Guilford Center Stage’s first autumn production in four years brings Haunts of the Season to the stage at Broad Brook Community Center on October 20-22. Shows are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2:00 pm. The production is helmed by local playwright/director Michael Nethercott with a cast of sixteen. The show is a combination of original plays by Nethercott and a bevy of creepy classics.
Included are monologues, songs, and poems by Edgar Allan Poe, William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson and others. Robert Frost’s poem/play “The Witch of Coos” is among the offerings. Also featured are several works by Nethercott himself, with influences by Vermont legends, ghost lore, and The Twilight Zone.
The veteran cast includes (in alphabetical order) Cyndi Cain Fitzgerald, Richard Epstein, Jennifer Gagnon, Jenny Holan, Archer Holland, Julie Holland, Cassandra Holloway, Joel Kaemmerlen, Cassidy Majer, Stewart McDermet, Aaron Morse, Hunter Savage, Marvin Shedd, Carolyn Taylor-Olson, and Bob Tucker. Nethercott acts as host. Stage Manager for this production is Sue Shedd, with tech work by Maria Pugnetti. Don McLean is producer.
This is Guilford Center Stage’s 11th production since its founding in 2015, and its 4th Nethercott show. Previously, he presented a program of his one-acts, an original full-length play, and his adaptation of Spoon River for the stage.
Guilford Center Stage, a project of Broad Brook Grange, has a stated mission that includes the presentation of plays connected to Guilford, to its 1896 Grange hall, to Vermont, and to rural life. Premieres and productions of little-known works are a special mission.
Recently, the Community Center has been fully renovated, with state-of-the-art safety systems, back-up power, and full accessibility, including an elevator to the second floor performance venue. A fundraiser earlier this year provided air purifiers to the venue. Funds are still being raised for that acquisition, and for room-darkening window shades, already in place.
A special addition to opening night on Friday will be a silent auction, with bids accepted before the show and at intermission, to support the theater group’s use of the Community Center. Winners will be able to take their loot home with them at the conclusion of the show.
Haunts of the Season will run for three performances: Friday October 20 at 7:30 pm, Saturday October 21 at 7:30 pm and Sunday October 22 at 2 pm. General Admission $13, cash or check payable to Broad Brook Grange. For an additional fee, tickets can be ordered online at https://bpt.me/6072501 , by scanning the code, or by phone: 1-800-838-3006. Tickets at the door as available.
