DEC 8 – Present Laughter

Steve Pearson on November 22, 2024

Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 3:00 pm

National Theatre Live – On Screen

Shepherdstown Opera House and the Contemporary American Theater Festival join forces to present the next best thing to live theater in Shepherdstown. From the UK’s National Theatre, filmed live at The Old Vic in London, see the best of British theater right here in Shepherdstown!

Present Laughter

by Noël Coward

The multi award-winning production of Noël Coward’s provocative comedy featuring Andrew Scott (Vanya, Fleabag) returns to the big screen.

As he prepares to embark on an overseas tour, star actor Garry Essendine’s colourful life is in danger of spiraling out of control. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching.

Filmed live from The Old Vic in London during a sold out run in 2019, Matthew Warchus (Matilda the Musical) directs this giddy and surprisingly modern reflection on fame, desire and loneliness. 

Run time: 163 minutes with 15 minute intermission.

Recommended for ages 12+ (PG-13)

TICKETS

Tickets: $18 standard, $15 senior/student (general admission, seated). Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Seating in the historic Shepherdstown Opera House is limited, advance purchase encouraged. Beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks for sale during the performance (ID required for beer & wine). No outside food or drinks please. Lobby, theater & restroom are wheelchair accessible.

NOV 10 – VANYA

Shepherdstown Opera House on September 1, 2024

Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 3:00 pm

National Theatre Live – On Screen

Shepherdstown Opera House and the Contemporary American Theater Festival join forces to present the next best thing to live theater in Shepherdstown. From the UK’s National Theatre, filmed live in London’s West End, see the best of British theater right here in Shepherdstown!

Vanya

Adapted by Simon Stephens, after Anton Chekhov;  Directed by Sam Yates; Designed by Rosanna Vize

Hopes, dreams, and regrets are thrust into sharp focus in Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya. The play was first produced in 1899, but the story remains fresh today. The setting is a family’s rural estate. The “family” consists of an elderly professor (Alexander), his younger second wife (Yelena), his daughter Sonya from his prior marriage, his brother-in-law Vanya (uncle to Sonya), his mother-in-law Maria (mother to Vanya), Astrov the local doctor, and Telegin, a former landowner now reduced to a laborer on the estate. Alexander and Yelena live in the city, Vanya and Sonya have poured their hearts into keeping the country estate going. Alexander’s announcement that he intends to sell the state triggers a swirl of emotion and exposes long hidden desires.

This radical adaptation by Simon Stephens stars Andrew Scott (Fleabag) who brings all of these characters to life in a one-man show.

Filmed live during its sold-out run in London’s West End, Vanya will be playing exclusively in cinemas in 2024.  

Run time: 110 with no intermission

Recommended for ages 12+ (PG-13)

Tickets: $18 standard, $15 senior/student (general admission, seated). Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Seating in the historic Shepherdstown Opera House is limited, advance purchase encouraged. Beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks for sale during the performance (ID required for beer & wine purchase). Lobby, theater & restroom are wheelchair accessible.

TICKETS