From classic tales to contemporary hits, the Toledo theater scene has the entire spectrum of entertainment this summer. Whether you’re a fan of musicals or plays, there is sure to be a production that will capture your heart and imagination. From beloved classics like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Peter Pan” to contemporary, Tony Award-winning hits like “Dear Evan Hansen,” there is something for everyone in the Toledo area.
Toledo Repertoire Theater
One of the highlights of the summer season is the Toledo Repertoire Theater’s production of “Sunday in the Park with George,” which runs from June 9 through June 25, 2023. Inspired by George Seurat’s famous painting, this enduring meditation on art and meaning opens in 1884, as the artist sketches studies for “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jette.” Later, in 1984, Seurat’s great-grandson ponders his own uncertain legacy while preparing to unveil his own latest work – a high-tech tribute to that pointillist, neo-impressionist masterpiece.
Winner of a Pulitzer Prize and nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Sunday in the Park with George” features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. See tickets and showtimes at toledorep.org/, or call 419-243-9277 for details. The Toledo Repertoire Theatre, 16 10th St., Toledo.
The Ritz Players
The Ritz Players’ production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” breathes new life into a “tale as old as time,” July 14, 15, 22 and 23, 2023. Adapted from the classic fairy tale, it follows the magical journey of Belle, an enchanting young woman in a provincial town, and the frightful Beast, her ferocious suitor whose true identity is concealed by a terrible curse. Only when Beast can learn to love and be loved, will he break the curse and return to his former self.
Adapted from the hit Broadway musical featuring music by Alan Menkin. Visit The Ritz Theatre website at ritztheatre.org/ or call 419-448-8544 for ticket info and availability. The Ritz Theatre, 30 S Washington St., Tiffin.
RELATED: Theater Notes June/July 2023: Spend Sunday In The Park With George, Catch The Village Players
The Encore Theatre
Bring your sunglasses because the glitz and glamor of the 1930s shine brighter than ever in The Encore Theatre’s production of “42nd Street.” This Tony Award-Winning musical spectacular is the tale of a chorus girl from rural Pennsylvania who seeks fame on the stages of New York City.
The show runs from June 1 through June 25, 2023, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. A must-see for anyone who loves classic Broadway musicals. Purchase tickets at theencoretheatre.org. The Encore Theatre, 77 Ann Arbor, St., Dexter, MI.
Stranahan Theater
If you’re looking for something more contemporary, be sure to check out “Dear Evan Hansen” at the Stranahan Theater. Running from June 13 through June 18, 2023, “Dear Evan Hansen” is Steven Levinson’s intensely personal coming-of-age musical about a socially-anxious high school student who rides the wave of tragedy toward an uncertain future.
Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, and the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, “Dear Evan Hansen” was adapted into a 2021 feature film that found star Ben Platt making the leap from stage to screen. More information at stranahantheater.com/. The Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo.
The Village Players
For those in search of a little escapism, The Village Players present “Peter and the Starcatcher” June 2 through June 11, 2023. Adapted from the bestselling book series by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, the story serves as a prequel to J.M. Barrie’s “Peter and Wendy.” Follow the airborne, eternally youthful adventurer and his loyal band of friends as they take on treacherous pirates and jungle tyrants while forging the bonds of friendship, duty, and love.
Performance features live music and songs. Your ticket to a world of wonder awaits at thevillageplayers.org/. The Village Players Theatre, 2740 Upton Ave., Toledo.
RELATED: The Village Players Present ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’
3B Productions
3B Productions in association with MTI brings “Mean Girls: The High School Version” to the Maumee Indoor Theater June 13 through June 16. This popular stage adaptation of the hit 2004 comedy hit (which was in turn inspired by Roselyn Wiseman’s bestseller “Queen Bees and Wannabees”) tells the tale of a bright-eyed teen plunged into the treacherous world of high school cliques after years of homeschooling.
Tickets available at 3bproductions.org/tickets. Maumee Indoor Theater, 217 Mechanic St., Waterville.
Waterville Playshop
Extra! Extra! The 60-minute version of the hit Broadway musical “Newsies” comes to the Maumee Indoor Theater courtesy of Waterville Playshop for three nights June 24 through June 26. Times are tough in turn-of-the-century New York City, so when greedy newspaper publishers pitch a price hike to be footed by the newsboys, irascible young Jack Kelly rallies his peers to strike in opposition to the unfair working conditions.
Based on the Tony Award Winning musical from Alan Menkin and Jack Feldman. The Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 N. Conant St. Maumee. Tickets available at watervilleplayshop.org.
Issue Box Theatre
Inspired by John Crispin’s photographs of numerous forgotten suitcases at the shuttered Willard Psychiatric Hospital in 1995, “The Willard Suitcases” ponders the lives of the former patients who left a piece of their past behind. While some tales pull at your heart-strings, others tickle your funny bone.
With four different shows at four different locations throughout June and July, each performance is sure to be fresh and exciting. Visit issueboxtheatre.org/the-willard-suitcases/ for time, location, and ticket availability.
The Croswell Opera House
The Croswell Opera House presents “Jersey Boys,” running from June 3 through June 18, 2023. This toe-tapping story of adversity and triumph tells the true story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks who became the musical sensation known as The Four Seasons.
Packed with feel-good hits, this jukebox musical traces one of the most exciting stories in 20th Century pop. Featured songs include “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Sherry” and “1963 (Oh What a Night).” Tickets available for purchase at croswell.org/. The Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, MI.
The Oregon Theatre
Last but certainly not least, a precocious schoolgirl with a rocky family past uses her quick wit to impress her favorite teacher and her telekinetic powers to escape the wrath of her cruel headmistress in Roald Dahl’s “Mathilda, The Musical, Jr.”
Experience this magical tale of perseverance at the Oregon Community Theatre July 13 through June 15, with a special matinee on July 16. Find your tickets at oregoncommunitytheatre.org/Seasons/2022-2023/MatildaJr/. The Oregon Theatre, 3025 Starr Ave., Oregon, OH.
