ON STAGE
they persevered and they kept working really hard, but it’s a little but lackluster when you don’t have an audience because the kids really thrive on that. The dancers are really rejuvenated and looking forward to being in front of a live audience” Yee, who has also been cast as the Arabian Princess is looking forward to working with professionals in one of her final performances with the company. She is one of a group of high school seniors in the company who has been involved with the Loudoun School of Ballet since preschool. “They’ve all been dancing with us since they were 2 or 3 years old. They’ve grown up with us,” Maroni said. “Their home is here with us, and we’re glad they can have a live performance for their senior year.” “I always get this feeling of adrenaline when I think about performing on stage,” Yee said. “It’s something we’ve been working so hard on for the last few months, and now we get to showcase it for a live audience.” The company’s production of “The Nutcracker” is scheduled for Friday. Dec. 3 at 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. at Loudoun Valley High School in Purcellville. All attendees age 2 and older are required to wear a mask when inside LCPS buildings, regardless of vaccination status. For tickets and information, go to lbpac.org. NOVEMBER 2021
‘The Theaters Are Alive’ Loudoun’s Community Companies Go Big for Fall BY JAN MERCKER
This spring, Loudoun theater companies dipped their toes back into the water with socially distanced productions, small casts and lots of COVID-related adaptations on stage. For fall, local directors are jumping back in with both feet. While safety precautions remain in place, this season’s shows are bigger and bolder. And with favorite local actors ready to get back onstage, directors are taking advantage of a bonanza of returning talent for their shows. Here’s a look at what’s coming up on Loudoun stages. “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” at StageCoach Theatre Company
with his mistress.
“Dead Man’s Cell Phone” tells the story of solitary, quiet Jean who answers a dead man’s cell phone in a cafe. Her decision sends her on a date with the dead man’s brother, a drinking binge with his wife and a mysterious rendezvous
StageCoach Theatre Company’s “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” runs Nov. 6 and 7 at StageCoach Theatre in Ashburn. Tickets are $25. Masks are required for audience members while inside the building.
The Pickwick Players ‘Sound of Music’ The Pickwick Players production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic “The Sound of Music” was cast and ready to roll in in the spring of 2020. But the pandemic stopped the community theater company in its tracks. Now the production is back with a cast of 40, including most of the actors originally cast in the show who are, delighted to finally jump into their roles. The Pickwick Players presents “The Sound of Music” Nov. 4-6 and Nov. 1113 at Capital Community Church in Ashburn. Tickets are $21 for adults, $15 for children and seniors. Masks are required for audience members. For tickets and information, go to thepickwickplayers.com.
‘Catch Me If You Can’ from Sterling Playmakers The production is based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a highflying conman who poses as a pilot, doctor and lawyer, living the high life with FBI agent Carl Hanratty in hot pursuit. Sterling Playmakers presents “Catch Me If You Can” Nov. 12-14 and Nov. 19-21 at Seneca Ridge Middle School. Tickets are $15. For more information, go to sterlingplaymakers.org. Masks are required for audience members. GET OUT LOUDOUN
13
