Nonprofit performance group to offer season subscriptions for first time
Robb Bessey, artistic director of the West Bend Theatre Company, announced the company’s 2022-23 season May 25 at the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Business After Hours” at the West Bend Masonic Center.
“This is the first time we have announced a true theatre season,” Bessey said, “and we’re happy to be able to offer a subscription season going on sale in July.”
Tickets for all shows, including the season subscriptions, will go on sale at a later date. The performance dates will also be announced this summer.
To start the season, in October, is the production of “CLUE on Stage,” an interactive theatrical event. Based on the cult 1985 Paramount movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro boardgame, this farce-meets murder-mystery is an absolute delight for audiences of all ages. “CLUE on Stage” will be performed at the UWM Theatre on the Hill.
The classic retelling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” returns to the West Bend Masonic Center for the 13th time in December. The now annual production of Dickens’ timeless classic brings out fabulous costumes, music and the spirits of Christmas to attendees.
“We’re sure you’ll enjoy this holiday classic in the Masonic Center, an intimate theatre space in which if you’re in the ‘worst’ seats there’s only four rows between you and the actors,” Bessey said. “It will touch your heart as it has thousands of West Bend audience members over the years. We encourage you to bring the whole family.”
In March 2023, the old Irish shenanigans gets a reboot with “Flanagan’s Wake.” In 2020, the production was cut short because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We never had the chance to complete our run of this show,” said Bessey, who starred in the production. “Audiences told us they loved it - every night. As we looked at 2023, there was room for us to laugh a little more, so we’re re-booting this fun, never-the same-any-night-you-see-it show. It features improv comedy, song, dance - and beer.”
Finally, in Spring 2023, UWM Theatre on the Hill will be the host with the production of “Calendar Girls.” This is the story of women baring it all for charity, based on the true story of a ladies group in Yorkshire, England.
“You’ll find this a heartwarming tale,” Bessey said. “The film featured notable actors Hellen Mirren and Julie Walters. We’re partnering with Chix for a Cause as a local cancer charity to make this into another really good cause for the community to support. We hope to have our very own ‘Calendar Girls’ calendar on sale as part of this show.”
Founded in 2010, incorporated in 2017, the West Bend Theatre Company is a non-profit theater entity, presenting live theater.
For more information about the West Bend Theatre Company, as well as upcoming shows, visit our website: www.westbendtheatreco.com. Be sure to also follow us on Facebook (@wbtheatreco), Twitter (@WB_Theatre_Co) and Instagram (@westbendtheatrecompany).