52 years of Award winning community theater
NEWS
The Ghent Playhouse announces their production of NOW AND THEN, written by Sean Grennan & directed by Dianne Hobden opening on November 27 and running through December 6 with Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2 pm.
The play, set in an Irish bar in New York City, takes place over the course of one night in 1981, and explores roads taken and paths ignored. As Jamie is closing the bar where he works, an older gentleman named Jimmy begs to stay a little while, with no real explanation why. When Jamie’s girlfriend Abby arrives, the desperate, last-minute customer offers the couple two thousand dollars to sit and have a drink with him. As they begin discussing life, destiny and dreams, Jimmy reveals the unbelievable truth about where he’s from and why he’s there… and the reason he gives them is completely unbelievable.
Now and Then is a thought-provoking play that explores the unexpected ways our past can shape our present. One choice can change the direction of our lives. With humor, heart and a bit of the unexpected, Sean Grennan’s play invites audiences to explore the roads not taken and imagine the outcome of a different path.
Director Dianne Hobden ponders “What if you could go back in time and visit your younger self? What advice would you give? "Now and Then" delves into that very question and the results are mixed. It turns out that altering one key decision can trigger a cataclysmic change in the future,"
The Ghent Playhouse Announces Its Exciting 52nd Season: A Year of Laughter, Love, Classic Drama, and Community
GHENT, NY — The Ghent Playhouse is delighted to announce its 52nd Season, a vibrant lineup of acclaimed plays and special events that celebrate the power of storytelling, the joy of live performance, and the strength of community.The 2026–2027 season offers audiences an engaging mix of comedy, romance, classic drama, and unforgettable special events, continuing the Playhouse's long tradition of bringing exceptional entertainment to Columbia County and beyond.
The season opens October 2–11, 2026, with Grand Horizons by Bess Wohl, directed by Cathy Lee-Visscher. This acclaimed Broadway comedy explores marriage, family relationships, and the unexpected opportunities that can emerge later in life. Filled with sharp wit and genuine heart, Grand Horizons promises an evening of laughter and reflection.
Just in time for the holiday season, the Playhouse presents Now & Then by Sean Grennan, running November 27–December 6, 2026, under the direction of Dianne Hobden. This touching romantic comedy blends humor, nostalgia, and a touch of mystery as it explores love, destiny, and the choices that shape our lives.
In the spring, audiences will experience one of America's most beloved literary classics, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, directed by Brian Sheldon. Running April 9–18, 2027, this timeless story of friendship, hope, and survival during the Great Depression remains as powerful and relevant today as when it was first written.
Closing the season's theatrical productions is Christopher Durang's Tony Award-winning comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, directed by Brian Wagner, June 4–13, 2027. Packed with eccentric characters, family rivalries, and outrageous humor, this modern comic masterpiece offers a hilarious and heartfelt look at family dynamics and the search for meaning in contemporary life.
In addition to its mainstage productions, the Ghent Playhouse will host several special events throughout the season:
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Bedazzled: The Magic of Jeffrey Jene — December 12–13, 2026
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Annual Give-Back Benefit — January 2027, featuring a staged reading of Agatha Christie's Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan
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Local History Talk by Ghent Town Historian Gregg Berninger — March 6 & 7, 2027
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Annual Benefit Performance — June 26, 2027
Whether you're a longtime supporter or a first-time visitor, you are invited to join the Playhouse for a season filled with memorable performances and meaningful connections.
Located in the heart of historic Ghent, New York, the Ghent Playhouse continues its mission of enriching the community through quality live theater and cultural programming.
Ghent Playhouse Presents Dirty Blonde
June 5–7 and June 12–14 | Ghent Playhouse
GHENT, NY — The Ghent Playhouse is pleased to announce its upcoming production of Dirty Blonde, the acclaimed play by Claudia Shear. Directed by Sky Vogel, with musical direction by Cathy Schane-Lydon, the production stars Jessica Cordova, Robert Mason, and Monk Schane-Lydon.
Part comedy, part character study, Dirty Blonde offers a witty and heartfelt exploration of love, obsession, and identity. Inspired by the life and legacy of legendary entertainer Mae West, the play follows two modern-day superfans who meet at her gravesite and discover unexpected connections. Blending humor, history, and a touch of vaudeville flair, the production celebrates individuality and the endurance of an icon.
Performances will take place over two consecutive weekends, June 5–7 and June 12–14, with Friday and Saturday evening shows at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased online with no additional processing fees or at the door, subject to availability. Advance tickets are available at ghentplayhouse.org:
- $28 for non-members, $23 for Playhouse members & $12 for students
For more information about Dirty Blonde and other upcoming events, visit ghentplayhouse.org or email theghentplayhouse@gmail.com.
The Ghent Playhouse is an award-winning, nonprofit, volunteer-run community theater drawing talent from across the Hudson Valley and beyond. Its historic venue offers comfortable seating, accessible restrooms, air conditioning, and ongoing improvements, including recent exterior restorations.
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The Ghent Playhouse invites you to an evening of incredible magic at the Playhouse! Grand Illusions The Magic of Jeffrey Jene -- one performance only, Saturday, April 18 at 4pm!
Something different and family friendly!
"With a unique blend of mystery and entertainment, Jeffrey Jene has been captivating audiences for over three decades. His charismatic stage presence and unparalleled showmanship have made him a sought-after performer for parties, fairs, festivals, theaters, and corporate functions. Come for an evening of magic and wonder!"
Patrons of the Playhouse may recognize this multi-talented performer from his performances on stage in Fun Home and The Bridges of Madison County. This promises to be a special event and one you will not want to miss!
General Admissions tickets are $ 25.00 and can be purchased via the website at ghentplayhouse.org or at the door (if available).
Something different – something fun!
[GHENT, NY] The Ghent Playhouse is excited to announce a special event, The Director’s Cut, Saturday, April 11 at 7pm!
The Director’s Cut is a fully improvised cinematic experience performed by the Hudson Valley Improv National Touring Company. A film director, under intense studio pressure to deliver his final cut, hosts a private “screening” that quickly becomes a live, on-the-spot production. The Touring Company plays the actors while the audience becomes every essential department — from casting and costume to editing and marketing — shaping the movie as it unfolds. The result is a completely original film created before your eyes. The Director’s Cut was featured at the Hartford Improv Festival, where it received outstanding praise for its originality, structure, and electric audience engagement.
General Admissions tickets are $ 25.00 and can be purchased via our website at ghentplayhouse.org or at the door (if available)
Photo (l-r) Cathy Lee-Visscher, PJ Keeler, Vivian Wachsberger
The Ghent Playhouse staged reading of Roman Fever benefits the Columbia County EMS Education program
[GHENT, NY] The Ghent Playhouse presented a check for $ 2700 to the Columbia County EMS Education program representative PJ Keeler on February 11th. The donation resulted from a benefit reading of Edith Wharton's Roman Fever earlier in January. Ghent Playhouse Artistic Director Cathy Lee-Visscher, Roman Fever Producer Vivian Wachsberger and Board President Linda Murawski were also on hand for the presentation.
“We try each Season to give back to the community that has supported us throughout the years”, said President Linda Murawski. “Community theater only survives with the support of the community.”
This Benefit production of Roman Fever was made possible by those donating their time and skills: Producer Vivian Wachsberger who also adapted the story for our stage, The Cast - Meg Dooley, Dianne Hobden, Wendy Power Spielmann, and all the behind-the-scenes volunteers.
If you missed the production and would like to donate, checks may be mailed to Columbia County EMS Education, 85 Industrial Tract, Hudson, NY 12534. For more information on the program, visit their website at ccemscoordinator.com
For information on The Ghent Playhouse and upcoming shows, visit ghentplayhouse.org
And, as always, The Ghent Playhouse thanks their wonderful patrons for their support!