Pioneer Valley Theatre News November 9, 2017

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Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser  November 9 - 29, 2017 Now that the elections are over... go see a show! The next issue will include events through December 6. 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 THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS: from Howlround Teenage Girls on Stage: Young Women Who Do Things by Helen Schultz From the article:  Oh to experience the world of a teenage girl in ninety minutes (disclosure: I wish my teenage years had only lasted ninety minutes). When I sat in the Duke on 42nd in New York City, next to the green, green astroturf and girls in shorts dribbling soccer balls, I found myself back at sixteen—no more acne or braces, but with a distinct sense of longing for a time that felt both limitless and impossibly constricting. Sarah DeLappe's The Wolves has—naturally—excited audiences from Vassar to Playwrights Realm to, now, Lincoln Center. And it deserves it: The Wolves is a beautiful, funny, weird, lovely play and I cried when I first read it, I cried when I saw it Off-Broadway, and I’ll cry when I see it at Lincoln Center. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES Smith College Department of Theatre New Play Reading Series presents THE UNTOLD STORY OF TROOT  by Lyssandra Norton Thursday, November 9 at 7:30 PM in Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre, Smith College 122 Green Street, Northampton, MA A world immersed in magic is all that Talitha can remember. Until a falling star shakes something loose in her memory. Can Talitha and her friends figure out how to save their world? And is it even theirs?  Free and open to all. Facebook event here. UMass Theater presents Runaways Music, lyrics, and book by Elizabeth Swados Directed by Lou Moreno, artistic director of New York City's INTAR Theatre November 9, 10, 11 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 11 at 2 p.m.   The authentic and diverse experiences of homeless youth come alive on our stage through the characters in Elizabeth Swados' Runaways, running Nov. 1-11 at UMass Theater.  Shaping these stories into theater that is truthful and sensitive to the issue of youth homelessness, which is central to Runaways, is guest director Lou Moreno. He brings to bear his professional credentials as a director and as artistic director of New York City's INTAR Theatre, as well as his experience working with homeless LGBTQ youth. He's motivated by a desire to portray these tossed away youths as real people who often fade into the background of our everyday lives.   Interviews with homeless youth in New York City formed the basis of Swados's musical, which premiered on Broadway in 1978 featuring some of those very same homeless youth. And as our artists tackled the play in 2017 at UMass, they quickly found that the stories are compelling and relevant in our time and place.  The diverse cast, which includes community members as well as actors-in-training at UMass Theater, has come together as an ensemble to bring truth to characters who are by turns energetic, angry, joyful, and wounded as they tell of their experiences in a society that stereotypes, disrespects, or dismisses them. What happens to them, they want you to realize, happens not only in big cities but in smaller towns and even on this campus. $5 students/seniors, $15 general admission Visit the Fine Arts Center Box Office in person, online, or by calling 1-800-999-UMAS Greenfield Community College/Theater Department presents OTHER DESERT CITIES November 9, 10, 11 at 7:30 Greenfield Community College, One College Ave, Greenfield MA 01301 About the play, OTHER DESERT CITIES by Jon Robin Baitz, Directed by Tom Geha: This riveting and humorous play was nominated for a 2012 Tony Award for Best Play and was a finalist for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize.  In this searing comedy-drama, young writer Brooke Wyeth returns home to Palm Springs to celebrate Christmas with her famous and politically-connected parents, brother and aunt. When she announces her plans to publish a tell-it-all memoir of crucial events in the family’s past, she brings to light old wounds, family secrets, scandal, and intrigue. Tickets Here. St. Michael's Players presents Seussical the Musical November 9,10, 11 at 7PM; November 12 at 2 PM St Michael's Community Center, 53 Somers Rd, East Longmeadow MA Join Horton, the Cat in the Hat, the Whos and other beloved Dr. Seuss characters as St. Michael's Players presents Seussical the Musical! More info here. Amherst College Theater presents PEER GYNT November 9, 10, 11 at 8:00 PM Kirby Theater  The Theater and Dance Department is proud to present a contemporary adaptation of Peer Gynt, an early play of the renowned Norwegian playwright, Henrik Ibsen. Directed by Assistant Professor Yagil Eliraz, written by Yagil Eliraz, Joshua Wren '14 and the company. This play is a phantasmagorical journey that spans over the lifetime of Peer, a young, dreamy and ambitious man who sets out on a quest to find his true self. From the mountains of Norway to the desert of Egypt, from encountering trolls, to riding a moose, to sailing across the ocean, the audience accompanies Peer in his adventurous journey. Peer wants to fulfill himself, find his self and define who he really is while remaining loyal only to his desires and goals. Peer is the personification of our age—one in which individualism often comes at the expense of solidarity, camaraderie and social consciousness. By joining his journey around the world, we ask ourselves, What is the cost of the obsessive search after our true Self? Tickets are free and open to the public. Reservations recommended (413) 542-2277. The Majestic Theater presents Crimes of the Heart by Beth Henley November 9 through December 10 The Majestic, West Springfield The story is set in Hazelhurst, Mississippi in 1974, and focuses on the gathering of the three Magrath sisters; Lenny, Meg and Babe. The trio has come together at the home of their grandfather, who is living out his last hours in a local hospital. Lenny, the eldest sister, is unmarried and facing few prospects. Meg, the middle sister, has had an unsuccessful attempt to launch a singing career in California, and Babe, the youngest, is out on bail after having shot her abusive husband. Joining them are their cousin Chick, an old boyfriend of Meg's named Doc, and Barnette, an awkward young lawyer attempting to keep Babe out of jail. As one critic put it, "It's a play with heart, wit, and zany passion."   Cast members include Emily Bloch (Lenny), Suzanne Ankrum (Meg), Katie Sloan (Babe), Dan Whelton (Doc), Josiah Durham (Barnette) and Elizaeth Drevits (Chick). The play is directed by Cate Damon, and producing director is Danny Eaton. Set designer is Greg Trochlil, Dawn McKay is costume designer and lighting designer is Dan Rist. Stephen Petit is production stage manager. Ticket for the play range from $23-$30 and are now available by calling or visiting the box office during its hours of operation, which are Monday through Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm. Valley Light Opera presents My Fair Lady November 10, 11 at 7:30 PM November 12 at 2:00 PM Academy of Music, Northampton In a brand-new, glittering and richly imagined production, Valley Light Opera brings Lerner & Loewe’s classic musical My Fair Lady to the Academy of Music in Northampton November 3rd, 4th, 10th and 11th at 7:30 and November 5th and 12th at 2:00PM. Nearly everyone knows the story – based on Shaw’s Pygmalion – of Eliza Doolittle, the Cockney flower girl transformed into a grand lady by the eccentric Professor Henry Higgins. But the VLO gives this old favorite a new dimension, continuing its tradition of looking deeply into the hearts of its characters and bringing them vibrantly to life as complex and fascinating human beings. Since opening 61 years ago, My Fair Lady has been beloved not only for its deliciously witty lyrics and enchanting music – including tender ballads, hilarious monologues, a racetrack Gavotte and boisterous barroom numbers – but also for the visual delights of the Edwardian period with swanky ballrooms, top hats, and sweeping gowns contrasting with colorful pubs and seedy street life. The show critics called “wise, witty, and winning . . . a miraculous musical” has only gained in stature over time. In today’s world, its grand themes have special resonance: the clash of cultures, the relations between men and women, class resentments – and the power of love to bridge all gaps. Valley Light Opera will be performing My Fair Lady as a fully-staged and orchestrated production, complete with the sumptuous costumes and splendid sets for which the company is renowned.  Artistic Director: Drew Gilbert Music Director: Michael Greenebaum Choreographer: Nicole Newell Presented by Arrangement with Tams-Witmark.  Valley Light Opera  Facebook Tickets online or contact the Academy of Music Box Office at 413-584-9032 Holyoke Community College Theater Department Presents "Rhinoceros" by Eugene Ionesco Thursday, November 16 at 7:30pm, Friday, November 17 at 7:30pm, Saturday, November 18 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm HCC Leslie Phillps Theater, Fine and Performing Arts Building, 2nd Floor, Holyoke Community College, 303 Homestead Avenue Holyoke MA 01040. PARKING IN LOT F. A small town is besieged by one roaring citizen who becomes a rhinoceros and proceeds to trample the social order. As more citizens are transformed into rhinoceroses, the trampling becomes overwhelming, and more and more citizens become rhinoceroses. One sane man, Berenger, remains unable to change his form and identity. The sublime is confused with the ridiculous in this savage commentary on the human condition, a staple of every theatre classroom and 20th century drama. Directed by HCC Theater Professor Tim Cochran Set and Lighting Design by Matthew Whiton Costume Design by Rich Vaden Sound and Projection Design by Deb McIntosh Technical Director Steve Bailey ADMISSION: $10 general, $8 students and seniors, $5 HCC community. Tickets available at the box office. Door opens at 7:00pm Facebook event Black Cat Theater presents Nunsense II: The second coming November 16, 17, 18 at 7:00 PM, November 19 at 2:0 PM South Hadley High School, 153 Newton Street, South Hadley This show could easily be subtitled “the rest of the story.” The sequel to the international hit musical NUNSENSE takes place approximately six weeks after the first “benefit performance.” The same five nuns are back on stage at Mt. Saint Helen’s School for what is billed as a “Thank You Program” for their supporters. You will also meet Sister Julia, the cook, and some of the Sisters who are teachers, as well as part of the Mt. Saint Helen's student body. Since their first time out was such a success, they have decided that they should stick to their successful variety show formula. This time they are forced to work around the set dressing of “The Mikado” which is being presented the following week by the Hoboken Music Society on the Mt. Saint Helen’s stage. Tickets for Open Seating: $15 General Admission, $12 Senior/Students Military/Veterans/First Responders -- FREE Scouts in uniform, accompanied by an adult, FREE with a donation of a non-perishable food item for the local food pantry. Reservations: email or leave a message 413-563-6023 The Academy of Music presents EINSTEIN! written and performed by Jack Fry November 18, 2017 Voted a "Best Performance"  at the 2016 New York City Fringe Festival. Based on a treasure trove of personal letters, files, and records released by Hebrew University in 2007, Fry's bioplay examines the early life in Berlin of the world's most famous physicist, as he struggles with his Nobel Prize-winning theory, the devastation of World War I, his deteriorating marriage, and regrets over his estrangement from from his son.  https://www.aomtheatre.com/event/einstein-by-jack-fry/ Silverthorne Theater Company presents YOUR VOICE, POET Saturday, November 25 at 8 pm The Bing Arts Center, located at 716 Sumner Avenue, Springfield Sunday, November 26 at 3 pm  The Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, 289 Main Street, Greenfield. There is no admission charge. Refreshments will be provided free of charge. FREE Community Arts event features a performance of YOUR VOICE, POET, by Haitian-American playwright Jean Dany Joachim. Winner of Silverthorne Theater's 2016 Playwrights of Color competition will be performed by members of NYC's Medicine Show Theatre Ensemble. Performance followed by extended facilitated discussion of the function of the arts in a dysfunctional world. Supported in part by a grant from MassHumanities. www.silverthornetheater.org AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES Pioneer Valley Theatre Companies Is your theatre company missing? Email me! Academy of Music Theatre Arena Civic Theatre Black Cat Theater Chester Theatre Company The Country Players Eggtooth Productions Exit 7 Players Ghost Light Theater Hampshire Shakespeare Company Happier Valley Comedy Ko Theater Works/Ko Festival of Performance Majestic Theater New Century Theatre PaintBox Theatre Pauline Productions Real Live Theatre Red Thread Theater Serious Play Theatre Ensemble Silverthorne Theater Smith College Department of Theatre St. Michael's Players TheatreTruck Westfield Theatre Group Wilbraham United Players Eggtooth Productions is presenting a holiday variety show at the Shea Theatre in Turners Falls, MA upon the theme of COMMUNION. noun 1. the sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level. Would you like to submit a 10 minute offering that could be a part of our show?  We provide the venue, the promotion, the tech, and any support (within reason) you might need to perform your piece. It could be theater, music, dance, circus arts, poetry, really anything that lasts under ten minutes and can be experienced upon a stage. Be creative!   Proposals due by November 15, 2017. Email Linda McInerney with your idea! When venues for their Full Disclosure and Double Take Fringe Festivals disappeared or became too expensive at the same time the artists they love working with multiplied and expanded, the folks at Eggtooth Productions had an idea. What if they did the same thing as their festivals but tucked all the acts into one evening? The response was terrific and so the New Vaudeville Holiday Spectacular was born.  Hampshire Shakespeare Company is currently seeking a Production Manager, a Fundraising Director, and a Publicist for the 2018 Summer season of “Shakespeare Under the Stars,” which will include the adult productions of Othello and Twelfth Night and the Young Company production to follow. Please see the website for more information on how to apply! Office Manager/Programs Coordinator Needed for Innovative Improv Company Would you like to make a living facilitating laughter and joy? Happier Valley Comedy is a small, nonprofit company in Western Massachusetts in search of a sharp Office Manager/Programs Coordinator. Happier Valley Comedy’s mission is to bring more laughter and joy to Western Massachusetts by providing regular improv comedy shows, a full-curriculum improv school, and personal/professional training programs. If you are psyched about doing the administrative work, logistics and program coordination necessary to maintain a small non-profit then this may be the job for you. If, in addition to running the day-to-day activities, you are excited about the opportunity to help a small company grow via fundraising, marketing and grant-writing, then this may be your dream job. Presently, Happier Valley Comedy is run exclusively by its founder, who needs someone who has strong office management skills and an interest in learning new skills. The position has a lot of growth potential and would be a super exciting job for someone interested in getting in on the ground floor of an improv company with an extremely supportive, enthusiastic, and burgeoning cliental community. The position is paid hourly for up to 40 hours/week - flexible hours and potential for remote work. The pay is $18/hour. Desired skills: ●  Demonstration of strong office management skills ●  Experience coordinating and administering logistics for events/classes/workshops ●  Strong communication skills, including writing ●  Proficient in online and social media communication tools, such as: Google Drive, Excel/Google Sheets, Google Calendar, Brown Paper Tickets, MailChimp, Weebly, Canva, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. ●  Managing payroll process and analyzing big picture financial plans Desired attributes: ●  Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of independent prioritized task management with minimal supervision ●  A quick learner and self-starter with an interest in the arts and a commitment to help grow the business ●  While sales, marketing, and/or grant-writing experience is a bonus, more important are an interest and aptitude to learn independently through experience and become skilled in these areas. The company president is willing to provide training and experience for the right individual ●  Positive, helpful attitude in interactions with clients ●  Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree preferred Key Duties and Responsibilities : Administrative/Office Management Duties: Independent, crackerjack organizing of office operations and procedures. Correspond with clients and staff in a positive, supportive way. Design images for programs. Update website. Self-directed design and implement of office policies by establishing standards and procedures; measuring results against standards; making necessary adjustments. Logistics/Coordination : Manage and administer registration, logistics, and running of 6+ weekly classes, workshops, retreats and special events throughout the year. Organize and manage annual schedule of classes in conjunction with president, staff, and teachers. Liaison with staff and clients. Provide contracting and other paperwork for teachers and clients. Assist with show production duties (booking guests, space rental, organizing volunteers.) Sales and Marketing: Create and enact traditional and unique publicity and marketing strategies to promote class, shows, and training programs as well as grow client base. Draft eye-catching, weekly newsletters, press releases and social media posts. Solicit sponsors and carry out fulfillment of sponsors’ agreements. Financial Oversight: Prepare payroll. Coordinate with bookkeeper to analyze financials (draft P&Ls) in order to create beneficial financial strategies. Grant-writing preferred. Interested parties should review www.happiervalley.com . Send cover letter and CV to: Pam Victor, pam@happiervalley.com . WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Submit your workshop or class here! 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