Make Your Escape by Seeing a Play

You don't have to plan a trip to New York City or go into Boston to see a play. Community theaters in Reading and nearby Stoneham offer moms and dads alternative venues for a lot less money and free parking. 

1.The ., 55 Hopkins Street, is a volunteer-run community theater that has performed plays for more than 65  years. Housed in a 1900's historic red schoolhouse with capacity for 160 patrons, the Players host 5 full productions a year.  

You can now see The Woman in Black, a drama about tragic secrets that lie behind the shuttered windows of the Eel Marsh House. This chilling ghost story that opened last weekend is continuing April 1, 2, 3, 8, and 9. All shows except Sunday April 3(2pm) are at 8pm. Patrons can buy their tickets securely online or call the box office at 781-942-2212. Tickets are $18 for general admission and $17 seniors/students.

2.The , 395 Main Street, is a professionally produced regional theatre that has performed plays and musicals since 2001. It is housed in the old movie theater which opened in 1917 during the age of silent movies and closed in the 1970's.  

Abandoned for almost 25 years, the building has been revived and restored, keeping the integrity of the original design. There is a small art gallery in the front foyer which showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary artists and photographers.

Hosting 8 productions a year, the newest is The Rimers of Eldritch which opened last weekend. The play is a dark drama about a man on trial for murder, accused of shooting the local vagrant as he attacked a teenage girl, and the effect on the townspeople of Eldritch.

The production is being performed on Wednesday-Sunday, 7:30-9:15pm through April 10. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. The phone number is 781-279-7885. The price is $38-$44 regular admission, senior discounts apply, all student tickets $20.

Check out ArtsBoston Bostix website for half-price admission on specific performances at the Stoneham Theatre.