NEPA Scene Staff

Gaslight Theatre ends annual ‘Playroom’ series with holiday shows at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre Dec. 12-21

Gaslight Theatre ends annual ‘Playroom’ series with holiday shows at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre Dec. 12-21
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From a press release:

The Gaslight Theatre Company will present its eighth and final installment of their annual “Playroom” series on Thursday, Dec. 12 through Saturday, Dec. 21 at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, culminating in nine holiday-themed plays chronicled as “Playroom: Home for the Holidays.”

The series, created by playwright and former artistic director/board member Matthew S. Hinton, uses the same set design to inspire playwrights to craft individual one-acts around the same space. The stories are showcased between small vignettes that tie the series together to create an evening of short-form repertory theatre. While all plays are placed in the same house, each are unique.

After successfully staging previous years in the kitchen, bathroom, attic, master bedroom, garage, back porch, and dining room, the company chose to book end the series in the heart of every home – the living room.

“After eight years, we feel it’s time to retire the old house,” said Artistic Director Dave Reynolds.

“We’ve had so many wonderful theatrical moments in it, but the time has come to wrap it up. Rest assured, though, that Gaslight will certainly be including original one-acts in our upcoming seasons. We’ve come to really enjoy featuring the works of so many talented local playwrights.”

Since its debut in 2012, the series has included 16 of the region’s most talented playwrights, 98 cast members and directors, and 69 one-acts. This year’s lineup features many returning writers, including Hinton, Dane Bower, Emily Halbing, Jennifer Hill, Lori M. Myers, Michael Pavese, Rachel Luann Strayer, and Adam Ercolani, who makes his “Playroom” debut.

“What is also particularly sweet about the finale of ‘Playroom’ is that we’re returning to the spot we originally launched,” said President Brandi George in reference to King’s College Theatre.

“It’s a bittersweet moment, but we can’t wait to celebrate this with everyone who’s ever been a part of this truly collaborative, inspiring, and creative project.”

“Playroom: Home for the Holidays” will be performed Dec. 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. Performances will be held at King’s College Theatre, located within the administration building (133 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre). This series is not suitable for children.

General admission tickets are $15 and $12 for students, seniors, and the military. Tickets cannot be reserved or sold in advance but will be available at the door. The box office will open one hour prior to performances and accepts cash, checks, and all major credit cards. For more information, visit gaslight-theatre.org.

The Gaslight​ ​Theatre​ ​Company​ ​was​ ​founded​ ​in​ ​2003​ ​with​ ​the​ ​mission​ ​to​ ​create​ ​impactful, innovative,​ ​and​ ​high-quality​ ​theatre​ ​that​ ​enriches​ ​the​ ​lives​ ​of​ ​local ​artists​ ​and​ the ​community.​

“Playroom: Home for the Holidays” one-act plays

“The Song”
Written and performed by Alicia Nordstrom

“The Shablormawoop” by Jennifer Hill
Directed by Brandi George
Rose – Kim Verruggio
Andi – Beth Powers
Elliot – Max Reynolds

“A Very Criminal Christmas” by Lori M. Myers
Directed by Allie Liguori
Luke – Scott Rave
Joey – Mike Wawrzynek
Mary Lou – Shelley Bartolomei

“The Gift” by Adam Ercolani
Directed by Mollie Dooley
M – Alicia Nordstrom
D – Seth Brandreth
B – Jarrett Gabriel
G – Eyanna Gruver

“Ghost Story” by Rachel Luann Strayer
Directed by Mollie Dooley
Natalie – Lydia Traill
Doug – Eric Lutz
“My Dear” by Emily Halbing
Directed by Jon Vojtko
Narrator – Tim McDermott
Jeff – Dave Reynolds
Agnes – Dacyn Koretz

“Mr. Christmas”
​Written and directed by Dane Bower, featuring Brad Barry
Aaron – Mike Wawrzynek
Erin – Mandy Pennington
Stacy – Mollie Dooley
Brian – DJ Nat
Mikey – Rob Klubeck

“Christmas with the Joneses” by Michael Paveese
Directed by Brandi George
John – Dane Bower
Mary – Jennifer McClinton Temple
Cissy – Mollie Dooley
Billy – Mike Wawrzynek

“All the Year” by Matthew S. Hinton
Directed by Dave Reynolds
Carol – Anne Rodella
Rich – Mike Little
Marla – Brandi George
Drake – Jameel Powers