Season 45 September Newsletter

BACKSTAGE September 2022 Julian Wiles, Founder and Producing Artistic Director Marybeth Clark, Artistic Director, Designee

South Carolina’s Largest Professional Theatre Company In Residence at the Historic Dock Street Theatre

Watch It All Hilariously Fall Apart When Broadway’s Smash Hit and National Phenomenon, The Play That Goes Wrong, Opens Charleston Stage’s 45th Anniversary Season at the Historic Dock Street Theatre! guarantee that the many things that fall apart in this play are going to land the same way, including the actors. The lines will be those that the playwright gave us, but I guarantee this show is the most ‘live’ theatre you will ever see.”

Lead Title Sponsor: The Henry and Sylvia Yaschik Foundation

By Henry Lewis, Henry Shields & Jonathan Sayer Direction by Marybeth Clark Stunt Coordination

by Burton Tedesco

Featured: (Left to Right) Acting Ensemble Member Colin Waters and Resident Actors Cedar Valdez, Facia Lee and Raymond Cronley in The Play That Goes Wrong.

Photo by Reese Moore Photography

Performances Run Aug. 31 Sept. 25, 2022 Mix a dash of Monty Python hijinks and the mystery of Sherlock Holmes with an amateur troupe of comically clumsy actors, well in over their heads, and you have the truly hysterical New York and London farcical hit, The Play That Goes Wrong. This show-within-a-show boasts acclaim for comedy and set from the Olivier Awards and the Tony Awards for deserved reason– it continues to play to sold out houses with side-splitting laughter worldwide.

Meet the Cornley Drama Society: a troupe of eager actors ready to showcase their

most serious play yet as an ensemble, The Murder at Haversham Manor. But what will they do as the set falls apart, performers get knocked unconscious, and stage crew members get spotted from backstage?

This play-within-a-play whodunnit is sidesplittingly hilarious on multiple levels. But don’t take our word for it–as Cate Blanchett reported after seeing the production, “I actually peed my pants…thank you?”

“This show is nothing like you’ve ever seen on our stage–think Noises Off drinking ten red bulls. Things break, walls fall, and you may even see the tech crew onstage!” says Cody Tellis Rutledge, Scenic Designer for The Play That Goes Wrong. “Act two has the hardest technical elements our shop has ever

achieved–the audience will not believe their eyes once it happens. This is the funniest play I have ever seen or read, so get ready for Charleston Stage to up the bar once again.”

This collaborative cast features Charleston Stage’s Resident Actors Jhonika Wright as Annie, Cedar Valdez as Trevor (Bright Star “Jimmy Ray” and Kinky Boots “Harry”), K’nique Eichelberger as Dennis/Perkins (Elf The Musical “Matthews” and Kinky Boots “Lola”), Raymond Cronley as Jonathan/ Charles Haversham, Cody Elsensohn as Max/Cecil Haversham/Arthur, and Facia Lee as Sandra/Florence Colleymore. Acting Ensemble members include Colin Waters as Robert/Thomas Colleymore (Bright Star “Mayor Josiah Dobbs” and Elf The Musical “Santa Claus”) and Derek T. Pickens as Chris/ Inspector Carter (Bright Star “Daryl Ames” and Elf the Musical “Walter Hobbs”).

Charleston Stage’s The Play That Goes Wrong features the hilarious direction of Artistic Director Designee Marybeth Clark, purposefully tricking and toppling set designs by Resident Scenic Designer and Scenic Charge Cody Tellis Rutledge, artful stunt coordination by Burton Tedesco, costume designs by Costume Shop Director Courtni Riddick, lighting design by Resident Lighting Designer Caleb S. Garner, sound design by Resident Sound Designer Luke Walchuk, and stage management by Resident Stage Manager Ravyn T. Meador.

“As a season opener, The Play That Goes Wrong gives audiences a chance to see things from an actor’s perspective,” shares Director Marybeth Clark. “This is especially exciting as we welcome some of our newest Resident Actors to the cast and bring local favorites Colin Waters and Derek T. Pickens back to play. Play is really what this rehearsal process has been all about.

It doesn’t matter how exactly others have done this show, we get to make it our own.

You can rehearse for weeks but you cannot

Our 45th Anniversary Season: A Look Forward and Back — INSIDE ON PAGE 3

“THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG” Dates: Aug. 31 - Sept. 25, 2022 Prices: $35.50 - $75.50 Order Online: CharlestonStage.com

Order by Phone: (843) 577-7183 (Tues-Fri, 1pm-5pm)

Group Rates: Call Erika Greco at (843) 647-7365 for details.

INSIDE 2 Introducing Our 45th . Anniversary Season Resident Acting Company

2 Education Highlights 3 Meet Cody Tellis Rutledge, Our Scenic Designer for The Play That Goes Wrong

3 Our 45th Anniversary Season: A Look Forward and Back

4 Season Tickets

Julian Wiles, Founder & Producing Artistic Director Marybeth Clark, Artistic Director, Designee

(843) 577-7183 • CharlestonStage.com PO Box 356 • Charleston, SC 29402 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 283 Charleston, SC

Latest NEWS

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Introducing Our 45th Anniversary Season Resident Acting Company

Education HIGHLIGHTS

for this opportunity and the support she has received from her friends and family going on this new journey! Stay Connected: https://briettagoodman99. wixsite.com/actor-performer

Featured: TheatreSchool students in SummerStage’s HONK! Jr.

Featured: Charleston Stage’s 45th Anniversary Season Resident Acting Company. Photo by Reese Moore Photography

ELIZA KNODE

Fall Registration Now Open!

Eliza is a recent graduate of the University of Miami with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. Some of her previous credits include Into the Woods (Witch), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena), and 9 to 5 (Roz). Eliza has lived in Malaysia, Japan, Hungary, Brazil, and is very excited to make Charleston her next home! She would like to extend gratitude to her teachers, friends, and family around the globe who support her. Website: https://elizadknode.wixsite. com/mysite / Instagram: @eliza.knode

Explore Acting and Musical Theatre classes offered for Grades K5 - 12! Class descriptions and registration for Fall Classes are available online at CharlestonStage.com/Education.

Hurry, classes fill up quickly. Register today!

CODY ELSENSOHN

FACIA LEE

(Rising grades for the 2022-2023 school year)

Cody is ecstatic to join Charleston Stage in its 45th season as a Resident Actor! A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Cody earned his B.F.A. in Acting from the University of Southern Mississippi in May of 2022. Some of his recent credits include Billy Cane in Bright Star, Jerry Hyland in Once in a Lifetime, Actor 1 in The Stinky Cheeseman, and Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Cody would like to thank his family, friends, and teachers who endlessly encourage and support him; it is highly valued! Keep up with Cody by following his Instagram: @cody.elsensohn

Facia is thrilled to work with Charleston Stage! She has been performing on stage since she was about 6 years old.

Her favorite credits include Macduff (The Scottish Play), Cinderella, an in-house written children’s theatre version of the same name, and Sandra/The Witch in Big Fish. She graduated from Florida School of the Arts with both her A.A. and A.S. in Musical Theatre and graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University with her B.A. in Theatre with Concentration in Music. Facia would like to thank her loving family, friends, teachers, and Father for all of their support.

North Carolina where he earned a B.A. in Music and Theatre. He is so excited to be returning to the company for a second year. His recent credits include: Kinky Boots (Lola), The Last Five Years (Jamie), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey II), Into The Woods (Jack), Streetcar Named Desire (Stanley) and more. He is very thankful for his friends and family who have supported him throughout the years. K’nique is so excited to change lives through creating art at Charleston Stage! Stay tuned on Instagram @nique_tg3

Fall Sessions Begin Sept. 6 and Run Thru Nov. 12.

West Ashley Theatre Center (1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd Suite 11)

JENNA BARRICKLO Jenna is so excited to be joining Charleston Stage for its 45th season! She received her B.F.A. in Musical Theater from Shenandoah University. Professional Credits: Lisa (Mamma Mia), Rosalia (West Side Story), Female Newsie (Newsies), Fannie (Mary Poppins). Jenna grew up in New York City and most recently resided in Boston! She is so grateful to her parents and brother for their endless support. Keep up with Jenna on her website and on Instagram: jennabarricklo.com / @in_jennaral

RAYMOND CRONLEY

Grades K5 - 12

Raymond is incredibly jazzed to be joining Charleston Stage as a Resident Actor for their 45th season! Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Raymond graduated in May of 2021 from Ohio Northern University with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre.

Previous credits include Jack in Into the Woods, Frederick Frankenstein in Young Frankenstein and George in Sunday in the Park with George. He would like to thank his family and friends for their wholehearted support and encouragement! raymondcronley.squarespace.com / @raymonley

BRIETTA GOODMAN

K’NIQUE EICHELBERGER K’nique is originally from Columbia, South Carolina but moved to Brevard,

Brietta (she/her/hers) is ecstatic to be a Resident Actor with Charleston Stage this season! Originally from Horn Lake, Mississippi, she received a A.A. in Theatre from Northwest Mississippi Community College with credits including: Polly Benish in Play On!, Aida in Aida, and Ellen Van Oss in Two Rooms. Recently a graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi with a B.A. in Theatre with credits including: Cathy Haitt in The Last Five Years, Bunny in Detroit ‘67, and Lucy Grant in Bright Star. While at USM, she was an Irene Ryan Finalist and was awarded First Place in the Musical Theatre Initiative Region IV Competition. She is so grateful

Tuition is $225 (Due at Registration. We do not offer refunds.)

Please note, students’ health and safety is our first priority. We will be following CDC, City and State COVID-19 guidelines for all classes. Visit CharlestonStage.com/Education for more details.

Questions About Classes or Tuition Assistance?

Contact Rylee Coppel, Director of Education, at rcoppel@charlestonstage.com or call (843) 225-3900.

CEDAR VALDEZ Cedar received his B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Ouachita Baptist University and is excited to be joining the Charleston Stage team for Season 45!

Some of his previous credits include Bright Star (Jimmy Ray), Murder on the Orient Express (Hector MaQueen), Kinky Boots (Harry), Junie B. Jones the Musical (Daddy), and Fiddler on the Roof (Motel).

Cedar is originally from Rogers, AR, and he wouldn’t be where he is today without his family, friends, and teachers that helped him get there. Remember to have fun and “do it with love!” www.cedarvaldez.com / @cedarvaldez

JHONIKA WRIGHT Jhonika is thrilled to be joining Charleston Stage as a Resident Actor! Originally from Maryland, she spent most of her life in Arkansas where she graduated from Ouachita Baptist University and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Her favorite roles include: Wendla (Spring Awakening), Cairo (We Are the Tigers), Woman 1 (Songs for a New World), Grizabella (Cats), and Yertle the Turtle (Seussical the Musical). Sending all the love to her incredible family and friends for their endless support, “This one is for you!” To keep up with all things Jhonika, you can visit her Instagram: @jhonikaaaa

Fall Class Registration Is Now Open! To Register, Visit CharlestonStage.com/Education!

Behind the SCENES Meet Cody Tellis Rutledge, Our Scenic Designer for The Play That Goes Wrong I transitioned into theatre, it all came naturally for me. Unfortunately I grew up in a small town, so I had to travel to another county to participate in theatre.

In Woodbury, TN, I found my people and a mentor, Darryl Deason, co-founder of the Arts Center of Cannon County. He cast me in Hairspray and to help paint the set, and when I asked to have a design role he gave me a shot. I’ve come a long way since my pepto bismol pink set design of Legally Blonde! From there I did an internship at Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville, TN, where I worked as a scenic painter and an actor. Then I went back to school to pursue my degree in theatre design and hone my skills.

Featured: Cody Tellis Rutledge

Q: Share with us your story of getting into set design.

The painting and design elements have always been in my blood. My Mom was an artist and a flower arrangement designer, so when I was little I helped her design and arrange some of her pieces. When

Q: What do you love about what you do?

I love creating something from nothing. I say this literally: set ideas start as scratch marks on a paper before they transform into the real thing. To see that come alive as something unique is really special, especially if the audience audibly gasps when they see it. It’s also amazing to me how there

Our 45th Anniversary Season: A Look Forward and Back Scrooge, Marley, the spirits (often flying!), Tiny Tim, and all your favorite characters are in this new take on the immortal play.

Featured: Marybeth Clark

A LOOK FORWARD by Artistic Director, Designee Marybeth Clark Ms. Clark will become Charleston Stage’s new Artistic Director in May 2023.

We have spent 45 years working to ensure that plays go right, so we thought it would be great fun to open our 45th season with this no-holds-barred farce, The Play That Goes Wrong! Just about everything “goes wrong” for the poor actors trying to put on a murder mystery at their local theatre. This laugh-a-minute romp took Broadway and the West End by storm and has delighted audiences all around the world since. We’re excited to produce our own version of this comic gem as our season opener.

Next up is Charleston’s premiere of The Addams Family - A New Musical based on the macabre and mischievous drawings of acclaimed New Yorker cartoonist, Charles Addams. With a script co-written by Rick Elrice (Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher) and acclaimed Broadway composer Andrew Lippa, the whole Addams Family including Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Wednesday, Pugsley, Cousin Itt, and Lurch are on hand for this fun-filled Halloween musical.

Returning for the first time since 2018, we ring in the holidays with an all new and reimagined production of the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. Julian has revised the script and added a few surprises to this classic story, and we are excited to show you brand new sets by acclaimed scene painter Susan Crabtree, dazzling new costumes by designer Janine McCabe, and a rousing new score by Sam Henderson.

are so many ways to do the same show from different perspectives; there is always room to grow and improve.

Q: What has been exciting and challenging about designing The Play That Goes Wrong?

It’s exciting to me that most theatres haven’t done this show yet, so I’ve had to really dive into research to figure out the tricks in the set. In general it’s a challenging show because everything has to go “right” in order to go “wrong,” and one little error can cause so many problems. The challenge is safetyproofing every single thing on the set to protect the actors. Whether that is making sure something doesn’t break, or having multiple versions of something ready to go in case something does actually break when it is not supposed to. We have to be really thorough.

Q: What do you enjoy about working with Charleston Stage?

I love the relationships I’ve made in Charleston Stage’s theatre community.

and long hours to make our dreams come alive. Still, none of his hopes for Charleston Stage could have come to fruition without audience members to laugh at, be moved by, cry with, and support our shows. To you, our fellow dreamers–thank you.

Julian Wiles’s original comedy JFK and Inga Binga returns in February 2023 to tell the true (but somewhat exaggerated!) story of a young Ensign John F. Kennedy’s WWII fling right in Charleston with alleged Nazi spy and former Miss Denmark Inga Avard, whom he referred to as “Inga Binga”. When reporters from LIFE Magazine show up, eager for a photo of the clandestine couple, the makings of a full-blown farce are soon in the works. Based on declassified FBI files that were secretly held in the offices of J. Edgar Hoover for more than 50 years, JFK and Inga Binga is a fictional and farcical romp through this steamy footnote in American history.

Clay Middleton, who made his acclaimed Charleston Stage directorial debut last season with Black Pearl Sings!, is directing the new comedy, Native Gardens, in April.

Pablo and Tania, a young attorney and doctoral candidate late in her pregnancy, move into the suburbs of Washington D.C. and are eager to enjoy their home next to seemingly-friendly neighbors, Frank and Virginia. But when the couple discovers that their property border actually lies two feet into Frank’s prize-winning manicured garden, comical war ensues. We are looking forward to bringing this contemporary play to our Dock Street stage in March.

Rounding out our season is the acclaimed musical Once On This Island, a colorful, energetic show set to a calypso beat.

The 2017 revival swept away awards and nominations on Broadway, and we are honored to be able to now bring it to Charleston. A fairytale-like plot set in the French Antilles, this beloved show follows a peasant girl who falls for a wealthy young man and has to barter with the gods to change a seemingly-irreversible fate. We are eager to light up the Dock Street Theatre with calypso sounds and Caribbean-inspired designs created by guest artists.

As we look towards a future with new leadership, I am humbled to reflect on all that Julian Wiles has done to create, build, and raise Charleston Stage to amazing heights. This season is merely a reflection of all he has done to make our beloved theatre what Charleston deserves, and we are totally indebted to his countless late nights

PAGE 3 I’m able to freely bounce ideas off of my cohorts in the shops, which makes for a really collaborative and enjoyable process. And the relationships aren’t just in our scene shops but also at the Dock Street itself: with our education staff, administrative staff, ushers, volunteers, and other theatre companies in the Charleston community. Everyone wants you to succeed, and I believe that is important in maintaining a healthy and successful design process.

Q: What would you like audiences to know about this show?

The Play That Goes Wrong is probably the most technically challenging show we have put on Dock Street’s stage! It is by no means easy to design and build. This show would not work without the people behind the scenes putting in 100% to make sure that it runs smoothly and safely. You will see tech crew in the show actively trying to keep everything together! The real heroes are Josh and Adam, my fellow staff members in the scene shop, who have worked beyond my imagination to do things I wasn’t even sure were possible. For that, I’m super grateful.

None of this would have been possible without you, our amazing audience members, who have continued to support us even when COVID curtailed our season and you had to endure masks to attend shows safely. Our generous donors have not only helped us keep the lights on during COVID but also over the years through a number of hurricanes, a recession, and the three-year renovation of the Dock Street Theatre when we had to perform elsewhere.

Also, special mention must be made of the non-partisan American Rescue Plan passed by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers that was signed into law in late December 2021. These much needed recovery and stimulus funds went to performing arts groups such as Charleston Stage. Supplemental donations and ticket sales have allowed us to return to full production this season.

Featured: Julian Wiles

A LOOK BACK by Founder and Producing Artistic Director Julian Wiles At the close of our 45th Anniversary season in May 2023, Charleston Stage Founder Julian Wiles, upon his retirement as Producing Artistic Director, will become Director Emeritus.

Forty-five years ago with a staff of two and a budget of $20,000, I launched a new theatre company here at the Dock Street Theatre– then known as the Young Charleston Theatre Company. Back then we focused on plays for young people and their families, and modeled ourselves after London’s Young Vic and the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre, leading theatres for youth at the time. We changed the name to Charleston Stage in 1998 and today–with a budget of $3.8 million dollars and a staff of 36 creative artists, actors, designers, and administrators– we have grown into one of the region’s leading professional theatres. Though we now produce a wide range of shows for audiences of all ages, our commitment to young people and education remains strong–over 25,000 Lowcountry youth taking part in our enriching education programs.

Along the way we’ve added our West Ashley Theatre Center, scene shop, and costume shop, also west of the Ashley. My goal all along has been to give this wonderful city the great theatre it deserves and the addition of these spaces has given us the tools we need to do so.

Many ask if I ever expected Charleston Stage would become the major artistic institution it is today, and the answer is no.

It has succeeded far beyond my wildest dreams and that is because I am only one of many, many dreamers who make up our staff, board, donors, and you–our audience members–who have taken Charleston Stage to new heights.

At the end of this season, I know Charleston Stage will be in good hands.

My longtime collaborator, Marybeth Clark, will become your new Artistic Director, and a national search is underway to add a new Managing Director to the company’s leadership team. I am grateful that the magic of live theatre has endured, thrived, and amazed audiences at the Historic Dock Street Theater for nearly 300 years and am privileged to have a part of the theatre’s long legacy for the past 45 seasons. Even as I take up my Emeritus role in May, I look forward to coming back to direct shows from time to time.

In my last season heading Charleston Stage I am eager to celebrate our remarkable legacy with our 45th Anniversary Season lineup of great plays and musicals. Here, we are setting the stage for all the imaginative productions that are still to come.

Purchase Tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong at CharlestonStage.com or Call (843) 577-7183!

Season TICKETS 5 PLAY MAINSTAGE SERIES SEPT. 2 - 25, 2022

By Henry Lewis, Henry Shields & Jonathan Sayer Direction by Marybeth Clark Stunt Coordination by Burton Tedesco

Members Save Over 60%, Over $300 Per Package!

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HOLIDAY SHOWS DEC 2 - DEC 21, 2022

Dock Street Theatre Premiere!

From the Book by Charles Dickens Adapted for the Stage by Julian Wiles Direction by Julian Wiles Music Direction by Sam Henderson

Lead Title Sponsor: The Henry and Sylvia Yaschik Foundation

Associate Sponsor: Hewitt Family Fund of Coastal Community Foundation of SC

So Wrong It’s Right! Broadway’s Smash Hit and National Phenomenon!

Charles Dickens’s Immortal Classic Returns In An All New Theatrical Production!

Mix a dash of Monty Python hijinks and the mystery of Sherlock Holmes with an amateur troupe of comically clumsy actors, well in over their heads, and you have the truly hysterical award-winning New York and London farcical hit, The Play That Goes Wrong. Winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2015 and a Tony Award in 2017, it continues to play to sold out houses worldwide.

A brand new production of Dickens’s classic featuring colorful new sets and costumes and an inventive new holiday score. Filled with the carols of the season and magical special effects, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, despite himself, discovers once again the magic of Christmas.

DEC 10 & 17, 2022 OCT 21 - NOV 6, 2022

Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa Based on the Characters Created by Charles Addams Direction by Marybeth Clark Music Direction by Sam Henderson Choreography by Cara Dolan

Direction by Rylee Coppel

Dock Street Theatre Premiere!

A Herd of Hoodlums Has Hijacked the Christmas Pageant!

When the Herdmans, the worst kids in town, somehow wrangle the leading roles in the local Christmas Pageant it seems everything that is sacred will be lost and yet, through this motley crew of rough and tumble kids, the true meaning of Christmas is movingly rediscovered. Adapted from Barbara Robinson’s widely acclaimed contemporary Christmas classic, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever continues to delight kids and their families.

Macabre Mayhem and Mischief Arrive Just In Time For Halloween!

From the creators of Jersey Boys, comes one of the most produced ever Broadway musicals in America.

It’s the Addams Family musical with its kooky, crazy, spooky, weird and funny cast of characters: Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Lurch, and Uncle Fester. Their greatest nightmare comes true when daughter Wednesday, all grown up now, falls in love with Lucas, a “normal” boy! When Lucas and Wednesday’s families meet for dinner, the fractured fun begins.

PRORATED FAMILY SERIES JAN 21, 22, 28 & 29, 2023

Created by Jonathan Rockefeller Based on Eric Carle’s Books Direction by Marybeth Clark

FEB 10 - FEB 26, 2023

By Julian Wiles Direction by Julian Wiles

Eric Carle’s Enchanting Children’s Classic Live Onstage!

Lead Title Sponsor: Katherine Schob Glenn Associate Sponsor: Dr. Del and Linda Schutte The True Story of a Future President’s Whirlwind Romance in WWII Charleston!

Julian Wiles’s JFK and Inga Binga tells the incredible true story of young Ensign John F. Kennedy and his WWII affair with Inga Arvad, a former Miss Denmark, and suspected Nazi spy. Drawn from the secret files of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and set in the Ft. Sumter House Hotel on the Battery, with FBI agents listening in from the room next door, this farcical retelling of the youthful exploits of the man who would be President brought down the house at the Dock Street Theatre when it world-premiered in 2012 and now returns for an encore engagement.

MAR 10 - MAR 26, 2023

By Karen Zacarías Direction by Henry Clay Middleton

than 18.2 million copies.

MAR 18 & 25, 2023 Adapted by Joseph Robinette Based on the Book by E.B. White Direction by Colin Waters

Dock Street Theatre Premiere!

The Classic Tale of Friendship in a Web of Wonder!

The enchanting and moving story of the special friendship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider brings E.B. White’s immortal children’s classic to the stage. To save Wilbur from going to market, Charlotte begins to spin words like “remarkable” and “some pig” into her web over Wilbur’s pigpen, bringing astonishment and wonder to a flabbergasted farmer and his daughter, Fern.

Pablo, a rising attorney, and doctoral candidate Tania, his very pregnant wife, purchase a fixerupper next to Frank and Virginia, a well-established D.C. couple with their cherished backyard English garden. All seems neighborly until it’s discovered that Pablo and Tania’s property line runs right thru Frank’s prize-winning flower beds—right where Pablo and Tania plan a new fence. A simple property line dispute soon spirals into an all-out “border war”, exposing both couples’ notions of race, taste, class and privilege.

Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens Music by Stephen Flaherty Based on the Novel “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy Music Direction by Sam Henderson

The critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show created by Jonathan Rockefeller features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. The production faithfully adapts four stories by author/ illustrator Eric Carle: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course, the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The Very Hungry Caterpillar has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969 selling more than 48 million copies worldwide. Brown Bear, Brown Bear – now celebrating 50 years has sold more

Following extended runs in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, this “colorful, engaging and charming” production (Huffington Post) returns to New York City every year, with its most recent 8-month run being its biggest yet.

A Contemporary Hot-Button Comedy!

APR 14 - APR 30, 2023

Dock Street Theatre Premiere!

Dock Street Theatre Premiere!

Exclusive Lead Title Sponsor: The Albert Sottile Foundation, Georgia Homer Darby and Mary Ellen Long Way, Trustees A Magical Mythical Romance Set to A Calypso Beat!

From the creative team that gave us Ragtime, comes this Olivier and Tony Award-winning, dazzling, calypso-flavored musical. Once On This Island tells the tale of the romance between a peasant girl named Ti Moune and Daniel, a rich city boy, whom she saves from death when his speeding convertible swerves and crashes. Set on a ravishing mythical Caribbean Island, Once On This Island, a feast for the eyes and ears, has delighted audiences around the world.

SEASON TICKET BENEFITS 1. Package Choices: Director’s Circle, 5 Play MainStage, Prorated Family Series, Build Your Own 3 Play, and FlexTickets. Visit CharlestonStage.com for details.

2. Get the Best Seats and the Best Prices! Be the first to choose your seats before the general public and save over 60%, over $300 per package!

3. Exclusive Exchange Privileges. ONLY season members may exchange tickets for FREE to another performance if a conflict arises.

4. Guest Vouchers. Enjoy two complimentary guest vouchers per 5 Play Membership purchased! Bring family and friends along with you to one of your membership performances.

5. 25% Off Discount. Members receive special ticket offers throughout the year and will receive 25% off on all additional single tickets purchased.

Ways To Join: Join online at CharlestonStage.com, by phone at (843) 577-7183 or by mail at: Charleston Stage, P.O. Box 356, Charleston, SC 29402.

Questions? Call (843) 577-7183 Tues-Fri 1pm - 5pm and our box office staff will be happy to assist you.

Season Tickets Now On Sale! Purchase Today at CharlestonStage.com or Call (843) 577-7183!