Welcome to our 29th season

Theater in the Open has been part of Newburyport's artistic community for over 25 years! We would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years. It is people like you, our friends, patrons and parents who help support Theater in the Open and keep it alive and growing. As long as there are people like you who see the importance of keeping the Arts alive in our community, Theater in the Open will be here for the next 25 years. Some of you may be experiencing our unique theater company for the first time; others may be veteran audience members, armed with your picnic basket and beach chairs. Whether this is your first or fifteenth theatrical experience with us, we are happy to have you as our guests at Maudslay State Park.

Our 29th season will continue at Maudslay State Park at the Coachman Property. This beautiful four acre parcel of land is set on the west side of Maudslay State Park and will be the site of many of our productions. This property provides a central location to run day-to-day operations, more space for our annual Summer Arts Workshop, and has a large barn which can accommodate classes, storage, rehearsal space, and a small indoor performance facility! Theater in the Open is currently seeking your tax deductible donations to help us maintain and improve this beautiful facility to make your experience more enjoyable.

If you have any questions about us or our programs, feel free to call at 978-465-2572 . We'd love to hear from you. And we'll see you "in the Open" at Maudslay State Park!

Jeffrey Rath

Artistic Director

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Spring

The Rites of Spring

Saturday and Sunday, May 10th &11th, 2 PM
(Rain dates May 17th & 18th)
2:00 PM

It must be SPRING! How do we know - giant puppets, music, dance and fun, fun, fun for all at Maudslay State Park. Join Theater in the Open as we usher out winter and welcome spring to Newburyport. The Rites of Spring has something for everyone featuring our giant puppet pageant - watch the seasons change before your eyes, there will be dancing and singing. You can listen to a story, make a magic wand or play a theater game - a fun way to spend an afternoon with family and community, a unique experience for the entire family. Bring your blanket and plan to spend an afternoon in the glory of Maudslay State Park as you are entertained by art and nature. This is a fundraiser for Theater in the Open.

Admission: $5.00. Children 3 and under free. Event takes place outdoors.
Dates: Saturday, May 10th and Sunday May 11th
Time: 2:00 pm
Place: Maudslay State Park, Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport MA
(In the field across from the Parking lot)

For more information call Theater in the Open at 978-465-2572

Theater in the Open welcomes volunteers who wish to perform in The Rites of Spring, call us: (978) 465-2572 or email: info@theaterintheopen.org .

The Master Cat or Puss in Boots

Adapted by Theresa Linnehan

Saturdays and Sundays, June 7 - 29 at 2:00 PM

This delightful adaptation of the classic fairytale "Puss in Boots" is sure to be enjoyed by children and adults alike. When Christopher, the youngest son, inherits nothing but the family's cat, he is certain that he will never make his fortune. However, the cat he inherited was the Master Cat-- a wily trickster who uses his wits to make all of Christopher's dreams come true! So, bring your boots to this imaginatively staged production and the whole family will fall in love with this favorite fairy tale cat.

The shows will be performed rain or shine.

Place: Maudslay State Park, 76 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport, MA
Park in the Maudslay State Parking lot and follow the flags to the play site. Allow for a 10 minute stroll while you follow the Theater in the Open flags.

Tickets: Children and Seniors $5.00, Adults $8.00. Children 3 and under free. (Saturday June 2 show free to the public - donations accepted)

For information call 978-465-2572

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Summer

Peer Gynt

by Henrik Ibsen

Saturdays and Sundays, July 19 - August 10, 4:00 p.m.

Considered to be among the masterpieces of world literature, Peer Gynt is considered one of Henrik Ibsen's most celebrated works. The famed Norwegian playwright humorously yet profoundly explores the virtues and vices common to all humanity.

Come see Paul Wann's directorial magic transform Maudslay State Park into the vast forests of Norway. Behold the Merrimack River as a fjord. Be amazed as Everyman-like Peer Gynt lives his life story in less than two hours. Gasp and laugh at love triangles, venture capitalists, slave traders, Arabs and trolls as the acting company of Theatre in the Open dares to perform Ibsen's Peer Gynt in a special adaptation for the outdoors.

Scott Smith of Newburyport will portray Peer Gynt. Also featured in this ensemble cast are: Derek Bestwick, Joe Heafitz, Matt Kielly, Kelley Knight, Allegra Larson, Spencer O'Dowd, Rory Pelsue, James Sheridan, Peter Sheridan, Beth Randall, Jessica Rybicki and Doni Ward.

Tickets: $8.00 for adults - $5.00 for seniors and students
Saturday, July 19 show is free to the public. Donations accepted

Productions are outdoors at Maudslay State Park, 76 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport. Follow the flags. Allow a 15 minute stroll from the parking lot to the play site.

For more information call 978-465-2572

Theater in the Open's
Summer Arts Workshop 2008

Autumn

Woman with the Red Kerchief

by Wendy Lement and Firouzeh Mostashari

Saturdays and Sundays, September 6 - 28 at 2:00 PM

On the eve of emancipation of serfs in Russia, the famous Leo Tolstoy has fallen in love with a young married serf on his estate. The spirited woman captures the author's imagination and draws him into her world. This liaison has turned into an obsession for Tolstoy that even a hasty marriage to a society woman cannot cure. Our femme fatale gives birth to a child, the spitting image of Tolstoy, locking him, his wife, and his lover into a love triangle that resists the passage of time.

Place: Maudslay State Park, 76 Curzon Mill Road, Newburyport, MA.

Tickets: $5.00 students/seniors; $8.00 adults

Please allow a 15 minute stroll from your car to the play site. Park in the Maudslay State Park parking lot and follow the flags to the show. For more information call 978-465-2572 . This production is rain or shine!

Maudslay is Haunted

Saturday and Sunday, October 18 & 19
(Rain dates Oct. 25 & 26)
Gates are open from 2 - 4 PM

Winter

It's a Wonderful Life: A live radio play

Adapted for the stage by Joe Landry

Thursdays through Sundays in December

Come see this re-telling of the classic Frank Capra film, performed in the style of old time radio plays. It is the heartwarming story of how George Baily's faith in life is restored by helping an angel get his wings. Theater in the Open will transform the Firehouse thater's stage into a 1940's radio studio complete with "foley" sound effect artists, singing sponsors, and, of course, old fashioned family fun and holiday spirit.

Place: The Firehouse Center for the Arts, Market Square, Newburyport, MA.

Dates, times,and admission: TBA

For more information call Theater in the Open at 978-465-2572

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