2025 Season

Dial M for Murder
Jan. 24 – Feb. 9

A Christmas Carol
Nov. 28 – Dec. 14

Dial M for Murder
Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, from the original by Frederick Knott
Jan. 24 – Feb. 9

Experience this heart-pounding thriller in an all-new adaptation that cuts to the core of the play’s layers of deception and betrayal. Blackmail, a secret affair, a visit from a murder mystery writer, and a perfectly planned murder unravel faster than Margot’s dial tone can go dead, alone in her London flat one fateful night.

Alfred Hitchcock’s celebrated film noir masterpiece (featuring Grace Kelly) made the original play an instant classic. Discover this fresh new variation on the classic that has the critics raving.  “Hatcher’s revisions give the drama layers of meaning and a 21st century relevance” (Chicago Sun-Times). “Carefully plotted… the new revisions kept me on my toes.” (Chicago Tribune)

Inspired by a true story, this sensational musical is full of heart and hope. At 16, Jamie New knows what he wants to be when he grows up: a drag queen. But in industrial Sheffield England, he has a mountain to climb to make his dreams come true. But with his  loving mum, a steadfast teacher, and his friends on his side, Jaime overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies, and steps out of the darkness into the spotlight. Half off all box office proceeds benefit CAMP Rehoboth as part of the Clear Space Gives Back program!

“A joyous punch in the air about following your dreams and being yourself.” – Time Out London

“In the tradition of such bracing musicals as Kinky Boots, Billy Elliot, and The Prom, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie has exuberance to burn, high spirits galore.” – Washington Post

Oklahoma!
Music by Richard Rogers, Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Based on Green Grow the Lilacs by Lynn Riggs
Mar. 7 – 23

At the turn of the century, only one stretch of land in America remained untamed: the territory that would become the state of Oklahoma. Living on the unspoiled land were farmers and their families – and the cowmen looking to find a future. Curly thinks he’s found his future in Laurey, but he isn’t the only man calling on her. Their love story may be as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road – and became not only the first true American musical, but also Clear Space’s very first production 20 years ago. Revisit it with us two decades later for an adventure embracing hope and the promise of a bright future, just behind that golden haze on the meadow.

Presenting Sponsor: Richard J. Perry, Jr.

A Spotlight on Young performers production, Beetlejuice Jr. brings the ghost-with-the-most in this irreverent musical comedy based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film. When Lydia, a teen obsessed with the whole “being dead thing” moves into a new house, she is thrilled to find it is haunted by a recently deceased couple and a delightful demon with a real zest for life. But when she calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, he unleashes a (Nether)world of pandemonium. Join in the party with some of the region’s most talented young people on stage!

Presenting Sponsor: Richard J. Perry, Jr.

In every era, there comes a moment when the next generation changes the narrative, rips away the mistakes of the past, and tries to build a new future on their own terms. When rock and roll icon and Grammy Award winning musician Duncan Sheik adapted Spring Awakening into a groundbreaking musical in 2006, he created the Hair of a new generation – a powerful celebration of youth, rebellion, and teenage self-discovery. The story may be set in late 19th century Germany, but with its searing ballads and its high energy score, Spring Awakening’s exploration of desire among a group of young people who have been suppressed, oppressed, and dangerously repressed is as powerful and resonant now as ever.

“Broadway may never be the same.” – New York Times
“Thrillingly modern… a vital leap forward for the American musical” – Time Out New York

Presenting Sponsors: Vicki & Jay Allen

A tour-de-force one man play that took New York by storm comes to Clear Space headlined by audience favorite Christopher Decker.  This hit comedy imagines what might transpire when an unemployed Hollywood actor goes to work in Barbara Streisand’s basement: an underground private shopping mall beneath her Malibu home. When the funny girl herself comes downstairs to play, Buyer and Cellar becomes the ultimate fan fantasy, in an absurdly hilarious, yet surprisingly tender look at celebrity, its eccentricities, and the sometimes outrageous price of fame.

“Inventive, witty, and pretty wonderful… highly entertaining” – Backstage
“Hilarious… audacity and great humor work charmingly” – New York  Magazine

Hairspray
Music by Marc Shaiman, Lyrics by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman, Book by Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan, Based on the John Waters film
June 24 – Aug. 30

You can’t stop this beat! There’s a reason Hairspray remains one of the most popular musicals of the last two decades – winning the Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book during its original Broadway run. Tracy Turnblad may be a bigger girl than the usual teen heartthrobs who dance on the Corny Collins Show, but when she gets her chance to shine, she does more than light up the stage – she changes lives… her mother’s, her community’s, and even her own. Clear Space is thrilled to welcome Delaware’s legendary Diva, Rehoboth’s own Mona Lotts (television appearances on The Real Housewives of Potomac and What Not To Wear) to the stage as Tracy’s mother Edna Turnblad. 

Presenting Sponsors: Rick Tedrick & Shawn Wright

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Word & Music by Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil, Book by Douglas McGrath
June 27 – Aug. 28 

Carole King is the voice of a generation – but before she was a hit-maker and a household name, she was a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. Her journey is the ride of a lifetime, a trailblazing saga filled with such unforgettable anthems as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “Up on the Roof,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” “So Far Away,” and “Natural Woman.” Don’t miss the Delaware premiere of this Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical phenomenon!

“It instantly joins the ranks of irresistible jukebox tuners Jersey Boys and Mamma Mia” – Huffington Post
“✫✫✫✫ … strikes genuine grace notes … timeless.” – New York Post

Presenting Sponsor: Fred Mitzner

Rent
Book Music, & Lyrics by Jonathan Larsen
July 2 – Aug. 26

It was a moment when anything seemed possible in New York City: art, love, and fame. It was a time when young artists created the beating heart of the city, ready to find the untapped potential for joy and passion behind every corner. It became the most iconic story of a generation – one that would change the face of musical theater forever. Discover the joy of Rent all over again in a fresh, vibrant production as Roger, Mimi, Tom, Angel, Maureen, Joanne, Benny, and Mark strive to hold true to their bohemian vision, live their lives to the fullest, and find their voices all in the East Village during the height of HIV/AIDS. Their dreams, their loves, and their losses remind us all that there is no day but today.

Presenting Sponsor: Dave McCarthy and Associates

POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive
By Selina Fillinger
Sept. 18 – 28

One four-letter word is about to rock 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. When the President unwittingly spins a PR nightmare into a global crisis, the seven brilliant and beleaguered women he relies upon most risk life, liberty, and the pursuit of sanity to keep the commander-in-chief out of trouble. Selina Fillinger’s brilliant, all-female farce is an apolitical romp that will have you laughing in your seat no matter what political affiliation you hold dear.

“If you’ve ever wondered how much of a farce working in the executive branch could be – this is the evening for you… located somewhere on the satirical dial between 9 to 5 and Veep… the pleasure of POTUS is that it takes absolutely nothing and no one too seriously.” – Washington Post

Presenting Sponsor: Edward Chrzanowski

Reefer Madness
Book by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney, Music by Dan Studney, Lyrics by Kevin Murphy
Oct. 10 – 31

The greatest threat to the American way of life is here: and her name is Mary Jane. In this hysterical camp classic, follow good egg Jimmy Harper as he is drawn into the Reefer Den by the seductive power of jazz and turns into a bad apple ready to kiss his sweetheart… with tongue! It’s a fast trip for Jimmy from frenching girls to having blood on his hands. A highly satirized take on an actual 1936 black and white film, this raucous musical comedy is high comedy at its best from the writer of other great musicals and TV shows like Heathers: The Musical and Desperate Housewives. Let’s be blunt. Don’t let your chance to see this hit go up in smoke! 

“What a kick… a mixture of frolic, mayhem, and show-biz razzle-dazzle.” – Variety
“Manically goofy, laugh-out-loud funny, and sexy… an inventive show that is wildly entertaining, wacky, and skewed.” – Broadway World

Annie
Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin, Book by Thomas Meehan
Nov. 8-10

The Spotlight on Young Performers are at it again as they transform this perennial classic into a heartwarming fresh experience to enjoy. With equal parts pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone with her determination to find the parents who abandoned her to Miss Hannigan’s orphanage years ago. With her dog Sandy by her side, she braves adventure after fun-filled adventure across the gleaming backdrop of New York City… ultimately finding the meaning of family isn’t as simple as mending a broken locket.

Presenting Sponsor: Richard J. Perry, Jr.

A Christmas Carol
Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Lynn Arhens, Book by Lynn Arhens and Mike Ockrent
Nov. 28 – Dec. 14

To celebrate the start of our next 20 years, we’re bringing back a classic story that defines the holiday season in a gorgeous musical production from Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Once on This Island). It will take a journey through his past, present, and future to redeem the wretched old miser Ebeneezer Scrooge before it is too late. But when Christmas morning finally comes, he greets the day as a new man – to the wonder and delight of all who know him. Let this classic tale fill your holiday season with music, cheer, and wonderful memories.

Presenting Sponsor: Jack Lingo Realty