Farmington Players to Present LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, et al. in 2011-12 Season

The Farmington Players 2011-12 season has something for everyone: classic drama, holiday cheer, cheeky comedy, and a musical "horror" love story, and this year the Barn is offering reserved seats.

The fall season kicks off with the timeless classic, To Kill A Mockingbird (September 30 - October 22, 2011). Set in Alabama during the Depression, "Mockingbird" follows the Finch family: Atticus, the father of Jem and Scout, has been appointed to defend Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of a crime. Jem and Scout witness their community's struggle between justice and racism. The children's point of view is balanced by the narration of Jean Louise, the adult Scout, who is looking for answers to questions that still haunt her memory. Director Michael Schacherbauer of Plymouth thinks that "the plot of this play is as relevant today as it was originally. Our children then and our children today are shaped by our feelings and conversations about race, justice, integrity, and equality."  To Kill A Mockingbird is adapted by Christopher Sergel from the novel by Harper Lee.

For details and tickets check online at farmingtonplayers.org or call the box office at
(248) 553-2955.

The holiday show is a fresh approach to the classic tale, A Christmas Carol (December 2 - 18, 2011). Set on Christmas Eve in 1843, friends and family are gathered at Charles Dickens' home. Instead of granting his guests' request to tell a story, Dickens insists that each person must take a part in its telling. Director Nancy Cooper of Farmington believes that: "A Christmas Carol is classic telling of a holiday story of transformation and redemption of the spirit.  This particular version puts a delightful twist on the classic tale as it is acted out by Charles Dickens along with his family and friends." The story unfolds with the cast of 10 playing over 40 parts in a production that will be sure to convey the magic of the holiday season! Auditions are September 17. A Christmas Carol is adapted by Michael Paller from the story by Charles Dickens.

Whose Wives Are They Anyway? (February 17 - March 3, 2012), a comedy by Michael Parker, is a fun, modern day farce that takes a look at what lengths desperate executives will go to when their jobs are in danger of being eliminated. While away on a weekend golf trip, two male execs unexpectedly encounter their new boss, who insists on meeting the wives, commenting that "no one who went golfing for a weekend without his wife would ever work for me." So the guys have to produce wives on short notice. Through disguise and deception, hilarious chaos ensues in this comedy of errors. Director Dennis Broadhead of Royal Oak feels that "this play shows the humorous side of some company policies, as well as the futility of trying to outsmart the boss. I'm sure the audiences will enjoy the show very much." Audition dates will be December 5 and December 6 for callbacks, if needed.

The spring musical is the audience favorite, Little Shop Of Horrors (April 27 - May 19, 2012). In this gleefully gruesome musical, Seymour, a poor florist's assistant, craves fame and fortune to impress his secret love, Audrey. To that end, Seymour nurses an alien carnivorous plant that has a taste for human blood ... and an insatiable appetite. Director Rachael Rose of Berkley sees "Little Shop" as "a timeless piece. It's got the creepy feeling of the alien plant, but it's infused with every day, real life people and their experiences. We all have dreams to which we aspire and we all have monsters which we fight. Although creepy and campy at the same time, there really is an underlying message of what we'll do and go through for our dreams and the ones we love, and sometimes how it doesn't quite work out the way we thought it would." Auditions are tentatively set for January 22 with callbacks possible for January 23. Little Shop Of Horrors was written by Howard Ashman with music by Alan Menken.

BONUS SHOW
The Wonder Merchants (Nov. 19, 2011 at 2pm - One Show Only). A hilarious troupe of comedians and magicians will invade the barn to entertain families with dazzling performances. Sponsored my McCabe Funeral Home, a perfect show for kids.

COMING IN AUGUST, 2012
AVENUE Q - THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
Avenue Q is not for kids! The Farmington Players Barn is the first theater in the Detroit Area to perform this Broadway hit that took the triple crown of Tony's for best musical, score and book.
You will laugh out loud as a lively team of adults and puppets tell the story of a college grad named Princeton, who is searching for his purpose in life.

He moves to a shabby New York apartment on Avenue Q where he meets colorful characters including Kate (The Girl Next Door), Rod (The Republican), Trekkie (The Internet "Sexpert"), and Lucy the "slut."

The show runs next year August 10-25, 2012.

Warning: Explicit lyrics and adult content.

Avenue Q was written by Jeff Whitty with music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx.
The Farmington Players Barn is beginning reserved seating this season. Remember to check farmingtonplayers.org or call (248) 553-2955 for tickets.

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