Beauty and the Beast

Performed by the Portsmouth Area Children’s Theatre
Directed by Ali Thompson
Vern Riffe Center for the Arts - Eloise Covert Smith Theater

Step into the enchanted world of Broadway's classic, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature. This stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

This "tale as old as time" is filled with great opportunities to bring the entire community together for family theatre at its best.

Show Dates

Thursday, October 19, 2023
10:00 AM*

Friday, October 20, 2023
10:00 AM* & 7:00 PM

Saturday, October 21, 2023
7:00 PM

Sunday, October 22, 2023
2:30 PM

*School Matinee Performance

Legally Blonde

Performed by the Portsmouth Area Children’s Theatre Senior Company
Directed by Ali Thompson
Vern Riffe Center for the Arts - Eloise Covert Smith Theater

A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!

Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors, and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.

Show Dates

Friday, February 2, 2024
7:00 PM

Saturday, February 3, 2024
7:00 PM

Sunday, February 4, 2024
2:30 PM

The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition

Performed by the Portsmouth Area Children’s Theatre Junior Company
Directed by Ali Thompson
Vern Riffe Center for the Arts - Eloise Covert Smith Theater

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea and became the hottest star on Broadway? Why, it's SpongeBob SquarePants! This one-hour edition of the hit Broadway musical, brilliantly adapted from the iconic Nickelodeon series, is specially tailored for young actors.

When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world!

The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg and features a book by Kyle Jarrow, with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny, and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton, with additional music by Tom Kitt. The musical production was conceived by Tina Landau.

An exciting new musical featuring irresistible characters and magical music, this deep-sea pearl of a show is set to make a splash with audiences young and old!

Show Dates

Thursday, March 14, 2024
10:00 AM*

Friday, March 15, 2024
10:00 AM* & 7:00 PM

Saturday, March 16, 2024
7:00 PM

Sunday, March 17, 2024
2:30 PM

*School Matinee Performance