Review: Little Shop of Horrors

I saw Golden Stone Productions Little Shop of Horrors tonight. It was a delight, there are still tickets available for Sunday afternoons last performance, and a very special raffle prize I hear. Think signed memorabilia and you have the right idea.

The Director, Danny Paul, did a beautiful job. The scenes flowed with grace and speed. The choreography was smoothly integrated into the scenes. Costumes were beautiful, and the scenery and Audrey II puppets by Richard Prouse were beautiful. His work never fails to impress.

Little Shop is a difficult piece in that many many people have seen the movie and have a preconceived notion of the characters. I have seen at least three versions of the show. This show was a delightful combination of the sense of characters you know and love (or hate ... 'sorry ... doctor') and some fresh insight into the depths of the material.

I loved Wendell Scherer as Seymour. He was a stronger Seymour then usual, which I liked, but had the endearing clumsy bumbling typical of the character. Audrey (Kate Weston) was adorable, with a hint of the typical Audry, but brought new life the role. The actor in the Audrey puppets was amazing, creating such an interesting life on stage and timing it perfectly. The voice of our favorite plant was amazing as well.

Also of note were the urchins Allie Miron, Amanda Quigley and Esme Hyman who collectively had such rich sound and balance you would imagine they had been singing together forever. Also delightful was Pat Kiernan who had the difficult and funny role(s) of Bernstein, Mrs. Luce & Skip Snip. He brought such energy and humor to the role. Bobby Greffrath, as the Dentist we love to hate was wonderful to watch as well. Pat's assistant was adorable also, but alas, I do not know her name. She took a small bit and made an big impression.

The show featured a strong ensemble also who made the customers, bums, and other people come alive. Vocally and visually they added great depth to the show. The band and musical direction was awesome, a pleasure to listen to.

Lighting for the show was mood appropriate, sound effects were spot on. My only criticism of the show was that certain actors did not always remember to cheat out, leaving me to look at their backside or profile rather then being able to see the emotion on their faces. There was some adjustment of sound levels during the show, but barely noticeable.

Overall, another delightful, strong, entertaining production from Golden Stone Productions.

Little Shop of Horrors - Saturday Night!

What are you doing Saturday Night? I'm very excited to be going to see Golden Stone Productions most recent show Little Shop of Horrors. Between the pre-party some friends are hosting and the show itself, it should be a wonderful, fun, entertaining evening. Especially since Little Shop is one of my favorite musicals.

No plans for Saturday? Come see the show!

Curtain is at 8:00 PM, Tickets available online here, $20 /$15 Seniors & Children.

Synopsis:
A down-and out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon “Audrey II” grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination!

One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows of all time, this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has become a house-hold name, thanks to a highly successful film version and a score by the songwriting team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, who redefined the animated musical film with Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”, “Beauty And The Beast” and “Aladdin.” Charming, tuneful and hilarious, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, “Little Shop Of Horrors” never fails to entertain.

Review: Evita

I had an opportunity to see Evita at the Rhinebeck Performing Arts Center last night. It is a CENTERstage production directed by Kevin Archambault.

It was beautiful. It's been a long time since I've seen such an amazing community theater production. The choreography and staging were wonderful, the lighting design was beautifully done, the set, by Richard Prouse - in one word Gorgeous! The music elegant. Costumes were wonderfully done also, with subtle colors and effectively setting the tone.

The highlight of the evening was Eva Peron herself, played by Aubrey Flick. Aubrey handled the challenges of the role smoothly and beautifully making the difficult transitions musically seem easy. She also managed many many costume changes (20+, I lost count), in an impossibly quick manner - kudos to her dresser(s) as well. Aubrey also did the difficult job of transitioning in age as Eva went from her humble roots, to elegant first lady, and then into illness.

She was mesmerizing - It's not often that an actor grabs my focus in that way. I like to observe the little nuances of the individual actors and usually have no trouble focusing on each individual at various times throughout the show. Aubrey stole every scene she was in, which was pretty much all of them.

Also amazing were Che played by the energetic Joshuah Partriarco and he handles the difficult role beautifully. The Mistress ,Victoria McCarthy, who sang like an angel and made an impression even though she appeared so briefly. Len West, who handled the challenging role Juan Peron by walking the fine line of appearing strong enough to be believable as a leader, but not so strong that he cannot be eclipsed by his wife.

The ensemble was filled with very talented, strong voices as well. They performed the complex job of becoming the people and filling the stage with whatever class or subset needed. From the poor, to the working class and even into the upper crust, they cast did an amazing job. I especially enjoyed the Tango Dancers.

I would recommend everyone to go see this show, certain to be the summer hit, but it is the last weekend, and the show is already sold out. If you were lucky enough to have seen this show, or have tickets for tonight or tomorrow - you know, or will know, exactly what I mean.

Upcoming Mid Hudson Valley Theater Auditions

Upcoming Auditions for Mid Hudson Valley Community Theater, August 2008. Lots of fun shows auditioning now for the fall ... grab a friend and go audition!

Golden Stone Production Auditions for "Once Upon a Mattress"
August 2nd starting at 12:00 pm
August 3rd starting at 6:00 pm
August 4th starting at 6:30 pm

Performances: October 17th-26th, 2008
Director: Kevin Archambault
Musical Direction: Liz Gerbi

Auditions to be held at SUNY Ulster Senate Gym
Please contact via email or phone for any questions.
bquigley@goldenstoneproductions or 845.687.4758

Up in One Productions Audition for BEST OF BROADWAY: “A Grand Night for Singing” Rogers and Hammerstein musical Revue
August 4, 5 at 7:00 pm
Callbacks: August 6 at 7:00 pm

At The Center for Performing Arts, Rte. 308, Rhinebeck, NY.
Needed: Singers/Actors/Dancers. Prepare: a Rodgers and Hammerstein song. Performance Dates: October 17 – November 2; Fridays – Sundays. Produced by Diana di Grandi, Directed and Choreographed by Laurie Sepe Marder. Further information contact the producer: 845 876 5348

West Side Story
Photos courtesy of Jen Kiaba Photography

Up In One Productions brings all the fever and the fervor of Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Laurents, and Stephen Sondheim’s Tony-Award-winning, WEST SIDE STORY to the stage at The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck, beginning July 25th and running through August 17th.

This highly-acclaimed musical update of Shakespeare’s ROMEO AND JULIET, set in the tenements of 1950’s New York City, has become a classic in its own right. The Twentieth Century “star-crossed lovers”, Tony and Maria, are torn apart by ethnic intolerance and street gang rivalry. Their tender and tragic story is richly punctuated with exhilarating song and dance numbers, alive with social commentary and hailed as ground-breaking in its time. The music is immediately recognizable, from the ballads, Maria, Tonight, and Somewhere, to the energetic, America, I Feel Pretty, The Jet Song, and Cool.

WEST SIDE STORY, opened on Broadway in 1957, directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, and starring Larry Kert, Carol Lawerence and Chita Rivera. The show marked the Broadway debut of composer Stephen Sondheim. It was translated into an Academy Award-winning film in 1961, starring Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer and Rita Moreno. Since then, it has enjoyed several Broadway revivals.

Director/choreographer, Laurie Sepe Marder (Sweeney Todd, Man of La Mancha, Oklahoma!, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), who has adapted the original Broadway choreography of Jerome Robbins, leads a cast of popular, seasoned actors, singers and dancers in the Up In One Production, including Victoria McCarthy (Romeo and Juliet) as Maria, Matthew Farcher (Les Miserables) as Tony, Chris Tillson as Riff, Risa Petrone as Anita, and Vinnie Lomoriello as Bernardo. Music is directed and conducted by Paul and JoAnn Schubert (Sweeney Todd, Chicago, Oklahoma!). Set and lights are by veteran designer, Andrew Weintraub (Sweeney Todd, Man of La Mancha, Chicago), and the scenic art by Broadway Scenic Artist, Richard Prouse. The costume designer for the production is Natalie Lunn.

The Up In One production is brought to the stage by producer, Diana di Grandi, who has presented such critically acclaimed hit musicals as Chicago, Man of La Mancha, Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma!, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Guys and Dolls, Annie, and Mame.

On Stage in the Hudson Valley - July 6th

We have some wonderful shows on stage this month. Some BIG musicals that I am excited to see. So on stage in the Mid Hudson Valley ... the best local community theater has to offer:

Evita
July 11, 12, 18, 19, at 8:00 PM
July 13, 20 at 3:00 PM

CENTERStage production
The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck, NY
Call: (845) 876-3080

The Prisoner of Second Avenue
Jul 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 at 8:00 PM
Jul 13, 20, 27 at 3:00 PM

The Playhouse at Museum Village
Route 17M
Monroe, NY
Call: (845) 294-9465


Little Shop of Horrors
July 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 at 8:00 PM
July 20, 27 at 3:00 PM

Golden Stone Productions
Quimbly Theater at SUNY Ulster
Stone Ridge, NY
Call: (845) 687 - 4758

West Side Story
July 25, 26, 31, August 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 at 8:00 PM
July 27, August 3, 10, 17 at 3:00 PM

Up in One Productions
The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck, NY
Call: (845) 876-3080

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
August 7, 8, 9 at 8:00 PM
August 10 at 2:00 PM

Up in One Productions
Quimbly Theater at SUNY Ulster
Stone Ridge, NY

Review: Who's on First?

Tonight I attended the opening night performance of DIRT's production of Who's on First, a wonderful entertaining comedy by Jack Sharkey. The play itself was very good with a quick pace and witty dialog. Add a wonderful performance space, a simple set that was very effective, costumes that transitioned well into various roles with a minimum of fuss and talented actors with a lot of energy and you have a show that is delightful.

The show is directed by Mary Ellen Petti, Set and Lighting by Kevin Larsen and Niall Tinney, and sound by "Big Jay" Fink. Performers were Alison Bernhardt, Matt Meinsen, Brian Petti & Mary Ellen Petti.

The Show is running weekends at the Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural & Sports Centre in East Durham through June 22. If you have the opportunity, take in this gem of a show in a picturesque little town. For more info visit the webpage for the Durham Irish Repertory Theater.

About the Show:
Take a husband, wife, lover and friend, add a strange lamp, a gun and a rubber chicken plus a party that begins at 8 p.m., then again at 8 p.m. and then again at 8 p.m. and you have this nightmare comedy." Four people find themselves reliving one horrible hour over and over as themselves, as Japanese, as British aristocrats, as gangsters, and almost anything else you can think of. Camille is giving the party. Don shows up in a jealous funk about his wife, Alice, whom he suspects of seeing another man. When Alice and Ben have arrived, it turns out their relationship is innocent. But by the time Don realizes this he has already shot Ben, Alice and even Camille. Camille wishes that things might have turned out differently and that is what happens. All concerned find themselves back at the party's beginning again and again doomed to live that same hour over and over again until they get it right. Is it all an accident? Or is their dilemma part of someone's fiendish plan? A labyrinth of hilarity exits to a shocker of an ending.

On Stage in the Hudson Valley - June 6, 2008

I'm very excited we have two shows opening tonight! Gilbert & Sullivan Musical Theater Company's The Pirates of Penzance and DIRT's Who's on First. I'll be off to see who's on first myself, I'll let you know how that goes.

If you know of an upcoming show, please let me know at midhudsontheater@gmail.com.

The Pirates of Penzance

June 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 at 8:00 PM
June 8, 15, 22 at 3:00 PM

Gilbert & Sullivan Musical Theater Company
The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Route 308
Rhinebeck, NY
Call (845) 876-3080 or online tickets

About the Show:

In The Pirates of Penzance, Frederic was as a child apprenticed to a band of tenderhearted, orphaned pirates by his nurse who, being hard of hearing, had mistaken her master's instructions to apprentice the boy to a pilot. Frederic, upon completing his 21st year, rejoices that he has fulfilled his indentures and is now free to return to respectable society. But it turns out that he was born on February 29 in leap year, and he remains apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st birthday. By the end of the opera, the pirates, a Major General who knows nothing of military strategy, his large family of beautiful but unwed daugters, and the timid constabulary all contribute to a cacophony that can be silenced only by Queen Victoria's name.

Who's on First by Jack Sharkey
June 6, 7, 13, 14, 21 at 7:00 PM
June 22 at 2:00 PM

Durham Irish Repertory Theater (D.I.R.T.)
The Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural & Sports Centre

2119 Route 145

East Durham, NY

Call: (518) 634-2286

About the Show:
Take a husband, wife, lover and friend, add a strange lamp, a gun and a rubber chicken plus a party that begins at 8 p.m., then again at 8 p.m. and then again at 8 p.m. and you have this nightmare comedy." Four people find themselves reliving one horrible hour over and over as themselves, as Japanese, as British aristocrats, as gangsters, and almost anything else you can think of. Camille is giving the party. Don shows up in a jealous funk about his wife, Alice, whom he suspects of seeing another man. When Alice and Ben have arrived, it turns out their relationship is innocent. But by the time Don realizes this he has already shot Ben, Alice and even Camille. Camille wishes that things might have turned out differently and that is what happens. All concerned find themselves back at the party's beginning again and again doomed to live that same hour over and over again until they get it right. Is it all an accident? Or is their dilemma part of someone's fiendish plan? A labyrinth of hilarity exits to a shocker of an ending.

Hudson Valley Theater Auditions - June 2008

Great news! There are some very exciting shows auditioning this month. Grab a Friend, your sheet music and dance shoes and get out there... I may be seeing you starring on a local stage this summer. Am I missing a audition? email me at midhudsontheater@gmail.com.

Camelot
June 8 & 9 @ 7:00 PM

Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Route 308
Rhinebeck, NY

Synopsis:
Camelot is a musical by Alan Jay Lerner (book and lyrics) and Frederic Loewe (music). It is based on the King Arthur legend as adapted from the T. H. White novel The Once and Future King.

The original 1960 production, directed by Moss Hart, ran on Broadway for 873 performances, winning four Tony Awards and spawning several revivals, foreign productions and a 1967 film version. The original cast album was America's top-selling LP for 60 weeks.

Details:
Needed:
Mature actors for the roles of Arthur, Pellinore, Morgan Le Fay, and Merlin.

Actors aged 17 and up are needed for the roles of Guenevere, Lancelot,
Nimue, Mordred, and various court ladies and knights.

A boy, aged 9 to 13, is needed for the role of Tom of Warwick.

Performances are September 5 – 21, 2008.
Rehearsals will take place during July and August.

Interested actors should come prepared with a song from the show or from another show by Lerner and Loewe.
Sheet music for the song must be provided.
There will be some choreography in this production so all auditioners should be prepared to dance and wear appropriate clothing.
Readings will be from the script.

For more information, contact Lou Trapani at (845) 876-3088, ext. 14.

Noises Off
June 15 & 16 @ 7:00 PM
County Players Falls Theatre
2681 W. Main St
Wappingers Falls, NY

Synopsis:
Noises Off is a 1982 play by Michael Frayn. The idea for it was born in 1970, when Frayn was standing in the wings watching a performance of Chinamen, a farce that he had written for Lynn Redgrave. According to the playwright, "It was funnier from behind than in front and I thought that one day I must write a farce from behind."

Details:
Noises Off is "the funniest farce ever written" according to the New York Post. The play follows a troupe of actors in production of a rather silly bedroom farce called "Nothing On". Needed are five men and four women as follows:

Dotty Otley (Mrs. Clackett): an experienced actress facing middle age and the twilight of her career. She plays the role of the housekeeper in "Nothing On".

Brooke Ashton (Vicki): a twenty-something actress, very attractive, who spends a good deal of the show running around in her underwear.

Belinda Blair (Flavia Brent): Belinda is in her 30's and is the only one who seems in control. She's nearly always calm and knows what's going on.

Poppy Taylor: Assistant Stage Manager for "Nothing On". In her late 20's or early 30's. Overworked, underpaid, very nervous but not without her charm. Would do anything for Lloyd (and has).

Lloyd Dallas: Director of "Nothing On". At wits end trying to manage the zany personalities of his cast. Late 30's to late 40's

Garry Lejeune (Roger Tramplemain): Young, handsome actor who can't complete a thought and has a jealous streak a mile wide. Late 20's to late 30's.

Frederick Fellows (Phillip Brent): Reasonably poor actor but likeable. Slightly oblivious and over-sensitive. Late 30's to early 50's.

Selsdon Mobray (Burglar): Aging drunk. Used to be a half decent actor but the years have not been kind. Can't hear all that well and consistently misses cues. Could be any age but played as decrepit.

Tim Allgood: Stage Manager for "Nothing On". Has to be everywhere and do everything. Hasn't slept in days. Could be 20's to 50's

Rock & Roll Broadway - A Musical Review!
June 21 @ 4:00 PM
June 22 @ 7:00 PM

Details:
Performances August 21-24 at The CENTER

A short n' sweet revue, comprised of songs derived from the finest rock
musicals of the 20th Century! Selections from "Rent", "The Rocky Horror
Show", "Grease", "Jesus Christ Superstar", and MORE! A CENTERStage production directed by Lisa Lynds and Dan Landa, with musical direction by Elaine Miller and music performed by Pitchfork Militia!

Please prepare a song, preferably from a rock-based musical, and bring your sheet music

For more information, contact producer Lou Trapani (845) 876-3088, x14

Happy Memorial Day!

Everything Coming up Noses?

This is pure fun and I will dedicate to my daughter who loves Noses ... and Sesame Street!



Hat tip to Steve on Broadway

Lie of the Mind

Sam Shepard's a Lie of the Mind will be presented by the Star Mountainville Group in Woodstock this June.

The play will run Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm for two weeks June 12th through June 22nd. Tickets are $15, seniors and students $12.

The show will be at the Byrdcliffe Theater on Upper Byrdcliffe Road in Woodstock. Reservations can be made at 679-4561.

This full length drama with much comedy, wit and grit concerns the aftermath of spousal abuse between a married couple and their immediate families. Shepard themes of tortured love, family dysfunction and great humor born out of pain are featured throughout this complex play.

Star Mountainville Group has produced 27 plays in the last 5 years throughout the Hudson Valley including FULLY COMMITTED, TAPE, GOLDA'S BALCONY, TALES OF A JEWISH AMERICAN PRINCE and CLAZZ. This production marks the 20th production of a Sam Shepard play directed by Glenn Laszlo Weiss.

Actors Needed for August Musical

Up In One productions is in the process of casting male and female actors/singers for the August production of the popular musical, I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE to be presented at Quimby Theater, Ulster Community College in Stone Ridge New York. Please call producer, Diana di Grandi at (845) 876-5348

Who's On First

Who's on First, Jack Sharkey's hysterical nightmare comedy is being presented by The Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural & Sports Centre with Durham Irish Repertory Theater (D.I.R.T.) at the Pavilion Stage on the grounds of the Irish Cultural Centre, 2119 Route 145, East Durham, NY.

Performances will be on Friday 6/6, Saturday 6/7, Friday 6/13, Saturday 6/14 & Saturday 6/21 at 7:00 pm, Sunday 6/22 at 2:00 pm.

$15.00 admission benefits the non-profit Centre, call 518-634-2286 or see webpage.

Synopsis: The hijinks start with the basic premise of a husband attending a party early in an attempt to catch his wife in what he thinks is an affair. Then, thanks to a magic lamp and a playwright's twisted imagination the scene is recreated over and over, moving seamlessly from 20's gangsters to upper-crust British to Japanese shoguns and more. The only ingredients that stay consistent from scene to scene are the unlikely presence of a rubber chicken--and the constant laughs! Mary Ellen Petti of East Durham will direct D.I.R.T.'s staging of this comedy with a local cast of stage veterans from Dutchess and Greene Counties.

Jack Sharkey's play kicks off D.I.R.T.'s summer season, which will include the Peanuts-inspired musical "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" in July and Neil Simon's beloved comedy "The Odd Couple" in August. "Who's On First?" marks the fledgling theater company's third local production, following the cabaret "It's a Great Day for the Irish!" in March and the world premier of "On the Expectation of White Christmases" in December. The latter was called "a magnificent work (that) deserves a great success on the national scene" by Hudson-Catskill Newspapers' John Paul Keeler.