Fauquier Community Theatre presents the Tony award-winning musical Side by Side by Sondheim on Fridays and weekends from April 29 - May 15, 2022. Stephen Sondheim learned to play the piano by ear at age four and then went on to be "theater’s most revered and influential composer-lyricist of the last half of the 20th century and the driving force behind some of Broadway’s most beloved and celebrated shows." - New York Times

Sondheim passed away in November 2021 at the age of 91. The Side by Side by Sondheim musical revue celebrates the wit and genius of musical theatre's most influential artist. Get ready to laugh, cry and fall in love with lyrics and music that captures the soaring emotions in this Tony Award-winning musical. Stephen Sondheim has been the leading composer of musical theatre for 60 years. His work is timeless.

The revue contains some of the most lush, unforgettable songs from this musical theatre master and presented in one magical evening. This dazzling array of some of Sondheim's best-known songs demonstrates his masterful craft and astounding creativity. Also included are the classics written with musical theatre giants Leonard Bernstein, Jule Styne and Richard Rodgers.

Fauquier Community Theatre's production of Side by Side by Sondheim is directed by Steve McBride, Jr. who says, "The genius of Sondheim is that of a timeless art; always relevant and ever telling a story. Working on this production is a great honor and pleasure. The talented actors bring to life the lyrics, melodies, emotions, and stories so beautifully articulated by Sondheim. With every phrase, this show promises to bring a laugh, a tear, a memory, or a smile to each person in the theatre."

Artistic Committee Chairperson Sheryl Solow agrees and remarks, "Your cast of talented vocalists seems to be having a great time as they rehearse. The movement configuration of the cast as they sing is eye-catching. There is no doubt that your musical background and experience as a director have brought a new level of quality to this production and FCT."

The choreography referred to by Solow is by Danica Taylor Shook who brings the musical numbers to a thematic match of entertainment that audiences will be sure to enjoy.

Cheryl Bolt

Patrick Mulhern

Abbey Smith

Kate Clark

Larry Finkel

Andrew Morin

Danica Taylor Shook

Elizabeth Steimel

Rachelle White

FCT's production of Side by Side by Sondheim is by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Performances will take place on Fridays and weekends between April 29 - May 15, 2022 at the Vint Hill Theater on the Green located at 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton, VA. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees take place at 2:00 pm. All tickets are for reserved seating. Reserve your favorite seating choices today at www.FCTstage.org.

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Roald Dahl's fantastical tale is of a boy, his insect friends and their amazing journey across the ocean on a giant piece of fruit! Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach is now a musical for the whole family to enjoy! Featuring a wickedly tuneful score by the Tony Award-nominated team of Pasek and Paul (Dogfight and A Christmas Story the Musical) and a curiously quirky book by Timothy Allen McDonald (Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley), critics rave: James and the Giant Peach is a "masterpeach!"

When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that results in a tremendous peach... and launches a journey of enormous proportions. Suddenly, James finds himself in the center of the gigantic peach, among human-sized insects with equally oversized personalities, but after it falls from the tree and rolls into the ocean, the group faces hunger, sharks and plenty of disagreements. Thanks to James' quick wit and creative thinking, the residents learn to live and work together as a family. The dangerous voyage is a success, but the adventure takes a whole new twist once they land on the Empire State Building.

FCT's artistic production team for Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach includes Director Jack Tessier, Music Director Carolyn Karcher, Choreographer/Assistant Director Gabrielle Buonocore, and Stage Manager Esther Wells. Stephen Hyland is the producer. There are 22 youth cast in the show.

Tessier enthusiastically remarked, "I am directing this youth show because I love youth theatre. I got my start in FCT’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr, and I want to give other kids a great opportunity to shine in their youth. I have always loved the James and the Giant Peach book and film, just like I love all of Roald Dahl’s work. I’m a big fan and advocate for the whimsical, fantastical, and childlike wonder that exists in James and the Giant Peach. This show will also give great opportunities to many young performers to show off their talents and become larger than life characters."

The show sponsor is XS Telecom - Voice and Data specialists. Performances for Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach will be performed on June 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19 at the Vint Hill Theatre on the Green located at 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton, VA. Friday and Saturday performances take place at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees are at 2:00 pm (except for Fathers Day, June 19 which will be at 1:00 pm.) Tickets for reserved seating are available online at www.FCTstage.org or by calling 540-349-8760.

FCT's production of Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI).

Yes, Mamma Mia! Will Open FCT's 2022 - 2023 Season!

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Fauquier Community Theatre's Summer Musical Theatre camp takes place July 11 - 15 and July 18 - 22, with performances of Willy Wonka JR. on Friday, July 22 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, July 23 at 2:00 pm. The director of the summer camp is Jeff Walker who has directed over 40 productions and is a high school drama teacher. The location of the musical theatre camp is Fauquier Community Theatre located at 4225 Aiken Drive, Warrenton, VA. For more information and to register click on FCT Summer Camp.

Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir is a golden ticket to adventure. The delicious adventures of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film, in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR. is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone's sweet tooth.

Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR. follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences.

Walker is a teacher of theatre arts at Edison High School in Fairfax County. Having taught at both the middle school and high school level, he brings best practices to his classroom to illuminate the theatre arts for his students. He previously served Culpeper County Public Schools as the Division Fine Arts Coordinator as well as working as a teacher for CCPS for 15 years.

Walker's wife, Doray will be the music director for the summer camp. Doray comes from a rich background of music. She holds a Bachelor in Music Education and in Music Therapy and a Master in Music Education from Shenandoah University. Working as the Choir Director for Culpeper County High School, she has led many groups of students to receive numerous awards.

FCT's production of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI),

For the past 13 years, Hope Christian Fellowship has produced its summer drama camp for high school and college students. Hope recently launched Hope Theater as a nonprofit program. FCT welcomes Hope Theater to the neighborhood and wishes it success for its first full traditional theatrical performance with a contemporary version of Godspell. Remaining performances are April 1, 3, 8, 9, and 10. Fridays and Saturdays are at 7:00 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm, with an additional Saturday matinee on April 9 at 2:00 pm. Break a leg!

Business sponsors and partnerships help us all build a better and more resourceful community. Fauquier Community Theatre sponsorships can be started at any time throughout the year. Whether as a new sponsor, or a returning one, it is easy to add your sponsorship. For more information and to see the list of sponsors, click on COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS. Please frequent the businesses of these generous sponsors, many have online services. Have your business front and center in the community with FCT. Questions? Email [email protected] or call FCT's executive director Debra Smyers at 540-349-8760.