By Frederick Knott

Directed by Joyce Milligan.

A.C.T.’s October play will get you in the spirit of Halloween. Step into a heart-pounding world of betrayal and deception in this celebrated murder mystery that inspired Hitchcock’s masterpiece! Frederick Knott’s classic thriller plunges audiences into a web of intrigue as Tony Wendice concocts a chilling plot to murder his unfaithful wife. Be prepared for gripping twists and turns in this timeless tale of murder and manipulation. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Recommended for ages 13 and older.

A one-woman play by Vaughn McBride 

Mary Todd Lincoln was in many ways our country’s first First Lady, a woman who insisted her voice be heard. Her awareness of the political pulse of the country was instrumental in the election of her husband as president. Her ego-driven idea of what the leader of a nation should be changed the White House into a figurehead residence fit for a president. She was an emancipated woman long before that notion was acceptable.

Following the horrors of her husband’s death and her own confinement to a mental institution, she became remembered as a shrew. But that is far too narrow a picture of such a complex personality.

Join us as this exasperating, loving, flirtatious and unpredictable woman is relived powerfully on stage.

By Tom Dudzick

Directed by Colette Schweizer

A.C.T.’s Christmas programming is a lighthearted holiday favorite.  Greetings by Tom Dudzick is an optimistic, heartwarming and humorous play about a family experiencing a miracle—which they sorely need.  The comedy evolves into a charming, life-affirming testament about the human spirit, and about finding the ability to love oneself in order to love others.  Mr. Dudzick’s play was first produced off-Broadway at the John Houseman theater starring Darren McGavin.  Greetings will speak to your sensibilities and put you in the mood for the holidays. 

By William Inge

Directed by Julia Glattfelt

A snowstorm forces a bus and its diverse passengers to seek refuge overnight in a diner, sparking unexpected connections and heartfelt revelations. Filled with empathetic characters that take us back to Kansas 1955, this engaging play brings comic elements and elusive romance.  It’s a slice of Americana that famously inspired the 1956 film starring Marilyn Monroe.  When first produced on Broadway, it was nominated for four Tony awards.  Definitely worth a stop at this diner! 

By Harper Lee, adapted by Christopher Sergel

Directed by Stephen Mayer

The setting:  It’s the 1930s in the deep South.  Based on one of the most influential novels in American history, this timeless tale of innocence and tolerance follows the journey of a young white girl whose father has been appointed to defend a black man framed for a crime he did not commit.  The story’s universal lessons about empathy, courage and moral growth, along with its enduring characters and evocative writing style, earned Harper Lee the Pulitzer Prize.  Viewer Discretion is Advised:  contains racially explicit language and references of sexual abuse.  Recommended for ages 12 and older.  

Created by Larry Gallagher

Directed by Kristal Eckhardt

A.C.T. celebrates Women’s History Month with a tribute to the iconic female voices that defined the 60s and a decade of liberation and change. Immerse yourself in the high-energy, toe-tapping celebration of timeless hits from Diana Ross, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin and others.  You will enjoy “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” “To Sir With Love,” “Where The Boys Are,” and dozens of other songs.  Relive the era’s fashion, music, and social changes.  Told from the perspective of six young women who come of age in this decade, BEEHIVE takes us from their first dance to the challenges we faced as a nation.  With changes afoot today, there is no better time to celebrate that era.  You’ll be singing and dancing in your seats! 

by Bob Randall

Directed by Joe Russo

A delightful romantic comedy about a real estate listing for the most coveted of apartments on Manhattan’s Riverside Drive. When a married advertising copywriter and a discontented housewife both respond to the listing, they find themselves locked inside together. The accidental meeting leads to a heartwarming story that premiered on Broadway in 1972 and made it to television several years later with star-studded casts.  

By local Florida playwrights

Three years ago, A.C.T. Studio Theatre began a tradition of showcasing original short plays written by South Florida playwrights. Presenting the work of aspiring playwrights is one of

A.C.T.’s contributions to the local theater arts community.  Well-received and enjoyed by audiences the last three years, original plays will again be presented.  This year’s theme will be “courage.”  The plays are chosen by blind committee based on a set of guidelines for content and staging.  If you like variety and originality, then Designer Shorts will be an enjoyable evening for you.