Augusta’s Barn Theatre Gets Ready To Celebrate “70 Years of Magic!”

"Avenue Q", Disney's "Little Mermaid", "Guys and Dolls", and "Jesus Christ, Superstar" are lined up for the Barn Theatre's 70th Anniversary season celebration this summer.

The Barn Theatre is Michigan's oldest resident summer stock theatre company. Here's what coming to The Barn this summer and when:

Avenue Q

June 7 -12
A little bit naughty and a whole lot of fun, Avenue Q is the Tony Award-winning musical that boasts “full puppet nudity”. Part flesh, part felt and packed with heart, it’s kind of like Sesame Street meets South Park. Life may suck on Avenue Q, but for a bright-eyed college graduate named Princeton, this is his new neighborhood. A tiny bank balance and a bunch of weird and wonderful friends and neighbors lead Princeton on a hilarious journey of self-discovery. If you're looking for a refreshing dose of political incorrectness, don’t miss Avenue Q. (Adult Themes, Situations, and Language)

Buyer & Cellar

June 14-19
Did you know that Barbra Streisand has a mall in the basement of her Malibu mansion? Alex More does and he has a story to tell! Scott Burkell stars as Alex, a struggling L.A. actor who finds himself with the odd job as her resident shopkeeper. In this outrageous comedy, he’ll take you on a rollercoaster ride of fame and friendship at the outer reaches of American celebrity.

Guys and Dolls

June 21 – July 3
The dice are hot and the hijinks are high in this odds on favorite as Nathan Detroit bets fellow gambler Sky Masterson that he can't make the next girl he sees fall in love with him. When the next girl he sees happens to be a pure-at-heart Salvation Army-type reformer, Masterson has his work cut out for him and the stage is set for a hilarious evening of complications. The colorful characters and bright, brassy score, which includes Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat, Fugue For Tinhorns, Bushel and a Peck and Luck Be a Lady make Guys and Dolls a real winner for the whole family.

Jesus Christ Superstar

July 5 - 17
A rock opera for the ages, this ground-breaking work by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice examines the last days of Jesus Christ through a decidedly contemporary lens.  The zeal with which Christ’s followers are hailing him as the Son of God becomes a source of dismay to his disciple Judas Iscariot. Fearing that this tide of religious fervor will provoke brutal repression by the occupying Romans, Judas must make his fateful choice between faith and betrayal. The critically acclaimed score includes Heaven on Their Minds, I Don’t Know How to Love Him, What’s the Buzz, Herod’s Song, and Superstar.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

July 19 - 31
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for all ages.  Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above and bargains with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull, and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea. With its irresistible score, which includes Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl, and Part of Your World this fishy fable is sure to capture the hearts of young and old!

The Rocky Horror Show

August 2 - 14
Let’s do the Time Warp again! The Rocky Horror Show is back with delicious, gender-bending abandon!  One of the most popular shows we’ve ever produced, this all-new production promises a wickedly wayward evening that demands you check your old-fashioned assumptions at the door.  Complete with sweet alien transvestites, killer rock music and outrageous humor, you won’t want to miss this night at the Annual Transylvanian Convention! (Adult Themes, Situations, and Language)

Singing in the Rain

August 16 - 28
One of the greatest movie musicals of all time has been faithfully and lovingly adapted by Broadway legends Betty Comden and Adolph Green from their original award-winning screenplay. All of the unforgettable scenes, songs, and dances come thrillingly to life, including the show-stopping title number, complete with an onstage rainstorm! Hilarious situations, snappy dialogue, and a hit-parade score of Hollywood standards make Singin' in the Rain the perfect entertainment for any fan of the golden age of movie musicals.

Red, White and Tuna

August 30 – September 4
Laughter has never been so patriotic as when two of our favorite actors, Joe Aiello and Scott Burkell return to the Barn to create all of the lovable, eccentric and utterly hysterical characters living in Tuna, Texas. Dressed in their finest polyester ensembles, they prepare for the 4th of July Tuna High School Class reunion, setting the stage for a show full of fireworks and fun!
The Barn Theatre is on M-96 between Augusta and Galesburg. Shows are Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00pm and Sunday at 5pm.