The Drama Workshop

I love Comedies… and Musicals… and Drama. I guess I have kind of inadvertently become a live theatre junkie here these past few years, and so I go to a lot of theatre to get my fix; local, regional, collegiate and national. Friday night — Saturday night — an occasional Sunday or maybe a Monday or stray Wednesday, too. Dozens and dozens of productions a year, simply as a patron, simply because it’s fun. So when you enjoy the theatre that much, and when you find yourself in a place that really makes you laugh out loud, play along, or sit intently in silence on the edge of your seat during a show, you really come to appreciate good people that make all of that happen. The Drama Workshop (TDW), located in the Glenmore Playhouse (formerly the Glenmore Bowl), is one of those places, and it has those good people.
I first saw this group perform in 2008 when they put on «The Movie Game». They were using the Westwood Town Hall Recreation Center to stage their shows at that time, and I had the chance to see a few more shows, such as «Lend Me a Tenor» and «The Crucible», before they found their new and permanent home on Glenmore Avenue. I enjoyed them then, but I have come to enjoy, and to appreciate them, even more since.
A group of volunteers runs, manages, staffs, repairs, renovates, maintains and promotes the place, with the buildings renovation and transformation taking up much of their time. Look up «The Glenmore Playhouse» here on Unilocal!for more on the structure itself. It’s amazing. Anyway, this varied and talented group never fails to put on an extremely enjoyable show, and have enough of a variety that there is always «something for everyone» during the season. Like somewhat farcical? How about «The Man Who Came to Dinner» or «Suite Surrender»? Classic comedy? Well, there was «Barefoot in the Park». Something you’ve never seen before? The award-​winning «Jerry Finnegan’s Sister» fills that bill. «12 Angry Men» for the drama lovers, «A 1940’s Christmas Carol» for some holiday cheer, and the campy, audience participation filled, «Love Rides the Rails» for the younger crowd and the kid in all of us. And the funniest, really laugh out loud until tears came out of my eyes play that I have seen in a long, long, time — was «Nunsense». I haven’t laughed that hard in years. In regional theatre, the scarcity of talent can lead to poorly cast productions. Think of the actress who had likely voted to get Kennedy into the White House, portraying a twenty year-​old ingénue love interest. Yeah. Not here. Every production I have seen was well cast, and filled with talented actors. The lighting and sound are technically very good, too, which is something that can be a real distraction if not done right. Worth the money, and a great value. The ticket prices are amongst the lower you will find around.
And finally, and I believe this says a lot to us theatre goers, they are the only production company that I have been so taken by that I have committed to get season tickets to. And that is not for just one year, but for the last couple of years. Although they are far from the largest venue, with only 99 or so available seats until they can make some structural changes and add more, they have a faithful and appreciate group of core supporters. And that group is growing. It seems every production has more and more sold out shows. Some nights it’s difficult to even get a seat, unless you’ve planned ahead. Although support can come from many places, it’s the patron that comes to every show, and is inspired by what they see, and how they’re treated that can make or break a theatre that sits in an area with so many great production companies to choose from. Seating is general admission, but season ticket holders get a prime seat reserved with their name prominently displayed. And it’s not unusual to find a special little show themed goodie waiting for you on your seat cushion when you arrive. I am always greeted by name by many of the house staff, they shake my hand, make it a point to come and talk to me, and they make me feel as welcome as one could wish for. And believe me, it’s sincere. A lot of other local theatres could take a few pointers from TDW in how to create and retain loyal patrons. Everyone wants to be appreciated just for being there supporting the show, as this is their discretionary income they’re spending. So if you want to feel welcomed, feel appreciated, and feel like you’re money was well spent, I highly recommend you come see what the folks at The Drama Workshop are doing.

I saw «Snoopy the Musical» last night, very entertaining. There are 2 shows left this weekend, check it out!
Next show is «The Man Who Came to Dinner», Nov. 30-​Dec 16; An American classic set in the 1930s. Famously outlandish radio wit Sheridan Whiteside is invited to dine at the home of a small-​town Ohio factory owner and his family.
The new theater is the perfect space!