Lakeside Player's 52nd Season!

Honk! Jr. is a delightful musical retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling, celebrating what makes us unique. The story follows Ugly, a duckling who doesn’t quite fit in with his family or the other animals on the farm. Teased and excluded, he sets off on an adventure to discover where he truly belongs. Along the way, he meets a colorful cast of characters, faces unexpected dangers, and learns that being different is something to be proud of. With humor, heart, and catchy songs, Honk! Jr. delivers a timeless message about acceptance, self-confidence, and the beauty of being yourself.

Moonglow by Kim Carney is a heartfelt and humorous drama about love, memory, and second chances. The story follows Maxine and Joe, two elderly residents in a nursing home who form an unexpected romantic bond despite the effects of Alzheimer's and dementia. As their connection deepens, their younger selves come to life on stage, reenacting their past loves and losses. Meanwhile, Maxine’s daughter struggles to come to terms with her mother’s condition and newfound romance. Blending nostalgia, wit, and poignancy, Moonglow explores the enduring power of love and the way memories shape our identities.

Heathers: The Musical is a darkly comedic rock musical based on the 1989 cult classic film. It follows Veronica Sawyer, a high school misfit who unexpectedly climbs the social ladder when she’s taken under the wing of the ruthless and popular Heathers—Heather Chandler, Heather Duke, and Heather McNamara. But when she falls for the mysterious and dangerous J.D., their romance takes a deadly turn as they embark on a spree of murder disguised as suicide. As Veronica struggles to stop J.D.’s escalating violence, she must decide whether to stand up against the toxic hierarchy or become consumed by it. Packed with biting humor, bold music, and a sharp critique of high school politics, Heathers: The Musical is an electrifying story of teen angst, power, and redemption.

Miracle on 56th Street: A Holiday Variety Show is a festive and feel-good celebration of the season, packed with music, dance, comedy, and holiday cheer. Set at the charmingly chaotic Rhode Center for the Arts, the show features a cast of singers, dancers, and surprise guests coming together for one magical night. From classic carols and toe-tapping tap numbers to heartwarming skits and laugh-out-loud moments, Miracle on 56th Street is a joyful tribute to community, creativity, and the spirit of the holidays. Perfect for the whole family, it’s a show full of sparkle, snow, and a little seasonal magic.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious and heartfelt musical comedy that follows six quirky middle schoolers competing in a high-stakes spelling bee, each bringing their own unique personalities, hopes, and anxieties to the stage. As the competition unfolds, the spellers navigate puberty, parental pressures, and personal insecurities—all while trying to spell increasingly difficult words. With guidance (and occasional interference) from the equally eccentric adults running the bee, the contestants discover that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t mean failure. 

She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen is a high-energy action-comedy that blends heart, humor, and epic fantasy adventure. The story follows Agnes Evans, an ordinary young woman who, after the sudden death of her teenage sister, Tilly, discovers a Dungeons & Dragons notebook Tilly left behind. Hoping to understand the sister she never truly knew, Agnes embarks on a journey into the fantastical world of Tilly’s imagination. As she battles monsters, navigates perilous quests, and meets her sister’s ragtag party of misfit adventurers, Agnes comes to terms with grief, self-discovery, and the power of embracing one’s inner geek. Filled with 90s pop culture references, fierce battles, and heartfelt moments, She Kills Monsters is a thrilling, funny, and touching tribute to the power of gaming, family, and finding your own heroism.

Shrek the Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming stage adaptation of the beloved DreamWorks film. It follows the journey of Shrek, a grumpy but kind-hearted ogre who just wants to live in peace in his swamp. When the scheming Lord Farquaad exiles a group of fairy-tale misfits to Shrek’s land, he strikes a deal to rescue Princess Fiona—who is hiding a surprising secret—in exchange for getting his home back. With the help of his wisecracking sidekick, Donkey, Shrek embarks on an adventure full of laughs, unexpected romance, and self-discovery. Featuring a lively score, dazzling costumes, and plenty of humor, Shrek the Musical is a fun-filled celebration of embracing differences, finding friendship in unlikely places, and realizing that happily-ever-after isn’t one-size-fits-all.