Don't miss this cast as they jump up, strip down, slam doors, roll around in beds, and make you laugh uncontrollably!

It's not easy making a farce look effortless. "Unnecessary Farce" is particularly challenging -- clothes come off, doors fling open, phones get slammed... We recently brought in a professional choreographer to help with the shenanigans. It was fun, and a little kooky, and very helpful. Be sure to come see the very funny results! It opens Friday! and it's a hoot.

Eight. Eight doors a'slamming. One wall a'standing. And seven excellent actors a'frolicking. Kudos to our hard-working set builders for pulling this all together on some nice weekend days!! Catch "Unnecessary Farce" starting May 11! Yes, that's Iain Bason on the ceiling, working on lights for "Farce."

We're so excited to be thick in the middle of rehearsals for "Unnecessary Farce," opening in one month! It's extremely witty and funny, and our cast is knocking it out of the park.

AFD member James Grana wrote this commentary on "9 to 5 The Musical" on his Facebook page, and we just HAD to share it on the AFD blog. Jimmy directed "Titanic, The Musical" at AFD in its 2003-2004 season, as well as most recently "The Boy From Oz." He is a past president and program director of AFD Theatre. March 13, 2018 Well, Facebook friends, it is time for me to write a little note. I have to tell you about the most wonderful experience I was treated to yesterday. It happened at AFD and their production of :9 to 5 The Musical." I've seen, directed, acted, and reviewed many theatrical endeavors these past years. Wow! was I in for a rebirth yesterday. A classic from some few years back, but so relevant in today's lack of advancement in most things dealing with the MeToo movement. This production is a star-studded entertainment both on and off stage. To single out an individual actor would be completely unfair. The word "ensemble" and the phase "there are no small roles, only small actors" describes each and every aspect of this production. You might be saying, "AFD is Jim's home group so he is prejudiced." That ain't true. It has been years since an audience did a "rise and shine" after a musical number. Audience appreciation was tenfold with every set and scene change. If you've been fortunate to see this show, you will see a mess of office desks and typewriters all over the stage. Kudos to the set designer for accomplishing this on a stage with very minimal wing space. The costumes are all more than timely for the period. As for the hair and make up design, even Dolly Parton would be envious. Lighting never a missed cue or gave us a blind spot. The cast? If I prolong this message, you may think you are reading War and Peace. . . . The choreography didn't just happen from the legs and feet. Bodies all connected with every move added to the special dedication for excellence. Music wise, we all heard every note, every beautifully balanced sound. Now, I have not forgotten about the director Paul Murphy. He was a magician that made all things work at all times. To do this you need insight, knowledge, and love for the project. "Love" came through loud and clear with everything connected with this production. I will be hard pressed to see such a glorious show so prevalent with much of the unfairness in the world today. The house took off like crazy at the end of the show. Re: Yelling, standing, foot stomping, cheering. If you haven't seen it as yet, there are two more weekends to brighten your life with the pleasure of two hours at Consolidated Industries with the best employees you could ever imagine. James Grana Follow Jimmy's advice and reserve your seats now to see "9 to 5 The Musical"! Purchase at http://www.ticketstage.com/T/AFD. #9to5TheMusical

Two more weekends of this super fun and engaging show in our l'il theater. Don't miss it!

This is one hard-working, hip-shaking, giant-hair-holding, big-singing cast and crew! Come see how fabulous they all look, act, sing, and dance! opens March 9 (boy, that's soon).

From the "safe taste beige" color on the desks to the gigantic copying machine, the particulars of 1980 are hard to find -- and harder to build. Never MIND the shoulder pad budget... Thanks to all our intrepid builders who've been showing up each Saturday for weeks now! This Saturday, many hands were on deck to paint, hammer, hang, drill, measure... A great crew!!! Including our set designer, producer, director, president -- and many more. Come join us anytime: we're a community theater is all senses of the word. AFD president David Warnock Stu Kazin and Charlie Carr Co-producer Barbara Moss and set director Margaret Umbsen (Still them) Paul Alperin and Mr Barbara Moss Director Paul Murphy and a recent recruit who's an industrial painter! Man, are we happy she's joined. Gareth tells us where it goes Charlie Carr is always helping. Like, always.

Grab a coworker or friend to join you at the next Arlington Friends of the Drama production “9 to 5 The Musical,” with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, and based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic. Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Production dates are March 9-11, 16-19, and 23-25, Friday and Saturday nights at 8 PM and Sundays at 4 PM. There is a chance to walk the red carpet, snap a selfie in the lobby and enjoy a champagne reception on opening night. A talk back with the cast is scheduled after the show on March 11. Seasoned director Paul Murphy is at the helm with the assistance of music director Anthony Sacco and choreographer Brad Robinson. The AFD production stars Katie Pickett, Krystal M. Scott, and Johanna Perriin the top three roles as Violet, Judy, and Doralee while Patrick Harris plays the hateful Franklin Hart. The show also features Becky Penner Ruccio, Sean McLaughlin, Michael Hogman, Lennie Chasse, Caroline Barrett, Julia Arey, Jackie Marchetti, Tricia Akowicz, Dan Murray, Christian Huot, Harmony Turk, Miriam Cross, Elizabeth Hassett, Jamie Lin, and Phyllis Wyckoff Uloth. “9 to 5 The Musical” is produced by Ginger Webb and Barbara Moss, with stage management by Clare Pitkin Livak and Robin Liberty, set design by Margaret Umbsen, lighting by Iain Bason, costume design by Anna-Constantia Richardson and Vickie Wu, set dressing and props by Charlotte Kelley and Christina Hourican, sound design by Tom Powers, hair and makeup design by Deanna DiSciullo Lander, and set tech by Charlie Carr.

It's been so fun to be in the theater for this show. Much laughter, much applause, some standing ovations, and packed house. It feels jovial, professional, and fun. Join us! three shows this weekend, tickets going fast, get yours right quick. Some unsolicited reviews: "A show that anyone who has ever loved theatre will adore" "A fabulous, flawless ensemble" "Hilarious . . . a great production" "Congratulations to cast, crew, producer, and directions for your magnificent production of 'Holmes for the Holiday,' Sunday, 12/10/17. The handsome set and the professional performances made for delightful entertainment. Thanks for working so hard to entertain us so well!" --Harvey Fenigsohn and Claire Odom