SHERBURNE — The Sherburne Music-Theater Society (SMTS) is thrilled to announce that they have a full season planned for 2023 with three theatrical productions and three Community Chorus concerts.

Productions include "26 Pebbles," a play by Eric Ulloa, the musical "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," and a staged reading of "A Christmas Carol." Concerts from the Sherburne Community Chorus (SCC) include a Spring Choral Concert, a Holiday concert with Smyrna Citizen’s Band, and a Messiah Sing-Along. All performances take place at the Earlville Opera House except when noted below.

First up is the SCC Spring Choral Concert on May 17 at the Earlville Opera House. Under the expert direction of Kylie Davis, this diverse group of singers will perform a concert not to be missed. The group is open to everyone, there are no auditions, and they rehearse weekly on Wednesdays. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact us on Facebook or at info@sherburnemusictheater.org.

On June 16 and 17, SMTS will present “26 Pebbles," a play by Eric Ulloa, directed by Colleen Law-Tefft. "26 Pebbles” tells the story and experience of the Sandy Hook Community through the eyes of the parents and community members. The playwright, Eric Ulloa, interviewed 60 members of the Newtown, CT community in writing this show which covers several topics from gun violence to mental illness to school safety. But the play avoids getting too "preachy," and doesn't take a hard stance on pro- or anti-gun control issues. Rather it focuses on a community trying to cope with a tragedy and ends with hopeful messages. All the characters are brought to life by six actors. Auditions are April 2 and 3. Keep watch for more information.

SMTS will also be presenting the summer musical, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” on August 18 and 19, directed by Jenni Larchar. Many will be familiar with the 1968 movie musical starring Dick Van Dyke and Sally Anne Howes. The story is about a down-on-his-luck inventor who turns a broken-down Grand Prix car into a fancy vehicle for his children, and then they go off on a magical fantasy adventure to save their grandfather in a far-off land.

The plan is to bring together community members of all ages to sing, dance, act, build, sew, gather, network, and socialize, contributing their different strengths and interests to help build the production, from performers to backstage crew. The show includes 20 to 30 on-stage performers and about 20 crew and staff, plus a live pit orchestra. Auditions for kids and adults are on June 22, more information to follow.

In 2018 SMTS began a tradition of holding an annual holiday-themed play reading performance, free of charge to the public in December. The tradition continues in 2023 with "A Christmas Carol," directed by Rick Thormahlen, on December 2.

Previous staged readings included, “It’s a Wonderful Life” in 2018, “A Christmas Carol” in 2019, a recorded online production of Holiday Stories and Songs in 2020, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" in 2021, and 2022 saw the return to the beginning of the planned four-year rotation with the radio drama "It's a Wonderful Life." More information will follow as we get closer.

December is packed with more musical adventures as the Sherburne Community Chorus presents a holiday concert in partnership with the Smyrna Citizen’s Band on December 4 at the Smyrna Town Hall, and then a “Messiah Sing-Along” on December 17 at the United Church of Christ in Sherburne.

SMTS is pleased to call the Earlville Opera House their home and has a long history of performances there. The Earlville Opera House was founded in 1972 as a not-for-profit, volunteer-based community service organization promoting the arts in the rural region of Central New York by offering programs of cultural, educational, and historical significance; and preserving and restoring the architectural and historic integrity of the Earlville Opera House, a unique second-story theater constructed in 1892.

Sherburne Music-Theater Society was informally organized in 1967 with the first show sponsored by the Sherburne Rotary Club. Since its official incorporation in 1970, SMTS has become an award-winning community theatre who are dedicated to excellence, while providing an opportunity for talented local thespians and musicians to utilize their skills. They have provided many audiences with memorable performances and statewide recognition.

The Sherburne Community Chorus formed in 1969 as an adjunct to SMTS. The chorus performs a wide variety of vocal music, from the great works of classical composers to pop and patriotic pieces.

SMTS is a member of the Theatre Association of New York State (TANYS). For more information and the latest updates on SMTS and Sherburne Community Chorus, please find us on Facebook or email us at info@sherburnemusictheater.org.

-Information provided by SMTS