

Spring 2022 Appeal!
Oddfellows Playhouse celebrates 47 Years!!
Hello Friends!
Spring is here and we couldn’t be happier! Life is getting closer to “normal” again and we are so grateful to be able to provide all the learning, performing and community-building activities that people have come to expect from Oddfellows over the past 47 years!
This past year has been a treat and a challenge for all of us, as we emerge from two crazy years and do our best to provide full programming - and expand programs - in ways that feel safe, responsible and inclusive.
The 21-22 season just keeps getting better as it goes, from a raucous A Midsummer Night’s Dream in November, the roll out/revival of an expanded Oddbridge After-School Program, new Neighborhood Troupes at Maplewood Terrace and Traverse Square, to one of our most ambitious productions in recent years - The Greeks - coming with the Teen Repertory Company May 19 - 28.
And here are just some of the highlights of 2022 so far:
The New Plays Festival was back in person on February 12, engaging 20 adults and teens in staging plays created by members of Kristen Palmer’s Writing Plays class.
The Things That Go Creep, the latest original circus-theater creation by Circophony Teen Circus, packed the house for 4 shows in March, combining comedy and horror in a timely homage to classic film and a pandemic.
Alice in Wonderland marked the return of Junior Rep live performances, running March 17-20. Another sold out weekend! The cast of 16 middle schoolers brought the classic story to life in a fresh take directed by Program Manager Dan Schmidt.
Winter & Spring Classes have energized the halls of our building with 15 classes offered six days per week for ages 3 - 20, plus weekly classes for clients of MARC Community Services, Neighborhood Troupes at Traverse Square and Maplewood Terrace, and outreach programs at local schools. We see about 200 kids every week!
The Myth Of Persephone, a dual language (spoken English and American Sign Language) production by Grumbling Gryphons Children’s Theater, will offer a guest performance on May 1 and provide kids ages 10 -14 the opportunity to perform alongside professionals.
Maplewood Terrace Theater Troupe will present an original Murder Mystery May 6 & 7!
The Greeks, a distillation of two Euripides Tragedies about the Trojan War, will be performed May 19th-28th by the 21 members of our Teen Repertory Company. This dark and powerful piece is providing a creative vessel for the real grief which so many young people are now managing, and promises to be an event not to be missed.
Extended Oddbridge will provide after-school care and arts opportunities to local kids through June 16.
The 34th Annual Children’s Circus of Middletown is back at Macdonough School! Registration is open at City Hall. Spaces are filling up rapidly! Runs July 5 - August 5 for ages 5 - 15.
Sending truckloads of gratitude to all of you who have supported us through the last two years! It would not be possible without you, especially as the costs of operating have increased significantly over the past two years.
PLEASE, reach into your pockets again this year to help close out our fiscal year with a bang!
Warmly,
Dic, Liz, Cookie, Dan & Sage