One of the first lyrics in our first show of 2011 is “Prepare ye ...” And that’s appropriate, because you’ll need to prepare yourself for one of our best seasons yet.

Written by Stephen Schwartz (most recently known for his smash hit Wicked), the musical Godspell is one of the biggest off-Broadway successes in theatre history and we’re excited to welcome it to the Newton stage. An ensemble of 10 will enact the New Testament Gospels in a rich series of parables, using song and dance, comedic energy and awed reverence to portray an array of familiar Biblical tales, including Lazarus, the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son.

Our season will then move us from expressions of faith to introspection on reason in Proof. Winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and 2001 Tony Award for Best Play, the story is that of Catherine and her late father, who was both mentally ill and a mathematical genius. Catherine struggles with the heritage her father left behind – paradigms and prime numbers, madness and meaning – while seeking her own path to the future.

Did you know that murder by poison can be hilarious? It is in the case of Arsenic and Old Lace, the black comedy that will invite you over for a nightcap in October. Mortimer Brewster – a role made famous on film by Cary Grant – initially thinks his biggest problem is whether or not to get married. But that’s nothing when he learns that his brother is crazy, another relative is crazier yet and his aunts ... well, you’re unlikely to meet a sweeter pair of psychopaths! The cast won’t just tickle your funny bones – they might bury them in their basement, too!

Our final show of the year will also be the start of the biggest milestone in the history of Newton Community Theatre. We will celebrate our 50th year in 2012 and, to do so, we will bring our legacy to life by staging one production from each of our five decades. Since we do only four shows a year, that means we’ll have to get started early! Our final show of 2011 and first show of our anniversary celebration will be The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which was last performed in both 1991 and 1997.

If Santa had only six spots on his “naughty” list, they would all be reserved for the delinquent Herdman children. They lie, steal, hit and swear, and they only wind up at church because they’ve heard snacks are available. When they get cast in the annual Christmas play, many of the parishioners fear that “ho ho ho” will turn into “horrid, horrendous and horrifying.” But the Herdman kids just might learn a valuable lesson this holiday season ... and teach one, too.

For 50 years, we’ve been delighted to entertain you. Whether you’ve been with us for the entire ride or are just getting started, we appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you in 2011 ... and beyond!

Click below for a 2011 season ticket order form: