Tag Archive for: musical

Posts

Westport, NY — The Depot Theatre in Westport, New York, is pleased to announce its dynamic, energetic, and expanded 2025 professional main stage season lineup, including two plays and two musicals.

Lights go up on the main stage with FIRST DATE, a musical rom-com in which a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner.

Blind date newbie Aaron is set up with serial-dater Casey, and in a delightful and unexpected twist, Casey and Aaron’s inner critics take on a life of their own when other restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes, and protective parents, who sing and dance them through icebreakers, appetizers, and potential conversational land mines. Performances of FIRST DATE will be June 26-July 13.

Next up on the stage is RADIANT VERMIN, a fast-paced, provocative, pitch-black satire that skewers fantasies of having it all. A young couple is offered an ideal house by a mysterious stranger, prompting the question: How far would any of us go to get our dream home? This thought-provoking comedy teeters on the brink of mayhem while shining a light on the human condition, the haves and have-nots, and the inequities of life. Performances will run from July 17 to August 3.

Beginning August 7, the Depot will produce the Tony® Award-nominated musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. The musical is set on December 4, 1956, when an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever.

Featuring an incredible score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B, and country hits, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET hit songs include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and more! MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET will run from August 7-24.

The expanded season continues with a special limited run of THE ROOMMATE, a dark comedy about what it takes to re-route your life – and what happens when the wheels come off.

The play features two women in their mid-fifties: Sharon, who is recently divorced and needs a roommate to share her Iowa home, and Robyn, who needs a place to hide and a chance to start over. But as Sharon begins to uncover Robyn’s secrets, they encourage her own deep-seated desire to transform her life completely. THE ROOMMATE will run for four performances from August 28-31.

The 2025 season was curated by the Depot’s team of Artistic Directors, Beth Glover and Karen Lewis.

“Our lineup for 2025 is inspired by the tremendous response to last summer’s exciting, audience-pleasing season,” said Beth Glover. “We’re thrilled to once again offer an emotional, laugh-filled, and tune-packed shared experience for our patrons this summer!’

The professional productions are preceded on the main stage by a special Depot Theatre Academy production of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, with four performances by the region’s experienced student artists on June 12-14.

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, NY, and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association.

2025 Season Passes will go on sale on April 15, and can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 518.962.4449. Individual tickets will be available beginning May 15.

Auditions will be held in Westport, NY on March 29, and in New York City on April 4. More details, information about the Depot Theatre Academy youth program, additional events, and news updates can be found online at DepotTheatre.org.

###

About the Depot Theatre The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers, and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2025 programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, with additional support from the Essex County Arts Council.   The Depot Theatre Academy is a robust educational experience for area youth and a pathway for those interested in pursuing a profession in theatre—whether that’s backstage or on stage.

WESTPORT, NY — The Depot Theatre in Westport is pleased to announce the cast of PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES, a crowd-pleasing, country-western musical tribute to life by the roadside.

The production features a talented multi-tasking cast of singers/musicians who portray Prudie and Rhetta Cupp, the generous gals from the Double Cupp Diner, and the guys from the gas station ‘cross the road. PUMP BOYS received unanimous raves on and off Broadway (including on the Depot Theatre stage in 1997!).

Pulling double duty as music director and actor, Alexander LaPlante will be playing the part of L.M. LaPlate’s previous credits include Theatre West End PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES (L.M.), Orlando Shakes MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET (Jerry Lee U/S), The Athens Theater Young Frankenstein (Fredrick), and The Orlando Family Stage ALLIE KAZAN AND THE MAGIC MANOR (Eric).

Alexander Peck will be playing the part of Jackson and guitar. He has varied credits in stage, television, and film as an actor and musician – as well as in orchestras in his native Canada, England, and the US. Among his theater credits are a previous Jackson in PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES at the Boarshead – Michigan Public Theater; Yepihodov (guitar) in THE CHERRY ORCHARD at the Caldwell Playhouse; and the Fiddler in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at the Alhambra Dinner Theater, Florida. Numerous summer stock appearances include MAN OF LA MANCHA (two times), BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS (also twice) as the Narrator, and he can be seen playing violin in several movies and daytime tv shows as a strolling restaurant violinist.

Addison Schuh makes her Depot Theatre debut as Rhetta. A recent graduate from Oklahoma City University, she is an NYC-based singer and actress. Some recent credits include Cinderella (INTO THE WOODS), Leilani (LEGALLY BLONDE), Julie Jordan (CAROUSEL), and Countess Helene (SHERLOCK & DAUGHTER; The CW Network 2025).

Bill Stokes returns to the Depot in the part of Eddie, having been in the orchestra for this season’s production of ANALOG AND VINYL. Bill started on violin at age nine and has been involved with music ever since. His credits include three summer seasons with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, teaching music in public schools, directing band and chorus, and in recent years has written a one-act musical.

Michael Toperzer is making his Depot Theatre debut as Jim. His regional credits include MOONSHINE AND MISTLETOE (Rev. Nathe/Dewey/Jarret U/S), PASS/OVER (Mister/Ossifer U/S; Studio Theater DC), ROMEO AND JULIET (Friar Lawrence; CSC), ALICE IN WONDERLAND (The White Rabbit; CSC), A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Oberon/Theseus, CSC), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Fred, CSC). Off Off B’way: THE LAST POET ON MARS (The Attendant; Brooklyn Actors Troupe), Malvolio in TWELFTH NIGHT (Malvolio; Monday Theater Co.), and ROMEO AND JULIET (Tybalt, Paris; Verona).

Tiara Whaley will be playing the role of Prudie. Audiences will remember Tiara Whaley for her outstanding role as Rodeo Girl earlier this summer in the Depot’s production of ANALOG AND VINYL. Tiara is a Philadelphia-based actress and holds a musical theatre degree from West Chester University. Her favorite roles include Ti Moune (ONCE ON THIS ISLAND), Emmie Thibedeaux (CAROLINE OR CHANGE, Helen Hayes Outstanding Supporting Actress), Dorothy Gale (WIZARD OF OZ), and Heather Chandler (HEATHERS).

The production is directed and choreographed by DJ Salisbury, who has directed and choreographed over 115 shows across the USA and in Colombia. Favorites include LES MISÉRABLES (LA’s Scenie Award – Best Musical), THE FULL MONTY, RAGTIME, and THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES (10 productions!), MAN OF LA MANCHA, WEST SIDE STORY, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. DJ directed Disney composer Alan Menken’s Lincoln Center concert, an Off-Broadway rock musical, and numerous readings/workshops of new musicals in NYC.

“The simple, earnest relationships reminiscent of those in Mayberry, R.F.D. along with a bushel of original hummable songs — rockabilly to blues to folk — serve to make PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES the comfort food of musicals,” said DJ Salisbury, director/choreographer. “It’s just plain old, good-time entertainment.”

PUMP BOYS will run from August 8-25. Tickets can be purchased online at DepotTheatre.org or by calling the box office at 518.962.4449.

More details, information about the Depot Theatre Academy, and news updates can be found online at DepotTheatre.org.

###

About the Depot Theatre

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers, and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2024 programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, with additional support from the Essex County Arts Council Cultural Assistance Program Grant supported by the Essex County Board of Supervisors.

The Depot Theatre Academy is a robust educational experience for area youth and a pathway for those interested in pursuing a profession in theatre—whether that’s backstage or on stage.

WESTPORT, N.Y. — The Depot Theatre in Westport, New York, is pleased to announce the dynamic cast of ANALOG & VINYL, the first production in the theatre’s 46th season main stage lineup.

ANALOG & VINYL is a musical rom-com romp with a memorable score infused with the influences of Elvis Costello, the Beatles, and Brian Wilson. It’s a delicious, devilish tale of Harrison, a young record shop owner, Rodeo Girl, the seemingly spacey—yet weirdly wise—hipster obsessed with him, and a mysterious stranger who rocks their world with an offer they might not be able to refuse.

The part of Harrison is played by Peter Corley. This past year Peter appeared in two Martin McDonagh plays, as Katurian in THE PILLOWMAN and Ray in BEAUTY QUEEN OF LENANE, as well as George Bailey in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, Billy in Stoppard’s THE REAL THING, and Fred/Young Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, all in Northwest NJ. He’s a graduate of the musical theater program at New York’s Circle in the Square, where he played Konstantin in THE SEAGULL, Cooper in ISLAND SONG, and as guest artist alum returned for productions of I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE, and LaChiusa’s SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE.

Aja Downing plays the role of The Stranger. Downing graduated from The American Musical Arts Academy in 2016. Some of Aja’s previous roles were Annette in TJ LOVES SALLY 4 EVA, Lorrell in DREAMGIRLS, Jojo in CHERCHEZ LA FEMME, Cassandra in ALEX AND EUGENE, Christine Daè in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, Aida in AIDA, and Ella Baker in BAYARD: A NEW MUSICAL.

Tiara Whaley will play the role of Rodeo Girl. She is a Philadelphia-based actress and holds a musical theatre degree from West Chester University. Her favorite roles include Ti Moune (ONCE ON THIS ISLAND), Emmie Thibedeaux (CAROLINE OR CHANGE, Helen Hayes Outstanding Supporting Actress), Dorothy Gale (WIZARD OF OZ), and Heather Chandler (HEATHERS).

“We saw so many amazing actors at our New York City auditions – any number of them could do a fine job in ANALOG & VINYL,” said Beth Glover, the show’s director and part of the Depot’s Artistic Production Management team. “But these three talents, Tiara, Peter, and Aja, not only knocked it out of the park, they knocked us out with their vocals and scene work. ANALOG & VINYL is dear to us and we love watching this joyful enthusiastic cast bring this funny, smart, heartfelt story to life, and we’re certain you’ll love it, too.”

The musical will be backed by a top-notch pit band led by Valerie Gebert, Director/Conductor/Keyboardist with National and International Tours of Broadway musicals including SIX, THE LION KING, WICKED, ANASTASIA, CINDERELLA, FINDING NEVERLAND, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, CABARET, JOSEPH……, SOUND OF MUSIC, WEST SIDE STORY, A CHORUS LINE and HELLO, DOLLY! Other members of the band are Jane Boxall (drums), Andy Tompkins (guitar), and Bill Stokes (bass).

ANALOG & VINYL will run from June 27 through July 14. Tickets can be purchased online at DepotTheatre.org or by calling 518.962.4449.

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, NY, and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association.

For more information about the Depot Theatre’s main stage and Academy youth programs and for news updates visit DepotTheatre.org.

Analog & Vinyl
June 28 – July 14, with a $25 Preview on June 27
Music and Lyrics by Paul Gordon
Book by Paul Gordon & Michael Berresse

RATED: PG-13 (Language)
PRODUCTION SPONSOR: The Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation

Analog and Vinyl is presented by special arrangement with Uproar Theatrics
www.UproarTheatrics.com

About the Depot Theatre

The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers, and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2024 programming is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Essex County Arts Council. The Depot Theatre 2024 Season is sponsored by the Rogers-Carroll Family Foundation.

The Depot Theatre Academy is a robust educational experience for area youth and a pathway for those interested in pursuing a profession in theatre—whether that’s backstage or on stage.