A little known gem in West Windsor is Kelsey Theater, a community theater that invites audiences of all ages from youngsters to senior citizens on a theatrical journey around the world and through time during its upcoming season beginning Friday, September 9. Nineteen full-length adult and family productions will take audiences to enchanted and mysterious places like Camelot, Oz, Xanadu, and more, while the Kelsey Kids Series offers 12 productions featuring traveling professional companies and local troupes. Kelsey Theater is located on Mercer County College’s West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. Parking is free. The theater is wheelchair accessible and has handicapped parking. Based on audience polling, most evening shows have returned to an 8 p.m. start this year.
Adult and Family Productions
“Blood Brothers, the Musical,” Pierrot Productions, September 9 to 18. The tale of twin boys separated at birth and the longest-running musical in London history.
“And Then There Were None,” Yardley Players, October 7 to 16. Based on the classic Agatha Christie murder mystery set on a secluded island.
“Camelot,” Playful Theater Productions, October 21 to 30. Lerner and Lowe classic that journeys back to a magical medieval kingdom.
“Urinetown,” Pennington Players, November 4 to 13. Comedic musical about citizens of a town where a water shortage has forced a government ban on private toilets.
“AIDA,” Maurer Productions Onstage, November 18 to 27. Elton John and Tim Rice’s epic musical about the power and timelessness of love in ancient Egypt.
“A Christmas Carol,” James Tolin Memorial Fund, December 2 to 4. Charles Dickens’ holiday classic presented as a live, on-stage radio play.
“El Sueno,” Alborada Spanish Dance Theater, December 20, 11:15 a.m. for groups and 7:30 p.m.
“The Pirates of Penzance,” PinnWorth Productions, January 13 to 22. Gilbert and Sullivan musical about bumbling policemen, fair maidens, and a young hero.
“Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” Maurer Productions Onstage, January 27 to February 5. Neil Simon brings the golden age of television, circa 1953, to life with a look behind the scenes at TV’s early writers and stars.
Reock and Roll Revue, February 17 to 19. Tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and their landmark album, “Deja Vu,” chronicling the paths that brought the four folk greats together.
“Death of a Salesman,” Pierrot Productions, February 24 to March 4. Arthur Miller’s play about the prices paid in pursuit of the American dream.
“Xanadu,” Pennington Players, March 9 to 18. A musical mix of Greek muses, 1980s chic, and roller disco.
“The Wizard of Oz,” Yardley Players, March 23 to April 1, daytime performances March 29 and 30. Journey over the rainbow and down the yellow brick road with Dorothy, Toto, and their friends.
“Hairspray,” MCCC Theater and Dance Students, April 13 to Plus-size heroine Tracy Turnblad takes on the establishment and vows to integrate a popular dance show in 1980s Baltimore. Lighting and sound courtesy of MCCC’s Entertainment Technology program and Kelsey’s friends from the James Tolin Memorial Fund.
“A Chorus Line,” Playful Theater Productions, April 27 to May 6. Musical about 17 dancers auditioning for a spot on a chorus line.
“MDE on the Move!” MCCC’s Mercer Dance Ensemble, May 12 and 13. Dance majors, alumni, and community dancers in a performance that combines lyrical movement with impressionistic and symbolic storytelling.
“Company,” Pierrot Productions, May 18 to June 3. Stephen Sondheim’s musical about a bachelor with commitment phobias.
“The Drowsy Chaperone,” Maurer Productions, June 8 to 17. A diehard musical fan plays his favorite cast album, and the fictional show, set in the 1920s, bursts to life in a tale of a celebrity bride and her wedding day.
“Jeffrey,” James Tolin Memorial Fund 10th Anniversary Benefit, June 22 to 24. Obie Award-winning romantic comedy about a gay actor/waiter who has given up trying to find love when he meets the man of his dreams, set against the backdrop of the HIV/AIDS landscape of 1990s New York. The first of JTMF’s benefit shows presented in memory of MCCC student James Tolin in 2001.
Kelsey Kids Series
The Kelsey Kids Series also provides plenty of travel destinations for the younger set. This year, children will get their very own Kelsey Kids passport and will receive a sticker every time they attend a show. Special prizes will be awarded at the end of the season. Children’s shows run approximately 60 minutes and feature award winning professional touring troupes and local companies.
“Rapunzel,” Kaleidoscope Theater, September 17. A magical musical based on the fairytale and the inspiration for the recent hit movie, “Tangled.”
“Snow White,” September 23 to October 2. Fairytale retold in a full-length musical by playwright Marilyn Gerold in the style of the grand musicals of the 1950s.
“The Yellow Brick Road,” Theaterworks/USA, October 1. New musical that tells the familiar story with a modern Latino twist.
“Ramona Quimby,” Theaterworks/USA, October 15. Based on Beverly Cleary’s classic books.
“The Gizmo Guys,” November 12. A new rapid fire comedy juggling act.
“‘Twas The Night Before Christmas,” Kelsey Players, December 9 to 11.
“The Nutcracker,” New Jersey Youth Ballet, December 17 and 18. Fully narrated version of Tchaikovsky’s ballet.
“The Kazoobie Kazoo Band,” January 21. Rick Hubbard and his interactive antics where everyone receives a free kazoo and performs in the grand finale.
“Camp Rock!” MCCC’s Tomato Patch and Kelsey Players, February 10 to 12. Rocking musical based on the hit Disney Channel movies.
“Dinosaur Babies,” Dino Rock, March 3. Giant puppets star in this musical fossil fantasy with Big Bad Baby Rex, Doris the Stegasaurus, Tina Titanosaurus, and more.
“Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” Kaleidoscope Theater, May 5. Traditional fairytale with a surprise ending.
“Skippyjon Jones,” Theaterworks/USA, May 19. Musical about an adventurous kitten who must prove he can live up to his superhero dreams and defend his neighborhood friends.
Kelsey Theater has open auditions for many of its productions and welcomes assistance from community volunteers to usher and work behind the scenes. Ticket prices for most full length musicals are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for students/children. Prices for non-musicals are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $12 for students/children. Ticket prices for most shows in the Kelsey Kids Series are $10 for all. E-tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseyTheater.net and printed out at home. Tickets may also be purchased at 609-570-3333.
