Things to do in Montgomery for April 3-9

Montgomery Advertiser

The Pickett Fest - Music and Arts Festival

The Pickett Fest is Saturday April 5, starting at 10 a.m. Formerly known as Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival, it's an annual event in Prattville to celebrate the arts and the legacy of Wilson Pickett, a Prattville native. Festivities in Cooter's Pond Park include an entertainment stage, food vendors, free children’s activities, local artists, and vendors. Admission is free. For information about the event, visit wilsonpickettfestival.com

Wilson Pickett performs onstage in 1965.

Summer Program Registration Event

Montgomery Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its annual Summer Program Registration Event on April 5 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Oak Park, 1010 Forest Ave. This event will offer family-friendly activities such as inflatables, games, food, and a range of vendors to explore. Registration booths will be available to register for the Summer Program. The Summer Program runs from June 2 to July 25 and is $40 per child or teen. Children and teens age 6-17 will enjoy activities such as arts and crafts, open gym time, special events, field trips and much more. The Goodwyn Community Center is the only location available for teens aged 13-17. For more information or to register, see Funinmontgomery.com or call 334-625-2300.

Lifeguards needed for summer

The Montgomery Parks and Recreation Department is seeking team-oriented applicants age 15 and up for temporary, full-time lifeguard positions for the summer. The program lasts six to eight weeks and the new hires would be provided with lifeguard certification and training. Each applicant would need to be a strong swimmer, have a valid ID, and have their own bank account. For more information or to apply, see funinmontgomery.com or call 334-625-2300. Deadline to apply is May 2. If selected, expect to hear from a representative from mid to the end of May.

ALABAMA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

For tickets call the box office at 334-271-5353 or visit asf.net.

Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood: March 13-April 6, on Festival Stage. A fun-loving young man comes face to face with the kind of greed and inhumanity that won’t let him sleep at night. Suddenly he’s an outlaw hiding in Sherwood Forest where he joins up with a band of followers including Little John, Friar Tuck, and a feisty adventuress, Maid Marian. By Ken Ludwig. Adventurous and funny heroic folktale. (Ages 10+)
William Shakespeare's Hamlet: April 17-May 4, on Festival Stage. When Prince Hamlet’s father, the king of Denmark, suddenly dies, Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude, marries his uncle Claudius, who becomes the new king. A spirit claiming to be the ghost of Hamlet’s father says Claudius murdered him and demands that Hamlet avenge his death. Is it really his father’s spirit? Is revenge is the right decision? A revenge tragedy. (Ages 12+)
Kudzu Calling: May 29-June 15, on Octagon Stage. This is a world premiere. This interweaving of poems and moments seeks to expand and complicate the Southern narrative – a celebration of Black Southern love, queerness, playfulness, culture, and spirituality. It is the playwright’s love letter to the place that made her. By Donnetta Lavinia Grays. A lyrical Southern celebration. (Ages 17+)
The Wizard of Oz: July 9-Aug. 17, on Festival Stage. Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, is a thrill for audiences of all ages. By L. Frank Baum. Thrills and music for the family. (Ages 5+)

CAPRI THEATRE

Get tickets at capritheatre.org or call 334-262-4858. The Capri is at 1045 E. Fairview Ave, Montgomery. It’s the longest continually operated movie theatre in Alabama. Become a member of the Capri Community Film Society and receive ticket discounts, plus admission benefits at art house theaters across the country. Member tickets are $10, and non-member tickets are $12. Ticket books will be $90 for a pack of 10.

April 5: Live concert - Beth Nielsen Chapman - 7 p.m. Doors open 6:15 p.m. A benefit for the Capri Community Film Society. General admission $50.
April 6-7: "Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story" — 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
April 8: "Bedlam: An Intimate Journey Into America's Mental Health Crisis" — Special presentation at UAB Medicine, Montgomery Regional Campus, 5:15 p.m. Free admission
April 9: "The Gold Rush" — 6:30 p.m. (Classic Film Class)
April 10: "Raiders of the Lost Ark" — 7 p.m.
April 11-14: "The Penguin Lessons" _ 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
April 16: "Umberto D" — 6:30 p.m. (Classic Film Class)
April 23 — "Goldfinger" — 6:30 p.m. (Classic Film Class)
April 27 & 29: "The Artist's Garden" — Sunday 1 p.m., Tuesday 7 p.m. $12 members, $14 nonmembers
June 1 & 3: "Michelangelo: Love & Death" — Sunday 1 p.m., Tuesday 7 p.m. $12 members, $14 nonmembers

MONTGOMERY PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

For tickets call the box office at 334-481-5100 or visit their newly designed website at mpaconline.org.

April 11 — Leonid & Friends — 7:30 p.m. $25-$52
April 12 — Desi Banks — 7 p.m $35-$75
April 15 — The Marcus King Band — 7:30 p.m. $39.50-$79.50
April 19 — Menopause The Musical 2 — 3 p.m. $30-$60
April 24 — Blackberry Smoke: Rattle, Ramble and Roll Tour — 8 p.m. $39-$59
April 27 — When A Woman's Fed Up — 4 p.m. $49-$69
May 5 — Alice Cooper — 7:30 p.m. $65-$115
May 11 — Mother's Day Celebration starring Pastor Mike Jr. — 4 p.m. $45-85
May 17 — The Black Jacket Symphony presents Jimmy Buffet's "Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude" — 8 p.m. $37.50-$42.50
May 22 — JJ Grey & MOFRO & The Marshall Tucker Band — 7:15 p.m. $45-$65
May 29 — The Magical Music of Harry Potter — 4 p.m. $24.50-$74.50
May 29 — The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others — 8 p.m. $24.50-$74.50
June 7 — Home Free — 7:30 p.m. $27.50-$67.50
June 28 — Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery — 8 p.m. $25-$55
Oct. 12 — Mark Lowry, with special guests Endless Highway — 6:30 p.m. $37.50-$55
Nov. 8 — Mania: The ABBA Tribute — 7:30 p.m. $23.50-$70.50

MONTGOMERY WHITEWATER

Montgomery Whitewater, is a 120-acre state-of-the-art recirculating whitewater park and outdoor adventure center located off I-65 in Montgomery. In addition to kayaking and guided whitewater rafting adventures, the facility offers rope courses, trails, flatwater activities on the Alabama River and more. The south’s newest world-class outdoor adventure and lifestyle destination has a schedule of events available at montgomerywhitewater.com.

CLOVERDALE PLAYHOUSE

cloverdaleplayhouse.org, 334-262-1530

960 Cloverdale Road, Montgomery

May 1-11 — "Time Stands Still" — Time Stands Still focuses on Sarah and James, a photojournalist and a foreign correspondent trying to find happiness in a world that seems to have gone crazy. Theirs is a partnership based on telling the toughest stories, and together, making a difference. But when their own story takes a sudden turn, the adventurous couple confronts the prospect of a more conventional life.
July 17-27 — "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" — Edward Tulane is an expensive toy rabbit made of china. He is loved by a little girl named Abilene, but Edward doesn’t care. He is vain and self-centered. He has no interest in anyone other than himself. On an ocean voyage, Edward is accidentally thrown overboard and sinks to the bottom of the sea. So begins his journey—a journey over which he has no control, for he is a toy rabbit. He can neither move nor speak. As years pass by, Edward meets many different people in many different situations: an older grieving couple who find comfort in Edward’s presence, a hobo and his dog who introduce Edward to a whole community of homeless wanderers, a farmer in need of a scarecrow, a sad little boy and his very ill sister, and finally a doll mender and an old doll who teach Edward an invaluable lesson. Through this miraculous journey, Edward learns what it is to love, what it is to lose that love, and how to find the courage to love again.
Oct. 9-19 — "The Book of Will" — Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have literary masterpieces like Romeo and Juliet. But without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost half of Shakespeare’s plays forever! After the death of their friend and mentor, the two actors are determined to compile the First Folio and preserve the words that shaped their lives. They’ll just have to borrow, beg, and band together to get it done. Amidst the noise and color of Elizabethan London, The Book Of Will finds an unforgettable true story of love, loss, and laughter, and sheds new light on a man you may think you know.
Dec. 11-21 — "Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley" — A sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice set two years after the novel ends, Miss Bennet continues the story, only this time with bookish middle-sister Mary as its unlikely heroine. Mary is growing tired of her role as dutiful middle sister in the face of her siblings’ romantic escapades. When the family gathers for Christmas at Pemberley, an unexpected guest sparks Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love.

MILLBROOK COMMUNITY PLAYERS

millbrooktheater.com, 334-782-7317

5720 Main St., Millbrook

April 3-13 — "And Then There Were None" — Ten strangers are summoned to a remote island. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they’re unwilling to reveal and a secret that will seal their fate… for each has been marked for murder. As the weather turns and the group is cut off from the mainland, the bloodbath begins; one by one, they are brutally murdered in accordance with the lines of a sinister nursery rhyme about “Ten Little Soldier Boys.” ~ Concord Theatricals
June 12-22 — "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" — A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum takes comedy back to its roots, combining situations from time-tested, 2000-year-old comedies of Roman playwright, Plautus, with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum is a nonstop laughfest in which Pseudolus, a crafty slave, struggles to win the hand of a beautiful, but slow-witted, courtesan named Philia for his young master, Hero, in exchange for freedom. The plot twists and turns with cases of mistaken identity, slamming doors and a showgirl or two. ~ MTI
July 17-27 — "Peter Pan and Wendy: A Musical!" — This panto-style re-imagining of J.M. Barrie's classic book focuses on Wendy's transition from a child to a responsible young lady -- with plenty of adventure in between! When Wendy refuses to leave the nursery and sleep downstairs, her mother gives her a mysterious box containing Peter Pan's shadow. Unable to resist, Wendy opens it, Peter arrives, and they're off to Neverland! But even there, Wendy must learn what it means to grow up. Full of enchanting music and beloved characters, this fast-paced adaptation of Barrie's Peter and Wendy is a treat for children of any age. ~ Playscripts
Sept. 11-21 — "The Immigrant" — The story of a young Russian-Jewish couple and the local couple that take them in, as religion meets religion, culture meets culture, fear meets fear, and love meets love. This is the true story of Haskell Harelik, “the Immigrant.”
Dec. 11-21 — "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" — In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids – probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won't believe the mayhem – and the fun – when the Herdmans collide head-on with the story of Christmas! This delightful show is adapted from the bestselling Young Adult book, and has become a holiday staple for groups across the United States. ~ Concord Theatricals

PIKE ROAD THEATRE COMPANY

pikeroadtheatrecompany.org, 334-414-0193

Productions at Pike Road Intermediate School, 4710 Pike Road

April 24-May 11 — "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" — The story follows the imaginative yet bumbling inventor Caractacus Potts, who has just created a magical flying car that can drive on land and soar through the skies — Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! With the help of his two spirited children, Jeremy and Jemima, and the lovely Truly Scrumptious, Caractacus embarks on an extraordinary journey to save a beautiful princess from the clutches of the diabolical Baron Bomburst and his dastardly henchman, the Child Catcher.
July 10-27 — "Grease" — Step back in time to the fabulous 1950s with Pike Road Theatre Company's production of GREASE!, the iconic musical that has captivated audiences for generations. This dynamic show is a celebration of youthful romance, friendship, and the trials and tribulations of teenage life set against the backdrop of Rydell High.

PRATTVILLE’S WAY OFF BROADWAY THEATRE

cc.prattvilleal.gov, 334-595-0850

203 W. 4th St., Prattville

General admission tickets are $12 online, or $14 at the door.

"Julia B. Jones Toothless Wonder" - April 3-19, 2025
Surprise show July 10-27, 2025
"Puffs" - Sept. 18-Oct. 5, 2025
"Closed for the Holidays" - Dec. 11-21, 2025

WETUMPKA DEPOT

wetumpkadepot.com/home.html, 334-868-1440

300 S. Main St., Wetumpka

"Unnecessary Farce" — Two cops. Three crooks. Eight doors. Go. In a cheap motel room, an embezzling mayor is supposed to meet with his female accountant, while in the room next-door, two undercover cops wait to catch the meeting on videotape. But there's some confusion as to who's in which room, who's being videotaped, who's taken the money, who's hired a hit man, and why the accountant keeps taking off her clothes. April 24, 25, 26, 7 p.m.; May 1,2,3,8,9,10 7 p.m.; May 4 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $20.
"Young Frankenstein" — From the comedy genius of Mel Brooks comes the brilliant stage adaptation of his legendarily funny ﬁlm– Young Frankenstein! Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick ﬁnds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. Every bit as relevant to audience members who will remember the original as it will be to newcomers, Young Frankenstein has all the of panache of the screen sensation with a little extra theatrical ﬂair added. September 25, 26, 27, October 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 at 7 p.m. Matinee: October 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $20.
"Over the River and Through The Woods" — Every Sunday, Nick crosses the river to New Jersey and has dinner with both sets of his Italian-American grandparents. But Nick has dreams, and when he receives the perfect job offer from the west coast, he is determined to take it. His grandparents – Frank, Aida, Nunzio, and Emma – are just as determined that he stay put. Thus begins a series of shameless schemes and hilarious shenanigans that will have you roaring in your seat while reminding you of the wonderful zaniness that is family. November 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 22 at 7 p.m. Matinee: Nov 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $20

RED DOOR THEATRE

reddoortheatre.org, 334-738-8687, 101 N. Prairie St., Union Springs

The Red Door Theatre is located 35 miles SE of Montgomery. Play reservations ($20) and optional dinners ($20)—both evening and matinee performances are offered. The 2025 season includes:

“The Rainmaker” – Apr. 24, 25, 26, 27
“Honky Tonk Hissy Fit” – July 24, 25, 26, 27
“Ring of Fire” – Dec. 4, 5, 6, 7