Inspired by the playwright's youthful experience as a staff writer on Sid Caesar's Your Show of Shows, this ensemble comedy features all the attendant comic drama as the harried writing staff frantically scrambles to top each other with gags while competing for the attention of star madman Max Prince.

One of [Simon's] funniest...Comedy, comedy all the way." - Newsweek

"Enough laughs per minute to assure [it] a long run and many happy audiences." - USA Today

"The funniest comedy on Broadway in years and likely to remain the funniest comedy on Broadway for years." - Variety

The play focuses on Sid Caesar-like Max Prince, the star of a weekly comedy-variety show circa 1953, and his staff, including Simon's alter-ego Lucas Brickman, who maintains a running commentary on the writing, fighting, and wacky antics which take place in the writers' room. Max has an ongoing battle with NBC executives, who fear his humor is too sophisticated for Middle America. The play is notable not only for its insider's look at the personalities and processes of television comedy writing, but also for its reflection of the political and social undercurrents of its time, in particular the rise of Joseph McCarthy, relationships between various (European) American ethnicities, and attitudes toward women.

PARENTAL WARNING: Adult language

Stage Door Productions, Inc. has provided theatre opportunities in the Fredericksburg, Virginia community since 1999. Through main stage shows, youth productions, camps, and other educational programming, Stage Door has touched countless individuals in the area who seek the unique experience that is live theatre. Our Stage Door family includes theatre professionals, late-blooming novices, talented amateurs, aspiring youth, enthusiastic supporters, and appreciative audiences.

Our season includes between nine and twelve main stage plays per year, produced by Stage Door or other area production companies under a partnership agreement, as well as an original One Act Play Festival, and two youth performances and multiple workshops for both young and old. We provide performing arts camps for youth and workshops for all ages. Our program also includes Stage Door Stars, a theatre enrichment experience for our special needs' community. As a thriving arts organization, our goal is to continue to grow and develop in new ways, seeking to increase theatre opportunities for all facets of our community. 

Come join us in our new 6,000 square foot facility with both a 44-foot main stage seating up to two-hundred on seven tiered levels and our playhouse theater for smaller productions.  Stage Door continues to stand by it’s core value statement, “THEATER FOR ALL”.

Thank you to Lifetime Corporate Benefactor Manfredi Insurance Group - Allstate of Northern Virginia who generously provided over $250,000 to help build the new Allstate Community Theater of Fredericksburg; and thank you to all the Patrons who donate to help us with daily operating expenses and assisting us in bringing the best most popular shows to our community.

The Mission

Stage Door Productions, Inc. entertains and inspires audiences, provides an outlet for artistic expression and creative passion, educates and enriches area youth, serves children with special needs, and preserves locally the art of live theatre through performances, programming, education, and outreach in our community.

The Vision

Stage Door Productions, Inc. envisions a thriving theatre community in Fredericksburg, Virginia where the theatre arts are celebrated, community members of all ages and backgrounds are engaged in the local theatre scene, and creative collaborations and partnerships are encouraged to foster a greater appreciation for the arts in our area and beyond.

The Core Value

Stage Door Productions believes in Theater For All!

Volunteer Today

Come Break-A-Leg with us – Volunteers of all experience levels are desired and welcomed with open arms.  Whether you want to be a star or stay behind the scenes, we have some great opportunities for you to learn more about the theater and arts.  Join us today.