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 who were 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? Come to the reading and find out!

There will be three public performances of the reading, Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m. and Jan. 13 at 3 p.m. at the Laconia Public Library, and Jan. 14 at 3 p.m. at the Woodside Building of the Taylor Community.

Reservations are highly recommended (especially for the library due to limited seating) and can be made at powerhousenh.org/theboysinthetower. Performances are free but donations will be gladly accepted. The reading runs about 70 minutes with post-show discussions to follow.

“We are excited to bring another of Jaydie’s wonderful plays to the Lakes Region community,” producer Halperin said. “While we started with ‘Montague and Capulet’ to tie into last year’s production of ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ we think this mysterious play is even better and will appeal to all audiences.”

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 Bryan Halperin.

Check out powerhousenh.org for all the latest information.