Thoroughly Modern Millie - Auditioning April 13-15

One of the shows that is auditioning in the next few weeks (April 13, 14, 15) is Thoroughly Modern Millie. Not only am I excited about the show which is fresh from a recent run on Broadway, but it also marks the debut of a new Ulster County theater group Golden Stone Productions. It will be Directed/Choreographed by Herman Sebek (Music Man/Oliver!) a favorite of mine to work with. Assistant Director/Choreographer will be Andrew Paluselli, another wonderful person to work with. I look forward to seeing the result of this collaboration.

The plot revolves around Millie Dillmount, who escapes to New York City from Salina, Kansas determined to marry her wealthy boss - whomever he may be. Shedding her country girl image for the modern look of a flapper, she takes a room at the Priscilla Hotel for Women and gets a job as a stenographer at the Sincere Trust Insurance Company. In short time, she finds herself involved with Jimmy Smith, an apparently ne'er-do-well paper clip salesman, Miss Dorothy Brown, a genteel aspiring actress who never seems to have spare change, Trevor Graydon, her no-nonsense boss, and Muzzy van Hossmere, a madcap Manhattan heiress with a zest for the high life.

The Production History
After thirty-two previews, the production, directed by Michael Mayer and choreographed by Rob Ashford, opened on April 18, 2002 at the Marquis Theatre, where it ran for 903 performances. The opening night cast included Sutton Foster, Marc Kudisch, Angela Christian, Gavin Creel, Harriet Harris, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Ken Leung, and Francis Jue.

In 2003, the original creative team reunited to stage the show in London's West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre. It began previews on October 11 and opened on October 21. Despite positive reviews and booking periods extended to January 2005, Thoroughly Modern Millie failed to catch the UK public's attention and closed prematurely on June 26, 2004.

A UK tour beginning in March 2005 fared much better and successfully toured many of the country's major theatres until November, when it closed as planned in Nottingham. (more)

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On stage in the Mid Hudson Valley March 29 - April 1

Happy Spring! It's spring in the mid hudson valley and there are more things to see on stage this weekend. I'll be ushering this saturday night for I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change.
Mid hudson theater events this week include:

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
March 30, 31 at 8:00 PM
April 1 at 3:00 PM

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

The Baker's Wife
Mar 30, 31, Apr 1, 2007

4^th Wall Productions
Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center
12 Vassar Street
Poughkeepsie, NY

Puss in Boots
March 28 – April 4

Marist College Council on Theatre Arts
The Nelly Goletti Theatre
3399 North Road

Poughkeepsie, NY
Call: (845 )575-3133 (online tickets)

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ABBA wins court Battle - Kristina closer to Broadway

I'm pretty excited this court case ruling has moved Kristina one step closer to a Broadway opening!

It looks more likely that Kristina — by ABBA songwriters Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson — will head to broadway increased after the duo won a recent court decision.

The dispute is between the duo and the writer who wrote the first draft of the show. Which according to the duo was unusable and that director Lars Rudolfsson and playwright Jan Mark had to write an alternative version.

The show's plot is based on four novels by Swedish author Vilhelm Moberg. Kristina from Duvemala premiered at the Malmo Music Theatre on Oct. 7, 1995, and has transferred to Gothenburg's Opera House and to Stolkholm's Cirkus Theatre. (more from playbill.com)

Previously:
3-7-2007 New ABBA musical headed for Broadway?

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April Auditions for Community Productions in the Hudson Valley

Lot of exciting community theater groups are holding auditions for musicals and plays coming up in April! There are a lot of pretty well known musicals that are auditioning. I'm very excited and wish I could go audition for several of these shows. Unfortunately, I won't be trying out for anything until July at the earliest - but please go audition! Let me know what show you get into and I'll be happy to come see you in the show!

Tomfoolery
March 30 April 1 at 7:00 PM

Gilbert & Sullivan Musical Theater Company
First Presbyterian Church
100 Cannon Street (at So. Hamilton Street)
Poughkeepsie, NY

Production Dates: June 1 – June 17
Synopsis: Casting a total of four to six men and women singers with good comic acting skills. Those auditioning should, if possible, prepare a song from the show. If this is not possible, please prepare a song that showcases your vocal ability - especially with a comic song.
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Company
April 2, 3 at 7:00 PM

Up in One Productions
The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
661 Route 308
Rhinebeck, NY
Call for more info: (845) 876 – 5348.

Production Dates: July 12 – July 22
Synopsis: Needed are men and women 18 - 60 years old. All parts are open. Please prepare a song, preferably from the show (bring a copy of your sheet music if not from the show).

Production: Produced by Diana Di Grandi; Directed and Choreographed by Kevin Archambault.

_____________________

A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum
April 5 at 7:00 PM
April 7 at 10:00 AM
April 7 at 1:00 PM

Up in One Productions
The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
661 Route 308
Rhinebeck, NY
Call for more info: (845) 876 – 5348.

Production Dates: July 27 – August 19
Synopsis: Needed are men and women 18 - 60 years old. All parts are open. Please prepare a song, preferably from the show (bring a copy of your sheet music if not from the show).

Production: Directed by Diana Di Grandi and Laurie Sepe Marder.

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Thoroughly Modern Millie
April 13, 2007, 6-9 PM, (all at Senate Bldg. stage)
April 14, 1-6 PM
April 15, 1-5 PM

Golden Stone Productions
SUNY Ulster
Stone Ridge, NY
Call for more info: ( 845) 687-4758

Production Dates: June 28 – July 8, 2007
Synopsis: THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, the recent Broadway revival hit, newly released for regional theatres. The show is set in the Roaring 20’s, has a brilliant plot, great songs & exuberant dancing, & won 6 Tony Awards.

Seeking: All Roles. Age 16+, Male and Female. Bring: SHEET MUSIC that YOU KNOW WELL, in the key you sing best, showing range and strength. An accompanist will be provided. Songs from the show are not necessary. Not all roles are DANCING parts, but COME PREPARED TO DANCE.
TAP IS A PLUS. Bring: Character and/or Tap Shoes, or dress shoes. (NO Sneakers)

Production:
Producer: Bianca and George Quigley
Director/Choreographer: Herman Sebek
Ass’t Director/Choreographer: Andrew Paluselli
Musical Director: Liz Toleno
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Anything Goes
April 21 1:00 PM
April 22 7:00 PM
April 23 7:00 PM

Rhinebeck Theatre Society
The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308
Rhinebeck, NY
For Further Information Call: David Forman, 518-755-4480

Production Dates: Show runs from June 22 to July 8.
Rehearsals begin immediately after audition dates
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On Stage: Mid Hudson Valley Theater Events March 22-25, 2007

Well this weekend there is no end to the shows to see on stage. This is prime spring musical time for the area's high schools and many local theater groups have wonderful productions running as well. So for this week On Stage in the Mid Hudson Valley:

Looking for Sean, Finding Seamus
Mar 23, 24 at 7:00 PM

Brewster Theatre Company
St Andrews Church
Brewster, NY

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
March 23, 24, 30, 31 at 8:00 PM
March 25 April 1 at 3:00 PM

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

A Man for All Seasons
March 23, 24, 20, 31 at 7:00 PM.
March 25 at 3:00 PM

Cocoon Theatre
6384 Mill Street (Rt. 9)
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Call:(845) 876-6470

The Baker's Wife
Mar 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, Apr 1, 2007

4^th Wall Productions
Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center
12 Vassar Street
Poughkeepsie, NY

High School Productions

Beauty and the Beast
March 23, 24 at 7:30PM
March 24 at 2:00 PM

John A. Coleman High School
430 Hurley Ave.
Hurley
Call: 845-338-2750

Once Upon a Mattress
March 22, 23, 24 at 7:30PM
March 24 at 2:00 PM

Dover High School
2368 Route 22
Dover Plain
Call: 845-832-4520

Man of LaMancha
March 22, 23, 24 at 8:00 PM
March 25 at 2:00 PM

Kingston High School
Broadway
Kingston
Call 845-943-3849.

Damn Yankees
March 23, 24 at 8:00 PM
March 25 at 3:00 PM

Marlboro High School
50 Cross Road
Marlboro
Call: 845-236-5810

Pippin
March 22, 23, 24 at 7:30 PM
March 24 at 2:00 PM

New Paltz High School
130 South Putt Corners Road
New Paltz
Call: 845-256-4100

Disney's High School Musical
March 23, 24 at 7:30 PM
March 25 at 2:00 PM

Pawling High School
2 Reservoir Road
Pawling
Call: 845-855-4620

Disney's High School Musical
March 23, 24 at 7:00 PM

Poughkeepsie High School
70 Forbus St
Poughkeepsie
Call:845-451-4934.

Beauty and the Beast
March 22, 23, 24 at 7:00 PM

Red Hook High School
103 W. Market St., Red Hook
Call: 845-758-2241 ext. 3506.

Into the Woods
March 22, 23 at 7:30 PM
March 24 at 2:00 PM
March 24 at 8:00 PM

Spackenkill High School
Call: 845-463-7810

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Ticket Scalping Laws to Change?

In an interesting move, the trade association representing Broadway theaters and producers is doing an 180 and now is asking state officials to dismantle the laws that limit the resale of tickets to musicals, plays, concerts and other events.

What does this mean to consumers? Well, I think it may mean higher ticket prices for hot shows, at least on the secondary (resale market) Right now there is a law (that expires in June) that lets licensed ticket resellers charge up to 45 percent above the face value of tickets for large events. But for places with fewer than 6,000 seats, like most Broadway theaters, those brokers are limited to no more than 20 percent, or $5 over face value, whichever is greater.

Some quotes from the nytimes article:

Gerald Schoenfeld, chairman of the League of American Theaters and Producers, said that ticket prices “would probably not skyrocket”

“They essentially want to set up their own auction sites,” said Russ Haven, the legislative counsel for the New York Public Interest Research Group, which opposes lifting the caps. He said that consumers “will see higher ticket prices, with no other benefits.”

Christine Anderson, a spokeswoman for Mr. Spitzer, said the governor believed that ticket prices should be set by the free market. “If you own a pair of shoes, or a ticket, it’s up to you if you want to sell it on the street or burn it,” she said.

Richard L. Brodsky, a Westchester assemblyman who sits on the committee that regulates tourism, said that allowing prices to skyrocket could put tickets out of reach of Broadway visitors. “If you’re not on an expense account or a millionaire, it will be much harder to get tickets for hot shows,” he said.

And then fellow blogger playgoer has a nice piece: "authorized auction sites"

The general consensus is that not many people think this is a good idea. What do you think?

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Quimby Theater Restoration

A friend of mine sent me the following - It's an article from the Kindston Freeman (march 4th) detailing the restoration of Ulster Community College's Quimby Theater. It's wonderful that another venue has been restored to continue serving the college and local community. I believe the theater is a 500 seat venue which is impressive in this area. I look forward to seeing some productions there!

"STONE RIDGE - A mainstay of college and community life since it was built in 1967, the John C. Quimby Theater at Ulster County Community College has hosted such artistic luminaries as former poet laureate Billy Collins and famed ballet dancer Wilhelmina Frankfurt. But years of use left theater seats dilapidated, curtains tattered, and lighting design controls outdated.

On Saturday, following a $945,000 renovation project at the college, the theater will celebrate its grand reopening at 8 p.m. with a performance by the Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Quartet.

The need to renovate the Quimby Theater, the Student Lounge and roof at Vanderlyn Hall was identified in the college's 2003 Facilities Master Plan. A combination of state and county funding, along with private donations,made the project a reality, with construction starting in March 2006.

With the finishing touches put in place last week, the theater has regained the luster of its heyday, with deep red velvet curtains and new padded wooden seats, where bronze plaques spotlight donor names."

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The Queen Musical - We Will Rock You to come to Toronto

The Musical We Will Rock You is a jukebox musical, based on the songs of Queen and named after their hit single of the same name. The musical was written by English comedian and author Ben Elton in collaboration with Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor. The story takes place in a tongue-in-cheek dystopian future where originality and individuality are shunned, and a lone "Dreamer" appears who can fulfil a prophecy that will enable the return of rock 'n roll. (more)

We Will Rock You will be opening April 10 at the Canon Theatre in Toronto. It is currently in previews (since March 14). Previously, the Musical has been open elsewhere most notably London where my sister actually saw it a few years ago.

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On Stage in the Mid Hudson Valley - March 15 - 18, 2006

On stage in the Hudson Valley there are a lot more choices this weekend. Actually as we head towards the end of the month you'll see we have an impressive number of productions community theater, high school spring productions and even a few grade schools.

Looking for Sean, Finding Seamus
Mar 16, 17, 23, 24 at 7:00 PM

Brewster Theatre Company
St Andrews Church
Brewster, NY

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
March 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31 at 8:00 PM
March 11, 18, 25 April 1 at 3:00 PM

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

A Man for All Seasons
March 16, 17, 23, 24, 20, 31 at 7:00 PM.
March 18, 25 at 3:00 PM

Cocoon Theatre http://www.cocoontheatre.org
6384 Mill Street (Rt. 9)
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
Call:(845) 876-6470

High School Productions

Charlie's Aunt
March 16, 17 at 7:00PM

Highland High School
320 Pancake Hollow Road
Highland
Call: 845-691-1020

Annie Get Your Gun
March 15, 16, 17 at 7:00 PM

Roosevelt High School
South Cross Road
Hyde Park
Call: 845-229-4020

Beauty and the Beast
March 16, 17 at 7:30 PM
March 17, 18 at 2:00 PM

Stissing Mountain High School
2829 Church St
Pine Plains
Call: 518-398-7181.

Beauty and the Beast
March 16, 17, 23, 24 at 7:30PM
March 18 at 3:00PM
March 24 at 2:00 PM

John A. Coleman High School
430 Hurley Ave.
Hurley
Call: 845-338-2750

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Beginings of American Theater

Where did commercial theater begin in the US? The NYtimes has an article on exactly that - I thought it was interesting and thought I'd point it out to you. Actually, I'd love to find out where theater originated in the mid Hudson valley - unfortunately so far my research has not turned up anything promising ...

From the nytimes:

"The quiet, tree-lined boulevards of this reconstructed colonial town may seem an unusual setting for an international conference on the origins of the American commercial theater. But to the people at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the location makes perfect sense.

“This is it,” exclaimed Jim Bradley, public affairs manager for Colonial Williamsburg, gesturing at the dirt road dotted with tourists and school groups. “This is where American theater began.”

The occasion for the conference — “The Williamsburg Playhouse of 1760 and the World of 18th-Century Theater,” set for Thursday through Saturday — is the completion of a 10-year excavation of one of the first commercial theaters in America. While not the oldest (that distinction belongs to a playhouse erected in Williamsburg in 1716), the theater was among the most important of the colonial era, and the most popular. Records exist of an incident in 1772, when George Washington — who frequented the theater, as did Thomas Jefferson — struggled to get box seats to a play called “A Word to the Wise” but had to settle for seats in the pit, even though he had helped to underwrite the playhouse."

New ABBA musical headed for Broadway?

Is the new ABBA musical headed for Broadway or is it destined to be sidelined in the courts? A court case involving script rights for the Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus musical Kristina från Duvemåla will determine the musical's Broadway future. (more)

If the lawsuit over the script rights goes well, they hope to try the show out in Minneapolis this fall with a Spring 2008 Broadway opening.


I really enjoy the music from ABBA's previous efforts (Chess and Mamma Mia) so I am interested in seeing what the result will be in this case.

On Stage in the Hudson Valey March 8 - 11, 2007

Events this weekend on stage in the Mid Hudson Valley are a little slim this weekend.

Stecher & Horowitz - Piano Recital
March 9 at 8:00 PM

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

Auditions

Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap
March 14, 15 at 7:30pm - 9 pm

Stormy Weather Players
The Cornwall Ambulance Bay
Clinton Street
Cornwall NY
Call: 845-534-5733.

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