Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward, produced by special arrangement through Dramatists Play Services, Inc. Director Derek Dunavent

Charles and Ruth Condomine host a seance, being led by the local medium, Madame Arcati and attended by their friends, Dr and Mrs Bradman. Hoping to learn some tricks of the trade for an upcoming novel, Charles is surprised to learn that Madame Arcati actually successfully brings the spirit of his first wife, Elvira, into existence. Only able to be seen and heard by Charles, Elvira conspires to rid him of Ruth and keep Charles to herself! This classic Noel Coward comedy has been delighting audiences since 1941.

Love Letters by A. R. Gurney, produced by special arrangement through Dramatists Play Services, Inc. Director Steve Dietrich

Andrew and Melissa are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters through the boarding school and college years—where Andy goes on to excel at Yale and law school, while Melissa flunks out of a series of “good schools.” While Andy is off at war, Melissa marries, but her attachment to Andy remains strong, and she continues to keep in touch, even as he marries, becomes a successful attorney, gets involved in politics, and, eventually, is elected to the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, her marriage in tatters, Melissa dabbles in art and gigolos, drinks more than she should, and becomes estranged from her children. Eventually, she and Andy do become involved in a brief affair, but it is really too late for both of them. However, Andy’s last letter, written to her mother after Melissa’s untimely death, makes it eloquently clear how much they really meant, and gave to, each other over the years—physically apart, perhaps, but spiritually as close as only true lovers can be.

Love Letters is being presented as a season extra, and tickets are not included in the season ticket package.

The Complete History of Theatre, Abridged by Matt Thompson, produced by special arrangement through Dramatic Publishing. Director Mike Maxson

Presented in the same style as The Complete Works of Shakespeare, Abridged, this madcap, nonstop comedy will lead audiences through the history of live theatre, from its beginnings in ancient Greece, to the grand musicals of today. William Shakespeare, theatrical diva Sarah Bernhardt, and the intellectual Constantine Stanislavsky attempt to hold the show together despite the many obstacles they endure - including each other - but when the producer appears onstage, things only get worse when the cast finds out they are trapped in a play within a play. Just as they are nearing the end, the trio learn the playwright hasn’t even written an ending, and they are forced to seek the audience’s help in finding a creative conclusion to the show. This interactive farce will keep you in stitches at every turn!

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Director Cody Peterson

Oscar Wilde's classic comedy of manners follows two young men, Jack and Algernon, as they lead double lives to evade unwanted social obligations, including both young men taking on the name Earnest while courting the women of their affections. The problems are resolved in an extremely charming and quite unexpected way, as both Jack and Algernon discover the importance of being earnest, while answering to the name of Ernest. This classic by one of the greatest English playwrights is a delightful satire on Victorian societal norms and values, with lessons that ring true today.