GHENT, N.Y.  — The Ghent Playhouse has announced the lineup for the 2023-2024 season. 

 

Kicking off its 49th year is "Outside Mullingar," followed by the annual panto with "Beauty and the Beast: Ugly is as Ugly Does," Arthur Miller's tragic drama "All My Sons," "The Bridges of Madison County" and, closing out the season,  Annie Baker's "Circle Mirror Transformation."

 

'Outside Mullingar'

 

In rural Ireland, next-door neighbors Anthony and Rosemary are straddling 40. Rosemary is determined to have Anthony, but his father threatens to disinherit him and a land feud is simmering between the two families. Will their journey lead to romantic catastrophe or prove that it's never too late for love? Written by John Patrick Shanley ("Moonstruck" and "Doubt") and directed by John Trainor.

 

Auditions: Aug. 21-22; performances: October 13-15, 20-22.

 

The Annual Panto, 'Beauty and the Beast: Ugly Is as Ugly Does'

 

Join the Loons as they present their version of the famous fairy tale about a not-so-nice prince who is doomed to an ugly  life alone, unless he can learn to love and be loved in return. Written and directed by Cathy Lee-Visscher.

 

Performances: Nov. 25-26, Dec. 1-3, 8-10. (There will be no Friday performance on Nov. 24.)

 

'All My Sons'

 

How far will a man go to protect his family, his interests, and his legacy? Arthur Miller creates a post-war American family experiencing a tragic downfall of lies, greed, love and loss. This classic drama is based on a true story. Directed by Ed Dignum.

 

Auditions: Nov. 27-28 or Nov. 28-29; performances: Feb. 9-11, 16-18, 2024.

 

'The Bridges of Madison County'

 

A soaring score underlines this story of a forbidden love affair between a photographer and an Italian housewife in the Midwest. This romantic musical offers a heartbreaking yet hopeful portrait of a woman standing at a crossroads without a map. Based on the best-selling novel by Robert James Waller. Book by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, and directed by Michael C. Mensching and Michael McDermott.

 

Auditions: February 2024; performances: April 12-14, 19-21, 26-28, 2024. 

 

'Circle Mirror Transformation'

 

Four students enroll in a six-week Adult Creative Drama class at a Vermont community center. As the students and their instructor wade their way through the exercises, a picture of each character's past falls into place. A budding romance rapidly transforms into an occasionally profound analysis of human nature and feelings. Winner of the 2010 Obie Award for Best New American Play. Written by Annie Baker and directed by Brian Wagner.

 

Auditions: March 25-26 or April 1-2, 2024; performances: June 7-9, 14-16, 2024

 

The Ghent Playhouse is located at 6 Town Hall Place and Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2. Tickets are available online: $23 for members, $28 for nonmembers, and $12 for students. Tickets and memberships can be purchased at GhentPlayhouse.org with no additional processing fees.