Theater in May
Springtime is a serene season on Cape Cod as trees bud, flowers bloom and seasonal businesses prepare for the up coming season. The Cape’s theaters, however, are already awake, since most of them remain open for all or most of the year. Here’s a brief rundown on current and upcoming productions in no particular order. This will give you an idea about who does what; see our Datebook section for specific dates and times. Reservations are recommended for most theaters, so be sure to call ahead, although this time of year, same-day calls are often fine. Enjoy the show!
BARNSTABLE COMEDY CLUB
Village Hall, Route 6A, Barnstable, 508-362-6333
One of the oldest community theaters in the country, the BCC has been producing shows for 90 years, with only a brief hiatus during World War II due to a shortage of male actors. Despite its name, the theater is not limited to comedy, but also stages dramas and musicals. As a part of its 90th season, the BCC is producing a comedy loved by many, The Cemetery Club, from May 17-June 3.
EVENTIDE ARTS
Gertrude Lawrence Stage, Dennis Union Church, Route 6A & Old Bass River Road, 508-398-8588
Eventide Arts has emerged as one of Cape Cod’s most respected theatre companies despite its unconventional locale. It is known not only for stellar productions but for its constant efforts to nurture and support the arts through endeavors like concert series, playwriting and songwriting competitions. This month, May 3 - 20, Eventide brings us the historically relevant classic, The Threepenny Opera.
COTUIT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
4404 Rte. 28, Cotuit, 508-428-0669
This dual venue houses an art gallery and a theater, which stages dynamic plays. This May, the center presents Losing Your Pants, a new comedy about family, running through May 20. On May 12, the center’s Third Fret Coffeehouse presents a Bob Dylan Tribute at 7:30 pm.
HARWICH JR THEATRE
Division Street, West Harwich, 508-432-2002
As its middle name implies, HJT has great offerings for the younger set, including classes in musical theater, acting and more, but it’s also a major venue for adults. Through May 6, Strictly Sinatrafeatures Larry Marsland performing directly from Frank Sinatra's songbook. Back by popular demand is Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story, running from May 17 to June 17.
CHATHAM DRAMA GUILD
134 Crowell Rd, Chatham, 508-945-0510
Established in 1931, the Guild is housed in a theater large enough to seem roomy but small enough to feel intimate. You may find mystery, comedy or musicals here. The Drama Guild is presenting the classic, Our Town, from May 11 to May 27.
CAPE REPERTORY THEATRE
3299 Route 6A, Brewster, 508-896-1888
Cape Rep started with its outdoor theater and honed its reputation with its indoor theater, and in summertime manages to operate both to great effect. May is still a bit early for the outdoor theatre, but The Beauty Queen of Leenane will run on their indoor stage from May 5 to June 5.
ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS
120 Main St, Orleans, 508-255-1963
The Academy of Performing Arts is many things to many people – it has a thriving school on Giddiah Hill Road that offers music, dance and acting classes for both children and adults, and its venerable Main Street Playhouse (on the road to Nauset Beach) stages a wide variety of productions all year. There’s not a bad seat in the house at this intimate theater, where the stage extends out to an area encircled by the audience. We’re partial to their full-cast musicals, but have enjoyed many top-notch comedies and dramas here as well. To Kill a Mockingbird runs through May 6. At the end of the month, the APA is offering a special treat to it's audiences in a one-weekend-only showing of Fiddler on the Roof, running May 25 to May 27.
WELLFLEET HARBOR ACTORS THEATER
2357 Route 6, and Town Harbor, Wellfleet, 508-349-9428
Known for cutting edge shows, WHAT presents plays at the incredible state-of-the-art facility, the Julie Harris Stage on Route 6 next to the post office. “The Julie” as WHAT folks call it, is active all year, not only with plays, but weekly cinema nights as well. This May, WHAT is offering a surreal play entitled References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot from May 24 - June 9.
