Community theater productions in bloom this spring

Shannon Heupel, Montgomery Advertiser
Updated ·3 min read
From left, Jonathan Wilson ( Nick Bottom) Sarah Kay (Bea) and Jay Russell ( Nigel Bottom) from Wetumpka Depot's upcoming production of "Something Rotten."
From left, Jonathan Wilson ( Nick Bottom) Sarah Kay (Bea) and Jay Russell ( Nigel Bottom) from Wetumpka Depot's upcoming production of "Something Rotten."

Springtime offerings are blooming  at community theaters across the River Region.

“Hound of the Baskervilles”

Kevin Morton plays Sherlock Holmes in Prattville Way Off Broadway Theatre's production of "The Hound of the Baskervilles."
Kevin Morton plays Sherlock Holmes in Prattville Way Off Broadway Theatre's production of "The Hound of the Baskervilles."

  • Date: now through April 30

  • Location: Prattville Way Off Broadway Theatre, 203 W. 4th St., Prattville

  • Times: Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., and Sundays 2 p.m.

  • Info: Adapted by Jon Jory from the Sherlock Holmes mystery by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, this play is directed by Tara Fenn. “I look forward to seeing you all there for a night of intrigue, mystery and murder,” said Kevin Morton, who plays Sherlock Holmes in the production.

  • Tickets: Tickets are $12 in advance, $14 at door if available. Call the Cultural Arts office at 334-595-0850 or visit www.prattvilleal.gov.

Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple: The Female Version”

Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple: The Female Version" is coming to Millbrook.
Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple: The Female Version" is coming to Millbrook.

  • Date: April 20-30

  • Location: Millbrook Theater, 5720 Main St., Millbrook

  • Times. Thursdays-Saturdays 7 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m.

  • Info: Olive Madison and Florence Unger have very different personalities. Olive lives a messy, unconcerned life, while Florence is obsessed with hygiene. Living together will push their friendship to the limit. Directed by Stephanie McGuire.

  • Tickets: $15, available from Millbrook Community Players at https://www.millbrooktheater.com/

“Next to Normal”

The musical "Next to Normal" is coming to the Cloverdale Playhouse in Montgomery.
The musical "Next to Normal" is coming to the Cloverdale Playhouse in Montgomery.

  • Date: April 27-May 7

  • Location: Cloverdale Playhouse, 960 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery

  • Times: Thursdays-Saturdays 7 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m.

  • Info: Meet a typical American family whose lives are anything but normal as Cloverdale Playhouse presents "Next to Normal." This emotional, award-winning musical is the story of a suburban family’s attempt to cope with mental illness. It features music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. There is a content warning, and some material may be unsuitable for certain audiences.

  • Tickets: $20 adults, $10 students;  https://www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org/ or call 334-262-1530

“The Wizard of Oz”

"The Wizard of Oz" is coming to Pike Road Theatre Company.
"The Wizard of Oz" is coming to Pike Road Theatre Company.

  • Date: April 27-May 14

  • Location: Pike Road Theatre Company. 4710 Pike Road (at Pike Road Intermediate School)

  • Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m.

  • Info: Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s tale. Dorothy Gale is sent flying over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz. She's joined, of course, by the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow, and her little dog Toto. Along with special effects and amazing choreography, it features all the classic "Wizard of Oz" songs.

  • Tickets: Tickets are $20. May 11 is a “Pay What You Can” night). Get tickets at https://www.pikeroadtheatrecompany.org/

“Something Rotten”

From left Jonathan Wilson ( Nick Bottom) and Jay Russell ( Nigel Bottom) are in Wetumpka Depot's upcoming production of "Something Rotten."
From left Jonathan Wilson ( Nick Bottom) and Jay Russell ( Nigel Bottom) are in Wetumpka Depot's upcoming production of "Something Rotten."

  • Date: May 4-20

  • Location: Wetumpka Depot, 300 S. Main St., Wetumpka

  • Times: May 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 at 7:30 p.m., and May 14 at 2 p.m.

  • Info: This musical is about the Bottom brothers, playwrights in the shadow of William Shakespeare. The brothers consult a soothsayer, who predicts the new music and dance craze in theatre. The brothers set out to write the world's first musical. With a wacky cast, "Something Rotten!" features large song and dance numbers. It's directed by Kristy Meanor, with book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Larrell, and music and lyrics by Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick. "There is nothing rotten about this new musical," Meanor said. "In the style of 'Young Frankenstein' and 'The Producers,' this irreverent and delightful new work has something for everyone. If you like musicals, you will love this irresistible ode to the old-fashioned musical. But if you don't like musicals, you will still love that the story takes jabs at the art form. The same goes for an interest in Shakespeare. If you have studied the Bard, you will be rolling in the aisles at all the references. But even if you aren't a fan of Shakespeare, you will appreciate just how clever this show is. The cast laughs their way through every rehearsal, and we just can't wait to share this uproarious dose of pure Broadway fun with the community."

  • Tickets: $15 at http://www.wetumpkadepot.com/home.html or by mailing a check to PO Box 1031, Wetumpka, Al 36092

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Community theater productions in bloom this spring