Auditions: The Women

I'm very excited about my next project - Clare Luce's The Women. It is witty, brutally honest, and direct. I love it. Auditions are coming up and I hope to see everyone there!

Auditions for 90 Miles off Broadway's Fall Production, "The Woman" directed by Philip Corso, will be held in the Social Hall of The New Paltz Reformed Church on:

July 31, 2009 7pm - Open auditions
August 1, 2009 2-4pm - Open auditions
August 2, 2009 2-4pm - Call Backs & Auditions by appointment only

Show dates November 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 & 15 2009

Synopsis: The Women, a comedy by Clare Boothe Luce, is set in the world of high society wives in New York City during the height of the Great Depression. Mary Haines, the protagonist, learns from a gossipy manicurist that her husband, Stephen, is having an affair with a shop-girl named Crystal. After the news of Stephen's affair is published in a gossip column, Mary decides to divorce him. To obtain her divorce, she travels to Reno, Nevada, where liberal divorce laws attracted many society women wishing to downplay any potential for scandal. While she is in Reno, Mary learns that Stephen has married Crystal. Two years later, Mary, now living back in New York with her children, learns that Crystal has been unfaithful to Stephen. With the help of her friends, Mary sets out to expose Crystal's infidelity in order to win Stephen back.

This dark comedy has the interesting distinction of having a cast made up entirely of woman. The men are spoken of often throughout the play, giving the impression that they are active members of the story, but are never actually seen.Rehearsals will be on Thursday evenings & Saturdays daytimes starting at the end of August. Many of these memorable roles are only featured in a scene or two, and will not require attendance at all rehearsals.

Cast List
Jane (20-30) - Mary's Maid, cute and quirky
Miss Nancy Blake (30-40) - Severe old maid
Peggy, Mrs John Day (20-30) - sweet and compassionate
Sylvia, Mrs Howard Fowler (30-40) - Backstabbing, Catty, Vicious yet charming
Edith, Mrs. Phelps Potter (20-30) - fertile but not maternal
Mary, Mrs Steven Haines (20-30) - charming leading lady, sweet, hopeless romantic
Little Mary (girl of 11) - Mary Haines daughter, feisty and outspoken, sweet at times
Miss Fordyce (20-40) - Little Mary's British Nanny
Mrs Morehead (40-60) - Mary Haines Mother
Crystal Allen (20-30) The other woman, not afraid of going after what she wants, seductive
Maggie (30-60) - Mrs Haines Cook, comedic role
Miss Timmerback (30-40) Mr Haines Secratary
Miss Watts (20-30) Notary
Olga (20-30) Gossipy nail girl
Euphie (20-30) African American salon girl
Princess Tamara (20-30) Fashion model
Lucy (30-50) Mary Haines Lady's Maid comedic role
Countess De Lage (40-60) rich, eccentric woman with many ex husbands - she is in love with Love
Miriam Adams (20-30) young, beautiful, charming and protégé of the Countess
Helen (50-60) Crystal Allen's French Maid

Also needed are 8 actresses of every shape and size for various additional roles, some
of which may be double cast. Many of these roles are gems - meaty, witty and memorable.

For more information, please contact Production Manager, Kim Lupinacci at Bright Beginnings: (845) 256-9657

Dan Radcliffe Broadway bound with Equus

All those Dan Radcliffe/Harry Potter fans get ready. September 5th, 2008 Equus set to open on Broadway.

Now Dan Radcliffe is best known for the role of the boy wizard in the movie adaptations of J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter. Equus is about 180 degrees from that type of a role. Read more about the plot of Equus.

Previews of Equus start September 5 for a 22-week run at the Broadhurst Theatre. The play opens Sept. 25-Feb. 8, 2009.

Also of Note: Richard Griffiths, who plays Uncle Vernon in the Harry Potter movies, reprises his London role as the psychiatrist.

Previously on Equus and Dan:
2-28-2007 - Reviews of Dan Radcliffe in Equus
2-5-2007 - Equus Potter has grown up

Teacher of Student's Iraq play Job in Jeopardy

One of my favorite theater bloggers is making a plea to help the teacher of the students who performed in Voices in Conflict, who's job now may be in Jeopardy.

I just want to second and further publicize Alisa Solomon's plea in last post's Comments to speak up for the rights of Bonnie Dickinson, the teacher at Wilton High School in Connecticut, who shepherded her class in the "Voices in Conflict" docu-drama project consisting of testimony from soldiers in Iraq.

Solomon saw the show and heard in the talkback that despite the show's success both at home and now in some command performances downtown, Dickinson is still being threatened with suspension.

Isn't School and Theater supposed to be educational? Help young people discover the world around them? Encourage them to care about what is going on in the world?

Connecticut Student Play in NYC

Not only did the students who had their show canceled allowed to finally stage their show, but they also got to take it on the road for an off-Broadway premiere!

Backstage at the Vineyard Theater, Taylor Telyan, 18, was bent over an ironing board, ironing her hair. A few feet away, her friend and castmate Tara Ross, also18, was applying makeup; outside their door, a couple of boys were sacked out on a couch, studying notes in binders. They had 35 minutes until their Off Broadway debut.

“The fact that New York City wanted to see our show, I was just blown away,” said Erin Clancy, 18, another castmate.

“It’s been so surreal,” added Michael Ward, 17. “There are actors who spend their entire lives getting here.”

They are all Connecticut high school students and performers in “Voices in Conflict,” a 45-minute show that caused more than three months of controversy. The result is a kind of victory march through three prestigious New York theaters that culminates Friday night at the Public Theater. (more)

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Controversial Student Play finally goes on

Another case of censorship in our schools and in the theater. These students pulled together a series of monologues from source material, rehearsed and practiced and then were cut short just three weeks before the production was scheduled to open.

I understand that people have strong feelings on political issues such as the war, but theater is supposed to make you think. Would it really have been any better to stage a "safe" musical or is there more value in encouraging the students to think about difficult issues. I lean towards the value in encouraging young people to think, express their views and become involved.

In Connecticut, on June 6th, Months after their principal canceled the school production about the war in Iraq, Wilton High School students staged a dramatic reading of the play Wednesday night to a packed house at a nearby theater. The principal justified canceling the show by citing concerns about how it might be seen as biased against the war and might ruffle feelings in the community, which had lost one recent graduate to the war. He also said he did not think there was enough classroom and rehearsal time to ensure “a legitimate instructional experience.”

Sixteen cast members clutched their scripts and captivated a standing-room-only audience of 225 people. At several points during the 50-minute performance of the play, called “Voices in Conflict,” at the Fairfield Theater Company, audience members gasped, laughed and whistled appreciatively.

The play, which had been assigned as part of an advanced drama class, had been conceived as a series of monologues. Students helped their teacher, Bonnie Dickinson, assemble materials from film, books, blogs and other sources in an effort to portray the views of actual soldiers and others on the conflict in their own words. By tackling a topical play, Ms. Dickinson said she had hoped to deliver a more worthwhile experience for her students than usual high school fare like “Grease.” (more)

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Hudson Valley Theater On Stage April 26 - April 29, 2007

What special theater events are occurring this weekend in the Mid Hudson Valley? Plenty of shows to see chose one (or two or even three) for a wonderful theater filled weekend. One of my dear friends will be in the production of Fools. I also know several people in Richard III (which is rumored to have an unusual twist). Whatever theater event you choose, I hope you enjoy the performance!

Richard III
April 26, 27, 28 at 8:00 PM
April 29 at 3:00 PM

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

Steel Magnolias
April 27, 28 at 8:00 PM
April 29th at 2:00 PM

Coach House Players
12 Augusta Street
Kingston, NY
Call: (845) 331-2476

Deathtrap
April 27, 28 at 8:00 PM

Pawling Theatre Company
Pawling High School Auditorium
Reservoir Road, Pawling, NY

Fools
Apr 27, 28, May 4, 5, at 7:30 PM
May 6 at 2:00 PM

90 Miles Off Broadway
New Paltz High School
South Putt Corner's Road
New Paltz, NY

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Equus and Harry Broadway Bound

It has been confirmed (here) that Equus in the West End is closing June 9, 2007. The show will be transferring to Broadway for the spring of 2008, and it looks like both Dan Radcliffe and co-star Richard Griffiths will be transferring with the show.

Previously on Equus:
2-28-2007 - Reviews of Dan Radcliffe in Equus
2-5-2007 - Equus Potter has grown up

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Theater & Playwrights

There's been a lot of interesting discussion today on my favorite theater blogs regarding the role and perception of the playwright. I think playwrights are incredible people who can make a story live - much like a novelist (same job different form). To read that there are instances where they are not getting the respect they deserve or worse yet are being undermined makes me very sad.

I am always interested in seeing new, fresh theater that experiments with the way we think about life and stretches the art form of the theater. I'd rather not walk out of a show saying 'Gee that looks just like a combination of and ' or find myself anticipating the storyline.

To start the discussion Mr Excitement News wrote about Richard Nelson's Address to ART/NY on April 9th. I highly recommend you read it - it gives great detail on what is wrong with the way playwrights are perceived in the theater. Then many others chimed in - in particular, I enjoyed the rant of Joshua James - Playwright As An Adult Who Can Chew Bubble Gum, Walk & Do Other Things, Too - which provides a personal side to the discussion.

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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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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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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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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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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.

Mid Hudson Valley Theater Auditions

There are a lot of Auditions coming up in the next month or so ... grab a friend and go audition!!!

Jekyll & Hyde
January 28, 29, 2007 at 7:00 PM

County Players
County Players Falls Theatre
2681 W. Main St
Wappingers Falls, NY
Call: (845) 298-1332

Directed by: Anna Marie Martino
Production Dates: May 11 - 26

_____________________

Deathtrap
January 29, 30, 31, 2007 at 7:30 PM

Pawling Theatre Company
Pawling High School
Reservoir Rd
Pawling, NY
Call: (845) 855-1965

Directed by: Kirsten Edlund
Production Dates: April 13 - 28

Needed:
2 Men: 40s - 50s
1 Man: 20s - 30s
1 Woman: 40s - 50s
1 Woman: 50s - 60s

_____________________
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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Plays vs Musicals

Musicals are always more popular with audiences then plays are. Musicals not only attract a larger audience, but also (on average) a younger audience.

What is the magical allure of the Musical? I think it has to do with the energy level - musicals offer music, dance and huge amounts of raw energy on the stage. The audience leaves singing or humming the catchy tunes, and feeling good. Plays are often more emotional, and more complex in terms of plot. Right now on both Broadway and in London's West End, there are more Musicals then Plays onstage. This is the usual for Broadway, but it is an unusual development for the West End.

I enjoy both Musicals and Plays, but find it alarming that there are fewer and fewer Plays being staged on a large scale. Even locally, Musicals are both more expensive to put onstage and more successful at making a profit.

As a performer, I find Plays much more of a challenge, as the character development is more complex and interesting. Don't get me wrong, Musicals are a different kind of challenge - remembering choreography, costume changes and music and words can be very complex. I'm talking about Acting - in a play there is nothing to distract the audience from what you are doing as an actor.

Are Plays an art form that is destined to Die out? Let me know what you think.

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