BLT Goes 'Outside the Box'

Bradford Little Theatre has gone “Outside the Box” for its 14th season with new types of productions at all-new venues, including improvisation, fantasy and script “near hand.”

“We are excited to be stretching our wings, reaching new audiences, and offering a full-scale production outside Bradford” said Nanci K. Garris, BLT president. “We will have new faces in new places.”

The funny and poignant “Grace and Glorie” by Tom Zeigler opens the season with performances Oct. 8-10 at the auditorium of the First Presbyterian Church, 54 E. Corydon St. The two-woman show portrays the friendship between a feisty, illiterate, 90-year-old mountain woman and a transplanted New York City resident with a Harvard MBA.

As part of Bradford Improv Month in February, BLT board member and Pitt Improvers advisor Kristin Asinger will direct the dinner theater “I’m Getting Married in the Morning.” That production will be held at St. Bernard Educational and Social Center on Feb. 25-27, with two evening shows and one matinee.

For a first joint effort with students, BLT will offer the fantastical “East of the Sun” by William Glennon on April 7-9 at Otto-Eldred Junior-Senior High School in Duke Center. Based on a classic Norwegian folk tale, the show will feature masks and puppetry.

In order to offer quality productions at non-traditional venues, said Garris, BLT has purchased a new portable sound and lighting system.

“This will enable us not only to take shows to places throughout the region, but also to dramatically reduce the costs of renting rehearsal and performance space at traditional theatre sites,” she said. “In turn, this will keep ticket prices very affordable.”

“Grace and Glorie” director Diane Kerner Arnett said that two-woman show is being done with full sets, costumes and technical effects, but with “scripts near hand.” The play is by arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

“Many people have said they are interested in performing but either do not have the traditional six-week rehearsal time or do not know if they can memorize a full-length script. So, this show is our first attempt to meet those people’s needs.”

“I am really looking forward to this play – it’s going to be such fun,” said Asinger about the Lee Mueller comedy in February. Though experienced in directing, this will be Asinger’s first stint as a director with BLT. Assistant directors for the Lee Mueller comedy will be Tim Asinger and Kathy Bryant.

“It's a combination of murder mystery, farce and improvisation with audience participation -- all at a wedding reception where a mysterious man falls dead on the dance floor. Audience members will get to experience all of the things that come with a wedding reception given for a bride who has just been married for her fourth time: food, drinks, cake, music, drama and the exposure of several family secrets. This play will entertain guests of all ages.”

Also, BLT will present the Lester Brauser Community Theatre Appreciation Award on opening night of the show.

Traveling the short distance to Duke Center will be well worth the trip for the April show, said veteran director Cindy Matteson, Otto-Eldred librarian and BLT secretary. The beautifully renovated 1930s style 300-seat theatre there will be enhanced by a new atrium/lobby opening in the spring.

The two-act comic adaptation by William Glennon features witches, ogres and a polar bear and is presented through The Dramatic Publishing Co.

For more information, people may check the website at www.bradfordlittletheatre.org or by contacting the group at P.O. Box 255, Bradford, PA 16701. Tickets will also be available about two weeks before each show at Ott & McHenry Pharmacy, Tina’s Hallmark, Graham Florist and Smith’s store, all in Bradford.

Bradford Little Theatre continues to promote, encourage and produce community-based theatre in the Bradford area. By making theatre available and accessible to the public, BLT provides opportunities for community participation, appreciation and education, thus enriching the community and increasing interest in the arts. An award-winning theatre company, BLT is a member of the American Association of Community Theatres, the Theatre Association of New York State and a founding member of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Theatres.