January 10 - 30, 2019

Have you added yourself to the Pioneer Valley Theatre Personnel list yet? It's great for networking - if you are looking for a designer or actor or technician or playwright - check out this list.

Also, if your favorite local theatre company isn't on the list at the bottom of this email, let me know! (Can't see this list? Click the view this email in your browser link at the top of the page)

The next issue will include events through February 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 H owlround
Latinx Theatre for Young Audiences: Where We Are and Where We Must Go
by Ramon Esquivel

From the article:

In the lead-up to the 2019 Latinx Theatre Commons Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) Sin Fronteras Festival and Convening, I’ve been reflecting on Latinx TYA and asking questions about where we’re at and how we can grow. I acknowledge that my bias in this article is towards theatre produced in the United States, and I invite perspectives and responses from those working elsewhere.

Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com

Want to know even more about events in the Pioneer Valley and beyond,
including reviews, interviews, and previews?
In the Spotlight, Inc.
Berkshire on Stage
Stagestruck

Click to Access: Pioneer Valley Theatre Personnel Spreadsheet

PERFORMANCES

Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater presents Peter Pan
Thursday, January 10 at 7:30 pm (general admission); Friday, January 11 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, January 12 at 1:00 pm (matinee); Sunday, January 13 at 1:00 pm (matinee); Thursday, January 17 at 7:30 pm; Friday, January 18 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, January 19 at 1:00 pm (matinee); Saturday, January 19 at 7:30 pm; Sunday, January 20 at 1:00 pm (matinee)
Bowker Auditorium, Stockbridge Hall, UMass

This January, come with us where dreams are born and time is never planned! PETER PAN arrives on the Bowker Auditorium stage set in a newly imagined Neverland, with the illustrious Peter and his pack of lost boys, the ingenious Tiger and her runaways, surly pirates of all ages, the Darling family, a truly amazing Crocodile, and of course the nefarious Captain Hook– all with an extra special helping of fairy dust! PETER PAN comes to Bowker Auditorium at UMass, Amherst, MA • January 10-13 and 17-20, 2019. This full-scale, live production brings lavish sets and costumes, a full live orchestra, and a remarkable cast together in a gorgeous singing, dancing extravaganza! See www.alsct.org for tickets and more info, or call 413-259-3065.

http://alsct.org/buy_tickets/index.html

West Springfield's Majestic Theater presents “The Mountaintop,” a historical drama by Katori Hall
January 10 through February 10

The play is set entirely in Room 306 of the Lorraine Motel, now the National Civil Rights Museum, in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., having just delivered his “I've Been to the Mountaintop” speech on behalf of the sanitation workers of Memphis, retires to the motel to prepare for another long day of campaigning. Here he encounters Camae, a beautiful maid. After some initial superficial exchanges, the pair begin a deep discussion about Dr. King's hopes and fears. “The Mountaintop” offers audiences a different side of Martin Luther King, Jr.; a man who despite his flaws remains an inspiration.

According to the Majestic's Producing Director Danny Eaton, “Toward the end of the play, Dr. King says, 'I am just a man. I am just a man.' He adds that all he wanted was to be a minister at a small church, and he wonders who will carry the baton after he's gone. Katori Hall has gifted us with a remarkable portrait of both the man as well as the icon. And, of course, the message is as relevant today as it ever was.”

“The Mountaintop” premiered in London where it won several theater awards and critical acclaim prior to its Broadway run in 2011. It has since been produced in leading American cities including Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago and Palo Alto, in addition to being staged in South Africa, New Zealand and the Netherlands.

Jamil Mangan will portray Dr. King, and Lynnette R. Freeman will play Camae. Gilbert McCauley will direct the play, with Eaton serving as producing director. Set designer is Josiah Durham, and Dawn McKay is costume designer. Dan Rist is lighting designer and Stephen Petit is production stage manager.

Tickets for these shows range from $24-$34 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. Subscriptions are still being accepted for the five Season shows.

Happier Valley Comedy presents The Ha-Ha's & Friends: From Justin To Kelly
January 12 at 7:00 PM
Happier Valley Comedy Theater, 1 Mill Rd, Hadley, MA
Longtime local favorites The Ha-Ha's perform a completely improvised comedy show on the second Saturday of every month! Each show has a new special guest - this month we welcome prolific touring and teaching duo From Justin To Kelly from NYC! Saturday, January 12th at 7pm at the new Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). And stick around after for the 9pm showcase and open improv jam! Tickets: $13 online and at the door. For more info: www.happiervalley.com.

Happier Valley Comedy presents The Happier Family Comedy Show
January 19 at 3:00 PM
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA
Monthly family-friendly improv comedy show, great for 5-12 year olds and their adults. It's funny for the whole family! Saturday, January 19th at 3pm at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art (125 W Bay Rd., Amherst). Tickets at the door: $10/Adults, $5/Kids, Free/4 yrs and under (Reduced admission for museum members). For more info: www.happiervalley.com.

Happier Valley Comedy Presents: Not In Charge
January 19 at 7:00 PM
Happier Valley Comedy Theater, 1 Mill Rd, Hadley, MA
Join the talented new group Not In Charge for a polished, fast-paced improv show inspired by the improvisers' real life stories! Saturday, January 19th at 7pm at the new Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). And stick around after for the 9pm showcase and open improv jam! Tickets: $10 online and at the door. For more info: www.happiervalley.com.

The Academy of Music Theatre presents Shut UP, Emily Dickinson! by Tanya O'Debra
Saturday, January 19 @ 7:30pm
Academy of Music Theatre, Northampton

Emily Dickinson: poet, recluse, a**h@le.

Loosely based on the Master Letters, Shut UP, Emily Dickinson! by Tanya O'Debra is a pseudo-historical, quasi-biographical, hysterically existential, sadomasochistic psycho-romance about America’s most brilliant and annoying poetess. Holed up for all eternity in the bedroom of our minds, the “woman in white” stretches into a projection screen for truths, half-truths, truthiness, and truth-less-ness. She’s whatever you want her to be and nothing you imagined. Emily Dickinson is the definition of a difficult woman. *This play includes adult language.

Written by Tanya O’Debra
Original Music by Andrew Moreyellow
Directed by Sara Wolkowitz
Featuring Gregg Bellon

“There can be no doubting O’Debra’s talent: she has a vocal arsenal that puts Saturday Night Live’s Kristin Wiig to shame.” – NY Press

Tickets.

Happier Valley Comedy Presents The Happier Valley World Open Cup Grand Prix Series Derby Bowl Championship!
January 26 at 7:00 PM
Happier Valley Comedy Theater, 1 Mill Rd, Hadley, MA
In this brand new, competitive comedy show, two teams of improvisers face off through scenes and games, scored by an audience panel of judges on a wide variety of completely ridiculous criteria, to see who can win the ultimate prize: an old trophy we found in someone's attic. Saturday, January 26th at 7pm at the new Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). And stick around after for the 9pm showcase and open improv jam! Tickets: $13 online and at the door. For more info: www.happiervalley.com.

Panopera presents SWEENEY TODD, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Friday, January 25 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, January 27 at 2:00 PM
Academy of Music Theatre, Northampton

2019 marks the 40th Anniversary of Sondheim’s masterpiece, Sweeney Todd. Winner of Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score, the work has been equally at home in the world’s opera houses. In keeping with this tradition, Panopera will present Sweeney Todd with its full, original orchestration and a cast of singing actors also equally at home on the musical and operatic stage.

Tickets available online or by calling 413-584-9032 x105

AUDITIONS & OPPORTUNITIES

Silverthorne Theater Company presents Auditions for TALES OF THE LOST FORMICANS
January 18 at 7:00 PM, January 19 1-4 PM
Hawks & Reed PAC, 289 Main Street, Greenfield

To schedule an audition slot, call 413-768-7514, or write to silverthornetheater@gmail.com

• Auditioners should prepare a one to two minute monologue
• Please bring a current resume and headshot, or send electronically to silverthornetheater@gmail.com when making your appointment
• Equity & non-Equity; all roles paid
• All types & ethnicities welcome

TALES OF THE LOST FORMICANS Performance dates: 4/25, 26, 27, 28, 5/2, 3, 4
by Constance Congdon. Director: Yagil Eliraz

THE ROLES
Cathy McKissick, female, early thirties, recently divorced & returning to her Midwest roots to find her parents not aging well.

Eric (her son or daughter), 15 – male or female; furious to be dragged away from life in the Big City

Jim McKissick (her father) - male, late fifties; confused, suffering from symptoms of Alzheimers' disease

Evelyn McKissick (her mother) - female, early fifties; unable to deal with her husband's changed behavior

Judy - female, early thirties; Cathy's best friend

Jerry - male, early thirties; quirky but kind

Actor #7 - male OR female, forties (same as with Eric); multiple parts

All actors also play Aliens from time to time

THE PLAY
Life is not organized around a coherent narrative, despite how much we would like it to be. Life can be messy, jumpy, nonlinear, fragmentary and discordant, and we might find ourselves desperately trying to make sense out of it. “Tales of the Lost Formicans” reflects this messiness and the effort to make sense of it, both in its content and in its form.

This witty and passionate play explores the story of a man with Alzheimer's and at the same time turns into “a travel guide to Middle America conducted by aliens from outer space.” The play has a wonderful comic sensibility while at the same time addressing society's collective nervous breakdown.

https://silverthornetheater.org/upcoming/

Sex and Power Looking for Lighting Designer and Stage Manager!

Performances will be in early spring at the Northampton Arts Trust. Small stipend available.

Actor, dancer, interfaith minister Joanna Rush girlsplains the complexities of Sex and Power in our culture. Enduring date rape and gang rape in real life she went on to a career in movies and on stage playing various species of seductress, which, by the way, exposed her to misogyny as practiced internationally throughout history. Covering ground that ranges from evolutionary biology to Greek mythology, the invention of masculinity, our socio-economic systems, and anecdotes from her own acting career, she provides insights that can help us heal today’s sorry state of sexual affairs. Rush’s creative, nontraditional outlook offers hope and a road map for how we can progress and ride the #MeToo movement into a healthier sexual landscape for all.

More information here. Contact Joanna with questions.

WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

New Century Theatre presents Acting Classes

Classes are 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/text 413-626-3238 to hold your spot.

Acting for Non-Actors - Instructor, Sam Rush
Ages 18 and up (or by instructor permission)
Mondays, 5:15-7:15 p.m.
Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz Street, Northampton, MA
January 14 - March 4
Cost: $285

Course Description:
This is the perfect course if you have never taken an acting class before. This is also the perfect class if you studied years ago but told yourself you'd get back to it someday. 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 a solid base of fundamental acting techniques that may serve you the rest of your life - on stage or off.

Exploring the Craft - Instructor - Sam Rush
Ages 18 and up (or by instructor permission)
Wednesdays, 5:15-7:15 p.m.
Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz Street, Northampton, MA
January 16 - March 6
Cost: $285

Course Description:
If you are an actor with any amount of performance experience you know that staying present and relaxed on stage is necessary for honest and truthful work. Finding that right balance of "being in the moment" and actor awareness is something actors continue to seek out. In this class, designed for actors with previous experience, we'll use in-depth scene work, text analysis and exercises to shed an actors bag-of-tricks and instead deepen your true craft as an actor.

Upcoming Training Programs at Double Edge Theatre

Double Edge Theatre was founded by Stacy Klein to research the role of actors’ training in the development of performance creation. Training is the heart and vitality of Double Edge’s creative process. Since 1982, when it was first developed by Klein based on her work with Rena Mirecka, Grotowski’s founding actor, it has grown to include work with large objects, developed by Klein and David Flaxman from 1985, and then outdoor work and spectacle developed with Carlos Uriona since 1996. Since 2011 Matthew Glassman has been leading the development of training at Double Edge. The unique, holistic methodology engages the actor’s full potential – physical, vocal, emotional, and imaginative – to drive individual exploration, ensemble collaboration, and performance creation.

Summer Intensive: May 31 - June 14, 2019
Spectacle Immersion: May 31 - Aug 24, 2019
Fall Immersion: Fall 2019

Winter Intensive: January 1 - 7, 2019
Spring Intensive: March 15 - 17, 2019
Creation Lab: March 15 - April 14, 2019