Hampton Theatre Company: Elaine Liner’s ‘Finishing School’ Opens Oct 15th / thru Nov 1st

PRESENTS ELAINE LINER’S

HEARTWARMING COMEDY “FINISHING SCHOOL”

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Tamara Salkin, Scott Hofer and George A. Loizides in rehearsal for Finishing School opening Thursday, October 15 at the Hampton Theatre Company Photo: Dane DuPuis

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QUOGUE, NY — The Hampton Theatre Company will open its 42nd season with “Finishing School,” a charming and insightful comedy by acclaimed playwright Elaine Liner. Performances will run from October 15 through November 1, 2026, at the Quogue Community Hall, 125 Jessup Avenue, Quogue.

Presented as the second production in the Hampton Theatre Company’s Jane Stanton “Celebrating Women in Theatre” Project, “Finishing School” is made possible by a generous grant from Fridolin Charitable Trust (Dr. Neal A. Lewin). Set in a retirement community, the play follows two spirited friends whose comfortable daily routines are delightfully disrupted by a group of visitors. When the new visitors set out to encourage a lonely widower to take a chance on love again, the result is a warm, witty, and uplifting exploration of friendship, aging, and the possibility of second acts in life.

Audiences and critics alike have embraced “Finishing School” for its sharp humor, engaging characters, and heartfelt message. Reviewers have praised the play’s ability to balance laugh-out loud comedy with genuine emotional depth, celebrating its honest and compassionate portrayal of life in the later years. Filled with memorable characters and touching moments, the play reminds us that new beginnings can happen at any age.

Playwright Elaine Liner is an award-winning journalist, author, and playwright whose works have been produced throughout the United States. Known for her keen observations of human relationships and her gift for creating authentic, relatable characters, Liner has earned a reputation for writing comedies that combine intelligence, warmth, and emotional resonance. “Finishing School” exemplifies her talent for finding humor and hope in life’s everyday experiences.

Directed by Mary Powers, whose recent HTC credits include “The Thanksgiving Play” (2025) and “Now and Then” (2024), the cast features three HTC veterans and one newcomer to the Quogue stage.

Scott Hofer, who appeared in HTC’s production of “The Boys Next Door” and “Strictly Murder,” plays Al. George A. Loizides, seen most recently in “A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play” over the past three holiday seasons, takes on the role of Wizzer. Catherine Maloney, last seen in “A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play” and “Strictly Murder,” plays Shirley. Making her Quogue debut is Tamara Salkin as Minnie.

Performances of “Finishing School” will be held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. There will also be a 2:30 p.m. performance on Saturday, October 31. Two talkbacks with audience members will be offered immediately following the 7 p.m. performances on Friday, October 23, and Friday, October 30.

Tickets may be purchased online at Hamptontheatre.org

or by calling the Hampton Theatre Company box office at 631-653-8955.

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The Hampton Theatre Company also invites theatergoers to purchase a 2026-27 season subscription and enjoy all four productions for just $100. The season includes:

“Finishing School” by Elaine Liner (October 15-November 1)
“A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play” (December 11-13)
“Dial M for Murder (Hatcher)” adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher (March 4-21, 2027) • “Noises Off” by Michael Frayn (May 20-June 6, 2027)

For tickets, subscriptions, and additional information, visit Hamptontheatre.org or call 631-653-8955.

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Hampton Theatre Company

Now entering its 42nd season, the Hampton Theatre Company is a nonprofit community theatre dedicated to producing high-quality live theatre on Long Island’s East End. Performing at the historic Quogue Community Hall, HTC presents a diverse range of plays and theatrical experiences that entertain, inspire, and enrich the community.

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