Thursday Evening Performance This Week

Mayhem Ensues As the Herdman Kids Collide with Christmas

AUDIENCES AND CRITICS ALIKE HAVE LOVED THIS FUNNY, HEARTWARMING HOLIDAY CLASSIC FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

 

FIVE MORE PERFORMANCES THRU DECEMBER 16TH

Produced in partnership with the Young Hearts Foundation

50% of the net proceeds from this production will go to fighting blood cancers and other diseases

 At The James Lee Community Center Theater

 2855 Annandale Rd Falls Church, VA 22042

Performance Dates and Times

Thurs, Fri and Sat Evenings 7:30 pm

December  13, 14, 15

Sat & Sun Matinees 2:00 pm

December  15, 16

 

Julia Exline of  DCMetroTheatreArts.com says:

“With a fun plot and energetic performances, I would take the family to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever for a dose of Christmas spirit — and with proceeds going towards such a good cause, that makes it all the merrier. Wonderfully directed by Beth Whitehead, who manages to inspire great performances from a large cast – Jody Lynn Parker was fantastic as the tough Imogene Herdman, and Kyleigh Friel greatly entertaining as her wild sister, Gladys. Jennifer Owens does a fine job as the town goody-goody Alice Wendleken…the “Baby Angels,” and are perhaps the cutest thing you will see this season.” Full Review

 

Bob Ashby of Showbizradio.net  says:

“Besides being a very enjoyable show for performers and audience, the production had a serious purpose, as half the net proceeds from the production plus the concession revenue are being donated to The Young Hearts, a local cancer charity.” Full Review

 

More Press Coverage In The Connection Newspapers and The Falls Church News Press

Performed in Two Acts with One Fifteen Minute Intermission – Run Time Including Intermission is 1 hour 20 Min.Always Affordable: General Admission Seating – $15

Tickets May Be Purchased Online

Reserved By Email At: providenceplayerstickets@cox.net

By Leaving A Voicemail At: 703-425-6782

Or Purchased at the Door

  

A Funny, Heartwarming Holiday Classic – For The Whole Family 

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world; they lie, steal and cheat. Now they have taken over the churches’ annual Christmas pageant!  The entire town has gathered in anticipation, waiting to see the Herdmans ruin Christmas – or will they?  This funny, heartwarming, holiday tale has become a classic.

 

Great Theater for A Great Cause – Co-Produced with The Young Hearts Foundation

This special holiday production will benefit the work of an amazing group of teens who raise funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to battle blood cancers and other diseases. Half of all net proceeds from this production will be donated to Young Hearts Foundation in pursuit of their important mission.

This production is underwritten, in part, by Virginia Commerce Bank

Mayhem Ensues As the Herdman Kids Collide with Christmas

A FUNNY, HEARTWARMING HOLIDAY CLASSIC FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

DECEMBER 7TH THRU DECEMBER 16TH

Produced in partnership with the Young Hearts Foundation

50% of the net proceeds from this production will go to fighting blood cancers and other diseases

 At The James Lee Community Center Theater

 2855 Annandale Rd Falls Church, VA 22042

Performance Dates and Times

Sat & Sun Matinees 2:00 pm

December 8, 9, 15, 16

 

Performed in Two Acts with One Fifteen Minute Intermission – Run Time Including Intermission is 1 hour 20 Min.

Always Affordable: General Admission Seating – $15

Tickets May Be Purchased Online

Reserved By Email At: providenceplayerstickets@cox.net

By Leaving A Voicemail At: 703-425-6782

Or Purchased at the Door

  

A Funny, Heartwarming Holiday Classic – For The Whole Family 

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world; they lie, steal and cheat. Now they have taken over the churches’ annual Christmas pageant!  The entire town has gathered in anticipation, waiting to see the Herdmans ruin Christmas – or will they?  This funny, heartwarming, holiday tale has become a classic.

 

Great Theater for A Great Cause – Co-Produced with The Young Hearts Foundation

This special holiday production will benefit the work of an amazing group of teens who raise funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to battle blood cancers and other diseases. Half of all net proceeds from this production will be donated to Young Hearts Foundation in pursuit of their important mission.

This production is underwritten, in part, by Virginia Commerce Bank

PPF is pleased to announce a change in its 15th anniversary season line-up.  In April 2013, PPF will produce Dinner with Friends, by Donald Margulies.

Directed by Tina Thronson and produced by Chip Gertzog, Dinner with Friends is full of humor, warmth, and wisdom.  This 2000 Pulitzer Prize winning drama is a funny yet bittersweet look at the marriages of two couples who have been friends for years and the impact on both couples when one of those marriages goes sour. Margulies’ elegant, breezy and witty dialog nourishes the audience as do his poignant insights which are deeply affecting. The New York Times called this multi-award winning work “A play for our time”. Dinner with Friends is not for young audiences. It contains mature themes and language.

PPF was unable to secure rights to August: Osage County, but will attempt to do this fine production in a future season when rights become available.

Find out more about all the productions planned for our 15th anniversary season, or go directly to our ticket section to purchase your season tickets today!

Mayhem Ensues As the Herdman Kids Collide with Christmas

A Funny, Heartwarming Holiday Classic For The Whole Family

December 7th Thru December 16th

Tickets sold online and at the door.

At The James Lee Community Center Theater

2855 Annandale Rd Falls Church, VA 22042

Performance Dates and Times

Thurs, Fri and Sat Evenings 7:30 pm

December 7, 8, 13, 14, 15

Sat & Sun Matinees 2:00 pm

December 8, 9, 15, 16

 

Always Affordable: General Admission Seating – $15

Tickets May Be Purchased Online

Reserved By Email At: providenceplayerstickets@cox.net

By Leaving A Voicemail At: 703-425-6782

Or Purchased at the Door

  

A Funny, Heartwarming Holiday Classic – For The Whole Family 

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world; they lie, steal and cheat. Now they have taken over the churches’ annual Christmas pageant!  The entire town has gathered in anticipation, waiting to see the Herdmans ruin Christmas – or will they?  This funny, heartwarming, holiday tale has become a classic.

Great Theater for A Great Cause – Co-Produced with The Young Hearts Foundation

This special holiday production will benefit the work of an amazing group of teens who raise funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to battle blood cancers and other diseases. Half of all net proceeds from this production will be donated to Young Hearts Foundation in pursuit of their important mission.

This production is underwritten, in part, by Virginia Commerce Bank

 

Director Beth Whitehead is pleased to announce the cast for the holiday production, Barbara Johnson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.  Beth would like to thank all the talented actors who auditioned for this production and made her task of casting the show a most pleasant challenge.

The Cast includes:

Grace, Stephanie Hearne
Bob, Bobby Welsh
Beth, Hazel Thurston
Charlie, Brendan Dure
Alice, Jennifer Owens
Max, Ethan Phillips
Ralph, Blake Phillips
Imogene, Jody Lynn Parker
Leroy, Ryan Clark
Claude, Diego Pedulla-Smith
Olley, Jay Swallow
Gladys, Kyleigh Friel
Baby Angels: Leah Hearne, Erika Friel, Matilda Lee, Katie Jaynes, Juliette Phillips
David, Bryce Neuhauser
Hobie, Elias Cato
Elmer Hopkins, Adam Ashley
Angel Choir: Lily Bernero (Doris), Nicole Owens (Claire), Elise Welsh (Beverly)
Mrs. Armstrong, Julie Bratton
Mrs. McCarthy, Nanci Pedulla
Mrs. Slocum, Libbey Eads
Reverend Hopkins, Dave Schwartz, Michael Ehrlich & Mike McLaughlin
Fireman, Mike Donahue

In Fairfax/Falls Church – Friday and Sat at 7:30 PM – Last Two Performances:                                              “You Can’t Take It With You” at The James Lee Community Center Theater 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church 22042.

“You Can’t Take It With You” – The comedy classic from The Providence Players. A brilliant, warm-hearted and critically–acclaimed comedy that is one of America’s best. Join Grandpa and his good-natured, though eccentric, family as they meet the stuffy and more conservative Kirbys – nothing but hilarity ensues. This revival of PPF’s very first production is a Pulitzer Prize winner and tremendous fun for all ages!

Single Show Tickets Online, By Email, By Phone or At The Box Office

$18 adults, $15 Students/Seniors. http://providenceplayers.thundertix.com/ , providenceplayersticket@cox.net        703-425-6782.

Last Chance For Season Tickets: online at www.providenceplayers.org and at the door. The Nov 3^rd performance will be sign language interpreted.

Audiences Love This Production!

”…the cast brought great energy to each scene and elicited laughter at the right moments throughout the evening.”

“Bennett simply commands the stage from the first light cue.”

“…Standout performances included John Coscia as the laid-back grandfather, and Sara Evans Bennett as the enthusiastic Penny.”

“…Four actress pillars — [Katie Brown, Beth Hughes-Brown, Sara Evans Bennett and Andra Whitt] form the sparkling foundation of this farce, confections for every sense…”

[Patrick David] “…succeeded especially in presenting Mr. Kirby as someone with depth and humor, although dominated by propriety and business sense. This capturing of a rather nuanced personality becomes important when Kirby ultimately relents from his stubbornness and stifled behavior.”

“…an extravagantly detailed set (overseen by design/construction genius John Coscia) — its unveiling set to a thoughtful soundtrack engineered by [Barbara Gertzog] that invites pre-show audience engagement. Contributing to the cozy clutter of the “Can’t Take It” residence — partly decorated by Coscia’s wife, Lisa Church…”

[The timeless themes of this Pulitzer Prize Winning play] “…are upstaged by sheer levity wrought by director [Chip] Gertzog both on- and offstage. He squeezes each laugh line and pratfall for full reward… For those who can’t take it anymore, for the love of theater, go”

More From The Critics

…”the cast brought great energy to each scene and elicited laughter at the right moments throughout the evening. A vibrant and intricately detailed set further enhanced my impressions of PPF’s strong début.”…[Andra Whitt effectively channeled] “awkward and ditsy humor, perfect for the role of Essie Carmichael. [Patrick David]  “…succeeded especially in presenting Mr. Kirby as someone with depth and humor, although dominated by propriety and business sense. This capturing of a rather nuanced personality becomes important when Kirby ultimately relents from his stubbornness and stifled behavior.” [The production team] “…more than held their own in making this production a successful début for PPF’s 15th season.” –by Adam Sylvain www.showbizradio.net

“…Standout performances included John Coscia as the laid-back grandfather, and Sara Evans Bennett as the enthusiastic Penny. Christopher Swartz also did a fine job as Tony…John Coscia designed and constructed a set that resembles the interior of a lived-in home, complete with mismatched furniture, cluttered antiques, and a hodge-podge of assorted knick-knacks and trinkets. The result is not unlike walking into your grandmother’s sitting room. Sound Designers Chip and Barbara Gertzog use old-time music to help reflect the 1930s, as well as sound effects, including explosives and a coo-coo clock, and Technical Director Sarah Mournighan keeps the stage well-lit… Another way the era is seen is through costumes by Robbie Snow, …. You Can’t Take it With You will deliver a wonderful evening of entertainment.” -by Julia Exline, DC Metro Theater Arts www.dcmetrotheaterarts.com

“…Four actress pillars — [Katie Brown, Beth Hughes-Brown, Sara Evans Bennett and Andra Whitt] form the sparkling foundation of this farce, confections for ever sense…One constant of PPF shows is that you can count on an extravagantly detailed set (overseen by design/construction genius John Coscia) — its unveiling set to a thoughtful soundtrack engineered by [Barbara Gertzog] that invites pre-show audience engagement. Contributing to the cozy clutter of the “Can’t Take It” residence — partly decorated by Coscia’s wife, Lisa Church, who last lended her expert touch for the 1998 blast-off production — are no fewer than 20 framed art pieces, a bulging curio cabinet, four implied rooms, three implied levels, ornate antiques, a radiator and clocks, namely a grandfather and a working cuckoo — befitting the Vanderhof/Sycamore household whose zany inhabitants dance and dally as if possessed. Strains of the pre-show “Pennies From Heaven” segue into our introduction to Evans Bennett’s Penny, who underscores the show’s comedic cadence, while Essie’s flitting-about creates a rhythmic visual tapestry, even with no music (that we can hear). Though she plays a delusional dancer, Whitt raises the bar(re) with unmatched artistry. And Evans Bennett simply commands the stage from the first light cue.” [The timeless themes of this Pulitzer Prize Winning play] “…are upstaged by sheer levity wrought by director [Chip] Gertzog both on- and offstage. He squeezes each laugh line and pratfall for full reward… For those who can’t take it anymore, for the love of theater, go” by Terryism on the “T  IS 4 Theatre” Blog http://tis4theatre.wordpress.com/2012/10/21/you-cant-take-it-with-you-taking-wall-street-by-laughter

Good Seats Still Available For Final Three Performances: Thurs, Fri, Sat at 7:30 PM 

“You Can’t Take It With You” – The comedy classic from The Providence Players. A brilliant, warm-hearted and critically–acclaimed comedy that is one of America’s best. Join Grandpa and his good-natured, though eccentric, family as they meet the stuffy and more conservative Kirbys – nothing but hilarity ensues. This revival of PPF’s very first production is a Pulitzer Prize winner and tremendous fun for all ages!

Final Three Performances at The James Lee Community Center Theater 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church 22042.

Single Show Tickets Online, By Email, By Phone or At The Box Office

$18 adults, $15 Students/Seniors. http://providenceplayers.thundertix.com/ , providenceplayersticket@cox.net        703-425-6782.

Last Chance For Season Tickets: online at www.providenceplayers.org and at the door. The Nov 3^rd performance will be sign language interpreted.

Final Performance Dates And Times Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
November 1, 2 & 3 

  What the Critics Are Saying

”…the cast brought great energy to each scene and elicited laughter at the right moments throughout the evening.”

“Bennett simply commands the stage from the first light cue.”

“…Standout performances included John Coscia as the laid-back grandfather, and Sara Evans Bennett as the enthusiastic Penny.”

“…Four actress pillars — [Katie Brown, Beth Hughes-Brown, Sara Evans Bennett and Andra Whitt] form the sparkling foundation of this farce, confections for every sense…”

[Patrick David] “…succeeded especially in presenting Mr. Kirby as someone with depth and humor, although dominated by propriety and business sense. This capturing of a rather nuanced personality becomes important when Kirby ultimately relents from his stubbornness and stifled behavior.”

“…an extravagantly detailed set (overseen by design/construction genius John Coscia) — its unveiling set to a thoughtful soundtrack engineered by [Barbara Gertzog] that invites pre-show audience engagement. Contributing to the cozy clutter of the “Can’t Take It” residence — partly decorated by Coscia’s wife, Lisa Church…”

[The timeless themes of this Pulitzer Prize Winning play] “…are upstaged by sheer levity wrought by director [Chip] Gertzog both on- and offstage. He squeezes each laugh line and pratfall for full reward… For those who can’t take it anymore, for the love of theater, go”

More From The Critics

…”the cast brought great energy to each scene and elicited laughter at the right moments throughout the evening. A vibrant and intricately detailed set further enhanced my impressions of PPF’s strong début.”…[Andra Whitt effectively channeled] “awkward and ditsy humor, perfect for the role of Essie Carmichael. [Patrick David]  “…succeeded especially in presenting Mr. Kirby as someone with depth and humor, although dominated by propriety and business sense. This capturing of a rather nuanced personality becomes important when Kirby ultimately relents from his stubbornness and stifled behavior.” [The production team] “…more than held their own in making this production a successful début for PPF’s 15th season.” –by Adam Sylvain www.showbizradio.net

“…Standout performances included John Coscia as the laid-back grandfather, and Sara Evans Bennett as the enthusiastic Penny. Christopher Swartz also did a fine job as Tony…John Coscia designed and constructed a set that resembles the interior of a lived-in home, complete with mismatched furniture, cluttered antiques, and a hodge-podge of assorted knick-knacks and trinkets. The result is not unlike walking into your grandmother’s sitting room. Sound Designers Chip and Barbara Gertzog use old-time music to help reflect the 1930s, as well as sound effects, including explosives and a coo-coo clock, and Technical Director Sarah Mournighan keeps the stage well-lit… Another way the era is seen is through costumes by Robbie Snow, …. You Can’t Take it With You will deliver a wonderful evening of entertainment.” -by Julia Exline, DC Metro Theater Arts www.dcmetrotheaterarts.com

“…Four actress pillars — [Katie Brown, Beth Hughes-Brown, Sara Evans Bennett and Andra Whitt] form the sparkling foundation of this farce, confections for ever sense…One constant of PPF shows is that you can count on an extravagantly detailed set (overseen by design/construction genius John Coscia) — its unveiling set to a thoughtful soundtrack engineered by [Barbara Gertzog] that invites pre-show audience engagement. Contributing to the cozy clutter of the “Can’t Take It” residence — partly decorated by Coscia’s wife, Lisa Church, who last lended her expert touch for the 1998 blast-off production — are no fewer than 20 framed art pieces, a bulging curio cabinet, four implied rooms, three implied levels, ornate antiques, a radiator and clocks, namely a grandfather and a working cuckoo — befitting the Vanderhof/Sycamore household whose zany inhabitants dance and dally as if possessed. Strains of the pre-show “Pennies From Heaven” segue into our introduction to Evans Bennett’s Penny, who underscores the show’s comedic cadence, while Essie’s flitting-about creates a rhythmic visual tapestry, even with no music (that we can hear). Though she plays a delusional dancer, Whitt raises the bar(re) with unmatched artistry. And Evans Bennett simply commands the stage from the first light cue.” [The timeless themes of this Pulitzer Prize Winning play] “…are upstaged by sheer levity wrought by director [Chip] Gertzog both on- and offstage. He squeezes each laugh line and pratfall for full reward… For those who can’t take it anymore, for the love of theater, go” by Terryism on the “T  IS 4 Theatre” Blog http://tis4theatre.wordpress.com/2012/10/21/you-cant-take-it-with-you-taking-wall-street-by-laughter/

Good Seats Still Available For Weekend Performances
Thurs, Fri, Sat at 7:30 PM 

What the Critics Are Saying

”…the cast brought great energy to each scene and elicited laughter at the right moments throughout the evening.”

“Bennett simply commands the stage from the first light cue.”

“…Standout performances included John Coscia as the laid-back grandfather, and Sara Evans Bennett as the enthusiastic Penny.”

“…Four actress pillars — [Katie Brown, Beth Hughes-Brown, Sara Evans Bennett and Andra Whitt] form the sparkling foundation of this farce, confections for every sense…”

[Patrick David] “…succeeded especially in presenting Mr. Kirby as someone with depth and humor, although dominated by propriety and business sense. This capturing of a rather nuanced personality becomes important when Kirby ultimately relents from his stubbornness and stifled behavior.”

“…an extravagantly detailed set (overseen by design/construction genius John Coscia) — its unveiling set to a thoughtful soundtrack engineered by [Barbara Gertzog] that invites pre-show audience engagement. Contributing to the cozy clutter of the “Can’t Take It” residence — partly decorated by Coscia’s wife, Lisa Church…”

[The timeless themes of this Pulitzer Prize Winning play] “…are upstaged by sheer levity wrought by director [Chip] Gertzog both on- and offstage. He squeezes each laugh line and pratfall for full reward… For those who can’t take it anymore, for the love of theater, go”

“You Can’t Take It With You” – The comedy classic from The Providence Players. A brilliant, warm-hearted and critically–acclaimed comedy that is one of America’s best. Join Grandpa and his good-natured, though eccentric, family as they meet the stuffy and more conservative Kirbys – nothing but hilarity ensues. This revival of PPF’s very first production is a Pulitzer Prize winner and tremendous fun for all ages!

Continues this week and weekend at The James Lee Community Center Theater 2855Annandale Road,Falls Church.

Single Show Tickets Online, By Email, By Phone or At The Box Office

$18 adults, $15 Students/Seniors. providenceplayersticket@cox.net 703-425-6782.

Season Tickets Are Still Available Tickets online at www.providenceplayers.org and at the door. The Nov 3^rd performance will be sign language interpreted.

Remaining Performance Dates And Times

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
November 1, 2 & 3

More From The Critics

…”the cast brought great energy to each scene and elicited laughter at the right moments throughout the evening. A vibrant and intricately detailed set further enhanced my impressions of PPF’s strong début.”…[Andra Whitt effectively channeled] “awkward and ditsy humor, perfect for the role of Essie Carmichael. [Patrick David]  “…succeeded especially in presenting Mr. Kirby as someone with depth and humor, although dominated by propriety and business sense. This capturing of a rather nuanced personality becomes important when Kirby ultimately relents from his stubbornness and stifled behavior.” [The production team] “…more than held their own in making this production a successful début for PPF’s 15th season.” –by Adam Sylvain www.showbizradio.net

“…Standout performances included John Coscia as the laid-back grandfather, and Sara Evans Bennett as the enthusiastic Penny. Christopher Swartz also did a fine job as Tony…John Coscia designed and constructed a set that resembles the interior of a lived-in home, complete with mismatched furniture, cluttered antiques, and a hodge-podge of assorted knick-knacks and trinkets. The result is not unlike walking into your grandmother’s sitting room. Sound Designers Chip and Barbara Gertzog use old-time music to help reflect the 1930s, as well as sound effects, including explosives and a coo-coo clock, and Technical Director Sarah Mournighan keeps the stage well-lit… Another way the era is seen is through costumes by Robbie Snow, …. You Can’t Take it With You will deliver a wonderful evening of entertainment.” -by Julia Exline, DC Metro Theater Arts www.dcmetrotheaterarts.com

“…Four actress pillars — [Katie Brown, Beth Hughes-Brown, Sara Evans Bennett and Andra Whitt] form the sparkling foundation of this farce, confections for ever sense…One constant of PPF shows is that you can count on an extravagantly detailed set (overseen by design/construction genius John Coscia) — its unveiling set to a thoughtful soundtrack engineered by [Barbara Gertzog] that invites pre-show audience engagement. Contributing to the cozy clutter of the “Can’t Take It” residence — partly decorated by Coscia’s wife, Lisa Church, who last lended her expert touch for the 1998 blast-off production — are no fewer than 20 framed art pieces, a bulging curio cabinet, four implied rooms, three implied levels, ornate antiques, a radiator and clocks, namely a grandfather and a working cuckoo — befitting the Vanderhof/Sycamore household whose zany inhabitants dance and dally as if possessed. Strains of the pre-show “Pennies From Heaven” segue into our introduction to Evans Bennett’s Penny, who underscores the show’s comedic cadence, while Essie’s flitting-about creates a rhythmic visual tapestry, even with no music (that we can hear). Though she plays a delusional dancer, Whitt raises the bar(re) with unmatched artistry. And Evans Bennett simply commands the stage from the first light cue.” [The timeless themes of this Pulitzer Prize Winning play] “…are upstaged by sheer levity wrought by director [Chip] Gertzog both on- and offstage. He squeezes each laugh line and pratfall for full reward… For those who can’t take it anymore, for the love of theater, go” by Terryism on the “T  IS 4 Theatre” Blog http://tis4theatre.wordpress.com/2012/10/21/you-cant-take-it-with-you-taking-wall-street-by-laughter/

Thursday Performance This Week. Three Weekend Performances
Thur, Fri, Sat at 7:30 PM  – Final Sunday Matinee 2:00 PM

What the Critics Are Saying

”…the cast brought great energy to each scene and elicited laughter at the right moments throughout the evening.”

 “Bennett simply commands the stage from the first light cue.”

 “…Standout performances included John Coscia as the laid-back grandfather, and Sara Evans Bennett as the enthusiastic Penny.”

 “…Four actress pillars — [Katie Brown, Beth Hughes-Brown, Sara Evans Bennett and Andra Whitt] form the sparkling foundation of this farce, confections for every sense…”

 [Patrick David] “…succeeded especially in presenting Mr. Kirby as someone with depth and humor, although dominated by propriety and business sense. This capturing of a rather nuanced personality becomes important when Kirby ultimately relents from his stubbornness and stifled behavior.”

 “…an extravagantly detailed set (overseen by design/construction genius John Coscia) — its unveiling set to a thoughtful soundtrack engineered by [Barbara Gertzog] that invites pre-show audience engagement. Contributing to the cozy clutter of the “Can’t Take It” residence — partly decorated by Coscia’s wife, Lisa Church…”

 [The timeless themes of this Pulitzer Prize Winning play] “…are upstaged by sheer levity wrought by director [Chip] Gertzog both on- and offstage. He squeezes each laugh line and pratfall for full reward… For those who can’t take it anymore, for the love of theater, go”     

“You Can’t Take It With You” – The comedy classic from The Providence Players. A brilliant, warm-hearted and critically–acclaimed comedy that is one of America’s best. Join Grandpa and his good-natured, though eccentric, family as they meet the stuffy and more conservative Kirbys – nothing but hilarity ensues. This revival of PPF’s very first production is a Pulitzer Prize winner and tremendous fun for all ages!

Continues this week and weekend at The James Lee Community Center Theater 2855Annandale Road,Falls Church.

Single Show Tickets Online, By Email, By Phone or At The Box Office

$18 adults, $15 Students/Seniors. providenceplayersticket@cox.net 703-425-6782.

Season Tickets Are Still Available Tickets online at www.providenceplayers.org and at the door. The Nov 3^rd performance will be sign language interpreted.

Remaining Performance Dates And Times

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
October 25, 26, 27, November 1, 2 & 3
Final Sunday Matinee 2:00 p.m. October 28

More From The Critics

…”the cast brought great energy to each scene and elicited laughter at the right moments throughout the evening. A vibrant and intricately detailed set further enhanced my impressions of PPF’s strong début.”…[Andra Whitt effectively channeled] “awkward and ditsy humor, perfect for the role of Essie Carmichael. [Patrick David]  “…succeeded especially in presenting Mr. Kirby as someone with depth and humor, although dominated by propriety and business sense. This capturing of a rather nuanced personality becomes important when Kirby ultimately relents from his stubbornness and stifled behavior.” [The production team] “…more than held their own in making this production a successful début for PPF’s 15th season.” –by Adam Sylvain www.showbizradio.net

“…Standout performances included John Coscia as the laid-back grandfather, and Sara Evans Bennett as the enthusiastic Penny. Christopher Swartz also did a fine job as Tony…John Coscia designed and constructed a set that resembles the interior of a lived-in home, complete with mismatched furniture, cluttered antiques, and a hodge-podge of assorted knick-knacks and trinkets. The result is not unlike walking into your grandmother’s sitting room. Sound Designers Chip and Barbara Gertzog use old-time music to help reflect the 1930s, as well as sound effects, including explosives and a coo-coo clock, and Technical Director Sarah Mournighan keeps the stage well-lit… Another way the era is seen is through costumes by Robbie Snow, …. You Can’t Take it With You will deliver a wonderful evening of entertainment.” -by Julia Exline, DC Metro Theater Arts www.dcmetrotheaterarts.com

 “…Four actress pillars — [Katie Brown, Beth Hughes-Brown, Sara Evans Bennett and Andra Whitt] form the sparkling foundation of this farce, confections for ever sense…One constant of PPF shows is that you can count on an extravagantly detailed set (overseen by design/construction genius John Coscia) — its unveiling set to a thoughtful soundtrack engineered by [Barbara Gertzog] that invites pre-show audience engagement. Contributing to the cozy clutter of the “Can’t Take It” residence — partly decorated by Coscia’s wife, Lisa Church, who last lended her expert touch for the 1998 blast-off production — are no fewer than 20 framed art pieces, a bulging curio cabinet, four implied rooms, three implied levels, ornate antiques, a radiator and clocks, namely a grandfather and a working cuckoo — befitting the Vanderhof/Sycamore household whose zany inhabitants dance and dally as if possessed. Strains of the pre-show “Pennies From Heaven” segue into our introduction to Evans Bennett’s Penny, who underscores the show’s comedic cadence, while Essie’s flitting-about creates a rhythmic visual tapestry, even with no music (that we can hear). Though she plays a delusional dancer, Whitt raises the bar(re) with unmatched artistry. And Evans Bennett simply commands the stage from the first light cue.” [The timeless themes of this Pulitzer Prize Winning play] “…are upstaged by sheer levity wrought by director [Chip] Gertzog both on- and offstage. He squeezes each laugh line and pratfall for full reward… For those who can’t take it anymore, for the love of theater, go” by Terryism on the “T  IS 4 Theatre” Blog http://tis4theatre.wordpress.com/2012/10/21/you-cant-take-it-with-you-taking-wall-street-by-laughter/  

15th Anniversary Season – Our Best Yet! Season Tickets Available

The Providence Players of Fairfax (PPF) proudly celebrates its fifteenth anniversary season in 2012–2013 with an exciting lineup of award winning productions beginning October 19^th with the Pulitzer Prize winning Kaufman and Hart comedy classic, “You Can’t Take It With You”. From humble beginnings as a group of parents who first banded together to mount the same Kaufman and Hart classic in1998 to raise money for a local elementary school PTA, the Providence Players has emerged as one of the region’s leading non-profit community theater companies, producing 4 main stage productions a year with more than 100 all volunteer member artists serving over 3,600 theater patrons each year. To celebrate its fifteenth anniversary season, PPF felt it only fitting to open it’s season with a reprise of its very first production (with some of the original actors and many new faces!) and follow it up with exciting new offerings.

PPF’s fifteenth anniversary season will be counted among company’s best ever. Following the classic award winning comedy, “You Can’t Take It With You” as the Fall production, the Players will present a special holiday production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”. This production, a family holiday classic, is being produced in cooperation with the Young Hearts Foundation a group of amazing teens who raise funds to battle blood cancers and other diseases. A portion of all proceeds from this production will be donated to Young Hearts Foundation in pursuit of their important mission.

PPF’s early spring production will be the 2000 Pulitzer Prize winning drama, “Dinner With Friends” a funny yet bittersweet look at the marriages of two couples who have been friends for years and the impact on both couples when one of those marriages goes sour. The New York Times called this multi-award winning work “A play for our time”. “Dinner with Friends” is not for young audiences. It contains mature themes and language.

The final production of the season will be one of the oldest new comedy’s to ever hit the stage, the David Ives adapted Mark Twain comedy, “Is He Dead?”. Authored by Twain in 1898, this play was recently discovered by Twain scholar, Shelley Fisher Fishkin and adapted by one ofAmerica’s funniest contemporary playwrights, David Ives. It has only recently hit the professional theater circuit to both critical acclaim and raucous laughter.

An award-winning company, PPF is proud to be a member of the Washington Area Theater Community Honors (WATCH) organization that adjudicates productions and presents annual awards recognizing artistic and technical excellence in Community Theater. Since becoming a member in 2004, PPF has been recognized with nearly fifty (50) WATCH nominations and awards for quality theatrical performance and production. Most recently, for the 2011 WATCH Season, the Providence Players were honored with eleven WATCH nominations for performance and production work, including two nominations for Best Play for PPF’s productions of The Shadow Box and Auntie Mame. In 2011, PPF’s The Shadow Box won the British Players’ Ruby Griffith award for Outstanding Achievement in Non-Musical (“Best Play”). And in 2008-2009, PPF’s production of All My Sons won the Ruby Griffith Award for All Around Production Excellence, their top award.

PPF also became a member and grant recipient of the Arts Council of Fairfax County, and has been honored by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (sponsored by now Board Chairman, Linda Smyth and then Board Chairman, now Congressman,Gerry Connolly) for artistic excellence and community involvement.

PPF is also committed to the diverse community it serves. Several years ago, PPF launched the Theater Community Inclusion Project, a community outreach initiative that strives to increase participation among new audiences, particularly youth and underserved populations by providing free tickets to those who cannot afford the price of admission, a special free teacher and student preview performance for each production, theater workshops for youth, and scholarships to college-bound students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to theater arts.

PPF is the resident company and community partner at The James Lee Community Center in FairfaxCounty, just outside the City of Falls Church. The 2012-2013 season marks the company’s 9^th year at the intimate and comfortable 224 seat James Lee Community Center Theater. The Players are honored to have had a hand in working withFairfaxCounty in the design of the theater and company members are active and involved in many non-PPF theatrical activities at the theater and in the community center.

PPF is a group of committed, volunteer member artists. The organization prides itself as a welcoming, inclusive “big tent” organization – big enough to include first timers to theatrical endeavors and those with significant theater experience.

Good Seats For Saturday 10/20 7:30 PM Performance Should Be Available At The Door  – Sunday 10/21 Matinee Tickets Going Quickly – Purchase Online Now

Providence Players Celebrates 15^th Anniversary Season with opening of Kaufman and Hart Comedy Classic

“You Can’t Take It With You” – The comedy classic from The Providence Players. A brilliant, warm-hearted and critically–acclaimed comedy that is one of America’s best. Join Grandpa and his good-natured, though eccentric, family as they meet the stuffy and more conservative Kirbys – nothing but hilarity ensues. This revival of PPF’s very first production is a Pulitzer Prize winner and tremendous fun for all ages!

Opens this weekend at The James Lee Community Center Theater 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church.

$18 adults, $15 Students/Seniors. 703-425-6782.

Tickets online at www.providenceplayers.org and at the door. The Nov 3^rd performance will be sign language interpreted.

Performance Dates And Times

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
October 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, November 1, 2 & 3
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m. October 21 & 28

15th Anniversary Season – Our Best Yet! Season Tickets Available

The Providence Players of Fairfax (PPF) proudly celebrates its fifteenth anniversary season in 2012–2013 with an exciting lineup of award winning productions beginning October 18^th with the Pulitzer Prize winning Kaufman and Hart comedy classic, “You Can’t Take It With You”. From humble beginnings as a group of parents who first banded together to mount the same Kaufman and Hart classic in1998 to raise money for a local elementary school PTA, the Providence Players has emerged as one of the region’s leading non-profit community theater companies, producing 4 main stage productions a year with more than 100 all volunteer member artists serving over 3,600 theater patrons each year. To celebrate its fifteenth anniversary season, PPF felt it only fitting to open it’s season with a reprise of its very first production (with some of the original actors and many new faces!) and follow it up with exciting new offerings.

PPF’s fifteenth anniversary season will be counted among company’s best ever. Following the classic award winning comedy, “You Can’t Take It With You” as the Fall production, the Players will present a special holiday production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”. This production, a family holiday classic, is being produced in cooperation with the Young Hearts Foundation a group of amazing teens who raise funds to battle blood cancers and other diseases. A portion of all proceeds from this production will be donated to Young Hearts Foundation in pursuit of their important mission.

PPF’s early spring production will be the 2000 Pulitzer Prize winning drama, “Dinner With Friends” a funny yet bittersweet look at the marriages of two couples who have been friends for years and the impact on both couples when one of those marriages goes sour. The New York Times called this multi-award winning work “A play for our time”. “Dinner with Friends” is not for young audiences. It contains mature themes and language.

The final production of the season will be one of the oldest new comedy’s to ever hit the stage, the David Ives adapted Mark Twain comedy, “Is He Did?”. Authored by Twain in 1898, this play was recently discovered by Twain scholar, Shelley Fisher Fishkin and adapted by one ofAmerica’s funniest contemporary playwrights, David Ives. It has only recently hit the professional theater circuit to both critical acclaim and raucous laughter.

An award-winning company, PPF is proud to be a member of the Washington Area Theater Community Honors (WATCH) organization that adjudicates productions and presents annual awards recognizing artistic and technical excellence in Community Theater. Since becoming a member in 2004, PPF has been recognized with nearly fifty (50) WATCH nominations and awards for quality theatrical performance and production. Most recently, for the 2011 WATCH Season, the Providence Players were honored with eleven WATCH nominations for performance and production work, including two nominations for Best Play for PPF’s productions of The Shadow Box and Auntie Mame. In 2011, PPF’s The Shadow Box won the British Players’ Ruby Griffith award for Outstanding Achievement in Non-Musical (“Best Play”). And in 2008-2009, PPF’s production of All My Sons won the Ruby Griffith Award for All Around Production Excellence, their top award.

PPF also became a member and grant recipient of the Arts Council of Fairfax County, and has been honored by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (sponsored by now Board Chairman, Linda Smyth and then Board Chairman, now Congressman, Gerry Connolly) for artistic excellence and community involvement.

PPF is also committed to the diverse community it serves. Several years ago, PPF launched the Theater Community Inclusion Project, a community outreach initiative that strives to increase participation among new audiences, particularly youth and underserved populations by providing free tickets to those who cannot afford the price of admission, a special free teacher and student preview performance for each production, theater workshops for youth, and scholarships to college-bound students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to theater arts.

PPF is the resident company and community partner at The James Lee Community Center in Fairfax County, just outside the City of Falls Church. The 2012-2013 season marks the company’s 9^th year at the intimate and comfortable 224 seat James Lee Community Center Theater. The Players are honored to have had a hand in working with Fairfax County in the design of the theater and company members are active and involved in many non-PPF theatrical activities at the theater and in the community center.

PPF is a group of committed, volunteer member artists. The organization prides itself as a welcoming, inclusive “big tent” organization – big enough to include first timers to theatrical endeavors and those with significant theater experience.

The Season in Summary:

You Can’t Take It With You

By George S. Kaufman & Moss Hart

Directed by Chip Gertzog
Produced by Janet Bartelmay

A brilliant, warm-hearted and critically–acclaimed comedy that is one ofAmerica’s best. Join Grandpa and his good-natured, though eccentric, family as they meet the stuffy and more conservative Kirbys – nothing but hilarity ensues. This revival of PPF’s very first production is a Pulitzer Prize winner and tremendous fun for all ages!

Performance Dates And Times

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
October 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, November 1, 2 & 3
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m. October 21 & 28

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

By Barbara Johnson

Directed by Beth Whitehead
Produced by Prince McLaughlin and David Whitehead

The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world; they lie, steal and cheat. Now they have taken over the churches’ annual Christmas pageant! The entire town has gathered in anticipation, waiting to see the Herdmans ruin Christmas – or will they? This funny, heartwarming, holiday tale has become a classic: and good for the entire family!

Co-Produced by Providence Players and The Young Hearts

This special production of a holiday treat will benefit the work of The Young Hearts, a group of amazing teens who raise funds to battle blood cancers and other diseases. A portion of all proceeds from this production will be donated to Young Hearts Foundation in pursuit of their important mission.

Performance Dates And Times

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
December 7, 8, 13, 14, 15
Saturday & Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
December 8, 9, 15, 16

Dinner with Friends

By Donald Margulies

Directed by Tina Thronson
Produced byChip Gertzog

Full of humor, warmth, and wisdom, this 2000 Pulitzer Prize winning drama is a funny yet bittersweet look at the marriages of two couples who have been friends for years and the impact on both couples when one of those marriages goes sour. Margulies’ elegant, breezy and witty dialog nourishes the audience as do his poignant insights which are deeply affecting. The New York Times called this multi-award winning work “A play for our time”. Dinner with Friends is not for young audiences. It contains mature themes and language.

Performance Dates And Times

Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
April 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m. April 7 & 14

Is He Dead?

Adapted By David Ives
Based on the play by Mark Twain

Directed by Beth Hughes-Brown
Produced by Smitty Connolly

A hilarious comedy that focuses on the real-life painter, Jean-Francois Millet. Though brilliant, he is in dept to a ruthless moneylender, and can’t sell a painting to save his life (literally). His cohort of bohemian friends convince him to stage his own death to help boost sales. Authored by Twain in 1898, this play was recently discovered by Shelley Fisher Fishkin and updated by David Ives.

Performance Dates And Times

Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
May 31, June 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m. June 2 & 9

Ticket Information:

Reserved seat season and single show tickets may be ordered online at www.providenceplayers.org by emailing providenceplayerstickets@cox.net , by phone at 703-425-6782 or at the door. A Three play (the Holiday show is not part of the season ticket package) Season Ticket Package Costs Adults $45 and Students/Seniors 62+ $32. Single Show tickets cost Adults: $18 and Students/Seniors 62+: $15.

Open seating, general admission tickets for the holiday show will cost $15 for all theatergoers.