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September 29 - October 19, 2016
It's the final weekend to catch Beauty and the Beast at Arena Civic Theatre. Don't miss it! Check out the poster & link below to purchase tickets.
A pair of free tickets for each performance of Trump Card (performed by Seth Lepore in the Eastworks building) will be raffled in the New England New Play Alliance Newsletter. A raffle will be held a few days before each show. To enter, subscribe to the free weekly New Play Alliance Newsletter and watch the Ticket Giveaway section for the raffles. And see the listing below for more information about the show!
The next issue will include events through October 26. 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
The Creative Commons, or "Commonly Creative"
by Cheryl Davis
From the article:
Any playwright or other theatre artist ought to have some familiarity with the copyright law, not only to protect their own rights to their creative work, but also to understand what kind of work they can use created by somebody else—no one works in a vacuum. Artists are constantly riffing and expanding upon the images and ideas that they see and hear around them. But as a general matter of copyright law, only the person who creates the work has the right to copy and/or use it. Does that mean that when you quote something written by another writer, or sample music for your score, or incorporate someone else’s artwork into your design, you’re infringing their copyright? Does it mean that no one can ever use your work without your permission? What if you find it on the Internet—isn’t that free for public use? The lawyerly answer is: “It depends.”
Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com
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Eggtooth Productions, The Arts Block &
Franklin Community Co-op offer
A new immersive adaptation of Shakespeare’s
The Winter’s Tale
Directed & Designed by John Bechtold with Music by John Sheldon
Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2016 at 7:30 pm with a 2 pm matinee on Oct. 2.
Explore the rich stories of The Winter’s Talethrough intuitive, instinctual, & imaginative ways, as we break the boundaries between the real & the imaginary across 5 floors of Arts Block in Greenfield, MA where the physical space is metamorphosed to transfix, transform, & transport audience members through their senses as they experience the action & environment.
The Winter’s Tale is one of jealousy, redemption, reunification, and the healing power of Time. Audience members enjoy a uniquely personal experience, with a cast of fine local actors including dancers, singers and guitar music by John Sheldon.
Costumes & Production co-design by Julia V. Whalen; Stage manager, Deb Banks McIntosh, Lights by Downright Productions with Troy David Mercier, Linda Tardif, Reynolds Whalen, Stephen Eldredge, Jack Golden, Atticus, Monte, & Enzo Belmonte, Marina Goldman, Richard Skoler, Andrew Plimpton, Ian Emerson, Fiona Herter, Lindel Hart, Katie Spurgin, Katherine Adler, Michayla Robertson-Pine, Emma Ayres, and John Sheldon.
Tickets online.
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The Majestic Theater presents MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott
September 29-October 23
West Springfield, MA
“Million Dollar Quartet” tells about the real-life events of Tuesday afternoon, December 4, 1956 at Sun Records' Memphis studio. Rockabilly star Carl Perkins was there working on a revamped version of the blues song “Matchbox,” when fellow Sun recording artists Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley drifted into the studio, and the quartet took part in a loose jam session that producer Sam Phillips had the foresight to record. A local reporter who was called and sat in headlined his newspaper article which ran the next day, “Million Dollar Quartet.”
Cast members include Jay Sefton (Sam Phillips), Colin Patrick Ryan (Elvis Presley), Corbin Mayer (Johnny Cash), Brian Michael Henry (Jerry Lee Lewis), Dan Whelton (Carl Perkins) and Kaytlyn Vandeloecht (Dyanne).
The play will be directed by the Majestic’s Producing Director Danny Eaton. Mitch Chakour is the music director, and set design is by Greg Trochlil. Stephen Petit is production stage manager, and associate stage manager is Aurora Ferraro.
For additional information, visit the website.
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Arena Civic Theatre Presents
Disney’s Beauty & the Beast
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton
Directed by Dawn Mayo
Musical Direction by Ted Trobaugh
Choreography by Sue Dresser
Presented 9/30 & 10/1 at 7:30 PM and 10/2 at 2:00 PM
The Ruth B. Smith Auditorium at the Orange Town Hall
6 Prospect Street
Orange, MA 01364
Tickets $16 General Admission, $13 Seniors/Students, $10 Children and are available at the door or by calling to reserve at (413) 233-4368 or online.
Step into the enchanted world of Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, an international sensation that has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 13 countries. Based on the Academy-Award winning animated feature, this spectacular musical tells the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. Be Arena Civic Theatre’s guest for this beloved musical!
Facebook Event.
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The Academy of Music Theatre presents
Best of Valley Voices Story Slam
Saturday, October 1 at 7:30 PM
Academy of Music Theatre
he Academy of Music Theatre and New England Public Radio are teaming up to present their second Best of Valley Voices. Four Valley Voices Story Slams were held at the Northampton Brewery during the winter and spring of 2016, where the audience selected the top three stories. These top stories by twelve local storytellers will be shared on the Academy stage to compete for the top prize – Best of Valley Voices.
A story slam is a competition based on the art of first person narrative storytelling. It puts emphasis on content and performance, encouraging storytellers to focus on what they’re saying and how they’re saying it. It’s an exercise in crafting stories within a set time limit, without notes or props, and it’s great entertainment. Best of Valley Voices will feature the top winners of each story slam, a seasoned raconteur, and two local emerging musicians.
Wishbone Zoe will appear as featured musician, the avant-indie project of artist Saera K, who specializes in areas of junkyard rock, crashitybishbash, and the distracted storytelling of important things. She has played regionally and nationally at rooms such as Club Passim, Signature Sounds’ Parlor Room and Melodica Fest and has shared the bill with such artists as The Suitcase Junket, And The Kids, Bella’s Bartok, and Heather Maloney.
The 2015 Best of Valley Voices Story Slam winner, Susanne Schmidt, will return to share a new story on stage during the tabulation of ballots.
Tickets and more information online.
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The Seth Show presents
TRUMP CARD
Adapted from the monologue by Mike Daisey, Performed by Seth Lepore
Directed by Linda McInerney of Eggtooth Productions
Tuesday October 4th
and November 1st
THE WEST END (across from Riff's)
EASTWORKS
116 Pleasant St Suite 160
When Seth Lepore found out that Mike Daisey made the script for his new standing room only show, TRUMP CARD, open-source and adaptable, he knew he had to jump at the chance. The Guardian hails the show as “...how an artful lie illuminates what we believe to be the truth more than any actual accounting of objective reality.”
Using the bones of Daisey’s script as a solid foundation, Lepore chops up and remixes his own personal story into the fold, threading in the political quagmires of his home state of Rhode Island. From the love/hate relationship the people of Providence had with Mayor Buddy Cianci, to Lepore’s second cousin switching from Catholic priest to Mayor of his home town, Lepore conveys how the cult of personality is nothing new. How, in fact, Trump’s timing couldn’t be better... for the worse. If anything, we created all this monster together.
Linda McInerney of Eggtooth Productions directs this adapted version.
Advanced tickets are in limited batches and start at $8 and go up in two dollar increments until they reach $14 online. Get tickets now to save money. $15 at the door. Buy Tickets
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Contra-Tiempo: Urban Latin Dance Theater’s Auga Furiosa!
Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 7:30PM
Fine Arts Center Concert Hall
The newest work from this bold, multilingual Los Angeles based dance company challenges audiences to confront the harsh realities of race in our country. Inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest and Oya, the Afro-Cuban deity of wind and storms, Agua Furiosa highlights Contra-Tiempo’s unique urban-Latin movement vocabularies to create a visually stunning and thought-provoking performance.
Please Note: There will be a Strobe Light in use during this performance.
Dessert: Stay for a post-concert talk with the company.
Tickets available online.
$35, $30, $20; Five College and 17 & Under: $10; Five College Faculty & Staff: Please call the Box Office
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Silverthorne Theater Company presents The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
Arts Block 4th Floor in Downtown Greenfield
October 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 7:30 pm, with a 2:00 pm matinee performance on Saturday, October 15.
AKA The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr(Abridged), by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield (The Reduced Shakespeare Company), this comedy is a rollicking irreverent attempt to represent all 37 of Shakespeare’s works (poems included) in one evening’s entertainment. Three actors fly about the stage, now re-enacting the history plays as football with the crown tossed downfield to whichever contender can catch it. Othello is rendered in rap, and all the comedies are condensed into one quick take on happily-ever-after. During the second act of the play, Hamlet is attacked from all sides, finally winding up being performed (in a very shortened version) backwards.
The Silverthorne production features the talents of veteran Valley comedian Steve Henderson* (member, Actors Equity Association) with rising stars Julian Findlay and Schuyler Evans. David Rowland directs.
Tickets are available at the door or online. General admission is $19; students/seniors 65+ $17. Pre-sale discount tickets will be available at the World Eye Bookstore, 156 Main Street, Greenvield, beginning September 15. Reserve over the phone at 413-768-7514.
Audience involvement is a given with special attention paid to the squeamish. As often said, “If you like Shakespeare, you’ll like this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you’ll love this show!” The Today Show. “Pithier than Python. Irresistible.” New York Times.
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Happier Valley Comedy presents SCRIPTED/UNSCRIPTED
Saturday, October 8 at 8:00 PM
Arts Block, Greenfield
Happier Valley Comedy Show Monthly comedy show presents SCRIPTED/UNSCRIPTED Saturday October 8th. Arts Block (289 Main St., Greenfield) at 8:00pm. (Doors open at 7pm.) Tickets $13 at the door and in advance online at www.theartsblock.com. For ticket information, call 413-774-0150, for show info emailinfo@happiervalley.com. Facebook event.
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Happier Valley Comedy presents More Improv, More Better
Saturday, October 8 at 10:00 PM
Arts Block, Greenfield
More Improv, More Better Jam & Showcase: Open improv jam for everyone and anyone to play and watch improv games lead by Happier Valley Comedy friends. Plus a showcase set featuring an up-and-coming improv team. Saturday, October 8th. Arts Block (289 Main St., Greenfield) at 10-11pm. (Directly following the Happier Valley Comedy Show.) Free show (one drink minimum.) For moreinfowww.happiervalley.com or info@happiervalley.com.
Facebook event.
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Smith College Department of Theatre presents
New Playreading Series
FRUIT IN WINTER
written and directed by
Emily H. Atkinson
Thursday, October 13 at 7:30 PM in Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre
24 years ago, Audrey Fisher sold her soul to the devil. Then, she did something even worse, and the reckoning has finally come due. A lesbian love story, a demonic rivalry, and a tale of ambition, magic, and self-loathing, Fruit in Winter is a Faustus for the modern age, and a story for anyone who has felt that she would have to sell her soul to have it all.
Free and open to the public.
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Happier Valley Comedy presents the Happier Family Comedy Show
Saturday, October 15 at 4:00 PM
Eastworks Community Room
Happier FAMILY Comedy Show: Monthly improv comedy show for the whole family. Best for 5-12 year olds and their adults. Saturday, October 15th at 4pm. Located at Eastworks' Community Room (Suite 160) 116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton. Tickets at the door: $10/Adults, $5/Kids (3 yrs and under free), $30/Family Max. Purchase tickets online or at the door (*cash or check only at the door please*) For more info visit www.happiervalley.com. on facebook.
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Dean Parker Productions presents Mr. Mambo
Saturday, October 15 at 8:00 PM
Academy of Music Theatre
Two-act musical comedy featuring the 80’s pop music of the recording artist Tiffany. Three high school seniors spend spring break in New York City competing on a dance competition reality show. Impressionable Kristen Aimes is convinced that the dynamic host for “Dance America,” Eric Archer – also known as “Mr. Mambo” – is infatuated with her. She is unaware that Eric’s interest in her is actually a publicity stunt, and that her secret admirer is really her best male friend, Johnny. Kristen and her friends each have a shot at the $1 million prize – until Eric’s vengeful ex-girlfriend, Amber, schemes to get them thrown off the show.
More info online.
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Serious Play Theatre Ensemble presents
White Rabbit Red Rabbit
by Nassim Soleimanpour
A.P.E. Gallery, 126 Main Street, Northampton MA
October 15, 16, 17, 2016, 8:00 pm
No set, no rehearsal and the script is unsealed by the one actor in the show who reads it for the first and only time. White Rabbit Red Rabbit has been called a play. But it's a lively, global sensation that no-one is allowed to talk about. Its award-winning playwright, Nassim Soleimanpour, is Iranian. His words have escaped censorship and are awaiting your audience. Slyly humorous and audaciously pointed, this 'theater entertainment meets social experiment' is unlike anything, and will make you question everything.
Since its premiere in 2011 at the Edinburgh Fringe, "White Rabbit Red Rabbit" has been translated into more than 20 different languages and been performed over 1000 times by some of the biggest names in theatre and film including actors John Hurt, Stephen Rea, Sinead Cusack, Marcus Brigstocke, film director Ken Loach, and in the states by Nathan Lane, Alan Cumming and Whoopie Goldberg, to name but a few.
Readers in Northampton: Jessica Litwak (10/15), Kermit Dunkleberg (10/16), and Patrick Gaughan (10/17)
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Springfield Armory presents WOW for Women
October 16 at 12:00 and 2:00 PM
Springfield Armory, Campus of STCC College, Springfield, MA
WOW - Women Ordnance Workers were employed at the Armory during WWII, making guns and rifles for the Allies. Women did the work of what, then, "man's work". In 2 one-woman theatre performances, nationally award winning actress/writer Judith Black will take the stage, starring in both plays, one a comedy and the other a drama about WOW.
Between these performances, Albany Berkshire Ballet will stage its own version of "Rosie the Riveter" in a short program. FREE
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