From 'Tootsie' to 'Beauty and the Beast,' Erie Playhouse plans variety for 2024 season
A dancing crocodile, a wimpy kid and a demon barber along with a romantic comedy, a courtroom drama, a classic musical and more are headed to the LECOM Stage at the Erie Playhouse.
From "Tootsie" to "Beauty and the Beast," next year's season will feature a variety of Mainstage and Youtheatre shows. Playhouse officials recently announced the lineup.
Here's what is coming for the 2024 Playhouse season:
Mainstage
"Tootsie"
Jan. 26, 27 and Feb. 2-4, 8-11
Based on the 1982 hit comedy film starring Dustin Hoffman, this comedy, about an actor who reinvents himself as an actress to get a part on a soap opera and then falls for his female castmate, received 11 Tony Award nominations.
"Inherit the Wind"
April 5, 6, 12-14, 18-21
In this classic American courtroom drama, a media circus descends upon a small 20th century American town where two of the largest figures of their time engage in a battle of wits and wills to ensure that justice is served and in the process chart the course of education for generations.
"Guys and Dolls"
June 14, 15, 21-23, 27-30
This classic musical comedy with a pair of gamblers, a nightclub performer and a straight-laced missionary in New York City originally opened on Broadway in 1950 and received numerous awards.
From January: Erie Playhouse revises 2023 season lineup in wake of leadership resignations
"Newsies"
July 26, 27 and Aug. 2-4, 8-11
Inspired by a true story, this Tony-winning musical tells the tale of teenage “newsies” who rally from across New York City to strike against unfair conditions and fight for what’s right.
"The Shawshank Redemption"
Sept. 13, 14, 20-22, 26-29, 2024
Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption," this drama examines desperation, injustice, friendship and hope behind the claustrophobic bars of a maximum security facility.
"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"
Oct. 11, 12, 18-20, 24-27, 2024
Barber Sweeney Todd, who has sought vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife, sets up a new practice above the pie shop of Mrs. Lovett in this delightful and shocking musical set in 19th century London.
"Beauty and the Beast"
Dec. 6, 7, 13-15, 19-22, 2024
This musical, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, brings the timeless story of Belle and a young prince trapped in an enchantress' spell back to the Playhouse after 20 years.
Youtheatre
"Lyle the Crocodile"
March 1-3, 8-10, 2024
Times are tough and Hector P. Valenti needs a home for Lyle the Crocodile; when the Primm family moves into their new apartment, they find Lyle sleeping in the bathtub and he wins them over with his juggling and dancing, and makes new friends.
Who is the new Erie Playhouse leader?: Board appoints executive director
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Musical"
May 10-12, 17-19, 2024
Jeff Kinney’s popular book characters take center stage in this hilarious and heartfelt musical about middle school, popularity and best friends.
"Tuck Everlasting"
Nov. 15-17, 22-24, 2024
This Theatre for Young Audiences edition is a musical based on the award-winning novel by Natalie Babbitt about Winnie Foster discovering the magical secret of the Tuck family.
Tickets
Tickets for individual shows won't be available until closer to the performance dates. For season ticket details and more information, contact the Playhouse, 13 W. 10th St., at 814-454-2852 or visit www.erieplayhouse.org.
Dana Massing can be reached at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie Playhouse plans variety for 2024 season of shows
