Something for Everyone! Act II Playhouse Unveils 2019-2020 Season

Act II Playhouse recently announced their new 2019-2020 season and as Artistic Director, Tony Braithwaite told us…it truly has something for everyone.

When Braithwaite took over seven years ago, Act II produced four “Main Stage” shows and two smaller shows. That number has grown since he’s been Artistic Director, and there are now seven Main Stage shows a season, not including comedy nights and children’s theater.

We had a chance to have an in-depth conversation with Tony about the newly announced 2019-2020 season, and his hope and mission for this very special, intimate regional theater. Act II’s brand and mission is simple, but vibrant…it is to “entertain”, and Tony’s philosophy echoes a similar chord:

“…I want theater to be easy, fun and habitual for people to come enjoy themselves at Act II Playhouse.”

And, enjoying shows at Act II is easy to do… the ticket prices are reasonable, and there is free parking in Ambler.

In picking each season’s shows, Tony keeps an ongoing and endless list for Act II Playhouse, making sure there is a selection of what will fit well within the community and the placement of each into the calendar, while keeping current and on brand with what’s happening in entertainment as a whole. Braithwaite adds, ” It’s tricky, but I love the job of picking a good season…I pick shows that I, myself, would want to see…”

Braithwaite explains that ” Greater Tuna”, for instance, has been a staple of regional theater for some time – it is a satire of small town America. He adds, “Satires of small town America is very on-brand right now, we see this across many popular sit-coms, and it feels right and ripe for choosing that level of satire for the stage.”

Take a look at the 2019-2020 show lineup below, and get out there and enjoy shows from this amazing, intimate regional theater that we are lucky to have right in our back yard.

KALAMAZOO
     by Michelle Kholos Brooks and Kelly Younger
     directed by Mary Carpenter
July 9-Aug. 4
You’re never too old to be young at heart. When Peg and Irv try online dating, they discover love isn’t any easier the second time around. A riotous romantic comedy about life’s second act. Starring Carla Belver(Driving Miss Daisy, The Glass Menagerie).

GREATER TUNA
     by Ed Howard, Joe Sears, Jaston Williams
     directed by Tony Braithwaite
Aug. 27-Sept. 22
A hilarious satire of small town life. Two actors, twenty characters, and a barrel of laughs, y’all.
“Howlingly funny.”-Variety

LOOKING OVER THE PRESIDENT’S SHOULDER
     by James Still
     directed by David Bradley
Oct. 22-Nov. 17
Get a front row seat to history! The dramatic true story of the butler who saw four presidencies.
“Fun and gossipy” -Chicago Tribune

SOUVENIR
A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins

     by Stephen Temperely
     directed by Tony Braithwaite
Dec. 10-Jan. 5
The amazing true story of the infamously bad singer who became a household name and a music legend. A hilarious and intimate hit show, starring April Woodall and Sonny Leo.

TOGETHER AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME
     created by and starring Tony Braithwaite and Jennifer Childs
     with Owen Robbins on piano
Jan. 14-Feb. 2
An all new show from Tony and Jen! A hilarious review of sketches, songs, and fun from Philly’s funniest friends.

CHAPTER TWO
     by Neil Simon
     directed by Tom Teti
March 24-April 19
A young widower and a recent divorcée take a second chance on love. Starring Tony Braithwaite. “Whimsical and touching and always funny” –New York Post

PIPPIN
     Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
     Book by Roger O. Hirson
     Originally Produced on the Broadway Stage by Stuart Ostrow
       Directed on the Broadway Stage by Bob Fosse 2013
       Broadway Revival Directed by Diane Paulus
       Orchestrations for 2013 Revival by Larry Hochman
May 19-June 14
The iconic musical masterpiece from the famed composer of Wickedand Godspell. There’s “Magic to Do” when a young prince goes off to find his “Corner of the Sky.

Please note that Early Bird rates apply now. If you order by March 31, you save $5 per subscription. You can order online, by printing and mailing this form, or by calling the Act II Playhouse box office at 215-654-0200. P