Chimpanzees are coming for tea if Vincent has anything to say about it! 

Jo Empson, author of “Chimpanzees for Tea” has given special permission to PLAYtime to create a fun musical inspired by this beloved children’s Imagination Library story.

The show is a fantastical story of a young boy who gets lost in his imagination on his way to run a simple errand for mom!  And who knows…maybe even some of our audience will join us for tea, LIVE onstage!

And the best thing is all of these performances are FREE!

PLAYtime is made possible with the generous support of Erie Insurance, the United Way, PNC Bank, and American Tinning and Galvanizing.

For more information on PLAYtime, its programming and how you can be a part of building literacy in the community one story at a time, contact PLAYtime coordinator Trisha Yates at [email protected].

School time performances:  SOLD OUT!

Friday, April 28th:
9:30am
10:45am
12:00pm

Family Performances:
Saturday, April 29th
10:00am
12:00pm
Sunday, April 30th
2:00pm

Erie Playhouse Names New Executive Director

The Erie Playhouse's board of directors has named Zach Flock as the new executive director.

Flock studied at Gannon University and spent more than two decades as part of Erie's theater community.  He has served on the board of the Erie Playhouse and directed for Gannon’s Shakespeare Summer Nights. Flock and several artists also founded DRAMASHOP in 2011 to provide theatrical experiences for the Erie community, producing 11 seasons.

Flock currently lives in New Stanton, Pa., and most recently worked as the director of marketing and communications for Saint Vincent College in Latrobe.

Note From The Artistic Director

It is an exciting month here at the Playhouse.  First, we are preparing for our upcoming Playtime  production of CHIMPANZEES FOR TEA. This charming book by Jo Epsom will be getting its onstage world premier right here at the Erie Playhouse, under the skillful hand of Playtime Coordinator Trisha Yates. Thanks to the wonderful support of Erie Insurance, the United Way, PNC Bank, and American Tinning and Galvanizing we are able to offer this production free of charge and there will be fun literacy activities with free books after.  

Our Box Office is really hopping as tickets for FINDING NEMO JR. just went on sale.  In our cast, we have an amazing group of 34 young thespians ranging in ages from  5 to 14.  Our costume department is busy creating the array of underwater sea creatures as our scenic department works their magic with pool noodles and spray foam to give us the big blue world of Finding Nemo Jr.

If you drive past our rehearsal hall at night you can hear the strains of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons as our cast is hard at work on JERSEY BOYS.  Under the musical direction of Devon Yates, the cast will be spending 4 weeks just learning the intricate vocals of this show.  And I can tell you I got chills when they first sang ‘Who Loves You’.  Tickets go on sale May 16th, but if you purchase a traditional season ticket you can get your seats now! And if you purchase an Open Card you can get your seats a week before they go on sale. 

I hope to see you at the Playhouse!
Richard Davis

Artistic Director

On Sale Now!

DISNEY’s Finding Nemo Jr.

This musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo springs to life on the Playhouse stage. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. 

With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. Join us in this vibrant underwater world in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure.

Upcoming Shows:
May 12, 2023 7:00 pm
May 13, 2023 2:00 pm
May 13, 2023 7:00 pm
May 14, 2023 2:00 pm (sensory friendly)
May 19, 2023 7:00 pm
May 20, 2023 2:00 pm
May 20, 2023 7:00 pm
May 21, 2023 2:00 pm
[Buy Tickets]: https://www.erieplayhouse.org/events/disneys-finding-nemo-jr/ 

Mark You Calendar

Tickets Go On Sale May 16th!

Upcoming Auditions

It’s the BEST DAY EVER…to come audition!

We are excited to announce that auditions for the Erie Playhouse production of SpongeBob SquarePants The Musical will be held on May 28 and 30 at 6:30 at the Erie Playhouse Rehearsal Hall at 1158 East 12th Street. 

The Erie Playhouse practices Color Conscious casting. All ethnicities and newcomers are especially welcomed. All roles are available. Actors are asked to arrive and to sign in within the first hour of the audition start time. All who are eligible for vaccinations will be required to provide your vaccination card for proof of vaccination at auditions. 

Questions? Please visit erieplayhouse.org/auditions or contact [email protected] 

Youtheatre Summer Camp

Youtheatre camp for five to fifteen-year olds will offer new and exciting workshops  in a safe environment that will cover all aspects of theatre to challenge our campers and help them discover their true calling!  

[Learn More] https://erieplayhouse.coursestorm.com/category/camps 

Click Here to view the Erie Playhouse In The Wings Newsletter - April 2023.