Bainbridge Little Theatre has selected a stellar lineup of four productions for the upcoming season; and they are currently recruiting new and renewal patrons and sponsors.

BLT Board President Richard Whitehead said he is extremely excited about the new season, calling it an “award-winning season,” as two of the productions are Pulitzer Prize winning plays.

“We have put a great deal of effort into the play selection process,” said Whitehead.

“Months are spent reading plays and thinking about the cast, the cost. and the whole process takes months.” He said two of the plays have large casts, and all are family friendly shows. “It is a nice mixture.”

Season opener is “Rabbit Hole,” the 2007 Pulitzer prize-winning drama. Written by David Lindsay-Abaire, and directed by Whitehead, it opens September 22. It is the story of a couple that has everything going for them until a life-shattering accident turns their world upside down. It is how they deal with the pain and find their way back to a new life.

Whitehead said he has wanted to direct this show for a long time. “I’ve always enjoyed doing real-life stories, and while the subject matter may be on the depressing side, it has a lot of redeeming value to it. “ He goes on to explain, “Our job is to present a wide array of material, not just to entertain, but also to educate.”

Just in time for the holidays, with performances set for December 1-4, “Meet Me in St. Louis,” is a long-standing favorite musical with such memorable songs as, “The Boy Next Door,” “The Trolley Song” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” It is set in 1904 and revolves around the Smith family and several seasons of their life as they prepare for the St. Louis World’s Fair. It will be directed by Martha Mobley.

The classic “Our Town,” another Pulitzer Prize winner for drama from 1938, follows the story of two families in a small town called Grover’s Corners. Written by Thornton Wilder, it has been described by Edward Albee as, “the greatest American play ever written.” It, too, will be directed by Richard Whitehead with production dates of March 2-5.

Springtime brings a comedy titled, “The Savannah Sipping Society” with performances on May 4-7. Full of Southern humor, the show is about four middle-aged women who all feel a need to escape the sameness of their day-to-day routines.

They are drawn together by fate, and an impromptu happy hour. They maintain a friendship over the next six months that changes their lives for the better. Written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, the show will be under the direction of Michael Inlow.

Whitehead said it has always been the goal of the theatre to be all-inclusive. ”Some people think we are a theatre troupe with always the same cast people; but although there is a core group, we welcome new talent. It is not a closed group. We all got here because of the open door policy. We invite and welcome new talent as well as new memberships”

Other than having the satisfaction of helping support the community theatre, there are other advantages of being a patron. The season’s patron party this year will be held at the Firehouse Arts Center on October 6, with Mickey and Susan Shiver as sponsors.

This year the group is returning to the former policy of an after-show opening night party held in the Ruth Langston Garden.

“It is always good for the cast members to be able to mingle with the audience following the show and get feedback from the attendees,” concluded Whitehead.

Persons who wish to join as a patron in any one of the categories can email the theatre, or call and leave a message.

They can also sign up directly on the website, www.bainbridgelittletheatre.com, where the different categories and costs are described.