Charles Co. Fall productions take center stage at CCPS high schools

Around Charles County Public Schools (CCPS), high school drama departments are preparing shows. From October to December, the slate includes family-friendly offerings, farces and comedies, a murder mystery and the story of a refugee’s journey to find his family and himself.

La Plata High School ushers in the fall play season with a comedy. “Leading Ladies” by Ken Ludwig finds two Shakespearean actors who land in York, Pa., — Amish country — staging Shakespeare plays. The two decide to pose as a women’s long-lost relatives in hopes of gaining part of an inheritance worth millions. There are a few glitches along the way as expected in a farce. The play will be staged at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24 to 26 at La Plata. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students with CCPS identification badges honored.

Henry E. Lackey High School will also stage a Ludwig play. From Nov. 7 to 9, “Shakespeare in Hollywood” will be performed at Lackey. The show is set in 1934 and centers on the Bard’s characters, Oberon and Puck, who are magically transported to the Hollywood movie set of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” They fall for the glitz of La La Land and nab roles playing themselves. Shows are 6:30 p.m. each night of the run. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students with CCPS badges honored.

Industrial engineers and efficiency experts Frank and Lillian are parents of a brood of 12 kids in North Point High School’s rendition of “Cheaper by the Dozen.” Based on the semi-autobiographical novel by siblings Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, the story follows the Gilbreth family as the parents enlist the children to test ideas and theories about efficiency. Curtains go up at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 to 9 at North Point. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students and senior citizens.

Music nerds rule in Maurice J. McDonough High School’s production of “Band Geeks!” The play pays homage to high school marching bands and misfits. The Cuyahoga High Marching Beavers is a band that’s down to nine members and little money. After a troubled athlete lands in its ranks, the group has to make the best of its season. Twists and turns lead to a showstopper. Shows are 7 p.m. Nov. 14 to 16 with tickets $12 for adults, $10 for students, senior citizens and members of the military, and $9 for thespians and children younger than 6. CCPS badges are honored with one ticket per badge. For tickets, go to www.mcdonoughdrama.com.

Thomas Stone High School will make itself known with “Anon(ymous),” written by Naomi Iizuka. Based on Homer’s “The Odyssey,” the play tells the story of a young refugee named Anon as he journeys through the United States. As he searches for his family among the ever-changing landscape, Anon meets several people — some kind, others dangerous and cruel. Shows are 7 p.m. Nov. 21 through 23. Tickets are $5 with CCPS badges honored.

Westlake High School let’s it go with “Disney’s Frozen Jr.” Sisters Elsa and Anna learn the meaning of true love in the stage adaptation of Disney’s hit movie. Westlake is staging a version combining elements of the movie and Broadway play specifically designed for younger audiences. La Plata will stage “Disney’s Frozen Jr.” later this year. The schools are working together to ensure the show is available to many theatergoers. Shows are 7 p.m. Nov. 21 through 23. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students and children. CCPS badges are honored with two free tickets per badge.

Leave the candlesticks at home and make a date with Col. Mustard, Mrs. Peacock and the gang for “Clue: On Stage (High School Edition)” at St. Charles High School Dec. 6 to 8. What dinner party on a dark and stormy night isn’t made better with a murder mystery to solve? Based on the 1985 cult classic movie, “Clue,” the whodunnit will have audiences guessing up until the end. Shows are 7 p.m. Dec. 6, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 2 p.m. Dec. 8. Tickets are $8 for general admission, $5 for students, military members and senior citizens. CCPS badges are honored with one ticket per badge.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,400 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.



The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
 
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