Summertime is a great time for theater lovers
Theater fans have a great selection of entertainment in the coming weeks including children’s productions, Broadway musicals and a new jazz opera. Here’s what’s coming up on area stages:
Genesius Theatre presents “The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas” through June 26. The show is a rollicking musical comedy based on true events involving the Chicken Ranch, notoriously one of Texas’ finest bordellos since the 1850s. The clientele of Miss Mona’s house of ill repute included politicians, townspeople, and the local college football team. That time-honored tradition is in jeopardy when a puritanical consumer watchdog turns his television cameras on the institution.
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” ran on Broadway until 1982. That same year, a movie version was released starring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds.
The show runs through Sunday June 26 at Genesius Theatre, 153 North 10th St. in Reading. Tickets range from $17.50 to $28.50 and are available at www. genesiusdifference.org or by calling 610-373-9500. Card fees apply. Tickets also available at the door.
The play is RATED PG 13 - This
musical contains adult situations and language.
Genesius Theatre is handicapped accessible and there is free parking (limited spaces available) next to the theater. For more information, call the theater at 610-371-8151.
Reading Theatre Project presents the world premiere of “Da Ponte,” a new jazz opera by Sue Lange, Vicki Haller Graff and Chris Heslop June 16 through June 26 at the WCR Center for the Arts, 140 N. 5th St. in Reading. RTP’s description says it all: “DA PONTE — The Outrageously True and Charmingly Infamous Life of that Glorious Jewish Catholic Priest, Genius Librettist who Inspired Mozart- ofAll-People, Master of Italian Literature and BringerOf-It to America, Toothless Businessman, Pennsylvania Resident, Superb Lover of (All) Women, and So Many Other Topics and Situations.” It promises to be a lively evening or afternoon of entertainment. Tickets are $20, $15 for students. For more information and tickets, go to http://www.virtualberks.com/readingtheaterproject//
SALT Performing Arts kicks off the summer with a bring-your- own-foodand-drink Dinner Theatre, “Beehive, the ‘60s Musical.” The titles say it all: “Downtown,” “To Sir With Love,” “It’s My Party,” “Where the Boys Are,” and “Respect.” Audiences around the world are cheering this exciting and colorful salute to the women who made the music of the 1960’s so special. The show includes 40 beloved hits that take you on a journey through the look, sounds and feel of the times. Tickets are $25 each. Upcoming performances are June 24, 25, and 26 at 7 p.m. SALT Performing Arts is located at 1645 Art School Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425. For more information, go to www.saltpa.com.
Reading Community Players present Roald Dahl’s “James and The Giant Peach, Jr.” June 24 and 25. This offbeat adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl book is a fantastical tale of a boy, his insect friends and their amazing journey across the ocean on a giant piece of fruit. Directed by Debbi Silas, Reading Community Players’ ensemble cast of 40 kids, hailing from all corners of Berks County, work together in extraordinary ways to present this musical about a young orphaned child who finds a loving family in a most peculiar way. Show times are June 24 at 7 p.m. and June 25 at 3 and 7 p.m. at the Miller Center for the Arts, 4 N. 2nd Street in Reading. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased by calling 610607- 6270 or by contacting www.racc.edu/millercenter. Special group prices are available.
Coming up in July
Genesius Theatre presents “Willy Wonka the Musical” July 8 and 9 at Conrad Weiser High School. The show is an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir, with classic songs from the Oscar-nominated family film that starred Gene Wilder. Based on “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971), the stage version brings the story to life including favorites suck as “Pure Imagination” and “Candy Man.” The production features kids and teens from all over Berks County.
Show times are 7 p.m. Friday July 8 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday July 9. Tickets range from $17.50 to $25.
Conrad Weiser High School is located at 44 Big Spring Road in Robesonia.
For more information or to purchase tickets, go to http://www.genesiusdifference.org
Fleetwood Community Theatre presents Mel Brooks’ uproariously funny Broadway musical, “The Producers” July 21-23.
Tara Sands directs this outrageous Tony-Award winning show with its improbable plot. Two men decide to deliberately produce a Broadway flop so they can abscond with the millions backers have provided. Much to their surprise, “Springtime For Hitler” becomes a huge hit. FCT presents this irreverent romp at Fleetwood High School, 803 Richmond St. in Fleetwood. Tickets are $15 and are available at www.brownpapertickets. com/event/2557299.