The Pekin Panther Players will bring Tracy Wells’ comedy “One Stoplight Town” to the stage this fall, with performances scheduled for November 13th through 15th, 2026.
Show times are as follows: Friday, November 13th at 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 14th with a dinner theatre beginning at 5 p.m. followed by the show; and Sunday, November 15th at 2 p.m.
The play follows the interconnected lives of residents in a small town so easy to miss that most people might drive right through without a second glance. The story weaves together several threads — a young boy and girl falling in love, a cantankerous grocery store owner struggling to cope with change, a son returning home while a daughter contemplates leaving, and a handyman quietly observing it all while fixing what is broken around him. The production is described as a warm, humor-filled story grounded in the universal theme that change finds everyone, whether they are ready for it or not.
Head coach Staci Wright expressed enthusiasm about bringing the show to Pekin’s stage. “We are so excited to bring this comical yet poignant play to the Pekin Panther Players’ stage this fall,” Wright said. “We know it will provide the audience so many laughs while also exploring the deeper theme of change, how hard it can be, and what progress requires of each of us.”
The play has been well received by other schools and community theatres that have produced it. Directors have praised its family-friendly material, its ability to connect with small-town audiences, and the ease with which it can be staged. Several noted that the humor and heart of the script made it enjoyable for actors and audiences of all ages alike.
Auditions for cast and crew are open and will be held in Room 269, Mrs. Wright’s room, on the following dates and times: Tuesday, May 12th at 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday, May 13th at 7:30 a.m.; Thursday, May 14th at 3:30 p.m.; and Monday, May 18th at both 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Those with questions can reach Mrs. Wright by email at staci.wright@pekincsd.org. “One Stoplight Town” is produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.
