Live Oak Theatre opens season with ‘Cheaper by the Dozen’

A couple with 12 children relies on unorthodox teaching methods, which naturally causes embarrassment to some of the older children, particularly their daughter in high school. What results is a series of clashes between the parents and the children. The real life exploits of the Gilbreth family during the 1920s became the basis of the autobiographical book, Cheaper by the Dozen, by Frank Bunker Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey.

The coming-of-age comedy will come to life this weekend when Live Oak Theatre kicks off its 2019-20 season with Cheaper by the Dozen at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. The show is stage adaptation of the book and the 1950 movie of the same name.

The show is directed by Kristina Mitten. Most roles are double-cast, with Joe Santerelli and Gary Benefield starting as Dad; Elizabeth Kohler and Dawn Hester as Mother; John Masterson and Greg Mys as Dr. Burton; and the children played by Brittney Devine, Lindsay McTague, Sarah Brown, Rachel Brown, Mary Babione, Quincee Willis, Chay Nott, Hailey Radatz, Kinley Finegan, Rachel George, Jase Ivie, Cam Kennedy, Addie Ladouceur Amber Marino Evelyn Mitten, Emily Mosher, Jude Mys, Aaron Trombley and Nehemiah Torres.

Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with 2:30 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 13-22.

Individual tickets are $20 adults, $5 for ages 13 and younger when purchased with an adult ticket. Tickets include coffee, tea and dessert. Season tickets are available for $80. Call the box office at (352) 593-0027, or visit the website at liveoaktheatre.org.

Other shows playing in the north Suncoast:

The Nerd: Larry Shue’s play tells the story of Willum Cubbert, whose life is thrown into a tizzy when he becomes host to an unexpected house guest who is awkward and inappropriate. Shows continue through Sept. 15 at Stage West Community Playhouse, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13-14, with 2 p.m. matinees on Sept. 14 and 15. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 students. Call the box office at (352) 683-5113. stagewestflorida.com

Carrie: Everyone knows the Stephen King movie and its iconic gym sequence. Enjoy the stage version of the famous film (and book), and watch picked-on Carrie get the best of the bullies. Shows continue through Sept. 15 at Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20; season tickets available. Call (727) 842-6777. richeysuncoasttheatre.com

Always ... Patsy Cline: More than a tribute to the legendary country singer, the show is based on the true story of Cline’s friendship with a fan and features 27 songs, including the unforgettable hits Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and Walking After Midnight. Evening shows and matinees continue through Oct. 27 at the Show Palace Dinner Theater, 16128 U.S. 19, Hudson. Tickets are $29-$59. Visit showpalace.net, call (727) 863-7949 or email to info@ShowPalaceDinnerTheatre.com.