Pioneer Valley Theatre News January 25, 2018

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Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter View this email in your browser  January 25 - February 14, 2018 The Marriage of Figaro opens tomorrow night at the Academy of Music and has it's second (and closing) performance on Sunday. How often do you get to see opera in downtown Northampton? (Also, these voices are impeccable - don't miss it!) And plenty of auditions coming up as well for a great list of spring shows - don't forget to scroll down to see all the auditions and classes.  The next issue will include events through February 21. 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 Autistic Actors, "Autistic Archetypes," and Acting, in General  by Sam Ethan Rubin From the article:  “Change doesn’t happen unless you make it happen.”—Marlon Brando I am an actor on the autism spectrum and I’m out about it. So when my Theatre History professor suggested I write about acting and autism, I recognized both the opportunity and the enormous responsibility in penning my thoughts about actors on the autism spectrum and the roles available to us, so far. Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com PERFORMANCES The Majestic Theater presents Alabama Story by Kenneth Jones January 25 through February 11 Majestic Theater, West Springfield The play tells the true story of the State Librarian of Alabama, Emily Wheelock Reed, who was persecuted for protecting books in the south during the days of the Jim Crow laws. In 1959, Garth Williams, a well-known writer and illustrator, has just published a children's book entitled The Rabbit's Wedding, in which a black rabbit marries a white rabbit. State Senator E. W. Higgins is outraged, certain that the book promotes race-mixing, and mounts a crusade to have it removed from the shelves and banned. Alabama Story has been hailed as a social justice drama that's “a vest-pocket cousin” to To Kill a Mockingbird. It has been described as a “love letter to reading,” and productions have garnered both critical praise and standing ovations wherever it's been produced. Cast members include Cate Damon, Jack Grigoli, Rand Foerster, Melenie Flynn, Silk Johnson and Mark Dean. The play is directed by Sheila Siragusa and producing director is Danny Eaton. Set and lighting designer is Dan Rist and Dawn McKay is costume designer. Stephen Petit is production stage manager, and assistant production manager is Aurora Ferraro. 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 Friday10am – 5pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm. Panopera, Pioneer Valley Ballet, and Eggtooth Productions present THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Friday, January 26 at 7:30 PM  Sunday, January 28 at 2:00 PM Academy of Music Theatre Don't miss this opportunity to see a fully mounted production of one of the world's most beloved operas in one of the most beautiful opera houses in the country! Panopera, in collaboration with Pioneer Valley Ballet, and Eggtooth Productions, presents The Marriage of Figaro, an 18th century version of an all-too-common tale with an all-too-uncommon ending: When a powerful man attempts to cross the line with a female employee, he doesn’t always meet his match. This time, he does. Widely considered to be Mozart’s greatest opera, the Marriage of Figaro is famous for its depiction of an aristocrat outmaneuvered and thwarted by his underlings. The play by Beaumarchais on which the opera was based has occasionally been banned by the powerful. Come find out why! Tickets. Amherst College Musical presents Urinetown: The Musical January 26, 27, and 28 at 7:30 PM Powerhouse 10 East Drive Amherst College Amherst, MA 01002 The Amherst Musical presents the satirical musical comedy Urinetown as their 2018 production. With music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and book by Greg Kotis, Urinetown narrates the tale of a group of young rebels banded together against an oppressive capitalist system. Performances will take place at Amherst College's Powerhouse (located next to the police station off of route 9) with 3 shows Friday through Sunday, January 26-28th. Directed by Megan Healey (Ghost Light Theater, Arena Civic Theatre) and with music direction by Anthony Ferreira (UMASS ’19 majoring in music composition). Choreography by Sue Dresser (The Country Players, Arena Civic Theatre, KDS) and stage management by Sophina Flores ’20 and Abby Douglas ’20. Set in a world where a corporation has outlawed the use of private bathrooms and charges people to use public amenities, Urinetown raises questions on the nature of limited resources and unlimited wants and highlights a seemingly unsolvable problem that is arguably more relevant today than ever before. In the show, anyone found breaking the law against the use of private bathrooms is exiled to the mysterious and secretive Urinetown, never to be seen again. However, Bobby, a lowly janitor at Public Amenity #9, falls madly in love with corporate tycoon Cladwell’s sincere and well-intentioned daughter, Hope, and must sort out where his true beliefs lie. Constantly facing political corruption, Officer Lockstock’s brutal police force, and Caldwell B. Cladwell’s greedy corporate dominance, Bobby and the rebellion poor must fight for their freedom to consume the town’s water supply as they please.  Winner of three Tony awards including Best Original Score in 2002, Urinetown also parodies musicals such as West Side Story, The Threepenny Opera, The Cradle Will Rock, and Les Misérables, and the Broadway musical itself as a form. Part of the proceeds of our production will go towards the international nonprofit foundation “Water for People” which helps people in rural parts of developing countries achieve greater access to drinkable and potable water and sanitation facilities. Free for 5-College students and faculty (with ID)  $15 for adults $8 for seniors and kids 12 and under  For ticket reservations, email amherstmusicaltix@gmail.com  Email us amherstcollegemusical@gmail.com with any questions. More information. UMass Theater presents Dream Play An immersive experience based on the classic play by August Strindberg Directed by Mary Corinne Miller Feb. 7, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17 at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. Departs from and concludes in the Curtain Theater, and travels to Rooms 433-442 on the Fourth Floor Arts Bridge, Fine Arts Center; accessible $5 per play students/seniors, $15 general admission We accept credit cards and Ucards at the door Visit the Fine Arts Center Box Office in person, online, or by calling 1-800-999-UMAS Eyes looking forward, feet still, knees straight ahead — that's how we take in most theater performances. Not so with UMass Theater's Dream Play. In director Mary Corinne Miller’s innovative vision for August Strindberg’s drama, the internal psyche of dreams comes to life in a site-specific, experiential/immersive play, the first of its kind to be part of the UMass mainstage season. Audience members are invited to mingle with performers as they forge their own path through this unique take on a classic, running Feb. 7-17 on the fourth floor Arts Bridge in the UMass Fine Arts Center.  Written in 1901 as a counter strike on the era of realism, Dream Play  challenged people to reconsider how they experienced time and space.  In Strindberg’s original production, Dream Play followed Agnes, a daughter of the gods, on her quest to understand humanity. In her travels, she met countless individuals and couples whose suffering was great. Miller’s immersive adaptation of this play invites the audience to step into the role of Agnes. Like her, they'll venture through the story, meeting the other characters Agnes met, pondering what their experiences mean. They will encounter not only the hardships of human existence but the joys of life; they will get the opportunity to discover for themselves what it means to be human.  A team of fourteen actors will guide audience members from the Curtain Theater up to the fourth floor Arts Bridge in the Fine Arts Center, where a dream-world will unfold throughout ten different rooms. Audience members can choose to stay in one room, follow a specific actor on their journey through the space, or forge their own pathway through the Arts Bridge.  Not only will this production of Dream Play be the first immersive, experiential performance done as a mainstage production at UMass Theater, it will also be one of the first to experiment with engaging all five senses throughout the performance. Audience members will not be required to participate in the performance but may be offered objects to hold by actors, invited to listen through telephones, experience smells in the separate rooms, and even taste food and drink while they move through the spaces. After the performance concludes, audience members are invited to join members of the production in the Curtain Theater to mingle, enjoy a beverage, and discuss the performance. Buy your tickets now and join us inside a gorgeous, surreal world! Mount Holyoke College Rooke Theatre presents Play Reading of Chay Yew's "Question 27, Question 28" Feb. 9-10, 2018 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm Rooke Theatre, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA What happened to the women of the Japanese American Internment? How did these brave women keep their American dream alive? This play weaves a story of the struggles, plights and courage of Japanese American female detainees in the American internment camps of World War II. Nationally-recognized playwright Chay Yew draws from the special archives of the Japanese American National Museum to create a documentary theater project based on testimonials, transcripts, documents and interviews with female internees living in the camps during WWII. Directed by Heidi Holder.   Free and open to the public.  More information. Exit 7 Theater presents William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing February 9,10, 16,17 at 8pm, February 11 and 18 at 2pm Exit 7 Theater, 37 Chestnut st, Ludlow, MA (413)583-4301 or at www.exit7players.org The Exit 7 Players are proud to announce Its winter production, William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Show dates are February 9,10, 16, and 17 at 8pm and February 11 and 18 at 2pm. The Bard’s famous comedic romp known for the brilliant war of words between the feisty Beatrice and the staunch bachelor Benedick, Much Ado About Nothing plays out amidst the brittle high spirits of a post-war house party. When Don Pedro Prince of Aragon visits Leonato, Duke of Messina, love antics ensue. War hero Claudio falls in love with Leonato’s daughter, Hero and their marriage is agreed upon. While marriage preparations ensue, Don Pedro schemes up a plan to make old flames and longtime bantering partners Benedick and Beatrice fall in love. This charming exploration of love and marriage, friendship and honor, features some of Shakespeare’s wittiest and most poignant dialogue. The show is directed by Ryan Bird. Ticket prices are $22 (preferred), $20 (adult) and $18 (seniors over 62/children 12 and under), and are available through the Exit 7 Theater website at www.exit7players.org or via phone at (413) 583-4301. Discounted group tickets are also available by calling the box office. 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 Ja'Duke Center for the Performing Arts 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 Hampshire Shakespeare Company is currently seeking 2 Directors and a Fundraising Director 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! Silverthorne Theatre Company seeks a set/lights designer for a spring production of Athol Fugard’s The Road to Mecca. Production dates are June 21-23 and 28-30, 2018. Silverthorne is the resident theatre company in the Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center in Greenfield. The performance space on the 4th floor is relatively small [capacity approximately 100], and it has a nice, intimate feeling about it. Stipend involved. For further information or to express interest in the position, please contact Lucinda Kidder, producer, at silverthornetheater@gmail.com, or Rebecca Daniels, director, at rdaniels2525@gmail.com. Diverse performers sought for UMass Theater's stage adaptation of Infants of the Spring Adapted by Ifa Bayeza from the 1932 novel by Wallace Thurman Directed by Ifa Bayeza Auditions Jan. 23 & 24, 6-10 p.m. in the Rand Theater Callbacks Jan. 25, 6-10 p.m. in the Rand Theater. Performers from all racial and ethnic backgrounds are sought to help the UMass Amherst Department of Theater bring to the stage its adapation of a classic book about the Harlem Renaissance and the Jazz Age. The department is not just seeking actors: singers and dancers are also invited to perform. You do not have to be a UMass student to be part of the show: Five College and community members are welcome to audition! About the play: Ifa Bayeza’s new adaptation of Wallace Thurman’s classic novel Infants of the Spring vividly examines the legendary Harlem Renaissance rom the inside out – a virtual portrait gallery of the major African American literary personalities of the Jazz Age. Infants of the Spring puts the entire New Negro Movement under indictment, challenging the power of art to create true social change and exposing the peril to the individual artist seeking to meet that expectation. A generation of writers blazed brilliantly and brazenly for an era and then, but for a few, became lost for decades. Set in 1929, Thurman’s prescient novel foresees the fall. Bayeza’s sensitive tragicomedy captures the jagged, fibrillating pulse of the era at its glorious end. An historic play based on real life, Infants of the Spring is a remarkably contemporary exploration of race, gender, sex, class, and gentrification.   What to prepare: Performers are asked to prepare two contrasting monologues. Students without monologues prepared are encouraged to audition. All who audition should be prepared to read sides, tell a story, sing a song or participate in an improvisation movement exercise.  Cast breakdown is as follows: RAYMOND: a dark-skinned, urbane Harlem Renaissance author from the West Coast. STEPHEN: a visiting graduate student from Denmark. SAM: a white radical, son of a stockbroker and communist sympathizer. COUNTESS NIJINSKY: a Jewish girl from the Bronx passing as Russian royalty. PAUL: a strikingly handsome black, avant-garde painter. EUSTACE: a pudgy, would-be concert singer, African American. PELHAM: a slow-witted black youth originally from the deep South.  BULL: a local Harlem longshoreman and amateur boxer. JANET:  a pretty brown-skinned Harlem elevator operator.     ALINE: Janet’s best friend, a very fair-skinned, white-looking Harlem shop girl. EUPHORIA: Full-figured, landlady, a self-made woman of means, a realtor and policy queen. LUCILLE: Raymond’s on again-off again girlfriend, a self-assured executive secretary. BERNHARDT: A mysterious, over-the-hill Negro “actress.” DR. PARKES: An elder Negro intellectual and race leader.  ENSEMBLE: Various New York City dwellers, such as CHORUS GIRL, CLUB OWNER, CABBIE, POLICEMEN, BOOTLEGGER, WAITERS, REVELERS and WORKERS.  Scripts for all productions can be accessed as read-only files. Performers will be able to sign up for audition slots via Signupgenius; a link to the sign-up site will be posted on the UMass Theater audition page as soon as it is available. A Shot of Theater is back and currently seeking WRITERS and DIRECTORS for our first set of revival performances taking place in our new Easthampton venue in March 2018. Scripts should be no longer than 15 minutes in performance length, written for 2-5 actors, have minimal set/costume/tech requirements, and relate to the theme of “THE RETURN.” Scripts are due on January 27th, sent to ashotoftheater@gmail.com. Interested directors should send an e-mail with basic contact information, availability, and experience to the same address. Rehearsals will run independently through the month of February and will be performed every Thursday in March, with a tech/dress on the first Wednesday.  A Shot of Theater is a low commitment theater opportunity for writers, local directors, and actors. We perform bare-bone style, original one-act plays within a cabaret setting every Thursday for a month, every three months. Previously performed at The Elevens in Northampton, we are excited to have found a new venue at 121 Club in Easthampton! Ashfield Community Theater happily announces January auditions for our show in May, Sinclair Lewis’s “It Can’t Happen Here.” The play is about the election of a fascist American president (Buzz Windrip), his ensuing crushing  of civil rights, and the underground rising against him by a  Vermont editor (Doremus Jessup) and his family and friends. Josh Platt of Greenfield is directing. Auditions will be held at the Belding Memorial Library, 344 Main St. (Route 112), in Ashfield from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28, and from 6 to 8 pm. on Monday, Jan. 29. Auditioners may attend either audition.  They will work from the script: no preparation  or experience is necessary. Those unable to make these times can set up another audition by contacting Jackie Walsh at 413-625-9413 or itcanthappenhereashfield@gmail.com. A large, diverse ensemble is needed, ages 20 and up. The play runs May 18, 19, 20, 25 and 26 in Ashfield.   The company also needs help on set design, set construction, lighting, publicity, hair and house managing. For more info, contact Jackie Walsh at 413-625-9413 or itcanthappenhereashfield@gmail.com. Smith College Department of Theatre presents Auditions for MEN ON BOATS by Jaclyn Backhaus, directed by Tara Franklin Ten explorers. Four boats. One Grand Canyon. MEN ON BOATS is the true(ish) history of an 1869 expedition, when a one-armed captain and a crew of insane yet loyal volunteers set out to chart the course of the Colorado River. Auditions are Sunday and Monday, January 28 and 29, 7-10 PM in Acting Studio 1.  Callbacks will be Tuesday, January 30, 7-10 PM in Acting Studio 1.  Roles for 10 women. No appointment or preparation necessary. Perusal scripts are available in Josten Library. Sides from the script will be available at auditions.  Five college and community members welcome. We welcome diversity and color inclusive casting. Email artsinfo@smith.edu with any questions.  MAJESTIC THEATER SEEKING LATINO ACTORS FOR DEBUT PLAY BY LOCAL PLAYWRIGHT' Auditions to be Held January 29 at West Springfield Theater Auditions will be held on Monday, January 29 from 6:00 p.m. To 10:00 p.m. at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, MA for roles in the play “Tight Pants.” The story features seven roles, all Latino characters in the play, which takes place in the Dominican Republic. All actors must be Latino and have stage experience. “Tight Pants,” written by Springfield resident Betel Arnold, may be staged at the Majestic Theater this summer. Set in a humble village populated by spirited residents who know each others' lives, are supportive and passionate, the play takes place during the 1960's and 1970's. The young women of the village are taught early in life to wear tight pants to draw attention to themselves and attract suitors from wealthier countries who might whisk them away to more lucrative lives elsewhere. Arnold says that the play, her first, was based on her mother's life, and how she came to the United States. “It's a funny and heartwarming story of two fierce and very determined women and how their friendship affects the evolution of their attitudes towards the men that come in and out of their lives,” said Arnold. Majestic Theater Producing Director Danny Eaton met Arnold last year when she enrolled in a playwrighting workshop he taught at the Springfield Museums. She had already begun writing the script by then, and brought it into the workshop to seek Eaton's guidance. “What impressed me the most was Betel's dedication to her work,” said Eaton. “She wrote and edited it during the weeks of my workshop, then beyond. It's an interesting story, with well-crafted characters providing their insights. There's a terrific blend of drama, comedy and character study, which I think our Majestic audience would enjoy. “When we opened the Majestic Theater more than twenty years ago,” Eaton continued, “our mission was to provide a professional venue in the Pioneer Valley for theater performers who wanted to have a life here and not have to travel – or move - to New York, Los Angeles or places in-between to find quality work opportunities. That same opportunity exists for playwrights, and the Theater Project is happy to be able to support Betel in bringing her work to the Majestic.” “Tight Pants” has three male characters (ranging in ages from 20's to 60's) and four female characters (ranging in ages from 6 to nearly 60). Actors must call the theater at (413) 747-7797 to book an audition time slot and are requested to bring a current resume and head shot, if available. They should also arrive 15-20 minutes early to fill out paperwork. Smith College Department of Theatre New Play Reading Series: HOW TO DATE A MANIC PIXIE DREAM GIRL Written and directed by Lyssandra Norton MFA '18 Auditions are February 5 7-10PM in Acting Studio 1 Auditions for a super low-key staged reading at Smith. 1-3 rehearsals. Reading the script off a music stand. If you're looking for something low commitment stop by anytime between 7-10 in Studio 1 on February 5th at Smith in the theatre building. Looking for actors of all kinds 18-35.  Contact Lyssandra Norton with any questions. Facebook event. WORKSHOPS & CLASSES Valley Performance Playground presents Movers & Shakers Fridays, 10-10:45 am Jan 5-March 16, April 6-June 15 Northampton Center for the Arts, Downstairs, 33 Hawley St, Northampton MA Go on a creative adventure each week with your child as you move your bodies and stretch your imaginations. Children will gain physical awareness and hone social skills as they explore the dynamics of movement and rhythm. The class is designed to give caregivers the opportunity to connect with their children in a joyful and playful environment and take home creative tools to incorporate into everyday life. A variety of music, imaginative props, and stories will be used to create a stimulating and fun creative movement/drama class. Ages: 18 mos-5 yrs, and their grown-ups, drop-ins welcome ($15, 1/2 price for siblings) More information. New Century Theatre Producing Director Sam Rush will offer two courses beginning in early 2018. Classes will be held at the Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz Street in Northampton, MA. To register, send an email to Sam Rush (srush@newcenturytheatre.org) or call 413-587-3933 to hold a spot. You can click on this link to download a registration form. Acting for Non-Actors Instructor, Sam Rush   Ages 18 and up (or by instructor permission)   Tuesdays, 5:15-7:15 p.m.   Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz Street  February 13 through April 10  (no class on March 13)  Course Description: The perfect course if you have never taken an acting class before but have always wanted to try or had a class once way back when and want to try again. With NCT Producing Director Sam Rush, you'll have a chance to explore your inner ham in a fun, relaxed and supportive environment. Using improvisation, text and original source material, you'll learn fundamental acting techniques that may just serve you the rest of your life - on stage or off.   Scene Study Intensive Instructor, Sam Rush Ages 18 and up (or by instructor permission)  Wednesdays, 5:15-7:15 p.m.  Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz Street   January 24 through April 4 (no class on February 21)    Course Description:  This class is for actors with previous experience and for students who have taken the Acting for Non-Actors course and wish to continue their study of the actor's craft. We'll start right away with scene study work and exercises that support the rehearsal process. J-ART in partnership with Phantom Sheep Productions presents Comedy Improv Classes- Adult & Teens (15+) Winter Session Six Weeks starting Feb 5th at 7:00 PM Springfield Jewish Community Center 6 Weeks Session. Mondays 7-9PM Starting February 5th! Open to the general public! Adults & Teens 15+ Sharpen quick thinking! Unleash creativity and characters! Build confidence! Enjoy the power of collaboration! Improve acting and stage presence! Relax and laugh! (a lot)! Taught in a very fun, encouraging, and constructive atmosphere. All levels welcomed and challenged at own pace. Facebook event. Submit your workshop or class here! 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|*