The spectacles of live theater and music performances span wider than the long breadth that is Broadway in New York City. The shows travel the country to several cities with their own cast and crew and create new interpretations for younger audiences. The state of Delaware is no exception. The theater and music world is spreading its wings into several cities in Delaware, with various sights to experience and see this coming fall.
August
Starting off the month, the Milton Theatre in Milton hosted several shows, including “Legally Blonde.” The theater also hosted a trip to see “Back to the Future: The Musical” at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. The theater’s concert series presented both “JANGLEBACHS: A Woodstock Tribute,” and “QUAYSIDE @ NITE.” They also returned to the Kennedy Center for “Mamma Mia!”
In addition, the Milton Theatre hosted several solo-act shows, including “End of Summer Laughter: Stand-Up Comedy Special,” Magnolia Applebottom’s drag show and a dueling piano show with The Flying Ivories. In addition, The Edwards Twins starring Anthony and Eddie Edwards presented at the Smyrna Opera House.
Julius Caesar at the Rockwood Park and Museum in Wilmington ended its run, having been performing since July 18. Meanwhile at the Baby Grand, which is also in Wilmington, Robert J Moore Productions held two plays: “Gurl’ Even Ain’t Cheatin” and “Are You Marriage Material.”
Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre performed “Robin Hood” in four locations: Millsboro Public Library, on the Green in Dover, Delmar Public Library and the Corbit-Calloway Memorial Library in Odessa.
“Shrek the Musical Jr.” played at the Everett Theatre in Middletown and “The Prom,” “Jersey Boys” and “Rock of Ages” rounded out August at the Clear Space Theatre in Rehoboth Beach.
September
The Delaware Theatre Company in Wilmington starts its 2024-25 season (and marks its 45th anniversary) with “Kinky Boots,” which is a partnership with New Light Theatre and runs from Sept. 25 until Oct. 13. Also in early September, Saint Edmond’s Academy is closing its run of “Godspell Jr.” on Sept. 8. The Milton Theatre is presenting “Greggie and the Jets,” an Elton John tribute band with a double performance on Sept. 1, as well as the comedy show “September Shenanigans: A Hilarious Harvest of Laughter” also on Sept. 1.
The Grand Opera House also starts off their season in all three of its venues. The Playhouse showcases Moxie Events’ “The New York Bee Gees: The Ultimate Tribute to the Bee Gees” on Sept. 13. The Baby Grand presents solo shows with Todd Barry on Sept. 20, Suzanne Vega on Sept. 21 and the John Pizzarelli Trio on Sept. 27. Finally, Copeland Hall presents “So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience Starring Robert Neary,” also on Sept. 27.
Rounding out the list of performances on Sept. 27 is “Something Rotten!” directed by the Possum Point Players at Possum Hall in Georgetown. It starts playing on Sept. 27 and runs until Oct. 6.
Finally, at the Candlelight Theatre in Ardentown, “9 to 5: The Musical” premieres on Sept. 14 and runs until Oct. 27.
October
October starts off the Broadway season for the Grand Opera House, as “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” performs at The Playhouse from October 11-13. It is one of five Broadway musicals hitting The Playhouse this season. Meanwhile, The Baby Grand will present Ari Shapiro and his show, “Thank You For Listening” on Oct. 5.
At Copeland Hall, “Disney Jr. Live on Tour: Let’s Play” is doing a one-night performance on Oct. 9. “Tony Bennett – The Official Musical Celebration” follows suit on Oct. 11. The Rock Orchestra will also perform “A Night of ‘Chicago’” along with the band’s debut album “Chicago Transit Authority” at Copeland on Oct. 12.
“Evil Dead the Musical” runs at the Everett Theatre from Oct. 18. until Oct. 27. and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” hits the Clear Space Theatre from Oct. 11 until Oct. 27. Finally, “Every Brilliant Thing” plays at the Delaware Theatre Company from Oct. 23 to Nov. 10.
November
November kicks off with a whirlwind of shows. To start off the month, at Copeland Hall, the Robert Cray Band plays on Nov. 1, with a double presentation of “Mutts Gone Nuts: Unleashed” and “Eddie Griffin Live” the following day. Copeland Hall will cap off November with Dionne Warwick on Nov. 9 and the “Old Crow Medicine Show” on Nov. 10.
Crystal Run Elementary in Middletown will perform “Disney’s Finding Nemo Kids” on Nov. 3. Continuing the musical drive, Clear Space Theatre hosts “Shrek the Musical” from November 8-10, and The Playhouse performs “Mean Girls” from November 15-17.
Wrapping up the month, Cedar Lane Elementary hosts “Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.” on Nov. 21, followed by “Choir! Choir! Choir! a Queen sing-along that is hitting The Baby Grand on Nov. 16.
Conclusion
The end of the summer brings a load of chances to experience a show, a concert or find some time to explore the state. One thing that is certain: one will never be bored as the seasons change and the weather cools. Soon the year will end and a new year will begin, and with it bringing another slice of the bustling fine arts pie.