Belmont Abbey College

The scene is the ornate, deserted Victorian boathouse on the Talley place in Lebanon, Missouri; the time 1944. Matt Friedman, an accountant from St. Louis, has arrived to plead his love to Sally Talley, the susceptible, but uncertain daughter of the family. Bookish, erudite, totally honest and delightfully funny, Matt refuses to accept Sally's rebuffs and her fears that her family would never approve of their marriage. Charming and indomitable, he gradually overcomes her defenses, telling his innermost secrets to his loved one and, in return, learning hers as well. Gradually he awakens Sally to the possibilities of a life together until, in the final, touching moments of the play, it is clear that they are two kindred spirits who have truly found each other—two "lame ducks" who, in their union, will find a wholeness rare in human relationships.

Playwrights are given a photo prompt, and locked into the Haid Theatre on the night of September 10. By 8:00 the next morning, they have written short plays. Directors are assigned a script, and cast. By 8:00 that night the plays are on stage in front of an audience! This amazing event is a showcase for all of the talents found in the Abbey Players, and is a “don’t miss” part of the season!

American history blazes to vivid life in this unconventional Broadway hit. It's the summer of 1776 and the nation is ready to declare independence...if only the founding fathers can agree! 1776 follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Richard Henry Lee, and Thomas Jefferson as they attempt to convince the members of the second Continental Congress to vote to free their fledgling nation from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence. 1776 is a funny, insightful and compelling drama that puts a human face on the pages of history!

Rock ’n’ Roll is an electrifying collision of the romantic and the revolutionary. It is 1968 and the world is ablaze with rebellion, accompanied by a sound track of the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. Clutching his prized collection of rock albums, Jan, a Cambridge graduate student, returns to his homeland of Czechoslovakia just as Soviet tanks roll into Prague. When security forces tighten their grip on artistic expression, Jan is inexorably drawn toward a dangerous act of dissent. Back in England, Jan’s volcanic mentor, Max, faces a war of his own as his free-spirited daughter and his cancer-stricken wife attempt to break through his walls of academic and emotional obstinacy. Over the next twenty years of love, espionage, chance, and loss, the extraordinary lives of Jan and Max spin and intersect until an unexpected reunion forces them to see what is truly worth the fight.

Jill Bloede and a talented team of writers and actors have put together a series of dramatic monologues that showcase Benedictine men and women from the rich history of the order that founded Belmont Abbey College. Throughout the past 1500 years, countless men and women who have followed the Rule of St. Benedict have achieved sainthood. Come and find out how they did it!

An Abbey Players tradition, an evening of music and festive readings to celebrate the season! For many of our patrons, this has become the official start of their holidays. Join us again, or for the very first time. Seating is limited, so be sure to make reservations early.

The funniest study of pathological greed where obsession is close to madness in this French comedy.  Harpagon (the title character) confuses love and money throughout the play, providing fun with language and innuendo. Outrageous insults, physical abuses, devious double-crossings combine for a fast-paced play. 

The Jazz Age lives on in this light romantic spoof of the 1920's Musical comedy.  In the carefree world set in the French Riviera, this sparkling musical follows Polly and Tony as they find true love.  Long-lost connections, a sunny day at the beach, and a costume party finale all help make The Boy Friend delicious -- the dessert course of our Season!