THE SECRET GARDEN

Based on the book by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Music by Lucy Simon

Directed by Jim Ward

November 16 - December 16

An enchanting children's classic by Frances Hodgson Burnett, this brilliant musical adaptation by a Pulitzer Prize winning playwright is our holiday gift to you! Orphaned in India, 11 year old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire to live with her heartbroken, reclusive uncle and his invalid son on an estate that includes a secret garden full of magic. Some of the most beautiful music ever written for Broadway dramatize this compelling tale of the healing powers of love, the indomitability of the human spirit, and the miracle of rebirth. This Tony Award winning treasure is perfect for the entire family. "A splendid, intelligent musical...it's all you can hope for in children's theatre. But the best surprise is that this show is the most adult new musical of the season." U.S.A. Today, 1991

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The 16th Annual Talent Show

January 11 - 13, 2008

Your host: Michael Lederman

Over forty Coastside performers delight audiences for the 16th consecutive year. Talent includes youth and adult bands, dancers, singers, storytellers, magicians, jugglers, acrobats, animal acts, and clowns. Bring the entire family, your neighbors, friends, and anyone you meet on the street. This is worth it!

PLEASE NOTE: The Talent Show is not included in the season subscription. Order tickets online, by phone, or at the box office.

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Over the Tavern

By Tom Dudzick

Directed by Roxane Ashe

February 8 - March 1, 2008

A beguiling family comedy that will lift your spirits and warm your heart. Set in Buffalo, New York during the Eisenhower years, this delightful play brings us the Pazinski family: Mom, Dad, and their 4 children - Rudy, Eddie, Georgie, and Annie. Watch them as they maneuver through life's questions and challenges with humor and charm. "Helping them" on their path with ruler in one hand, clicker in the other is Sister Clarisse. Join us as we go on this hilarious and touching coming of age adventure. "Absolutely enchanting...a little bit of heaven." Chicago Tribune. This show is family friendly. PG - some language may be inappropriate for young children.

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Steel Magnolias

By Robert Harling

Directed by Susan Hopkins

March 28 - April 19

Join us at Truvy's beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, - where all the ladies who are "anybody" get their hair done - for a play that has become an American classic. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town's rich curmudgeon, Ouiser ("I'm not crazy, I've just been in a bad mood for 40 years."), an eccentric millionaire with a raging sweet tooth, Miss Clairee, and the local social leader, M'Lynn, whose daugther Shelby is about to get married to a "good ol' boy." Billed as the "funniest show to ever make you cry," this lovely exploration of friendship is rated G.

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Guys and Dolls, Jr.

Coastal Theatre Conservatory Youth Production

May 2 - 11, 2008

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Over the River and through the Woods

By Joe DiPietro

Directed by Paul Anable

June 6 - June 28

Over the River and Through the Woods has been hailed as "deliriously funny!" by the Star-Ledger and "loaded with laughs every step of the way!" by critics from the New York Daily News. At the center of the story is Nick Cristano, who, for the last 29 years, has been sharing Sunday dinner with his 2 sets of grandparents. This particular Sunday he comes with good news - he is getting a promotion, and bad news - to get the promotion he must move to Seattle. Young Nick's decision about his future spurs his four Italian-American grandparents into a frenzy of meddling, match-making, and micro-management of his life, all to the tune of "Manga, Manga!" These well-meaning, loveable characters provide a heart-warming glimpse into the heart of the family, and their antics provide a tasty treat your whole family will enjoy.

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The Full Monty

By Terrence McNally

Directed by Patti Appel

July 25 - August 16

Get ready to cheer! Based on the Academy Award-nominated hit by the same name, The Full Monty is the story of 6 down on their luck steelworkers from Buffalo trying to raise a little cash for a friend in need. This show has something for everyone, from the catchy pop score to the funny and heartfelt story. Critics rave that this show is "full of brilliance," "exhilarating," and "that rare crowd pleaser that you don't have to apologize for liking." It is no wonder that audiences stand and cheer for this musical that bares its soul to reveal its heart. "Boisterously good, high energy, easy laughs, and exuberant dancing." This show has a very quick glimpse of male semi-nudity.

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Waiting for Godot

By Samuel Beckett

Directed by Michael Lederman

September 12 - October 4

Waiting for Godot is one of the most magical fables of our time. This play, first produced in 1956, helped redefine the very nature of theatre. Alone on a county road beside a leafless tree, Estragon and Vladimir, two apparently homeless men, wait for someone - or something - named Godot. They meet a series of characters in this masterpiece of poetry, wordplay, dreamscapes, and nonsense that has delighted audiences around the world.