Dixon Stage Left has a busy fall season ahead, featuring a unique take on a Sherlock Holmes classic, the return of its Senior Showcase, a holiday favorite, and a special fundraiser tied to the iconic Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The Hound of the Baskervilles Comes to Life as a Radio Theater
Dixon Stage Left’s upcoming production of The Hound of the Baskervilles will offer audiences a different kind of theatrical experience.
The classic Sherlock Holmes mystery has been adapted into a live radio theater production by Dave and Jeff of Her Majesty’s Radio Theater Company, based in the LaSalle-Peru area. Instead of a traditional cast portraying each character, the production uses two performers who play every role in the story.
The performers also create the sound effects live on stage using a variety of props and sound-effect devices.
The format is inspired by the radio dramas of the past, when performers, voice actors and Foley artists had to create entire worlds through dialogue, music and sound effects for audiences who could only hear the production.
Dixon Stage Left selected The Hound of the Baskervilles as a way to bring a spooky-season production to audiences after its planned production of Silence of the Lambs was postponed until next year.
The show will be performed at the Jerry Mathysse Theater at Sauk Valley Community College on September 25, 26, and 27. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on September 25 and 26, followed by a 2 p.m. matinee on September 27.
Tickets are available through Dixon Stage Left’s website and social media pages, with tickets also expected to be available at the door if the performances do not sell out.
Senior Showcase Returns
Dixon Stage Left is also preparing for the return of its Senior Showcase, an event created to allow experienced performers to return to the stage and share their talents.
The showcase was founded by former Dixon Stage Left artistic director Jimmy Ferraro, who remains involved with the theater and is once again helping lead the event. Ferraro will also perform during this year’s showcase.
Several performers from last year’s event are returning, including Mary Carlson, Alan Clemens, and Dixon Stage Left office administrator Karen. New performers will also join the lineup, including Perry Pela and Ed Panke.
The showcase will feature a variety of entertainment, including songs, skits, and potentially dance performances. The exact performances will take shape as rehearsals begin.
The Senior Showcase will be held October 4 at 2 p.m. at The Next Picture Show in Dixon.
A Christmas Story is Coming in December
Dixon Stage Left’s season will continue in December with a production of A Christmas Story, the beloved holiday story familiar to generations of movie fans.
The theater company has secured the rights to produce the stage version, with plans for a faithful adaptation of the classic film.
The production will be staged at Sauk Valley Community College as part of Dixon Stage Left’s current season.
A Rocky Horror Fundraiser
Dixon Stage Left is also continuing a series of special raffles designed to connect fundraising efforts with productions and events.
The latest prize is a signed cast pressing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack featuring signatures from Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Meat Loaf.
The raffle is being conducted in partnership with Mosaic Theater Troupe and the Dixon Historic Theatre. Mosaic Theater Troupe is scheduled to present a live shadow cast performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on October 30.
Raffle entries are available entirely online through the Dixon Stage Left website. Tickets start at $5, and the drawing will take place after the October 30 performance.
Attendees will also be able to access the raffle through a QR code displayed in the lobby of the Dixon Historic Theatre. Entries remain available until the drawing.
Work Continues on Dixon Stage Left’s Future Home
Behind the scenes, work continues on the Dixon Stage Left building project.
Lightner said the theater is making progress on the building, with drywall work completed and the walls moving toward the painting stage. Additional ceiling repairs and patching have also been taking place.
Dixon Stage Left is not yet announcing a specific date for when productions will return to the building, but Sauk Valley Community College has offered to host the theater company’s remaining productions for the current season.
The theater is also already looking ahead to next year’s season. Directors have been given more freedom to select productions they are passionate about, to return to the community-theater spirit that helped define Dixon Stage Left.
With several productions, fundraising opportunities, and continued work on its future home, Dixon Stage Left has plenty planned for audiences throughout the remainder of the year.
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