Newtowne Players Present “The Mad Ones,” Opening Today In Lexington Park

LEXINGTON PARK, Md. — The stage lights rise on a quiet but powerful moment: a young woman sitting in the driver’s seat of her car, caught between the comfort of the familiar and the uncertainty of the road ahead. For Samantha Brown, the decision she makes in that moment could shape the rest of her life.

That emotional crossroads takes center stage as The Newtowne Players open their latest production, “The Mad Ones,” at Three Notch Theatre. Running March 6–15, the contemporary musical invites audiences into a deeply personal story about growing up, grief, friendship and the courage it takes to choose one’s own path.

A Story Of Choice And Change

At the center of the musical is Samantha Brown, a young woman standing on the edge of adulthood. Sitting in her car and reflecting on the path ahead, she must decide whether to follow the safe expectations laid out before her or embrace the daring encouragement of her brave, free-spirited best friend.

Through a heartfelt score and reflective storytelling, the musical explores themes of identity, loss and the complicated process of moving forward after life-changing moments. As Samantha looks back on the relationships that have shaped her, including her mother, her boyfriend and her adventurous best friend, the show unfolds through memories, conversations and music that reveal the choices that brought her to this turning point.

A Local Cast Takes The Stage

This production features a small but powerful cast of local performers bringing the story to life on stage. Danielle Baker stars as Samantha “Sam” Brown, alongside Anna True as Kelly, Chris Limjuco as Adam and Meg Freese as Beverly.

Behind the scenes, the production is directed by Shelby Tyler and produced by Robin Finnacom, with Erika Nevis serving as stage manager. The creative team helping shape the production includes Dave Kyser as set designer, Brandon Maher as lighting designer, Pateley Bongiorni as music director, Will Frech as sound designer, and Connie Crane and Sarah Gravelle as costume designers. Together, the team works to bring the story, music and visual elements of the show to the stage.

Community Theater In Southern Maryland

For decades, The Newtowne Players have provided a stage for local talent and a gathering place for the performing arts community in Southern Maryland. The nonprofit group performs at Three Notch Theatre, a former public library that was transformed into a community theater and opened to audiences in 2005.

Through productions that range from classic plays to modern musicals, the organization continues its mission to bring accessible, high-quality theater to the region while highlighting the talents of local performers, directors and technical crews.

Performance Details

Performances of “The Mad Ones” run Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m., with doors opening 30 minutes before curtain.

Tickets are $20 for general admission and you can purchase on its website, with discounted rates available for students, seniors and military members, including reduced-price Thursday performances.

With its intimate cast and emotionally resonant music, the show offers audiences a thoughtful look at the moments in life when everything seems to pause just before a single choice sends someone down a completely new road.

Watch the trailer below:

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