children's theatre Archives - Matthews Opera House & Arts Center

Once Upon A Shoe

Fri, June 25 2021

“Once Upon a Shoe or The Rhymes and Mimes of Mother Goose and Her Traveling Troubadours” by Joseph Robinette is one of two plays put on by the Froelich Young Actors Guild in 2021. Performances of this show are Friday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 27 at 2:00 p.m.

Synopsis

Mother Goose sadly announces to her children that they must leave their home—a large, comfortable shoe—and move to an old sneaker “across the tracks.” The children decide to “put on a show” to save their shoe, and in the best Garlandooney tradition, they proceed to enact eight of Mother Goose’s best poems. In the audience, a stranger turns out to be the famous movie producer Cecil B. DeMillstream and, of course, he loves the show! The shoe is saved and Mother Goose and her troupe are off to Hollywood. According to one director of children’s theatre, “It was absolutely perfect for a real Mother Goose who had to put on a play with 20 eight-to fourteen-year-olds.”

This production is performed by children in grades 2-6.

Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois

All I Really Need to Know I Learned by Being in a Bad Play

Sat, June 26 2021

Marketing

“All I Really Need to Know I Learned by Being in a Bad Play” by Werner Trieschmann is one of two plays put on by the Froelich Young Actors Guild in 2021. Performances are Saturday, June 26 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 27 at 2:00 p.m.

Synopsis

Based on several disastrous theatrical experiences, “Bad Play” peels back a tattered curtain to examine the process of putting on a show that is less than good. A stuffy narrator (what bad play is complete without a stuffy narrator?) guides the audience through the whole sorry process. We go from the audition—where the director is more worried about roast beef than paying attention to the warm-up exercise, and the neurotic cast pretends to be bacon—to rehearsals—where a passive-aggressive stage manager gives everyone grief. There’s also a special meeting of the Small Part Support Group and a production of Romeo and Juliet set in a Starbucks with costumes of potato sacks and bowler hats.

Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois

“Once Upon A Shoe” and “Bad Play”

Sun, June 27 2021

Marketing

See both “Once Upon A Shoe” and “All I Really Need to Know I Learned by Being in a Bad Play” in this special double feature performance on Sunday, June 27 at 2:00 p.m.

“Once Upon A Shoe” by Joseph Robinette: Mother Goose sadly announces to her children that they must leave their home—a large, comfortable shoe—and move to an old sneaker “across the tracks.” The children decide to “put on a show” to save their shoe, and in the best Garlandooney tradition, they proceed to enact eight of Mother Goose’s best poems. In the audience, a stranger turns out to be the famous movie producer Cecil B. DeMillstream and, of course, he loves the show! The shoe is saved and Mother Goose and her troupe are off to Hollywood. This production is performed by children in grades 2-6.

“All I Really Need to Know I Learned by Being in a Bad Play” by Werner Trieschmann: Based on several disastrous theatrical experiences, “Bad Play” peels back a tattered curtain to examine the process of putting on a show that is less than good. A stuffy narrator (what bad play is complete without a stuffy narrator?) guides the audience through the whole sorry process. We go from the audition—where the director is more worried about roast beef than paying attention to the warm-up exercise, and the neurotic cast pretends to be bacon—to rehearsals—where a passive-aggressive stage manager gives everyone grief. There’s also a special meeting of the Small Part Support Group and a production of Romeo and Juliet set in a Starbucks with costumes of potato sacks and bowler hats. This production is performed by children in grades 7-12.

“Once Upon A Shoe” is produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois

“All I Really Need to Know I Learned by Being in a Bad Play” is produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois

Froelich Young Actors Guild Registration

Tue, April 26 2022

Marketing

Summer break is just around the corner and we’re excited to announce that theater camp begins on Wednesday, June 1, at the Matthews Opera House. Group A (7th-12th grade) starts at 9 a.m. Group B (2nd-6th grade) starts at 1 p.m. A parent’s informational meeting will be held at the Matthews theater on Tuesday, May 31 at 4 p.m. Scripts will be handed out at that time.

Registration

Registration will be open from April 15 through May 28. Please download the form below and return it to the Matthews Opera House gallery. You can also pick up a printed copy of the registration form at the gallery during business hours, Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.

Download Registration Form

GROUP A
This group is for students entering 7th-12th grades this fall. They are performing “Game of Tiaras” by Don Zolidis. Workshops: Starting Wednesday., June 1 through Fri., June 24. They are held every weekday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Mon-Fri). Performances: “Game of Tiaras” Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. AND Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m.
GROUP B
This group is for students entering 2nd-6th grades this fall. They are performing “Laffin School” by Keith Jackson. Workshops: Starting Wednesday, June 1 through Fri., June 24. They are held every weekday from 1-4 p.m. (Mon-Fri). Performances: “Laffin School” Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. AND Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m

Play Descriptions

“Game of Tiaras” | Group A | Actors in grades 7-12 (entering these grades in Fall 2022) When the aging king of a Magical Kingdom (England) decides to split his empire between his three daughters, Cinderella, Belle, and the Snow Queen (who in no way resembles a copyrighted character), terrible tragedy ensues. Terrible, hilarious tragedy. Combining the gut-wrenching plot twists of Game of Thrones and the soul-numbing despair of Shakespearean tragedy, this adaptation of King Lear will leave you dying with laughter as the body count mounts. When you play the Game of Tiaras, you win or you die. Produced by special arrangement with PLAYSCRIPTS of New York, NY

“Laffin School” | Group B | Actors in grades 2-6 (entering these grades in Fall 2022) Jokes! Jokes! Jokes! It’s the classic situation. A young substitute teacher, Miss Quackenbush, turns up at the Little Red Schoolhouse and finds her class is comprised of the dumbest (and funniest) pupils found anywhere. The previous teacher had a nervous breakdown. No wonder! With things like mice in lunch boxes and a student with the measles, anything more will drive you crazy! Unless the likable but dim-bulbed pupils can pass a simple exam, they won’t advance to the next grade. Find out why the pupils don’t want to be “promoted” and why Miss Quackenbush has to find some way to get rid of them! Produced by special arrangement with PIONEER DRAMA SERVICE, INC. of Englewood, CO

Froelich Young Actors Guild Registration

Wed, April 27 2022

Marketing

Summer break is just around the corner and we’re excited to announce that theater camp begins on Wednesday, June 1, at the Matthews Opera House. Group A (7th-12th grade) starts at 9 a.m. Group B (2nd-6th grade) starts at 1 p.m. A parent’s informational meeting will be held at the Matthews theater on Tuesday, May 31 at 4 p.m. Scripts will be handed out at that time.

Registration

Registration will be open from April 15 through May 28. Please download the form below and return it to the Matthews Opera House gallery. You can also pick up a printed copy of the registration form at the gallery during business hours, Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.

Download Registration Form

GROUP A
This group is for students entering 7th-12th grades this fall. They are performing “Game of Tiaras” by Don Zolidis. Workshops: Starting Wednesday., June 1 through Fri., June 24. They are held every weekday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Mon-Fri). Performances: “Game of Tiaras” Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. AND Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m.
GROUP B
This group is for students entering 2nd-6th grades this fall. They are performing “Laffin School” by Keith Jackson. Workshops: Starting Wednesday, June 1 through Fri., June 24. They are held every weekday from 1-4 p.m. (Mon-Fri). Performances: “Laffin School” Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. AND Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m

Play Descriptions

“Game of Tiaras” | Group A | Actors in grades 7-12 (entering these grades in Fall 2022) When the aging king of a Magical Kingdom (England) decides to split his empire between his three daughters, Cinderella, Belle, and the Snow Queen (who in no way resembles a copyrighted character), terrible tragedy ensues. Terrible, hilarious tragedy. Combining the gut-wrenching plot twists of Game of Thrones and the soul-numbing despair of Shakespearean tragedy, this adaptation of King Lear will leave you dying with laughter as the body count mounts. When you play the Game of Tiaras, you win or you die. Produced by special arrangement with PLAYSCRIPTS of New York, NY

“Laffin School” | Group B | Actors in grades 2-6 (entering these grades in Fall 2022) Jokes! Jokes! Jokes! It’s the classic situation. A young substitute teacher, Miss Quackenbush, turns up at the Little Red Schoolhouse and finds her class is comprised of the dumbest (and funniest) pupils found anywhere. The previous teacher had a nervous breakdown. No wonder! With things like mice in lunch boxes and a student with the measles, anything more will drive you crazy! Unless the likable but dim-bulbed pupils can pass a simple exam, they won’t advance to the next grade. Find out why the pupils don’t want to be “promoted” and why Miss Quackenbush has to find some way to get rid of them! Produced by special arrangement with PIONEER DRAMA SERVICE, INC. of Englewood, CO

Froelich Young Actors Guild Registration

Thu, April 28 2022

Marketing

Summer break is just around the corner and we’re excited to announce that theater camp begins on Wednesday, June 1, at the Matthews Opera House. Group A (7th-12th grade) starts at 9 a.m. Group B (2nd-6th grade) starts at 1 p.m. A parent’s informational meeting will be held at the Matthews theater on Tuesday, May 31 at 4 p.m. Scripts will be handed out at that time.

Registration

Registration will be open from April 15 through May 28. Please download the form below and return it to the Matthews Opera House gallery. You can also pick up a printed copy of the registration form at the gallery during business hours, Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.

Download Registration Form

GROUP A
This group is for students entering 7th-12th grades this fall. They are performing “Game of Tiaras” by Don Zolidis. Workshops: Starting Wednesday., June 1 through Fri., June 24. They are held every weekday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Mon-Fri). Performances: “Game of Tiaras” Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. AND Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m.
GROUP B
This group is for students entering 2nd-6th grades this fall. They are performing “Laffin School” by Keith Jackson. Workshops: Starting Wednesday, June 1 through Fri., June 24. They are held every weekday from 1-4 p.m. (Mon-Fri). Performances: “Laffin School” Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. AND Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m

Play Descriptions

“Game of Tiaras” | Group A | Actors in grades 7-12 (entering these grades in Fall 2022) When the aging king of a Magical Kingdom (England) decides to split his empire between his three daughters, Cinderella, Belle, and the Snow Queen (who in no way resembles a copyrighted character), terrible tragedy ensues. Terrible, hilarious tragedy. Combining the gut-wrenching plot twists of Game of Thrones and the soul-numbing despair of Shakespearean tragedy, this adaptation of King Lear will leave you dying with laughter as the body count mounts. When you play the Game of Tiaras, you win or you die. Produced by special arrangement with PLAYSCRIPTS of New York, NY

“Laffin School” | Group B | Actors in grades 2-6 (entering these grades in Fall 2022) Jokes! Jokes! Jokes! It’s the classic situation. A young substitute teacher, Miss Quackenbush, turns up at the Little Red Schoolhouse and finds her class is comprised of the dumbest (and funniest) pupils found anywhere. The previous teacher had a nervous breakdown. No wonder! With things like mice in lunch boxes and a student with the measles, anything more will drive you crazy! Unless the likable but dim-bulbed pupils can pass a simple exam, they won’t advance to the next grade. Find out why the pupils don’t want to be “promoted” and why Miss Quackenbush has to find some way to get rid of them! Produced by special arrangement with PIONEER DRAMA SERVICE, INC. of Englewood, CO

Froelich Young Actors Guild Registration

Fri, April 29 2022

Marketing

Summer break is just around the corner and we’re excited to announce that theater camp begins on Wednesday, June 1, at the Matthews Opera House. Group A (7th-12th grade) starts at 9 a.m. Group B (2nd-6th grade) starts at 1 p.m. A parent’s informational meeting will be held at the Matthews theater on Tuesday, May 31 at 4 p.m. Scripts will be handed out at that time.

Registration

Registration will be open from April 15 through May 28. Please download the form below and return it to the Matthews Opera House gallery. You can also pick up a printed copy of the registration form at the gallery during business hours, Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.

Download Registration Form

GROUP A
This group is for students entering 7th-12th grades this fall. They are performing “Game of Tiaras” by Don Zolidis. Workshops: Starting Wednesday., June 1 through Fri., June 24. They are held every weekday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Mon-Fri). Performances: “Game of Tiaras” Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. AND Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m.
GROUP B
This group is for students entering 2nd-6th grades this fall. They are performing “Laffin School” by Keith Jackson. Workshops: Starting Wednesday, June 1 through Fri., June 24. They are held every weekday from 1-4 p.m. (Mon-Fri). Performances: “Laffin School” Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. AND Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m

Play Descriptions

“Game of Tiaras” | Group A | Actors in grades 7-12 (entering these grades in Fall 2022) When the aging king of a Magical Kingdom (England) decides to split his empire between his three daughters, Cinderella, Belle, and the Snow Queen (who in no way resembles a copyrighted character), terrible tragedy ensues. Terrible, hilarious tragedy. Combining the gut-wrenching plot twists of Game of Thrones and the soul-numbing despair of Shakespearean tragedy, this adaptation of King Lear will leave you dying with laughter as the body count mounts. When you play the Game of Tiaras, you win or you die. Produced by special arrangement with PLAYSCRIPTS of New York, NY

“Laffin School” | Group B | Actors in grades 2-6 (entering these grades in Fall 2022) Jokes! Jokes! Jokes! It’s the classic situation. A young substitute teacher, Miss Quackenbush, turns up at the Little Red Schoolhouse and finds her class is comprised of the dumbest (and funniest) pupils found anywhere. The previous teacher had a nervous breakdown. No wonder! With things like mice in lunch boxes and a student with the measles, anything more will drive you crazy! Unless the likable but dim-bulbed pupils can pass a simple exam, they won’t advance to the next grade. Find out why the pupils don’t want to be “promoted” and why Miss Quackenbush has to find some way to get rid of them! Produced by special arrangement with PIONEER DRAMA SERVICE, INC. of Englewood, CO

Froelich Young Actors Guild Registration

Sat, April 30 2022

Marketing

Summer break is just around the corner and we’re excited to announce that theater camp begins on Wednesday, June 1, at the Matthews Opera House. Group A (7th-12th grade) starts at 9 a.m. Group B (2nd-6th grade) starts at 1 p.m. A parent’s informational meeting will be held at the Matthews theater on Tuesday, May 31 at 4 p.m. Scripts will be handed out at that time.

Registration

Registration will be open from April 15 through May 28. Please download the form below and return it to the Matthews Opera House gallery. You can also pick up a printed copy of the registration form at the gallery during business hours, Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.

Download Registration Form

GROUP A
This group is for students entering 7th-12th grades this fall. They are performing “Game of Tiaras” by Don Zolidis. Workshops: Starting Wednesday., June 1 through Fri., June 24. They are held every weekday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Mon-Fri). Performances: “Game of Tiaras” Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. AND Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m.
GROUP B
This group is for students entering 2nd-6th grades this fall. They are performing “Laffin School” by Keith Jackson. Workshops: Starting Wednesday, June 1 through Fri., June 24. They are held every weekday from 1-4 p.m. (Mon-Fri). Performances: “Laffin School” Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. AND Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m

Play Descriptions

“Game of Tiaras” | Group A | Actors in grades 7-12 (entering these grades in Fall 2022) When the aging king of a Magical Kingdom (England) decides to split his empire between his three daughters, Cinderella, Belle, and the Snow Queen (who in no way resembles a copyrighted character), terrible tragedy ensues. Terrible, hilarious tragedy. Combining the gut-wrenching plot twists of Game of Thrones and the soul-numbing despair of Shakespearean tragedy, this adaptation of King Lear will leave you dying with laughter as the body count mounts. When you play the Game of Tiaras, you win or you die. Produced by special arrangement with PLAYSCRIPTS of New York, NY

“Laffin School” | Group B | Actors in grades 2-6 (entering these grades in Fall 2022) Jokes! Jokes! Jokes! It’s the classic situation. A young substitute teacher, Miss Quackenbush, turns up at the Little Red Schoolhouse and finds her class is comprised of the dumbest (and funniest) pupils found anywhere. The previous teacher had a nervous breakdown. No wonder! With things like mice in lunch boxes and a student with the measles, anything more will drive you crazy! Unless the likable but dim-bulbed pupils can pass a simple exam, they won’t advance to the next grade. Find out why the pupils don’t want to be “promoted” and why Miss Quackenbush has to find some way to get rid of them! Produced by special arrangement with PIONEER DRAMA SERVICE, INC. of Englewood, CO

Froelich Young Actors Guild Registration

Sun, May 1 2022

Marketing

Summer break is just around the corner and we’re excited to announce that theater camp begins on Wednesday, June 1, at the Matthews Opera House. Group A (7th-12th grade) starts at 9 a.m. Group B (2nd-6th grade) starts at 1 p.m. A parent’s informational meeting will be held at the Matthews theater on Tuesday, May 31 at 4 p.m. Scripts will be handed out at that time.

Registration

Registration will be open from April 15 through May 28. Please download the form below and return it to the Matthews Opera House gallery. You can also pick up a printed copy of the registration form at the gallery during business hours, Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.

Download Registration Form

GROUP A
This group is for students entering 7th-12th grades this fall. They are performing “Game of Tiaras” by Don Zolidis. Workshops: Starting Wednesday., June 1 through Fri., June 24. They are held every weekday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Mon-Fri). Performances: “Game of Tiaras” Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. AND Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m.
GROUP B
This group is for students entering 2nd-6th grades this fall. They are performing “Laffin School” by Keith Jackson. Workshops: Starting Wednesday, June 1 through Fri., June 24. They are held every weekday from 1-4 p.m. (Mon-Fri). Performances: “Laffin School” Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. AND Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m

Play Descriptions

“Game of Tiaras” | Group A | Actors in grades 7-12 (entering these grades in Fall 2022) When the aging king of a Magical Kingdom (England) decides to split his empire between his three daughters, Cinderella, Belle, and the Snow Queen (who in no way resembles a copyrighted character), terrible tragedy ensues. Terrible, hilarious tragedy. Combining the gut-wrenching plot twists of Game of Thrones and the soul-numbing despair of Shakespearean tragedy, this adaptation of King Lear will leave you dying with laughter as the body count mounts. When you play the Game of Tiaras, you win or you die. Produced by special arrangement with PLAYSCRIPTS of New York, NY

“Laffin School” | Group B | Actors in grades 2-6 (entering these grades in Fall 2022) Jokes! Jokes! Jokes! It’s the classic situation. A young substitute teacher, Miss Quackenbush, turns up at the Little Red Schoolhouse and finds her class is comprised of the dumbest (and funniest) pupils found anywhere. The previous teacher had a nervous breakdown. No wonder! With things like mice in lunch boxes and a student with the measles, anything more will drive you crazy! Unless the likable but dim-bulbed pupils can pass a simple exam, they won’t advance to the next grade. Find out why the pupils don’t want to be “promoted” and why Miss Quackenbush has to find some way to get rid of them! Produced by special arrangement with PIONEER DRAMA SERVICE, INC. of Englewood, CO

Froelich Young Actors Guild Registration

Mon, May 2 2022

Marketing

Summer break is just around the corner and we’re excited to announce that theater camp begins on Wednesday, June 1, at the Matthews Opera House. Group A (7th-12th grade) starts at 9 a.m. Group B (2nd-6th grade) starts at 1 p.m. A parent’s informational meeting will be held at the Matthews theater on Tuesday, May 31 at 4 p.m. Scripts will be handed out at that time.

Registration

Registration will be open from April 15 through May 28. Please download the form below and return it to the Matthews Opera House gallery. You can also pick up a printed copy of the registration form at the gallery during business hours, Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.

Download Registration Form

GROUP A
This group is for students entering 7th-12th grades this fall. They are performing “Game of Tiaras” by Don Zolidis. Workshops: Starting Wednesday., June 1 through Fri., June 24. They are held every weekday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Mon-Fri). Performances: “Game of Tiaras” Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. AND Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m.
GROUP B
This group is for students entering 2nd-6th grades this fall. They are performing “Laffin School” by Keith Jackson. Workshops: Starting Wednesday, June 1 through Fri., June 24. They are held every weekday from 1-4 p.m. (Mon-Fri). Performances: “Laffin School” Saturday, June 25 at 7 p.m. AND Sunday, June 26 at 2 p.m

Play Descriptions

“Game of Tiaras” | Group A | Actors in grades 7-12 (entering these grades in Fall 2022) When the aging king of a Magical Kingdom (England) decides to split his empire between his three daughters, Cinderella, Belle, and the Snow Queen (who in no way resembles a copyrighted character), terrible tragedy ensues. Terrible, hilarious tragedy. Combining the gut-wrenching plot twists of Game of Thrones and the soul-numbing despair of Shakespearean tragedy, this adaptation of King Lear will leave you dying with laughter as the body count mounts. When you play the Game of Tiaras, you win or you die. Produced by special arrangement with PLAYSCRIPTS of New York, NY

“Laffin School” | Group B | Actors in grades 2-6 (entering these grades in Fall 2022) Jokes! Jokes! Jokes! It’s the classic situation. A young substitute teacher, Miss Quackenbush, turns up at the Little Red Schoolhouse and finds her class is comprised of the dumbest (and funniest) pupils found anywhere. The previous teacher had a nervous breakdown. No wonder! With things like mice in lunch boxes and a student with the measles, anything more will drive you crazy! Unless the likable but dim-bulbed pupils can pass a simple exam, they won’t advance to the next grade. Find out why the pupils don’t want to be “promoted” and why Miss Quackenbush has to find some way to get rid of them! Produced by special arrangement with PIONEER DRAMA SERVICE, INC. of Englewood, CO