The Vero Beach Theatre Guild continues its season with productions on the Mainstage and in its Black Box After Dark venue. Earlier this season, VBTG presented “Cry Baby: The Musical” in July and “Steel Magnolias” in September.
The Theatre Guild typically presents four musicals and two plays in its Mainstage auditorium, which seats more than 200 guests; and three productions, including musicals, in the more intimate Black Box After Dark venue, which accommodates approximately 50 guests.
“This way we can satisfy everybody’s likes and dislikes,” says Dee Rose, VBTG board president.
Rose says they were disappointed that the theater was denied a state grant from the Florida Division of Arts and Culture, along with all but three other arts organizations in the county.
“It was a hit, but we will survive. We were hoping for the grant and we didn’t get it, so we need to turn to our patrons and see if they can help a little bit,” says Rose, noting that funds are needed for stage repairs.
“But mainly, we just want to encourage the public to come out to see our shows. We are the best-kept secret in town sometimes, and I don’t want to keep it a secret.”
Mainstage Productions
Oct. 16 to Nov. 1: “Come From Away”
The fall season opens with a musical that contrasts the malevolence of the people behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, with the compassion and kindness shown by our Canadian neighbors immediately afterward.
The Tony Award-nominated musical, with book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, is a one-act 90-minute production, with no intermission.
It tells the true story of the populace of Gander, Newfoundland, who opened their hearts and homes to 7,000 stranded passengers (double the size of the town) after 38 planes were diverted there when U.S. airports closed.
“We thought let’s put it in our fall slot and reinforce the feelings of America, our community, and bring this side of the story out. It’s not just the devastation. Let’s talk about humanity helping humanity,” she explains.
Rose said they were sent the Broadway blocking and were permitted to use any or all of the staging, such as the recreation of how animals in the planes’ cargo holds, including two rare bonobo chimpanzees, were cared for.
“It’s well worked into the script; the actors actually make the animal noises. It’s really very clever. We have a whole bunch of animal carriers already lined up on a cart, so our Bonnie, the SPCA character, can talk to them,” says Rose.
“The other thing that was special, is everybody has their own story for that day. That was one of the first exercises we did.”
Rose explains that at the first script readthrough, everyone was asked about their own memories from that day. Some who weren’t yet born or were too young to remember, relayed their parents’ memories.
“It really made us all think.”
As a way to thank our own first responders for their bravery and service, people are invited to purchase tickets for them to see the show.
Dec. 11-20: “A Christmas Carol”
Ebenezer Scrooge takes center stage in this holiday musical based on the book by Charles Dickens, wherein the cold-hearted miser has an awakening after being visited throughout the night by the ghost of Jacob Marley, his former partner, and the spirits of Christmas past, present and yet to come.
“This is the second year in a row that we’ve done it. We are trying something new to see if we can continue it as a tradition,” says Rose.
Feb. 26 to March 14: “Mame”
Based on the 1955 novel “Auntie Mame,” by Patrick Dennis, the award-winning musical features book by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee and beloved music and lyrics by Jerry Herman.
The story begins in New York City during the Roaring Twenties when the glamorous and unconventional Mame Dennis unexpectedly becomes guardian to her orphaned 10-year-old nephew. Together with a colorful cast of equally eccentric characters, they delightfully navigate life’s joys and challenges with humor and flair.
“What can you say about Mame other than she’s fun and flamboyant,” says Rose.
April 23 to May 9: “Noises Off”
Fast-paced and high-energy, the farce by the English playwright Michael Frayn follows the comedic chaos surrounding a troupe of actors during rehearsals.
Frayn has said that the idea for the 1982 play came as he watched a performance of another show from the wings, and found that the action behind the scenes was funnier than on stage.
“It’s a play within a play; that’s the best way to describe it. And it uses the typical farce moments of opening and closing doors,” says Rose.
Back Box After Dark Productions
Nov. 12-21: “Songs for a New World”
Songs for a New World is a collection of the independent but interconnected songs by Jason Robert Brown of characters at turning points in their lives. The performers are accompanied by a live trio.
“‘Songs for a New World’ is not about looking back, it’s about moving forward. A new step, into a new place for your life,” says Rose.
“It’s kind of an obscure show, but it’s very appropriate. It’s about people looking forward to a new world and the different things that they’re doing to move on with their lives.”
Jan. 7-16: “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised] [Again]”
This fast-paced mad-cap comedy features three intrepid actors racing through all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays – tragedies, comedies and histories – employing improvisation and audience interaction as they present condensed versions of the famed Bard’s works. Written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, this is the third iteration of the comedy premiered by the trio at the 1987 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The one-act play, says Rose, is meant to be performed in 97 minutes.
March 18-27: “Vanities: A New Musical”
The musical, with book by Jack Heifner and with music and lyrics by David Kirshenbaum, follows the lives of three friends from popular high school cheerleaders and college sorority sisters, into adulthood, where friendships remain despite their divergent lives.
“It’s about three girls and the different directions that their lives took them, but they still always come together to see each other,” says Rose.
For more information, visit VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
