BETHLEHEM, PA – Touchstone Theatre, the region’s only ensemble-based theatre, presents a staged reading of "Spit Out the Poison"–-- an original work written by Ensemble Member Matt Prideaux.

A modern-day Greek tragedy with drinks, dancing, pinatas, and perhaps just a little bit of bloodshed, "Spit Out the Poison" is a one-night-only staged reading on January 29 at 7pm in Touchstone’s 75-seat theatre on the SouthSide of Bethlehem.

Join us for an evening celebrating Paul – the man of the hour, the party animal himself – as he moves into the next chapter of his life. However, his plans for retirement get thrown out the window when his celebration turns into a bit of a nightmare. I mean, it’s Paul’s party, he can die if he wants to, right? 

This script has been a decade-in-the-making, originating as a draft written during playwright Matt Prideaux’s undergraduate years.

Inspired by Stephen Sondheim’s Company, which questions societal fixation on marriage and manhood, Spit Out the Poison extends the conversation further by asking: Who would I become if I gave in to society’s idea of the "traditional man"?

“With this piece, I am exploring themes of masculinity, identity, and societal expectations. At its core, it is a confrontation of what happens when someone is forced into a mold that doesn’t fit—and the damage that can result,” says Matt. “It’s emotionally raw and, at times, painful. But for those who are a little broken, like me, I hope it provides comfort. I hope you feel seen, understood, and a little less alone.”

"Spit Out the Poison" is a one-night-only staged reading on January 29, 2025.

Reading begins at 7pm, doors open at 6:30pm.

Tickets are FREE, but reservations are encouraged.

Viewer discretion is advised. Recommended for ages 16 and up.

Reservations are available at 610.867.1689 or online at touchstone.org.

Bethlehem, PA — This winter, suspense takes center stage as the Pennsylvania Playhouse presents Dial M for Murder, a gripping play that inspired the classic Alfred Hitchcock movie.

Directed by Gary Boyer, this thrilling production will run Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM from January 24th to February 9th.

The Pennsylvania Playhouse invites you to cozy up next to the fire and join them for Irving Berlin’s iirit that is sure to warm even the coldest heart.

After running into General Waverly, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, former army buddies and current musical sensation, join forces with Betty and Judy Haynes to help bring some joy (and business) to the Columbia Inn in Vermont.

But along the way, they learn that the holiday season may have some love left for the four of them as well.

Allentown, Pa. (Oct. 14, 2024) — “War and Peace,” Leo Tolstoy’s 1,000-page 19th century Russian novel might conjure up memories of high school English class — but “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812,” Dave Malloy’s musical adaptation of the novel, is more likely to transport you to a Russian nightclub on Tolstoy theme night.

At least, that’s how director James Peck envisions the musical — coming Oct. 31 – Nov. 3 to Muhlenberg College. “This show offers the chance to watch a musical do something you didn’t necessarily know a musical could do,” Peck says. “It incorporates an incredible range of stylistic influences, from Russian folk music to electronica, contemporary pop to opera recitative. The way he juxtaposes those influences, at some level it shouldn’t work. And yet it 100 percent works.

“And who would have thought of ‘War and Peace’ as the subject matter of a musical?”