Thursday, June 30, 2022

Pioneer Valley Theatre News June 30, 2022

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Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter
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June 30 - July 20, 2022


Chris Rohmann's StageStruck review of Pride@Prejudice at Chester Theatre is up at the Valley Advocate's website now! It's closing this weekend, so now is your change to see it. It's also closing weekend for An Iliad at Shake & Co, and of course, there will be a brand new improvised musical at Happier Valley Comedy. 

The next issue will include events from July 7 - 27. 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
The Gentle Villainy of Richard III,
Troubler of the Poor World's Peace (a staged reading)
JULY 9 at 7:30pm at the Shea Theater | JULY 10 at 2pm at APE@Hawley
More information.
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

Creating a Space for Black Theatre Audiences
by Leticia Ridley, Jordan Ealey, and Addae Moon

From the article: 

Leticia Ridley: Welcome to Daughters of Lorraine, a podcast from your friendly neighborhood Black feminists exploring the legacies, present, and futures of Black theatre. We are your host, Leticia Ridley—

Jordan Ealey: And Jordan Ealey. On this podcast, which is produced for HowlRound Theatre Commons—a free and open platform for theatre makers worldwide—we discuss Black theatre history; conduct interviews with local and national Black theatre artists, scholars, and practitioners; and discuss plays by Black playwrights that have our minds buzzing.

Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com
PERFORMANCES
BETTY & THE PATCH ONSTAGE AT MAJESTIC THEATER JUNE 30 THROUGH JULY 24
 
The Majestic Theater will present the debut of Betty & The Patch, a new contemporary comedy/drama by Producing Director Danny Eaton June 9 through July 24.
 
The play is set at The Patch, one of those local destination restaurants with the reputation of good and plentiful food along with a kind of privacy which makes it ideal for intimate get togethers. It’s been run by Betty Borelli for years but a recent kitchen fire has forced a shut down. Determined to reopen, Betty has recruited her daughter Cristina, a successful attorney, to come home and help. But that’s not the only reason — she has had recent health issues and Betty wants Cristina and chef Bobo Henderson to ensure the restaurant’s future. There are family secrets as well that need to be finally revealed, and recent visits from past friends have added to the urgency. Will Cristina stay? Will Bobo finally let Cristina know he’s in love with her? And just who is Cristina’s father?
 
The cast of Betty & The Patch includes Christine Anthony (Betty), Katie Mack (Cristina), Issa Best (Bobo), Brad Shepard (Joey), Michael Graham Morales (Michael), J. T. Waite (Andy), Linda Storms (Betty understudy), Valerie Vaile (Cristinas understudy), Joel Gladu (Bobo understudy), Rick Malone (Andy/Joey understudy) and Liam Toner (Michael understudy). 
 
Eaton will direct the play.  Associate Producing Director/Stage Manager is Sue Dziura, and Stephen Petit is production stage manager.  Set design is by Greg Trochlil, and Dawn McKay is costumer designer.  Daniel D. Rist is lighting designer.
 
In accordance with regulations from the Actors' Equity Association, an American labor union representing those who work in live theatrical performance, the Majestic Theater requires all attendees to wear masks at all times (except when eating and drinking), to be fully vaccinated against COVID, and to present their vaccination card (or a photo or other proof of it, on their cell phone) upon arrival.  At this time, no food or drink may be brought into the theater, and needs to be consumed in the Majestic CafĂ©.
 
Tickets to Betty & The Patch range from $31 - $35 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. 
Chester Theatre Company
Pride@Prejudice
6/30 at 2pm and 7:30pm, 7/1 at 7:30pm, 7/2 at 2pm and 7:30pm, 7/3 at 2:pm
Chester Town Hall Theatre, 16 Middlefield Road, Chester MA, 01011

June 23-July 3

Wednesday at 2pm, Thursday at 2pm and 7:30 pm, Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7:30pm, and Sunday at 2pm.

Written and Directed by Daniel Elihu Kramer

Originally premiered at CTC in 2011, Pride@Prejudice is a reimagining of the beloved Jane Austen classic filled with bloggers, chat rooms, Austen enthusiasts, and even Jane herself. A hilarious and moving homage to Jane Austen’s most beloved novel, with 30 characters portrayed by five versatile actors.

Tickets
Shakespeare & Company
AN ILIAD
Performing til July 3, 2022; some matinee performances
70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA  01240

From Robert Fagles’ translation, An Iliad transforms Homer’s epic poem into a riveting monologue. Crafted around the stories of Achilles and Hector with language that is both poetic and conversational, An Iliad refreshes a world classic, thus creating a powerful piece of theater that explores the human compulsion toward violence.

More information.
Leave Your Fears Here (June 30 - July 10) is a loving and insightful memoir written and performed by the accomplished and familiar stage and screen actor James Morrison. In a riveting performance that legendary producer Norman Lear called “An extremely moving play by an extremely moving performer”, the well-known actor recounts his 10-year-old son Seamus’s daunting passage from brain cancer diagnosis, through treatment to ultimate recovery, and how he inspired courage and change in others, most notably his father. It’s a profound, heroic story of the power of hope leading to triumph in the darkest hours.
 
When catastrophic illness strikes suddenly, lives are rudderless. When their son all at once faced numerous physical debilities and a life-threatening diagnosis, Morrison, his wife and family had to face reality and mortality while simultaneously navigating the labyrinth of 21st century life and medical processes. They and other adults found themselves transcended by their son’s courage, innate wisdom and ability to face and accept harrowing experience with truth, strength, humor and poetic nature.
 
Directed by Robert Egan, Leave Your Fears Here was incubated, developed and first staged at the nationally renowned and multi-award-winning Ojai Playwrights Conference, where Robert has been Artistic Director since 2002. 
 
Leave Your Fears Here closes the four-part Solo Fest and will be staged ten times only, from June 30-July 10, Thurs.-Sun., 7:30pm and 3pm, in the Liebowitz Black Box Theater, Bard College at Simon’s Rock, 84 Alford Rd, Great Barrington, MA 01230. Advance tickets are encouraged and can be made on the Great Barrington Public Theater website.
Happier Valley Comedy
The Understudies: An Improvised Musical
July 2 at 7:00pm
Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, MA)

Be part of the fun as these brave improvisers and their trusty musician create an entire musical from scratch. First Saturday of every month 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.
WAM Theatre presents
A MisCast Cabaret
a special one-night-only benefit performance
hosted by the acclaimed Jayne Atkinson
& featuring Pioneer Valley singers: Kyle Boatwright, Jasmine Rochelle Goodspeed & Craig Pinder, amongst others.
at the beautiful Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington, MA.
Thursday, July 7 at 7:30 pm

Join WAM for a special evening of Broadway music, hosted by Tony Award and Drama Desk Nominee Jayne Atkinson (House of Cards, Criminal Minds, Bluff City Law). In this MisCast Cabaret WAM artists, accompanied by live musicians, will perform favorite Broadway songs from roles in which they would not traditionally be cast. A fun way to question traditional casting while singing along! Hear your favorite songs from Hamilton, South Pacific, Fiddler on the Roof, and more performed in ways you haven’t heard before.

This benefit performance supports WAM Theatre’s Education and Community Engagement programs— empowering and uplifting women and girls.

Tickets can be purchased here.  More information about the performance here.

The Gentle Villainy of Richard III, Troubler of the Poor World's Peace (a staged reading)

Adapted from the Shakespeare & Directed by Toby Vera Bercovici. With Choreography by Annelise Nielsen.

An adaptation of William Shakespeare's Richard III which situates the story of power-hungry Richard as a cautionary bedtime tale told by Queen Margaret to the audience shortly after the death of her husband and son.

JULY 9 at 7:30pm at the Shea Theater in Turners Falls

JULY 10 at 2pm at APE@Hawley in Northampton

Cast, in order of appearance:

Jeannine Haas, AEA...Queen Margaret of Anjou
Linda Tardif...King Richard III
Ellen Morbyrne...Lady Anne, Messenger
Myka Plunkett....Queen Elizabeth
Rachel Hall....Clarence, Dorset, Prince Edward, Messenger, Richmond
Trenda Loftin....Grey, King Edward IV, Lord Mayor, Messenger
Dan Morbyrne....Duke of Buckingham

More information.
Happier Valley Comedy
2nd Saturdays Presents: Longform Improvisation
July 9 at 7:00pm
Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, MA)

A cast of experienced improvisers dive into a variety of formats based on audience suggestions. Second Saturday of every month 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.
Happier Valley Comedy
HVC’s Fun Fridays: Storytelling Standup Showcase
July 15 at 7:00pm
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.

For more info: www.happiervalley.com.

Box Office is now open for Double Edge’s 40th Anniversary Summer Spectacle
The Hidden Territories of the Bacchae!

The Hidden Territories of the Bacchae, directed by Founding Artistic Director Stacy Klein and created with the Double Edge Ensemble, is a response to Euripides’ Bacchae in which women’s rites are no longer in hidden territories but freely able to express their deeply held desires.

Previews: July 15 - 17 at 8pm
Performances: Wed - Sun, July 20 - July 31 at 8pm, August 3 - 6 at 7:30pm

BUY TICKETS

For questions,
email tickets@doubleedgetheatre.org or call our Box Office at 413-628-0277.

Ja'Duke Theater
Crazy For You
7/16 at 7pm, 7/17 @2pm, 7/22 @ 7pm, 7/23 @ 7pm, 7/24 @2pm
Ja'Duke Theater

A zany rich-boy-meets-hometown-girl romantic comedy, Crazy For You® tells the story of young New York banker Bobby Child, who is sent to Deadrock, Nevada, to foreclose on a rundown theatre. In Deadrock, Bobby falls for spunky Polly Baker, the theatre owner’s daughter. But Polly takes an instant dislike to the city slicker, so Bobby vows – through cunning, razzmatazz, and a hilarious case of mistaken identity – to win Polly’s heart and save the theatre. Memorable Gershwin tunes from the score include “I Got Rhythm,” “Naughty Baby,” “They Can't Take That Away from Me,” “Embraceable You,” “But Not for Me,” “Nice Work if You Can Get It” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.”

Rating: G
Run Time: 2 hours and 15 Minutes (one intermission)
More information
Happier Valley Comedy
HVC Presents: Not In Charge!
July 16 at 7:00pm
Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, MA)

Join the talented group Not In Charge for a fast-paced improv show inspired by true stories from the cast! Third Saturday of every month 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.
Happier Valley Comedy
The Happier Valley Championship
July 23 at 7:00pm
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: your laughter! Fourth Saturday of every month 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

Majestic Theater 25th Season Auditions

Non-Equity and Equity drop-ins 6/29-7/1 6-10PM, 7/2 12-3PM

Call (413) 747-7797 to make an appointment

Casting for:

MAMMA MIA
Music & Lyrics by Benny Anderson & Bjorn Ulvaeus Book by Catherine Johnson Directed by Danny Eaton

LOVE, MILLY & MURRAY
By T. Emerson Directed by Sheila Siraguisa

NATIVE GARDENS
By Karen Zacarias Directed by James Warwick

THE GLASS MENAGERIE
By Tennessee Williams Directed by Rand Foerster

BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
By Alan James Directed by Danny Eaton


More details about which roles are available here.

Incident at Vichy
Tech Rehearsals - September 24 and 25; Production Week - September 26 thru October 1; Performances - October 2 thru 8
The Institute for the Musical Arts - Goshen

I'm seeking a production team for Incident at Vichy, an Arthur Miller one-act to be produced at the Institute for the Musical Arts in Goshen between October 2 and 8. The production will be a fundraiser for the Pioneer Valley Workers Center in Northampton.

Indiegogo Campaign

I'm looking for a lighting designer, costume designer, stage manager, and assistant director/dramaturg. This is a paid opportunity. Contact Frank Pagliaro at famp923@gmail.com if interested.
WAM Theatre is seeking a part-time (10-20/hrs a week) Company Administrator to support WAM’s daily admin activities and programming. This administrator will provide clerical and administrative oversight in order to optimize workflow procedures for WAM’s arts-activism mission.  Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter with the subject heading “WAM Company Administrator” to kristen@wamtheatre.com by August 21, 2022.  A detailed job description can be found HERE
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Anyone who organizes or attends auditions or is involved in casting for the theatre, is recommended to take 30 minutes to listen to this conversation between casting director Victor Vazquez and dramaturg/performer Tatiana Godfrey.  Part of WAM Theatre's Spotlight Series, they talk about some of the problems that we run into in the traditional casting process, especially in terms of racial or gender stereotyping, and some of the opportunities and suggestions he has for better ways of placing actors in roles. 

https://www.wamtheatre.com/spotlight-series-with-casting-director-victor-vazquez/
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
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/
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
Yoga Sanctuary
Play Practice: Exploring Yoga & Theatre
Summer Program for Kids
8/1–8/5 (Monday–Friday), 9–2 pm
Yoga Sanctuary, Thornes Marketplace (Third Floor)

Join us for a fabulous week of daily yoga practice and theatre-making, as we use our bodies, breath, and voices to develop skills for acting and storytelling. Every day will include yoga techniques, theatre games, and creative exercises designed to unleash each student's unique expression, as well as foster dynamic group creation. Plus, all the summer fun of daily outdoors time and a special day spent walking and swimming in our beautiful local nature! On the last day, we'll host a sharing at 1pm for families to get a peak at what the students have been practicing this week.

Play Practice is open to students ages 10-13 of all experience levels (including no previous experience) and all physical abilities—yoga and theatre are for every body! Reach out to us with any questions.

More information.

Play Practice is led by Ellen Morbyrne, a local teacher and parent with over 20 years of experience as both a theatre-maker and a yoga practitioner. Ellen has been teaching and directing theatre at North Star: Self-Directed Learning for Teens since 2003, has taught theatre locally at high schools and homeschool co-ops and at the Drama Studio, and has been teaching yoga to folks of all ages since 2009. She is the cofounder of Real Live Theatre and teaches weekly yoga classes here at Yoga Sanctuary.

Cost: $325/child (regular price); $400/child (pay-it-forward price; help us offer a scholarship to another child!)
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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