2008-2009 SEASON SHOWS

Celebrating 15 Years of Friends & Family

The Sound of Music 
Music by Richard Rodgers; Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse
September 5 - September 21, 2008
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical.  When a postulant proves too high-spirited for the religious life, she is dispatched to serve as governess for the seven children of a widowed naval captain.  Through inspiring music such as:  My Favorite Things, Edelweiss, Climb Ev'ry Mountain and Do Re Mi, we explore love and the importance of family.  Winner of 8 Tony awards, 5 Oscars, 2 Golden Globes, and called "the greatest American musical of all time,"  The Sound of Music  is the ideal theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.

Something's Afoot
Book, music and lyrics by James McDonald, David Vos and Robert Gerlach
Additional music by Ed Linderman
October 17 - November 2, 2008
One of the most popular musical comedies produced in regional and community theaters today, Something's Afoot  is a zany, entertaining show that takes a satirical poke at Agatha Christie mysteries and musical styles of past years.  Ten people are stranded in an isolated English country house during a raging thunderstorm.  One by one, they're picked off by cleverly fiendish and hilarious devices.  Watch as the survivors frantically try to discover the culprit and prepare for the dazzling and outrageous climax.  Perfect for those who want a little mystery during their Halloween Season, and running opposite our first annual Haunted House, Something's Afoot  promises to have you rolling in your seat with laughter. 

Little Women: The Musical 
Music by Jason Howard; Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein
Book by Allan Knee;  Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott
November 28 - December 14, 2008 
Based on Louisa May Alcott's novel, Little Women: The Musical  follows the adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they grow up in Civil War America.  The beloved story of the March sisters deals with issues as relevant today as when they were written.  This wonderful narrative has been brought to life as an exhilarating new musical filled with glorious music, dancing and heart.  Little Women: The Musical  embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter and tears.  The powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache and hope -- the sounds of a young America finding it's voice.  Opening Thanksgiving weekend, Little Women: The Musical  will be one of the most memorable experiences to date at the Playhouse.

Our Town 
Play by Thornton Wilder
January 30 - February 15, 2009
One of the most frequently produced and popular plays in America; Our Town details the lives of the people living in a small town.  Throughout the three-part play, we learn about the town, families and individuals who live there; love and marriage, life and death.  This Pulitzer prize winning drama evokes feelings of simplicity and charm, and offers a break from the cynicism and pessimism in which we can be lost.  Our Town reminds you of the important things in life and how those things should be cherished.  This Thornton Wilder classic is sure to warm the hearts and minds of all.

*I Do! I Do! 
Book and Lyrics by Tom Jones
Music by Harvey Schmidt
February 1 - March 1, 2009
After the success of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Playhouse Merced offers another musical to celebrate the Valentine's Day season of romance.  I Do! I Do! is a story that traces the road of romance for one couple - Agnes and Michael - from their wedding to the day they leave the home they have shared for 50 years.  This charming musical offers just the right song for every high (and low) point in a marriage:  wedding night jitters, raising a family, mid-life crises, joys, sorrows, quarrels, separation, reconciliation, and growing old together.  You don't want to miss this musical event written with love in every tune.  Romance packages available.
*This production will be presented in the Black Box Theatre.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Based on the novel by C.S. Lewis
March 13 - March 29, 2009 
Join us as we travel to the fictional realm of Narnia, where animals talk, magic is common and good battles evil.  The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe chronicles the adventures of four young siblings, who after discovering a wardrobe in an old country house, are transported to Narnia.  There, they are called upon to help the lion Aslan fight the White Witch.  This children's classic written a half century ago is still as popular as ever.  Featuring epic battles and colorful characters, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is perfect for families and any fans of the Narnia novels or movies.

Children of Eden
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Based on a book by John Caird
April 17 - May 3, 2009
From Stephen Schwartz (Godspell and Wicked) and John Caird (Les Miserables) comes a joyous and inspirational musical about parents and childre...not to mention centuries of unresolved family business!  Freely based on the book of Genesis, Children of Eden is a frank, heartfelt and humorous examination of the age-old conflict between parents and children.  Adam, Eve, Noah and the Father who created them deal with the cataclysmic actions of their headstrong children.  A deeply humanistic work, Children of Eden appeals to both religious and non-religious audiences and features a melodic, energetic score of pop, folk, rock, reggae, and gospel Broadway styles.  This Stephen Schwartz masterpiece promises to deliver some of the most beautiful music to hit the Playhouse Merced stage in years.

*Moon Over Buffalo
Play by Ken Ludwig
May 8 - May 24, 2009
Perfect for the farce-loving theatre-goer, this non-stop comedy has delighted audiences in over 25 different countries for the last decade.  In the madcap comedy tradition, the hilarious Moon Over Buffalo centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950's.  On the brink of a disastrous split-up, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom until everything that can go wrong does go wrong.  USA Today raves, "Moon Over Buffalo packs more comic genius onto the stage than anything in recent memory!"
*This production will be presented in the Black Box Theatre.

Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical
Book and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse
Based on the work by Robert Louis Stevenson
Conceived for the stage by Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn
May 29 - June 14, 2009
A true musical theatre phenomenon, Jekyll & Hyde attracted legions of loyal fans even before the show began it's smash Broadway run.  A tale of the epic battle between good and evil, Jekyll & Hyde is base on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic story about a brilliant doctor whose experiments go horribly wrong.  Jekyll & Hyde is pure pulse-pounding theatre which will bring to mind such classics as Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera and Sweeney Todd.  This spectacular production closes our fifteenth anniversary season and will leave you yearning for more.

Non-Season Shows

Greater Tuna
By Jason Williams, Joe Sears & Ed Howard
September 19 - September 28, 2008
After years of trying, Playhouse Merced has finally been granted rights to produce one of the most popular comedies of our time - Greater Tuna.  Starring two local favorites, Robert and Joe Hypes, Greater Tuna promises to be the talk of the town.  Watch as these two actors play over twenty characters of various ages and genders, providing a glimpse into the quirky town of Tuna, the third smallest city in Texas.  One of the funniest comedies of the modern era, Greater Tuna will delight, entertain and have you laughing for days afterward.

It's A Wonderful Life: The Radio Play
By Philip Grecian; Based on the film by Frank Capra
December 12 - December 21, 2008
The holiday season is a perfect time to join together with family and embrace the truly important things in life.  This December, Playhouse Merced will be offering It's A Wonderful Life: The Radio Play in our Black Box Theatre.  Set in a radio studio, the audience will have a perfect chance to see and hear this beloved holiday classic that tells the story of George Bailey and his guardian angel Clarence.

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RENTAL INFORMATION

Facility Rental

Need a unique space for your business conference, music recital or other special event?  Rent a space from us!

We have two unique spaces, both located on Main Street in downtown Merced.  Our Mainstage Space can host up to 200 people with stadium-style seating. Rental of our Mainstage starts at $450.00.

Our Black Box is a more intimate space, with an adjustable seating arrangement for a gathering of 100 or less. Rental of our Black Box starts at $350.00.

For more information regarding the facility availability and more detailed rental rates, please contact Rob Hypes at (209) 725-8587.


NEWS & MEDIA

Media

Welcome to our media page! Feel free to browse and find out the latest news from Playhouse Merced.  For more information regarding the Playhouse, please call the Box Office at (209) 725-8587.
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