PORTSMOUTH- The Portsmouth Little Theatre (PLT) is in the middle of updating features on its façade and board members are about to send out mailers for season ticket registrations for a new season. However, despite mailers not going out yet, Vice President of the Board of Governors Kelli Riffe has stated that things are going strong already.

“Early season ticket sales are going very well. With just early online purchasing, we’ve sold 154 season tickets. That’s before our annual mailers being sent out in the next week for those that like to use the mail system as their way of buying them,” Riffe said. “I personally have four season tickets, as I give them to my husband, brother, dad, and kids to come and enjoy the shows throughout the season. It’s a wonderful gift of community arts.”

Riffe directed the previous season closing show of Shawshank Redemption, as well as joining casts of other productions. She remains proud of season 75 and looks forward to kicking off another.

“The 75th season was so strong, start to finish, and moving forward into the 76th season, the board of governors have hoped to match or exceed expectations with the choice of the season’s productions,” Riffe said. “Come see what everyone has been talking about.”

Parker agreed with her Vice President regarding momentum.

“I think PLT has a great momentum going and we have many things in the works to keep surprising and impressing the community,” Parker said. “We’ve really grown our volunteer base and it’s only making it easier to accomplish big goals and continue pulling off more and more exciting things. I think if the community sticks with us and continues to watch us grow and evolve, they are going to really love the direction we are taking in the seasons to come. Stay tuned!”

Wait Until Dark will open the 76th season with Kasie McCreary set to direct, assisted by Adam Lucas.

The cast has been announced as Leigh Anne Smith as Susy Hendrix, Julie Buckler as Susy Hendrix understudy, Todd Eichenlaub as Sam Hendrix, Vincent Herman as Sgt. Carlino, Andrew Flege as Mike Talman, Thaddius Barker as Harry Roat Jr., Aubrey Fritz as Gloria, and Cody Phillips as Policeman.

The show will run October 11, 12, 18, and 19.

A Christmas Story will welcome people to the theatre for the holidays season with Eva Martin once again directing. The show will run December 6, 7, 13, and 14.

The Play that Goes Wrong will continue the season on February 14, 15, 21, and 22.

The theatre will bring music back with the hit show Tick, Tick…BOOM! on April 18, 19, 25 and 26. It will be directed by Trevor McCormick.

M*A*S*H will be directed by Kelli Riffe and Kayla Parker, closing the season on June 13, 14, 20, and 21.

“Everyone is loving the variety of shows for this new season,” Riffe said. “We explore the whole gamut of suspense, family, comedy, musical, and drama in these five shows. There is something for everyone to enjoy.”

To enjoy local performing arts this upcoming season, visit PLT online at www.pltlive.com or arrive at the theatre 30 minutes before showtime on performance days. Admission ranges from $15 to $18. The board warned people tickets onsite may be extremely limited, due to demand. They also recommend people to get season tickets to save money on individual tickets, which also saves time and hassle.