Lack of Theatre

This time of the year is crazy. There is a lot of great theater to see, and I have so many shows I want to go to - but with the Holidays upon us, and a new job - things are very busy.

Godspell

Nov 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 2010 at 8:00 PM
Nov 14, 20, 2010 at 2:00 PM

County Players Falls Theatre
2681 W. Main St
Wappingers Falls, NY

Promises, Promises

Nov 12, 13, 19, 20, 2010 at 8:00 PM
Nov 14, 21, 2010 at 2:00 PM

Trinity Players
Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center
12 Vassar Street
Poughkeepsie, NY

90 Miles Off Broadway - Joseph

Allen Davidson as Joseph singing "Close Every Door."

Photo courtesy of Megan Schaefer.

 

Ninety Miles Off Broadway's Production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" Is on stage now.

In this retelling of the Biblical story, Joseph is a handsome young man who is his father's favorite child, able to interpret dreams, and the bearer of an amazing coat. These facts lead Joseph's eleven brothers to become insatiably jealous. Thus, they sell Joseph into slavery to some passing Ishmaelites. After refusing the advances of his owner's wife, Joseph is sent to jail. Once in jail, he quickly becomes popular due to his ability to interpret dreams. The Pharaoh soon hears of Joseph's ability and appoints him to the post of Number Two man in Egypt. Years later, Joseph's now starving brothers arrive in Egypt and ask Joseph, whom they don't recognize, for assistance. Joseph, in turn, gives his brothers a scare, but eventually grants them all they desire, reveals his identity, and reunites the family.

Show dates:                  April 30, May 1, 7, 8 at 7:30pm
                                     May 9th at 2:00pm

Location:                       Otto Grassel Auditorium, New Paltz High School
                                     South Putt Courner Road, New Paltz 

 

Tickets:                           $15.00 Adult; $12.00 Student/Senior/Advance Sale
                                       $10.00 NMOB Members/NPHS Students
                                       

For tickets & information, call Bright Beginnings at 845-256-9657

 

The Women - Opens Next Friday!

The Women is Opening next Friday!

November 6, 7, 13, 14 at 8:00pm

November 8 & 15 at 2pm

The New Paltz Community Center

Behind the Town Hall (Rt 32N)

General Admission $15.00

Seniors/Student $12.00

Members $10.00

For Tickets:

Available at the door

Call Kim at Bright Beginnings 256-9657

http://www.ninetymilesoffbroadway.com/

My Weekend of Theater

I'm very excited about all of the events this weekend - Auditions, seeing a show lots to look forward to!

Tonight, tomorrow afternoon and Sunday afternoon I'm auditioning Clair Booth Luce's "The Women" with 90 Miles Off Broadway I'm assistant directing again, and am looking forward to the challenges of this show and the new space we'll be working in!

Tomorrow night I'll be seeing Golden Stone Productions "Wizard of Oz" one of my favorite movies (and musicals). Check back here for my review of it soon.

Also Auditioning this Weekend is Golden Stone Productions next show "Pippin"
Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck In the studio (downstairs)
August 2nd & 3rd, starting at 7:00 pm, Callbacks August 4th

Open Roles:
Leading Player
Pippin
Charles, his Father
Lewis, his half-brother
Fastrada, Lewis's mother
Berthe, Pippin's grandmother
Catherine, a widow
and a Band of Players who play all other roles

Note: 18 and older preferred.

Theo, Catherine's son (This role has been cast)

Bring sheet music, comfortable clothes/shoes and a bottle of water.

The Wizard of Oz opening soon!

Golden Stone Productions presents “The Wizard of Oz” from July 31st - August 16th.

This is the timeless classic of Little Dorothy Gale of Kansas, who like so many girls her age, dreams of what lies over the rainbow. One day a twister hits her farm and carries her away over the rainbow to another world. Come join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they travel the universe of Dorothy's imagination. Sing along and celebrate the 70th anniversary of America’s favorite The director of “The Wizard of Oz” is Ron Marquette. Assistant director is AnnChris Warren. Musical direction by the duo of Liz Toleno & Linda McCarthy. Scenic Artist/Design by Richard Prouse. Lighting Design by Jason Boyd. Set Construction/TD is Nick Avossa. Costumes by Danny Paul.

The cast includes Allie Miron(Saugerties) as Dorothy, Rich Hack (Rhinebeck) as The Cowardly Lion, Victoria Howland (Kingston) as Glinda, Tony Curtis (Saugerties) as the Scarecrow, Owen Jones (Lake Katrine) as the TinMan, Pat Kiernan (Ulster Park) as the Wizard and Ed Kleinke (Saugerties) as Uncle Henry with many other highly talented local actors to complete the production.

Performances will be July 31st – August 16th with Friday and Saturday’s evening shows starting at 7:30pm and matinees on Sundays at 3:00pm. All performances are in the Quimby Theater on the SUNY Ulster campus. Tickets are $18 or $12 (seniors/students). There will also be an opening night special family package of 5 tickets for $50(advance purchase only). For reservations, visit www.goldenstoneproductions.org or phone 845.687.4758. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

A 90 Miles Off B'way Caberet!

Come to The Cabaret!

90 Miles Off broadway presents Cabaret & Dessert Night
(A fundraiser for the Reformed Church & it's Senior Choir Music Program)

Saturday, March 14th, 7:30 PM
The New Paltz Reformed Church, Social Hall

Come hear some of our favorite performers sing "Songs they've always wanted to sing", with sneak preview performances from 90 Miles upcoming May production, The Sound of Music & New Paltz High School's Footloose!

Plus... Comedy, Games, and DELICIOUS HOMEMADE DESSERTS!

ALL for ONLY $10! Tickets are available at Bright Beginnings (256-9657), The Reformed Church office, and after church in the Social Hall. Tickets will also be available at the door on a first come first serve basis. Seats are limited so get your tickets now!

On Stage in the Mid hudson Valley - February 2009

On stage this chilly month of February are some wonderful shows. Stay warm, and see some delightful local theater.

String of Pearls
February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 at 8:00 PM
February 15 at 2:00 PM

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

Gotta Have Heart – Musical Review
February 7 at 7:00PM

Golden Stone Productions
Hillside Manor
Rte 32, Kingston
Call (845) 687-4758

Murder's in the Heir
An Audience Participation Murder Mystery Comedy
February 13 & 14, 2009 at 8:00 PM
February 15, 2009 at 3:00 PM

From Stage to Screen Acting Studio
12 Vassar Street
Poughkeepsie, NY
Call: (845) 227 - 3620 or visit the website fromstagetoscreen.net

Gypsy
February 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 at 8:00 PM
February 15 at 3:00 PM

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

Engagement Rules
February 15 at 2:00 PM

The Pound Ridge Theatre Company
Conant Hall
Pound Ridge, NY

Veronica's Room
February 27, 28, Mar 6, 7 at 8:00 PM

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

Gotta Have Heart Cabaret

On February 7, 2009 Golden Stone Productions is holding a valentine themed Cabaret "Gotta Have Heart" and silent auction at 7PM at Hillside Manor. Tickets are $30 individual or $50 for a couple. Entertainment and light refreshments (hot and cold hor d’oeuvres, desserts, and champagne) are included.

Performers include Hudson Valley favorites and Golden Stone regulars such as: Kevin Archambault(The Cat), Wendell Scherer(Seymour), AnnChris Warren(The Sour Kangaroo), and Jenn Zell(Millie).

To reserve tickets you can call Golden Stone at 845.687.4758 or order online via their website.

Golden Stone productions is the wonderful new theater company serving the Rondout Valley region of New York ( Ulster County) They have put on some wonderful productions including Once upon a Mattress, Little Shop of Horrors, Suessical, Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Do you want to see "In the Heights" December 13th?

It has come to my attention that there are tickets for the December 13th 2PM matinee available for the Tony Award winning In the Heights. In addition, it includes a workshop experience (warm up at 9:15am, workshop at 9:30) as well. Tickets are available on a first-come-first-served basis and are $90. Email rwestall@girlscoutshh.org for tickets or more information.

From the Description: Hear from high profile keynote speakers who are icons in the Hispanic community. Learn Broadway music and choreography from the show, including salsa, meringue, hip hop and spoken word. Present original writing and spoken word projects for members of the Broadway company. Interact with In the Heights cast members and behind-the-scenes creative team professionals in an intimate question-and-answer session. Have a chance to win a backstage visit, and attend the 2 p.m. matinee performance of In the Heights.

Last Weekend For Neil Simon's Chapter Two

This weekend is the final weekend for Up and One Production's Neil Simon's Chapter Two.

Performances are Friday & Saturday @ 8:00 PM and Sunday @ 3:00 PM at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck.

Up In One Productions celebrates the work of the beloved and popular playwright Neil Simon with its presentation of Chapter Two, Simon's most autobiographical work, reflecting the period in his life following the death of his first wife and through the romance and marriage to his second wife, Marsha Mason.

The romantic comedy is directed by Marcus D. Gregio (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Romeo and Juliet), and features Alan Lipper (The Odd Couple, A Chorus Line), Joe Felece (West Side Story, Romeo and Juliet), Lisa Lynds (Cabaret, Chicago), and Diana di Grandi (Richard III, Steel Magnolias).

Tickets: $20 adults; $18 for seniors and children. Available by calling the box office at (845) 876-3080 or on-line at www.centerforperformingarts.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the door..

On Stage in the Mid Hudson Valley - December 2008

The marathon to the end of year is here ... office parties, family gatherings, visits with friends and travel. If you're looking for something to do, or need to entertain people and want to take them out - local theater is always a good choice! There are some wonderful shows on stage this holiday season.

It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
December 12, 13 at 7:30 PM
December 13 at 2:00 PM

Stormy Weather Players
Corwall-on-Hudson Elementary School
234 Hudson St
Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY

A Christmas Carol
December 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20 at 8:00 PM
December 7, 14, 21 at 3:00 PM

The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck
Rte 308
Rhinebeck, NY

On stage In the Hudson Valley October 24 - 26, 2008

This weekend there are a couple of shows on stage. I saw Goldenstone's Once Upon a Mattress last weekend you can read the review here: No theater for me this weekend ... I'll be working a community event instead.

Murder in Green Meadows
October 24, 25 at 8:00 PM

Brewster Theatre Company
Brewster High School
Brewster, NY
Call: (845) 598-1621

Once Upon a Mattress
October 24, 25 at 8:00 PM
Oct 26 at 3:00 PM

Golden Stone Productions
SUNY Ulster
Stone Ridge, NY

On Stage in the Mid Hudson Valley!

Try to remember the kind of September when life was slow and oh so mellow ... September is here and there are a lot of wonderful things happening in the area's theaters! Musicals & Dramas both of which are certain to be a delight.

Noises Off!
September 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 at 8:00 PM
September 14 at 2:00 PM

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



Camelot
September 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 at 8:00 PM
September 7, 14, 21 at 3:00 PM

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



Pippin
September 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 at 8:00 PM
September 14, 21, 28 at 3:00 PM

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

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.

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.

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.