2008-2009 Season

The readings will start at 7:00 p.m. and are performed at the Playhouse. All tickets are $5.00 at the door.

September 11 - 27, 2008                                                (Closed Guild Party July 19)

Written by Patricia Gray
Directed by Bryan Arnold and Billy Hetherington

Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
Matinees September 14 & 21 at 2:00 p.m.

There is no better way for young audiences to experience and appreciate the magic of the theatre than with one of the greatest tales ever told. The Hobbit, adapted from J.R.R. Tolkein’s book, is a classic story that continues to connect generations.

The Hobbit tells the story of Bilbo Baggins, a simple hobbit, whose life takes an exciting turn when he is summoned by the wizard Gandalf. Bilbo, reluctant at first, acknowledges his call to duty and joins a band of dwarves on a quest to reclaim stolen treasure from the feared dragon Smaug. Along the way Bilbo and crew encounter a series of obstacles involving goblins, spiders, trolls, elves, and the not-so-clever creature Gollum.

Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
Matinees November 23 & 30, December 7 &14 at 2:00 p.m.

This Halloween UPT will kick off our first haunted theatre tours! Come out and see the spookiest spot in Mendocino County, right here at the Playhouse!
Kids 10 and under are only $7, general admission is $13.

Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
Matinees November 23 & 30, December 7 &14 at 2:00 p.m.

This delightful musical interpretation of The Princess and the Pea is fun for the whole family.

The law states that no one can marry until Prince Dauntless the Drab weds, however every princess has failed the unfair tests devised my Queen Aggravaine. This becomes a problem for the leading knight of the realm, Sir Harry, as he discovers his girlfriend, Lady Larken, is pregnant. Sir Harry embarks on a quest to find the last princess in the realm and finds Princess Winnifred the Woebegone, a brash princess from the marshlands. Certainly too unrefined to feel a pea under several layers of mattresses…

Come celebrate a Mexican Christmas tradition as we share the story of the Nativity and the gifts of the Three Kings. There will be singing and piñatas for the children. The
Posadas are celebrated within nine days of the “Noche Buena” or “Holy Night.” Tickets will be $5.00.

This event has grown the past two years and what a hoot! Participants watch previously recorded video of actual horse races and bet on their favorite horse with play money. Through out the evening, winnings can be used to bid on donated auction items. Co-sponsored with local Rotary clubs, all proceeds to go to UPT and Rotary programs. Hors d’oeuvres are served with a no host bar. Tickets are $25.00. Location TBA.

Written by David Grapes & Todd Olson
Directed by Patrick Kinyon
Musical Director, David Cory Anderson

Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 p.m
Matinees January 25 at 2:00 p.m.

It has been said that when asked how to become a successful singer, Frank Sinatra simply replied: “Sing good songs.” Instead of dwelling on the public life of Sinatra, this musical review does just what it should, concentrating on Sinatra’s music and singing good songs.

Conceived by David Grapes and Todd Olson with music direction by David Cory Anderson, “My Way” recalls the style and essence of the man without trying to impersonate “the voice.” The show is playing to packed houses across
America and features medleys of 59 of Sinatra’s greatest songs such as The Best Is Yet To Come, Fly Me To The Moon, That’s Life, and of course My Way. In breaks
between the medleys, the actors recall quotes from Sinatra and memories other musicians had of the man.

Directed by Cherilynn Evans

One goal of Black History Month is to recognize significant contributions to society made by people with African heritage and demonstrate how their history is intergal to our culture. Cherilynn Evans, the director and a local teacher, casts a mix of adults and youth to perform. The theme of the production will be announced at a later date. Tickets $12.00/ $10.00 for children 12 and under.

Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 p.m
Matinees March 22 & 29, April 5 at 2:00 p.m.

Written by Craig Lucas
Directed by Reid Edelman
A co-production with Mendocino College

This is sweet story of a young couple that falls in love
despite the girl’s pessimistic outlook on life. Shortly after their wedding, a supernatural event tests the strength of their love and commitment to each other.

Immediately after Peter and Rita have exchanged wedding vows, an unknown elderly man asks to kiss the bride. As he does, their souls magically exchange bodies.

During the honeymoon, Peter comes to realize that Rita’s body is no longer inhabited by Rita’s true personality. He finds the old man and tries to make himself love the spirit of Rita inside that body while searching for a way to switch them back.

Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 p.m
Matinees May 10, 17 & 24 at 2:00 p.m.

Written by Agatha Christie
Directed by Nate Bell

This classic “whodunit” is about a young couple, Mollie and Giles Ralston, who have opened up a new hotel in the converted Monkswell Manor. They are snowed in with four guests and an additional traveller, who has run his car into a snowdrift. Detective Sergeant Trotter arrives on skis to inform the group that he believes that the person who murdered Miss Maureen Lyon in London may be on his way to the hotel.

When Mrs. Boyle, one of the guests, is killed, they realize that the murderer is already there. The suspicion falls first on Christopher Wren, an erratic young man who fits the description of the supposed murderer. However, it quickly transpires that the killer could be any one of the guests, or even the hosts themselves. To this day, audiences are asked not to reveal the twist ending!

Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 p.m
Matinees July 12, 19, 29 and August 2 at 2:00 p.m.

Directed by Les Pfutzenreuter

This 1960’s doo-wop style musical comedy by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman is about a nerdy florist shop worker, Seymour, who raises a giant homicidal plant! Filled with singing, dancing, laughing (& laughing gas), this show will be a UPT first! Whether you remember the classic Roger Corman B-movie (featuring a young Jack Nicholson), the Broadway smash hit musical, or the Academy Award-nominated movie, you’ll enjoy this wild play.