Williamston Theatre Reunites Original Casts for ‘Dark Nights in Billtown’
Mid-Michigan’s award-winning professional theatre company, Williamston Theatre, is marking its milestone 20th season by bringing back a popular audience program with a look into its own history.
Dark Nights in Billtown will revisit four memorable Williamston Theatre productions from its first 19 seasons, reuniting original cast members for a series of staged readings. The Tuesday evening readings begin at 7:30 p.m. at the theatre, 122 S. Putnam Street in downtown Williamston. No reservation is required, and admission is free, with a $10 suggested donation at the door.
The series gives audiences a chance to revisit familiar works while continuing Williamston Theatre’s tradition of using staged readings to explore plays, ideas and conversation with the community.
1984
The first reading is George Orwell’s 1984, adapted by Michael Gene Sullivan, on October 13, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. Williamston Theatre originally produced the work in 2017. The returning cast includes Tobin Hissong, John Lepard, Robin Lewis-Betz, Brandy Joe Plambeck, Cody Robison and David Wolber.
The Best Brothers
Daniel MacIvor’s The Best Brothers returns February 23, 2027 at 7:30 p.m. Originally produced by Williamston Theatre in 2015, the story follows two estranged brothers reconnecting after the death of their mother. The reading features Williamston Theatre co-founders John Lepard and Tony Caselli.
Talley’s Folly
Lanford Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Talley’s Folly will be presented April 27, 2027 at 7:30 p.m. The theatre first produced the play in 2008. Wayne David Parker and Kate Peckham return for the story of two unlikely lovers finding their way into one another’s hearts.
Summer Retreat
The final reading, Summer Retreat by Michigan playwright Annie Martin, is scheduled for July 27, 2027 at 7:30 p.m. Williamston Theatre originally staged the world premiere in 2016. The story follows four women reuniting for a college friend’s funeral before grief sends them into an adventure filled with chaos and comedy. The returning cast includes Sandra Birch, Dani Cochrane, Julia Glander, Patrick Loos and Emily Sutton-Smith.
Williamston Theatre is a professional regional theatre in downtown Williamston and a member of Actors’ Equity Association. For more information about the company, its 20th season and ticket policies, visit williamstontheatre.org or call (517) 655-SHOW (7469).
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