Ambridge's Iron Horse Theatre stages 'love letter' to musical theater

AMBRIDGE - Iron Horse Community Theatre presents a new musical comedy, "{title of show]," opening Dec. 2.

Yes, that's the title, "{title of show]" for a production described as "a love letter to the musical theatre — a uniquely American art form — and to the joy of collaboration."

The plot follows Jeff and Hunter, two struggling writers, who hear about a new musical theatre festival. However, the deadline for submissions is a mere three weeks away. In the span of 90 minutes, they, with the help of their friends Susan and Heidi, write and ultimately perform their show at the festival and learn lessons about themselves as people, friends and artists.

Advance tickets: https://ironhorsetheatrecompany. The cost is $20, with seniors and students paying $18.

Show dates are Dec. 2-3, 9-11, 16-17. All show times start at 7:30 p.m., except the Dec. 11 matinee at 2.

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"[title of show]" is a hilarious story of "two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical" while balancing calamitous off the wall ideas and a myriad of manic personalities, director Sarah Martz said

"When looking at different shows to consider for the upcoming season, I thought it would be interesting to explore something both fun and light for the holiday; a show that talks about parts of life everyone can relate to. [title of show] speaks to the mischievous corners of our minds that everyone has, but sometimes we have to hide because of the constraints of society," Martz said. "This is something we all can connect to around the craziness of the holiday season."

Martz said, "I am very excited to be able to direct at the Iron Horse Theatre for such a wonderful cast. This an exciting and truly artistic show and it, as well as the cast, have taught me a lot in such a short time."

The cast: Brian Boehmke of Seven Fields, Xander Boots of Cranberry Township, Anna Gergerich of Pittsburgh, Mairead A. Roddy of Pittsburgh, and Robert Armstrong from Freedom.

Boots, who plays Hunter, said via press release, "I am honored to be working with such a talented group of people and I’m having a blast working with them in this wacky show."

Robert, who plays Larry and is also the music director, said, "I see this as a hilarious, cutting age musical."

Mairead, playing Heidi said, "This show is for all and any artist struggling to feel like they have a place of their own in this crazy scene… struggling to feel as though their work is good enough, that they themselves are good enough, and struggling with the choice between success and personal integrity."

Brian, playing Jeff said, "This show has allowed me to rediscover the passion I have for performing. Sometimes you have to say 'Die!' to the vampires in your mind and have the confidence to be unapologetically you. Live your life to the fullest."