Thursday, February 23, 2017

Pioneer Valley Theatre News February 23, 2017

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Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter
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February 23-March 15, 2017


This weekend: Painting Churches opens at the Majestic, Tigers Be Still opens at Smith College, and you can catch the Arts Council's Really Big Show at the Academy of Music on Sunday. And you can support Ghost Light Theater with a night of wine and painting!

The next issue will include events through March 22. 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
Not Just a Chair: Considering Design Choices
by James Ogden
From the article: 

It is often useful to use the chair as an example because it perfectly encapsulates many of the concepts and ideas we struggle with in theatre. This article is not alone in this usage as it is often used as an entry into theatrical thinking. For the purpose of this piece, the chair will remain the central figure. It is easy to say that a chair is necessary, and it could be argued that this is as far as one’s thinking needs to go. However, let us take a moment and consider what it means to put a chair into a charged space such as the theatre. In this circumstance, nothing is simply what it is. A chair is used, or left unused, in a different manner than in real life. Its usage and the way an audience reads it, interprets it, and experiences its usage is far from simple. This piece is in no way meant to be proscriptive, but rather an invitation to have a little fun.

Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com
PERFORMANCES
Majestic Theater presents PAINTING CHURCHES
February 23 - April 2 

Majestic Theater, West Springfield, MA

The Majestic Theater continues the celebration of its 20th season of live theater with the presentation of “Painting Churches,” a contemporary drama by Tina Howe. Winner of both the John Gassner Award and Best Off-Broadway Play, Painting Churches is set in a Beacon Hill townhouse owned by Fanny and Gardner Church.

As the play opens, they are packing and planning to move to a beach home on Cape Cod. Their daughter, Mags, an artist who lives in New York, arrives to help — and to paint their portrait. Gardner, who has become frail, is also having memory problems and in his frustration recites poetry. Meanwhile, Fanny has trouble holding onto a thought, and Mags sees her role in the parent-child relationship changing.

Cast members include Ellen Colton (Fanny Church), Anderson Matthews (Gardner Church) and Eve Passeltiner (Margaret Church). Rand Foerster is the director, and set design is by Greg Trochlil. Costume designer is Dawn McKay and Dan Rist is the lighting designer. Stage manager is Cate Damon and Stephen Petit is production manager.

Ticket for the play range from $25-$30 and are available by calling or visiting the box office during its hours of operation, which are Monday through Friday10am – 5pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm. The phone number is (413) 747-7797.
A night of painting benefiting Ghost Light Theater
Friday, February 24 at 6:30 PM
Gateway City Arts

A little nervous to paint? Don't be! No talent or experience is necessary. Wine & Canvas's talented instructors will guide you step-by-step! You will be amazed at your very own work of ART!

Tickets are $40 and available through the Wine and Canvas website.

Food and drink are available for purchase (please see menu in discussion posts). This event is in the Mark Landy Party Hall.

Facebook event here.
Smith College Department of Theatre presents
TIGERS BE STILL
by Kim Rosenstock

Directed by Megumi Lee '17
February 24, 25, March 2, 3, 4 at 7:30 PM in Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre.
Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, Smith College

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.

$10 General, $5 Students/Seniors, FREE for Smith Students. Tickets available at www.smith.edu/smitharts or by calling 413-585-3220. Facebook event here.

The Northampton Arts Council present The Really Big Show: Four Sundays in February
Sunday, February 26 at 2:00 PM
Academy of Music Theatre
Sponsored by Downtown Northampton Association (DNA)

A showcase of the best local talent in the Valley’s favorite variety show at the communities’ most beloved theater. Steve Westfield of the Pajama Slave Dancers will host with the Really Big Show orchestra led by Jim Armenti. Fuzznogginz will be on hand featuring our newest character, Calvin the Really Big Puppet. Northampton High School Theatre students will serenade us with a song from their upcoming production The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Our featured band this year will be Workman Song, performing their recent radio hits including “O, To Be In Love Again.” Poet Amy Dryansky will make her first appearance in her new role as Northampton’s Poet Laureate. Also featured this year, the violin mastery of Nicky Whittredge, dark electronic duo Boy Harsher, experimental dances from Loculus Collective, and a Gong! Enjoy witty quips by our celebrity judge panel featuring Rhymes With Orange cartoonist Hilary Price, Monte Belmonte, and someone special.

Tickets online or by calling 413-584-9032 x 105. 

Advance - $10 Adults/$8 Senior 65+ & Students/$5 Kids 12 & Under // Day of at door - $12 Adults/$10 Senior 65+ & Students/$7 Kids 12 & Under

Ghost Light Theater presents Venus In Fur by David Ives
March 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 at 8:00 PM
March 5 at 2:00 PM
Gateway City Arts, 92-114 Race St. Holyoke, MA

Thomas, a beleaguered playwright/director, is desperate to find an actress to play Vanda, the female lead in his adaptation of the classic sadomasochistic tale Venus in Fur. Into his empty audition room walks a vulgar and equally desperate actress—oddly enough, named Vanda. Though utterly wrong for the sophisticated part, Vanda exhibits a strange command of the material, piquing Thomas' interest with her seductive talents and secretive manner. As the two work through the script, they blur the line between play and reality, entering into an increasingly serious game of submission and domination that only one of them can win. A mysterious, funny, erotic drama that represents yet another departure for the multifaceted David Ives.

The play features the direction of Erin Fitzgerald, dramaturgy by Zach Apony, and technical direction by Kevin Tracy and Ana Steiner. The cast includes long time alum Colin Allen as Thomas, and Ghost Light is proud to welcome Manda Jacobi as Vanda to our theatrical family.

Facebook event here.
Smith College Department of Theatre New Playreading Series presents SOLDIER POET
by Darcy Parker Bruce
Directed by J. Mehr Kaur
Thursday, March 9 at 7:30 PM
Acting Studio 1, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts at Smith College

In the falling city of Aleppo two American Army Rangers find an injured Syrian woman about to give birth. At a nearby hospital, a neonatal nurse worries about the future of the babies she’s trying to protect. The power goes out, comes back on. The bombing stops, but then it starts again. And in the darkness, there are rumors of gas attacks.

Free and open to the public.

Happier Valley Comedy presents Happier Valley Comedy Show
Saturday, March 11th at 8pm
SPECIAL ONE-TIME LOCATION: Suite 160 of Eastworks (116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton).

Monthly improv comedy show! (Doors open at 7:30pm.) Tickets: $13 at the door, $10 in advance online. For more info: www.happiervalley.com.
Happier Valley Comedy presents More Improv, More Better Jam & Showcase

Saturday, March 11 at 10:00 PM
SPECIAL ONE-TIME LOCATION: Suite 160 of Eastworks (116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton)

Open improv jam for everyone and anyone to play and watch improv games, plus a showcase set featuring an up-and-coming improv team. Free show (one drink minimum). For more info: www.happiervalley.com.

AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES

Smith College Department of Theatre presents
Auditions for ICARUS'S MOTHER by Sam Shepard

Directed by Isabelle Brown '19

March 5 and 6, 7-10 PM, callbacks March 7, 7-10 PM in Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre. 

Performances May 3 and 4 at 7:30 PM in Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre. 

The lazy picnic taking place slowly becomes an electric vision of apocalyptic menace. This Sam Shepherd one act explores the unexpected (and sometimes deadly) potential of the mundane.
 
Roles for 5 Actors.

No appointment necessary. Sides from the script will be provided. Perusal scripts can be checked out of Josten Library. Email artsinfo@smith.edu with any questions.

OPEN AUDITIONS FOR SILVERTHORNE THEATER COMPANY'S 
2017 SEASON SHOWS


Friday, March 10, 7-9 pm
Saturday, March 11, 1-4 pm
Callbacks, March 12, 1-4 pm

Auditions and performances at The Arts Block, 289 Main Street, Greenfield.

Full information at www.silverthornetheater.org
 
General audition information
·      Equity and Non-Equity
·      All roles paid
·      Bring or send headshot and resume
·      Prepare monologue (2 minute maximum)
·      Perusal scripts available at web site
·      Full role descriptions available at www.silverthornetheater.org
·      Diversity of all kinds welcomed

Auditioning for
STUPID F***ING BIRD, by Aaron Posner 
            Director, Toby Vera Bercovici             June 22-24, 29-July 1
            4 M, 3 W

CHAPATTI, by Christian O'Reilly
            Director, Jeannine Haas           July 20-22, 27-29
            1 M, 1 F

GREATER TUNA, by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, & Ed Howard
            Director TBA              October 5-7, 12-14
            2 actors, gender/age not specified

CALL NOW (413-768-7514) or E-MAIL silverthornetheater@gmail.com
TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION SLOT
Be a part of Conway's Birthday Party! 

Request for proposals for one act plays to be performed on Friday, June 9, and Saturday, June 10th, 2017 at the Sportsman's Club Pavillion. 

This is a Request for Proposals for Performers and Directors to present their short one-act play (comedy preferred but surprise us!) in Conway, MA on Friday, June 9, and Saturday, (matinee & evening) June 10th with Tech the week of June 5th. The event is Conway's Sestercentennial and in English that means their 250th Anniversary! Michael Haley wants to fill the Conway Sportsman's Club with exciting theater; it's a large space that can easily seat 100 with  a 16'x16' stage. Mike will provide props, set, lights, and all publicity for your show.

This is an opportunity for local theater companies, directors and actors to outreach to the hill towns. Companies will be named in all publicity and programs and an audience will come see you. Please send all proposals to Mike at verybratty@aol.com or give him a call at (413) 537-9149.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Creating Characters Through Physical Theatre
Til Lalezar’s workshop explores the development of theatrical character through physicality, voice, image, games, and the concept of costume/mask. This workshop is taught by all three company members and includes discussion/exercises in ensemble-based work.

Saturday, February 25
10 am to 1 pm
At the TL Studio, 12 Federal Street in downtown Greenfield
Cost: Pay what you can (suggested $20-35) - cash or check only please
REGISTER NOW at silverthornetheater@gmail.com or call 413-768-7514.

Til Lalezar Theatre creates comic, character-driven physical performance. Founders Tone Haldrup Lorenzen (Denmark), Vida Tayebati (Iran), and Grace Booth (U.S.A.) met in California when training together at Dell’Arte International’s MFA Program. The Dell’Arte training is a “dynamic contemporary acting approach in which body, voice, and point of view celebrate the work of the actor/ creator.” It is based in ensemble creation and investigations into the territories of clown, mask, tragedy, and melodrama. Til Lalezar’s work and teaching combine this training with their own absurd, gender- bending, cross-cultural perspective.
Til Lalezar is currently in residence in Greenfield, MA developing their production “Happyland” which premieres February 17 – 18 at the Shea Theater in Turners Falls.
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Thursday, February 16, 2017

Pioneer Valley Theatre News February 16, 2017

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Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter
View this email in your browser

February 16-March 8, 2017


The New Playreading Series kicks off tonight at Smith College - this semester Smith will present four plays by grad students, recent MFA graduates, and community members. Check out the Series Facebook page for more information. 

The next issue will include events through March 15. 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
No More Mamets
by Matthew Clinton Sekellick
From the article: 

We must take a hard look at how our own field participates in the creation of hate. If you believe that Trumpism is a threat to decency and democracy, we should look at how we produce decency. The theatre is a site of culture, a site for transmission of ideas. As such, it played key roles in both the abolitionist movement of the nineteenth century, and in the establishment of derogatory and dangerous stereotypes about people of color that persist today. We must understand that theatre is always political, whether implicitly or explicitly, and that what narratives we choose to promote is a political decision about whose stories deserve telling and get resources.

Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com
PERFORMANCES
Smith College New Playreading Series presents
CHEMISTRY

Written and directed by
Lyssandra Norton '18
Thursday, February 16 at 7:30 PM
Acting Studio 1, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts
122 Green St, Northampton

When Jamie gets back from fighting a war overseas, she finds one waiting for her at home as she has to rebuild her life from it's most basic elements. Good thing her new neighbor seems to be adept at this sort of thing. Even if she does have a little too much of that 'Walter White' vibe around the chem set in her living room.

Free and open to the public.
Eggtooth Productions is proud to present TIL LALEZAR THEATRE COMPANY'S  HAPPYLAND & we try it out on February 17 & 18 at 7:30 pm at the Shea Theatre, 71 Ave. A, Turners Falls.

THE NEW TIL LALEZAR THEATRE COMPANY'S OUTRAGEOUS NIGHT OF FUN!

What happens when three young women from around the world meet up to create a resonant work of theatre that is visceral, athletic, & engages the mystery underlying all experience?

HAPPYLAND pits the Poet against the Dictator in the wild world of a Wrestling Match. Tickets are $15 available at eggtooth.org & at People’s Pint on Federal Street in Greenfield.

HAPPYLAND was born at the Dell’Arte International School where Vida Tayebati from Iran, Grace Booth from Gill, MA, & Tone Haldrup Lorenzen from Denmark met & joined Danish director/dramaturg Linn Haldrup Lorenzen. You sure don't want to miss this one!
Xfinity Theater presents #TheFlagWeLove
February 17 at 7:30 PM
The Student Union Art Gallery at 326 Student Union, UMass-Amherst, 01003.

With the backdrop of our current political climate, recent flag protests at Hampshire College, and the recent election's nationalist surge, Patrick Gaughan debuts his installation and performance, #TheFlagWeLove. 

Drawing on figures from Buzz Aldrin to Colin Kaepernick, the performance collages anthems, recordings of speeches, patriotic YouTube clips, the children's book "The Flag We Love," and historical research to explore what is essentially America’s logo, in all its forms, examining how all of these nationalist reminders signify tentative community & aestheticize control. 

The installation, which includes video, photography, sound collage, and consumer flag objects, will be on view from February 6-17, 2017, Monday-Friday, from 10-5pm, with a closing night reception from 6-8pm on February 17 (performance at 7:30pm).
More info here.
Exit 7 Players presents
STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Feb 17, 18 @ 8pm; 
Feb 19 @ 2pm
Exit 7 theater, 37 Chestnut Street Ludlow, MA

Directed by: Joe Van Allen
Produced by: Christina Climo, Stephanie Gilbert and Megan Hoy

Cast list:
    Truvy - Christine Voytko 
    Annelle - Steph Magillivary
    M'Lynn - Becca Greene-Van Horn
    Shelby - Carina Savoie
    Clairee - Janet Crosier
    Ouiser - Theresa Allie

Starting off on Shelby's wedding day, Steel Magnolias follows six women from different generations and backgrounds as they move through their lives, facing challenges and triumphs while finding support in each others company. Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, Steel Magnolias witnesses the characters undergo the sudden realization of how their mortality affects the others. The strength and love of the women make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.

Tickets available online.
Smith College V-Day Campaign presents THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES
February 17 and 18 at 8:00 PM in Theatre 14
Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts at Smith College

Tickets available at the Office of Student Engagement Office at Smith College's Campus Center, or at the door. 5 dollars for Smith students; 10 dollars for community members and Five College students

Happier FAMILY Comedy Show:
Monthly family-friendly improv comedy show, best for 5-12 year olds and their adults. 
Saturday, February 18 at 4-5pm at the Community Room (Suite 160,)
Eastworks (116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton).
Tickets: $10/Adults, $5/Kids, Free/3 yrs and under, $30/Family Max. For more info:www.happiervalley.com.
Facebook event here. Tickets available online.
Majestic Theater presents PAINTING CHURCHES
February 23 - April 2 

Majestic Theater, West Springfield, MA

The Majestic Theater continues the celebration of its 20th season of live theater with the presentation of “Painting Churches,” a contemporary drama by Tina Howe. Winner of both the John Gassner Award and Best Off-Broadway Play, Painting Churches is set in a Beacon Hill townhouse owned by Fanny and Gardner Church.

As the play opens, they are packing and planning to move to a beach home on Cape Cod. Their daughter, Mags, an artist who lives in New York, arrives to help — and to paint their portrait. Gardner, who has become frail, is also having memory problems and in his frustration recites poetry. Meanwhile, Fanny has trouble holding onto a thought, and Mags sees her role in the parent-child relationship changing.

Cast members include Ellen Colton (Fanny Church), Anderson Matthews (Gardner Church) and Eve Passeltiner (Margaret Church). Rand Foerster is the director, and set design is by Greg Trochlil. Costume designer is Dawn McKay and Dan Rist is the lighting designer. Stage manager is Cate Damon and Stephen Petit is production manager.

Ticket for the play range from $25-$30 and are available by calling or visiting the box office during its hours of operation, which are Monday through Friday10am – 5pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm. The phone number is (413) 747-7797.
A night of painting benefiting Ghost Light Theater
Friday, February 24 at 6:30 PM
Gateway City Arts

A little nervous to paint? Don't be! No talent or experience is necessary. Wine & Canvas's talented instructors will guide you step-by-step! You will be amazed at your very own work of ART!

Tickets are $40 and available through the Wine and Canvas website.

Food and drink are available for purchase (please see menu in discussion posts). This event is in the Mark Landy Party Hall.

Facebook event here.
Smith College Department of Theatre presents
TIGERS BE STILL
by Kim Rosenstock

Directed by Megumi Lee '17
February 24, 25, March 2, 3, 4 at 7:30 PM in Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre.
Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, Smith College

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.

$10 General, $5 Students/Seniors, FREE for Smith Students. Tickets available at www.smith.edu/smitharts or by calling 413-585-3220. Facebook event here.
Ghost Light Theater presents Venus In Fur by David Ives
March 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 at 8:00 PM
March 5 at 2:00 PM
Gateway City Arts, 92-114 Race St. Holyoke, MA

Thomas, a beleaguered playwright/director, is desperate to find an actress to play Vanda, the female lead in his adaptation of the classic sadomasochistic tale Venus in Fur. Into his empty audition room walks a vulgar and equally desperate actress—oddly enough, named Vanda. Though utterly wrong for the sophisticated part, Vanda exhibits a strange command of the material, piquing Thomas' interest with her seductive talents and secretive manner. As the two work through the script, they blur the line between play and reality, entering into an increasingly serious game of submission and domination that only one of them can win. A mysterious, funny, erotic drama that represents yet another departure for the multifaceted David Ives.

The play features the direction of Erin Fitzgerald, dramaturgy by Zach Apony, and technical direction by Kevin Tracy and Ana Steiner. The cast includes long time alum Colin Allen as Thomas, and Ghost Light is proud to welcome Manda Jacobi as Vanda to our theatrical family.

Facebook event here.
AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
CALL FOR DIRECTORS
Silverthorne Theater Company is seeking experienced directors for its 2017 Season shows. Paid position. All performances at The Arts Block in downtown Greenfield. To set up an interview, contact Lucinda Kidder at 413-768-7514 or write to silverthornetheater@gmail.com.

Auditions will be held March 10-12; show dates STUPID FUCKING BIRD, by Aaron Posner June 22 - July 1; CHAPATTI, by Christopher O'Reilly July 20-29; GREATER TUNA, by Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams October 5-14.

Once more proving our versatility, Silverthorne opens the season with a musical! Full of edgy passion and poignant humorJacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris will take full advantage of our new performance space. It will be April in Paris when the actor/singers create a sophisticated cabaret atmosphere as performers and as servers with attitude.  Jacques Brel runs April 20-22, 27-29.
 
The Company’s second season production goes out on a limb (literally). Stupid F***ing Bird is rightly described by playwright Aaron Posner as “a sort of adaptation of Chekhov’s The Sea Gull.” The familiar characters are there in all their tortured glory, even if the names are slightly modified. The themes of thwarted ambition and family conflict are played out in this thoroughly contemporary and achingly funny piece that leaves no doubt about the comedic genius of both Posner and his Russian prototype. June 22-24, 29 - July 1.
 
In the third show of the season, Chapattithe only thing preventing Dan from committing suicide is his dog, Chapatti. His faithful companion cannot fill the hole in his life caused by the death of his life-long companion.  In this little-known piece full of humor and compassion, playwright Christopher O’Reilly introduces Betty, a similarly lost soul, with unpredictable consequences. July 20-22, 27-29.

The season wraps with an all-time comic favorite, Greater Tuna, by Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams. Silverthorne’s production re-visits this send-up of small town life in rural Texas to look at what makes us so incurably and endlessly obsessed with each other’s personal foibles.  GT is a truly hilarious antidote for depression in these complicated times. October 5-7, 12-14.
Interviews for directors are currently underway, and open season auditions will be held in March.


Audition information to come in February!
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Creating Characters Through Physical Theatre
Til Lalezar’s workshop explores the development of theatrical character through physicality, voice, image, games, and the concept of costume/mask. This workshop is taught by all three company members and includes discussion/exercises in ensemble-based work.

Saturday, February 25
10 am to 1 pm
At the TL Studio, 12 Federal Street in downtown Greenfield
Cost: Pay what you can (suggested $20-35) - cash or check only please
REGISTER NOW at silverthornetheater@gmail.com or call 413-768-7514.

Til Lalezar Theatre creates comic, character-driven physical performance. Founders Tone Haldrup Lorenzen (Denmark), Vida Tayebati (Iran), and Grace Booth (U.S.A.) met in California when training together at Dell’Arte International’s MFA Program. The Dell’Arte training is a “dynamic contemporary acting approach in which body, voice, and point of view celebrate the work of the actor/ creator.” It is based in ensemble creation and investigations into the territories of clown, mask, tragedy, and melodrama. Til Lalezar’s work and teaching combine this training with their own absurd, gender- bending, cross-cultural perspective.
Til Lalezar is currently in residence in Greenfield, MA developing their production “Happyland” which premieres February 17 – 18 at the Shea Theater in Turners Falls.
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