SPARKLING HIGH SOCIETY COMEDY

My Man Godfrey

January 21 - February 27, 2027

by Eric K. Hatch

Directed by Van Rockwell

A sparkling, high-society satirical comedy MY MAN GODFREY serves as a hilarious critique of class, wealth, and the resilience of the human spirit during the Great Depression. When the dizzyingly wealthy, utterly chaotic Bullock family recruits a "forgotten man" from a city dump for a society scavenger hunt, they think they are winning a game. Instead, they hire Godfrey as their new butler. As Godfrey navigates the family's hilarious antics and the romantic advances of the unpredictable Irene, he secretly plots a masterpiece of poetic justice. Don't miss this beloved, fast-talking American classic that proves true nobility isn't born—it's hired! “The difference between a man and a bum is a job.” ~ Godfrey

A LOVE LETTER TO THE GOLDEN AGE OF BROADWAY

The Drowsy Chaperone

March 18 - May 1, 2027

Music & Lyrics by Lisa Lamber & Greg Morrison | Book by Bob Martin & Don McKellar

Director To Be Announced

The musical THE DROWSY CHAPERONE is a masterful, Tony Award-winning musical comedy that acts as a hilarious love letter to the Golden Age of Broadway. When a die-hard theater fan plays his favorite rare 1928 vinyl record, the fictional musical The Drowsy Chaperone bursts to life right inside his living room. What follows is an evening of pure, unadulterated theatrical joy, packed with glamorous starlets, dashing grooms, bumbling gangsters, and one incredibly tipsy chaperone. With non-stop laughs, it's a witty, fast-paced parody that pokes fun at every musical theater cliché in the book. With heart and soul, beneath the chaotic comedy lies a touching celebration of how music can rescue us from the blues. Perfect for die-hard theater lovers and first-time theatergoers alike, this show is a guaranteed evening of laughter, nostalgia, and pure escapism. Don't miss the show that New York Magazine called "The Perfect Broadway Musical!" Winner of 13 Tony's including Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score.

WORLD PREMIERE! THRILLING DETECTIVE MASTERPIECE

The Maltese Falcon

May 20 - June 26, 2027

Adapted by Amanda Schaar & Richard Baird 
from the novel by Dashiell Hammett

Directed by Cheryl Schaar

THE MALTESE FALCON is a thrilling world-premiere theatrical adaptation that breathes explosive new life into Dashiell Hammett’s definitive masterpiece of hard-boiled noir. A beautiful woman walks into a foggy San Francisco office, a partner ends up dead, and private investigator Sam Spade - the cynical, razor-sharp private eye who operates by his own lethal code of honor - is instantly thrust into a treacherous, high-stakes rat race. The prize? A statuette of a black bird worth a smooth fortune—and a trail of bodies. In this gripping tale, Spade must outwit the lethal Fat Man, the exotic sidekick, a neurotic gunman, and a breathtaking femme fatale who lies even when she tells the truth. Crackling with Hammett's legendary gritty dialogue, this stylish psychological thriller proves that in the shadows of the human heart, trust is the rarest commodity of all.

CHAOTIC ROMANTIC VICTORIAN FARCE

Charley's Aunt

July 22 - August 28, 2027

Directed by Van Rockwell

The ultimate Victorian farce! Step into a world of chaotic romance, frantic deceptions, and pure theatrical joy with Brandon Thomas’s legendary masterpiece, CHARLEY'S AUNT. Jack loves Kitty and Charley loves Amy. In need of a chaperone to woo their sweethearts, they invite the ladies to meet Charley's wealthy aunt from Brazil, "where the nuts come from". Cancelling her visit at the last minute, the millionaire aunt sends the boys into cataclysmic confusion. What do they do now? The problem is solved by drafting their feckless Oxford undergrad pal into a black satin skirt, bloomers and wig. As "Charley's Aunt", this charming frump is adored by all; but when the real aunt turns up, classic comic confusion ensues! What follows is a runaway train of mistaken identities, slamming doors, and a parade of elderly suitors aggressively chasing the fake aunt for her fortune. This Victorian farce has kept global audiences roaring with laughter for over a century. Unforgettable hilarity!

DAZZLING TIMELESS ROMANCE

Pride & Prejudice

September 16 - October 23, 2027

Adapted by Melissa Leilani Larson 
from the novel by Jane Austen

Directed by Marina Blue Jarrette

Jane Austen’s PRIDE & PREJUDICE comes to dazzling life in a fresh, vibrant new stage adaptation that captures all the sparkling wit, sharp social commentary, and swoon-worthy romance of the literary masterpiece. Finding a husband is a competitive sport in Regency England, and Mrs. Bennet is desperate to win by finding matches for her five daughters. But when the brilliant, headstrong Elizabeth Bennet meets the devastatingly wealthy—and spectacularly arrogant—Mr. Darcy, their explosive clash of egos sets off the ultimate battle of wits. In a world governed by strict etiquette and high-society gossip, can they overcome their own blind spots to find true love? Despite his pride and her prejudice—or is it her pride, and his prejudice?—Elizabeth and Darcy can’t seem to avoid each other’s company. Brought together by a series of events beyond their control, both must reconsider their first impressions. Bursting with sharp banter, a colorful gallery of iconic characters, and Austen's signature humor, this joyful new adaptation proves that love always triumphs, even when pride and prejudice stand in the way.

BELOVED ANNUAL HOLIDAY CLASSIC

It's A Wonderful Life

November 18 - December 23, 2027

Based on the film by Frank Capra which is based on the 1943 short story "The Greatest Gift" by Philip Van Doren Stern

Directed by Cheryl Schaar

The beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life on the DBFRT stage. Based on the 1946 Frank Capra film, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds one fateful Christmas Eve. George is the Everyman from the small town of Bedford Falls, whose childhood dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty. His guardian angel Clarence descends on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to remind him—by showing what the world would have been like had he never been born—that his has been, after all, a wonderful life. Filled with iconic characters Mary Hatch, Mr. Potter, Uncle Billy, Violet Bick, Bert the Copy, Ernie the Cabbie, the Bailey Family and all the residents in Bedford Falls, this theatrically staged adaptation overflows with warmth, humor, and Christmas joy. 

Awards, Accolades

DBFRT has won the 2017/18 ariZoni Awards for Best Play and Best Direction of a Play (Cheryl Schaar); and dozens of ariZoni Award Nominations in the past 5 years. The 1947 Frank Capra film starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed is now considered to be one of the greatest films of all time and among the best Christmas films. It has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made.