Thursday, May 12, 2022

Pioneer Valley Theatre News May 12, 2022

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Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter
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May 12 - June 1, 2022


Well, it's summer now! At least in terms of weather. Summer theatre announcements should be coming soon (don't forget to send me your summer shows - next week's newsletter covers through June 8).

The next issue will include events from May 19 - June 8. 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
YOUR EVENT HERE
$5 per week for your poster and ticket link in top billing!
Email me to reserve your dates.
Click to Access: Pioneer Valley Theatre Google Calendar
Click to Access: Pioneer Valley Theatre Personnel Spreadsheet
THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS:
from Howlround

"The Molecules Changed in the Room": Creating a Play from Real Asian Women’s Desires, Dreams, and Heartaches
by Amy Zhang and Danielle Iwata

From the article: 

A mutual friend brought Danielle Iwata to the Ascend! show at The Tank, an interview-based show written and co-directed by Amy Zhang with an all Asian woman cast and crew, that was created in response to the pandemic and the anti-Asian attacks. The friend connected the two of them after Danielle remarked that it was the most “nuanced depiction of Asian women on stage” she’d ever seen. Over Zoom video, Danielle interviewed Amy about the show and its interview-based process, Asian perspectives that don’t fit neatly in Asian American ones, and how theatre can be a uniquely suitable place to process rage and vulnerable stories safely.

Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com
PERFORMANCES
9 TO 5 WORKS ITS MAGIC ON MAJESTIC THEATER STAGE
MAY 12 - 29
Musical is Based on Iconic 1980 Film with Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton
 
9 to 5, the musical based on the beloved 1980 film that featured Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as three unlikely friends who bond over their frustrating jobs, will be staged at the Majestic Theater April 14 – May 29.
 
The story focuses on Violet, Doralee and Judy, whose boss, Franklin Hart, Jr., is president of their company, as well as a domineering and lecherous man.  A fantasized poisoning has him threatening to call the police on the women, but they turn the tables on him, tie him up and kidnap him.  Back at work, they institute changes under Hart’s name, but also discover some “creative accounting” practices.  Hart escapes and returns to work ready to take over when the company’s CEO arrives, is impressed by the changes, promotes Violet and ships Hart off to manage the company branch in Bolivia.  The play 9 to 5 was written by Dolly Parton and Patricia Resnick
 
The cast of 9 to 5 includes Crystin Gilmore (Violet), Kaytlyn Vandeloecht (Dora Lee), Mollie Posnick (Judy), Joe Casey (Hart), Kait Rankins (Roz), and Chris Rojas (Joe).  Danny Eaton is producing director, Sue Dziura is associate producing director/assistant stage manager and Rand Foerster is directing the musical.  The music director is Mitch Chakour and Stephen Petit is production stage manager.  The set design is by Greg Trochlil, costumes are designed by Dawn McKay, and Doug Wallace is sound designer. Choreography is by Stacy Ashley.
 
Tickets to 9 to 5 and Betty & the Patch range from $31 - $37 and are available for sale at the Majestic’s box office Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm; or on the phone at (413) 747-7797.  
GCC Theater presents The Elephant Man
Thur, May 12th, Fri, May 13th, and Sat, May 14th, all at 7:30pm. 
Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, Downtown Greenfield, MA

After being canceled by the pandemic, two years later The Elephant Man returns. Since then, the Sloan Theater at GCC has been in renovation, so with most of the same cast and crew, the production will open Friday, May 6th at 7:30pm at Hawks & Reed in downtown Greenfield with additional performances Sat, May 7th, Thur, May 12th, Fri, May 13th, and Sat, May 14th, all at 7:30pm. One 2pm Matinee on Sunday, May 8th. The Elephant Man by Bernard Pomerance takes place in late 1800s England and is based on the life of Joseph Merrick, referred to as John Merrick in the play, whose life was complicated by extreme growths on his body. The play is directed by GCC Theater's department chair, Tom Geha with a cast and crew of over 25 students, alumni, and community members.

More information.
Eggtooth Productions is proud to offer Joe Dulude’s final drag musical production before leaving the Pioneer Valley, though he promises to come back to entertain us in the future. His latest musical drag extravaganza, Dragspringa, will be presented on Friday May 13 and Saturday, May 14, 2022 at the Shea Theatre in Turners Falls. Performances take place at 7:30 pm and tickets are $20 at https://sheatheater.org/.
 
Joe, in the guise of Mr. Drag, his beloved drag persona had this to say, “Dragspringa - that time in every Drag's life when they must leave everyone they know behind and explore the world. Join the Drag Sisters as they raise one last martini and bid a fond farewell to Mr Drag. Expect laughter, tears and of course copious amounts of alcohol.

For this latest saga in the Drag Family's life, Joe Dulude II, who created and performs the role of Mr Drag wanted to write a show that celebrates the Drag Sisters at their best for this farewell. He is moving away from the Pioneer Valley and wanted to give one last hurrah . Alongside Joe, Jane Williams portrays his older sister Kat and Myka Plunkett their younger sister DD. Joining them on stage is Linda Tardif as their musical device Jinnifer, plus some special guests.
This is not goodbye...it is until next time. Cheers!”
WILBRAHAM UNITED PLAYERS “PRESENT LAUGHTER”

Poor Garry Essendine, the famous leading man is not having a good week.  The world that revolves around him is just not behaving as it should. As he faces down the years of middle-age the ingenue he brought home from a party wants to stay with him forever; his not really “ex” wife has him conspiring against his friend and director. His producer’s wife is trying to seduce him; his long-suffering secretary and his servants serve with a side of “sass” and to top it all off a crazy playwright who is a dedicated fan just won’t leave him alone.

Join the Wilbraham United Players as they take the stage with Noel Coward’s sparkling comedy – Present Laughter on May 13, 14, 15 and 20, 21 and 22.  Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30. Sunday matinees are at 2:30.

The production is being performed on the Fellowship Hall Stage at the Wilbraham United Church – 500 Main St.

Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Player’s website – wilbrahamunitedplayers.org. Reserved Premium Seats are $27 and General Seating is $22.  There is a discount for Seniors and Students.
2nd Saturdays Presents...
May 14th at 7:00 PM
Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, MA)   

A dive into theatrical longform improv formats you'll love, from classics like Armando and Shrink to new creations like Neighbors, which has played to standing ovation! Saturday, May 14th 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: https://www.happiervalley.com/2nd-saturdays.html.
IRANIAN PLAYWRIGHT FEATURED IN SILVERTHORNE THEATER ‘S
THEATER THURSDAY PLAY READING SERIES
 
A reading of Naghmeh Samini’s The Language of Wild Berries on Thursday, May 19, is the third in Silverthorne Theater Company’s Theater Thursday Play Reading series. Translated into English from the Farsi by Torange Yeghiazarian, the play was presented in 2020 as a radio version by Golden Thread Productions of San Francisco. This October, Golden Thread will mount the live World Premiere of the play.
 
Silverthorne’s reading will take place in the LAVA Center at 324 Main Street, Greenfield. The reading is free and open to the public. Due to limited seating, registration is required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-language-of-wild-berries-by-naghmeh-samini-tickets-333755370297
 
Donya and Davood celebrate their wedding anniversary by traveling to the same seaside town where they spent their honeymoon. But on this trip, their 10th anniversary, a mysterious young man is following them. Who is he? What does he want? Trying to solve the mystery of the young man throws Donya and Davood into a time warp recalling their past nine anniversary trips. They remember what they have forgotten. But will that be enough to save their marriage? The past, present, and future collide in this touching play, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of contemporary Iranians.
HVC’s Fun Fridays: Storytelling Standup Showcase

May 20th at 7:00 PM
Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, MA)   

Watch Happier Valley Comedy talent try out their latest material, laugh together, raise a glass, and support up-and-coming standup comedians. Doors open at 5:30. Showcase starts at 7pm. Friday, May 20th at the Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). Free!
For more info: https://www.happiervalley.com/happiervalleycomedy_fun_fridays.html#thirdfridays
HVC Presents: Not In Charge! 
May 21st 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, May 21st 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: https://www.happiervalley.com/notincharge.html

On May 27 – June 12, we will hold an Outdoor Festival that highlights DE’s partnerships:

Larry Spotted Crow Mann’s Freedom In Season (Ashfield, MA)
Co-produced by Double Edge Theatre and Ohketeau Cultural Center
May 27 – 29 at 7pm

The Hinterlands’ Will You Miss Me? (Detroit, MI)
June 3 – 5 at 7pm

Apollo Theater and National Black Theatre's
In The Name Of The Mother Tree 
A project of Jupiter Performance Studio (Harlem, NY)
Developed in Residency at Double Edge Theatre
Originally Commissioned by the Apollo Theater. Support to develop this work has been provided by Mercury Store, The Shed, Network of Ensemble Theaters, Hi-Arts, NYSCA, and a National Theater Project artist development grant.
June 8 – 12 at 7pm

Learn more about the performances
 
Buy tickets
 
 
The Happier Valley Championship! 
May 28th at 7:00 PM
Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, MA)   

In this competitive comedy show, two teams of improvisers face off through scenes and games to see who can win the ultimate prize: an old trophy we found in someone's attic. Saturday, May 28th 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: https://www.happiervalley.com/championship.html
Wild Mushrooms: Aging With Art
6/4/22 at 8:00 PM, 6/5/22 at 4:00 PM
Northampton Center for the Arts

The Wild Mushrooms are a collaborative of 5 women artists who are continuing to make art as they age. Ellen Wittlinger, a playwright, will present a short play, "Four Daughters," Madelyn Farr is a dancer who studies Egyptian dance, Susan Waltner is a choreographer/dancer presenting a piece including 4 other dancers, Lilin Tseng is a visual artist who has written and produced an animated film, and Carol Abbe Smith is a jazz singer. Following the program, the audience is invited to stay for a post-show discussion with the Wild Mushroom artists on aging and creativity that will be facilitated by Sabrina Hamilton, Artistic Director of the Ko Festival of Performance. The project is part of the Technical/Administrative/Organizational Development program of the Ko Festival of performance. The program is supported in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Northampton Arts Council.

http://agingwithart.com
AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
Ja'Duke Theater
Crazy For You Auditions
May 15th at 2pm and May 16th at 7pm.
Ja'Duke Theater

We are excited to announce details for our next full length musical, Crazy For You!  This is an open casting call for students currently in 9th grade and up and all adults!

Visit https://www.jadukeshows.com/crazy-for-you for more information
Ja'Duke Theater
Auditions for Proof by David Auburn
May 15th at 4:00pm, May 16th at 8:00pm
Ja'Duke Performing Arts Center, Industrial Blvd, Turners Falls MA

Auditions for David Auburn's Proof. The show will run the weekends of August 19th and 26th, 2022. Please prepare a 2-3 minute monologue of any style, but not from Proof. Actors may also be asked to read from the script.  
These are open auditions. No appointments. But if you want to let us know you are coming, we can better prepare for each session and answer any questions you might have before your audition. All four roles are available. Resumes, questions or other materials can be sent to rejnad@yahoo.com.
This is not an equity show.
SILVERTHORNE THEATER TO HOLD AUDITIONS FOR FALL SHOW
 
Silverthorne Theater Company announced today that open auditions for its 2022-23 Season opener, Lauren Gunderson’s The Taming, will be held June 10-12 at the LAVA Center, 324 Main Street, Greenfield.  
 
Audition slots are available for Friday, June 10, from 6-8 pm; or Saturday, June 11, from 9:30-11:30 am. Callbacks will be held on Sunday, June 12, from 1-3 pm. Auditioners should submit recent headshots and current resumes to silverthornetheater@gmail.com. Video submissions will be considered if received by June 10, but anyone submitting a video would need to be available for the Sunday callbacks. Proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required for all auditioners. Call 413-7678-7514 for more details.
 
Director Mary Corinne Miller is a theater-maker, educator, and arts administrator based in the Pioneer Valley. She has worked with numerous professional theater companies in New York City and throughout Western Massachusetts including The Player’s Theater, The Children’s Theater Company, TADA! Theater, Shakespeare and Company, New Century Theater, and Barrington Stage Company.
 
The Play:
The Taming by Lauren Gunderson is a raucous, all-female political comedy inspired by Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. When two political opponents wake up to discover themselves locked in a hotel room with a beauty queen hell-bent on revolutionizing the American government, they are forced to face the vast political divide in order to find a way to save both themselves and our great democracy. Born out of frustration over the partisan grid-lock holding our country hostage, this play tackles the role of women in contemporary American government, the vision and biases of the founding fathers, feminism and beauty pageants, political extremism, Liberal angst and the GOP, through the startling humor of three wildly different, and richly developed women who might just be political geniuses.
 
Settings:
The present, Georgia, at the hotel hosting the Miss Georgia Pageant.
July, 1787, the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia.
 
Cast:
The cast is comprised of three roles, with each role portraying two to three characters. All roles are described as being in their 20s-30s and female-identifying. As per the playwright: “Actors need not be white”. Actors of all races, ethnicities, abilities, genders, ages and political leanings are strongly encouraged to audition.
 
KATHERINE- A southern belle and determined pageant winner. Also plays George and Martha Washington in 1787 as well as Dolley Madison.
 
PATRICIA- A conservative aide to Georgia’s Senator Peter Baxter. Also plays James Madison in 1787.
 
BIANCA- A liberal southern hipster activist. Also plays a sweet southern good-girl intern, and Charles Pickney in 1787.
 
For the auditions, actors may choose to:
Read from sides provided
OR
Perform a 1-2 minute contemporary comedic monologue of their choosing
 
Actors are also strongly encouraged to demonstrate a non-musical talent (such as a magic trick, telling jokes, flexibility/ yoga, gymnastics, juggling, baton-twirling, tap-dancing, hip-hop, etc.)
the Drama Studio
OPEN HOUSE
June 14th and June 15th at 6 pm
41 OAKLAND STREET, SPRINGFIELD, MA, 01108

Join us for our 2022 on-site Open House to learn about our acting classes and Conservatory program! Come and visit the Drama Studio on Tuesday, June 14th, at 6 pm for ages 6-8, and Wednesday, June 15th, at 6 pm for ages 9-18.

To R.S.V.P. for the Open House, click here.

*Please note, all participants must be masked.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Drama Studio Summer Programs
July 5th, 2022 - August 19th, 2022
41 OAKLAND STREET, SPRINGFIELD, MA, 01108

The Drama Studio is a unique community where young people grow as artists, leaders, and individuals. Now offering a variety of onsite acting and theater programs in a safe environment, including Stories on Stage, where students will prepare an entire production of Story Theatre and Improv for younger audiences, including a literacy video. In TeenScene: SummerFest teens will present a fully produced festival of One Acts. Other programs include Acting Up: Summer Fun Stories, SummerSlam: Improv Week, and Island Improv, Scenes and Myths. No prior acting experience is required. Summer enrollment now open! Space is limited.

https://dramastudio.org/summer-programs
Enrollment Opens Monday for PIC's First
Youth Program
 
WHAT: This 2-week summer program, led by arts educators Kit Marshall and Felicia Sloin, will invite participants to explore their creativity through art, music, yoga, drumming, dance, and improvisation. The program will culminate in a celebratory sharing for friends and family. 
We are very excited to be presenting our first ever youth programming with CREATIVE JOURNEYS - formerly a program of Valley Performance Playground-  this summer!

WHO: Ages 7-11 (limited to 14 participants)
WHERE: Lander Grinspoon Academy, 257 Prospect St., Northampton
WHEN: August 1-5, 8-12, 9am-3pm
COST: $625 for 2 weeks

Registration opens Monday, March 7th and will be limited to 14 participants. So register early to reserve your spot!

Learn More Here
Hampshire Shakespeare Company presents
Educational Theater Workshops
July 11-15, July 21-29, Aug 1-5
Northampton Center for the Arts

Fun and educational week-long theater programs for kids ages 7-15 run by local professionals.

https://hampshireshakespeare.com/
Submit your workshop, class, audition, performance, or any other theatre opportunity here!
Pioneer Valley Theatre Companies
Academy of Music Theatre

Amherst Community Theater

Arena Civic Theatre

A.C.T. Youth Theatre

Black Cat Theater

Chester Theatre Company

CitySpace

Cold Spring Community Theatre

Completely Ridiculous Productions

Drama Studio

Double Edge Theatre

Eggtooth Productions

Exit 7 Players

Ghost Light Theater

Greenfield Community College's Theater Department

Hampshire Shakespeare Company

Happier Valley Comedy

Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center

Ja'Duke Center for the Performing Arts

K and E Theater Group

Ko Theater Works/Ko Festival of Performance

Majestic Theater

Mount Holyoke College Rooke Theatre

No Theater

Northampton Community Arts Trust

Northampton Playwrights Lab
PaintBox Theatre

Panopera

Pauline Productions

Performance Project

Phantom Sheep Players

Play Incubation Collective

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

Theater Between Addresses

TheatreTruck

Turbulent Times Theater

UMass Department of Theater

UMass Theatre Guild

Unity House Players

Valley Light Opera

Ware Community Theatre

Westfield Theatre Group

Wilbraham United Players

World and Eye
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 TV/Radio and News Column
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