Pioneer Valley Theatre News November 19, 2015

Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser   November 19–December 9, 2015 Pioneer Valley Theatre News is now on Facebook! Like the page and invite your friends - and please share your events to the Facebook page as well.  This is the final week to support Ruthless Reciprocity. And there is a matching campaign you can be a part of! Go check it out. The next issue will include events through December 16. Submit upcoming events via the link below or by emailing me before next Tuesday at midnight. Any questions, comments or feedback? Email me at pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com Submit Your Theatre Event See Facebook for More Information! THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS: from Howlround The New Playwright Problem by Natalie Gershtein From the article: For years I have listened to dialogue surrounding the difficulties of making a living as a professional playwright; about how rare it is for a new play to be produced; about the simple odds working against a new playwright: X number of new writers, and only Y number of theatres in the country that produce new work. We, as an industry, speak all the time about ways to get a new play onto a literary manager’s desk, and about the real struggle for playwrights awaiting their first production. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES J-ART at the JCC presents THE PRODUCERS the new Mel Brooks Musical Book by Mel Brooks & Tom Meehan Music & Lyrics by Mel Brooks Springfield Jewish Community Center Auditorium November 19 at 6:00 PM, November 21 at 8:00 PM, November 22 at 3:00 PM J-ART returns for its 2015-2016 season with a spectacle you will have to see to believe! Mark your calendars, ladies and gents, The Producers opens this November! A scheming producer and his mousy accountant aim to produce the biggest flop on Broadway in Mel Brooks' laugh-out-loud spectacle. You've never seen The Producers like this! More information available online.  Call 413-739-4715 for tickets: $10 Child, $15 Adult, $20 Patron Reserved Seating St. Michael's Players presents MARY POPPINS November 19, 20, 21 at 7:00 PM November 22 at 2:00 PM 53 Somers Rd. East Longmeadow, MA 01028 St Michael’s Players of East Longmeadow is gearing up for their autumn production of “Mary Poppins”. The show contains many familiar songs like “A Spoon Full of Sugar”, “‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee”, all performed by our all local cast. Performances will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday November 19, 20 and 21 at 7PM, and Sunday November 22 at 2PM, at St. Michael’s Community Center, 53 Somers Rd East Longmeadow. Tickets are available at stmichaelsplayers.com. LOVE IN A FALLEN CITY Main Stage Theatre, Emily Dickinson Hall, Hampshire College Nov 19-22, 8PM Adapted by Division III student Xingying Peng from the novel by Eileen Chang, Love in a Fallen City tells the story of Liusu, a woman who is being pressured by her family to return to her deceased husband’s household and perform the traditional duties of a widow. She meets the spoiled British-born Chinese man who was originally intended as a match for her sister. Their relationship takes a sharp turn as the Sino-Japanese war falls on China. The Majestic Theater presents THE FABULOUS LIPITONES November 19 - December 6 The Majestic Theater, West Springfield “The Fabulous Lipitones” is the next production in the 19th Season of plays at West Springfield's Majestic Theater. The musical comedy by John Markus and Mark St. Germaine follows the story of The Lipitones, a barbershop quartet from rural Ohio. When the lead singer suffers a fatal heart attack while holding the final note at a competition, the remaining members must find a replacement or give up the avocation that's been part of their lives for the past thirty years. The sole candidate at the audition is a mechanic who is twenty years younger than the group, wears a turban, carries a ceremonial dagger and goes by the name of “Bob,” short for Baba Mati Das. With that, the group finds a terrific new singer, and learns to co-exist with someone from an entirely different culture. The play runs October 29 through December 6. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the box office at (413) 747-7797.  For more information, visit the website.  The Drama Studio presents Memory House & The Frog Prince November 20 and 21 at 7:30 PM, November 22 at 3:00 PM The Drama Studio, 41 Oakland St. Springfield, MA Memory House by Kathleen Tolan One winter night a woman bakes a pie as a girl tries to finish her college essay. As the deadline looms, unexamined issues of the girl's adoption from Russia, the rupture of her parents divorce, and the fear of leaving home break through the surface as the mother cajoles, deflects, and maneuvers around her own feelings of sadness and loss. Unfolding in real time, Memory House is about a young and an older woman who are forced to grapple with the past as they face an uncertain future. A funny and moving story about the complexity of living in the world today. The Frog Prince by David Mamet World renowned playwright David Mamet turns his considerable talents to the age old children's story of the prince who is turned into a frog and must find a pure and honest woman to kiss him of her own free will. The old tale is given a decidedly contemporary sensibility that appeals to adults as well as to children. Due to slightly strong language and some mature themes, parental guidance is recommended for audience members under 13. More information online. Happier Valley Comedy presents Sunday Improv Fun Time Sunday, November 22 at 7:00 PM Arts Block, Greenfield Monthly improv jam and show open to all. Come improvise with and watch some of the Valley's premier improv comedians. Last jam of the year! Sunday, November 22. Arts Block (289 Main St., Greenfield, MA) at 7:00-8:15pm. Tickets only $5 at the door. More info online or 413-658-4615. NHS improv show featuring FUNKTIONLUST December 3 at 6:30 PM Northampton High School, Black Box Theatre Now in their 11th year, FUNKTIONLUST will entertain you with their spontaneity and creativity. This is a great way to de-stress in the holiday season. No cost, donations welcome.  This will be a family friendly show! Smith College Department of Theatre New Playreading Series presents DUST written and directed by Susanna Apgar Thursday, December 3 at 7:30 PM Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre Is the truth always clean?  Is the truth EVER clean?  In this dark comedy, three grown children and their partners (or decided lack of partners) come home to their widowed mother's increasingly dirty house for Thanksgiving.  As the wine flows, and clever gibes give way to real vulnerabilities, layers of relationships are peeled back, and a family digs at what lies underneath all of that mess.   Also, there is a kitten named Mailbox. Featuring actors Jeannine Haas, Julie Waggoner, Jaz Tupelo, Tim Cochran, Robyn Sutton-Fernandez, Ashley Malloy, Michael Bird, and Susanna Apgar. Free and open to the public. See the Facebook event for more information. Majestic Theater presents HOME FOR THE HOLLY-DAYS Wednesday-Sunday, December 9-20 Majestic Theater, West Springfield Rock and roll blends seamlessly with holiday tunes when the Majestic Theater presents “Home for the HOLLY-Days December 9-20 at the West Springfield venue.   Producing Director Danny Eaton will reunite the lead performers in the Majestic's previous production of “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” when Ben Ashley (Buddy Holly), Aaron Porchelli (Big Bopper) and Frank Manzi (Richie Valens) take the stage. Joining the trio will be Ray Guillemette, Jr., Woody McLoyd, Stacy Ashley, Darcie Champagne, Lori Efford and – in a special guest appearance – Santa Claus.   Eaton will direct the show, and Musical Director Mitch Chakour will lead a band that includes Tim Hosmer, Don Rovero and Cliff Schofer. More information available online.  AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES AUDITIONS: Black Cat Theater presents DISCO INFERNO Black Cat Theater is preparing for their Spring production of Disco Inferno, directed by Dawn Larder (artistic) and Greg Williams (music). Auditions for this primarily youth-cast show (ages 10 and up please) will be held on Thursday, November 19th at 6:00 pm in the South Hadley High School Auditorium. All candidates under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Applicants should bring with them a short write-up of previous theater experience and be prepared to perform a short musical piece. We will have a CD player and a cappella is also an option. All auditionees will learn a simple choreography movement so please dress prepared to move. Time permitting, there may be readings from the script as well. In Disco Inferno, the story of Faust is brought to life in an explosion of hit 70’s songs, high energy dance routines, and glitter-ball spinning action. Jack is an aspiring musician who wants nothing more than to be famous, so signing away this thing called a soul is a small price to pay. But Jack soon finds all that glitters isn't gold on the other side, especially if you're all out of love. Disco Inferno is scheduled to be produced at South Hadley High School April 14th-17th. Rehearsals will be on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00 pm starting January 21st. If unavailable to be seen in person, please call 413-563-6023 or email. The Facebook event is here. Director of Musical Production   Mohawk Trail Regional School in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts is looking for a  creative individual with a background in educational theater to direct/produce a  creative musical production for students in grades 9-12.     Schedule: Beginning casting in December, and rehearsals to begin on a regular basis in  January for the staging of the show in early March.   The successful candidate will be able to engage students and community  members in an original production that showcases student talent and ingenuity  both onstage and behind the scenes.   Applicants should have experience  managing all aspects of a production, including fundraising, community outreach,  and promotion. The director/producer will work with a team of educators who  have experience with staging productions, including lighting, direction, and  music.  The specific musical will be determined by the team of educators.   Forward cover letter, resume, licensure, transcripts and recommendations to:  Superintendent of Schools, Mohawk Trail Regional School District, 24 Ashfield Road, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370.    Application deadline:  Open until filled.   The school district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,  gender identity, disability, religion or sexual orientation. Arena Civic Theatre proudly announces auditions for SPRING AWAKENING Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater  Music by Duncan Sheik  Based on the play by Frank Wedekind  Audition Dates: Sunday, November 29 at 3:00 PM at the Guiding Star Grange (401 Chapman St, Greenfield, MA 01301)  Monday, November 30 at 6:30 PM at the Bangs Community Center (70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA 01002) Callbacks will be by invitation only Thursday, December 3 at 6:30 PM.  An angsty rock musical adaptation of the seminal play about the trials and tribulations of growing up. The winner of 8 TONY Awards, including Best Musical - told by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater through "the most gorgeous Broadway score this decade" (Entertainment Weekly) - Spring Awakening explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with poignancy and passion that is illuminating and unforgettable. The landmark musical is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality and rock & roll that is exhilarating audiences across the nation like no other musical in years.  Directed by Megan Healey  Produced by Dawn Mayo  Musical Direction Ted Trobaugh  Choreography by Sue Dresser For more information about these auditions and what to prepare, please see the Facebook event.  Rehearsals will be held primarily in the Greenfield and Amherst areas. Performances will be at The Ruth B. Smith Auditorium at the Orange Town Hall On April 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 & May 1 of 2016. TheatreTruck hosts a roving Meet & Greet for The Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Community Tuesday, December 1 at 7:30 PM Seymour, 5 Bank Row, Greenfield This month, join us in Greenfield! A casual night out of chatting and networking. What is the most pressing issue facing Pioneer Valley performing artists? American artists? Come talk about it. Grab a drink, say hello, talk up your latest project. We hope to see you there.  Please help spread the word and add your company members and colleagues to the guest list on Facebook.  More information on their website. AUDITIONS for Spring Productions at Amherst College Thursday & Friday, December 3 & 4 at 7 PM Studio 2, rm. 122 Webster Hall, Amherst College   Elena Marione ’16 Senior Project (performs February 18-20) Written and Directed by Elena Marione Rehearsals will begin during interterm   Elena Marione's Senior Thesis is a devised exploration of memory, myth, and the insatiable need for communication and connection that unites us. The intersections of text, movement, space, and individual stories will fuel a small-cast ensemble as it grapples with questions like: What if we could remember beyond the boundaries of our own lives? What can we make of the dust on the mantelpiece, the ice on the sidewalk, and the echoing footsteps of those that came before us? Individuals from all backgrounds and interests are encouraged to audition, especially those interested in collaborative work.   Lara Min ’16 Senior Project (performs March 3-5) Written by Lara Min, directed by Hans Meyer, guest artist Rehearsals will begin during interterm   Set in a New York City apartment, this comedy follows six twenty-something adults (3 women, 3 men) and their attempts to tackle their professional and personal expectations after college. The play confronts the cultural stigmas often associated with one’s emotional vulnerabilities, and focuses on the relationship between James – a naive investment banking analyst who realizes he may not be following his passions – and Emma, an offbeat college dropout dealing with a demanding anxiety disorder.  All six characters play a significant role in the play, each with a substantial monologue exploring topics like loneliness, depression, and dependency. Scenes from the play will be provided during auditions, no preparation necessary. Send Him Home (performs March 24-26) Written by Daphne Thompson ’16, directed by Ron Bashford Rehearsals will begin the first week of spring classes   Send Him Home is a dramatic comedy that takes place during the course of a minor league baseball season, centering around relief pitcher Robin Fulton and his experience on a new team.  Throughout the season, he develops strange, unexpected friendships with his teammates while facing adversity and tragedy that threaten his understanding of family, the pursuit of a dream, and his love of the game.  The play boasts several large roles for male actors of varying types and distinct personalities, as well as two supporting female roles.  All are encouraged to audition; no previous acting experience or preparation required! WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Happier Valley Comedy presents Zen of Improv ONE-DAY INTENSIVE Sunday November 22nd,  10am - 4pm (one hour for lunch) Hadley, MA Open to all levels of players - from beginners to experienced, this day-long intensive workshop dives deeply into the improvluscious waters of the Zen of Improv. We'll fully immerse ourselves in this uniquely natural and self-affirming approach to improvisation. We practice learning how to be more aware of the scene that's revealing itself onstage and following where the scene wants to go...while letting go of the need to work so damn hard and "make stuff up."  This approach is all about improvising with mindfulness, performing from a place of ease, and playing the scene in the here and now - it's good for the stage and it's good for the soul! $80 (+ $6 OFF coupon for the Happier Valley Comedy Show) [After this workshop, participants will be eligible to go on to the Zen of Improv 2 (for beginning improvisers) or Zen of Improv 3 (for experienced improvisers.)] Register online. For more info, email or see the Zen of Improv page online. Apply Today: Double Edge Theatre in Ashfield is currently accepting applications for their 2016 Winter Intensive from January 1 - 7! Intensives are ideal for artists of any discipline who are interested in a holistic training method and in developing their own work in an ensemble context. Participants take part in 3-4 training sessions daily including: - physical training - work with large objects - improvisation - vocal exploration and song - research - individual & group etudes - directed scenes - indoor/ outdoor site-specific work - dramaturgy - design The sessions take place both in Double Edge's indoor training spaces and outside in the fields, hills, pond and pastures of the Farm. Intensives are open to participants of all levels of experience. For more information or to apply, see the website or send an email. We offer partial scholarships through the Timothy O'Brien Fund to emerging artists from underserved communities in our region. Copyright *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved. *|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|* Our mailing address is: *|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|* unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences  *|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*