who wakes up with gum in his hair and has no dessert packed in his lunchbox. What's worse, there is kissing on tv and lima beans for supper. It's enough to make one want to move to Australia! Tickets just $15 (adults) and $8 (student/youth.)

The set for the first MainStage Show, Educating Rita, is nearing completion. Carpenters, painters and props people have been following the direction and diagrams of scenic designer Russell Parkman in creating the formerly magnificent office of a disenchanted British University professor. In this award-winning comic drama made famous by the film starring Michael Caine, an endearing working class woman chooses higher education over making babies, much to her husband's chagrin. Rita's sheer determination and simple wisdom charm her academically jaded tutor, and will surely charm audiences as well. Don't miss this limited engagement: June 25 - July 6.

The MainStage continues with the Vermont premiere of the Pulitzer and Tony winning rock musical Next To Normal (July 11 - July 27,) the Broadway blockbuster 42nd Street (August 1 - August 24,) and the beloved American classic To Kill a Mockingbird (August 29 - September 11.)

For those in the mood for a more intimate theatre experience, Weston's now-famous OtherStages will play host to two exciting premieres. Loving Leo, winner of Weston's 2012 New Musical Award, is the story of David and Lena, whose childless marriage is re-examined and reaffirmed when they take in Lena's aging stepfather. July 18 - August 4.

This Blessed Plot is the latest work of Obie-winning actor/writer Marc Wolf, who plays Joe Papp, Robert Moses, and the Bible's Moses," among others, in this smart and funny one-man play about the battle for free Shakespeare in Central Park. July 18 - August 1.

For the perfect nightcap to a night out, Weston again offers up its famous Cabaret following most MainStage performances. And delicious pre-show dinners continue at Cafe at the Falls.

For information on tickets and a complete performance schedule, visit the company's website at westonplayhouse.org. To take advantage of lowest priced tickets, call the box office and ask about the VTix program -- a limited number of seats to every performance, just $25 MainStage, and $15 OtherStages. Box office: 824-5288.