CAST
Annie: Ruth Jenkins
Chris: KC Cooper
Celia: Laura Nelson
Cora: Francine Raften
Jessie: Phyllis Lang
Ruth: Jean Christenson
Marie: Angela Mitchom
John: Tony Provenzola
Rod: Mik Sander
Lawrence/Liam: Les Ico
Elaine: Kira Smolev
Lady Cravenshire: Rebecca Dempsey
Synopsis: The death of a much loved husband prompts a group of ordinary women in a small Yorkshire Women's Institute to do an extraordinary thing. Blasting away all preconceptions of what it is to be in a women's institute, they decide to do an artistic nude calendar to raise money for charity. Upturning preconceptions is a dangerous business and none of them expect the emotional and personal ramifications, but gradually the making of the fabulous and funny calendar brings each woman unexpectedly into flower.
The true story of the Calendar Girls launched a global phenomenon, a million copycat calendars, a record breaking movie, stage play and musical written by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow which coined the term "craughing" - the act of crying and laughing at the same time.
With unforgettable songs, every performance continues to add to the millions already raised for charity and also prove that there is no such thing as an ordinary woman.
HART Theatre is proud to be the exclusive westside venue for the 2025 Fertile Ground Festival, a Portland metro citywide celebration of new works in theatre, dance, and multimedia storytelling. The festival at HART provides an incubator for new talent, fostering creativity and community engagement through bold storytelling. Audiences can expect a mix of new works staged readings, all in the intimate setting of Hillsboro’s home for quality local theatre. Join us in celebrating the power of new work and supporting the future of live performance in our community!
Hillsboro Artists' Regional Theatre Presents:
Fertile Ground Festival of New Works at HART
The Golden Dudez
by April Aasheim and Harrison Butler
Directed by Harrison Butler
Fertile Ground at HART Red Carpet Opening Night Kick Off Party
4/6/2025
Synopsis: Get ready for laughs, chaos, and plenty of heart in The Golden Dudez, a hilarious 45-minute spoof of the iconic Golden Girls. Set in Bakersfield, California, this sitcom-style play follows four quirky older men as they navigate friendship, love, and life's unexpected surprises. From Bill’s never-ending search for his beloved omelet pan to Marty’s questionable online dating choices, the Dudez prove that bromance and misadventures don’t end with retirement. Premiering at the Fertile Ground Festival, Golden Dudez is a witty and touching tribute to late-night laughs, eccentric personalities, and the enduring power of chosen family.
The Pros and Cons of Killing Your Husband
Written and Directed by April Aasheim
4/9 and 4/10
Synopsis: In the small Midwestern town of Cowbell, MO, Gertie’s 50th wedding anniversary takes a darkly comedic turn when her husband gifts her a fishing pole instead of the diamond ring she’s longed for. Fueled by decades of repressed frustrations, a cocktail of dubious pills, and the encouragement of her lifelong friends, Gertie begins plotting her husband’s untimely demise. With sharp humor, unexpected twists, and heartfelt revelations, The Pros and Cons of Killing Your Husband explores the complexities of love, friendship, marriage, and the lengths we’ll go to rediscover ourselves. A laugh-out-loud dark comedy that’s deadly fun!
Out of Love
A Theatrical Anthology by James Van Eaton
4/13 and 4/19
A seemingly innocuous object at a Mexican restaurant unravels deep family secrets, a horribly violent bar brawl is retold by three of the participants, only two of which are human, a bereaved father and his struggling granddaughter search for a light in their shared darkness, and a man arrives at the home of his one-time love with flowers for the last time. These four stories, which comprise James Van Eaton’s latest collection, Out of Love, explore the depths and limits of that most powerful emotion with a poignant blend of loyalty, heartache, sweetness and hard truth.
An Evening of
New Works
4/16
No Ham, No Fowl - By Mark Saunders
Synopsis: NO HAM, NO FOWL is a ten-minute play from a holiday-themed series exploring love and identity. Set during Thanksgiving, it offers a light-hearted, romantic twist on the coming-out story. The play is flexible, designed to be performed by any gender mix of couple—man-woman, man-man, or woman-woman—allowing directors to tailor the cast as they see fit. With humor and heart, it brings a fresh perspective to a universal moment of revelation and acceptance.
Life Agent - By Linda Maxon
Synopsis: A life insurance agent's visit to a terminally ill client in a high-crime neighborhood unravels into a gripping exploration of survival, morality, and unexpected connections. As the client prepares for her young son's uncertain future, the agent faces a moral dilemma after hearing intimate, potentially criminal confessions. Amid the tension, moments of humanity shine through, culminating in a poignant farewell that lingers long after the door closes. This powerful play delves into themes of love, loss, and ethical complexities, offering audiences an emotionally charged story that will spark conversations long after the final curtain call.The
Spumoni Skit - By Sally Stember
Synopsis: The Spumoni Skit is a sharp, hilarious take on post-divorce dating, pandemic-era romance, and the tragic reality of losing out to ice cream. With wit and self-deprecating charm, Sally navigates texting mishaps, aging, and a suitor who prefers Tillamook Caramel Cold Brew over meeting in person. Packed with pop culture nods and risqué fun, this monologue is for anyone who's ever questioned their love life—or their choice of dessert.
The Warming Hut - By Sally Stember
Synopsis: The Warming Hut is a haunting drama set in a remote, snow-covered shelter where stranded strangers confront hidden regrets and unspoken truths. As tension rises, the hut becomes more than a refuge—it’s a confessional, a battleground, and a place where fate intervenes. With lyrical dialogue and deep emotional stakes, this atmospheric play explores survival, redemption, and the ghosts that linger. The Warming Hut will leave audiences spellbound long after the final moment.
CAST
Alice Murphy - Emily Russell
Billy Cane - Hudson Moore
Daddy Cane - Jeremy Buxton
Daddy Murphy - Dennis Reilly
Daryl - Max Powell
Dr. Norquist - Tyler Parr
Florence/ Spirit - Jessica Goodhue
Female Ensemble (Spirit) - Ireland McNeill
Edna (Spirit) - Tatiana Bernardo
Govt. Clerk - Jessica Liang
Jimmy Ray Dobbs - Nick Rock
Lucy - Lila Rae Grace
Mama Murphy - Julie Moleski
Margo - Jaclyn VerHurst
Max - Shane Ruyle
Mayor Dobbs - Stan Yeend
Stanford - Ian Knowles
Well Dressed Woman - Willow Kampa
Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s BRIGHT STAR tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past—and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. With beautiful melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tightly in its grasp, BRIGHT STAR is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.