News Release

BRISTOL — Even as Elkhart Civic Theatre’s current season is coming to a close with the upcoming “The Prom,” from July 21-30, Elkhart County’s community theater is already getting ready for its 2023-24 main stage season.

Here’s what’s coming up starting in September:

“Leaving Iowa” (comedy, rated PG), Sept. 8, 9, 10, 15, 16
. “Leaving Iowa” is the story of Don’s search for a home for his father’s ashes — and a metaphor for his own quest for meaning and purpose. Through his memories of his parents and their family vacations, the play celebrates “the greatest generation,” while gently poking fun at their quirks. At heart, “Leaving Iowa” is a funny and poignant exploration of the ties that bind us to our past and the memories that shape who we become. Directed by Kevin Egelsky.

“Sweeney Todd — the Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (musical/thriller, rated PG-16), Nov. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18
. Stephen Sondheim’s Tony-winning “Sweeney Todd” is a darkly comic tale 
of revenge and murder that has captivated audiences everywhere. The story follows the Demon Barber of Fleet Street as he seeks vengeance on the corrupt judge who destroyed his life. Along the way, he meets Mrs. Lovett and forms a macabre alliance that benefits both of them. Despite its gruesome subject matter, “Sweeney Todd” remains a beloved classic of musical theater, with its haunting score, complex characters and ingenious storytelling. Directed by Brock Butler.

“Disney’s Finding Nemo JR.” (youth musical, rated G), Jan. 18, 19, 20, 21, 2024. Marlin, a clownfish worrywart, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his son, Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. When Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin sets off on an epic search for his son. With the help of the lovable Dory, Crush and the Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. Adapted from the beloved Pixar movie, “Disney’s Finding Nemo JR.” features new music by the award-winning songwriting team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (musical comedy, rated PG 13), Feb. 23, 24, 25 and March 1, 2
, 2024. Six awkward, pubescent contestants vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime in this musical that has charmed audiences across the country. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their lives, the tweens spell their way through the competition, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing bell that signals an error — and their exit. Pairing comedic genius with a vibrant score, this bee also offers an unexpected element: audience participation. Directed by Kristen Kinder.

“K-ECT on the Air” (rated G), April 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 2024. 
In the spirit of previous Elkhart Civic Theatre radio play productions, “K-ECT on the Air” (working title) is an ECT original play, set and staged in a 1940s radio station, with radio personalities performing the roles within two separate stories. The specifics are currently under wraps, but the show will be in the style of old-time radio, with all the suspense plus a generous dose of humor. Directed by Dave Dufour.

“Clue” (comedy/mystery, rated PG), May 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 2024. 
Based on the iconic 1985 movie inspired by the classic board game, “Clue” is a hilarious murder-mystery farce. At a remote mansion, six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party (with murder and blackmail on the menu). When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Wadsworth (the butler) leads Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard in the race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. “Clue” will leave both cult-fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out who did it, where and with what! Directed by Demarée Dufour-Noneman.

In addition to its main stage shows, Elkhart Civic Theatre’s fall youth play will be “The Stinky Cheese Man, and Other Fairly Stupid Tales” (rated PG), Oct. 6, 7 and 8. Though the characters may be familiar, each of your favorite storybook fables is uproariously derailed in this adaptation of Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith’s quintessential children’s book of fractured fairy tales. Everything from “Chicken Little” to “The Gingerbread Man” gets a complete makeover. Fun music and witty narration accompany the likes of ineloquent giants, sassy barnyard animals, colossal cow pies and enough stinky cheese to go around. Directed by Annette Kaczanowski.

Elkhart Civic Theatre performs at the Bristol Opera House, 210 E. Vistula St., Bristol.

Season tickets and flex passes are currently on sale for the 2023-24 main stage season, and individual show tickets will be available starting Aug. 1, at elkhartcivictheatre.org/tix, or by calling the Elkhart Civic Theatre box office at (574) 848-4116 weekday afternoons. A season ticket order form can be downloaded at elkhartcivictheatre.org/2324. Season tickets are not available by phone or website.