Nuncrackers

Nuncrackers - The Nunsense Christmas Musical comes to the Erie Playhouse this holiday season. It stars the nuns you love plus Father Virgil and some of Mt. Saint Helen’s most talented students. This show is filled with “Nunsense” humor, some of your favorite carols, a “Secret Santa,” and an uproarious take on Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet. Nuncrackers will make you laugh and maybe tug at your heartstrings. It’s the perfect way to insure your holiday season is merry and bright. Click Here for more information and to order tickets online. Pictured are Diane Hardner (Sister Hubert), Colleen Zandbergen (Sister Amnesia), Cindy Carlson (Sister Robert Anne) and Chris Bucci (Father Virgil).

December 4-7, 10-14, 18-21

New Year's Eve - 25 year celebration!

Join the celebration as we toast 25 years in our downtown Erie location with a spectacular concert featuring the Erie Playhouse orchestra and chorus. Over 100 volunteers will fill the stage with  magical music and song. Erie's best New Year's Eve tradition continues at the Erie Playhouse. Click Here to purchase tickets online.

All seats $35. Includes a pre-show champagne and hors d'oeuvres reception.

Reception 6:30  Curtain 7:30

Willie Wonka, Jr.

The timeless tale of the world-famous candy man comes to life in this musical adaptation by our Youtheatre, featuring 72 performers playing your favorite characters and singing songs in a show that overflows with music, comedy and heart!  Click Here for more information.  Tickets on sale December 15.

January 9-11, 16-18 

Composer Lyricist Concert

From the composer and lyricist of Wicked comes an evening of magical music including Godspell, Pippin, Children of Eden, Pocahontas, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Enchanted and more.  Featured performers include Karen Brennan, Charles Corritore, Joe Greulich, Annie Leri, Kate Murosky, Patrick Thiem, Rich Tryzbiak and Colleen Zandbergen.  The concert will be hosted by Playhouse marketing director, Sue Lechner, with musical direction by Eric Smrcka.

January 12 & 13 at 7:30pm.  Tickets are available at the door.

Cats is coming!!

The musical sensation Cats comes to the Erie Playhouse stage in a not-to-be-missed production. Tickets on sale January 5.

January 29-Feb. 1, 4-8, 12-15

From the Executive Director

Dear EP Family,

On our recent Thanksgiving trip to NYC, our small but mighty troupe of travelers enjoyed four terrific days on the island of Manhattan. On our way home last Sunday, we watched the classic film White Christmas. One of my favorite yet simple moments in the holiday movie is when Bing Crosby sings "Count Your Blessings" to Rosemary Clooney.

It’s the time of year when family, friends and all our blessings are foremost in our thoughts. As we prepare for the holidays, away from the theatre, I am amazed by the sheer number of EP family members who share their talents and time preparing for our holiday and new-year shows.

There are over 285 actors, musicians, and behind-the-scenes talent dedicating hundreds of hours to Nuncrackers, The New Year's Eve Gala, Willy Wonka, Jr., Composer/Lyricist Concert and Cats. The 285 do not include the hundreds of front-of-house staff who give their time to making your theatre visit more enjoyable.

The EP is also blessed with a dedicated Board of Directors who continually share their gifts to make the theatre a better organization.

The theatre staff counts our blessings every day. Our thanks go to each of you for finding time for the Erie Playhouse in your life.

From all of us to all of you, we wish you a blessed holiday season!

Almi, Charlie, Carolin, Richard, Sue, Emily,
Carole, Eric, Teri, Joe, Jason, Mary Rose, Maureen,
Dave, Michael and Karen

DID YOU KNOW?
Erie Playhouse scenic designer, Joe Hassler, and marketing director, Sue Lechner got their start with the Erie Civic Ballet (Lake Erie Ballet) and appeared in the very first production of the Nutcracker, which is now celebrating a 50th year anniversary. Charles Corritore, business manager, also danced in subsequent productions of the Nutcracker.

Erie Playhouse Family News

Congratulations to former Playhouse Youtheatre and Mainstage performer Eric Sciotto and his partner David Eggers on the arrival of their son Samson Jack Sciotto-Eggers. Sampson arrived on November, 17th 2008 at 6:48pm.  Eric has appeared in numerous Broadway shows including Aida, Annie Get Your Gun,  and A Chorus Line to name a few.  He is currently on the boards in the Broadway revival of Pal Joey.

Julie Craig, another former Youtheatre/Mainstage performer, recently opened in the Off-Broadway musical The Black Monk. Erie Playhouse executive director, Almi Clerkin, was in New York City to see the final dress rehearsal over Thanksgiving.

Sarah Sesler was one of 40 students selected from a group of over 140 Virginia students to audition at the Southeastern Theatre Conference's Spring Professional Auditions. A former Youtheatre/Mainstage performer, Sarah is presently a junior pursuing a BFA in musical theatre at Shenendoah Conservatory in Winchester, VA.