“Death by Chocolate” February 23, 24. March 1, 2 & 3
Members of the newly renovated Meadowbrook Health Resort are dropping like flies, including famed chef Edith Chiles! On the eve of the grand re-opening, this is not the best advertisement. It’s up to John Stone, the manager, to find the cause and the murderer. Written by Paul Freed. Directed by Mikey Dearn. Adult Cast.

“Off She Goes” May 3, 4, 5, 10 & 11
After saying goodbye to her husband of 60 years, Nellie moves into an assisted living community - assuming she’ll just mark time until her own time comes. But fate has other plans for her when she meets her new roommate, Selina - a fellow British war bride with whom she shares a surprising connection. As Nellie flashes back to the pivotal moments of her life - the two women form a friendship and come to realize that while they may never have gone home again, maybe home has come back to them. Written by Ed Humphries. Directed by Ed Humphries. Adult Cast.

“Spreading it Around” September 27, 28. October 4, 5 & 6
Angela Drayton, a wealthy widow living in an up-scale retirement community, is tired of handing out money to her unappreciative children. So she starts the “S.I.N. (Spending It Now) Foundation,” to give to those truly in need. This terrifies her greedy son, driving him to devise a plan to have her committed. Written by Londos J. D’Arrigo. Directed by Sue Adams. Adult Cast.

“Alice @ Wonderland” December 6, 7 & 8
What would happen if a 21st century Alice collided with Lewis Carroll’s legendary Wonderland? This modern retelling of the classic children’s story has all of the characters you know and love, including the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, and the Queen of Hearts. The story is laid out in traditional style, except that Alice is distinctly contemporary, complete with cell phone in hand. Full of references to text messaging and social media, the play imagines a present-day Alice encountering the Wonderland so many of us treasure. Written by Jonathan Yukich. Directed by Lou-Ellen Corkum. Adult and Youth Cast. This program is supported by a grant from the Southbridge Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Dear Friend,

Each Spring, Gateway Players Theatre runs a Sustaining Member Drive. It is through your contributions that we are able to perform a full season of community theater shows and other events. As a thank you for your sustaining member donation we are pleased to offer complimentary tickets to an upcoming Gateway production and your name will appear in all Gateway Players show programs. This form can be completed and mailed to Gateway Players PO Box 171 Southbridge, Ma 01550 or given to any board member.

Have you ever thought about joining a community theater? You probably think, “I can’t be an actor, I couldn’t stand on stage and see all the people looking at me”. There are so many other volunteer opportunities available! If you are artistic, we always need people to build and/or decorate our sets. If you like to bargain hunt, we need people to help with costumes and props. Creative? We can teach you how to direct your own show. Organized – you could produce, or stage manage a show. If you are a technical person, we need people to run lights and sound for each of our shows. Have I sparked your interest? If so, please get in touch with me or any member of our board for more information.

We invite you to enjoy live theater with us again in 2024. Our performances include: Death by Chocolate in February/March, Off She Goes in May, Escape to Margaritaville in August, Spreading It Around in September/October and Alice @ Wonderland in December. Follow us on Facebook or visit our website for more information.

Over the past 48 years, we have been a part of the Southbridge community, producing many comedy, dramatic, youth, mystery, and musical productions. It has given countless number of people the opportunity to explore and develop their interests and talents. We are proud of our history and look forward to many more years. The Gateway Players Theatre Board of Directors appreciate your ongoing support and invite you to come along with us, as Thornton Wilder says, on our artistic journey to sense what it is to be human.

Sincerely,
Lou-Ellen Corkum
Lou-Ellen Corkum- President, Gateway Players

What good is sitting alone In your room?
Come hear the music play.
Life is a cabaret, old chum,
Come to the cabaret.
-"Cabaret," from Cabaret