Bellevue Civic Theatre

Sure, in an election year, we could have focused on political drama, but what fun is that?! The mission of Bellevue Civic Theatre is to present contemporary comedies and small musicals, and this season we are focused on getting back to doing just that. Our goal, plain and simple, is to make you laugh.

Book & lyrics by Tom Jones
Music by Harvey Schmidt
Based on the Fourposter by Jan de Hartog
Directed by Ann Arends
July 11-19, 2008

The story of a marriage is at the center of this intimate and nostalgic work by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones, the authors of The Fantasticks. The show begins with Michael and Agnes on their wedding day and traces their life together over a period of 50 years, until the day they leave their house to the next pair of newlyweds, all set lovingly to the strains of a tuneful, charming score which includes the standard "My Cup Runneth Over."
At once amusing, astonishingly touching and truly endearing" - New York Post

By Neil Simon
Directed by Alyson Soma
Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
January 23-31, 2009

Considered one of Neil Simon’s finest works, Chapter Two follows the life of a widower, George, as he struggles with being a newly remarried man trying to start over after his first wife’s death. George and his new wife, Jennie, a recent divorce, climb over pitfalls and road bumps as they work together to begin a new “chapter” in their lives. Based in part on Simon’s own life, Chapter Two is written with his usual frankness and humor.
"Lovely whimsical and touching and . . . always funny. . . . Most of the time downright hilarious." - N.Y. Post

By Noel Coward
Directed by Gregory Magyar
Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
October 17-25, 2008

One of Noel Coward’s most commercial and critical successes, Private Lives is a sophisticated comedy that has entertained audiences for over half a century. Elyot and Amanda, once married and now honeymooning with new spouses at the same hotel, meet by chance, re-ignite the old flame and impulsively elope. With his usual eccentric wit and comedic genius, Coward pokes fun at the pretentiousness of modern manners and social conventions and creates a well-crafted and hilarious look at the inner jealousies and passions of the characters’ private lives.
"Gorgeous, dazzling, fantastically funny." - N.Y. Times

By Morris Bobrow
Directed by Kent Phillips
May 1-9, 2009

Stop shopping around! The best deal in town has arrived…the Northwest premiere of Morris Bobrow’s Shopping! The Musical. Hailed in San Francisco as “clever and sparkling, Shopping! The Musical is a musical comedy revue of original songs and
sketches about everybody's second-favorite (in some cases, favorite) activity. The fast-paced show targets all kinds of stores, customers and merchants, as it focuses on the frustrations, annoyances, and occasional joys of . . . what else? . . SHOPPING!
“A cart full of laughter.” – San Francisco Chronicle