Engle Lane in Streator announces theater troupe’s 2024 lineup of shows

Community Players of Streator, Inc. announced its 2024 season, featuring two area premieres and a series of five Broadway musicals.

The upcoming season features some highly acclaimed works, each with a multitude of Tony nominations and awards.

The season opens in May with the area premiere of the musical comedy “Grumpy Old Men,” directed by Kathy Hepner. Based on the 1993 film, this stage adaptation captures the lovable, crotchety characters through twinkling humor, songs and the affectionate depiction of small-town life that feels like home to everyone. Performance dates will be May 19 and 21-24.

Darcy Mollo will direct the youth musical “Matilda Jr.” in June. The full production of “Matilda” won four Tony awards, and tells the story of a young girl who dreams of a better life. It’s packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs; children and adults alike will root for the children who are out to teach the grownups a lesson in this endearing story of a little girl with an extraordinary imagination. Performances will be June 16 and 18-21.

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will return to the Engle Lane stage in July, directed by Mark Fulkerson, who helmed “The Ark” at the theater in 2023. One of the most enduring shows of all time, it is a reimagining of the biblical story of Joseph, his father, Jacob, 11 brothers and the coat of many colors. The musical is full of catchy songs, including the classics “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door,” and is appropriate for audiences of all ages. Performance dates will be July 14 and 16-19.

Disney’s “Newsies” takes the stage Aug. 11 and 13-16, directed by Samantha Farb. The winner of two Tony awards on Broadway, “Newsies” is based on the 1992 motion picture inspired by a true story. Set in turn-of-the-last-century New York City, “Newsies” is brimming with thrills and a message for the whole family.

Ellen Marincic will direct the comedy “Four Old Broads” in its area premiere in September. The play is the story of Beatrice Shelton, who desperately needs a vacation if she can just convince her best friend Eaddy Mae Clayton to go with her. Unfortunately, things have not been pleasant at the assisted-living facility. One friend is losing her memory and another is obsessed with her favorite soap opera and planning her own funeral. A mystery unfolds as the gals try to figure out what is going on, because if they can solve the mystery, they might make it to the cruise ship for a vacation after all. Performances will be Sept. 8 and 10-13.

The season concludes with Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein,” scheduled Oct. 6 and 8-11. The winner of three Tony awards on Broadway, the witty comedy musical has delighted audiences with all the panache of the screen sensation, along with a little bit of extra theatrical flair added for the stage. “Young Frankenstein” promises to be “monstrously good entertainment,” and will be directed by Nik Frig.

Season ticket packages start at $70 for all six productions, which represents a 45% savings off individual general admission ticket prices. You may call the box office at 815-672-3584 and leave a message to reserve season tickets. For more information about Community Players of Streator, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3), visit englelane.org or follow its Facebook page at “Engle Lane Theatre.”