Pioneer Valley Theatre News January 2, 2020

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Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser January 2 - 22, 2019 Happy New Year! Here's to a whole new year of theatre in the Pioneer Valley!  Next weekend in Ashfield: NOW by Tamir - a one-woman play about suicide and redemption. Go see it at the First Congregational Church in Ashfield on January 10, 11, and 12! Lots more information on the poster and in the listing below.  The next issue will include events through January 29. 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 Tickets Available Here and More Info Below YOUR EVENT HERE $5 per week for your poster and ticket link in top billing! Email me to reserve your dates. THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS: from Howlround Happy New Year from HowlRound by Jamie Gahlon From the article:  This past year consistently inspired all of us at HowlRound. We got to both witness change happening in the theatre world and work in partnership with artists and organizations creating a more equitable, just, and progressive theatre field. On the eve of a new year and a new decade, I’d like to pause to reflect on what team HowlRound focused on in 2019, and what we’re looking forward to in 2020. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com Click to Access: Pioneer Valley Theatre Google Calendar Click to Access: Pioneer Valley Theatre Personnel Spreadsheet PERFORMANCES A SKULL IN CONNEMARA by Martin McDonagh performed by no theater A dark comedy by the writer/director of "In Bruges" and the Academy Award winning film "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" January 2020 performances are Thursday/Friday/Saturday January 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11  at 8:00 pm Performed by No Theater veterans Roy Faudree, Charles Holt, Jane Karakula and Tom Mahnken, the play takes place in McDonagh’s fictional rural West Ireland small town where people “smile at you ‘til you’re a mile away before they start talking behind your back."   A.P.E. Gallery, 126 Main Street, Northampton, MA No Theater, the resident theater of A.P.E., takes its time working on its original scripts and productions of the published works of playwrights.  No Theater presented three separate local productions of Richard Maxwell's CAVEMAN over a period of three years before its New York run in 2013.  2018's google gogol was the result of members of the community reading several translations and adaptations of Nikolai Gogol's Ревизор (THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR) for a year.       A SKULL IN CONNEMARA is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.                   A SKULL IN CONNEMARA was first presented as a Druid Theatre Company and Royal Court Theatre co-production in Galway, Ireland and then in London in the summer of 1997.  "Mr. McDonagh's great strength is that he combines a love of traditional story-telling with the savage ironic humour of the modern generation....  In A SKULL IN CONNEMARA, a gravedigger, whose job is to disinter the bones of seven-year-old corpses and smash them to a pulp, is hotly suspected of killing his wife."  THE GUARDIAN Based in Northampton, No Theater has been presenting their new original experimental works in Western Massachusetts and around the world since 1972, alongside innovative productions of plays by such diverse writers as Shakespeare, Chekhov, Čapek, Kroetz, Gogol, Williams, Albee, Berkman, Maceda, Mullin, McDonald, and Maxwell.   House opens at 7:30pm.  Performance starts promptly at 8:00pm.  No late seating.   Running time approximately 90 minutes. Limited seating (20).   Limited engagement, 4 performance only, Friday/Saturday, December 20/21 and 27/28, 2019. Purchase tickets: https://skull.bpt.me The Understudies: An Improvised Musical!  January 4th at 7:00 PM Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, MA)    Be part of the fun as brave improvisers and their trusty musician create an entire musical from scratch. Saturday, January 4th at 7pm at the Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). Tickets: $13 online and at the door. For more info: www.happiervalley.com. Ghost Light Theater Wednesday Workshop January 8 at 7:00 PM Gateway City Arts - 92 Race St, Holyoke MA A man in his fifties, Kenneth, has recently had his life shaken up, and he decides to take a trip visit his favorite aunt from childhood, whom he has barely seen since he’s been an adult. Maisy is in her late 70’s and is rapidly losing her memory; relatives have told him that he should visit her sooner rather than later. Written by local performer Lundy Bancroft. Performed by Lundy and Barbara Friend. In the interest of making the event financially accessible, the series runs on a pay-what-you-will model with a suggested donation of $5. The donations will be split between Ghost Light and each month's featured author(s). Please also consider coming early to order dinner from Judd's or Race Street Tacos to support our generous venue; food and drink can be brought into the performance. After the show, Judd's will be open for food, drinks, and socializing. “DEATHTRAP” SET FOR JANUARY 9 - FEBRUARY 16 AT MAJESTIC THEATER The latest production in the Majestic Theater's 23rd Season is “Deathtrap,” which runs January 9 through February 16, according to Producing Director Danny Eaton. The classic comedy/thriller by Ira Levin follows the story of Sidney Bruhl, a formerly successful playwright now low on money and inspiration. A play written by a student, Clifford Anderson, arrives and Sidney is certain it will be a hit, even joking to his wife that he may have to kill the young man and steal his script. Sidney invites Cliff over to work on the play, which is also titled “Deathtrap,” then learns there are no other copies of the play in existence. To the horror of his wife, Sidney appears to choke Cliff to death and drag him off to bury him, but are things as they seem? Levin's play is described as an ingenious and spellbinding thriller, both sinister and hilarious. The cast includes Ron Komora, Krista Lucas, Jack Grigoli, Lisa Abend and Walter Mantani. Danny Eaton is producing director. The director is Robbie Simpson, set design is by Greg Trochlil, Dawn McKay is costume designer and the lighting design is by Dan Rist. Stephen Petit is production stage manager. Ticket prices range from $24 to $31 and can be purchased by calling the box office at (413) 747-7797 or visiting while the box office is open (Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 1pm). Pauline Productions Thea Co. presenting NOW written and performed by TAMIR Jan 10 and 11 at 7:30, Jan 12 at 2:00 First Congregational Church of Ashfield, MA Synopsis NOW is TAMIR’s personal story of growing up in Israel, the daughter of Zionists, in a culture of guns and grenades with war at home and in the streets.  After attempting suicide with her clunky service rifle, she “came to” in a hospital.  Against all odds, she had lived. NOW depicts an inner emotional landscape and the healing that came through faith and theatre--especially the plays and words of Shakespeare.  Professional actress TAMIR, who is now in her 60’s, takes the audience on a journey from the fragmentation and overwhelm of trauma to being present in the NOW. This brave and timely piece is a universal cry for meaning and peace. This is the official premier of this play that has been in development at Shakespeare and Co. and other theatres. “I see this play being done all over the world.  TAMIR fills the stage with her incandescence.”--Arthur Giron, playwright (Edith Stein, Broadway) and founder of Ensemble Studio Theatre. “I continue to have many beautiful images and powerful words in my mind from seeing Now. TAMIR's presence as an artist onstage is mesmerizing”--Kristin van Ginhoven, Artistic Director WAM Theatre Tickets. Improvised Mockumentary  January 11th at 7:00 PM Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, MA)    A new limited run show inspired by The Office and Christopher Guest films! Saturday, January 11th at 7pm at the Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). Tickets: $13 online and at the door. For more info: www.happiervalley.com. Completely Ridiculous Productions presents Cooking with Kathryn January 11 at 7:00 PM The Northampton Center for The Arts Follow a down-home, liquored-up southern belle as she stumbles her way to her own birthday party with more wine in her veins than Jesus. Kathryn rewards her party guests with an easy-peasy egg-bake cooking demo… the problem is, she can’t even see straight, much less teach a cooking lesson.  The PortFringe review team called Cooking with Kathryn, “A no-fear comedy, this show is a must see,” as well as “Furious, gratuitous, and moving" and maybe "the best show...at PortFringe.” A digital series of Cooking with Kathryn is in post-production and will debut in Spring 2020. Tickets here. Kate Owens: NYC-based, award-winning comedy actor, writer, and professionally trained clown Kate Owens’s dark comedy Cooking with Kathryn has played throughout NY (LadyFest, Solocom, The PIT, The Tank, Dixon Place, The Shitshow, Personality Test) as well as at the PortFringe Festival (Critics Choice for Best Acting) and Los Angeles (Moving Arts Theatre). Known for her commitment to characters & fearless comedy style, Kate has toured her clown work in Brighton, England and Prague, Czech Republic. Her sketch team, GROUP KID, performs bi-monthly at The PIT and recently headlined at the Chicago Sketchfest. In addition to comedy, Kate spent a year as an apprentice at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and has worked with Live Source Theatre Company in NY. More info at: www.kate-owens.com Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater (ALSCT) presents Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical! Thursday, January 16 at 7:30 pm (general admission); Friday, January 17 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, January 18 at 1:00 pm (matinee); Sunday, January 19 at 1:00 pm (matinee); Thursday, January 23 at 7:30 pm; Friday, January 24 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, January 25 at 1:00 pm (matinee); Saturday, January 25 at 7:30 pm; Sunday, January 26 at 1:00 pm (matinee) Bowker Auditorium, Stockbridge Hall, UMass This Tony Award-winning musical, based on the novel by the "brilliantly batty" Roald Dahl, is a wild ride for the whole family with singing, dancing, sweet and sinister school teachers, and plenty of revolting children! Presented with lavish sets and costumes and a full live orchestra in Bowker Auditorium, Umass, nine performances will run January 16-19 and January 23-26, 2020. For tickets, call LSSE at (413) 259-3065 or visit www.alsct.org Tickets Storytelling Standup Showcase January 17th at 7:00 PM Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, MA)    Catch new talent trying out their latest material, hosted by the amazing Kelsey Flynn! Friday, January 17th at 7pm at the Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). Tickets: $5 at the door. For more info: www.happiervalley.com. Queer & Now: Sync or Swim Friday, January 17th & Saturday, January 18th. Doors 7:30PM, Show 8:00PM The Perch at Hawks and Reed Tickets: Sliding scale $10-$25 After Party in The Wheelhouse Saturday at 10PM Our borders are shifting. Our bodies are transforming. Set in a world where water is rapidly rising and borders are massively disintegrating, Queer & Now: Sync or Swim follows seven mythical deities overcoming struggles rooted in rampant sexism, corporate greed, and climate change. Told through a series of vignettes with drag, lip syncing, and dance, Queer & Now: Sync or Swim takes ancient world mythology and fuses it with contemporary pop music to embrace our impending future. Facebook event wearequeerandnow.com The Happier FAMILY Comedy Show January 18th at 3:00 PM Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA   Monthly family-friendly improv comedy show, great for 5-13 year olds and their adults. It's funny for the whole family! Saturday, January 18th at 3pm at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art (125 W Bay Rd., Amherst). Tickets at the door: $10/Adults, $5/Kids, Free/4 yrs and under (Reduced admission for museum members). For more info: www.happiervalley.com. HVC Presents: Not In Charge!  January 18th at 7:00 PM Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, MA)    Join the talented group Not In Charge for a polished, fast-paced improv show inspired by true stories from the cast and audience! Saturday, January 18th at 7pm at the Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). Tickets: $13 online and at the door. For more info: www.happiervalley.com. AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES Mount Holyoke College, Department of Theatre Arts Jan 13 Looking for musical director for production of "Lizzie, the musical" at Mount Holyoke College.  March 5-8 Paid position. The Play Reading Co-op is currently seeking submissions of full length plays from New England writers for a monthly, ongoing reading series. The mission of the co-op is simply for local theater makers to have a chance to get in a room together to work on high quality material for our own learning, enjoyment, and camaraderie. It's also a great way to learn about new works and writers. The reading is intended to be informal and without an audience other than other co-op “members” and potentially a friend or colleague(s) of the writer. If the writer is looking for a discussion or feedback afterward, we are happy to make space for that as well. We are ideally looking for plays with at least 2 female identifying roles.  http://www.rachelfhirsch.com/play-reading-co-op WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Submit your workshop or class or audition or performance or job or any other theatre opportunity here! Pioneer Valley Theatre Companies Is your theatre company missing? Email me! Academy of Music Theatre Arena Civic Theatre Black Cat Theater Chester Theatre Company CitySpace Cold Spring Community Theatre Drama Studio Double Edge Theatre Eggtooth Productions Exit 7 Players Franklin County Youth Theater Ghost Light Theater Greenfield Community College's Theater Department Hampshire Shakespeare Company Happier Valley Comedy Ja'Duke Center for the Performing Arts K and E Theater Group Ko Theater Works/Ko Festival of Performance Majestic Theater New Century Theatre No Theater Northampton Community Arts Trust Northampton Playwrights Lab PaintBox Theatre Panopera Pauline Productions Real Live Theatre Red Thread Theater Royal Frog Ballet Serious Play Theatre Ensemble Shakespeare Stage Shea Theater Arts Center Silverthorne Theater Smith College Department of Theatre St. Michael's Players Starlight's Youth Theatre, Inc. Strident Theatre TheatreTruck Turbulent Times Theater UMass Theatre Guild Valley Light Opera Westfield Theatre Group Wilbraham United Players Want to know even more about events in the Pioneer Valley and beyond, including reviews, interviews, and previews? Pioneer Valley Theatre Google Calendar In the Spotlight, Inc. Berkshire on Stage Stagestruck ArtsBeat Radio and News Column 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|*