Waterville Opera House Announces 2025 Theatrical Season
WATERVILLE, ME—The Waterville Opera House (WOH) is excited to announce its full 2025 theatrical season. Beginning in January of next year, WOH will present four community theatre productions, including two musicals and two straight plays: new romantic comedy The Cottage by Sandy Rustin in January and February; Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, adapting the beloved children’s book, in April and May; dark comedy mystery-thriller Deathtrap by Ira Levin in August and September; and finally the beloved holiday musical Irving Berlin’s White Christmas in November.
“I’m excited to bring this amazing selection of theatrical productions to life for our community,” said Michelle Sweet, WOH’s executive director. “From laugh-a-minute comedy, to suspense-filled mystery, to full-on musical spectacle, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy!”
Now in its 122nd year, the Opera House prides itself on its ability to routinely stage professional-caliber productions showcasing the very best of the local theatre community, from the actors on stage captivating audiences to the creative teams that design and assemble eye-catching costumes and sets. The 2025 season promises to push WOH’s creative achievements to new heights.
January 31–February 9: The Cottage by Sandy Rustin
This brand-new, side-splitting romp is an outrageous tale of sex, betrayal, and desire as one woman decides to expose her latest affair to both her husband—and to her lover’s wife. The true meaning of fate and faith, identity and infidelity, love and marriage are all called into question as a surprising and hilarious web of secrets unravels in this ridiculously funny romantic comedy.
April 25–May 4: Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical
Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognize and appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however—the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal measure, and could be her classmates’ saving grace! Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical is a captivating masterpiece for both children and adults alike.
August 29–September 7: Deathtrap by Ira Levin
Comfortably ensconced in his charming Connecticut home, Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, is struggling to overcome a dry spell that has resulted in a string of failures and a shortage of funds. A possible break in his fortunes occurs when he receives a script from a student in the seminar he has been conducting at a nearby college—a thriller that Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway smash. Sidney’s plan, devised with his wife’s help, is to offer collaboration to the student for co-credit. Or is it? Deathtrap provides twists and turns of devilish cleverness, and offers hilariously sudden shocks in such abundance that audiences will be spellbound until the very last moment.
November 14–30: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Based on the timeless and beloved film, White Christmas follows veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who launch a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. White Christmas is an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages.
“Our reputation for top-notch storytelling has created a robust audience base for our outstanding community theatre performers to dazzle with their talents and 2025’s theatrical offerings include an array of excellent roles for a variety of ages,” Sweet said. “Matilda will provide many opportunities for our younger performers and White Christmas will grace our stage with an extended run of nine performances, as I have no doubt our community will come out in droves for this holiday themed family favorite.”
Season Passes are now on sale at operahouse.org. Theatregoers can enjoy a 20% discount off their purchase when they reserve tickets to all four productions in one transaction.
###
About the Waterville Opera House
Waterville Opera House (WOH) has been bringing the magic of the performing arts to audiences of all ages since 1902. This beautifully restored, 810-seat theatre hosts high-quality community theatre, dance, concerts, and educational programming. As part of the artistic community working to make Waterville a key arts destination, WOH encourages an appreciation for the performing arts and its creative expression by consistently producing exceptional performances for residents and visitors. We firmly believe that art and culture have the power to enrich lives, strengthen community bonds, and serve as an economic engine. For more information, visit operahouse.org.