Freefall, Jobsite theaters plan for the future

The “drive-in radio” production of War of the Worlds has been such a success, freeFall Theatre plans to keep that outdoor mojo working during the holiday season.

Freefall is bringing back a musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol for an after dark, stay-in-your-car run for the decidedly wintry stretch between Dec. 11 and 24 (although this being Florida and all, it’s doubtful the show could get called on account of snow).

With lyrics by Keith Ferguson and music by Bruce Greer, A Christmas Carol: In Concert features songs performed by a cast of live performers, along with multimedia and narration from the original novella (that’d be the one by Mr. Dickens).

The show will be performed twice on most days during the run; tickets and specifics are here.

Jobsite Theater’s production of John Patrick Shanley’s biting drama Doubt: A Parable, which was to open on Friday, March 13 – the day the coronavirus closed down every stage, everywhere – has been given a new lease on theatrical life.

In the company’s extended 2021 season, Doubt is first on the schedule, for Jan. 13-31 in the Straz Center’s roomy Jaeb Theatre, which has been reconfigured for Covid-safe distancing. This is the venue where Heather Kruger is onstage now in Always … Patsy Cline, alternating with Twilight: Los Angeles (1992), which stars Andresia Mosely.

Mosely was (and is) in the cast of Doubt, playing the mother of a young boy that a skeptical nun (Roxanne Fay) suspects has been abused by a friendly priest (David M. Jenkins).

The dark comedy Hand to God follows Feb. 24-March 14, then gives way April 7-25 to a production of Shakespeare’s Henry V. The Gothic horror musical Shockheaded Peter is next, June 9-27.

In a perfect world (or as close as possible, as we’ll see), Jobsite will then resume production in its traditional black box home, the Shimberg Theatre, for the remainder of the season: Four ordinary women drink and complain on the roof of a St. Louis apartment building in Liza Birkenmeier’s comedy drama Dr. Ride’s American Beach House, set in 1983 (Sept. 8 – Oct. 3); Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde runs Oct. 20-Nov. 21.

“We’re thrilled to return to mainstage work after what will be 10 months once we resume,” wrote Jenkins, Jobsite executive and artistic director, on the theater’s website, “and we hope that you’re excited, too.

“If you would like us to remain open it is imperative that you follow all protocols during your visit, and that you continue to heed scientific and medical experts in the pursuit of your daily lives.

“We’re in this together.”

Details here.