In this heart-warming musical based on Charles M. Schultz’s “Peanuts” comic strip, you will see Charlie Brown come to life with pals Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally, and Snoopy as they face the challenges of life, kites, and ball games. This is just an average day in the life of Charlie Brown as he tries to win the heart of the Little Red-Haired girl. Will they finally come to terms with what Happiness is?

The musical, with book and lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt, broke all records with a run of more than 41 years off-Broadway, between 1960 and 2002, and was revived almost immediately for Broadway. A timeless tale of young love, feuding families and the challenges of growing gardens and growing up, the show features a memorable score, from “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” to “Try to Remember.”

2009 Bang Bang You're Dead

The tool of drama has the power to lance, heal, and cleanse the soul. BANG BANG YOU’RE DEAD might not be the answer to gun violence by teenagers in our schools. But this play may lead to a discussion, an insight, a revelation that may lead to an answer. There is a hope that our awakened senses or heightened consciousness might see the tragedy before it happens. It is a slim hope, but it is all we have at this time.

2009 Arsenic and Old Lace- Photo Album

The enduring comedy classic, ARSENIC & OLD LACE is farcical genius. Poor Mortimer Brewster, a theatre-hating drama critic who must deal with his crazy, homicidal family and local police in Brooklyn, New York, while he debates whether to go through with his recent promise to marry the woman he loves. Meanwhile his sweet spinster aunts have taken to murdering lonely old men by poisoning them with a glass of home-made elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine, and "just a pinch" of cyanide. Add a sweet brother who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt and another brother who’s not so nice and is running from the law with his alcoholic accomplice, Dr. Einstein, and you’ve got one unforgettable show!

2008 Forever Plaid- Photo Album

FOREVER PLAID centers on four young, eager male singers killed in a car crash in the 1950s on the way to their first big concert, and now miraculously revived for the posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the show that never was. Singing in the closest of harmony, squabbling boyishly over the smallest intonations and executing their charmingly outlandish choreography with over-zealous precision, the “Plaids” are a guaranteed smash, with a program of beloved songs and delightful patter that keeps audiences rolling in the aisles when they're not humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the '50s, including Catch a Falling Star, Day-O, Sixteen Tons & Love is a Many Splendored Thing.

2009 Arsenic and Old Lace

03/30/2009

a message from the director of Arsenic and Old Lace...

Hey Friends,

My directorial debut, "Arsenic & Old Lace," has been EXTENDED through
April 11th, by popular demand! I am so proud of this production and
the great performances by the wonderful cast and all of the hard work
the crew has put into it! Audiences have loved the show and, since
seating is limited, we want to make sure everyone who wants to see it
can still have a chance. So, here's your chance, if ya haven't seen it
yet! Don't miss out on this hilarious show!

For those who have already seen it, THANK YOU! If you enjoyed the
show, please forward this e-mail on to a friend or two... or twelve
:-)

The info for the show is below, and we had a lovely write-up in the
Pioneer Press here...
http://www.pioneerlocal.com/parkridge/entertainment/1482314,dc-arsenic-031909-s1.article

To get many glimpses of the cast in action and the wonderful set, go
to http://jamesdowningtheatre.typepad.com and click on the Cast Photo!

Thanks Everyone!

Josh

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03/29/2009

One more show added by popular demand!

Good news! If you haven't seen the James Downing Theatre's production of Arsenic and Old Lace, you have one more chance! Another show has been added by popular demand! Be sure to mark your calendars and check out the last and final show:

Saturday, April 11th, 2009 at 7:30pm

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03/27/2009

THE JAMES DOWNING THEATRE presents: Arsenic and Old Lace

By Joseph Kesselring

March 21st-April 5th, 2009
Saturdays at 7:30pm & Sundays at 1:30pm

Produced & Directed By Joshua Dlouhy
Assistant Directed By Mark Brewer
Lighting Design By Steve Kedzierski
Set & Costume Design By Floyd A. May

Featuring: Kelly Andersen, Mark Brewer, Ron Denham, David Downing, Mark L. Kroon, John Lattuada, Rory Leahy, Terry Maloney, Floyd A. May, Jerry Miller, Liliana Mitchell, Sue Mrotek, Ben Muller & Michael Zubb

The enduring comedy classic, ARSENIC & OLD LACE is farcical genius. Poor Mortimer Brewster, a theatre-hating drama critic who must deal with his crazy, homicidal family and local police in Brooklyn, New York, while he debates whether to go through with his recent promise to marry the woman he loves. Meanwhile his sweet spinster aunts have taken to murdering lonely old men by poisoning them with a glass of home-made elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine, and "just a pinch" of cyanide. Add a sweet brother who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt and another brother who’s not so nice and is running from the law with his alcoholic accomplice, Dr. Einstein, and you’ve got one unforgettable show!

For Reservations

CALL 773.792.3030

OR E-MAIL jamesdowningtheatre@gmail.com

ADULTS: $20 SENIORS/STUDENTS: $15
RESERVED GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE: $10

Performances Held at

THE JOHN WALDRON ARTS CENTER
@ EDISON PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
6740 NORTH OLIPHANT AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60631

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April 2012

THE JAMES DOWNING THEATRE

2012 You're A Good Man Charlie Brown

2010 The Fantasticks