Wednesday, February 28, 2007

On Broadway the Play is NOT dead

So the play is not dead on Broadway. Between January and June the great white way is scheduled to have a round of a dozen plays open. This is exciting since six of the new plays opening are by American playwrights. It is unfortunate that they will all be opening in such a small window as it will make it difficult to get to see them. Also statistically the audience for plays is smaller and older then that of Musicals. It will be interesting to see how these shows perform.

"First, the asterisks. Three of the plays are appearing at nonprofit theaters. Four were recent hits on the West End in London and are either transferring as a whole or being staged by the same directors. (Five of the directors with plays this spring are American.) And half are revivals: Brian Friel’s “Translations” was first produced Off Broadway in 1981 at the Manhattan Theater Club, which is producing it now; Craig Lucas’s romance “Prelude to a Kiss,” in previews at the Roundabout Theater Company’s American Airlines Theater, first played on Broadway in 1990; Eugene O’Neill’s “Moon for the Misbegotten,” a transfer from Kevin Spacey’s Old Vic in London, has been seen on Broadway four times previously, most recently seven years ago; Eric Bogosian’s “Talk Radio” was a hit at the Public Theater in 1987; “Inherit the Wind” has been on Broadway twice before; and R. C. Sherriff’s World War I drama, “Journey’s End,” has also been on Broadway before, albeit in 1930.

That still leaves six straight plays making their New York debuts, three by American authors: “Radio Golf,” the last of August Wilson’s 10-part play cycle; “Deuce,” by Terrence McNally; and “The Year of Magical Thinking,” Joan Didion’s stage adaptation of her 2005 memoir. The other three — “Coram Boy,” “Frost/ Nixon” and “Salvage” — are by British authors but have not been seen here." (more here)

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Reviews of Dan Radcliffe in Equus

Well the critics have sounded off about Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter) in his first live performance on stage in the West End production of the play Equus. There have been a variety of opinions and articles on the subject of Dan performing in this show - from parents reacting with concern at the thought that he is performing nude to concern over his age appropriateness for the role (Dan is 17 and is playing the role of a disturbed teenager in the psycho-thriller). Reviews are warm but not overly enthusiastic. Honestly with the sheer number of fans and pre-sales I'm not sure that the critics will have much effect on the success of the show.

"Brilliant Radcliffe throws off Harry Potter's cloak," The Daily Telegraph said. "He is a thrilling stage actor of unexpected range and depth."

The Independent said "He cuts a compelling figure" in the role of a troubled teen who blinds six horses at the stable where he works. "But he is not that well served by the production."

"What was striking was the emergence of young Dan Radcliffe in the artistic raw, tested as an actor and found equal to the stretching role," The Daily Mail said. (more)

Previously on Equus:
2-5-2007 - Equus Potter has grown up

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On Stage - Events in the Mid Hudson Valley March 1-3

We have some wonderful shows on stage this weekend. Looking for something fun to do? Go see a community theater production. Also of note Brewster is doing a night of improv - similar to "Who's Line is it Anyway"

A Streetcar Named Desire
March 2, 3 at 8:00 PM
March 4 at 3:00 PM

CENTERstage Productions
The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Route 308
Rhinebeck, NY
Call: (845) 876-3080


Laughing Stock!
March 1, 2, 3 at 8:00 PM
March 4 at 2:00 PM

DCC Masquer's Guild
James and Betty Hall Theater
Dutchess Community College


The Taming of the Shrew
March 2, 3 at 8:00 PM
March 4 at 2:00 PM

Marist College Council on Theatre Arts
The Nelly Goletti Theatre
3399 North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY
Call: (845 )575-3133 (
online tickets)

Brewster Evening of Improv
March 3 at 8:00 PM

Brewster Theater Company
Brewster Public Library
79 Main St
Brewster, NY

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Thursday, February 22, 2007

Springtime for the Producers means closing

The producers of The Producers have announced that the show will be closing Sunday April 22, 2007 after 2,502 performances.

The 1968 film, The Producers, was adapted as a critically acclaimed Broadway musical by Mel Brooks in 2001. It originally starred Nathan Lane (who reprised that role during the show's first few months on London's West End) and Matthew Broderick (incidentally, he and Lane provided the voices of adult Simba and Timon in Disney's 1994 film The Lion King) and won 12 Tony Awards, breaking the record held for 37 years by Hello Dolly! which had won 10. The replacement cast starred Richard Kind and Steven Weber in Lane and Broderick's respective roles and had a detrimental effect on the success of the show, prompting the show's producers to briefly re-hire Lane and Broderick for another run. Although the musical has many scenes and jokes taken directly from the film, there are still many differences. Ulla has a much larger role, as does Springtime for Hitler director Roger DeBris. The character Lorenzo St. Dubois (LSD), a hippie who played Hitler in the 1968 movie, does not appear in the new version. Overall the musical is much more upbeat and ends more happily, with even the Nazi character Franz Liebkind being portrayed more sympathetically and getting a happy ending.

The humour of the show is accessible to a wide range of audiences, and draws on ridiculous accents, caricatures of homosexuals and Nazis, and many show business in-jokes. The Producers is closing on April 22 at the St.James Theatre. Young Frankenstein, another Mel Brooks movie turned musical, will open there. (more)

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Cirque Du Soleil - Season Announced for NYC winter show

If you're a member of the Cirque Club (it's free sign up on the website) Pre-sales ticket are on sale for the new Cirque Du Soleil show A Winter Tale in New York. This show will be previewing November 1-4, 2007 and will open November 6, 2007 and run for 10 weeks - until January 6, 2008

"A young boy lives in a city where the arrival of winter has brought long shadows and intense cold – but no snow!

He interacts with an extraordinary cast of high-energy urban street characters, including skaters, dancers and talking marionettes. But when the snow doesn't arrive, he embarks on a quest with companions to find the snow and bring it back where it belongs.

The adventurers journey to an imaginary Arctic – a world without sunlight – where they encounter the rich culture of the People of the North and extraordinary giant characters made of ice. When at last the sun returns, they fly home on the wings of a giant crane and unleash an epic snowstorm.

The show is playful and full of the exuberance of youth. Above all, it's funny. A cast of 50 artists blend thrilling circus arts, breathtaking theatrical effects, and memorable songs, weaving them into a seasonal, meaningful story that resonates with the whole family."

Previously on Cirque:
11-21-2006 Cirque planning Winter Show for Madison Sq Garden
06-04-2006 Corteo Review

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Wednesday, February 21, 2007

On Stage This Weekend in the Hudson Valley Feb 22 - 25

Theater Events in the Mid Hudson Valley this weekend: February 22 - 25th. I can highly recommend the CENTERstage production of A Streetcar Named Desire (read my review)

A Streetcar Named Desire
February 23, 24 at 8:00 PM
February 25 at 3:00 PM

CENTERstage Productions
The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Route 308

Rhinebeck, NY
Call: (845) 876-3080

The Cocktail Hour
Feb 23, 24 at 8:00 PM

County Players
County Players Falls Theatre
2681 W. Main St
Wappingers Falls, NY
Call: (845) 298-1491


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Tuesday, February 20, 2007

What shows should be done Locally?

I was brainstorming ... what musicals are well known - yet not over done - that you'd like to see locally? I hope you'll help me add to this list - Feel free to list your favorites or debate the draw of any on my list. My list is in no particular order.

Meet me in Saint Louis
Victor/Victoria
Kismet
Hairspray
State Fair
Show Boat
Annie Get You Gun
Evita
Big River
Carousel
The King & I
A Star is Born
42nd Street
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Dreamgirls

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Monday, February 19, 2007

More on Desire ....

There's an interesting piece on Rhinebeck's A Streetcar Named Desire in the Poughkeepsie Journal today:

"RHINEBECK - Lou Trapani, producer and director of "A Streetcar Named Desire," said audience members will be offered a different vantage point in Tennessee Williams' classic drama.

"The set which I've designed is very bare, very simple," Trapani said. "What it encompasses is two claustrophobic rooms. It sits right in the middle of the stage surrounded by blackness, which is important, because the audience is supposed to be like a peeping tom."

"The concept is very real, very voyeuristic. We're not playing for the traditional beat 'em up [version]. We are really concerned about how everyone is sniping away at each other."

The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck will present "A Streetcar Named Desire" through March 4.

Trapani said the setting of the play - in New Orleans during a hot summer, with the characters struggling in poverty in a small living space - is essential to the telling of the tale.

"Two people have to live in that space, and everyone gets into that space. It's real tight," he said."

For more on this show:
2-18-07 Review of A Streetcar Named Desire at the Rhinebeck Performing Arts Center
2-17-07 Ushering for Streetcar in Rhinebeck

Sunday, February 18, 2007

A Streetcar Named Desire - Review - Rhinebeck Performing Arts Center

In staging a well known play, there is always high expectations from the audience, since they are very familiar with the show. I am pleased to say the production of A Streetcar Named Desire at the Performing Arts Center at Rhinebeck lived up to my expectations. Directed by Lou Trapani, the show was well staged and enthralling to watch.

Especially of note were the performances of Victoria McCarthy (Eunice) who was animated and interesting to watch (I had the pleasure of working with her in Grease last fall), Eileen Keeffe (Stella) who was a charming onstage presence, and Barbara Rankin (Blanche) who did a amazing job making Blanch both sympathetic and showing the gradual unraveling of her sanity.

I also enjoyed the performances of Chris Tilson (Young Collector) (he was also wonderful in Assassins), David Rodrigez (Stanley), and the rest of the talented cast.

The set was a wonderful static set that perfectly set the mood and period of the piece. The costumes were unremarkable - fitting the time and place beautifully. The show piece of the set was a beautifully painted backdrop by Richard Prouse (He also did gorgeous drops for Oliver! and The Music Man)

A Streetcar Named Desire is a famous American play written by Tennessee Williams for which he was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1948. The play is as an icon of its era, as it deals with the culture clash between two symbolic characters, Blanche DuBois—a pretentious, fading relic of the Old South—and Stanley Kowalski, a rising member of the industrial, inner-city immigrant class. Streetcar came shortly after Williams's first big success of 1945, The Glass Menagerie.

In 1951, a film of the play, directed by Elia Kazan, won several awards, including an Academy Award for Vivien Leigh as Best Actress in the role of Blanche. In 1995, it was made into an opera with music by Andre Previn and presented by the San Francisco Opera. (more on Streatcar)

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Saturday, February 17, 2007

Ushering for Streetcar in Rhinebeck

We got a phone call today. It looks like we are needed as Ushers for tomorrows performance of a Streetcar Named Desire in Rhinebeck. I wanted to see the production anyway, and hope I haven't tired myself out too badly running errands today. So I'll try to post a review of the show tomorrow night when I get home.

For those of you who don't know several theaters (Performing Arts Center at Rhinebeck, County Players and yes, even the Bardavon often rely on volunteers as Ushers. Details on Ushering can be found on their respective websites) The plus side of Ushering is that it usually means you have a reserved seat in the house at no cost - the downside is that sometimes if a show is popular you may end up in some odd corner.

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Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Auditions in the Mid Hudson Valley

There's some exciting auditions this weekend - not only the number of auditions (4!!) but two shows are recently written musicals that are being staged for the first time - I'm very excited about both of the new shows - Dollface and Princess of the Nile.

Dollface
February 11 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
February 12 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

CENTERstage Productions
The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308
Rhinebeck, NY
For Further Information Call: David Forman, (845) 876-3088, ext. 12

Production Dates:
April 12 - 15
Synopsis: New Original Musical “Dollface” with songs by David Forman, Rob Hyman, Bette Midler and Johnny Gale and book by B.J. Sebring. ALL ROLES ARE OPEN.
Please be prepared to sing (accompanist will be provided) and dance. Readings will be from the script. Roles include Dolores (Dollface), (30ish, an aspiring comedienne), Victor (30ish, a cigarette magician), Pearlstein (50-70, a jeweler), Shively (35-45, a shady club owner), Yummy & Impy (two goons, should have some gymnastic skills,) Penelope (25-35, Dolores' friend, a seamstress), Mrs. Silberfarb (60+, Dolores' neighbor), Boyle (35-50, a dirty cop), Nurse Grout (ageless) and various ensemble and small roles.

ABILITY TO SING CLOSE HARMONY IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT!

_____________________

Bus Stop
Feb 10, 11, 2007 at 1:00 PM

Creative Theatre-Muddy Water Players
The Playhouse at Museum Village
Route 17M
Monroe, NY
Call: (845) 294-9465
______________________

No Sex Please, We're British
Feb 10, 11, 2007 at 3:00 PM

Creative Theatre-Muddy Water Players
The Playhouse at Museum Village
Route 17M
Monroe, NY
Call: (845) 294-9465

______________________
Princess of the Nile
February 10 1:00 PM
February 11 7:00 PM

CENTERstage Productions
The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
661 Route 308
Rhinebeck, NY
For Further Information Call: Lou Trapani, 845-876-3088, ext. 14

Production Dates:
April 6 & 7
Synopsis: To be presented at The CENTER in early April. Book, Lyrics, and Music by Barbara Rankin. Produced by CENTERstage and Barbara Rankin, Lou Trapani executive producer. A new Cinderella musical, especially for young people, set in ancient Egypt. Four principal men and four principal women, ages 16 and up, and an ensemble of merchants, townspeople, and courtiers, all ages.


Auditioners should prepare a song from any musical, bring their sheet music, and be ready to read from the script.

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On Stage: Events in the Mid Hudson Valley

We have several shows on stage this weekend. I wanted very badly to attend the magic show at the Center this weekend, unfortunately I have way too much going on because Saturday is my Birthday. So to celebrate my birthday - go grab a friend and attend one of these events!

The Magic, Mystery, & Mayhem of John Shaw
February 9, 10 at 8:00 PM
February 11 at 3:00 PM

The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Route 308

Rhinebeck, NY
Call: (845) 876-3080

High School Musical
February 9 at 10:00 AM
February 9 at 7:00 PM

February 10, 11 at 1:00 PM
February 11 at 4:00 PM

Youth Theater (Middle and High School)
Tarrytown Music Hall

Tarrytown, NY
For tickets:
tickets.tarrytownmusichall.org

Aida
February 10 at 8:00 PM
February 11 at 2:00 PM

Eisenhower Hall Theatre
West Point, NY
For tickets:
Ike Hall Tickets

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Monday, February 05, 2007

The Performing Arts Center at Rhinebeck to recieve Grant

The Center has been awarded a $1,500 grant from the Ann and Abe Effron Fund at the Community Foundation of Dutchess County. This Grant will allow the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck to present two programs in its Exploration and Science Series.

The center offers nearly 40 weekday field trip performances a year to area students.
Learn more about weekday field trips.

“Fun with Energy,” with artist Jeff Boyer, is scheduled for Wednesday and April 18 at 10 and 11:30 a.m. The program, designed for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade, features interactive demonstrations with students where they learn about sound, light, solar power and electric energy.

“Lewis & Clark’s Expedition,” by Broadway actor Patrick Garner, will take place March 14 at 10 and 11:30 a.m. Garner casts audience members in the roles of Lewis & Clark’s “corps of discovery” to help them understand the mission to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. The program is intended for kids in kindergarten through grade five.

They also offer a number of weekday performances of various plays. It's a wonderful way for children to be exposed to local theater. Closer and less expensive then Broadway.

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Interesting Idea - One on One theater


There was a piece in the nytimes about an interesting new presentation of live theater - 'pods'

"INSPIRATION can come in the most unlikely places. For the writer and performer Nancy Bannon it arrived while she was riding in an elevator on the Upper East Side about five years ago. She was wearing grungy sweats and carrying a yoga mat when a dapper fellow in a business suit got on. She felt intimidated by his more formal attire; he looked uncomfortable as well, eyes darting as he pressed himself into a corner. Both of them, she realized, were awkward in such a tiny space, and their responses turned the elevator ride into a miniature drama.

The power of proximity has tantalized Ms. Bannon ever since, which is why she created “The Pod Project,” a blend of theater and installation art that opens Wednesday at the 20 Greene Gallery in SoHo. The idea is to have audience members experience one-on-one intimacy with actors. The performances take place in a dimly lighted room filled with 13 structures, or pods, covered in opaque plastic. The pods, which range from 8 to 12 feet high and 6 to 8 feet wide, each hold a single actor. One audience member enters each pod to watch an actor perform a three-minute play. Silent ushers then guide viewers to the next structure."

Equus - Potter has grown up

A while ago, I mentioned that Daniel Radcliffe, best known for his performance in the role of Harry Potter - is making his west end debut in Equus - a play by Peter Shaffer written in 1973, telling the story of a psychiatrist who attempts to treat a young man who has a pathological sexual fascination with horses.

Shaffer was inspired to write his play when he heard of a crime involving a teenage boy's apparently senseless mutilation of horses. He then set out to construct a fictional account of what might have caused the incident, without knowing any of the details of the crime. The play is posted as a kind of postmodern detective story.

Community Theater in the Mid Hudson Valley of New York. Information on shows, auditions, and our general adventures onstage, backstage and in the audience.