Press Release – 2024 Season
The Playhouse at McConnellstown Unveils Exciting 2024 Season
The Playhouse at McConnellstown’s 2024 Season lineup is sure to please audiences. The three-show season will feature a historical biopic, a never-before-seen farce, and a slice of fruity holiday goodness.
The season opens in June with Lauren Gunderson’s Silent Sky. Based on the true story of a 19th-century astronomer, Silent Sky explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries. Henrietta Leavitt joins a group of ladies at the Harvard Observatory working for a renowned astronomer who has no time for the women’s probing theories. Henrietta attempts to measure the light and distance of stars and takes stock of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love.
Silent Sky runs June 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 7:30 pm; and June 9 and 16 at 2:30 pm.
In August, the curtain rises on The Countess, a new farce from local playwright Emmie White. Embark on an uproarious escapade as Phoebe Molyneux, the clever Countess of Châlons, and her witty lady’s maid Matilda arrive at an English tavern after escaping the Reign of Terror. Phoebe’s anticipated rendezvous with her fiancée, the Duke of Ruthland, takes an unexpected turn when two thieves are mistaken for the duke and his valet. Fueling the chaos, Phoebe enlists Matilda to don the guise of La Comtesse de Châlons, leading to a cascade of side-splitting moments as Phoebe attempts to learn more about her betrothed. Matilda flirts with the faux duke while the thieves plot to steal Phoebe’s jewels. Hilarity ensues when the real Duke of Ruthland, and his valet realize they must save Phoebe and Matilda from the thieves.
The Countess runs August 23, 24, 30, and 31 at 7:30 pm; and August 25 and September 1 at 2:30 pm.
The season closes with the hilarious holiday favorite, Fruitcakes by Julian Wiles. Fruitcakes is a heartwarming adventure that’s part comedy, part drama, and all festive fun! Stir in a delightful mix of fruitcakes, a dazzling display of 10,000 outdoor lights, a pinch of chicken pox. Toss in two southern spinsters, an estranged old man, a mischievous lost cat named Tutti Frutti, and a Christmas hog named Buster, and voila! You’ve got the perfect recipe for an evening of holiday cheer. Jamie, a runaway kid, finds himself in this quirky town with its eccentric residents. Initially thinking they’re “nuttier than fruitcakes,” Jamie soon discovers the true magic of this festive community. Join us for a moving story that serves up a generous helping of the Christmas spirit!
Fruitcakes runs November 22, 23, 29, and 30 at 7:30 pm; and November 23, 24, 30 and December 1 at 2:30 pm.
Evening performances on Fridays and Saturdays are at 7:30 pm. Sunday matinees are at 2:30 pm. Ticket prices are $17 for regular admission and $15 for seniors (age 60 and older) and students (age 6 and older). Payment options include cash, check, debit or credit card. For reservations, please call 814-627-0311. The Playhouse is located at 11680 Raystown Rd, Huntingdon, PA, six miles South of Huntingdon Borough right on Rt. 26 in the Village of McConnellstown.