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THIS WEEK: Aug. 12 to 18, 2016

Schoolhouse Rock Jr., a musical based on the popular TV series, performed by students ages 6 to 12, enrolled in the Summer Theater Workshop. Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville. 7 p.m. Aug. 12 and 13; 2 p.m. Aug. 14. $12, $10 children. 570-283-2195.

Anything Goes, the Cole Porter musical romance set aboard an ocean liner where stowaway Billy Crocker tries to win the heart of a woman already engaged to a wealthy lord. Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts, J.J. Ferrara Center, 212 W. Broad St., Hazleton. 7 p.m. Aug. 12 and 13; 3 p.m. Aug. 14. $16; $32 with dinner (served 90 minutes before showtime). Reservations: 570-454-5451.

Funny Girl, the musical portrayal of famed actress and comedian Fanny Brice. Theatre at the Grove, 5177 Nuangola Road, Nuangola. 8 p.m. Aug. 12; 3 and 8 p.m. Aug. 13; 3 p.m. Aug. 14. $20. 570-868-8212.

Chicago, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical that takes a dazzling and satirical look at fame, justice and the media machine, set in 1920s Chicago. Phoenix Performing Arts Centre, 409 Main St., Duryea. Aug. 12 to 21 with performances 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. $12. Reservations: 570-457-3589.

FUTURE

The Wizard of Oz, a Young Performers edition of the musical performed by campers from SummerStage and Little Dragon Playhouse by children in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 7 p.m. Aug. 19; 11 a.m. Aug. 20. $5. 570-344-1111.

John Mitchell: An American Hero, a dramatic reading by actor Robert Thomas Hughes, detailing the life of the legendary United Mine Workers president. Anthracite Heritage Museum, McDade Park, 22 Bald Mountain Road, Scranton. 2:30 p.m. Aug. 20. $5. 570-963-4804.

Nunsense, the award-winning off-Broadway comedy. Presented by Our Cabaret Productions as a benefit for the Little Sisters of the Poor at Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton. 7 p.m. Aug. 20; 2 p.m. Aug. 21. $20. 800-838-3006.

Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5, the country superstar’s musical about three female co-workers pushed to the boiling point by their sexist, egotistical bigot of a boss. Theatre at the Grove, 5177 Nuangola Road, Nuangola. Sept. 2 to 25 with performances 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. $20. 570-868-8212.

La Cage aux Folles, the Tony Award-winning musical about a gay couple who run a nightclub featuring drag entertainment. Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville. Sept. 9 to 25 with performances 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Dinner served 90 minutes before showtime. $18; $35 with dinner. Reservations: 570-283-2195.

Toast! David Parmelee’s play composed entirely of online reviews of products including toasters, coffee makers, mousetraps and more. Gaslight Theatre, 200 East End Centre, Wilkes-Barre Township. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6 to 8; 2 p.m. Oct. 9. $15; $12 students and seniors. Info at gaslight-theatre.org.

To Kill a Mockingbird, a dramatization of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a southern lawyer defending a black man against an undeserved rape charge. Black Box Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center, Marywood University, 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 and 8. 570-961-4517.

Heathers: The Musical, the darkly delicious story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High: The Heathers. Performed by the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts at the J.J. Ferrara Center, 212 W. Broad St., Hazleton. Oct. 14 to 23 with performances 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. Mature content. 570-454-5451.

Bonnie and Clyde, the story of the famed Depression-era bank robbers set to music by “Jekyll and Hyde” composer Frank Weildhorn. Theatre at the Grove, 5177 Nuangola Road, Nuangola. Oct. 14 to 30 with performances 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. $20. 570-868-8212.

Once, the Tony Award-winning musical about a young Irish songwriter who is encouraged in his career by a girl he meets who is also a songwriter and pianist. Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 8 p.m. Oct. 21; 2 and 8 p.m. Oct. 22; 1 p.m. Oct. 23. 570-342-7784.

Arsenic and Old Lace, the mystery-comedy about two elderly sisters who are devoted to charity and family — but have a habit of befriending lonely men and poisoning them with arsenic-laced elderberry wine. Theatre at the Grove, 5177 Nuangola Road, Nuangola. Nov. 11 to 20 with performances 7 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 1 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. $20. 570-868-8212.

Rent, the rock musical about a group of impoverished artists struggling to survive in New York’s East Village. Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 8 p.m. Nov. 18; 2 and 8 p.m. Nov. 19; 1 p.m. Nov. 20. 570-342-7784.

A Christmas Carol, performed by touring company the Nebraska Theatre Caravan who weave traditional Christmas carols throughout the narrative. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. Dec. 14. $29.50, $25.50, $19.50. 570-826-1100.

Mama Mia! The ultimate feel-good show and Broadway smash hit combining hits by Swedish group ABBA with a tale of love and friendship. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Jan. 8. $69.50, $59.50, $49.50. 570-826-1100.

Jersey Boys, the story of the four guys from New Jersey who formed the iconic group The Four Seasons. Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 to 19; 8 p.m. Jan. 20; 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 21; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 22. 570-342-7784.

The Pallbearers, a darkly comic take on social growth and decay from playwright B. Garret Rogan. Gaslight Theatre, 200 East End Centre, Wilkes-Barre Township. Jan. 19 to 29. $15; $12 seniors and students. Info at gaslight-theatre.org.

Elvis Lives, a multimedia journey through the life of Elvis Presley with finalists from the worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1. $49.50, $39.50, $29.50. 570-826-1100.

I Go On Singing: Paul Robeson’s Life in His Own Words and Song, a Black History Month program performed by baritone Anthony Brown. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Feb. 11. $20 advance; $25 day of show. 570-826-1100.

Cirque Zuma Zuma, an African-style Cirque du Soleil. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16. $20 advance; $25 day of show. 570-826-1100.

The Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Neil Simon’s classic comedy about a modern man in the hip sixties looking for something new and different. Performed by Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theater. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17. $28, $28, $18. 570-826-1100.

The Peking Acrobats, the premier Chinese company performing daring maneuvers, trickcycling, precision tumbling, juggling and balancing. Presented by the Greater Hazleton Concert Series at Hazleton Area High School, 1601 W. 23rd St. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21. 570-788-4864.

Annie, a brand-new incarnation of the iconic original about the optimistic orphan. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23. $65, $55, $45. 570-826-1100.

STOMP, the explosive, inventive percussion group that uses a variety of everyday objects as instruments. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. March 15. $55, $45, $35. 570-826-1100.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, the musical adventures of the fairy tale woman-turned-princess. Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 8 p.m. March 17; 2 and 8 p.m. March 18; 1 p.m. March 19. 570-342-7784.

42nd Street, the quintessential backstage musical comedy classic. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. March 29. $65, $55, $45. 570-826-1100.

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, a unique hybrid of vaudeville, circus, burlesque and side shows. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. April 1. $20 advance; $25 day of show. 570-826-1100.

Artrageous, a creative celebration of art, music and bubblewrap with dancers, music and images from Lennon to Elvis to Hendrix. Presented by the Greater Hazleton Concert Series at Hazleton Area High School, 1601 W. 23rd St. 7:30 p.m. April 19. 570-788-4864.

The Illusionists — Live from Broadway, stunning acts of grand illusion, levitation, mind reading, disappearance, a water torture escape and more. Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. April 22. 570-342-7784.

Feet Don’t Fail Me Now! Rhythmic Circus, the homegrown hoofers from Minneapolis with their trunk full of tap shoes, funky costumes and a big brass band. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. April 30. $35, 25. 570-826-1100.

Pippin, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical about the young prince searching for meaning in his life during the Middle Ages. Presented by Broadway in Scranton at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. 8 p.m. May 5; 2 and 8 p.m. May 6; 1 p.m. May 7. 570-342-7784.

Next Fall, a witty and provocative look at faith, commitment and unconditional love by Geoffrey Nauffts. Gaslight Theatre, 200 East End Centre, Wilkes-Barre Township. May 18 to 27. $15; $12 seniors and students. Info at gaslight-theatre.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Auditions for male dancers, age 18 and older, for the September production of “La Cage aux Folles” at the Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville. Call 570-283-2195 to schedule an appointment.

Auditions for Marywood University’s October production of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Black Box Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts, Marywood University, 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton. 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 26 and 27. Open to the public. 570-961-4517.

Theater Bus Trip, to New York City for a matinee of the musical “An American in Paris.” Sponsored by the Women’s Society of Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Plains on Sept. 14 with an 8 a.m. departure from Plains and 7 p.m. departure from New York. $130 includes transportation and orchestra seating. Reservations: 570-235-0777.

Theater Bus Trip to the American Music Theater in Lancaster for a performance of the “Fall Doo Wop Cavalcade Show.” Sponsored by the United Methodist Church of Pittston on Sept. 17 with a 9:45 a.m. departure from the Pittston Plaza. $108 includes transportation, show ticket, tips and dinner at Shady Maple Smorgasbord. Reservations: 570-603-1915.

Theater Bus Trip to the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse in Hampton, New Jersey, to see the comedy “Squabbles.” Sponsored by the Irem Women’s Auxiliary on Sept. 27. $85 includes show, lunch and transportation. Reservations: 570-822-4976.

Theater Bus Trip to the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster for a performance of “Samson.” Sponsored by the United Methodist Church of Pittston on Nov. 1 with a 11 a.m. departure from the Pittston Plaza. $118 includes transportation, show ticket, tips and dinner at Shady Maple Smorgasbord. Reservations: 570-603-1915.

Schoolhouse Rock Jr., a musical based on the popular TV series, will be performed by students ages 6 to 12, enrolled in the Summer Theater Workshop. Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville. 7 p.m. Aug. 12 and 13; 2 p.m. Aug. 14. $12, $10 children. 570-283-2195.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_8.12-stage-schoolhouse.jpg.optimal.jpgSchoolhouse Rock Jr., a musical based on the popular TV series, will be performed by students ages 6 to 12, enrolled in the Summer Theater Workshop. Music Box Dinner Playhouse, 196 Hughes St., Swoyersville. 7 p.m. Aug. 12 and 13; 2 p.m. Aug. 14. $12, $10 children. 570-283-2195.

Jade Casella, Kegan Lance and Tera Sheerin star in ‘Chicago,’ the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical that takes a dazzling and satirical look at fame, justice and the media machine, set in 1920s Chicago. Phoenix Performing Arts Centre, 409 Main St., Duryea. Aug. 12 to 21 with performances 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. $12. Reservations: 570-457-3589.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_8.12-stage-Chicago-Phoenix.jpg.optimal.jpgJade Casella, Kegan Lance and Tera Sheerin star in ‘Chicago,’ the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical that takes a dazzling and satirical look at fame, justice and the media machine, set in 1920s Chicago. Phoenix Performing Arts Centre, 409 Main St., Duryea. Aug. 12 to 21 with performances 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. $12. Reservations: 570-457-3589.