Comedic chaos erupts when a group of “theater people” as cranky housekeeper Olga has scornfully labeled them, all gather in Newport for a charity concert. Idealistic novelist Oliver is in love with rising Broadway star Margot. But… does she even know he exists? It seems doubtful when he overhears her in a very intimate conversation with handsome Victor Pratt, a dim-witted matinee idol. All of this spells trouble for married playwrights Charlotte and Arthur, who have just adapted Oliver’s novel for Broadway. Don’t miss the mayhem opening the 21st season on September 5. Call (815) 394-5004 or click HERE for tickets.
Please Be Seated sale on Flex Passes, July 24-31
We’ve got new seating in the Cheek Theatre, thanks to a generous donation from First Folio Theatre. And to celebrate, we’ve got a sale on Flex Passes! Save $25 on the purchase of two season passes (that’s eight tickets) through the end of July. This offer is not available on line. Call the box office: (815) 394-5004. And get ready to pull up a chair for some great theater!
24-25 SEASON!
From screwball comedy to heartfelt tales to classic mystery, AET’s 21st season has a stellar lineup. Make certain not to miss out. Fiex Passes are on sale now. Purchase a Flex Pass for the 24-25 season HERE or download a Flex Pass order form. OR call the AET box office (open M-F, 11-3) at 815-394-5004
NOW PLAYING: ANNABELLA IN JULY
Lisa Turbyville, David A. Gingerich, Kevin McKillip
Vanessa and Brian are on a 20th anniversary trip to the mountains. And they’re lost. They stop at a ski lodge to ask directions and are dumbfounded when everyone there rapturously greets Vanessa as their beloved Annabella. Now matter how often she insists she’s a librarian from Nebraska, they know better. Husband Brian is at first bemused, then alarmed, when Annabella’s admirers include a dashing Frenchman. Vanessa is kind of starting to enjoy this whole mistaken identity. Add in a magical door that has a mind of its own and you have a romantic comedy with a dash of magic. Now playing through May 26/
NOW PLAYING: THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT
It’s an epic battle between TRUTH, in the person of the writer, John (David A. Gingerich), and FACTS, in the person of Jim (Ian Garthwaite), the unpaid intern assigned to fact check John’s essay. Caught in the middle is the much-put-upon editor, Emily (Ricki G. Ravitts) in this smart, wickedly funny new play, running at AET Nov. 2-19. Call (815) 394-5004 or visit artistsensemble.org/tickets #AET20th
LOVERS & LIARS • Sept. 29-30
AET’s celebrates our Roaring 20th with Lovers & Liars, an evening of scenes & stories from our past seasons. From Jeeves and Wooster to Radio Gals, we recreate memorable scenes and songs from the past . This is a pay-what-you-can event. No tickets, just a donation jar. Friday & Saturday at 7:30, Sept. 29-30, in the Cheek Theatre.
ONE DAY SALE!
August 15 is Rockford Day (also known as 815 Day) and on this day Season Flex Passes (4 tickets good for any performance in our fabulous 20th season) are on sale for $81.50. Click HERE!
Tickets On Sale Now for Season 20!
Now playing: THE MAN IN THE BROWN SUIT
Don’t miss this world premiere Agatha Christie adventure/mystery/romance now playing at AET through May 28. Anne Beddingfeld has lived her whole life in the village of Little Hampsly, where nothing exciting EVER happens. Now, within a matter of days, she’s involved in a murder investigation and boarding a ship bound for Africa. And that’s just the beginning!
FINAL WEEK for JUMPING TO DELUSIONS
Wild and wacky, hilarious, and heartbreaking — JUMPING TO DELUSIONS veers from vaudeville shenanigans to searing anguish to sketch comedy. This play is a freewheeling look at people coping with mental illness. it shines a compassionate light on their struggles and pokes a LOT of fun at some of society’s misconceptions. Co-directed by Stephen F. Vrtol III and Richard Raether, this play closes April 2. Get tickets HERE.