(WEST HUDSON, NJ) -- A magical pop culture parody of wizards, witches and, “mugs,” a nostalgic and heartwarming holiday comedy, a thriller by the Queen of Crime, and a rousing jukebox musical comedy are all part of an exciting new season of Main Stage productions from the West Hudson Arts & Theater Company (WHATCo).
WHATCo’s Main Stage season, which includes three plays and a musical, will be presented at WHATCo’s new theater space at 15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd S, Harrison, New Jersey. Up first is Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic by Matt Cox (October 20-29).
Puffs is a tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world. For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs … who just happened to be there too. This fast-paced, clever play looks at a familiar adventure from a new perspective – of three potential heroes just trying to survive a rather dangerous school alongside a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers. This hilariously heartfelt tale asks what it means to be a “side character” in an epic adventure.
WHATCo closes out the year with The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, based on the best-selling children’s book by Barbara Robinson (December 1-10) - Based on the classic Christmas book, this nostalgic and funny tale tells of how a Christmas pageant that could be the WORST becomes the best when the Herdman kids, possibly the worst kids in the world, join the cast. Directed by Francesca Stokes.
The Main Stage season is rounded out by a chilling telling of the iconic Agatha Christie novel And Then There Were None (February 16-23); and Disaster! by Seth Rudesky and Jack Plotnick (April 26-May 5) in which the songs of the 70’s take center stage in a comedic homage to that decade’s disaster films.
"Our WHATCo Creative Committee deliberated extensively to select a season that would embrace the whole of our West Hudson community, while continuing to align with our mission statement,” said WHATCo Board Member and Creative Committee Chair Allyssa Hynes. "We worked to create an exciting and engaging theatre experience that resonates with our dedicated audiences and talented volunteers, while also attracting newcomers."
The balance of the season will include a unique collaboration with the Teaneck New Theatre (TNT) in association with The Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) to bring Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Othello to audiences this summer at HACPAC and the WHATCo stage in September. The season will also feature the return of the Original One Act Festival, WHATCo’s annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theater fundraiser, a teen musical performance, as well as other yet-to-be-announced special events and performances.
WHATCo president Brandi-Leigh Miller noted, “Following the move earlier this year to our new performance space, we were humbled by the incredible response from our community and even more so with the return of many supporters from seasons past in addition to the steady influx of new theater fans, performers, and volunteers. We are excited to continue to welcome new and returning theatergoers to share in the excitement of our next season.”
For audition information, tickets and more information visit the website at whatconj.org or follow WHATCo on Facebook and Instagram.
