Courthouse Theater Company

March 25, 2007

WEST KINGSTON, R.I. - The Courthouse Theater Co. is proud to announce its 2007 season. The company will present "Scenes on The Green" in June to start the season on a comedic note. A classic American comedy, "The Matchmaker" by Thornton Wilder will follow in July, with the first public production of "Set and Drift" rounding out the season in August.

"I'm thrilled to announce this summer season," Company Director Christopher J. Simpson said. "By expanding the number of performances, our degree of community involvement and the level of our artistic ambitions, we are bringing ourselves ever closer to our mission of providing accessible and enjoyable theater to South County. This season will allow us to grow in many ways, and shows like 'The Matchmaker' and 'Set and Drift' will undoubtedly provide innumerable laughs as we continue to come into our own as a viable source of entertainment in the community."

On June 24 at 6:30 p.m., the company will present "Scenes on The Green," on the Village Green in Peace Dale, R.I. The selection of original short plays promises to be fun for the whole family and admittance is free.

In July, the company returns to the Courthouse Center for the Arts in West Kingston to present "The Matchmaker." First produced in 1954 as a remake of "The Merchant of Yonkers," "The Matchmaker" was a smash success that left audiences on both sides of the pond in stitches. Wilder's witty farce follows Horace Vandergelder, a wealthy businessman with a cold heart and poor chances of marriage, as he seeks love with the help of the matchmaker. Theater buffs will note this show provided inspiration to the Broadway hit "Hello Dolly!"

In August, the company will offer the first public premiere of the new comedy "Set and Drift" by Philadelphia playwright and Princeton University graduate Andy Hoover. This raucous original show follows eight people from all walks of life making the best of their situation when stranded on a deserted island. With an investment banker, a Balkan paratrooper and a dream engineer all in one place, it doesn't take long before lonely hearts start beating for each other.

"The Matchmaker" will be presented July 6, July 7, July 12 and July 13 at 8 p.m. Also on July 8 at 2 p.m. and July 14 at both 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. "Set and Drift" will take the stage Aug. 16, Aug. 17 and Aug. 18 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $14 for general admission, $12 for Courthouse Center for the Arts members and $10 for students. The Courthouse is located at 3481 Kingstown Road, West Kingston, R.I.

More information is available at www.courthousetheater.com.

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