The Unexpected 3rd

Deep into her third and final act of being a person, award-winning theatre artist Kathryn Grody explores a surreal, devastating, and existentially hilarious potpourri of self-discoveries at 75 years young. As mother, actor, wife, grandmother, friend, and accidental influencer, Grody navigates the bewildering transition into elderhood — equal parts empowering and unnerving. The Unexpected 3rd is a humorous and heartfelt solo piece exploring the joys  and challenges of becoming not quite old, but elder. A sold-out sensation at our 2024 Kiln New Works Festival, this world premiere is a must see-ahead of its Off-Broadway debut next year — a rollicking rumination on the stunning impermanence of it all.

Steel Magnolias

The reigning ladies of a small Louisiana parish spend Saturday mornings at Truvy Jones' beauty parlor. With help from aspiring beautician Annelle, Truvy doles out gossip, wisecracks, and hairspray to "grande dame" Miss Clairee, the lovable curmudgeon Ouiser, queen bee M'Lynn, and M'Lynn's vivacious daughter Shelby. Six unforgettable women command the stage in this hilarious and heart-wrenching masterpiece, starring People’s Light icons Janis Dardaris, Claire Inie-Richards, Teri Lamm, Susan McKey, and Marcia Saunders, under the direction of Abigail Adams.

Twelfth Night

A shipwreck, mistaken identities, and tangled desires set the stage for a brand-new spin on Shakespeare’s sharp and subversive comedy. Andrew Watring’s directorial debut at People’s Light sets our scene in a luxurious resort, a modern playground for the upper crust. After Viola washes ashore and disguises herself as her twin brother to navigate this strange new world, she quickly finds herself caught in a dizzying love triangle. As the resort’s eccentric inhabitants start to disrupt the order of things, the servants and the served collide in a riotous, romantic story of revelry and rebellion.

The Woman Question

Unearth the untold stories of the pioneering women in medicine who led the charge for women’s health and reproductive freedom 150 years ago, in a world premiere with local roots. This original play follows the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania class of 1894, a diverse group of students whose experiences draw urgent connections to contemporary struggles against misogyny in healthcare and law. Blending rigorous research with imaginative play, acclaimed theatre-maker Suli Holum (Hurricane Diane) returns to People’s Light to craft and perform in The Woman Question alongside company artist Melanye Finister (A Raisin in the Sun).

Developed with the support of a 2023 Pew Center for Arts & Heritage grant

Ain't Misbehavin'

Step into the vibrant and swinging world of the Harlem Renaissance in this raucous and joyful musical revue, celebrating the music and spirit of the legendary Fats Waller. The Tony and Grammy Award-winning, jazz-infused score includes Waller’s famous hits like “Honeysuckle Rose” and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love”. This playful and exuberant tribute to the iconic tunes of the era captures the essence of Manhattan’s nightlife, from the swanky Cotton Club to the lively dives of Lenox Avenue. Directed by Broadway’s Steve H. Broadnax III (A Raisin in the Sun, Bonez), Ain’t Misbehavin’ brings the pulse of an unforgettable musical era to life.