The Potomac Playmakers proudly announce the historic 100th Anniversary Season! As one of the longest continuously active community theatre organizations in the country, this season is a time for celebration, and the season’s productions reflect this monumental occasion!
“Come From Away,” Music, book, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein – “Come From Away” is licensed by Music Theatre, International. Based on the true story of the time the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland played host to the world, “Come From Away” tells the compelling story of how for five days in 2001 the small town played host to over 7,000 displaced airline passengers in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. What develops over that time is the fostering of unexpected friendships, compassion, and resilience amidst global fear. “Come From Away” will be directed by Cathy James with Susan Kleit, with music direction by Janet Palmer. Performances are September 11-13, 2026 and September 18-20, 2026 in commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
“Rocky Horror Picture Show” – The Potomac Playmakers’ annual Halloween tradition of screening the classic cult movie with a Shadow Cast performance returns October 30 and October 31, 2026, with direction by Caitlin Cutright.
“The Importance Of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde – Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois, Oscar Wilde’s classic is a delight from the first cucumber sandwich on as Jack’s double life catches up with him. The problems are resolved in an extremely charming and quite unexpected way as Jack and Algernon discover the importance of being earnest while answering to the name of Ernest. Directed by Ali Baughman, auditions will be held on September 21 & 22, 2026, with performances on December 4-6 and December 11-13, 2026.
“Hamlet” by William Shakespeare – The Potomac Playmakers annual Shakespeare production returns with the classic “Hamlet.” “Hamlet” is a tragedy detailing Prince Hamlet’s quest to avenge his father’s murder by his uncle, Claudius, who usurped the throne and married Hamlet’s mother. Hamlet struggles with inaction, feigns madness, and mistakenly kills Polonius, leading to a fatal, duel-filled conclusion that kills most of the main characters. Directed by Caitlin Cutright, auditions for “Hamlet” will be held on September 14 & 15, 2026, with performances on January 15-17, 2027.
“Into the Woods” – Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by James Lapine. Presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International, “Into the Woods” is one of Sondheim’s most popular works, taking everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bringing them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece. The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results. Directed by Susan Kleit with Music Direction by David Loy, auditions will be held on December 7 & 8, 2026, with performances on March 5-7 and March 12-14, 2027.
“Clue” – Written by Sandy Rustin, based on the Screenplay by Jonathan Lynn with additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price, and based on the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture and Hasbro Board Game Clue, Original Music by Michael Holland. It’s a dark and stormy night, and our cast of oddball characters has been invited to a very unusual dinner party. Each of the guests has an alias, the butler offers a variety of weapons, and the host is, well, dead. So, whodunit? Join the iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock and Mustard as they race to find the murderer in Boddy Manor before the body count stacks up. Based on the cult classic film and the popular board game, Clue is a madcap comedy that will keep you guessing until the final twist. Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc., “Clue” will be directed by Jim Zuna. Auditions for “Clue” will be held on March 8 & 9, 2027, with performances on June 4-6 and June 11-13, 2027.
All auditions and performances will be held at The Potomac Playmakers Performing Arts Center, located at 17303 W. Washington Street, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740. Tickets for the full 2026-2027 season will be available on May 15, 2026, and may be purchased online.
