The end of the year is approaching rapidly! Go see a show!
The next issue will include events from December 11-31. Submit upcoming events via the link below or by emailing me before Tuesday at midnight. Any questions, comments or feedback? Email me at westernmasstheatre@gmail.com
The Community Players present A Christmas Carol Calamity
December 12 and 13 at 7:00 PM
For reservations call 413-687-4578
Westfield Theatre Group presents Winter Lights: Ten Plays, Five Visions December 5, 6, 12, 13 at Westfield Woman's Club, 28 Court St, Westfield Tickets and More Information
Red Skies Music Ensemble presents Rhythm and Rails
Wilbraham United Players 5 Golden Rings: A Greeting Card Holiday Musical
12/5/25, 12/6/25 at 7:30pm;
12/7/25 at 2:30pm Wilbraham United Church Fellowship Hall at 500 Main St., Wilbraham, MA
In Five Golden Rings: A Greeting Card Channel Holiday Musical, Holly, a business exec from “the big city” gets snowed in at a quaint Vermont B&B for Christmas and begins to fall for its non-threateningly rugged owner. The issue: it’s the very B&B her company is supposed to take over! Everything you want (and expect) in a cable-TV Christmas movie, from flannel shirts to flirtatious snowball fights to overt product-placement, mixed with fun songs and a lot of holiday cheer!
MAJESTIC THEATER WELCOMES AUDIENCES HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
DECEMBER 4-21
Home for the Holidays will return to West Springfield’s Majestic Theater December 4-21. The Majestic Theater is located at 131 Elm Street in West Springfield, MA.
The family-friendly show, featuring Pioneer Valley-based performers, has become a tradition at the theater for the past several years. Similar in style to nostalgic holiday specials of years past headlined by Andy Williams and Perry Como, “Home for The Holidays 2025” will be co-hosted by singer Ray Guillemette, Jr., who has headlined countless "A Ray of Elvis" sold-out shows at the Majestic, and Ben Ashley, a Majestic favorite who has performed in several hit shows including “Mamma Mia” and “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.”
Joining Ray and Ben onstage will be singer/songwriter Madison Curbelo, a 2024 semifinalist on NBC’s The Voice television program, along with several veteran Majestic performers including Michael Garcia, Christine Greene, Steven Sands, Kait Rankins, Lori Efford, plus a special appearance by Santa Claus. Kyle Langlois is music director for the show, and other musicians include Jacob Nichols, Cliff Schofer and Don Rovero. Myka Plunkett is directing Home for the Holidays, and Jackie Purcell is stage manager. Daniel Rist is lighting designer, and Kyle Langlois is musical director.
Tickets are $30 & $28 for adults, and $15 for children 10 and under, and are available by visiting or calling the Majestic Theater Box Office at (413) 747-7797 during its hours of operation (Monday – Friday 10am - 5pm, and Saturday 10am - 1pm). Tickets can also be purchased online here.
What: The Nightmare Before Dragmas When: Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 at 7:30pm Where: the Shea Theatre, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA How much:Tickets: $20 online, $25 at the door. Children under 13, free
Eggtooth Productions presents the 9th annual holiday show featuring Mr. Drag called The Nightmare Before Dragmas inspired by the Tim Burton classic film on Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 at 7:30pm at the Shea Theatre, 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA. Tickets: $20 online, $25 at the door. Children under 13, free.https://sheatheater.org/
Mr Drag (aka Joe Dulude II) will host the event featuring local talent for an evening of song, dance, and story loosely inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas but with Eggtooth’s signature Valley twist. The event is a family friendly (maybe a touch PG13 for some), mildly funky, non-denominational take on the holidays. Eggtooth invites you to celebrate the holidays in a highly traditional non-traditional way.
Said Mr. Drag about his newest show, "Well hello Dragnatics! It’s time for another year, another holiday, another show! Yes, the Drag Sisters are back and this year they have decided to take their show/party on tour! Don’t worry, you can still enjoy it from the comfort of the Shea Theatre. They don’t have that big of a budget. So grab a cocktail and join the Drag Family as they find themselves stuck in a quaint little town celebrating the holiday of Dragmas. Will Mr find the love of his life? Will DD finally be able to get her one woman shows to run longer than one show? Will Kat actually show up for the show this year? Whether you’re a Mister Sister, a Messy Kat or a Sighs Queen you are sure to enjoy this romp through the ridiculous and inexplicable and maybe, just maybe you’ll find the spirit of Dragmas has been inside of you all along. That’s what Tennessee Williams used to say."
Westfield Theatre Group Winter Lights: Ten Plays, Five Visions
12/5, 12/6, 12/12, 12/13 at 7:30pm; 12/6, 2/13 at 2:00pm Westfield Woman's Club, 28 Court St, Westfield, MA
A collection of ten, 10-minute plays crafted and directed with the vision of five directors: Molly Clark, Anin Derouin, Meaghan Farrell, Kelly Galanis, and Krista Tetreault. From comedy to drama, these shows bring a wide array of entertainment sure to delight! Shows include adult language and themes.
westfieldtheatregroup.com
Total runtime approximately 90-100 minutes plus a 15-minute intermission.
Musical Theater Karaoke Night - Winter Themed
Join us as a "vocal stylist" or in the audience for our Winter-themed Karaoke funraiser at New City Brewery December 5th, 118 Pleasant Street in Easthampton! We had a blast at last's events with dozens of singers and lots of fun conversation and good cheer. All levels of abilities are encouraged - this is for fun we are a very friendly and encouraging group. Winter-themed songs are encouraged, but not absolutely required - you can sign your favorites. Food and drink is available for purchase, and there is only a $10 cover (singer or not - no additional charge to sing songs.) You can sign up in advance at our sign-up genius link here: All ages welcome, under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
If you sign up in advance we will try to have a video karoke version ready for you when you arrive. We may also take walk-in sign-ups at the door, space permitting. See you there!
The Performance Project Mother Tongue by First Generation Ensemble
December 5 and 6 at 7:30 PM Hampshire College Emily Dickinson Hall, 893 West St Amherst, MA
“Mother Tongue” is an original multilingual physical theater performance created by the Performance Project’s First Generation Ensemble. The piece highlights local and global social justice issues, and is inspired by the lived experiences of Ensemble members, their families, and communities. The Ensemble originates from Congo/Tanzania, Bhutan/Nepal, South Sudan/Darfur, Puerto Rico, Holyoke, and Springfield, MA. The 90 minute performance weaves together movement, music, dance, theater, and stories in Arabic, Swahili, Nepali, Spanish, and English and incorporates themes of language, culture, identity, diaspora, hypermasculinity, transphobia, racism, education, the school to prison pipeline, personal liberation and revolution. Appropriate for ages 12 and up.
Following the performance, the ensemble will offer a 20 minute post-show conversation with the audience, inviting reflection on the themes of Mother Tongue.
This is the last performance for a while as ensemble members work on new material.
Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School The Children's Hour
Dec 5 at 7:00 PM Dec 6 at 7:00 PM
15 Mulligan Drive, South Hadley MA 01075
PVPA's Theatre Department is proud to present The Children's Hour, Dec 5 & 6 in our MainStage Theater. Doors open at 6:30pm - Curtain 7:00pm. This 1934 American play by Lillian Hellman is a drama set in an all-girls boarding school run by two women, Karen Wright and Martha Dobie. An angry student, Mary Tilford, runs away from the school and, to avoid being sent back, tells her grandmother that the two headmistresses are having a lesbian affair. The accusation proceeds to destroy the women's careers, relationships, and lives. The Children's Hour tackles complex issues like lying, prejudice, and their devastating consequences.
Due to mature content, this production is not recommended for younger children, and parental guidance is advised.
www.pvpa.org/shows
Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School enrolls students in Grades 7 - 12, providing arts-focused education with concentrations in Theatre, Technical Design/Production, Dance, Music, and Visual Arts. For more info about PVPA - pvpa.org.
The Understudies: An Improvised Musical
Saturday, December 6th @ 7pm
It's the opening night of a brand new musical! Unfortunately, the show was never written or rehearsed. This is the moment we've been training for. Be part of the fun as the determined Understudies create an entire musical from scratch, with a little help from the audience. The Understudies are Scott Braidman, Kelsey Flynn, Paul McNeil, Mosie Senn-McNally, and Maile Shoul. With music by the amazing Jeff Kimball!
The Captain's lost his wife — he's marooned in assisted living. He asks his caregiver Clove, "You're not going to try to change the equipment, are you?" "The equipment is my body, Captain." Captain says, "It's not my place to tell you what to do. But in ten years, when I go staggering down the sidewalk in my skivvies, it's my right to float away on a sheet of ice like the Eskimos, if I want to. So don't try to stop me."
Meanwhile the son of the Captain's dead war buddy is trip-wired for trauma. His girlfriend is shipping out. "I may not be in love with any MAN!" Even with all the laughs, in this cautionary tale, everyone is Swamped!
Written and directed by Court Dorsey, Swamped features Steve Eldredge, Joe Laur, Izzy Miller and Heather Willey.
For more information: http://www.courtdorsey.com/events.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
The Red Skies Music Ensemble presents
Rhythm & Rails
Northampton and the Iron Horse
A Social History in Tales and Tunes
Saturday December 6 at 2:30 pm (doors open 2 pm)
Forbes Library, Northampton
Hope you can join us for the premiere of Rhythm & Rails, a multi-media performance featuring railroad-themed tunes that explore the complex history and impact of railroads on the landscape, lives, livelihood and culture of Northampton and the region from the 19th century until the present.
Drawing on research in local archives, and in collaboration with Jim Armenti and Jerry Bryant on music selections, writer/director Trudy Williams has created a show (with contributions by Tracy Grammer) that weaves together a blend of narrative, live music, theatrical vignettes, and projected archival images from the collections of Forbes Library, Historic Northampton and other local institutions.
Tunes are drawn from American roots, folk, ragtime, blues, jazz, pop, and rock, and will be performed by some of the area’s most talented musicians. The cast includes Jim Armenti, Jerry Bryant, Joe Blumenthal, Tracy Grammer, Rose Jackson, Cindy Naughton, Mark Roberts, Dan Scott, Tom Scott, Adrienne Wade, Rebecca Weiss, with Bill Cutler and Shirly Van Kanin, as well as special appearance by Maryliz Maldanado and Will Messier from the Corn Stalk Fiddle Choir directed by Cindy Naughton. Stage manager: Elie Berman. Sound: Jared Libby.
Many of the songs are toe-tapping, others expressive and poignant; some are familiar, others very enjoyed in their day but rarely heard now.
The timely program coincides with the East-West railway initiative, the renewed interest in rail travel to and from Northampton, and the Rail Trail project.
Rhythm & Rails was created by Trudy Williams, Artistic Director of The Red Skies Music Ensemble, co-founded with George Boziwick to bring American public history to the stage.
Partners and/or research resources for this show include Forbes Library, Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum, Historic Northampton, as well as the American Antiquarian Society, Greenfield Historical Society, and Hadley Historical Society.
The show is free. Reservations not required. Donations appreciated. www.TheRedSkiesmusicensemble.com
Join PIC for the public reading of our final reading of 2025: VASHTI SAYS NO, written by Talya Kingston.
Sunday, December 7 at 7:30 PM
33 Hawley Street Workroom
Dramaturgy by Avi Klipfel. Music advising by Alexander Sovronsky. Featuring Sandra Blaney, Anna Copeland, Rachel F. Hirsch, Sarah Marcus, Sam Samuels, and Linda Tardif. Stage directions by Richie Wills.
What is the Incubation Workshop?
Incubation Workshops are an abbreviated version of our Incubation Residency: an opportunity for a playwright to develop a brand new script over a series of months with a hands-on creative support team that may include actors, dramaturg, director, theatrical artistic advisors, fellow playwrights, and more. The multi-month development process culminates in a public presentation (reading) of the work in process and may include a dramaturgically-led discussion with the audience to further aid in the development of the play.
Incubation Workshop readings are $10 to attend, but no one is turned away from lack of funds. If the ticket price is out of reach for you, please select the subsidized ticket option. If you are able to contribute to our subsidized ticket fund, there will be an opportunity to do so at time of registration. Reserve your ticket now by any form of payment. Cash or check only at the door.
Synopsis: In "Vashti Says No" Queen Esther steps out of the Hebrew Bible to translate her story to our time. In doing so, she takes us into a world of privileged women who know their place.What happens when one of them decides to speak up for herself? or to raise her voice against injustice? In this high stakes story you risk banishment or death to become a heroine.
The reading begins at 7:30pm. Doors will open 7:00pm. No entry after 7:45pm. Please enter the 33 Hawley Building via the downstairs courtyard. The reading will take place in The Workroom.
Step into a world of wonder this holiday season with The Nutcracker, presented by Pioneer Valley Ballet! This beloved holiday tradition, filled with enchanting characters, stunning choreography, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, is the perfect way to celebrate the season with family and friends.
Join Clara on her magical journey as she battles the Rat King to save the Nutcracker Prince, then travel to meet delightful characters in the enchanted Snow Forest and beautiful Kingdom of Sweets. In addition to PVB dancers and performers from across Western MA, we welcome guest artists from Carolina Ballet. Whether it’s your first time or you’re continuing a cherished tradition, join PVB for this classic holiday tradition that all ages will enjoy!
Valley Players proudly present Joe Landry’s "It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play", December 12, 13, 19, & 20 at the Blue Heron Restaurant in Sunderland, MA! Doors open for dinner at 5:30pm, show starts at 6:30pm.
This dinner-theater production imagines the beloved holiday classic as a 1940s radio play, performed live on stage with foley sound effects and a cast of six actors playing all 40 roles! Directed by Chris Rohmann and featuring Valley players Jane Barish, Jen Campbell, Mark Dean, Ben Hersey, Alex Manugian, and Joseph Van Allen, with sound effects by Chip Roughton, stage management by Jason Fregeau, costumes by Piper Pichette, and vocal musical arrangements by Nettie Harrington Pangallo. Produced by Matteo Pangallo.
Tickets on a pay-what-you-can scale and half of net performance ticket revenue from this production will be donated to the Springfield- based affordable housing nonprofit Way Finders. During the show, Valley Players will also be holding a food drive for the Amherst Survival Center and audience members are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to contribute.
Your ticket includes a gourmet three-course meal, with choice of entree, featuring locally sourced ingredients (tax and tip included; drinks not included). Reservations are required and close three days before the performance date. Walk-in admission is not available.
The Community Players A Christmas Carol Calamity
Friday December 12th, and Saturday December 13th
7:00 PM East Street Studio Theater, 47 East Street in Hadley
It's that time again! The Community Players are back with their annual production of A Christmas Carol. But this year, well, let's just say that things are not going as planned. Come see what happens and enjoy a wonderful disaster for the whole family! Bring pots and pans to call the spirits and bring a beverage for a toast to future generations. with: Gabriel Levey Kelly Maxner Rowyn Maxner Dorian Gregory Sharon Smith Carty Tony Silva Directed by: Kelly Maxner
Kids - $5 Adults - $10 Family of Four - $20 Pay with cash, or with Venmo at the door. Limited seating. For reservations call 413-687-4578 ATTENTION - THE EAST STREET STUDIO THEATER IS NOT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
Flip the Script
Saturday, December 13th @7pm
We invite a local playwright to bring an unfinished script to the show; an original work that's never seen the stage. Then we read the character descriptions, cast the show, and launch into its first ever performance. Once we run out of lines, we drop the scripts and improvise the rest of the play while the playwright watches in delight (or horror!) Featuring experienced improvisers Mandy Anderson, Maddy Benjamin, Scott Braidman, Moe McElligott, Laura Patrick, Pam Victor, and Kate Zak.
Holy Smokes Theatre Auditions for "Drop Dead, Hippie Scum"
Dec 14, 2025 4:00 PM and Monday, 12/15 from 6-8pm The Sanctuarry, 295 Clemente Street
Actors, dancers, production crew come audition for HolySmokes new original play about the 60s. No preparation necessary. No experience necessary. Just desire to be apart of a queer friendly, provocative, improvisational show. FUN!!!
After sold out shows and standing ovation for Dandy in the Underworld, Holysmokes embarks on its next production which will be perforrmed at CitySpace in Easthampton January 30+ 31 and February 6+7.
APPLAUSE Auditions Book by Betty Comden & Adolph Green Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Lee Adams.
Male and Female Leads and Ensemble auditions by appointment only Sunday, January 25th and Tuesday, January 27th
Easthampton Theater Company is excited to announce auditions in January for the musical Applause, book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, music by Charles Strouse, and lyrics by Lee Adams. We are seeking talented and dedicated actors of a wide range of ages. All roles are available; none are precast. We strongly encourage actors of all races, ethnicities, and gender identities to audition. Applause is based on the 1950 film All About Eve and the short story on which the movie is based, Mary Orr's "The Wisdom of Eve". The story centers on aging star Margo Channing, who innocently takes a fledgling actress under her wing, unaware that the ruthless Eve is plotting to steal her career and possibly her man. The original 1970 Broadway production was nominated for ten Tony Awards and ultimately won four: the overall production won the Tony Award for Best Musical, Lauren Bacall won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, and Ron Field won both the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical and the Tony Award for Best Choreography.
The show is directed by Manuel Morales and produced by Eva Husson-Stockhamer. Our music director is Evan Koss and our choreographer is Brianna Husson-Stockhamer. Several roles in this production are open to actors of any gender identity. We encourage all performers to audition for the roles that resonate with them. We are conducting auditions by appointment only Sunday, January 25th and Tuesday, January 27th at the Easthampton Congregational Church. Performances will be held at the Williston Theater in Easthampton and are on June 5th* (invited dress,) 7th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th. The readthrough will take place in early March 2025. Rehearsals will start in earnest at the middle of March. All actors will not be called for every rehearsal. However, all actors are required to be available every day during production week, which will start on Monday, June 1st.
...for more audition information, audition form and sign-up link.
If you experience any issues accessing the audition materials (including music, PDF files, or other resources), or if you require any assistance or accommodations to participate in the audition process, please contact us at info@easthamptontheater.com. We are happy to help ensure an accessible and inclusive experience for all participants.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
This Year's Month-long Intensive for mid-career professionals launches December 27
Shakespeare & Company’s Center for Actor Training’s January Month-long Intensive is slated to run from December 27, 2025, through January 18, 2026, held at Shakespeare &Company’s campus in the Berkshires of Massachusetts.
Throughout the intensive, participants engage in voice, movement, dance, text analysis, exploration of the actor/audience relationship, sonnet work, scene work, clown, stage fight, and Master classes with Founding Artistic Director Tina Packer, including in-depth discussions about the necessity of theater and the importance of the actor in today’s world.
Senior Workshop Director Susan Dibble, who has served as a month-long intensive faculty member for all of its 45 sessions, said the intensive offers actor training that is timelessly applicable.
“The January Intensive is a rigorous and rejuvenating program designed to activate a deep and powerful connection to the human experience, and to Shakespeare's language, in particular,” she said. “Theater artists will encounter multiple disciplines taught by a team of expert faculty, all of whom are committed to providing each participant with the opportunity for both personal attention and community. The breadth and the depth of this experience is readily applicable to both contemporary and classical material.”
Complete applications are accepted on a rolling basis; arrival day is Friday, Dec. 27, and departure day is Monday, Jan. 19. For more information – including regarding the topics covered during the Intensive – email training@shakespeare.org.
Photo Caption
Training alums Oscar Quiroz & Sydney Endicott during the final scene-sharing of the 2025 January Intensive. Photo by Christina Lane
Clown I Class
1-4pm Saturday January 10th - February 28th Northampton Karate, 320 Riverside Dr Florence MA
Over the course of this 8-week intro to clown class we will investigate a series of games and exercises built to help relinquish our need to get things right, bring our bodies and imaginations to life, and reignite our appetites for pleasure and play - all in service of making people laugh!
To be clear - this not a class in which you learn how to juggle, make a balloon animal, put on some oversized shoes and head off to the big top. NO! This is a class in which you will have the opportunity to step away from your adult responsibilities and play like a kid again, to reclaim your unbridled curiosity and virtuosic delight, and to fall in love with everything that makes you YOU. Simply put, this is not a class about being funny - it’s a class about being human.
