The most popular whodunit of all time, a vibrant musical version of one of the greatest pieces of literature, and a hilarious new romantic comedy are part of Moonlight Stage Productions’ 22nd Winter Season at the AVO Playhouse. Between January and April 2012, audiences will enjoy Agatha Christie’s THE MOUSETRAP, the recent Broadway hit LITTLE WOMEN - THE MUSICAL, and James Sherman’s modern romantic comedy BEAU JEST. Subscriptions will go on sale Mon., Nov. 7. Single tickets will go on sale Mon., Dec. 5. Three show season package is $72. Single tickets will range $22-$30. For ticket information, call 760.724.2110 or visit moonlightstage.com.
THE MOUSETRAP, Agatha Christie’s celebrated murder mystery play, has been running continuously in England since 1952 making it the longest-running play in history with more than 25,000 performances to date. The ingenious plot of the play engages the audience from start to finish with its thrilling twist of an ending. Everyone is a suspect in this whodunit when a group of strangers, one of whom is a murderer, descend upon the newly-opened Monkswell Manor in the midst of a snowstorm. Arriving on the scene is a police detective who uncovers lies and deceptions and discovers that everyone has hidden secrets. Jason Heil, returns to direct after having staged numerous critically acclaimed productions for Moonlight at the AVO including “Barefoot in the Park” and “Ring Round the Moon” among others. THE MOUSETRAP plays Jan. 19-Feb. 5.
One of America’s most beloved books soars to the stage in an exhilarating new Broadway musical, LITTLE WOMEN - THE MUSICAL with performances Feb. 16 through Mar. 11. The story of the remarkable March sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy - is based on Louisa May Alcott’s timeless tale about the power of family, friendship, and romance. The new Broadway musical centers on the March sisters’ growing up in Civil War America featuring a soaring score full of the sounds of personal discovery, heartache, and hope - the sounds of a young America finding its voice. New York Magazine raved that the show which starred Sutton Foster as Jo, “embodies the passion and power of young minds.” The Broadway production opened in 2005 before going on national tour through 2006. Kathy Brombacher, Producing Artistic Director for Moonlight, will direct.
Concluding the Winter Season is the hit Off-Broadway comedy that ran there for nearly three years, BEAU JEST by James Sherman. This heartwarming story about a beautiful young school teacher begs the question: how far will you go to satisfy your parents? Convinced that her Jewish parents won’t approve of her non-Jewish boyfriend, the eager-to-please Sarah hires an actor to play the man of her dreams. As the family falls in love with her new “beau,” can she remember not to do the same? Imagine “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” meets “The Wedding Singer” with a little “Fiddler on the Roof” thrown in for good measure and you have the makings of a delightful family comedy full of crazy confusion, hilarity and romance. BEAU JEST plays March 22-April 8. Director to be announced.
ABOUT MOONLIGHT STAGE PRODUCTIONS
Moonlight Stage Productions is well-known for its award-winning productions on its two stages at the Moonlight Amphitheatre and the AVO Playhouse. The cultural arts program of the City of Vista, Moonlight’s programs is produced in partnership with the Moonlight Cultural Foundation.
SCHEDULE
THE MOUSETRAP
By Agatha Christie
Directed by Jason Heil
Jan 19-Feb 5
LITTLE WOMEN - THE MUSICAL
Music by Jason Howland
Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein
Book by Allan Knee
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott
Directed by Kathy Brombacher
Feb 16-March 11
BEAU JEST
By James Sherman
March 22-April 8
All shows have performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm
TICKET INFORMATION
Subscriptions: $72 - on sale Nov. 7
Single ticket price range: $22-$30 - on sale Dec. 5
Subscriptions and tickets will be sold through the VisTix Ticket Office, located at the Vista Civic Center, 200 Civic Center Drive, weekdays from Noon to 5:00 pm, and by phone during the same hours at (760) 724-2110. Single tickets will also be available online at moonlightstage.com as of Dec. 5.
VENUE INFORMATION
AVO Playhouse
303 Main Street, Vista
Tickets/information: (760) 724-2110
Website: moonlightstage.com
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