Sauk Shorts 2026
A Collection of Short Plays by Laurie Allen, Eddie Burkhead, Rubel Carbajal, Sarah Gray, David MacGregor, James McLindon, Michele A. Miller, Scott Mullen, G.M. (Bud) Thompson and "The Almost In-Laws," Book and Lyrics by Greg Edwards, Music by Andy Roninson
March 19, 20 at 8 p.m.
March 21, 22 at 3 p.m.
SAUKSECONDS SEASON - Our annual celebration of the short play includes comedy, drama and the 10-minute musical, "The Almost In-Laws." This year's selection includes "Free Samples" by Jacob Weldon (of Jackson), "Into the Mystic" by Sarah Gray (of Jonesville) and a world premiere short play by G.M. (Bud) Thompson of Grand Rapids.
Directors TBA.
This production is sponsored by The Grate Haus/Drumhiller Farms and Sandi Miller.
Little Women
By Louisa May Alcott, Adapted by Erin Riley
December 3, 4, 10, 11 at 8 p.m.
December 5, 6, 12, 13 at 3 p.m.
MAINSTAGE SEASON - This adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s coming-of-age favorite include a recurring Christmas holiday theme. Jo March acts as an omniscient narrator, moving us seamlessly through time and space with the flourish of their pen. Join the March sisters, Marmee, Laurie, and all of your Concord favorites in this reimagined and inclusive nod to Alcott's love letter to individuality, perseverance, and love in all its forms.
Directed by Meghan Barnes
This production is sponsored by Meijer and the Jonesville Rotary Club.
Footloose
Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie
Based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford
Music by Tom Snow, Lyrics by Dean Pitchford
Additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman
July 30, 31, August 6, 7 at 8 p.m.
August 1, 2, 8, 9 at 3 p.m.
MAINSTAGE SEASON - When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.
Directed by Trinity Bird. Musical Direction by Kristi Gautsche.
This production is sponsored by Walmart, Olivia's Chop House and Saucy Dog Barbecue.
Pickleball
By Jeff Daniels
August 27, 28 at 8 p.m.
August 29, 30 at 3 p.m.
SAUKSECONDS SEASON - Pickleball shows us all the possibilities of middle-aged athleticism and the human spirit. In America’s fastest growing game, there are no apologies, there are no excuses, and there is no room for weakness. When four below-average players have an opportunity to compete in a local tournament, they must learn to overcome their limitations and find greatness in a game that has nothing to do with pickles.
Directed by Tim Ambrose.
This production is sponsored by Walmart, ABS Rentals and Hillsdale Hospital.
Arsenic and Old Lace
By Joseph Kesselring
February 5, 6, 12, 13 at 8 p.m.
February 7, 8, 14, 15 at 3 p.m.
MAINSTAGE SEASON - Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement announcement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell Abby and Martha before they stumble upon the body themselves, only to learn that the two old women aren’t just aware of the dead man in their parlor, they killed him! Between his aunts’ penchant for poisoning wine, a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and another brother using plastic surgery to hide from the police—not to mention Mortimer’s own hesitancy about marriage—it’ll be a miracle if Mortimer makes it to his wedding. Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic black comedy about the only thing more deadly than poison: family.
Directed by Ron Boyle.
This production is sponsored by All Seasons of Hillsdale and Comprehensive Speech & Therapy Center.
Disney's Frozen
Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
Book by Jennifer Lee, based on her own film screenplay
October 8, 9, 15, 16 at 8 p.m.
October 10, 11, 17, 18 at 3 p.m.
MAINSTAGE SEASON - In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home – with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf. Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love.
Directed by Trinity Bird. Musical Direction by Kristi Gautsche and Tom Ryskamp.
This production is sponsored by Meijer and the Jonesville Rotary Club.
John & Jen
Lyrics by Tom Greenwald, Music by Andrew Lippa
Book by Tom Greenwald and Andrew Lippa
April 23, 24 at 8 p.m.
April 25, 26 at 3 p.m.
SAUKSECONDS SEASON - A truly original musical, this is the story of Jen and her relationships with the two Johns of her life: her younger brother, who was killed in Vietnam, and his namesake, the son who is trying to find his way in a confusing world. Jen and her younger brother, John, are growing up in the ever-changing world of mid-century America. As the country becomes divided over the war in Vietnam, so does the family, and battle lines are drawn between the once-close siblings. When John is killed in Vietnam, Jen is left to reconcile her memory of their fractured relationship along with her son and brother's namesake. John & Jen is a musical about connections, commitments and the healing of the human heart.
Directed by Trinity Bird. Musical Direction by Kristi Gautsche. Orchestra Direction by Dale Hendershot.
This production is sponsored by Hillsdale CASA and State Farm Agent Jason Adcock.
The Odd Couple
(Original and Female Versions)
By Neil Simon
Original Version: June 4, 12 at 8 p.m., June 6, 14 at 3 p.m.
Female Version: June 5, 11at 8 p.m., June 7, 13 at 3 p.m.
MAINSTAGE SEASON - This classic comedy opens on a friendly card game in the untidy apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. Late to arrive is Felix Ungar, who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed, and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds, Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together. In the female version, Oscar and Felix become Olive and Florence. Instead of the poker party, Ms. Madison has invited the girls over for an evening of Trivial Pursuit. The guys are replaced by the gals, but the hilarity remains the same.
Original Version Directed by Tim Ambrose.
Female Version Directed by Jennifer Ambrose.
This production is sponsored by County National Bank.