Pioneer Valley Theatre News November 3, 2016

Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser  November 3 - 23, 2016 Quite an array of interesting productions this weekend, whether or not you need a breath from reality. A new show at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, a musical version of Little Women at Exit 7 Players, your final chance to catch Seth Lepore's interpretation of Mike Daisey's incredibly relevant TRUMP CARD. And if you need another spin on the election, check out PaintBox Theatre's Grace for President - an adaptation of of Kelly DiPucchio's book. Make sure to escape all you need to this weekend, and make sure you vote!  Stay sane, everyone. See you next Thursday - hopefully the only extra darkness will be due to Daylight Savings.  The next issue will include events through November 30. Submit upcoming events via the link below or by emailing me before Tuesday at midnight. Any questions, comments or feedback? Email me at pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com Submit Your Theatre Event THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS: from Howlround A Call To Art: Why We Need Independent Women's Theatre by Deborah Randall From the article:  Fifty years ago I was born in Washington, DC. It's been incredible to grow up with the Smithsonian as a field trip destination during the end of bussing and amid great movements of social integration. Art was accessible and everywhere. No matter what was happening in the world I always had permission to play, and I just never stopped doing that. My company, Venus Theatre, now stands among the longest running women’s theatres in the world. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES The Majestic Theater presents Love, Loss, & What I Wore by Nora and Delia Ephron West Springfield November 3 through December 11 Winner of a Drama Desk Award, “Love, Loss, & What I Wore” features female characters, some in multiple roles, who tell stories about what certain clothes really mean to them, and those moments when they have tried to find their identity through them. There are tales of wardrobe malfunctions, first date outfits, lucky underwear, prom dresses, favorite boots, irreplaceable shirts, dressing room experiences and the occasional disorganized purse. Behind these stories are also memories of mothers, boyfriends, husbands, ex-husbands, sisters and grandchildren, and matters of the heart. Cast members include Jarice Hanson (Gingy), Cate Damon (Gingy's mother, Holly, Liz, Eve, Geralyn), Alexandra O'Halloran (Nancy, Stephanie, Liz's older sister, Mary's mother, Lisa), Kyle Boatright (Alex, Merrill, Liz's younger sister, Heather), Susanna Apgar (Rosie, Lynne, Dora, Doctor), Kait Rankins (Nancy's mother, Pam, Mary, Amanda), Jen Wall (Nora, Woman) and Katie Sloan (Nancy, Alex's mother, Annie, Eve's shrink). The play is directed by Sue Dziura, set design is by Greg Trochlil, and costume design is by Dawn McKay. Dan Rist is lighting designer, Stephen Petit is production stage manager and the associate production stage manager is Aurora Ferraro. Danny Eaton is producing director. Ticket for the play range from $25-$33 and are available by calling or visiting the box office during its hours of operation, which are Monday through Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm. Exit 7 Players presents Little Women the Musical Performances November 4 & 5 at 8 pm and November 6 at 2 pm. Based on Louisa May Alcott's life, Little Women, follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested - her friend Professor Bhaer tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America. Direction and choreography by Jenn Marshall. Music Direction by Daniel Monte. Produced by Allison Colbert and Pam Rose. Facebook event here. Website here. The Seth Show presents  TRUMP CARD Adapted from the monologue by Mike Daisey, Performed by Seth Lepore Directed by Linda McInerney of Eggtooth Productions Friday, November 4 at 8:00 PM Shea Theatre, Turner's Falls When Seth Lepore found out that Mike Daisey made the script for his new standing room only show, TRUMP CARD, open-source and adaptable, he knew he had to jump at the chance. The Guardian hails the show as “...how an artful lie illuminates what we believe to be the truth more than any actual accounting of objective reality.” Using the bones of Daisey’s script as a solid foundation, Lepore chops up and remixes his own personal story into the fold, threading in the political quagmires of his home state of Rhode Island. From the love/hate relationship the people of Providence had with Mayor Buddy Cianci, to Lepore’s second cousin switching from Catholic priest to Mayor of his home town, Lepore conveys how the cult of personality is nothing new. How, in fact, Trump’s timing couldn’t be better... for the worse. If anything, we created all this monster together.  Advanced tickets are in limited batches and start at $8 and go up in two dollar increments until they reach $14 online. Get tickets now to save money. $15 at the door. Buy Tickets PaintBox Theatre presents Grace for President Saturday, November 5 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Sunday, November 6 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art 125 West Bay Road, Amherst, MA Tickets: $8 ($7.50 for Museum members) Available at the museum admissions desk or by calling (413) 559-6336 Grace wants to be President... of her school. Other kids say she can't win. What does she do? She campaigns. PaintBox Theatre has taken on many subjects before, but never the Electoral College.   Fortunately, PaintBox has help. Kelly de Pucchio's picture book, Grace for President, serves as our text; hilarity and absurdity, of course, sneak in. So do the particulars of how elections actually work. Two New Jersey teachers developed curriculum to accompany Grace for President and urged Tom McCabe, storyteller, educator and artistic director of PaintBox Theatre to adapt the book. He loved the idea. With help from connector angel and picture book author Angela DiTerlizzi, author Kelley de Pucchio agreed to extend the rights to us for this adaptation. Finally, the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art agreed to host us. We've already won! J-ART at the Springfield JCC presents You're A Good Man Charlie Brown Saturday, November 5 at 8:00pm  Sunday, November 6 at 2:00 and 7:00pm  Saturday, November 12 at 8:00pm  Sunday, November 13 at 2:00 and 7:00pm Herbert M. Goldstein Auditorium, 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA J-ART kicks off our 2016-2017 season with everybody's favorite Peanuts! Based on the classic comic strip, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown brings your favorite characters to the stage and tells many different stories about the lives of these 5 year olds! Children under 12: $12 Adults: $18 Patron Reserved Seating: $25 For tickets call: (413) 739-4715 or go online. Charlie Brown: Peter Vaiknoras Lucy van Pelt: Emily Weber Snoopy: Nichole Hines Sally Brown: Emma Redman Schroeder: Bryce Porter Linus van Pelt: Connor McDowell Peppermint Patty: Mo Ronan  Pig Pen: Daniel Madden Woodstock: Robbie Coolong Director: Kevin Lempke Music Director: Michael Falcetti Choreographer: Nichole Hines Stage Manager: Mackenzie Sullivan  Assistant Stage Manager: Sydney Goodman Costumer: Stephanie Norman Lighting Design: Joey Grabowski Producer: Becca Coolong The Majestic Theater presents TEA FOR THREE November 7 and 8 at 7:00 PM 131 Elm Street, West Springfield MA 01089 The Off-Broadway show starring Emmy Award-winning actress Elaine Bromka. What is it like for a woman when her husband becomes the President of the United States – and she is suddenly thrust into the spotlight? TEA FOR THREE: Lady Bird, Pat & Betty explores the hopes, fears, quirks and loves of Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon and Betty Ford in what Mrs. Nixon called “the hardest unpaid job in the world.” Escape the election insanity for 75 minutes to enjoy a play that reaches across the aisles! directed by Byam Stevens, formerly of the Chester Theatre Company More information online. Tickets: 413-747-7797 BREASTLESS By Laurel Turk Directed by Jeannine Haas Starring the original cast! Laurel Turk, Emily Bloch, Emily Fox, and Dorian Gregory Signature Sounds The Parlor Room ~ 32 Masonic Street Northampton, MA Wednesday, November 9 - 7:00pm and 8:30pm If you missed us in Ashfield, this is your chance to see us in Northampton.  Breastless is one woman's determinedly truthful exploration of body image and sexuality after double mastectomy.  Intimate monologues are juxtaposed with satirical song and dance. Anyone with a body will find something to relate to in this piece.  There will be a short talkback after the 8:30 show.  Run time is 60 minutes Buy tickets here. Smith College Department of Theatre New Playreading Series presents: A SMALL DEATH IN SWEET GRASS by Sabrina Brier, directed by Siobhan McManamon Thursday, November 10 at 4:00 PM in Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, Smith College Bubbie is on her death bed in her cold, middle-of-nowhere home in Montana. The grandkids have made their way over to her from their busy city lives, each with a plan in mind: to bury a secret, to ex-communicate a sibling, and to score a big Hollywood break.  Free and open to the public. The Mount Holyoke College Department of Theatre Arts presents Lynn Nottage’s INTIMATE APPAREL November 10-12 at 7:30 PM, November 13 at 2:00 PM Rooke Theatre, Mount Holyoke College Directed by visiting Hampshire College Professor of Humanities and Arts Natalie Sowell, the play profoundly explores race, class, and gender through the life of a New York City seamstress at the turn of the century. The production includes set design by the department’s technical director, Shawn Hill, costume design by Phuong Nguyen ’17, and lighting and sound design by Lara Dubin. Turn of the century NYC - Esther, an African American seamstress, lives in a rooming house creating lingerie for her clients while longing for a better life. Amidst society's manifold norms and -isms, desires of the heart are as complicated as Esther's exquisite corsets. For reservations:  (413) 538-2406 or email:  rookeboxoffice@gmail.com Reserved tickets must be picked up ½ hour prior to the performance. Tickets: $7 general | $4 students and senior citizens More information online. Bay Path University presents Mary Poppins Thursday, November 10 at 7:30 pm Friday, November 11 at 7:30 pm Saturday, November 12 at 2:00 pm Saturday, November 12 at 7:30 pm Sunday, November 13 at 2:00 pm Mills Theatre (Carr Hall) She’s practically perfect in every way! This fall, Mary Poppins flies over the rooftops of London and onto the Bay Path stage in the most supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical event of the season. The heartwarming tale, based on the beloved books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, has captivated audiences for generations, and now the enchanting story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking production numbers, and astonishing stagecraft are poised to dazzle and delight theatergoers of all ages again, like never before. Come believe in the magic and discover an irresistible world where anything can happen if you let it! Following the performance, there will be a meet and greet with each of the characters. RUNTIME: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes (includes one intermission) TICKETS: Adults: $12.00 Senior Citizens: $8.00 Children (up to age 18): $5.00 Family Bundle (2 Adults and 2 Children): $30.00 (with code "FamilyBundle") College Students with ID: Free But tickets online or visit/call the Student Information Desk (413) 565 – 1307. Mary Poppins’ Magical Craftiscal Emporium | Mrs. Corry’s Perfectionary Confectionary Step right up and step in time to the jolliest pre-show holiday in town! Pop by up to one hour before each performance to create your own kite, color in your favorite characters, build a bird feeder and hear an abridged retelling of this whimsical Walt Disney tale. Be sure to visit Mrs. Corry’s Perfectionary Confectionary for show-related treats! Valley Light Opera presents Gilbert and Sullivan's Ruddigore Academy of Music in Northampton, MA While not always among the best known of the Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas, Ruddigore is considered a favorite of many G&S aficionados and novices alike due to its beautiful score, macabre plot, arguably the best patter song in the canon and its lively, creative staging, period costumes and high melodrama. Ruddigore also features the often imitated, show-stopping chorus of ghostly ancestors emerging from their portraits as the original walking dead! A classic story of curses, crime, flirtation, and madness, Ruddigore is a parody of Melodrama and Horror - two of the major literary and theatrical movements of their time. As always, Valley Light Opera productions feature a large cast, full orchestra, elaborate sets, lavish period costumes, and lots of fun and humor!  Showtimes are Friday and Saturday nights November 11, 12, 18 & 19th at 8:00PM and Sundays November 13 and 20th at 2:00PM. Friday November 11th is a paid dress rehearsal. Facebook event here. Tickets here. Happier Valley Comedy Show Monthly Show  Saturday November 12th NEW LOCATION! 121 Club, Eastworks, 116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton MA 01027) at 8:00pm. (Doors open at 7:30pm.) Tickets $13 at the door and $10 in advance online. For show info email info@happiervalley.com.  Facebook event here. More Improv, More Better Jam & Showcase: Open improv jam for everyone and anyone to play and watch improv games lead by Happier Valley Comedy friends. Plus a showcase set featuring an up-and-coming improv team.  Saturday, November 12th  NEW LOCATION: 121 Club, Eastworks, 116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton MA 01027)at10-11pm. (Directly following the Happier Valley Comedy Show.) Free show (one drink minimum.) For more info visit the website or send an email. Facebook event here. Black Cat Theater is delighted to present: Oliver! directed by Emily MacLeod, with musical direction by Dick Matteson. Come to South Hadley High School, November 17th through 20th, and get to know sweet Oliver, clever Artful Dodger, courageous Nancy, frightening Bill Sikes, itchy fingered Fagin, and more! Showtimes: Thursday, November 17 at 7:00pm Friday, November 18 at 7:00pm Saturday, November 19 at 7:00pm  Sunday, November 20 at 2:00pm Admission: General Admission - $15 Seniors/Students - $12 Military / Veterans / First Responders (with ID) - Free Girl/Boy scouts who come in uniform (with an adult) - Free with the donation of a non-perishable food item for the local food pantry You can reserve tickets to any of the performances by emailing blackcattheater@gmail.com or by calling (413) 563-6023. Facebook event here. St. Michael's Players presents Beauty and the Beast Nov. 17-19 @ 7 p.m. and Nov. 20 @ 2 p.m. St. Michael's Community Center 53 Somers Rd. E. Longmeadow, MA St. Michael's Players is a Community Theater group committed to providing quality theater with a family atmosphere!  Come "Be Our Guest" at our performances of "Beauty and the Beast"!  Fun for all ages! More information.  Springfield Commonwealth Academy Theater Program Presents:  Student Experimental Theater Project Witness the amazing stories from our students and learn how the school rose up from the rubber after the tornado of June 2011. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. November 18th at 7pm November 19th at 2pm and 7pm Springfield Commonwealth Academy Auditorium 1 Ames Hill Drive Springfield, MA 01105 Happier FAMILY Comedy Show: Monthly improv comedy show for the whole family. Best for 5-12 year olds and their adults.  Saturday, November 19th at 4pm.  Located at Eastworks' Community Room (Suite 160) 116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton. Tickets at the door: $10/Adults, $5/Kids (3 yrs and under free), $30/Family Max. Purchase tickets online or at the door (*cash or check only at the door please*) For more info visit www.happiervalley.com. Facebook event here. Academy of Music History Tour WHERE’S HARRY? Did you know that a trap door was once cut into the stage at the Academy of Music in Northampton for Harry Houdini’s disappearing act? Or that Frankenstein’s monster himself, Boris Karloff, appeared at the 123-year-old theater? And, come see the recently discovered and conserved 1913 Tuttle scenic curtain to learn more during a history tour led by Academy Board Member Gail Yacuzzo. November 29, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. Free; reservations required. 584-9032, ext. 105. AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES Auditions for Youth on Broadway Nov. 3 and 5 Bangs Center in Amherst, MA Youth on Broadway is a high quality musical theater performance workshop that culminates in a full scale show May 5-7. In its fifth successful year, YOB provides opportunities for youth, 4th-12th grades, to learn to perform leading and featured roles in a wide selection of Broadway musicals. The show is produced by LSSE in Amherst, directed by Becca Greene-Van Horn, and music directed by Daniel Monte and Cindy Naughton. Call LSSE: 413-259-3065 to sign up for an audition slot. Prepare a musical theater song that shows your range and  is appropriate for you. No a cappella singing, please. Come join the fun while you learn valuable musical theater skills!! The New England New Play Alliance publishes a free weekly online newsletter with information about readings and full performances of new plays throughout New England. You can keep up to date with the latest shows and trends by subscribing. A pair of free tickets for each performances of Trump Card will be raffled in the New England New Play Alliance Newsletter. A raffle will be held a few days before each show. Subscribe now and watch the ticket giveaway section. Easthampton Old Town Hall Restoration Phase 3 CitySpace, the nonprofit organization that manages Easthampton’s old Town Hall, will hold a public presentation of the design for “Phase 3, old Town Hall Restoration, The Big One” at 7p.m. in Flywheel Arts Collective, at 43 Main Street Easthampton on Thursday, November 10, 2016. Architects Kuhn Riddle Architects will present their proposal and attendees will have the opportunity to meet CitySpace members. This event is free and open to the public. No tickets necessary. Refreshments will be provided by Galaxy.  More information: http://bit.ly/2fhujSR CitySpace’s goal is to create a multi-use 250-seat performance space that will be available for use by the community for performances and events. The second floor grand hall requires installation of an elevator to make it ADA compliant and accessible to the public. Kuhn Riddle has created an extensive design that includes design of the elevator, entry, office, storage, and performance space. Come check it out, ask questions and learn about your historic gem in Easthampton's center. Join us, November 12th  Registration & Intro Workshop for Annie Jr & Les Miserables School Edition Starlight's Youth Theatre, rehearsing at  Maple Ridge Community Center 659 Amherst Rd. Sunderland, MA 01375 9-10am: Annie Jr. Grades 1-6 Register and pick up your materials** for the show to start preparing these awesome songs!!! **At least a deposit must be made to receive materials** At the Workshop you will learn the song and movement to “Hard Knock Life” with Dan Mashia (music director) and Cyn Strycharz (director).  10-11am: Les Miserables, School Edition Grades 7-12 Register and pick up materials** for the show to start preparing these awesome songs!!! **At least a deposit must be made to receive materials** At the Workshop, learn the song and movement to “One Day More” with Dan Mashia (music director) and Cyn Strycharz (director), and Sara Holmes (vocal coach). Here’s a little taste- https://youtu.be/zp-f-Pwpu9E   Learn about the multiple supporting characters in this amazing show!! It will be a great time to meet other cast members and begin the fun!!!   FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK PAGE Smith College Department of Theatre presents Auditions for  Tigers Be Still by Kim Rosenstock directed by Megumi Lee '17 Auditions: November 13 and 14,  7-10 PM in TV Studio, Callbacks: November 16, 7-10 PM in TV Studio TIGERS BE STILL is a comedy that follows the misadventures of Sherry Wickman, a young woman who has recently earned her masters degree in art therapy only to find herself moving back home with her family, sending out countless résumés and waiting for the job offer that never comes. Unemployed and overwhelmed, Sherry retreats to her childhood bed and remains there until an unexpected employment opportunity gives her a renewed sense of purpose and hope.  Perusal scripts available in Josten Library. No appointment necessary, sides will be available to read.  Performances: February 26, 27, March 3, 4, 5 at 7:30 PM, Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre.  Facebook event here. Auditions for Sweet Sweet Spirit by Carol Carpenter Academy of Music Theatre November 14, 7-10:30 PM Callbacks November 16, 7-10 PM Academy of Music Theatre is holding open auditions for a new work by Carol Carpenter, entitled “Sweet, Sweet Spirit,” to be staged March 24th and 25th 2017, and directed Sheila Siragusa.  The play follows a conservative evangelical West Texas family as they struggle to cope with the reality that their teenage boy (Tyler) is gay, and had been beaten into a coma by his own father. This play raises issues around the complexities of faith, culture, family and community in a rapidly changing world, so relevant to today. Please bring contemporary monologue, less than 2 minutes, or we will provide material to read cold. Please prepare West Texas dialect. The monologue does not need to be in West Texas dialect. Upon arrival, please enter through the portico door on South Street. The play is One Act 90 minutes with 3 Females (2 females 36-39 years of age, 1 senior) and 2 Males (1 male 39 years of age, 1 grown man of unidentified age) Call backs November 16th. For further questions, please contact Debra J’Anthony at 413.584.9032 x102 Facebook event here. Looking for a actress, actor  and/or  comedian to co host a podcast focusing on a satirical look at entertainment and pop culture.  Must be comfortable on a microphone. Up on and interested in entertainment and pop culture. Have a good sense of humor with the right amount of sarcasm and snark.  If you think think this may be perfect for you, email Lorraine.  WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Playwriting & Screenwriting Consulting Individual consulting with playwright & screenwriter ROSE MARTULA to provide feedback or assist in editing scripts: PLAYS, FULL-LENGTH FEATURES, SHORTS, TV PILOTS or WEB SERIES. In whatever stage. I'm here to honor your vision, not alter. Let's do this! Contact Rose. Phantom Sheep with J-Art  presents "Game On" LaughCrafters Comedy Improv Class Springfield Jewish Community Center Beginning November 7 for 4 Weeks. Mondays 7-9PM  All levels welcomed as we explore the art of discovering and presenting comedy through games. Sharpen quick thinking! Build Confidence! Improve acting and stage presence! Unleash creativity and characters! Relax and laugh (a lot)! All levels welcomed and challenged at own pace in a very fun, encouraging, and constructive atmosphere. Facebook event here. Phantom Sheep is proud to partner with the Springfield JCC offering youth, teen, and adult classes in improv, puppetry, and more since 2014.  They have been performing and teaching professionally for over 15 years and also currently produce shows for Six Flags Entertainment. Discounts available for JCC, and J-ART members. 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|*