In downtown Frederick, Md., the Maryland Ensemble Theatre prepares for its final performance of "Dusty and the Big Bad World," which wraps up Saturday, Oct. 10.
"Dusty" is a modern political satire centered around "the kid with two daddies," said Tad Janes, producing artistic director of the black-box theater. The show is based on the playwright's real-life experience writing for a PBS kid's show, "Postcards from Buster."
Janes said people who walk into the theater with opposing views on homosexuality or the extent to which religion ought play a role in government, end up empathizing with a character they might not otherwise embrace.
"In a perfect world, art is going to make us see ... things we aren't accustomed to seeing," Janes said.
Here's a list of shows on stage in October.
Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater,
44 N. Potomac St., downtown Hagerstown
"Godspell." 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 30, with a 1 p.m. Sunday matinee Oct. 11, and 6 p.m. Thursday shows Oct. 15 and 29.
Contact: www.washingtoncountyplayhouse.com or call 301-739-7469
Maryland Ensemble Theatre,
31 W. Patrick St., downtown Frederick, Md.
"Dusty and the Big Bad World." 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 10, with 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday shows Oct. 4.
Contact: www.marylandensemble.org or call 301-694-4744
Full Circle Theater Company,
113 S. Princess St., downtown Shepherdstown, W.Va.
"The Turn of the Screw." Opens 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, and continues Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 25. Friday and Saturday shows 8 p.m.; Sunday shows at 2:30 p.m.
Contact: www.fullcircletheaterco.org or call 304-268-7798.
Apollo Civic Theatre,
128 E. Martin St., downtown Martinsburg, W.Va.
"Apollo Civic Haunted Theatre." Opens Saturday Oct. 17, and continues Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 31. Hours are 6 to 11 p.m.
Contact: www.apollo-theatre.org or call 304-263-6766
The Potomac Playmakers,
58 E. Washington St., downtown Hagerstown
"The Lottery" and "The Summer People." 8 p.m. Friday Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24.
Contact: www.potomacplaymakers.com or call 301-797-8182
Old Opera House,
204 N. George St., downtown Charles Town, W.Va.
"Doubt: A Parable." Opens 8 p.m. Friday Oct. 23. Continues Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through Sunday, Nov. 1. Friday and Saturday shows, 8 p.m. Sunday shows, 2:30 p.m.
Contact: www.oldoperahouse.org or call 304-725-4420
Chambersburg Community Theatre,
159 S. Main St., downtown Chambersburg, Pa.
"Rehearsal for Murder." Opens Friday Nov. 6. Continues Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 15, with a Thursday, Nov. 12 show.
Contact: www.cctonline.org or call 717-263-3900
