Stages: Stratton Players makes you laugh a lot with spring shows

Expect to laugh a lot at the Fitchburg-based Stratton Players’ spring shows.

They’re doing  two short comedies: “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” by Dennis Snee and “The Whole Shebang” by Rich Orloff.

The shows, directed by Gary M. Kendall and produced by Tim Fischer and Nancy Lemont, will be presented for six performances on April 17, 18, 24, 25 at 7:30 p.m., with Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. on April 18 and 25 at Christ Church at 569 Main St. Fitchburg.

“Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” humorously examines the complexities of relationships and the challenges of breaking up. The story features a series of vignettes that blend homey wisdom and explores the human condition and the folly of love while offering insights into the different “phases” of relationships.

“The Whole Shebang” is a charming, whimsical comedy that offers a delightful exploration of the universe and our place in it. It asks the question, “What if the entire universe was just some nerd’s science project?” In a classroom in a strange unknown place, a student striving for a master’s degree gives an oral presentation on an unusual thesis — the creation of the heavens and the Earth!

The cast features: Lindsay Alweiss, Nicole Butler, Ned Cheesman, Phil Cormier, Bret M. MacKay, Amy Newberg, Carolyn Salter and Cherry Lynn Zinger.

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for Seniors/Kids. Reservations are recommended and can be obtained by going to https://tinyurl.com/mryjb5b2.

IN THE WINGS

SAVE THE DATE: Jack Neary’s new one-man play set to music “Almost Almost Famous” plays May 1 at 7:30 p.m. and May 2 at 2:30 p.m. at Newburyport’s Firehouse Center for the Arts. It stars Neary with the talented Jon Abrams at the keyboard. For tickets visit www.firehouse.org or call 978-462-7336.

VOICES OF HOPE FUNDRAISER WHODUNIT: If loving musical theatre is a crime, then book us immediately. Voices of Hope stages the delightful “Curtains” presented April 18 at 8 p.m. and April -19 at 2 p.m. at  North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly  to benefit cancer research. Set in 1959 at Boston’s Colonial Theater, it  begins with a Broadway-bound musical when its leading lady, Jessica Cranshaw  takes her final bow with alarming permanence. With the cast and crew locked inside the theatre and opening night looming, one question remains: Whodunit? Enter Frank Cioffi — part hard-boiled investigator, part soft-shoe sensation. Played by Chelmsford’s own Kenny Meehan  (yes, a real-life police detective — we couldn’t have cast it better if we tried), Cioffi must solve the murder, save the show, and maybe find love — all without missing an eight-count.  Also in the show are Diane Meehan and Roy Earley of Chelmsford and Rob Coughlin of Billerica. Tickets are available at www.nsmt.org.

“CHILDREN OF EDEN”: The Middlesex Community College Theatre Department presents “Children of Eden” today, Thursday, April 16, at 7 p.m.; and Friday, April 17,  at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 18, at 2 and 7: p.m. and Sunday, April 19t at 2 p.m. Tickets now available at https://middlesex.universitytickets.com. General: $20; faculty/staff: $15; student (with ID): $5 .Performances held at The Academic Arts Center 240 Central St., Lowell.

ON SPRING BREAK — Stages is taking a spring break next week so there’s no column on April 23. It will return on April 30.

Nancye Tuttle’s email is [email protected].