Dakota Stage and Shade Tree Players

Arsenic and Old Lace
2024-03-21 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-03-22 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-03-23 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-03-28 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-03-29 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-03-30 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-03-31 14:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Dakota Stage, 412 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58501, United States
“Arsenic and Old Lace” is a classic dark comedy play written by Joseph Kesselring. The story follows the eccentric Brewster family residing in Brooklyn. On the surface, they seem like an ordinary, quirky bunch, but beneath their charming facade lies a sinister secret.
Mortimer Brewster, a theater critic, discovers that his sweet and seemingly harmless aunts, Abby and Martha Brewster, have been poisoning lonely, elderly men as an act of mercy. They believe they are doing a charitable deed by sparing these men from their lonely lives. Mortimer, torn between his love for his aunts and his duty to uphold the law, struggles to handle the shocking revelation.
Complicating matters further, Mortimer’s brother Teddy believes he is President Theodore Roosevelt and keeps digging graves in the basement, and his long-lost criminal brother Jonathan arrives with his accomplice, Dr. Einstein. Chaos ensues as Mortimer attempts to keep the family’s dark secrets hidden from the outside world while dealing with his brothers’ unpredictable antics.
As the play progresses, the Brewster household becomes a madhouse of mistaken identities, frantic cover-ups, and unexpected encounters. The dark humor arises from the stark contrast between the cheerful facade of the Brewster family and the macabre nature of their actions.
“Arsenic and Old Lace” is a hilarious and fast-paced comedy that explores themes of morality, family loyalty, and the fine line between sanity and madness. With its witty dialogue, eccentric characters, and clever plot twists, the play has become a beloved and enduring theatrical classic.

Church Basement Ladies
2024-05-09 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-05-10 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-05-11 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-05-12 14:00 - 16:30, 2024-05-16 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-05-17 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-05-18 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-05-19 14:00 - 16:30
Church Basement Ladies is a heartwarming and comedic musical that takes place in a small Midwestern town. The story revolves around a group of women who tirelessly work behind the scenes in the church basement, preparing food and organizing events for the congregation.
The ladies, including the witty matriarch Vivian, the sweet and wise matriarch’s daughter Signe, the enthusiastic and cheerful Mavis, and the sassy and mischievous Karin, form a tight-knit sisterhood as they navigate the joys and challenges of their roles in the church community.
Through a series of vignettes and musical numbers, the play offers a delightful glimpse into the lives of these spirited women. From organizing potlucks to tackling technological advancements and dealing with the occasional church gossip, the ladies bring a unique blend of humor, warmth, and relatability to their everyday experiences.
As the seasons pass and years go by, the Church Basement Ladies support each other through life’s ups and downs, celebrating weddings, consoling during losses, and finding strength in their shared faith and friendship. They embody the heart and soul of the community, embodying the values of dedication, love, and a deep sense of belonging.
Church Basement Ladies is a celebration of the unsung heroes in the church community and the often-overlooked work they do. With its catchy musical numbers, humorous anecdotes, and touching moments, the musical captures the essence of community, the power of unity, and the importance of finding joy and purpose in everyday life.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
2024-10-10 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-10-11 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-10-12 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-10-13 14:00 - 16:30, 2024-10-17 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-10-18 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-10-19 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-10-20 14:00 - 16:30
Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this Bee is one unforgettable experience.
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.

Dickens' Christmas Carol
2024-12-05 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-12-06 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-12-07 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-12-08 14:00 - 16:30, 2024-12-12 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-12-13 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-12-14 19:30 - 22:00
From the bonny shores of England comes the Styckes-Upon-Thump Repertory Theatre Company, a stuffy old travelling troupe embarking on their fifteenth annual farewell tour of the Dickens’ tale. The company includes Sir Selsdon Piddock, the consummate actor, in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, with Mrs. Bettina Salisbury, Dame Rowena Middleton-Lewis, Mrs. Cordelia ffoliet-ffolkes ffortescue Woods, Teddy Shub and Elyot Crummels in multiple supporting roles. Sweet Cynthia Imbry, the general understudy, suddenly finds herself thrust onstage to perform a role she’s ill-prepared for! Bettina, the company diva, pretends to be ill, certain the production will be cancelled. However, much to her shock and rage, the show does go on without her! Roles are shuffled at the last minute and poor Cynthia finds herself center stage. The play begins but mid-way through the theatre doors open and in rushes Bettina, determined to reclaim her roles. Mayhem ensues as this professional company scrambles to keep the show going and everything that could possibly go wrong does, to hilarious, ridiculous results!
