Theatre with a side of life
Porchlight Music Theatre presents RENT. The late Jonathan Larson (music, lyrics, book) penned an award-winning rock opera. RENT is a modern-day spin on Puccini’s “La Boheme.” Puccini imagined the real struggles of starving artists in 19th Century Paris. Larson sets his story in late 20th Century NYC. His bohemians are filmmakers, drummers, guitarists, erotic dancers, poets ...
Porchlight Music Theatre presents SPRING AWAKENING. Over a century ago, German Playwright Frank Wedekind debuted his provocative play, “Spring Awakening.” Wedekind penned a coming-of-age tale of teenagers in a 19th century sexual oppressed society. He wrote about puberty, rape, sexual assault, erotic fantasy and homosexuality. His characters dealt with child abuse, neglect, suicide ideation, and mid-terms. ...
Porchlight Music Theatre launches its 27th Mainstage season with Pump Boys & Dinettes. Just off Highway 57, the vibe is upbeat and casual! The premise of the show is a bus broke down. The stranded bus riders aka ‘the audience’ are greeted by the friendly staff at a random gas station and diner. The fourth wall completely ...
Porchlight Music Theatre presents DUKE ELLINGTON’S SOPHISTICATED LADIES. Step into Porchlight Music Theatre, step into a different era. The design team (Angela Weber Miller - scenic and Denise Karczewski - lighting) have transformed the stage into a swank nightclub. Soft pink lighting illuminates art deco-style cut-outs. In between columns, long sweeping curtains line the backdrop. The ...
Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to present THE RUFFIANS’ BURNING BLUEBEARD. I’ve enjoyed this whimsical show on a couple occasions (2014 , 2011 ). It’s magical! The subject matter doesn’t easily lend itself to an uplifting theatrical experience. The 1903 Chicago Iroquois Theatre fire killed 600 people, mostly women and children. Yet, Playwright Jay Torrence tells ...
Porchlight Music Theatre presents SUNSET BOULEVARD. Based on Billy Wilder’s Academy Award-winning film, the tale focuses on Norma Desmond, a silent movie icon. Although Norma has been out of the Hollywood spotlight for twenty years, she is ready to return to the screen, her fans and stardom. When Norma coerces a struggling screenwriter to ...
Porchlight Music Theatre presents A CHORUS LINE. The creative team of James Kirkwood, Jr. (book), Nicholas Dante (book), Edward Kleban (lyrics) and Marvin Hamlisch (music) debuted this musical in 1975. The story focuses on 17 performers trying out for a show. During the audition process, they will not only sing and dance, the director will push ...
Porchlight Music Theatre presents A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER. Is it more a comedy or a musical? It's an extraordinary combination of both. Robert L. Freedman (book and lyrics) and Steven Lutvak (music and lyrics) create a witty and clever killer’s confession. Based on Roy Horniman’s novel, Freedman and Lutvak tell the story of ...
Porchlight Music Theatre presents GYPSY a musical fable. OH, MAMA! E. Faye Butler (Mama Rose) owns this stage from the moment she steps on it. Her pipes, whether screaming for her way or lifting the rafters in song, are undeniably extraordinary. Butler is a tour de force in her non-stop, dynamic performance! Her commanding presence is palpable. ...
Porchlight Music Theatre presents MEMPHIS. I LOVED my trip to MEMPHIS! This musical is a powerful tribute to race relations within our rock and roll roots. The story is based on a concept by George W. George and the real life of DJ Dewey Phillips. The creative team of Joe DiPietro (book and lyrics) and David Bryan ...