Who doesn’t love theatre people?
It’s 1948, and the brightest names on Broadway have descended upon a glamorous Newport mansion for a weekend of romance, chaos, and more than a few misunderstandings. Join an unforgettable cast of characters populated by a pair of scheming playwrights, a couple of misbehaving actors, a star-struck young author and a disgruntled housekeeper for a comedy that’s a love letter to the theatre and all the people who make it. Author Paul Slade Smith conjures the spirit of the classic screwball comedies of yesteryear with irresistible charm and backstage antics certain to leave you breathless with laughter. After all, who doesn’t love theatre people?
A runaway hit in 2023’s Script In Hand playreading series, we’re pleased to offer this rollicking comedy by Connecticut-born playwright Paul Slade Smith as a full production on the Playhouse stage!
Concluding our 2024/2025 Season of Laughter
“They sure don’t make them like Theatre People anymore! And yet, Paul Slade Smith has managed to craft a wonderfully funny, new play that harkens back to the kind of romantic comedies Playhouse audiences have loved for generations. At the same time, he’s infused this fast-paced, laugh-filled romp with a sharp, modern energy that makes it feel entirely fresh. At its heart, this play is a love letter to all those who – just like you- call themselves ‘theatre people’!” –Mark Shanahan, Theatre People director and Playhouse artistic director
WATCH THE OFFICIAL TRAILER!
MEET THE CAST
MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
check out photos from the show
WHAT CRITICS ARE SAYING
WHAT AUDIENCES ARE SAYING
Very funny, good acting and lots of laughs. Go to the Playhouse and enjoy an evening of humor. We need it."
Brilliant adaptation and execution of a 17th Century play into a “Lucy”-era sitcom with hilariously self-aware characters. Laugh-out-loud funny."
A tremendously enjoyable evening. Very well put together - strong cast and direction. Highly recommend!"
We loved THEATRE PEOPLE. The actors were fantastic! The story was very clever and we laughed through the whole thing. Our favorite of the Laughter Series."
Theatre People Giveaway!
ENTER TO WIN four guest passes to explore ANY of the iconic properties of The Preservation Society of Newport County listed HERE!
MORE INSIGHTS. MORE FUN.
Get more from your experience at the Playhouse by joining us for one of our pre- or post-show events!
Open Captions
Sun, April 6, matineeDeaf and hard of hearing audiences can enjoy the performance while watching an easy-to-read digital screen with the actors' dialogue.
Backstage Pass
Wed, Apr 9, matinee, post-showLearn how the Playhouse technical staff brought each show to life. No ticket necessary — free and open to all.
Thursday Talkback
Thur, Apr 10, post-showJoin us for a lively Q&A with members of the cast.
Taste of Tuesday 🍽️🍷
Tue, Mar 25 at 6PMA fun reception pairing food + wine from one of our restaurant partners. Available only as part of our season ticket package.
Buy Package
Pride Night 🌈
Thur, Mar 27, at 6PMA fun, pre-show cocktail party for the LGBTQ+ community and friends. Use code THEATREPRIDE or call Box Office at 203.227.4177 to make your reservation.
Get Tickets
Together at the Table Family Dinner 🍽️ 🍕
Wed, Mar 26 at 5:30PMAn evening for families and groups to enjoy a communal dinner and casual conversation before attending the performance. Call Box Office at 203.227.4177 to make your reservation.
Opening Night 🥂
Sat, Mar 29, post-showCelebrate the opening of each production with cast, crew, and creative team. Free with ticket to the show.
Sunday Symposium
Sun, Mar 30, post-show"Theatre Adaptations" - about plays which are adaptations of previous source materials and the path to an adaptation’s success. With cast member Erin Noel Grennan and Paul Walsh, Yale University theatre professor and historian. Moderated by Anne Keefe.
MORE
MAKING THEATER OPEN TO ALL.
The Playhouse offers a variety of accessible ticket pricing options, including pay-what-you-will performances, first responder discounts, free tickets for Indigenous peoples, and more.
See ticketing discounts
ARTICLES & INTERVIEWS
DINNER & A SHOW
Looking for the perfect pre-show dining spot? Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse is located on the Playhouse campus and is offering a special prix fixe menu for Theatre People ticketholders! Click here to view the menu and pricing, then call Gabriele’s at (203) 454-4922 to make your reservation. Be sure to tell them you are attending Theatre People to access the exclusive menu and price!
THANK YOU
Production Supporter: Cherie Flom Quain
Corporate Supporter: The Shoreline Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley
Opening Night Post-Show Reception Sponsor: RDM Financial Group at Hightower
2025 Programming & Season Sponsorship is generously provided by Barbara Streicker.
Media Sponsorship for the 2025 season is generously provided by Moffly Media and WSHU Public Radio.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION CREDITS
Theatre People is presented by arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, a division of Broadway Licensing Global.
FOR THIS PRODUCTION
| Associate Set Designer | Justin Lahue |
| Assistant Costume Designer | Kat Ibasco |
| Associate Wig, Hair & Makeup Designer | Lily Volle |
| Associate Lighting Designer | Alexander Fetchko |
| Assistant Sound Designer | Joe Krempetz |
| Technical Director/Head Carpenter/Flyman | Jason Thompson |
| Assistant Carpenter | Scott A. Trichka |
| Scenic Artist | Tamar Klausner |
| Head Sound | Jon Damast |
| Head Electrician | Dylan Dineen |
| Head Props | Ryan Neuburger |
| Head Wardrobe | Lisa Ficco |
| Dresser | Jessica Camarero |
2024/25 SEASON OF LAUGHTER
Welcome back to a season of fully produced theatre at the Playhouse.
The Playhouse is proud to present A SEASON OF LAUGHTER, with a slate of comedies chosen specifically to energize our community with a welcoming sense of warmth, humor, and joy.
Learn more about the season hereMAINSTAGE SUBSCRIPTION
Enjoy the Playhouse and all of our live theater shows with ease today!
A annual subscription that ensures you’ll always have a ticket to to our theater season with benefits including savings, priority, discounts, flexibility, and more! Click below to read about all the perks our Mainstage Subscription has to offer and get yours today!
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All titles, dates, and artists are subject to change.
adapted from Ferenc Molnár’s “Play at the Castle”
Recommended for ages 14 and up
English 
Spanish