2016-17 Season
2016 One-Act Festival
August 18-August 28, 2016
This year Silver Spring Stage is collaborating with Montgomery Playhouse on two weekends of mostly original one-act plays, many by local playwrights. The first weekend will be presented by the Playhouse and the second by the Stage. Each weekend feature different plays that are short enough to showcase humor and passion.
The Emperor of North America by Thomas Hischak
Directed by Scott Bloom
September 16-October 1, 2016
Silver Spring Stage is proud to present the world premiere of this touching family comedy, in conjunction with the American Association of Community Theatre’s NewPlayFest 2016. Leo, a writer, is struggling with competing pressures from his aging father, his girlfriend, his daughter, and his agent…as well as with his own internal conflict as he weighs his passion for his work against the draw of commercial success.
Stupid F*cking Bird by Aaron Posner
Directed by Ricky Drummond
October 21-November 12, 2016
In this irreverent, contemporary, and very funny remix of Chekhov’s The Seagull, Aaron Posner stages a timeless battle between young and old, past and present, in search of the true meaning of it all. Stupid F*&$ing Bird will tickle you, tantalize you, and incite you to consider how art, love, and revolution fuel your own pursuit of happiness.
“Savvy, petulant blitz is less an adaptation of Chekhov’s landmark drama than a funny, moving slugfest, a ripe mashup of mock and awe.” — Washington Post
The Greatest Holiday Special (N)Ever with the Coil Project
December 9-18, 2016
Silver Spring Stage is proud to collaborate with the Coil Project in a completely original holiday show. There’s nothing worse than tech week for a terrible holiday play, except getting snowed in with the cast and crew. Laughs abound, songs echo, and a few expletives fly as DC’s The Coil Project puts its spin on much-loved TV holiday specials of yore. This year’s holiday show will be one of a kind! (Recommended for patrons ages 16+)
Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Bill Hurlbut
January 13-February 4, 2017
Based on the true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, Silent Sky explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Leavitt and her female peers believe in both, and their dedication changed the way we understand both the heavens and Earth.
“Lauren Gunderson’s luminously beautiful play is an intellectual epic told on an intimate scale. Bottom line: Heavenly.” —Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Anton in Show Business by Jane Martin
Directed by Erin Bone Steele
February 24-March 18, 2017
This madcap comedy follows three actresses across the footlights, down the rabbit hole, and into a strangely familiar Wonderland that looks a lot like American theatre. Pursuing their dream of performing Chekhov in Texas, they offer unique solutions to the Three Sisters’ need to have life’s deeper purpose revealed. The tradition of great backstage comedies revives the joys, pains and absurdities of “putting on a play” at the turn of the century.
“A smart, acerbic crowd pleaser… Simultaneously a love letter and a poison pen letter to the American theatre.” — Variety
A Bright New Boise by Samuel D. Hunter
Directed by Matt Ripa
April 7-April 30, 2017
In the bleak break room of a Hobby Lobby in Idaho, Will, who has fled his rural hometown after a scandal seeks to establish a relationship with Alex, his brooding teenage son, whom he gave up for adoption. Alex works there along with Leroy, his adopted brother, Anna, a hapless young woman and their foul-mouthed manager Pauline. These lost souls confront an unyielding world through the prism of modern faith.
“A quietly affecting drama that delves into the always thorny issues of faith, forgiveness, and second chances with great eloquence and compassion.” —TheatreMania
Back by popular demand:
Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson
May 19-May 28, 2017
One Man, Two Guvnors by Richard Bean
Directed by William T. Fleming
June 30-July 29, 2017
Brighton, England. 1963. In the frantic British farce style, a young man is trying to make his mark but ends up working for a small-time gangster trying to collect a fee from his his fiancée’s gangster father. But it in the mounting hilarity and confusion, all are not who they purport to be and in the chaos, the young man ends up serving two bosses.
“The forms this madness takes are as rowdy as the Three Stooges and as light-footed as Fred Astaire.” — NY Times