Cranbrook Community Theatre (CCT) is bringing two one-act plays to the Stage Door this month. Opening Friday, January 24 and running for eight nights, CCT is proud to present ‘The Exquisite Hour’ and ‘Next.’

Although different stories, both of these comedies explore similar themes of self-discovery and realization through their male characters. Thought-provoking performances invite the audience to experience both an extraordinary hour in a department store employee’s routine life and an overweight, middle-aged draftee’s hilarious attempts to avoid military service.

Joining these men are the women forcing their hands. The Exquisite Hour introduces an encyclopedia saleswoman whose intensions are not what they seem, and Next’s confrontational female sergeant finds herself in a determined battle to enlist her latest recruit.

Although Cranbrook’s Elizabeth Ross has graced the stage as a performer, The Exquisite Hour is her first foray into directing. “Why not add directing as a new challenge?” asks Ross, adding, “It’s certainly a new perspective from being an actor to directing what is happening on stage and behind the scenes.”

Bob McCue, who directed last year’s wildly successful Steel Magnolias, is back to sit in the director’s chair for Next, a play he’s been waiting 25 years to bring to the stage. “I’m very excited to be back in the saddle this year with Next,” he said.

These two one-act plays showcase the phenomenal physical comedic styling of local talents Patrick Baranowski, Jennifer Inglis, Peter Schalk, and Melodie Hull.

Produced by Kristy Quinn, The Exquisite Hour and Next will run together for eight nights: January 24 & 25; January 30; 31 & February 1; Feb. 6-8 at the Stage Door in Cranbrook.

Tickets are $13 for CCT members, $15 for non-members and are available at Lotus Books or at the door.

CCT has been entertaining Cranbrook and area audiences for over 50 years. We strive to promote and develop local talent; on stage, behind the scenes, or in the director’s chair.  CCT believes theatre, music, dance, and art play an important part in the community. We are pleased to call the Studio/Stage Door home.

Lead image: Melodie Hull and Peter Schalk express their differences of opinion while rehearsing at The Stage Door for their play Next.

Cranbrook Community Theatre

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