Ted Manier

To continue their tradition of producing a classic musical during the summer, the South Bend Civic Theatre presented Oliver! with a cast of more than 40 people to filled audiences. The tone of the show was instantly set with a wonderfully charming London bridge designed by Jeff Barrick. Unfortunately the tone was then smashed by a horribly electric sounding music track of the overture with trumpets that were more reminiscent of synthesizers than anything else. This confusing clash continued throughout the production leading to a mixed bag of a show. More clarification on that thought later.

There are shows that I believe get rave reviews, awards, and heralded as classics because, at some point, "true theatre people" aren't allowed to not like them. If you bring up Oklahoma, Hello, Dolly, or The Sound of Music, and don't fawn over it for hours, you are expected to turn in your theatre card and walk away from all conversations thereafter. My Fair Lady, as a musical, falls into this category for me.

If you've ever dozed off in history class during the topic of the Declaration of Independence, prepare to be taught the same lesson in a much more interesting way. This past weekend at The South Bend Civic Theatre, 1776 opened. There were no limitations on how they dramatized the creation of the most influential document in the history of the United States of America.

In this year of the presidential election and the bicentennial celebration of the Hoosier state, the South Bend Civic Theatre is presenting 1776 in the Wilson Theatre. The original, Broadway production of this musical depiction of the birth of our nation won the Tony Award for Best Musical and now this theatrical, historical journey comes to South Bend for three weekends between April 15th and May 1st. A wonderful cast of volunteer actors illuminate the story of the Second Continental Congress for a unique perspective of this iconic event in our nation's history: with men that are emotional, proud, uncertain, charming, and irritable humans wanting the best for their families.

South Bend Civic Theatre presents the frantic comedy The Explorers Club, today, June 12-28, 2015 in the Warner Theatre, 403 N. Main Street, in South Bend. Set in 1879 London, the prestigious Explorers Club members face an imminent crisis: their bartender is nowhere to be found. Well, that and their acting president wants to admit a woman to their distinguished membership of scientists. The candidate is beautiful, smart and the discoverer of a lost tribe, having brought back a member of the tribe for display. The decision to accept her could shake the foundations of the British Empire and worse, threaten cigars and brandy time at the club! What will the members do at this most difficult crisis in their three-hundred year history? Why, order more drinks, of course! An inspired, uproarious farce by Nell Benjamin.

South Bend Civic Theatre presents the frantic comedy The Explorers Club, June 12-28, 2015 in the Warner Theatre, 403 N. Main Street, in South Bend. Set in 1879 London, the prestigious Explorers Club members face an imminent crisis: their bartender is nowhere to be found. Well, that and their acting president wants to admit a woman to their distinguished membership of scientists. The candidate is beautiful, smart and the discoverer of a lost tribe, having brought back a member of the tribe for display. The decision to accept her could shake the foundations of the British Empire and worse, threaten cigars and brandy time at the club! What will the members do at this most difficult crisis in their three-hundred year history? Why, order more drinks, of course! An inspired, uproarious farce by Nell Benjamin.

Perfect Mendacity will be on the Warner Studio Theatre through November 17. Tickets can be purchased by calling 574-234-1112 or online. Check out a first look below!

Perfect Mendacity, by Jason Wells, is a story pulsing with today's issues; a scientist suspected of leaking a top secret government memo faces a daunting choice: lie to save his career, or tell the truth and risk losing his family. Delving into the past and uncovering shocking truths creates a downward spiral leading to explosive revelations.

Perfect Mendacity, by Jason Wells, is a story pulsing with today's issues; a scientist suspected of leaking a top secret government memo faces a daunting choice: lie to save his career, or tell the truth and risk losing his family. Delving into the past and uncovering shocking truths creates a downward spiral leading to explosive revelations.

South Bend Civic Theatre bets on fun with Guys and Dolls tonight, March 1-17.

South Bend Civic Theatre bets on fun with Guys and Dolls March 1-17.

The legend of King Arthur comes to vibrant life in Lerner and Loewe's classic musical. Against the backdrop of a king striving to bring order to his chaotic land, the fabled love affair between Arthur's best friend and most trusted knight Lancelot and Queen Guenevere threatens to bring down the kingdom. The memorable score boasts such songs as 'I Wonder What the King is Doing Tonight,' 'C'est Moi,' 'The Lusty Month of May,' 'If Ever I Would Leave You,' 'What Do the Simple Folk Do?' and the title song 'Camelot.' Find a seat at the Round Table for South Bend Civic Theatre's production of 'one, brief shining moment' in legend, Camelot.

The legend of King Arthur comes to vibrant life in Lerner and Loewe's classic musical. Against the backdrop of a king striving to bring order to his chaotic land, the fabled love affair between Arthur's best friend and most trusted knight Lancelot and Queen Guenevere threatens to bring down the kingdom. The memorable score boasts such songs as 'I Wonder What the King is Doing Tonight,' 'C'est Moi,' 'The Lusty Month of May,' 'If Ever I Would Leave You,' 'What Do the Simple Folk Do?' and the title song 'Camelot.' Find a seat at the Round Table for South Bend Civic Theatre's production of 'one, brief shining moment' in legend, Camelot.

Ragtime the Musical will close at South Bend Civic Theatre March 27, 2011. Directed by Ted Manier, this show tells the story of three families dealing with the issues of prejudice, poverty and wealth, and freedom in this classic tale of turn-of-the-century American life.

Ragtime the Musical will play at South Bend Civic Theatre from March 11 - 27, 2011. Directed by Ted Manier, this show tells the story of three families dealing with the issues of prejudice, poverty and wealth, and freedom in this classic tale of turn-of-the-century American life.

Ragtime the Musical will play at South Bend Civic Theatre from March 11 - 27, 2011. Directed by Ted Manier, this show tells the story of three families dealing with the issues of prejudice, poverty and wealth, and freedom in this classic tale of turn-of-the-century American life.

Ragtime the Musical will play at South Bend Civic Theatre from March 11 - 27, 2011. Directed by Ted Manier, this show tells the story of three families dealing with the issues of prejudice, poverty and wealth, and freedom in this classic tale of turn-of-the-century American life.

South Bend Civic Theatre will close the curtains on LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS on March 21. The production is directed by Ted Manier.

South Bend Civic Theatre Presents LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS from March 5 to 21, 2010. The production is directed by Ted Manier.

South Bend Civic Theatre Presents LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS from March 5 to 21, 2010. The production is directed by Ted Manier.