Auditions for Harvey, Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize winning drama will be held at Church Hill Theatre on Monday and Wednesday, June 12^th and 14^th at 5:30 PM and Saturday morning, June 17^th at 10 AM. Directed by Bonnie Hill, the play runs three weekends from September 8 – September 24.

In this whimsical period comedy, Edward P. Dowd introduces his imaginary friend, Harvey, a six-and-a-half-foot rabbit, to guests at a society party given by his sister, Veta. She has seen enough of her brother’s eccentric behavior and decides to have him committed to a sanitarium to spare her daughter and the family further embarrassment. The results are both surprising and hilarious. In 1950, this delightful and amusing play was made into a film starring Jimmy Stewart.

Ms. Hill is looking to cast six men and five women in this period comedy. Ages for male and female characters range from 25 to 80. More information about the characters can be found on the Church Hill Theatre website: https://www.churchhilltheatre.org/shows/auditions.

Familiarity with the script is beneficial, but not necessary. Scripts are available for your perusal at CHT but must be returned.

Construction and technical assistance are also needed.

For further information, call/email Bonnie Hill at 410-708-2870/ bonniehill@zimbracloud.com

Church Hill Theatre, in Queen Anne’s County, has been Delmarva’s premier venue for live drama for more than thirty years. CHT is actively seeking new talent to grow its reputation for excellence. If you have substantial theater experience and can commit the necessary time and attention, CHT would love to hear from you.

The Church Hill Theatre season, which will be announced in mid-June, usually includes four main stage shows (a mix of musicals, comedies, and dramas, each running for three weekends, an established summer camp for children, and occasional smaller productions. Directors receive a modest honorarium, but all the actors and crew members are volunteers. An estimated budget is created for each show’s set, costumes, and props, with musicals receiving a larger budget for musician stipends. Directors are responsible for managing the productions from auditions through the final performance, arranging an appropriate rehearsal schedule and recruiting a crew of set builders, costumers, light & sound designers, etc. CHT keeps a roster of willing and experienced volunteers for these positions but does not maintain a standing production crew.

Potential directors are invited to send contact information and a full theater biography and resume to the Theater Business Manager at businessmanager@churchhilltheatre.org. Once the 2024 season is announced, applicants will be invited to present detailed proposals for the show or shows they would like to direct. Applicants who are unfamiliar with the theater facilities may arrange to inspect the stage, check out the sound and lighting systems, and discuss any other concerns by calling 410-556-6003. The CHT website, churchhilltheatre.org, has additional information about the organization and past productions.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda, The Musical, will open at Church Hill Theatre on June 9th and run for three weekends until June 25th.  With a large cast (including 19 local young people), an orchestra, and some nifty special effects, the theatre’s signature musical show is sure to sell out quickly. CHT management suggests you reserve tickets now on the website churchhilltheatre.org or by calling the office at (410) 556-6003.

Matilda was introduced to the world in the 1988 Roald Dahl novel about Matilda Wormwood, a bookish and courageous young woman coping with a dysfunctional family and an abusive school. Using her wits (and telekinetic powers), Matilda overcomes injustice and helps others in the process. Bringing Matilda to a new generation, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Matilda, the Musical won seven British Olivier Awards in 2012 and the Broadway version earned five Tony Awards in 2013. Since then, this musical with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and book by Dennis Kelly has delighted worldwide audiences.

Matilda, the Musical features the talents of eight young people of the area, Cece Bagshaw, Isla Clemens, Schuyler Helmsley, Camden Hubbert, Liam Kruhm, Russell Laing, Rooney Rosati and Charlie Thomas, playing the “Little Kids” who face their first day of school in Ms. Trunchbull’s (Kathy Jones) Crunchem Hall. They are greeted by the “Big Kids,” Maria Boone, Addyson Crooks, Olivia Coppage, Emme Dumont, Sam Holdgreve, Dalton Knotts, Joycelyn Matera, Helen Willard, and Travis Stotts who scare them with the threat of exhausting Phys Ed and punishment by “Chokey” if they fail to do as they are told.  Thus begins the journey of Matilda played on alternating performances by Sydney Hill and Carly Mourlas, to survive her dysfunctional family and evil school mistress.

Featured in this musical are songs that range from “Miracle” in which proud kids sing about their laurels to the plea by Matilda to be just a little bit “Naughty” so that her parents would really listen to her. While parts of the story are humorous, some are sad, some are somewhat uncouth and crass, yet others lead to a child’s view of what being an adult means in “When I Grow Up”.  Appearing in adult roles are Matt Folker, Heather Joyce-Byers, Cavin Moore, Noah Thompson, Becca Van Aken, Hannah Yoder, and Herb Ziegler.

Direction is by Sylvia Maloney, assisted by Becca Van Aken, with  Erin Bradley as musical director and choreography by Cavin Moore.   It features a set design by Michael Whitehill and Tom Rhodes with some very special effects, costumes by Tina Johnson and her team while Doug Kaufmann heads the lighting and sound department. Roald Dahl’s Matilda, the Musical will play at Church Hill Theatre from June 9 through June 25, with performances at 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 pm on Sundays. Tickets are available on the website at churchhilltheaatre.org or through the box office at 410-556-6003.

Church Hill Theatre invites the community to honor our mothers at benefit concerts by local legend, Karen Somerville on May 13 and 14. The front doors to our fully renovated performance space will finally be open and we will serve champagne and nibbles during intermission.

Church Hill Theatre is again truly open to the public, after the long Covid interruption, offering a wide mix of dramas, musicals, comedies, workshops, and the popular Greenroom Gang summer camp for children. Although some shows play to full houses, ticket sales never cover operations and many of our important, but edgier, dramas attract smaller audiences. A popular musical can cost more than $20,000 to produce (including royalties, costumes, sets, musician fees and special effects). With our affordable tickets, even filling every seat at every show would only bring in about $15,000. Therefore, like almost all arts venues, CHT relies on grants and generous donors to stay in business. This special fundraising event, sponsored by ShoreToBeFun Photography, is offered to benefit the organization, our audiences—and all our mothers.

Karen Somerville &Sombarkin will present a specially curated Mothers’ Day show including jazz, gospel, blues and classic pop songs. Karen was a background vocalist on the Stevie Wonder “Songs in the Key of Life” tour in 2014 and her one-woman show, “Just Call Me Billlie,” is a moving tribute to the great Billie Holiday.  The ensemble will be performing at Church Hill Theatre at 7 pm on Saturday, May 13 and at 4 pm on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14.  Early bird tickets are available until April 30 for $40 on our website, churchhilltheatre.org or by phoning the box office at (410) 556-6003. After April 30, tickets, will be $50.

CHT will also welcome participants in the May 13 Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage to tour the Art Deco building and learn more about our programs. Ticket information for this event at  mhgp.org.

After months of anticipation, Church Hill Theatre proudly confirms that Roald Dahl’s Matilda, the Musical, the beloved story of triumph over adversity, will amuse and amaze Delmarva audiences from June 9 to 25. First a novel then a fan-favorite movie, and international stage success, Roald Dahl’s Matilda, the Musical empowers both children and nurturing adults as obstacles are met—and overcome. With memorable music and astonishing special effects, this CHT show promises to be the highlight of the year.

Sylvia Maloney, directing her 18th CHT musical, has brought together an especially large and talented cast of newcomers and veteran performers. Kevin Thomas directs the live orchestra and Cavin Moore is responsible for choreography.  The set and telekinetic miracles are provided by Michael Whitehill and Tom Rhodes.

Matilda Wormwood, an exceptionally intelligent child, is played by Carly Mourlas and Sydney Hill. Kathy Jones, portrays her arch nemesis, CrunchemHall’s headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Matilda’s neglectful and abusive parents are portrayed by Matt Folker and Heather Joyce-Byers. The local librarian, Mrs. Phelps is played by Becca Van Aken and a compassionate teacher, Miss Honey, is being played by Hannah Yoder.  They do their best to support the children. Other adults include Noah Thompson as the Escapologist while Cavin Moore portrays the Acrobat.

Photo: From L to R First Row: Rooney Rosati, Charlie Thomas, Liam Kruhm, Schuyler Hemsley, Carly Mourlas, Sydney Hill, Camden Hubbert, Cecilia Bagshow, Isla Clemens, Russell Laing. Second Row: Olivia Coppage, Addyson Crooks, Helen Willard, Hannah Yoder, Becca Van Aken, Emme Dumont, Sam Haldgreve. Top Row: Dalton Knotts, Jocelyn Matero, Heather Joyce-Byers, Matt Folker, Cavin Moore, choreographer, Kathy Jones. Not pictured: Maria Boone, Travis Stotts, Noah Thompson, Herb Ziegler. Photo by Steven Atkinson.

Crunchem Hall young students, Little Kids, are played by Russell Laing, Schuyler Hemsley, Rooney Rosati, Charlie Thomas, Liam Kruhm, Isla Clemens, Cecelia Bagshaw, Camden Hubbert, while Maria Boone, Olivia Coppage, Addyson Crooks, Emmalyne Dumont, Sam Holgreve, Dalton Knotts, Jocelyn Matera, Travis Stotts and Helen Willard portray the older students, or Big Kids.

The Church Hill Theatre spring musical almost always fills the house, so advance reservations are strongly advised.  Roald Dahl’s Matilda, the Musical will run for three weekends starting June 9, with performances at 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 pm on Sundays. Tickets are available on the website: www.churchhilltheare.org or by calling the Church Hill Theatre office at 410-556-6003.

Karen Somerville, iconic Eastern Shore vocalist, songwriter, recording artist and producer, will appear for the first time at Church Hill Theatre in two exceptional concerts on Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14. This event dovetails with the Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage in Queen Anne’s County on Saturday, offering a truly memorable Mother’s Day experience.

Karen Somerville is a Kent County native, proud of her rural heritage and close-knit family. Her musical education began at home with musician parents and was nurtured in church, where she learned the fine points of close group harmony. Karen is a graceful and expressive soloist, bringing new insights to jazz classics and familiar tunes from the American Songbook, but she also loves collaboration. Together with long-time friends Lester Barrett, Jr. and Jerome McKinney, her award-winning trio Sombarkin has been performing since 2002, singing a wide selection of gospel, blues, jazz, R&B, and folk music. Sombarkin is supported by Gerry Werner on piano, Jeff Davis on bass, Anthony Warren on guitar, and Ray Anthony on drums. The Church Hill Theatre show will include both group and solo arrangements across their repertoire.

Karen was a background vocalist on the Stevie Wonder “Songs in the Key of Life” tour in 2014. Her one-woman show, “Just Call Me Billlie,” is a moving tribute to the legendary Billie Holiday. Sombarkin’s most recent album, Up & Over, was released in 2022.

Karen Somerville & Sombarkin are in concert at Church Hill Theatre at 7 pm on Saturday, May 13 and at 4 pm on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14.  Early bird tickets are available until April 30 for $40 on our website, churchhilltheatre.org or by phoning the box office at 4410-556-6003. Later or at-the-door tickets will be $50. This special opportunity fundraising event is sponsored by ShoreToBeFun Photography.

The Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage is a decades-old tradition, with several cities or counties sharing gardens and historic homes at their springtime best on a rotating basis.  The event returns to Queen Anne’s County on Saturday, May 13, when eleven properties, including Church Hill Theatre, will welcome guests from 10 am to 5 pm.  Ticket information is available at mhgp.org.  If you are making this a weekend excursion, take in the concert after the Saturday tour or brunch on Sunday.

Auditions for Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical will be held at Church Hill Theatre on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 6:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday, February 18 and 19, 2023 at 1:30 pm. All auditions will be held in the theatre at 103 Walnut St.  Sylvia Maloney will direct this production with Kevin Thomas as music director, and choreography by Cavin Moore.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, simply known as Matilda or Matilda the Musical, is a stage musical based on the 1988 novel Matilda by Roald Dahl. The musical’s narrative centers on Matilda Wormwood, a precocious girl with the gift of telekinesis, who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school, and helps her teacher to reclaim her life.

This production requires 28 actors to bring it to life: 14 to 16 young people (boys and girls) ages 10 through 18, and 10 to 12 men and women, ages 20’s through 60’s with acting, dancing and singing skills.  All roles are open.

For the vocal audition, please prepare a song, similar in genre to the music of Matilda but not from the show; also, please bring 2 copies of your sheet music. Auditioners should be prepared to read from the script and to learn a brief dance routine.  Technicians are also needed and are encouraged to attend auditions.

The performance dates for Matilda run from Friday, June 9th through Sunday, June 25^th, 2023. For more information, call Sylvia Maloney at 410-778-3783, email ssmaloney@verizon.net or go to the website www.churchhilltheatre.org.

It’s the 1960s and young people are caught up in movements, whether free expression, free love, civil rights, or opposition to the political status quo. Their parents, children of the Depression and WWII, know that freedoms have a cost.  In Ron Cowan’s poignant Summertree, generational conflicts and expectations play out in the midst of the Viet Nam War. Opening on January 20 and running for three weekends, Summertree will tug at the hearts of those old enough to remember the war and perhaps provide greater understanding to their own children and grandchildren.

Directed by CHT’s theater business manager, Juanita Wieczoreck, Summertree brings together an especially interesting cast. Anthony Daly and his dad Jeff Daly play a young man and his father, both conflicted about notions of manhood and responsibility; both aware that only college enrollment defers military service.  Liam Kruhm, and his dad George, play a neighborhood child (possibly the young man himself?) and a Soldier (who represents all men who have done battle). Sharon Herz is cast as the young man’s mother and Abigail Gilbert as his college girlfriend. Time skips around in the play, as memories are cherished and decisions weighed.  In a review, the New York Times observed, “…beautiful and sensitive; immeasurably moving…”

Summertree will run from January 20 through February 5, with shows starting at 8 pm on Friday and Saturday and at 2 pm on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased via the website: churchhilltheatre.org or call the office at (410) 556-6003 for tickets or more information.