ALLENS COMMUNITY THEATRE

Allen Contemporary Theatre presented seven (7) theatrical productions in 2025. We opened the season (1st) with "Almost, Maine" by John Cariani. On a cold, clear midwinter night in the mythical town of Almost, Main, propelled by the mystical energy of aurora borealis, Almost's residents experience the life-alter power of the human heart. In unexpected and often hilarious ways, relationships begin and end, strangers become friends, friends become lovers, and lovers turn into strangers. The next (2nd) production was "Moriarty," a new Sherlock Holmes adventure written by Ken Ludwig. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are back! Faced with their toughest case yet, they join forces with an American actress to take down the cunning criminal mastermind, Professor Moriarty. Five actors play over 20 roles in this brand-new adventure that has danger and laughter around every corner. The third (3rd) production was "The Outsider," written by Paul Slade Smith. Ned Newly doesn't want to be Governor. In fact, he is terrified of public speaking, but when he unexpectedly finds himself in the spotlight, a political consultant seizes the opportunity. This satirical comedy hilariously skewers American politics while reminding us that even the most ordinary among us can give extraordinary hope. Next (4th) was "Curtains," a musical whodunnit, book by Ruper Holmes, music by John Kander, and lyrics by Fred Ebb. It's the brassy, bright, and promising year of 1959 and Boston's Colonial Theatre is playing host to the opening night performance of a new musical. When the profoundly untalented leading leady mysteriously dies on stage, the local detective, who just happens to be a musical theatre fan, not only wants to find the killer, but wants to help them put on a killer show! Next (5th) was "Sense and Sensibility" by Kate Hamill, based on the novel by Jane Austen. This adaptation follows the Dashwood sisters - sensible Elinor and sensitive Marianna - after their father's sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable. Set in gossipy late 18th-centry England, the play is full of humor and emotional depth and examines our reactions, both reasonable and ridiculous, to societal pressures. Next (6th) was "Dracula, a Comedy of Terrors" by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen. Nobody's ever seen Dracula this funny. This is a "Bram-new" comedy filled with clever wordplay and anything-goes pop culture references. You'll see actors play dozens of zany characters in a madcap take on the classic tale that's guaranteed to induce blood-curdling screams - of laughter! Finally, the season closed (7th) with "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, book by Rachel Sheinkin, music and lyrics by William Finn. This heartfelt, Tony-Award winning musical follows a group of wonderfully unique impassioned adolescents as they compete for the bee championship while candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives. It's a joyful night of comedy and quirk that celebrates the pursuit of victory and the gift of being true to oneself. Brand recognition, patron attraction, production and performance talent acquisition, and the overall image of ACT have maintained their momentum since 2023, and we are continue to craft seasons that offer performances of varying levels of audience preference, from farcical comedies, intense dramas, upbeat musicals, to classic stories based on well-known novels or film adaptations. With excess cash flow, ACT continues to reinvest the funds toward subsequent seasons and toward improving the performance space and common areas for both the audience and talent on stage. Excess funds will also be retained in a reserve in preparation for ACT's prospective relocation approximately 5 years from now. ACT's seasons have periods when the theater space is not in use for plays, musicals, rehearsals, set building, or meetings. During these gaps, ACT has continued to offer special "Spotlight" events to continue to provide a place of interest, involvement, and engagement from our audiences. In 2025, two (2) "Spotlight on Musicals" installments were presented, once in February, and the other in September. Both showcases contained a night filled with vocal performances featuring songs from popular Broadway musicals. All bonus events have been well-received by audiences and performers, and there is continued enthusiasm for us to keep such events, as well as revitalize our "Grahamies" rewards ceremony for future seasons.

In 2025, ACT offered four (4) theatre-related camps - two (2) in the spring from February to April and two (2) in the fall from October to December - where classes were held on a specific weekday. During both the spring and fall, one of the classes was for "Rising Star" actors (Kindergarten through 4th grade) on Thursdays, where students learned basic actings skills, what a character is, and how to work together. The other class, also both in spring and fall, was "Intermediate Actors" (grades 5 through 8) on Tuesdays, where students learned how to get into character and figure out what that character would think, feel, like and dislike. The final day for each class was a performance for students to showcase what they learned in the class. All camps were taught by experienced theatre professionals. Due to the overwhelming success the year prior, throughout the summer of 2025, ACT continued to offer 2-week intensive camps, where students would participate in Jr. production from the ground up, where they be a part of the full rehearsal process: learning and memorizing music, lines, and dancing, getting into costumes, applying makeup, set changes, etc. In June, students put on a production of "Junie B. Jones Jr.," book and lyrics by Marcy Heisler and music by Zina Goldrish, adapted from Barbara Park's beloved series. Join Junie B. on her first day of first grade, where many changes are in store: Junie's best friend Lucille has found new best friends - and Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. While in Mr. Scary's class, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard - and she may need glasses. Add in a friendly cafeteria lady, an intense kickball tournament and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal." First grade has never been more exciting! In July, students put on a production of "The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition," book written by Kyle Jarrow and conceived by Tina Landau, featuring a score with original songs by various artists, including Cyndi Lauper, Sara Bareilles, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, and David Bowie. When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope is lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world! The 2-week intensive model also proved to be a great success for the theatre much like the previous year, and we will continue to include this in our curriculum and refine the process in the years to come. The Education Director role is undergoing a transition period, and ACT took a step back from offering one-day adult workshops in 2025 and will reorganize this portion of the education program in future years when capacity allows.