2008-2009 Season

I couldn’t be more excited about the new season we’ve planned for you here at the Mill: two hilarious comedies, a classic drama, and three very diverse musicals! Indeed, diversity is what we have strived for – to bring you a season that will challenge, entertain, enlighten, and broaden you theatrical experience. You may be assured that I will do my best to bring the most talented performers, designers, and musicians to all of these productions. It’s going to be a wonderful journey – I hope you will come along for the ride!

Tom Width, Artistic Director

SIDE SHOW
Book and Lyrics by Bill Russell
Music by Henry Krieger
September 4 - October 25


A TUNA CHRISTMAS
By Ed Howard, Joe Sears, Jaston Williams
November 13 - January 10


OF MICE AND MEN
By John Steinbeck
January 29 - March 14


ALTAR BOYZ
Music and Lyrics by Gary Adler and Michael Patrick Walker
Book by Kevin Del Aguila
April 2 - May 20


BLUES IN THE NIGHT
Conceived by Sheldon Epps
Music by Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Harold Arlen, & Johnny Mercer
offnights May 11 - May 30 (subscriber bonus)


ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
By Joseph Kesserling
June 18 - August 1

and he lived happily ever after

It was in April 1976 that the young and handsome Tom Width made his Swift Creek Mill Playhouse debut as Sir Harry in Once Upon a Mattress, the hilarious musical version of the classic story, The Princess and the Pea. Thirty-two years later, almost to the day, Swift Creek Mill Theatre will once again present Once Upon a Mattress. Only this time around, the mature (but every bit as handsome) Tom Width is sitting in his now familiar director's seat.


Well, let me clarify. He's the Artistic Director for the theatre. But he's also the director, set designer, production manager, technical director, master carpenter, sometimes choreographer, and all-around heavy-lifter for 5 mainstage shows, four children's shows, and at least one bonus show every season. He also teaches the summer camp, and every now and then dons his actor's cap as well. But I digress.

To celebrate Tom's 32 year anniversary (not really - I just made that up), Swift Creek Mill Theatre will be presenting Once Upon a Mattress once again. This time the cast is headed up by Richmond's musical theatre sweetheart, Audra Honaker, as the not-so-delicate Princess Winifred, her real-life boyfriend and Mill star, Brett Ambler as Prince Dauntless, and Joy Williams as Queen Aggravain. Also included in this super-talented cast are Jason Marks, Katrinah Lewis, Matt Polson, Durron Tyre, Michael Hawke, Derek Phipps, Liz Blake, Taylor Baltimore, Audrey Snyder, David Janosik, Lucas Hall, Amy Kaeberle, and Steve Travers.

The official opening night for Once Upon a Mattress is April 5, with preview performances on April 3 and 4. For more information visit our website: www.swiftcreekmill.com/mattress

As a side note, I played Princess #12 in the 1992 Dogwood Dell production. I'll be paying close attention to Liz Blake to see if she has stolen any of my bits.


Robyn O'Neill