57th Season

57th Signature Season

Making God Laugh by Sean Grennan
November 5 - 22, 2020
There is a quote that “God laughs at the plans and we make” and we couldn’t think of a better show to open our season during this changing time. This comedy follows one typical American family over the course of thirty years' worth of holidays. Starting in 1980, Ruthie and Bill's grown children -- a priest, an aspiring actress, and a former football star -- all return home, where we learn of their plans and dreams as they embark on their adult lives. The empty-nester parents contend with their own changes, too, as old family rituals are trotted out and ancient tensions flare up. As time passes, the family discovers that, despite what we may have in mind, we often arrive at unexpected destinations. “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans…”

Rounding Third by Richard Dresser

March 4-21, 2021

Rounding Third is the tumultuous journey of two Little League coaches, through an entire season, from their first tentative meeting to the climactic championship game. Don is a coach who believes that winning is what is most important in baseball, and he is all about the game. Michael is his assistant coach, a businessman who believes that kids should have fun when they play baseball. These conflicting personalities instantly clash. Don's kid is the star pitcher of the team, and Michael's kid can barely remember to keep his shoelaces tied. The audience is the stand-in for the team, so the coaches speak directly to the audience about competition, character, punctuality, and the importance of wearing the right equipment.

Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling

April 8 - 25, 2021

The action is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser, ("I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for forty years"); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a “good ole boy.” Filled with hilarious repartee the play also shows us the underlying strength—and love— which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Book by Rachel Sheinkin, Music and Lyrics by William Finn, Conceived by Rebecca Feldman, Additional Material by Jay Reiss

May 27-June 13, 2021

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box. A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius.

Performances for each of the shows are scheduled over a 3-4 week time period to give the theatre more flexibility for seating.

2020 - 2021 Family Series

The Rainbow Fish adapted from the book by Marcus Pfister, translated into English by J. Alison James, with illustrations by Marcus Pfister.
September 24 - October 4, 2020 (Taking place in our outdoor, MHT Courtyard performance space!)
Everybody loves the international bestseller and award-winning book, The Rainbow Fish, with its wonderful message of friendship and belonging. With shiny, multi-colored scales, Rainbow Fish is the most beautiful fish in all of the ocean, and the only one of his (or her!) kind. But when Rainbow Fish refuses to share his vibrant, shimmering scales, the whole ocean seems to turn against the vain creature. Unhappy that no one adores him anymore, the Rainbow Fish seeks out the wise Octopus, who helps him learn that it’s far better to be admired for being kind than for being beautiful.

The Christmas Book, An original script written by Michael Cochran.
Dec. 10 - 20, 2020
The Christmas Book starts on December 23, 1949 with an unexpected snowstorm and the arrival of the stranger at a rural farm. The family invites the stranger to stay until the storm passes. The discovery of an unusual book from among the stranger’s things begins a miraculous journey for the farm family. As more miracles happen for each of the family members, it becomes clear the stranger and his book are not just a chance happening.

Charlotte's Web, Adapted by Joseph Robinette. Based on the book by E.B. White.
Feb. 4 - 14, 2021
Determined to save Wilbur, Charlotte begins her campaign with the "miracle" of her web in which she writes, "Some pig." It's the beginning of a victorious campaign which ultimately ends with the now-safe Wilbur doing what is most important to Charlotte. This is a beautiful, knowing play about friendship that will give your actors a great opportunity and your audience an evening of enchantment.

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*General Season Information:

Signature Season Showtimes:

Evening performances begin at 7:00 PM.
Matinee performances begin at 2:30 PM with matinees on Sundays and the second Saturday.

Family Series Showtimes:

Evening performances begin at 7:00 PM.
Matinee performances begin at 2:30 PM with matinees on Sundays and some Saturday performances - varies by show.

Other Information:

The MHT Lobby opens 90 minutes before showtime with theatre doors opening 30 minutes before showtime.
Showtimes range from 90 - 120 minutes for the Signature Season, with a 10-minute intermission.
Showtimes range from 45 - 90 minutes for the Family Series, with no intermission.
Single tickets go on-sale three weeks prior to opening night.
Single tickets are over the phone, and in-person. Some tickets may be available online.

MHT Box Office:
132 Market House Square
270.444.6828
info@mhtplay.org
MarketHouseTheatre.org
Hours: Monday - Friday, 10 AM - 5 PM

*All shows, dates, times, and protocols are subject to change for this season due to COVID-19. This page will be updated as changes are made.