Quincy Community Theatre announces lineup of eight shows for 2025 season

QUINCY — Quincy Community Theatre recently announced a lineup of eight shows and several new and expanding programs with its 2025 season announcement.

“2025 promises to be a vibrant celebration of community and connection with some exciting new twists and turns,” executive director Burgundy Hill said in a press release. “With stories about resilience, self-discovery and the bonds formed in the most unexpected of places, this season reminds us that no matter how personal the struggle, we are never truly alone.”

The season ticket includes:

WAITRESS (March 14-16 and 20-23)

Order up! Indulge in the bighearted world of Waitress. Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, is stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. Faced with an unexpected pregnancy, Jenna fears she may have to abandon the dream of opening her pie shop … until a baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s handsome new doctor offer her a tempting recipe for happiness. Supported by her quirky crew of fellow waitresses and loyal customers, Jenna summons the secret ingredient she’s been missing all along — courage. Featuring an original score by Grammy award winner Sara Bareilles, “Waitress” serves up a perfect blend of humor, heart and soul.

Book by Jessie Nelson, music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles. Based upon the motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly.

JERSEY BOYS (July 10-13 and 17-20)

Discover the story behind the music with “Jersey Boys,” the Tony Award-winning musical that charts the rise of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. This electrifying show takes you on a journey from the group’s humble beginnings on the streets of New Jersey to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Witness the highs and lows of their career, the personal and professional challenges they faced, and the enduring friendships that kept them together. With a score filled with their greatest hits, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” experience the drama, the music and the magic of Jersey Boys.

Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe.

AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (Sept. 12-14 and 18-21)

Climb aboard the luxurious train, The Orient Express, for a thrilling mystery. When a snowdrift stops the train in its tracks, a wealthy American is found murdered in his compartment, stabbed eight times. With a train full of suspects, each with their own secrets and motives, it’s up to the world’s greatest detective, Hercule Poirot, to solve the case before the murderer strikes again. Based on the classic Agatha Christie novel, “Murder on the Orient Express” is a thrilling ride full of glamour, intrigue, and suspense that will entertain and enthrall mystery lovers and theatergoers alike.

By Agatha Christie, adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE MUSICAL (Oct. 17-19 and 23-26, Student Theatre Musical)

Grab your hall pass and join Greg Heffley on his hilarious and heartfelt journey through the trialsand tribulations of middle school. With his best friend Rowley by his side, Greg navigates the chaos of school life, dealing with bullies, clueless teachers, and his quirky family while dreaming of stardom. Based on the best-selling book series by Jeff Kinney, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical” brings Greg’s diary to life with music, mischief and mayhem.

Book by Kevin del Aguila, music and lyrics by Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler. Based on the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book series by Jeff Kinney.

INTO THE WOODS (Dec. 4-7 and 11-14)

Fairy tales collide in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s captivating musical. When a baker and his wife venture into the woods to lift a witch’s curse, they collide with Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (of Beanstalk fame) and Rapunzel, each on their quest to fulfill their deepest wish. As their stories intertwine, they must confront their deepest fears and desires, learning every wish has a price and that sometimes the things you wish for are not what you truly need. Filled with wit, charm and a touch of darkness, “Into the Woods” is a magical theatrical experience.

Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine

Additional family/student theatre productions for 2025 are:

SIX: TEEN EDITION (Jan. 22-26)

Divorced. Beheaded. Died. Divorced. Beheaded. Survived. “Six: Teen Edition” gives the six wives of Henry VIII a microphone and a chance to transform tragedy into iconic popstar glory. Featuring catchy pop songs and high-energy dance numbers, “Six: Teen Edition” is a royal history remix that is as entertaining as it is empowering. “Six: Teen Edition” is a full-length adaptation of Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’ international phenomenon “SIX,” modified for performance by teen actors for teen audiences and older.

GHOSTLIGHT (April 24-27, Lab Theatre Play)

Enter the unknown with this spine-tingling play by Stephen Gregg (author of 2023’s QCT Lab Show Trap). Set in a prestigious and mysterious school, this suspenseful story follows a group of high school students as they navigate strange occurrences and uncover long-buried secrets during their rehearsal for a play. As bewildering events unfold and tensions rise, the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, leading to a thrilling and unexpected climax. “Ghostlight” masterfully merges humor, mystery and a touch of the supernatural, offering an unforgettable theatrical experience that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

JACK AND PHIL: SLAYERS OF GIANTS, INC.  (Touring April-May)

QCT hits the road with this rollicking and imaginative tale that puts a fresh spin on the classic “Jack and the Beanstalk.” Meet Jack and his inventive friend Phil, two ordinary kids on an extraordinary mission to rid their village of menacing giants. Along the way, they encounter whimsical characters, face thrilling challenges and discover the meaning of bravery and teamwork. Filled with humor, excitement and a touch of magic, this giant-sized adventure is perfect for audiences of all ages. QCT on the Road brings theatre into the classroom, performed by students for students. Educators interested in booking this production can learn more at 1qct.org.

In addition to the show lineup, QCT announced a new entertainment series, QCT Presents, which will expand QCTs offerings by bringing in professionals from around the country to expose the community to fresh perspectives of the performing arts. These presentations are:

DOT DOT DOT: A New Musical (April 8)

This musical is based on the creatrilogy trio of award-winning picture books by New York Times bestselling author Peter H. Reynolds — “The Dot,” “Ish” and “Sky Color.” Adapted by composers Keelay Gipson and Sam Salmond, the musical, like the series, celebrates the power of originality, self-expression and opening our eyes to look beyond the expected. When Marisol (Sky Color), a young artist and curator of the Musee de Marisol, decides that her gallery requires more than her art, her search for emerging talent leads her to Vashti (The Dot), whose dots inspire Ramon (Ish) to become an artist. The musical follows Marisol’s journey to help her new friends, and her entire community, break free from self-criticism and learn to let their imaginations soar. QCT will offer a special daytime performance for area schools and an evening performance for the public.

THE SUITS (May 2)

“The Suits” are comprised of four dynamic gentlemen performing four genres of hit music from the 50s through the 80s: Motown, Doo Wop, Pop and Rock. Fusing smooth choreography and tight harmonies with exciting showmanship and fun audience interaction, this production will give you a night to remember. With hits such as “Oh, What a Night” by The Four Seasons, “My Girl” by The Temptations, “Can’t Buy Me Love” by The Beatles, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder, “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel and “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey, you’re in for a thrilling and engaging show.

QCT will partner with Kaiser Dance Theatre to bring back “Nutcracker” in December 2025.

Triple Threat Boot Camp is expanding to two sessions in 2025 — Bravo (June 9-13) and Ovation (July 28-Aug. 1) — each with different content, professional instructors and a showcase performance. Students may choose which week fits their summer schedule or participate in both.

QCT announced the inaugural playwriting festival to coincide with Midsummer Arts Faire on June 28.

Audiences can catch every moment of the 2025 season while receiving a 25 percent discount by purchasing season tickets. Season tickets are available to new season ticket holders beginning Oct. 23. Current season ticket holders may renew their seats beginning Oct. 8, with guaranteed seating renewals for fixed season ticket holders through Oct. 18.

Aspiring actors of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to audition. Volunteers also are needed backstage to help with set construction, costumes and the tech crew.

For more information about the 2025 season, auditions or volunteering, call the QCT box office at 217- 222-3209 or visit 1qct.org. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.