Ovation-Worthy Events from the Holmdel Theatre Company

Fans and followers of the Holmdel Theatre Company (HTC), based at the Duncan Smith Theater in Holmdel, NJ have a lot to applaud these days, as the non-profit organization continues its success in staging an impressive lineup of new and exciting productions and special events that sell out time after time.

HTC’s 2018/2019 season showcased a diverse range of productions that included “You Can’t Take It with You,” “Art,” “Life Is a Dream,” and “Next to Normal.” Last October, they celebrated the company’s 30th anniversary with a Cabaret Gala fundraiser, featuring Broadway singers Jenn Gambatese, Gaelen Gilliland, and Rema Webb. In June, HTC presented its first Broadway at the Barn event with Tony Award-winning Broadway star Alice Ripley and her solo show, “Ripley Prescription!,” a night of music and storytelling. In July, HTC performers ventured outside the theater to Bell Works in Holmdel for the annual Red, White, & BOOM fireworks celebration, where they gave a sneak peek performance of “Next the Normal” to the entire community. And this past month, on September 6, they proudly hosted a second spectacular Broadway at the Barn event with Constantine Maroulis, the American Idol finalist and two-time Tony Award nominee.

All of this theatrical magic takes place at the Duncan Smith Theater at 36 Crawfords Corner Road in Holmdel, a historic 125-year-old barn that has been transformed into a welcoming modern facility with seating for 99 guests. With comfortably cushioned seats and a versatile black box setting, the theater allows artists and directors the opportunity to arrange the space as needed to suit each particular show, and the intimate feel offers incomparable connections between performers and audience members.

Special Storyteller Event

On October 18, 2019 at 8 pm, the Holmdel Theatre Company will host “Brad Simmons: Storyteller.” Simmons is a New York City concert artist, music director, and composer whose work has been featured with numerous Broadway and recording artists and actors. In June, he appeared at the Duncan Smith Theater with Alice Ripley for Broadway at the Barn. He is now returning to share his story through the music of James Taylor, Dolly Parton, Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks, John Denver, Dan Fogelberg, and Billy Joel. Tickets for this special event are $40 per person.

Broadway at the Barn Series

On Monday, December 9, 2019 at 8 p.m., the Holmdel Theatre Company will serve up their next very special Broadway at the Barn event, with an appearance by Betsy Wolfe, star of the Tony Award-nominated Broadway show “Waitress” who has also starred in numerous other shows on the Great White Way, off-Broadway, and sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Metropolitan Opera. At the Duncan Smith Theater, she will perform an amazing repertoire of songs, from Broadway hits to holiday favorites.

On Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 8 p.m., Tony-nominated Broadway vocalist Jennifer Damiano will be appearing at the Duncan Smith Theater. Known for originating the role of Natalie in the critically acclaimed, Pulitzer Prize-winning “Next to Normal,” she is sure to wow the audience with a powerhouse performance.

On Friday, April 17, 2020 at 8 p.m., Amy Spanger, star of Broadway’s “Rock of Ages” and “Elf” and a Drama Desk Award nominee, will present the springtime installment of Broadway at the Barn. Mark your calendar for yet another entertaining evening of spectacular song.

Tickets for each performance of the Broadway at the Barn Series are $75 per person and are on sale now. These shows are sure to sell out, so don’t wait to make your reservations.

2019/2020 Season

For the Holmdel Theatre Company’s upcoming 31st season, the 2019/2020 lineup of regular mainstage productions offers various creative and literary takes on stories based in New England. They will include:

Little Women the Musical

November 8 through November 24, 2019

Based on the classic book by Louisa May Alcott, “Little Women the Musical” follows the four March sisters and their beloved Marmee in Concord, Massachusetts while their father serves in the Union Army at the crux of the Civil War. Nominated for Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards, this heartwarming story of love and family is guaranteed to bring laughter and tears while lifting your spirits.

The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail

March 13 through March 28, 2020

Based on the early life of the main character, Henry David Thoreau, “The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail” follows the events leading up the night that the famed American essayist, poet, and philosopher spent in a Concord, Massachusetts jail after refusing to pay a poll tax that he thought would pay for a war he opposed. Speaking to today’s concerns, this is a story of trying times, civil disobedience, unwanted war, and man vs. nature.

Ah, Wilderness!

July 10 through July 26, 2020

It is the Fourth of July in a small town in Connecticut and high school valedictorian Richard Miller is in the throes of his romantic woes. Facing disapproval at home and on the outs with his girlfriend, Richard drowns his sorrows and sets out on a drunken bender, with hilarity hot on his heels. A feel-good, coming-of-age comedy, this is a sentimental tale of a young man’s trails, tribulations, and indiscretions in turn-of-the-century America.

Monday Night Readings

Come and start your week right on the first Monday of each month at 7 pm, when the Holmdel Theatre Company hosts a popular play reading series. This provides a forum where new works are presented for the first time and established works are performed for fun or for consideration as future main stage productions. Each Monday session includes a play reading and lively audience discussion afterwards. The October Monday Night Reading event, scheduled for October 20, promises to be spooktacular. HTC held a contest, inviting playwrights to submit their best spooky, scary, or mysterious full-length original plays. Get into the Halloween spirit and be prepared for a treat.

Admission to the Monday Night Reading Series is free and coffee is served. Check the Holmdel Theatre Company website for information about submitting or directing a reading for the series.

Ticket Information

Tickets for all shows, including season subscriptions, are on sale now. Season subscription packages are a terrific value, providing guaranteed seating in the intimate venue for every regular season show as well as exclusive discounts and benefits. Subscribers save 20% on the price of their tickets, plus they receive an additional 20% discount on up to four more tickets.

Regular ticket prices for individual shows are:

Adults – $30 for musicals, $25 for plays

Seniors (65+) – $25 for musicals, $20 for plays

Students (with ID) – $25 for musical, $20 for plays

Season subscription pricing, with tickets for all productions, is $65 for adults, $50 for seniors, and $50 for students.

Looking for a fun outing with friends or family? Perhaps you’d like to plan a unique celebration or you’re a teacher seeking new educational opportunities for your students. Group rates are available. Groups of 10 or more save 10% on ticket prices; groups of 20 or more save 15%; and groups of 40 or more save 20%.

As a non-profit organization, the Holmdel Theatre Company relies greatly upon the generosity of donors and sponsors, since ticket sales cover just a portion of their operating expenses. Check the website to find out donor opportunities and their Chair Naming Rights fundraiser.

For more information, visit www.holmdeltheatrecompany.org, call 732-946-0427, or email info@holmdeltheatrecompany.org. Also be sure to like and follow Holmdel Theatre Company on Facebook for updates throughout the year.

Image credits: Holmdel Theatre Company