Thank you to our generous donors for making our 2025 Season possible! We extend our heartfelt thanks to the following individuals and organizations for their commitment to The Playhouse at McConnellstown. Thank you to our generous donors for making our 2025 Season possible!

Forget the shopping lists and stocking stuffers. This November, The Playhouse at McConnellstown invites audiences to unwrap something special with “An Orphan’s Light,” on stage November 21 through November 30.

Set in December 1897 at the Juniper Home for Children in Juniper, Ohio, this touching play by Huntingdon County native Emmie White explores enduring themes of love, redemption, and the unbreakable spirit of community when facing uncertainty.

The Juniper Home for Children is in jeopardy: Thomas Jones plans to close the orphanage to save his family’s candle factory, which is struggling against the rise of Edison’s electric light bulb. In addition, Thomas chooses to cancel the home’s annual Christmas Eve festivities—an event that the children look forward to every holiday season.

The integrity and compassion of the orphanage staff including Headmistress Elsa, Governess Nellie, and Groundskeeper Levi challenge Thomas’s resolve. Elsa works to find placements for the children while Nellie and Levi plan a secret holiday feast.

Teenagers at the orphanage unite to create their own holiday joy, determined to keep the spirit of Christmas alive for the smaller children. Meanwhile, the workers at the Jones Candle Company step forward to offer support, proving that the home means more to the town than just brick and mortar.

As the staff and adolescents work to keep the spirit of Christmas alive, this powerful production builds to a truly joyous and unforgettable holiday celebration. Audiences won’t want to miss this heartwarming experience that captures the true meaning of the season.

The cast for this production includes Andrew Schall as Thomas Jones, Anita Bowers as Headmistress Elsa, Meg Whitesel as Governess Nellie, and Kevin Donahue as Groundskeeper Levi. The kitchen girls include Natalie Thomas as Martha, Elsie Weld as Rose, Gracelynn Grove as Helen, Lydia Thompson as Virginia, and Claire Brown as Rachel. The grounds crew include Gabriel Donahue as James, Shane King as George, Linus Donahue as Frank, and Dorian Loner as Louis.

Orphans in the production include Timmy Canner as Samuel, Bram Evans as Walter, Thelma Evans as Caroline, Everett Lattimer as Cloyd, Garrett Pollock as Albert, Paige Pollock as Alice, and Jax McCartney as Charles. The ensemble of prospective parents, factory workers, and carolers includes Colin Brislawn as Harold, Jake Cooper as Peter, Tara Lee Donahue as Susan, Alex Evans as the Stranger, Ben Lattimer as Robert, Oscar Pollock as Lela and Pearl, Kylee Roles as Verna and Mary, and Dan Weston as William and Cornelious.

“This show is really meaningful and well-written,” commented E. Lattimer. “The characters have a lot of personality.”

“This show is a heartwarming tale that will remind us all of the importance of faith and hope in the midst of harsh circumstances,” remarked K. Donahue.

The creative team for this production includes Jeanne Nagurny (director, costumes, and props), Keith Sutton (lighting design), Rick Brown (sound design), and Don Dietz (set design) with technical assistance by Barb Hughes and original music arrangement by Gabriel Donahue.

“I was honored when The Playhouse Board of Directors selected this script as part of its 2025 Season,” said White. “It’s been a wonderful experience working with the creative team to ensure that every person regardless of age was provided with an opportunity to speak and shine onstage.”

“We don’t usually have the chance to work directly with playwrights as part of our creative process,” added Playhouse Artistic Director Dan Weston. “Collaborating with the author has allowed us to develop this work to accommodate our specific needs, which makes the experience fun for everyone and helps improve the quality of the production for the cast, crew, and our audiences.”

The Playhouse at McConnellstown is also delighted to present its Toast the Show partnership features for “An Orphan’s Light,” to highlight local culinary and beverage excellence. Three Twelve Kitchen offers a sophisticated Deconstructed Shepard’s Pie, featuring lamb lollipops served alongside whipped potatoes, snap peas, carrots, with a gastrique. For a seasonal libation, they provide the Holiday Old Fashioned, a mix of Michters bourbon with cranberry orange simple syrup.

From Juniata Brewing Company, patrons can enjoy the Cozy Cabin Porter, brewed with whole vanilla beans and roasted caramel malts for a rich, smooth taste. This porter boasts a 6.6% ABV and 15 IBUs. Finally, Taste of Home Bakery will present Christmas Cake, a gingerbread confection sure to compliment any holiday experience.

“An Orphan’s Light” opens November 21 and continues its run November 22, 28, and 29 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are November 22, 23, 29, and 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets for “An Orphan’s Light” can be purchased online via our secure LUDUS site: mcconnellstownplayhouse.ludus.com. Reservations can also be made by contacting the Playhouse Box Office at 814.627.0311. 

Ticket prices are $18 for regular admission and $16 for seniors (age 60 and older), students (age 6 and older), and military personnel. Payment options include cash, check, debit, or credit card. For more information about “An Orphan’s Light” and other upcoming productions at The Playhouse at McConnellstown, please visit www.littletheater.com or follow us on Facebook.

Check out this production’s digital program here.

The Playhouse at McConnellstown is set to deliver a much-needed dose of laughter with its production of Michael Parker’s hilarious political farce, “The Sensuous Senator.”

In this uproarious comedy, we meet Senator Harry Douglas, a politician running for president on a strict “morality” platform. When his long-suffering wife, Lois, leaves for a conference, the Senator invites his stunning secretary and lover, Veronica, to his Washington townhouse.

When Veronica can’t make it, Douglas calls an escort agency. The agency sends over Fiona, a high-class call girl who specializes in members of Congress. The evening spirals into complete chaos as another congressman, an elderly neighbor, and a persistent investigative reporter from “The National Intruder!” all drop in. The mayhem peaks when Lois unexpectedly returns home after her flight is canceled and finds her house filled with politicians, scantily clad women, security police, and a reporter.

A talented cast brings this madcap bedlam to life. Joe Soloski as Senator Harry Douglas, the suave politician whose libido constantly gets him into trouble. The Senator’s blissfully unaware wife Lois Douglas is played by Shelby Metz. Will Renninger is Congressman Jack Maguire, the young and naive first-term congressman; and Bill Daup is Congressman Clyde Salt, an elderly cynic with a sharp wit. Fiona, the high-class call girl, is played by Oscar Pollock.

Deb Shank is Miss Morrison, a very serious investigative reporter with a camera always ready to capture a scandalous photo. Harry’s voluptuous secretary Veronica is played by Tara Lee Donahue. Abby Lambert plays the police officer who appearing at the most inappropriate times.

“This show is nothing but laughs, laughs, and more laughs,” commented Daup.

“This is one of those shows in which every scene is hilarious,” added Renninger. “For me, personally, I get to make a fool of myself—I appear in questionable attire, and I get to throw myself around like a ragdoll.”

Crafting the political mayhem on stage is a top-tier creative team. Director Clay Glenny is at the helm, orchestrating the rapid-fire comedy and chaos. Don Dietz designed a set that is as visually engaging as a breaking news scandal. Jeanne Nagurny’s costume design ensures every character is perfectly dressed for their political—and personal—machinations.

The atmosphere is set by Keith Sutton’s lighting design while Rick Brown manages the crucial soundscape, ensuring every cue lands with a powerful impact. Barb Hughes provides technical assistance, keeping the entire operation running smoothly.

“The Sensuous Senator” opens on September 19 and continues its run September 20, 26, and 27 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinee showings are September 21 and 28 p.m. Tickets for “The Sensuous Senator” can be purchased online via our secure LUDUS site. Reservations can also be made by contacting the Playhouse Box Office at 814.627.0311. Ticket prices are $18 for regular admission and $16 for seniors (age 60 and older), students (age 6 and older), and military personnel. Payment options include cash, check, debit, or credit card. 

Congratulations to the cast of our upcoming production, “The Sensuous Senator.”

Tickets for “The Sensuous Senator” can be purchased online via our secure LUDUS site: mcconnellstownplayhouse.ludus.com. Reservations can also be made by contacting the Playhouse Box Office at 814.627.0311. Ticket prices are $18 for regular admission and $16 for seniors (age 60 and older), students (age 6 and older), and military personnel. Payment options include cash, check, debit, or credit card. 

Unlock your potential at our Teen Acting Workshop with The Playhouse at McConnellstown! This 3-night workshop, from July 22nd to 24th (6 pm – 9 pm), is designed for teens aged 15-18 to build foundational acting skills, focusing on character development, stage presence, and audition preparation.

Ready to take the stage? Click here to fill out the registration form.

Deadline to register is June 30, 2025.

Registration fee: $25 per student.

Have questions? Email us at camps@littletheater.com

View this show’s digital program here.

Get ready for an evening of laughter and suspense. The Playhouse at McConnellstown is delighted to announce its upcoming production of John Bishop’s uproarious play, “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.” This delightful blend of comedy and mystery is set to captivate audiences June 6 through June 15. 

Step back in time to December 1940. An eccentric theatre financier has gathered a creative team at her lavish New York mansion. Initially invited for a backer’s audition for a new musical, the group soon finds themselves entangled in a web of intrigue, secrets, and murder. The lingering terror of the infamous “Stage Door Slasher,” who struck during a previous ill-fated production, adds to the tension and hilarity as the guests try to navigate the treacherous circumstances.

“The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” promises a delightful evening of theatrical fun, filled with witty dialogue, eccentric characters, and unexpected twists. This production, brought to life by the talented cast and crew of The Playhouse at McConnellstown, is sure to leave audiences entertained and guessing until the very end.

“It’s a funny and entertaining mystery with a terrific cast,” commented Dan Weston, the show’s director. 

The Playhouse at McConnellstown’s production of “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” features a stellar cast, with each actor embodying their character with energy and flair. Get ready to be charmed and challenged by Oscar Pollock’s portrayal of Helsa Wenzel, a maid with hidden depths. Anita Bowers embodies the eccentric arts patron, Elsa Von Grossenkneten. Colin Brislawn will keep you guessing as the determined undercover cop, Michael Kelly, while Clay Glenny juggles accents and intrigue as actor Patrick O’Reilly. 

Tate Pollock delivers the delightful arrogance of director Ken De La Maize, and Abby Lambert captivates as Nikki Crandall, the chorus girl with more on her mind than just Broadway dreams. Elias Powell provides the comic relief as Eddie McCuen, the lovable, struggling comedian. Newcomer Elizabeth “Betsy” Happeny brings down the house as the boisterous producer, Marjorie Baverstock. Adding to the mix are Karen Kuntz as the sarcastic composer, Regina Hopewell, and Jen Powell as Bernice Roth, the lyricist whose creativity is matched only by her emotional volatility. This is a cast you won’t soon forget!

“This is a fun twist on a murder mystery that will have folks second guessing and laughing hysterically the whole time,” added cast member Powell.

Behind the scenes, a talented creative team has worked diligently to bring the zany world of “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” to life on the Playhouse stage. The vision of Director Dan Weston, alongside Co-Director Kylee Roles, guides this madcap mystery. The visually engaging set design comes from the collaborative efforts of Don Dietz and Dan Weston. Jeanne Nagurny lends her artistic touch to the costumes, ensuring each character is dressed to impress (or perhaps deceive!). Lighting Designer Keith Sutton crafts the perfect atmosphere, and Rick Brown manages the crucial sound design. Providing technical assistance for the production is Barb Hughes. 

The Playhouse, in partnership with several local food establishments, is excited to introduce Toast the Show: Themed Libations and Local Bites. This new collaboration provides a fun way for local food and beverage establishments to offer exciting new features during a Playhouse production run. For “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,” patrons can expect exciting creations from Three Twelve Kitchen and Cocktails, Juniata Brewing Company, and Tastes of Home LLC. 

Enhance your theatrical experience with special offerings from Three Twelve Kitchen and Cocktails. For the entree feature, they present “A Murder Most Fowl.” Indulge in a delectable prosciutto-wrapped duck breast, expertly stuffed with ricotta, mushroom duxelle, and mozzarella, artfully presented on a crimson cherry splatter and accompanied by classic potatoes dauphinoise. It’s a truly killer meal! 

To complement your dish, savor Three Twelve’s cocktail feature: “The Casablanca” – a sophisticated blend of cognac and cardamom-orange simple syrup, served on the rocks with a twist of orange. A refined libation for the discerning theatre-goer.

Quench your thirst and sharpen your detective’s senses with a Raspberry Wheat seasonal beer from Juniata Brewing Company. It’s lightly tart and slightly sweet—the perfect combination for cracking the case wide open! This refreshing brew is the perfect summertime companion. It’s currently on tap and will be for the season.

Indulge your sweet tooth with “The Crime Scene At the White House” from Tastes of Home LLC Bakery. This delectable creation features a creamy, no-bake cheesecake nestled in a sweet graham cracker crust, finished with a vibrant cherry topping. Treat yourself to a delicious piece of the mystery between May 30 and June 15!

“The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” opens on June 6 and continues June 7,13, and 14 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinee showings are June 8 and 15 at 2:30 p.m. A special performance in partnership with the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce will be held June 20 at 7:30 pm. 

Tickets for the standard performances of “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” (June 6-15) can be purchased online via our secure LUDUS site: mcconnellstownplayhouse.ludus.com. Reservations can also be made by contacting the Playhouse Box Office at 814.627.0311. Ticket prices are $18 for regular admission and $16 for seniors (age 60 and older), students (age 6 and older), and military personnel. Payment options include cash, check, debit, or credit card. 

Reservations for the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce performance on June 20 at 7:30 can be made by contacting MacKenzie Huntsman the Chamber via phone at 814.643.1110 or via email at mhuntsman@huntingdonchamber.com.

For more information about “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” and other upcoming productions at The Playhouse at McConnellstown, please visit www.littletheater.com or follow us on Facebook.

Season ticket sales are back for the 2025 Season. Patrons can purchase season tickets for $16 per ticket per show. Season tickets can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 814.627.0311.

Please leave a voice mail with our Box Office with your name and phone number. Our staff will contact you at their earliest convenience to discuss seat reservations and payment.

Season tickets must be purchased no later than May 16, 2025.

The Playhouse at McConnellstown is seeking partnership opportunities with Huntingdon County food and beverage (F&B) establishments interested in participating in our “Toast the Show: Themed Libations and Local Bites” events throughout our 2025 Season.

The “Toast the Show” events are opportunities for local F&B businesses to create a feature dish or drink based on the theme of one of our season productions. The feature would run for approximately 3 weeks – the week before and the two weeks of the performances. Depending on the number of participating businesses, we plan to assign establishments to specific shows to promote fairness and prevent over-saturation. 

The Playhouse will promote the features for each show on our website, newsletter, internal digital signage, and our social channels. Each business will be provided with a digital copy of the production poster to display in their establishments. We are NOT asking any business to donate a portion of their sales to our organization. We can provide information to separate donation information to establishments in the event that patrons want to make a donation to The Playhouse.

The shows and dates are outlined below. 

“The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” running the weekends of 6/6 and 6/13 (Friday evenings, Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinees)

“The Sensuous Senator” running the weekends of 9/19 and 9/26 (Friday evenings, Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinees)

“An Orphan’s Light: Christmas at the Juniper Home” running the weekends of 11/21 3 and 11/28 (Friday evenings, Saturday matinees, Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinees)

If you would like to participate in our “Toast the Show” venture, please fill out our sign-up form. We are looking forward to working with you!

The Playhouse at McConnellstown will hold auditions for Fruitcakes on September 8 at 2 pm in its building located at 11680 Raystown Road, Huntingdon, PA in the village of McConnellstown.

The show performance dates are November 22, 23, 29, and 30 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees are November 23, 24, and 30 and December 1 at 2:30 p.m. Additional performances may be added if required. Please bring your calendar with all conflicts between September 8 and December 1.

All actors will be required to attend all scheduled rehearsals during the final week before the show opens. Evening and weekend rehearsals as well as children’s workshops are anticipated for this production. Dates and times will be at the director’s discretion. Guardians are expected to attend all rehearsals and workshops, and chaperone signups are required during the production run. 

Parents and adult cast members (ages 16 and up) are strongly encouraged to attend workday sessions held on Saturdays or Sundays between September 16th and November 11th. Assistance is required to construct the set, perform building maintenance and decorate for the holiday season.

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!

The cast breakdown is as follows:

Mack Morgan (50s+): A local who makes whirligigs for a living and sells Christmas trees during the holiday season.

Beebo Dantzler (30s-40s): The town’s only police officer with a penchant for exterior illumination.

Betty Jane Dantzler (30s-40s): Beebo’s wife who directs the annual Christmas pageant.

Miss Sarah (60s+): A grouchy spinster who make hundreds of fruitcakes each Christmas with her sister, Alice.

Miss Alice (60s+): Miss Sarah’s younger and gentler sister.

Skeeter (20s+): A local fisherman and lover of poetry

Mattie Sue (30s+): A simple yet absent-minded woman who has been married six times

Rick Morgan (20s-40s): Mack’s son.

Jamie (12-16): A runaway boy from a nearby city.

Little Beebo (10-14): Beebo and Betty Jane’s son.

Sally (8-12): Beebo and Betty Jane’s daughter.

James (8-12): Rick’s son

Meredith, Sammy, Laura, Amy, Marybeth, Joanie, Francis, Little Skeeter, Little Larry, and Little Billy (8-14): Children who play various roles in the Christmas pageant.

All casting decisions are at the discretion of the show’s director. We encourage all thespians to audition regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, etc. In addition to actors and actresses for the production, we are also looking for volunteers. We are seeking production assistants, stage managers, stage crew, concessions, front of house staff and parking assistance. Anyone who would like to volunteer should email Dan Weston, Artistic Director at danwest@littletheater.com. For more information, please contact The Playhouse at 814-627-0311. You may also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @LittleTheater.

While experience is helpful, The Playhouse at McConnellstown does not require previous theatrical experience. We do, however, require that you have the desire, commitment, and the drive to help us produce the high-quality shows that our audiences have come to expect. Please come join us for a wonderful theatrical experience. We look forward to seeing you at auditions!

Congratulations to the cast of Drinking Habits 2: Caught in the Act! The Sisters of Perpetual Sewing miss the excitement of the old days when they were saving convents and reuniting long-lost families. So when they learn that the orphanage where Paul and Kate grew up is in peril, they can’t wait to come to the rescue. Everyone pitches in to mount a play to raise money, but it’s no easy feat when Kate’s expecting any day, Sally’s hiding from stage-fright-stricken Paul after another flight from the altar, Mother Superior’s acting is unexpectedly narcoleptic, and the sisters’ award-winning wine keeps getting switched with the grape juice. The merry mix-ups multiply in this warm and winsome sequel to Drinking Habits (produced at The Playhouse in 2015).

This show will replace the previously scheduled production of The Countess. Performances will be August 23, 24, 30, and 31 at 7:30 pm with matinees August 25 and September 1 at 2:30 pm. Please call 814.627.0311 for reservations.