Powerhouse kicks off Spark Series with historical thriller

LACONIA — After the success of the staged reading of last season’s “Montague and Capulet” by Jaydie Halperin, Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative begins the 2024 Spark Series with a reading of a historical thriller by Halperin called “The Boys in the Tower.”

Inspired by the true story of the English princes imprisoned in the Tower of London by their usurping uncle Richard III and never heard from again, Halperin imagines what might have transpired by bringing audiences to a night at the tower, where the princes are met by a mysterious visitor. Is this visitor an accomplice to the usurper? A potential savior?

Three public performances of the reading will be offered: 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, at the Laconia Public Library; and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14, at Taylor Community.

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating and can be made at powerhousenh.org/theboysinthetower. Performances are free and donations are accepted.

The reading runs about 70 minutes with post-show discussions to follow.

The play will star Drea Campo, Chelsea Sasserson and Maci Johnson, all veterans of Powerhouse productions who have years of performing experience despite their young ages.

Stage directions will be read by Associate Producer Courtney Palmer with direction by Halperin.

The 2024 Spark Series is sponsored by Taylor Community, The Home Beautiful and The Laconia Daily Sun. The production is sponsored by Innisfree Bookshop and the Laconia Public Library.

The 2024 season is sponsored by Meredith Village Savings Bank, The Platinum Group and Lavalley/Middleton Building Supply.

For more information, visit powerhousenh.org or contact info@powerhousenh.org.