ICU | A Play That Is Also A Musical

Presented November 15, 2024

About the Show:
ICU is a new play written by Dan Costello. It’s also a musical. ICU is about two weeks in a family’s life when a father suddenly goes on life support. The play also explores moving from the city to the country, senior care in America, the medical profession, siblings, religion, and being a parent of young children while also being the child of aging parents. There’s a lot of fishing. And of course, it’s a love story. Did we mention it’s a musical? This performance is the world premiere staged reading of the new musical. Limited seating available.

Written by Dan Costello
Directed by Brittany Martel
Stage Managed by Melanie Magri

Featuring:
Noah Casner as JACOB “JAKEY” RUSSELL/THE NEPHROLOGIST
Tony Malikowski as HENRY RUSSELL
Carol Charniga as JOANIE RUSSELL
Raya Malcolm as NIKKI/NIGHT NURSE
Kevin Miner as DEVIN “DEV” RUSSELL/GARY THE NURSE
Jenna Wilkinson as ARROW/ALI/IRISH NURSE
Michelle Diamond* as CHANI/TAMMY/SURGEON
Dan Costello as DEVIN “DEV” RUSSELL/GARY THE NURSE

New Works Reading: Been Bad

Presented Friday, August 16, 2024

About the Show:
BEEN BAD follows Susan, a rugged woman who is deemed crazy. She grapples with love, loss, and her sense of self. What's the definition of crazy? Susan is pretty sure it's herself...

Celebrate new works by local authors in this $5 play reading series! 

Written by Sarah Zweighaft

New Works Reading: Moving On

Friday, June 21, 2024
7:30PM

About the Show:
Celebrate new works by local authors in this $5 play reading series! Here’s what the playwright has to say about the show: “Moving On examines how four families deal with a tragic event. Grief is defined as the anguish experienced after significant loss, usually the death of a beloved person. Grief often includes physiological distress, separation anxiety, confusion, yearning, obsessive dwelling on the past, and apprehension about the future. Moving On shows each family at different times of their grief over a five year period.”

Written by Jeremy Buechner
Directed by Em Hausmann

CAST:
Danny’s Dad (Michael): JJ Buechner
Danny’s Grandmother (Sandy): Melissa Putterman-Hoffmann
Pearl’s Mommy (Sam): Courtnie Harrington
Pearls Mom (Lucy): Katherine Danforth-Hayes
Tyler’s Mom: Hannah Hartman
Tyler’s Dad (John): Logan Haynes
Mrs. Ashby’s Husband (Tommy): Peter Bailey
Mrs. Ashby’s Daughter (Christine): Maghen Adair
Stage Directions: Margo Hatzel

Beethoven: Live In Concert

Presented April 19-21, 2024

About the Show:
Written by Al Budde Scholarship Recipient Jad Jacob of Niskayuna, NY, Beethoven: Live in Concert is a new original musical about the world’s first Rock Star: Ludwig van Beethoven. Bringing the famous composer to life on stage, the rock ‘n roll revolution of the 70’s takes center stage, as Beethoven transforms the world of classical music into an electrifying rock journey through his tumultuous life. From political revolution to family drama , this is the story of the man who defied fate and changed music forever. Starring Broadway Beltress Sarah Beth Pfeifer. Please note: This production contains adult language, loud noise, and flashing lights, and may not be suitable for all patrons.

Book, music and lyrics by Jad Jacob
Directed by: Em Hausmann
Music Directed by: Emily Rose
Choreographed by: Gabi Bazinet Douglas
Scenic Design by: Charles J.I. Krawczyk
Technical Direction (Lighting/Sound Design) by: John Norine Jr.
Rehearsal Music Supervisor: Michael Galleghar
Produced for Fort Salem Theater by Kyle West
Executive Producer: Ian McQueen

The BEETHOVEN band:
Conductor: Emily Rose Rivera
Keys 1: Sean Obach
Keys 2: Garrett Smelcer
Guitar: Tom Neeson
Bass: Gabe Gallagher
Drums: Robert Ackerman

Corn! The Musical

Presented July 7-8, 2023

About the Show:
Honoring the legacy of writer Al Budde, this benefit concert performance brings together Jay Kerr (Corn's songwriter and former Fort Salem Theater owner) and Kyle West (Fort Salem Theater's newest owner) along with members of the original FST Corn! The Musical cast for this one-weekend special event.

Corn! The Musical tells the story of the modern family farm, and the struggles of when a patriarch dies and the new generation has set its sights on living life far from the land. Written by two Salem transplants as a tribute to the Washington (NY) County farmers, this show is a “call-to-farms” for all of America.

Book by Al Budde
Songs by Jay Kerr
Directed by Jay Kerr and Kyle West

Freemont | A New Play Reading

Presented Saturday, April 29, 2023

“Is there life after death?”

Written by: Phoenix Pedroso
Directed by: Sarabell Wrigley

Featuring:
Lezlie Dana as Elizabeth
Jared West as Martin
Luke McGee as Justin
Emily Jenkins as Hailey
Digby Baker-Porazinski as The Petitioner, The Venetian Gondolier, The Doctor

Presented July 23-24, 2022

About the Show:
Four old friends meet at a cabin in the woods and are forced to face that they've grown up and apart; eventually they literally summon the ghosts of their past selves in order to build a future.

Music and lyrics by:
Maggie Marie Rodgers
Book by:
SMJ
Developed by:
Maggie Marie Rodgers, Rebecca Wahls, & SMJ
Additional music and orchestrations by:
Annabelle Lee Revak

Directed by:
Rebecca Wahls
Music directed by:
Matthew Zwiebel
Dramaturgy by:
Juju Nieto

Presented Saturday, August 21 at 7 PM

Presented by Kimerer LaMothe | Hosted by Fort Salem Theater

Book, Lyrics, Music by Kimerer LaMothe
Music by Geoffrey Gee
Directed by Kyra Gee

About the show:

Nietzsche!, a brand new musical, reveals the hidden heart of one of the most influential philosophers in modern times — Friedrich Nietzsche. While many have heard his name, few know about the tangled, passionate relationships that shaped his work and his legacy. This musical unfolds as a series of flashbacks that occur in the midst of an argument between two women: Lou Salomé, Nietzsche’s love interest, and Elisabeth, his anti-Semitic sister. What happens between them will determine the fate of Nietzsche’s greatest teaching: a radical love for life on earth.

Nietzsche! is making its first public appearance in the form of a staged reading — a streamlined production without sets, lights, or choreography — followed by an opportunity for audience members to talk with the cast and creative team. Come be a part of this new life-affirming project!