Pioneer Valley Theatre News January 7, 2016

Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser   January 7-27, 2015 Not quite ready to be back at work this week? Take a moment to design yourself an 18th century wig!  If you haven't already, like Pioneer Valley Theatre News on Facebook. And if you have a Facebook event you'd like me to share on the page, just tag PVTN on your event page.  The next issue will include events through February 3. Submit upcoming events via the link below or by emailing me before next 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 Five Things Professional Wrestling Can Teach Live Theatre by John Corrigan From the article:  Despite the popular misconception that professional wrestling caters to society’s lowest common denominator, the sports-entertainment product is truly just athletic theatre. Behind the steel cages and piledrivers lies the story of good versus evil in which the villain pummels the hero until the hero overcomes the obstacles, or seeks revenge at the next opportunity. From the elaborate costumes to the pulsating entrance themes to the written dialogue, wrasslin’ has copied many elements of the stage. Even knowing that, though, there are a few things that theatre can learn from pro wrestling. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES The Majestic Theater presents AN INSPECTOR CALLS by J.B. Priestly  January 7-February 14  The Majestic Theatre, West Springfield The Birlings are a prosperous middle-class family. Arthur Birling, a wealthy mill owner and local politician, and his family have just finished a celebratory dinner in their comfortable home in Brumley, England. The happy occasion is that their daughter, Sheila, has just become engaged to Gerald Croft, the son of her father's chief competitor. But then a mysterious stranger arrives, announcing himself a police inspector — Inspector Goole — and begins to interrogate them all about their possible responsibility in the death of a young working-class factory girl. The result of his questioning leads each person to believe they've in part contributed to her death — but is Inspector Goole truly who he claims to be? An Inspector Calls is a fascinating study of human nature and society. More information and tickets online. Happier Valley Comedy Show presents The Ha-Ha's in "The Buckingham" with special guests Scott Braidman & Mosie McNally Saturday, January 9 at 8:00 PM Arts Block in Greenfield Monthly comedy show featuring improv comedians The Ha-Ha's  in "The Buckingham" with special guests Scott Braidman & Mosie McNally.  More info online. Breastless: a new play by Laurel Turk directed by Jeannine Haas performed by Laurel Turk, Emily Fox, Emily Bloch and Dorian Gregory January 14-17, 21-24 Thursday-Saturday at 7:30, Sunday at 2:00 First Congregational Church, Ashfield, MA. Friendship Hall   429 Main Street (route 116) One woman's determinedly truthful exploration of body image and sexuality after double mastectomy. Intimate monologues are juxtaposed with wry humor, song, and movement. Anyone with a body will find something to relate to in this piece.  One of this year’s Double Take Fringe Festival favorites as a staged reading, BREASTLESS is being given a full production at Pauline Productions directed by Jeannine Haas.  Advanced Sales Recommended as seating is limited, buy tickets online. Thursdays are Discount Nights $15 Friday-Sundays $20 All shows are $5 more at door (cash and check only at door) Wheelchair Accessible J-ART at the JCC presents Closer Than Ever -- Presented By J-Art Cafe January 16 at 8:00 PM, January 17 at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM Springfield Jewish Community Center Auditorium Starring Ben Ashley, Devon Bakum, Luis Manzi, and Lisa Rizzo, featuring Bill Martin, and Directed by Becca Coolong, Closer Than Ever is a nonstop exploration of everyday struggles in the "modern world." Topics ranging from unrequited adoration... to aging... to Muzak are tackled with resounding sincerity and precisely placed hilarity. Each song is a unique story told by a new character taking audiences not only into the songbook of Richard Maltby and David Shire, but into the minds of the individuals facing these completely universal challenges.  On Saturday, January 16, J-ART at the Springfield JCC raises the curtain on a new theater-going experience, J-ART Café. By offering short run productions that feature performance opportunities for all age groups, the JCC is opening its doors for more opportunities for area performers as well as more opportunities to present lesser known works. Made to order pizzas and desserts will be available at each performance. Tickets: $15, $20 Patron Reserved Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (413) 739-4715, or by visiting the front desk at the Springfield JCC. More information online. The Majestic Theater presents The Majesters Improv Comedy January 19, February 9 The Majestic Theatre, 131 Elm St. West Springfield, MA An evening of musical improv comedy featuring the valley's best spontaneous comics. More info online.    Panopera presents LA BOHEME Friday, January 22 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, January 24 at 2:00 PM Academy of Music Theatre, Northampton Eggtooth Productions presents FRANKENSTEIN A new play by Lindel Hart and MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH  A new opera by Clifton J. Noble Saturday, January 23 at 7:30 PM Academy of Music Theatre, Northampton La Bohème will feature a full orchestra and cast drawn from the region’s best players and singers. As Alan Schneider, stage director, states, “Puccini’s masterpiece has always been a celebration of and warning about the artist's life. As such, what better spirit could a new opera company invoke?” La Bohème runs in repertory with Frankenstein and Masque of the Red Death. Eggtooth Productions’ (formerly Old Deerfield) commission of the new play, Frankenstein won glowing four and five star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer, “It’s a hypnotic beginning to an intense adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novel. Lindel Hart’s Creature, at first naked and mute, grows in stature throughout, scrabbling towards humanity; tragically, his innocence is supplanted by evil as he learns to hate Victor Frankenstein. For Victor abandons the Creature, fleeing when he feels horror at the first sight of his creation. Hart’s performance dares you to look away – how he moves and the sounds he makes, ensures you won’t,” according to The Scotsman.  The one hour show will be preceded by excerpts from an opera based upon Edgar Allan Poe’s gothic tale “The Masque of the Red Death,” where no amount of riches, architecture, or bacchanalian excess can cheat death and keep the Plague outside Prince Prospero’s castle walls. In an excerpt from Clifton Noble’s one-act opera based on the Poe story, Prince Prospero (tenor Alan Schneider) will reveal his plan for avoiding the Plague: “Fear not! We’ll seal ourselves away – No red shall work within these walls.” More information on the Facebook Event. Tickets for both productions available online.  AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES AUDITIONS for the dramatic satire "We're Happy About the Whole Thing" presented by the Ware Community Theater/Ware Historical Society Friday, January 8th, 2016 from 7-9 PM; Saturday, January 9th from 12-2 PM; Sunday, January 10th from 12-2 PM Ware Senior Center, 1 Robbins Road in Ware Drama, music, and dance are a part of this historic script and we request that you bring a piece of music you wish to showcase your talents during the try-outs and allow time for reading a portion of the script. Questions: Please call: Cindi @ #413-967-3887. With the arrival of the Industrial Revolution, the center of commerce shiftedto the factory village where it exists today. The upper dam of the Ware River was built in 1824 to run the manufacturing complex. Ware was home to three major manufacturers: Otis, Stevens and the Gilbert companies, who were noted for their production of textiles, clothing and shoes. Their demand for labor brought numerous immigrant families, primarily French, Irish and Polish, to this rich job market. By the early 20th century the Ware mills employed almost 6,000 people. The Great Depression era nearly signaled the demise of the mills. But, the citizens of Ware banded together to buy shares in the struggling companies. The purchase was the first employee buy-out of a major manufacturer in America. Ware Industries was born, preserving the livelihood for hundreds of families. Ware's then-Chief of Police Bartholomew Buckley coined a new phrase for Ware, calling it “The Town that can’t be licked!” Life Magazine heralded the event in their May 23, 1938 issue with an article entitled Life Goes to a Party: Ware, Mass. Celebrates Comeback. Needed: 30+ Male/Females Ages 16+ Show Dates: April 8,9, and 10th More info on the Facebook event page. 2016 SEASON OPEN AUDITIONS!!! "PETE'S ANGEL" Written by Christopher A. Desmarteau Pete's Angel is a touching story about a middle-aged veteran whose soulmate passes away from breast cancer. Ruthann's love for Pete is so deep that after crossing through to the other side she refuses to move on until she rescues Both Peter and their daughter Becky from the depths of their own personal hades. This hell was created with the death of Pete's Angel. Ruthann was the rock of her family and a major reason Pete survived after he was discharged medically from The United States Army. This story explores the question, "what happens after we die?" Could it be that one's unfinished business is simply helping those left behind return to the light? How can we move on after being torn apart by the loss of a loved one? OPEN AUDITIONS: January 9th & 10th from 7pm-9pm @ THE WORLD WAR 2 CLUB 50 Conz Street Northampton, MA 01060 The Freedom Banquet Hall Please email me a recent picture and acting resume at: blue14426@yahoo.com SHOWTIMES FOR THIS SPECIFIC PLAY WILL BE MARCH 4,5,6,18,20 2016 @ 7PM @ The World War 2 club Valley Light Opera is seeking nominations and applications for the artistic/stage director for our 42nd annual production, the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta Ruddigore.  Ruddigore is to be performed at the Academy of Music Theatre on two weekends in early November 2016.  The VLO stage and music directors work closely with one another and with the production team to achieve the high caliber results commensurate with VLO's distinguished history. Stage Director • Creates overall artistic concept of the show. • Works with set and costume designers, the choreographer, music director, and technical staff to carry out the concept. • Rehearses principals and chorus in dialogue, acting, blocking, and dancing. Please note that all participants in VLO are volunteers, including all producers, directors, performers and crews.  For those interested in applying as stage director, please submit the following documents electronically to director@vlo.org by January 15.  1. Letter of interest and artistic concept  2. Theater or music resume 3. References Nominations are also encouraged and may be submitted to the same email address, director@vlo.org.  Applicants who are unfamiliar with VLO are encouraged to explore our website. Applications will be reviewed as they arrive, starting immediately, and will be accepted until January 15, 2016. Finalists may be invited to make a presentation to the VLO board after that date. Questions: President 2014-2015: Graham Christian phone: (413)-253-8962 e-mail: graham.christian.gmail.com Hampshire Shakespeare now hiring 2016 directors! Hampshire Shakespeare Company is looking to hire two directors for our Mainstage Shakespeare Under the Stars 2016 summer season! Join us for the chance to put Shakespeare in the great outdoors and be part of a talented community that will innovate and enchant as we breathe new life into old words. Our 2016 Season A Midsummer Night’s Dream  June 29-July 3, July 6-10.  Macbeth July 20-24, July 27-31. Potential directors should have experience with community theatre and directing Shakespeare. We have a proud artistic tradition of outdoor performances with limited tech, which emphasizes the relationship between actor and audience. Potential director candidates are encouraged to consider the advantages and limitations of outdoor theatre in their concept proposals. Salary: $800 - $1,000 Application deadline: January 19, 2016. Interested candidates should email resume and concept proposals.   AUDITION for the 24-Hour Theater Project 2016! Saturday, January 23, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM T100 Acting Studio 1, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, Smith College 122 Green Street We perform six 10-minute plays, written, directed, and produced within 24 hours. The focus in our project is the playwriting– the scripts are 10-minute plays, not skits, and are performed as written; they are not improvised. We're looking for 5 - 10 actors to fill out our company. Actors in the Project work only one day, but it's a long, arduous, albeit fun, day. You must be able to commit to the date of Saturday, March 12 - from 8:00 a.m. to the end of the second show, approx. 11 p.m. Actors of varied ages- teen through elder, and of all ethnicities are encouraged to audition. For questions or further information, please call (413) 588-8043. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts seeks set design volunteers to help put together some props for their 1950’s themed Spring fundraiser. The Food Bank will pay for any materials. Perks include free tickets to the event, social media recognition, press release inclusion, program book inclusion, and more. For more information, please contact Heather Clark at The Food Bank at 413-247-9738 or heatherc@foodbankwma.org before January 31st. Would you like to have your work on stage in some format at the Academy of Music Theatre to benefit the Arts? Here’s your chance! The Really Big Gong Show Four Sundays in February Event #5 February 28th  – 2 PM, Academy of Music Theatre A showcase of the best local talent in the Valley’s favorite variety show at the communities’ most beloved theater. Win prizes! See your friends and loved ones display their talents! Send your ideas for The Really Big Gong Show to ssanderson@northamptonma.gov with subject: RBGS 2016 Entry or call (413) 587-1247 and leave a message for Steve Sanderson. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Phantom Sheep with J-ART present LaughCrafters: Comedy Improv Classes (6 week course) Mondays 7-9PM beginning January 25 Springfield Jewish Community Center The next 6 week session of this highly successful and fun class continues at the Springfield JCC! Learn new theater games and exercises. Sharpen Quick Thinking. Build Confidence on and off stage Improve acting and stage presence. Unleash creativity and characters. Relax and laugh (a lot). All taught in a very fun, encouraging, and constructive atmosphere by experienced professionals.  Tuition: Only $75 Sign Up Today!  improv@phantomsheep.com or call 413-739-4715 Those who register for this class are also invited to the jam workshop January 4th for free! Phantom Sheep is Western MA's own professional troupe of writers and performers. They have been teaching improv and have produced shows for Six Flags and many area libraries and schools together for over 15 years. More information on Facebook.  Double Edge Theatre's Spring Training Intensive March 18 - 20, 2016   Join Double Edge Theatre for a weekend of physical training, improvisation, and work with circus objects and aerial techniques! The Spring Intensive is ideal for emerging and professional artists who are interested in developing their own work in an ensemble context. For more information, visit the website.    The Spring Intensive will take place on the grounds of Double Edge Theatre's Farm, located at 948 Conway Road in Ashfield. Spaces are limited, so apply today! 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|*