A Christmas Carol, A Live Radio Play

Stephen F. Vrtol III plays Everett Kane, the celebrated radio star who, in turn, plays Scrooge.

Stephen F. Vrtol III plays Everett Kane, the celebrated radio star who, in turn, plays Scrooge.

The staff of radio station WBFR is in a frenzy as they prepare for their annual holiday broadcast of A Christmas Carol. They are thrilled to have landed a big name, the famously temperamental actor Everett Kane, to play Scrooge. They are a little worried that their sound effects man seems to be snowed in in Oswego. Don’t miss this holiday treat. There are four performances, Dec. 14-16. Call 815-394-5004 or click HERE for tickets.

Page to Stage: A Picasso

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Hitler considered all modern art to be degenerate and Pablo Picasso the chief criminal. Thus, in 1941 Nazi-occupied Paris, Picasso has every reason to be apprehensive when he is arrested and brought in for interrogation. AE partners with the Rockford Public Library to present Page to Stage, a free public event at the East Branch Library, 6685 E. State St. on Monday, Nov. 26 at 6:30 p.m. Learn why Picasso’s 1937 masterpiece, Guernica, earned Hitler’s wrath in this behind-the-scenes look at Jeffrey Hatcher’s fascinating play, A Picasso.

Mystery Theater • Oct. 19-20

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Episode One: You know how you land a new client and, before you know it, you’re in a deep freeze staring at a corpse-sicle? Yeah. Sexy, sassy Candy has one of those cases.

Episode Two: Jane really knows how to throw a party. Too bad one of the cocktails is lethal. “Invitation to a Murder” tells the story of a party where, “Pick your poison,” is meant literally.

This is a pay-what-you-can event. Just drop a donation in the jar and enjoy our recreation of a vintage radio broadcast, complete with sound effects and music.

Romance Theater • Feb. 9–10

Romance Theater is a pay-what-you-can event. Feb. 9–10 at 7:30 in the Cheek Theatre.

Romance Theater is a pay-what-you-can event. Feb. 9–10 at 7:30 in the Cheek Theatre.

Once upon a time a showgirl on the run from the law takes shelter with seven kindly professors. They are all wise and learned in their fields, but she manages to teach them a thing or two, all while falling in love with the youngest. A delightful fable set in the 1940s is the centerpiece of Romance Theater, part of AE's popular pay-what-you-can series of faux radio broadcasts.

The cast includes: David A. Gingerich, Katie Maringer, Gary Wingert, Patte Armato, Lund, Richard Raether, Angelo O'Dierno, Alex Ruano, and Tom Dotson. Remember, love lasts forever, but Romance Theater is only for two nights, Friday & Saturday, Feb. 9–10 at 7:30 in the Cheek Theatre at Rockford University.

It's A Wonderful Life

The wonderful cast of "It's a Wonderful Life": Top from left: Richard Raether, Lisa Turbyville, Lance A. Retallick. Bottom row from left: Tom Dotson, Erin Philpott, and Andrew Harth.

The wonderful cast of "It's a Wonderful Life": Top from left: Richard Raether, Lisa Turbyville, Lance A. Retallick. Bottom row from left: Tom Dotson, Erin Philpott, and Andrew Harth.

AE's first ever "Bonus Show" had a limited run to sold out houses. This experiment is looking like a hit with audiences. Watch for AE's next bonus show coming in the spring, immediately following the run of "Best of Enemies"!

Auditions for upcoming plays!

AE is holding open non-Equity auditions for two upcoming productions at the Nordlof Center, 119 North Main St. in Rockford) on Sunday, August 20 at 1 pm, and both Monday and Tuesday, August 21-22 at 6 pm. Auditions scenes will be provided.

AE is seeking an actress for the role of Mary in It's a Wonderful Life (performing Dec. 15–17) and casting for all roles (five women, four men) for the spring comedy/mystery Dying for Attention (performing Mar. 23-25).

To make an audition appointment, e-mail to Andrew Harth or call 815-721-9630.