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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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.
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