Chapel Street Players

"The Horn," a staged reading
2026-05-03 14:00 (America/New_York) | Chapel Street Players, 643 Creek view Rd., Newark, 19711, United States
Batten down the hatches! “The Horn” is coming to Chapel Street Players on May 2nd and 3rd. This will be a staged reading, followed by a talkback, of a brand new play that is a gothic horror on a ship. And yes, there will be plenty of sea shanties to go around. See a short description below: Irish Captain Reeve just wants to make it safely around Cape Horn, but ghosts of his failed past continue to torment him. He must push his haunts behind him, lest he doom his cursed crew. We look forward to seeing you the first weekend of May. But beware! The sounds of the ocean toll different at night . . .
Headline: ⚓️ Years in development… a new haunting arrives at CSP.
Batten down the hatches! After years of refinement, “The Horn” is finally ready for its first public reading on May 2nd and 3rd.
This is an immersive dive into the psychological toll of the high seas. Expect:
• 🎶 Rhythmic Sea Shanties: The heartbeat of a crew battling the waves.
• 🕯️ Gothic Horror: A “cabin fever” thriller where the ghosts of the past are as real as the storms outside.
• 🧠 A Creative Inside Look: This staged reading is the final “stress test” before the play’s World Premiere at CSP.
Why we need you: A script only truly comes to life when an audience hears it. Your reactions and your feedback during our post-show talkback will help us navigate the final path to production.
Come help us bring a new classic to life. But beware… the sounds of the ocean toll different at night. 🌊

First State Ringers Modern Rock Concert
2026-05-09 12:00 - 14:00
Join the First State Ringers for an afternoon concert of modern rock! First State Ringers is an advanced handbell choir affiliated with Newark United Methodist Church in Newark, Delaware. Their mission is to introduce audiences to the varied repertoire of handbell music since, contrary to popular belief, handbells are not solely used for ringing holiday music. They are an auditioned group performing throughout the New Castle County and Cecil County areas. For more information, visit firststateringers.org.

The Forgetful Squirrels present: Mother MAY We?
2026-05-09 19:30
Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day treat that doesn’t involve a crowded brunch? Join the Forgetful Squirrels for our special improv show: “Mother May We?” We’re serving up high-energy laughs, family-friendly fun, and scenes inspired entirely by YOU (and maybe your mom’s favorite catchphrases). Don’t forget to bring the leading lady in your life!
Tickets: $15 ($7.50 for Mom!)

Copeland String Quartet
2026-05-20 19:00 - 20:00
The Copeland String Quartet, comprised of violinists Eliezer Gutman and Lisa Vaupel, violist Elizabeth Jaffe, and cellist Jennifer Jie Jin, will present a recital of music drawing from the vast treasure trove of works written for string quartet.

Rock of Ages
2026-06-12 20:00 - 22:30, 2026-06-13 20:00 - 22:30, 2026-06-14 14:00 - 16:30, 2026-06-19 20:00 - 22:30, 2026-06-20 20:00 - 22:30, 2026-06-21 14:00 - 16:30, 2026-06-25 20:00 - 22:30, 2026-06-26 20:00 - 22:30 and 1 more date
It’s the tail end of the big, bad 1980s in Hollywood, and the party has been raging hard. Aqua Net, Lycra, lace and liquor flow freely at one of the Sunset Strip’s last legendary venues, a place where sex machine Stacee Jaxx takes the stage and scantily clad groupies line up to turn their fantasies into reality. Amidst the madness, aspiring rock star (and resident toilet cleaner) Drew longs to take the stage as the next big thing (and longs for small-town girl Sherri, fresh off the bus from Kansas with stars in her eyes). But the rock ’n’ roll fairy tale is about to end when German developers sweep into town with plans to turn the fabled Strip into just another capitalist strip mall. Can Drew, Sherri and the gang save the strip – and themselves – before it’s too late? Only the music of hit bands Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and more hold the answer.

Audition :: POTUS
2026-06-15 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-06-18 18:00 - 20:00
Chapel Street Players is looking for seven fearless actors to kick off our 2026–2027 season with one of Broadway’s funniest and most chaotic modern farces that became one of Broadway’s most talked-about comedies for a reason.
Set inside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, this fast-paced comedy follows a group of seven brilliant women scrambling to contain a PR disaster spiraling wildly out of control. What begins as one crude comment quickly snowballs into international chaos, political damage control, and absolute mayhem as they race to save the nation from one catastrophically incompetent man.
This contemporary farce is packed with rapid-fire dialogue, physical comedy, outrageous situations, and a surprising amount of heart. At its core, it’s a hilarious tribute to the women who keep everything running while chaos erupts around them.
Sharp. Satirical. Timely. And wildly funny.
As we head into another election season, this production reminds us that laughter can still be one of the best ways to process the world around us. Behind every political headline are the people cleaning up the mess — and in this case, they’re women doing everything possible to keep the country from imploding. Because sometimes the only response to politics… is comedy.
Seeking a diverse cast of strong comedic actors for seven dynamic feminine-presenting roles.

Aladdin Children's Show
2026-06-20 14:00 - 15:00
Magic and mystery combine in this fun-filled version of the timeless tale. When Aladdin brushes the dust off a dirty old lamp, he releases a powerful genie and finds the adventure of a lifetime. This delightful production features not one, but two genies. In addition to the amazing genie of the lamp, audiences meet Mr. Green Genie, a bumbling, but eager apprentice. The two genies use their power and their wits to help Aladdin overcome a snarky sorceress and win the heart of a princess! Two actors play eight characters in this sparkling forty-five minute production.

Summer Camp: Movie & TV Acting
2026-07-06 15:30 - 2026-07-10 18:30
Ever wanted to be on TV or even in the movies on a gigantic screen in a real theater? This is your chance to act in a TV show and Movie that campers will create at a new location at Newark’s state- of- the -art Chapel Street Players Performing Arts Theater. Work together on different projects such as creating a short movie script, a comedy show, a music video, a game show, a commercial and then perform them while learning camera techniques to film the production. Imagination and creativity as well as acting skills abound as you interact to produce an award-winning production. Campers will observe a “work in progress” each day.
Family and friends can watch the camper’s original production on the big screen in a star-studded film fest at Chapel Street Theater on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

Sug Daniels
2026-07-18 14:00
Join Sug Daniels and her band for this free afternoon concert! Sug Daniels is a Delaware born, Philadelphia based, ukulele player, singer-songwriter, story teller, and producer and coach who is using the tools around her to capture the emotions of an era. Daniels’ work is as colorful, vulnerable, and charismatic as her personality. She thoughtfully combines elements of folk, rock, and soul alternatives to create personal and tender music interlaced with messages of truth and positive change. Her single release with Don Giovanni Records “When I’m Gone” garnished well deserved attention from local and regional radio and venues and opened new paths. After years of touring with The Black Opry, playing official showcases in SXSW 2022, and supporting acts such as The Indigo Girls, Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, Molly Tuttle, Buffalo Nichols, Lizzie No, Daniels released her debut studio album “I Believe In You” on September 23, 2025.

Summer Camp: Curtains Up
2026-07-20 15:30 - 2026-07-24 18:30
The excitement of performing on a real stage at the new state-of-the-art Chapel Street Players Performing Arts Theater will be a memorable experience for campers. Be a part of our popular stage acting camp, Curtain’s Up, and perform a popular scripted play at the end of the week. Campers will learn how to develop characters, perform scenes, and interact with others as they work towards their final stage production. Our actors will learn projection, stage movement, listening skills, and characterizations, as well as other acting techniques needed for the stage. What a wonderful opportunity for young performers.
A fully scripted stage performance will be given for family and friends on Friday at 5:30 p.m. Curtain’s Going Up!

Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass
2026-07-28 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for an evening of bluegrass with Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass! Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass play powerful, unadorned, and intense traditional bluegrass. Their combination of instrumentation and vocals convey the energy and emotion of classic bluegrass and country music. Danny’s lead vocals will captivate your senses, so much so that many prominent musicians, including Alison Krauss, have considered Danny as one of their favorite singers. His voice combines powerful range and soulful blues with a sound like no one else in bluegrass today. The group’s latest release, Bluegrass Troubadour, was nominated for IBMA’s Album of the Year and earned significant chart action, with the song Blink of an Eye spending several months at the #1 spot on the Bluegrass music charts and was also nominated for IBMA Song of the Year.

Ant's on a Log Music Concert
2026-08-01 10:30 - 11:30
Join Ants on A Log and the Newark Free Library for their signature concert with lots of opportunities to sing, dance, and be silly! Ants on a Log concerts are fun and interactive, full of humor and harmony, joy and justice! You will not want to miss this amazing show. Recommended for ages 4-11.
Ants on a Log, founded in 2014 by Julie Be and Anya Rose, and later joined by Miles Crabtree, produces music that blends humor, harmony, and social justice themes for children and other childlike audiences. Their work emphasizes positivity, inclusion, environmental awareness, and LGBTQ+ affirmation, often incorporating interactive and educational elements in live shows.
All Ages Welcome | This Event is FREE! https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/16498634

Summer Camp: Stars on Stage
2026-08-03 15:30 - 2026-08-07 18:30
Can you imagine the thrill of performing live comedy skits and sketches on a real theater stage? Do you like to be funny? Do you want to improvise and perform unscripted? This camp is for you as we learn how to perform and create comedy through improvisation, comedy skits and sketches, theater games, and to think on our feet and act spontaneously. Make friends, have fun, and learn how to perform on stage and become a “Star on Stage” on the stage at Chapel Street Players Performing Arts Theater!
Family and friends will be treated to a live interactive comedy performance on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

Newark Independent Film Festival
2026-08-13 - 2026-08-15
The Newark Independent Film Festival returns for its third year at Chapel Street Players, celebrating bold voices in indie filmmaking with a diverse lineup of short films from around the world. Join us in Newark, DE for an exciting showcase of storytelling and creativity—film block details will be announced this summer!

Tater Patch
2026-08-25 19:00 - 20:00
Join us for a concert of old time music with Tater Patch! Tater Patch is an old-time country string band based in Delaware with more than 30 years of experience. The group plays traditional tunes and songs featuring fiddles, banjo, guitar, and bass. Their current personnel includes Judy Hough-Goldstein, fiddle; Marge Sume, fiddle and vocals; Tony Sume, guitar and vocals; Shel Sandler, banjo; and Mike Foster, bass. Many of their tunes and songs have historical connections with the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland and England.

Audition :: Trouble In Mind
2026-08-31 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-09-02 19:00 - 21:00
TBA

POTUS
2026-10-02 20:00, 2026-10-03 20:00, 2026-10-04 14:00, 2026-10-08 20:00
written by Selina Fillinger
directed by Gary Kirchhof
One four-letter word is about to rock 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. When the President unwittingly spins a PR nightmare into a global crisis, seven brilliant, overworked, and under-appreciated women in his orbit must scramble to contain the political catastrophe before the country implodes.
Packed with adult humor, rapid-fire dialogue, physical comedy, biting satire, outrageous situations, and nonstop chaos, this wildly funny contemporary farce became one of Broadway’s most talked-about comedies for a reason. Beneath the absurdity and laughter is a heartfelt tribute to the women who keep everything running while cleaning up the mess left by one catastrophically incompetent man.
It’s chaotic.
It’s sharp.
It’s absurd.
And it may feel just a little too familiar.
Just weeks before the 2026 midterm elections, it feels like the perfect time to laugh at the madness together.
Content Advisory: POTUS contains strong language (including gender slurs and cursing) and mature subject matter, including adult humor, alcohol/drug use, and sexual references.
