Front Row Theatre Troupe in partnership with Main Street Cafe Present
Linguine Loneliness and Love by Stacy Kingsley
SYNOPSIS:Linguini, Loneliness, and Love is a comedic yet heartfelt play set in the closing hours of a small restaurant in Huntsville, Alabama. As the staff winds down after a long shift, three restaurant workers—an overworked waitress, a quietly devoted dishwasher, and a chef drowning her regrets in vodka—find themselves reflecting on life, dreams, lost opportunities, and unexpected connections.
With two mischievous commentators observing and riffing on the action from the sidelines, the evening unfolds through stories of rude customers, broken hearts, abandoned ambitions, and the fragile hope that love and purpose might still be waiting somewhere beyond the dining room doors.
PERFORMANCE LOCATION: Main Street Cafe (101 Main St, Madison, AL 35758)
DATES/TIMES:
April 23rd at 6:00 PM – $65 Per Ticket includes dinner and performance
April 24th at 6:00 PM – $65 Per Ticket includes dinner and performance
April 25th at 6:00 PM – $65 Per Ticket includes dinner and performance
April 26th at 1:00 PM – $60 Per Ticket includes dinner and performance
Stacy Kingsley is an award-winning author of fiction and plays. Her zombie series is in its final stages, as she works on the last of the series, Zombimerica. She has two books that will be releasing soon – a science fiction/horror book and a non-fiction book about the stupid things people say when someone dies. Stacy published a book called Meowthin’ Off that included conversations with her cats, Maggie and Ruffus.
She is currently working on a few plays, and won an award for her play The Depth of Scars through the Rockey City Playwright Series. Stacy is in awe of actors and wish she had a little more talent to be in the plays, although maybe not in the ones she has written since they involve too many words and emotions. Linguine, Loneliness, and Love is her first long play (she mostly writes one act plays), and hopes everyone enjoys is.
MEET THE DIRECTOR:
NINA SODEN
Nina Soden is a storyteller, director, and producer with a lifelong passion for the stage. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Arts and Communications from Eastern Michigan University, Nina has spent decades working both onstage and behind the scenes in nearly every aspect of theatre production—from acting and directing to set design, stage management, and technical direction.
Her directing credits include beloved productions such as The Importance of Being Earnest, Arsenic and Old Lace, and You Can’t Take It With You, and she has brought compelling performances to life in roles ranging from classic drama to contemporary comedy. In addition to her theatre work, Nina has appeared in numerous films, commercials, and web productions, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
As the founder of Front Row Theatre Troupe, Nina is passionate about creating immersive, high-quality theatrical experiences that connect audiences and performers in meaningful ways. Her vision blends storytelling, community, and creativity—bringing theatre to life beyond the traditional stage.
Outside of theatre, Nina is an accomplished novelist and a successful real estate team leader in North Alabama, where she brings the same dedication, creativity, and heart to everything she does.
MEET THE CAST:
VALERIE LAWDENSKY as Monica
Dr. Valerie Lawdensky is a nuclear rocket analyst at NASA but always planned on being an actress. She took a break for college but since returning to acting in 2019, she’s performed in 3 musicals, 4 plays, and 1 musical staged production in Los Alamos, Albuquerque, and Huntsville. Her favorite roles were Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family Musical, Mrs. Whatsit in A Wrinkle in Time, Lydia Wickham and Mary Bennet in separate productions of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly, and Princess Fred in Once Upon a Mattress. She also proudly competed in the virtual competition Barbershop Royale making music videos and performing with her quartet. But she’s most excited to bring these local playwrights’ characters to life for the first time through Front Row Theatre Troupe!
JASON SUMMER as Albert
Jason has been acting in community theater since 2010, performing in Huntsville, AL, at the University of North Alabama, and in Valparaiso, IN. Some of his favorite roles include Rev. Oglethorpe from “Smoke on the Mountain”, Dr. Seward from “Dracula: Lord of the Vampires”, Col. Arbuthnot from “Murder on the Orient Express”, and The Old Man from “A Christmas Story”. Jason is excited to be part of his first dinner theater production and hopes you all enjoy the play!
TANJA MILLER as Chef Danika
Tanja Lewis Miller is honored to play a part in the newly formed Front Row Theatre Troupe. As Membership Director for Broadway Theatre League and Co-Owner of Evil Cheez Productions, the performance arts consume pretty much 99% of her life, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. So much love to Nina, her sis from another miss, for including her in this dream project. Love to the cast and crew and all the playwrights for their ridiculous talent. Love to Wayne, her favorite Shmoo. And thank YOU, the audience, for making all this possible!
STEPHANIE HYATT as Commentator 1 (4/23 & 4/24)
Stephanie Hyatt is thrilled for this opportunity to play with friends and as you enjoy good food! Her theater jaunts around Huntsville have been numerous, acting in shows with Theatre Huntsville, Fantasy Playhouse, and the beloved but defunct Renaissance Theatre. Lately, she’s been more busy costuming than acting, but is excited to share this stage with both friends and dinner!
STACY NEUBERGER VON-HOFFMAN as Commentator 2
Stacy Neuberger-von Hoffman has acted in a variety of genres and mediums. Stacy was in a few short films where she mostly had the privilege to die. As a child she was on television a few times, once on The Richard Simmons Show, and she was previewed on a few other television shows. Stacy tried out for and was in a few game shows as well. Stacy as been in productions of Clue, Duck Hunter Shoots Angel, Rocky Horror Show, The Hounds of Baskerville, Damsel of the Desert, and a few Shakespeare plays. She is excited to go on this new journey with the Front Row Theatre Troupe.
WAYNE MILLERas Rude Customer
Wayne Miller, when he’s not directing or producing for Evil Cheez Productions, occasionally appears onstage. And if he’s going to appear onstage outside of ECP, it has to be for a good reason – like Nina Soden. He thanks Nina for the chance to just act and sends love to Shmoo and krew.
PREMISE: A crew of space explorers wake up to find themselves in a blank world with only a giant red button in their midst.
SYNOPSIS: When a crew of space explorers suddenly wakes up in a blank dreamscape with only a giant red button in front of them, they panic. The last thing they all remember is being approached by an alien ship. After the initial shock and exploration, they realize they have nowhere to go and nothing to do but push the button. Over the course of the play, they discover that they all have secrets, and the worst one of all is that one in their number betrayed them to the aliens. If they don’t ferret out who and why, they’ll never get out.
Disclaimer: Theatre Happenings has never and will never sell or share your information with anyone. All information you provide via the links (Submission Form, Giveaway Entry Form, and Feedback Form) within this newsletter is used solely for the purposes of Theatre Happenings and its moderator (Nina Soden) to ensure the best experience possible.
A LITTLE ABOUT ME
GIVEAWAY WINNER ANNOUNCED
PRODUCTIONS
EVENT
GROUP
LOCATION
DATE
9 To 5 The Musical
The Whole Backstage
The Whole Backstage, Guntersville, AL
2/20-2/22
Brahms Violin Concerto
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
2/21
& Juliet
Broadway Theatre League
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
2/24-3/1
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical
Dream Weavers Theatre Company
The Princess Theater
3/6-3/8
Jim Brickman & Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
3/7
Mrs. Doubtfire
Broadway Theatre League
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
3/27-3/29
Dreams in Flight
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
4/11
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
The Whole Backstage
The Whole Backstage, Guntersville, AL
4/17-4/26
Give Me Justice
Valley Consort
Messiah Lutheran Church, Madison & Faith Presbyterian Church, Huntsville
4/24-4/25
Video Games Live
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
4/25
Bolero
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
5/2
Water for Elephants
Broadway Theatre League
Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
5/5-5/9
Oklahoma
The Whole Backstage
The Whole Backstage, Guntersville, AL
6/19-6/28
OTHER THEATRE-RELATED EVENTS / ARTS-RELATED INFORMATION
DETAILS
GROUP/ETC
LOCATION
DATE
ACTORS WANTED
NEW THEATRE TROUPE
Madison, AL
Ongoing
PLAYWRIGHTS WANTED
NEW THEATRE TROUPE
Madison, AL
Ongoing
SUBMISSION REQUESTS
MONTHLY GIVEAWAY DETAILS
ABOUT ME:
The Cast Party Connection
After every production, there’s a cast party — a night full of laughter, storytelling, and celebration. It’s about more than the show; it’s about the friendships and teamwork behind it.
Real estate closings feel the same way. After weeks (or months!) of collaboration, we celebrate not just the house, but the journey we took together. Every “sold” sign deserves a little applause.
Nina Soden (Associate Broker/Realtor, The Soden Team at LEGEND REALTY)
Check out the upcoming giveaways below. The next winner will be announced on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. It could be you!
UPCOMING GIVEAWAYS:
Sponsor: Broadway Theatre League Production: Mrs. Doubtfire Ticket Date/Time: Friday, March 27, 2026 at 7:30 PM – Orchestra 3 WINNER ANNOUNCED: MARCH 17, 2026
Sponsor: Broadway Theatre League Production: Water for Elephants Ticket Date/Time: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM – Orchestra 3 WINNER ANNOUNCED: APRIL 21, 2026
Performed at: The Whole Backstage Theatre (1120 Rayburn Ave/Dot Moore Way, Guntersville, AL 35976)
Synopsis: 9 to 5, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.
Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?
This high-energy show is ideal for a large, mostly female cast, but also has opportunities for talented male dancers. With its jubilant score and easily relatable characters, 9 to 5is the perfect show for community theatres.
Tickets: Call 256-582-7469
Added 10/21/2025
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Custom-built, all-brick home in Belle Mor Lakes w/ 3B/2B & features an in-home office, formal dining room, breakfast nook, galley kitchen, bonus/flex room, & large backyard concrete patio on .33 acres. The secluded master suite is situated at the back of the home for extra privacy. Master BR has double-insulated interior walls to reduce noise. Beautiful marble kitchen countertops, GE stainless steel appliances. LVP flooring (teak) throughout the home (2018). NEW carpeting in front BRs. Quiet belted garage door opener (2019). Generac Whole House Generator w/3 125 Gallon Tanks. Leaf Guard Gutter System – Guaranteed for life. *TDI – Insect/Termite Biological System.
127 Lombard Street Madison, AL
Discover this beautifully crafted 4BR, 3.5BA home featuring both an office and a spacious bonus room. Set in a lively master-planned community zoned for James Clemens, this home blends comfort and style with beams, custom built-ins, plantation shutters, extended cabinetry and dual fireplaces. The kitchen anchors the main floor with quartz surfaces, double ovens and a large island. The main-level suite offers 10′ ceilings and a generous closet. Upstairs 3BR, 2BA, bonus room and 2 walk-in attic spaces. Enjoy the covered patio, outdoor fireplace, smart-home upgrades, full house surge protector & easy access to the pool, lake, trails, park, and fitness center. HOA includes 1GB fiber.
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Brahms Violin Concerto
Date: Saturday, February 21st at 7:30 PM
Performed at: Mark C. Smith Concert Hall (700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801)
Performed at: Mark C. Smith Concert Hall (700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801)
Synopsis: & JULIET
Created by the Emmy®-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & JULIET asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.
Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including “Since U Been Gone‚” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life‚” “That’s The Way It Is,“ and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”—all from the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.
ADVISORY: & Juliet includes flashing/strobe lighting, loud noises, confetti cannons, and pyrotechnics throughout.
Single Tickets go on sale October 14, 2025!
Run Time: 2 hours 30 minutes Includes Intermission
Performed at: The Princess Theater (112 2nd Ave. NE, Decatur, AL 35601)
SUMMARY: Middle school, ugh. It’s the worst. But Greg Heffley is determined not to be at the bottom of the popularity chart. He’ll leave that to his weird neighbor, Fregley. Or maybe his best friend, Rowley Jefferson. But it’s not going to be Greg… no way.
Jeff Kinney’s popular character takes center stage as Greg’s cartoon diary becomes a hilarious and heartfelt musical – now shortened to one hour of music-filled fun! Will Greg’s plans to become popular lead him to sacrifice his one true friend? Can anyone avoid the dreaded Cheese Touch? Grab a hall pass and don’t be late for an adventure familiar to anyone who actually survived middle school.
Performed at: Mark C. Smith Concert Hall (700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801)
Synopsis: MRS. DOUBTFIRE – A new musical comedy about the things we do to stay together.
Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Huntsville in this internationally acclaimed hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny” (Manchester Evening News) and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The Hollywood Reporter). Based on the beloved film, MRS. DOUBTFIRE tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune – one that proves we’re better together.
Out-of-work actor Daniel Hillard will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the kindly alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, MRS. DOUBTFIRE teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father. A hysterical and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds, this is the musical comedy we need right now – one that proves we’re better together.
Single Tickets go on sale October 23, 2025!
Run Time: 2 Hours 35 Minutes Includes Intermission
Performed at: The Whole Backstage Theatre (1120 Rayburn Ave/Dot Moore Way, Guntersville, AL 35976)
Synopsis: In Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, the dysfunctional but wealthy Pollitt family gathers to celebrate aging patriarch Big Daddy’s birthday. But there is more to this gathering than a family reunion– Big Daddy, unbeknown to him, is dying of cancer. He is still to decide which of his sons will inherit the estate. His options include favorite son Brick, who drinks himself into oblivion in order to bear the desires of his determined wife, Maggie, or his less-favored son Gooper, his fertile wife Mae, and their “no-neck monster” children. While sensuous Maggie “the cat” tries to work her wiles to secure a future for them, Brick spirals deeper into despair, crippled by both physical pain and emotional loss. Lurking under every practiced interaction between the Pollitts is an ulterior motive, under every smile, a challenge, and under every statement, the spectre of mendacity. For the Pollitts, the truth is as hazy as the late summer sun in Mississippi, and sometimes the only way to find it is to journey through the lies.
Tickets: Call 256-582-7469
Added 10/21/2025
Valley Consort
Give Me Justice
Dates:
April 24th & 25th at 7:30 PM
Performed at: Messiah Lutheran Church, Madison (Fri.)/Faith Presbyterian Church Huntsville (Sat.)
Synopsis: Come and hear (mostly) a cappella choral group Valley Consort in this concert of music on the theme of Mercy & Justice. Composers include Poulenc, Schutz, Bruckner, Barnwell, Byrd, and more.
Tickets: FREE – Donations Accepted
Added 1/25/2026
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Video Games Live
Date: Saturday, April 125th at 7:30 PM
Performed at: Mark C. Smith Concert Hall (700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801)
Performed at: Mark C. Smith Concert Hall (700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801)
Synopsis: Water for Elephants
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical, Water for Elephants! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”
After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.
Tony Award-nominated director Jessica Stone’s “huge, heart-filling” production (The New York Times) features a book by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice adapted from Sara Gruen’s novel, and a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co.
So, step right up to the “spellbinding entertainment” (Variety) at Water For Elephants, “the best new musical on Broadway” (Theatermania).
Single Tickets to this show will go on sale November 4, 2025
Run Time: 2 Hours 40 Minutes Includes Intermission
Performed at: The Whole Backstage Theatre (1120 Rayburn Ave/Dot Moore Way, Guntersville, AL 35976)
Synopsis: Oklahoma! is a musical set in 1906 Oklahoma Territory, centering on the romance between cowboy Curly McLain and farm girl Laurey Williams. Their love story is complicated by a rival suitor, the menacing farmhand Jud Fry. A comedic subplot follows Ado Annie’s romantic entanglements with her fiancé, Will Parker, and a traveling peddler, Ali Hakim. The musical’s story is driven by these relationships against the backdrop of a community preparing for statehood.
Tickets: Call 256-582-7469
Added 10/21/2025
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Call me at 256-520-9640 to schedule a showing.
OTHER THEATRE-RELATED EVENTS / ARTS-RELATED INFORMATION:
ACTORS WANTED
A new Theatre Troupe is in town and planning an exciting season of intimate, character-driven productions performed in a live dinner theatre setting in Madison, Alabama.
We are seeking actors who:
Thrive in close audience proximity
Are comfortable with light audience interaction (select shows)
Love bold characters and strong dialogue
Are collaborative and reliable
Memorize lines quickly
Have strong improvisation skills
Take and remember directions with short rehearsal schedules
Most productions will feature 3–7 cast members. There will be minimal rehearsals (5-7 rehearsals per production). Performances will run Thursday–Saturday evenings with a Sunday matinee, 1–2 weekends per month.
This is a grassroots, community-driven theatre venture in its first season. While roles are volunteer at this stage, actors will gain performance experience in an immersive setting and be part of building something new and exciting in our area.
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or returning to the stage after time away, we would love to hear from you.
To express interest:
Email your headshot (or recent photo), resume (if available), full set of contact information, and a short paragraph about your theatre experience to: NinaSodenBooks@gmail.com
Subject line: ACTOR INTEREST – (YOUR NAME)
Audition and/or table read details will be sent to selected applicants.
Let’s bring live theatre back to the table.
CALLING ALL PLAYWRIGHTS
CALL FOR ORIGINAL ONE-ACT PLAYS
A new intimate theatre experience is launching soon, in Madison, Alabama — and we’re seeking original one-act plays (45–60 minutes) for our upcoming season.
We are looking for:
Original, unpublished works
3–7 characters
Minimal set requirements
Modern-day costuming
Limited props
Comedy, dark comedy, drama, or mystery
Optional light audience interaction
Our productions will take place in an intimate dinner theatre setting with 40–50 guests per performance. We’re especially interested in scripts that lean into strong dialogue, compelling characters, and storytelling that thrives in close proximity.
Selected works will receive a fully staged production before a live audience and promotion through our marketing efforts.
This is a collaborative, community-based theatre initiative in its launch phase. While we are not currently offering compensation, our goal is to grow into a sustainable model that supports artists as we build.
If you’re a local playwright who would love to see your story come to life in an immersive setting, we would love to read your work.
To submit: Email your contact information, a brief synopsis, character breakdown, and a completed script OR 10–15 page sample to: NinaSodenBooks@gmail.com
Subject line: PLAY SUBMISSION – (PLAY NAME)
Let’s build something bold, intimate, and unforgettable — right here in our community.
If you know of anyone in the theater world who would be interested in receiving the ‘weekly’ THEATRE HAPPENINGS newsletter, please share this email with them and ask them to subscribe by reaching out to me directly at ninasodenbooks@gmail.com(There will be an online subscription form coming soon!)
Thank you, and I look forward to receiving your submissions.
My goal is to do a monthly giveaway… That’s right, I want you all to have a chance to win free things…
WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR THE NEXT TICKET GIVEAWAY… If you are a part of an upcoming theater production or theatre/arts event and would like to donate 2 tickets, please give me a call at 256-520-9640 or email me the details atninasodenbooks@gmail.com.
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5.32 Acres PULASKI PIKE, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35810
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Nina Soden 