In 1974, the Bainbridge Little Theatre was born, when a handful of people from Bainbridge College and the community came together for their first performance, Barefoot in the Park.

They did not have a home to call their own, but performed in school auditoriums, and any place they could find adequate space for the first few years. Then Max Langston donated the old Pepsi building on Troupe Street to the group and they recruited enough excitement to go out and raise the money to renovate the building, adding a stage, selling seats at $300 each, and eventually all the trappings necessary for a theatre production. Many of the items have been donated by loyal patrons.

BLT has gained strength each year under the leadership of dedicated and knowledgeable board members and the development of accomplished actors.

Many of the performers today received their early training through the summer Class Act shows for youth and teens.

Bainbridge Little Theatre kicks off its 44th season with the Neil Simon comic drama, Lost in Yonkers, directed by Martha Mobley. Set in 1942, the story revolves around two young teenage boys who have to go live with their Grandmother after their mother dies following a long illness. The father has to begin as a traveling salesman to pay off the medical expenses. Grandmother is a domineering, stern woman of German descent, who does not welcome the boys with open arms.

Performance dates are September 21-24, with Thursday through Saturday having 7 p.m. curtain times, and a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m.

Opening night will see a post-production party held in the Ruth Langston Memorial Garden located behind the theatre.

The season continues with Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol the end of November, and first weekend of December.

Brigadoon, by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Lowe will be the spring musical offering the first week of March, and a British farce, Out of Order, by Ray Cooney, closes out the season in early May.

Memberships are now being sold, and those who become patrons will be invited to a Patron’s Party sponsored by Mickey and Susan Shiver the end of October at The Firehouse Arts Center.

Membership application form and levels of season membership participation can be found on the theatre website: bainbridgelittletheatre@gmail.com