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The Porch on Windy Hill a new play with old music
September 18 October 20
The Porch on Windy Hill a new play with old music
September 18 October 20
September 18-October 20, 2024
Written by Sherry Stregack Lutken, Lisa Helmi Johanson, Morgan Morse & David M. Lutken Conceived & Directed by Sherry Stregack Lutken Steinbright Stage
Bluegrass/Americana meets a worldly perspective on musical roots and family ties

Mira, a biracial Korean American violinist, and her boyfriend Beckett reconnect with her estranged grandfather and delve into the joys and pains of the past. In the mountains of North Carolina, they discover the ability to bridge divides and heal wounds through the power of music. Set against a backdrop of authentic “old-time” and bluegrass melodies, this heartwarming tale combines endearing characters and traditional instruments in a harmonious exploration of heritage and human connection.

David Lutken, star of the hit production Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie, returns to the People's Light stage with The Porch on Windy Hill. He and his company have toured Europe, the British Isles, the U.S., the Middle East, and China. The 2018 Woody Sez cast album was recorded live on the Haas Stage. Appearances on stage at People’s Light also include the role of the ‘Stage Manager’ in the 2019 production of Our Town, directed by Abbey Adams, and Ring of Fire, directed by Sherry Lutken, his wife and artistic collaborator of twenty-five years.

Recommended for ages 12+. Content advisory: This play contains strong language, including racial slurs. Run time: approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.

Individual Sponsors: Barbara Austell, Kathy & Chris Gubanich, and Bob & Cheryl Carfagno

 

Video by Ball Square Films, courtesy of Merrimack Repertory Theatre.


Cast and Creative Team
Edgar/Co-writer/Music Director
Beckett
Director/Co-writer
Co-writer
Scenic Design
Costume Design
Lighting Design
Sound Design
CSA Casting Director
Stage Manager
Discover More
Little Library Concert: Garden Edition
Co-writer/actor, company artist and talented troubadour David Lutken brought some classic folk songs to our garden for this "new play with old music."
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Audio Self-Descriptions
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The Porch on Windy Hill Program
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Enhance Your Experience
AAPI Affinity Day

A day of celebration for Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities! Starting at 1pm, join us for pre-show festivities in partnership with the Woori Center, including delicious food and a showcase of art from a variety of cultures. Stay after the performance for an Intersecting Realities panel moderated by West Chester University Associate Professor of Women's and Gender Studies Dr. Justin Sprauge focused on Korean and Korean American Identity.

Saturday, October 5
Pre-show starts at 1pm, performance at 2pm

Tales with Tom

Free with RSVP! Join local legend and longtime People’s Light company artist Tom Teti for a pre-show Scoop like no other. With his trademark wit and searing insight, Tom performs pieces focused on memory and growing old. In relation to themes in The Porch on Windy Hill, this "Tales with Tom" highlights the Vietnam War and the young people that served and died. Following the performance, share a drink or snack with Tom and chat about the piece, then join us for The Porch on Windy Hill at 2pm (separate tickets required).

Sunday, October 13 at 1pm — RSVP here
The Porch on Windy Hill performance at 2pm — Get tickets

 

Thursday Hootenannies

A post-performance BYOI (bring-your-own-instrument) musical free-for-all with the cast. All musicians and music enthusiasts are welcome to hoot, holler, and sing along.

Thursday Nights: 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17

Access Dates

To expand access to our work, we offer 50%-off Access Dates throughout the season. The discount is automatic for these performances, no promo code required.

Tuesday, September 24 at 7pm
Wednesday, October 9 at 2pm

Smart Caption Glasses

Our Smart Caption Glasses offer immersive, real-time captioning for live theatre. These revolutionary glasses display a synchronized transcript of the play directly on the lenses, and are customizable for your comfort.

Smart Caption Glasses are available at performances of this play in the date range below. To reserve your pair of glasses, simply add tickets to your cart, then follow the link that appears at the top of the page to add a glasses reservation to your cart for free! For assistance, please contact the Box Office at tickets@peopleslight.org.

October 1–13

Relaxed Performance

Relaxed Performances offer a judgment-free, "shush-free" environment where traditional theatre rules are relaxed. During the performance, audience members are free to move around, exit and enter the theatre, or vocalize. All are welcome! At each Relaxed Performance, we offer audio descriptionASL interpretation, and a pre-show sensory tour where you can interact with set and prop elements and ask questions.

Sunday, October 6 at 2pm
Pre-show sensory tour at 1pm (free with RSVP to diiorio@peopleslight.org)

American Sign Language Interpretation

American Sign Language interpretation provided by Hands UP Productions. This is also a Relaxed Performance.

Sunday, October 6 at 2pm

Audio Description

Headsets provide commentary on the visual aspects of a performance. This supplemental narration interweaves with the real-time, spoken dialogue. This is also a Relaxed Performance.

Sunday, October 6 at 2pm

Open Captioning

During every performance this week, dialogue appears on an LED screen placed near the stage to benefit patrons with hearing impairments, as well as English language learners.

October 8–13

Subscribe & Save

The Porch on Windy Hill is currently available as a part of a 4-Play Subscription Package, which also includes A Raisin in the Sun, Birthday Candles, and Little Shop of Horrors. Our subscribers enjoy a discount off the regular ticket price, plus extra perks like invitations to exclusive events, 15% off additional ticket purchases, and more.

BECOME A SUBSCRIBER