Happy Halloween! Maybe a good excuse to put on an old costume you have around. Or hey, maybe go see some costumes on stage... lots of great shows this weekend. Including What Our Voices Carry at the Shea on Saturday.
The next issue will include events through November 27. 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
The theatre world is going through a wave of change that is long overdue. Playwrights of color are challenging audiences and companies are finally recognizing the value of people of color in leadership roles. However, there is one place that still needs changing: criticism. Where are the critics of color?
Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com
Smith College Department of Theatre presents THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
Based on the novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens. Directed by Ellen W. Kaplan
October 31, November 1, 2 at 7:30 PM in Theatre 14, Mendenhall Center for the Performance Arts
Christopher is an autistic teen with remarkable curiosity, great courage, and an intense desire to solve the mystery of who murdered the neighbor’s dog with a garden rake. Their “detective” work leads to an earth-shattering discovery, and to a thrilling journey that will change their life forever.
by Euripides, in a version by Ben Power October 31-November 2 8PM, Kirby Theater
The Department of Theater and Dance presents Medea by Euripides, in a version by Ben Power. This new production blurs the lines between theater, film, and reality. Conceived by Maki Ybarra-Young -- who plays the title role -- and director Ron Bashford, the show imagines Medea as one of the strong and dangerous women of the Golden Age of Hollywood. But is she who she seems? Or the more vulnerable actor underneath? Come explore the iconic Greek character as she navigates her role as a woman and an immigrant through the "cinematic lens" of our own history.
Starring an all student cast: Grace Davenport, Nicholas Govus, Rory Hartblay, Sam Hood, Sterling Kee, Aylin Kim, Navie Kim, Lena Lamer, Sylvie Mahoro, Eli Maierson, Rowan Muzzy, Teo Ruskov, Lorelle Sang, Julian Schauffler, and Maki Ybarra-Young.
Scenic design by Lauren Thompson, costume design by Lorelei Dietz '20, lighting design by Sophina Flores '20, sound design by Alistair Edwards '22.
Tickets are free and open to the public. For reservations, call (413) 542-2277.
“FOREVER PLAID” TAKES THE STAGE AT MAJESTIC THEATER OCT 31 – DEC 8
The Majestic Theater's 23rd Season continues with “Forever Plaid,” a musical that runs October 24 through December 8, according to Producing Director Danny Eaton.
The play, by Stuart Ross, tells the tale of a semi-professional harmony group on their way to their first big gig at the Hilton airport cocktail bar, rehearsing their big finale, when they are slammed broadside by a school bus full of teenage girls on their way to witness the Beatles make their debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. While none of the girls are injured, the four harmony singers are killed instantly, but somehow manage to take the stage for one final gig. “Forever Plaid” is filled with great songs that audience members are sure to know and love, and has been described as “screamingly funny and entirely enchanting.”
The cast includes Tomm Knightlee (Smudge), Bryan Austermann (Jinx), Brian Michael Henry (Sparky), and Chris Coffey (Francis). The play is directed by Ben Ashley, and Mitch Chakour is the music director. Set design is by Greg Trochlil, Dawn McKay is costume designer and the lighting design is by Dan Rist. Doug Wallace is sound engineer, and Stephen Petit is production stage manager. The band includes Chakour, Cliff Schofer and Don Rovero.
Ticket prices range from $27 to $34 and can be purchased by calling the box office at (413) 747-7797 or visiting while the box office is open (Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm, and Saturday 10am – 1pm). Tickets for the other plays in the Majestic's 23rdSeason can also be purchased.
On Saturday, November 2nd at 7:00PM, the Shea Theater (71 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA) is featuring an original play written by the writers of Voices from Inside in collaboration with local playwright Trenda Loftin. This play, What Our Voices Carry, is written in celebration of the 20th year anniversary of the organization and is funded by Mass Humanities, National Endowment for the Humanities, Montague Cultural Council, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Voices From Inside provides writing workshops for women incarcerated in Hampden County and Franklin and those formerly incarcerated and/ or in addictions recovery at sites in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties.
What Our Voices Carry weaves the individual experiences of women into the larger picture of incarceration, addiction, and mental health systems. It is about how people without a voice in our society suffer and how society suffers from not hearing them, as well as the joy and power of finding one’s voice and being heard. Audience members will be given the opportunity to reflect on their possible roles in breaking down barriers to full acceptance of incarcerated women upon re-entry into their communities. Other local organizations dedicated to
addressing criminal justice reform, the opioid crisis, post-incarceration support in Western Massachusetts’ communities will be tabling at the event.
This event will highlight the creativity, strength, courage, and hope of women seeking against formidable barriers to understand and take control of their lives. Come out to support Voices From Inside and the women who write with them!
For more information:
sheatheater.org
www.voicesfrominside.org
Facebook: Voices From Inside
Staged readings of short plays on climate change at Great Falls International Word Festival in Turners Falls and multiple locations in Greenfield
WHEN & WHERE:
Saturday, Nov. 2, 4 p.m., 12 Federal St., Greenfield
Greening Greenfield and Local Access are proud to present Climate Change Theatre Action Greenfield: Lighting the Way, a series of public readings and performances which will be held over several weekends this autumn.
The series debuts on Sunday, Oct. 13, 3 p.m., at the Great Falls International Word Festival, with short plays by playwrights from Australia, New Zealand, Jordan, Finland, Canada, Singapore, the Netherlands and the United States, read by Jan Maher, Trenda Loftin, Nina Gross and Doug Selwyn, with incidental music by Gross and Selwyn. An open mic on Monday, Oct. 14, 2 p.m. will include plays from Scotland and Croatia as well as poems and flash fiction from festival attendees.
Subsequent performances in the series will be held on four Saturdays in October, November, and December at several locations in Greenfield. All Greenfield performances will be followed by a talk back session. Performances are free, with the exception of those that are part of the Great Falls International Word Festival. Admission to the Festival includes admission to the play readings and open mic.
CCTA Greenfield is part of Climate Change Theatre Action, a worldwide series of readings and performances of short climate change plays presented biennially to coincide with the United Nations COP meetings.
Valley Light Opera presents Camelot! 11/2, 11/8, 11/9 7:30 PM, 11/3, 11/10 2:00 PM
Academy of Music
“If Ever I would Leave You,” it wouldn’t be in November. That is when the Valley Light Opera is bringing you Lerner and Loewe’s beloved Camelot at The Academy of Music. Valley Light Opera’s Camelot, will meld the beauty of the old with the energy and opportunities of the new. Set in the 15th century of knights and maidens, treachery vs trust, Camelot is an evolving state, where “Right is Might” and the Round Table come into being. It lends itself to whispers of today’s politics with the promise that the strength of human goodness overcomes evil and unites the decent in a common cause. Our Camelot is a Utopian state, timeless, yet stuck in time. The story and musical accompaniment of a full orchestra should be enough to bring you to the Academy for an entertaining evening or matinee. But Valley Light Opera, known for its beautiful sets, costumes and props, adds another dimension to Camelot. Video enhancements and other computerized special effects will bring a new aspect to our sets. This presentation will celebrate Valley Light Opera’s 45th year of production. Having lost our Founding Father, William Venman, this spring, we will do our best to honor his legacy.
UMass Amherst presents THE BACCHAE OF EURIPIDES by Wole Soyinka
directed by Judyie Al-Bilali
Performance Details
Nov. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 at 7:30
Nov. 9 & 16 at 2
Curtain Theater
Tickets
$5 students and seniors, $15 general admission. Call 1-800-999-UMAS or
reserve your tickets through the Fine Arts Center Box Office
Content Advisory
This production includes: Simulated Violence
Euripides’ 2400-year old play, The Bacchae, bursts into the modern day at UMass Theater’s Curtain Theater this November. As envisioned by Director and Professor Judyie Al-Bilali, the Bacchae’s earthy dancing becomes a call for renewal in times of oppression.
Dionysus, the god of theater, wine, and fertility, goes head to head with the repressive regime of King Pentheus of Thebes, who refuses to recognize the god. Dionysus incites his followers, the Bacchae, into a state of frenzy with violent consequences for Pentheus and his family. Through their wild dances, the Bacchae embody revolution and make art our call for societal change.
Al-Bilali is using Nobel Prize-winning Nigerian playwright Wole Soyinka’s adaptation, The Bacchae of Euripides: A Communal Rite, which he wrote in response to the civil war in his country in the 1970s. She has set her version in 2020, just a few months into our future, in Gaia, the Greek word for Mother Earth.
Although the play is classified as a tragedy, Al-Bilali has a more complicated, ultimately hope-filled, view of the message it carries today. In Thebes, there is conflict between two opposing forces: Dionsyus’ natural, sensual world and Pentheus’ society of law and order. A world—not unlike our own—has gone out of balance. And it is through a communal rite, as Soyinka suggests, and grave sacrifices that we strive to restore balance to an unjust world.
"Culture and art are what drives social change,” says Al-Bilali. Come be a part of the change.
The Bacchae runs at the Curtain Theater from Nov. 7 to 16 — get tickets today!
***
More about the Department of Theater: umass.edu/theater
To purchase tickets, call 1-800-999-UMAS or visit the Fine Arts Center Box Office online.
$15 single tickets; $5 single tickets for students/seniors
Greenfield Community College present FUDDY MEERS by David Lindsay-Abaire, Directed by Tom Geha
Nov 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 at 7:30pm, Nov 10 at 2pm matinee
Greenfield Community College, Sloan Theater, One College Drive, Greenfield MA
“Dark, sweet and thoroughly engaging comedy… the production is willfully silly and grotesque, yet there’s a cool, satisfying strategy in its piecing together of its jigsaw puzzle of a plot.” — The New York Times
Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Lindsay-Abaire traces one woman’s attempt to regain her memory while surrounded by a curio-cabinet of alarmingly bizarre characters, including her chipper husband, her so-called-brother, a dimwitted thug with a foul-mouthed hand puppet, and her perpetually stoned son. It’s one harrowing and hilarious turn after another on this rollercoaster ride through the day of an amnesiac trying to decipher her fractured life. Tickets.
On Friday, November 8, Silverthorne Theater Company is throwing a party, ACT TWO: A SILVERTHORNE CELEBRATION, open to all, to mark the successful conclusion of our 2019 Season. No charge; doors open at 8 pm at the Pushkin Gallery at the corner of Main and Federal Streets in downtown Greenfield.
Dress is casual and the atmosphere relaxed. There will be live entertainment with reprises from past shows and seasons provided by Silverthorne regulars. A cash bar and cake will round out the evening which ends at 10 pm. Reservations are not needed for this free event.
During the evening, we’ll pay homage to our fabulous 2019 Season that featured such productions as Tales of the Lost Formicans, The Fantasticks, The Revolutionists, and The Diary of Anne Frank.
We will also celebrate Lucinda Kidder’s retirement as Co-founding Producing Artistic Director who is stepping down after six years in that post. Kidder plans to continue to help out as coordinator of public relations and marketing as a board member.
Silverthorne’s two new co-producers, Rebecca Daniels and Carmela Lanza-Weil, will be there to talk about the theater’s exciting plans for 2020 and beyond. Attendees will have an opportunity to make an investment in the company’s future with pledges or donations.
Saturday, November 9 at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM
The Northampton Center for the Arts at 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Founded in 2002 by playwright Tanyss Rhea Martula, the Northampton 24-Hour Theater Project has become one of the most beloved and anticipated theatre events of the year. While the premise is simple, the execution is anything but: within 24 hours, five ten-minute plays will be written, rehearsed, directed, produced, and staged. The culmination of this day-long burst of creativity are two public performances—often standing-room-only—showcasing local writers, actors, directors, and crew. Previous 24-Hour Theater organizer Liz Foley once described the event as “theatrical mayhem,” and it makes for an entertaining evening full of surprises. This year’s organizational duties were handled by Susanna Apgar, Kyle Boatwright, Michael Charland-Tait, Mark Gaudet, Michael Garcia, and Linda Putnam.
The time-limited and adrenaline-filled process begins on Friday evening, when five playwrights meet to draw cards with unnamed actors’ descriptions out of a hat—the “Playwrights’ Draw.” Once they have their cast information, the playwrights have twelve hours to create a ten-minute play. In the morning, they hand off their scripts to five directors who then read the script for the first time, gather their actors, and spend the next nine hours rehearsing, while others gather props, costumes, and set pieces. This year’s Playwrights’ Draw will take place at 33 Hawley during November’s Arts Night Out on Friday, November 8th, beginning at 6pm.
While there are always many returning favorites among the writers, directors, and actors, the committee continues to make it a priority to seek out some fresh new voices for each year’s event. “The Northampton 24-Hour Theater Project is not just about the plays that come and go,” noted Apgar, “it’s about building the Valley’s theater community by growing our relationships with one another, and with our audience.” The committee is delighted to again partner with the Northampton Center for the Arts for this year’s Project. Veteran Northampton 24-Hour Theater Project playwrights Susanna Apgar, Siobhan McManamon, and Tomà s Roche will be joined by Peter Shelburne, who returns to the project after five years, and acclaimed playwright Liz Duffy Adams, whose play Or led her to off-Broadway success.
The Northampton 24-Hour Theater Project directors feature Ezekiel Baskin, Mark Gaudet, Tatiana Godfrey, Caitlin Guzman-Bailey, and Gina Kaufmann. This year’s actors include Judge Bean, Kyle Boatwright, Scott Braidman, Nichole Calero, Michael Charland-Tait, Deveir Cockett, Bill Dwight, Judith Fine, Melenie Flynn, Tosh Foerster, Michael Garcia, Becca Greene-Van Horn, Matt O’Reilly, Linda Putnam, Myka Plunkett, Jay Sefton, Sarah Marcus, Woody Mcloyd, Miriam Sirota, and Brianna Sloane.
WHAT: The Northampton 24-Hour Theater Project
WHEN: Saturday, November 9, 2019 // Two performances: 7 & 9 PM
WHERE: The Northampton Center for the Arts at 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA
PEACE IN THE HOME Written and Directed by MacKenzie Kugel ‘20
November 14-16, 2019, 8 p.m., Holden Theater
Tickets are free. Seating is limited. Reservations encouraged: (413) 542-2277.
AMHERST, MA – The Amherst College Department of Theater and Dance presents Peace in the Home, a senior honors project in playwriting and directing created by MacKenzie Kugel. The show will run on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 14, 15 and 16 at 8:00 p.m. in the Holden Experimental Theater. Set Design by Kathy Couch, Karinne Keithley Syers and MacKenzie Kugel, Costume Design by Sahara Ndiaye AC ‘20, Lighting Design by Kathy Couch, and Sound Design by Karinne Keithley Syers.
Peace in the Home is about coming together for love, for family. It immerses its audience into the hearts and minds of seven characters wrestling with what it takes for two families from different cultural backgrounds and faiths to create peace in the home, together. This play is made of familial trials and joys, of aging parents, of what is lost and gained when children grow up.
Admission is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Reservations are encouraged. To reserve tickets, please call (413) 542-2277.
IT WASN’T THE PEA AT ALL!!!
Black Cat Theater is preparing for their fall production of Once Upon A Mattress with an all adult cast!!! Artistic Director Stephanie Flinker and Music Director Greg Williams are thrilled to be working with this talented cast.
If you thought you knew the story of The Princess and The Pea you may be in for a walloping surprise! Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winnifred actually swam the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab? Or that Lady Larken's
love for Sir Harry provided a rather compelling reason that she reach the bridal altar post haste? Or that, in fact, it wasn't the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the familiar classic of royal courtship and comeuppance provides for some side-splitting shenanigans. Chances are you'll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again. FAMILY FRIENDLY FOR ALL AGES.
All performances are at South Hadley High School. The show dates are November 14-15-16 with a 7:00 pm curtain and Sunday, November 17 with a 2:00 curtain. Seating is open and first-come first-served. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain. Ticket prices are General Admission $15.00 and Senior/Student $12.00. Military personnel and First Responders, active and retired, (with ID) will be admitted free to any performance.
For reservations please email blackcattheater@gmail.com or call 413-563-6023.
K and E Theater Group Presents ASSASSINS
11/14, 11/15, 11/16 at 7:30 PM and 11/17 at 2:00 PM
Northampton Center for the Arts, 33 Hawley Street, Northampton
Take a shot at history with the Five-Time Tony Award musical presented by K and E Theater Group, ONE WEEKEND ONLY November 14 – 17, 2019 at Northampton Center for the Arts in Northampton.
A multiple Tony Award-winning theatrical tour-de-force from John Weidman and Stephen Sondheim, ASSASSINS combines Sondheim's signature blend of intelligently stunning lyrics and beautiful music with a panoramic story of our nation's culture of celebrity and the violent means some will use to obtain it, embodied by America's four successful and five would-be presidential assassins. Bold, original, disturbing and alarmingly funny, ASSASSINS is perhaps the most controversial musical ever written.
This production of ASSASSINS features a killer cast of local talent Matthew Bussell, David Cavallin, Joseph Charles, Gene Choquette, Paul DiProto, Joshua Aaron Mason, Shaun O'Keefe, Lisa Parker, Tim Reilly, Autumn Tustin, Christine Voytko, Chris Webber and David Webber. Musical Direction by Bill Martin. Direction by KETG Artistic Director Eddie Zitka.
This production includes themes of violence, abusive behavior, suicide, death and there is use of racist language infrequently, and may not be suitable for all audiences. There will be flashing lights, loud bangs including gun shots. It may also include strobe lighting.
"Everybody's Got the Right" to buy tickets at www.KETG.org!
Springfield College presents The Illusion November 14, 15, 16 & 17
THE ILLUSION
a comedy by Pierre Corneille
freely adapted by Tony Kushner
Presented by Springfield College Theater
Director: Martin Shell
Fuller Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
In the dead of night, desperate to find the son he drove away years before, a father creeps into a dark cave for help from a mysterious magician. The sorcerer conjures up strange and unsettling visions of the son’s passionate life, full of betrayals, adventures, and the perils of love. The illusions have the feeling of reality, but is anything truly what it seems?
Suggested donations: General Admissions: $5; Students and seniors: $2
Wilbraham United Players present 1940's RADIO HOUR
November 15, 16, 22, 23 at 7:30pm; November 17 & 24 at 2:30pm
Wilbraham United Church Fellowship Hall, 500 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095
Full of 1940s music, dancing and old-time sound effects, the play portrays the final holiday broadcast of the Mutual Manhattan Variety Cavalcade on the New York radio station WOV in December 1942. The harassed producer, the leading singer who is often drunk, the second banana who dreams of singing a ballad, the delivery boy who wants a chance in front of the mic, and the trumpet player who chooses a fighter plane over Glenn Miller. All of this wrapped up in holiday charm and nostalgia. It's a great way to kick off the holidays!
Fri 11.1.19 4PM-7PM
Sat 11.2.19 9AM-12PM
380 Dwight St | Holyoke, MA
CASTING ROLES
Puerto Rican women preferred/Latinas welcome
Abuelita - Female - Playing age of 60 to 70
Abuela - Female - Playing age of 70 to 80
Mami - Female - Playing age of 40 to 50
Titi - Female - Playing age of 40 to 50
Hija - Female - Playing age of 20 to 25
Performance will be predominantly in English with frequent Spanglish lines
Must be available to rehearse for at least 4 days from Nov 14-17th or Nov 21-24th. Performance dates December 7th, December 14th and February 22nd in Western Mass. Additional rehearsals TBA.
ABOUT RECLAIMPR INITIATIVE
Reclaim Puerto Rico is supporting entrepreneurship across the island by awarding mini-grants that empower the Puerto Rican community. Tickets sales will go towards supporting this initiative.
Smith College Department of Theatre
Auditions for Peter and the Starcatcher
A play by Rick Elice, based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson; directed by Cathy Kennedy ‘20
A young orphan and his mates are shipped off from Victorian England to a distant island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. They know nothing of the mysterious trunk in the captain’s cabin, which contains a precious, otherworldly cargo. At sea, the boys are discovered by a precocious young girl named Molly, a Starcatcher-in-training who realizes that the trunk’s precious cargo is starstuff, a celestial substance so powerful that it must never fall into the wrong hands. When the ship is taken over by pirates – led by the fearsome Black Stache, a villain determined to claim the trunk and its treasure for his own – the journey quickly becomes a thrilling adventure.
Auditions
Sunday, November 3, 7–9 p.m., Acting Studio 1
Monday, November 4, 7–9 p.m., Acting Studio 1
Callbacks on Wednesday, November 6, 7–9 p.m., Acting Studio 1
Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, Smith College
Performances
February 28, 29, March 5, 6, 7 at 7:30 p.m., Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre, Mendenhall Center
Casting Breakdown
9 Actors (looking for actor-musicians as well to play piano and strings)
Audition Prep
Sides will be provided from the script. No monologues or appointments necessary.
Contact/Questions
Production Manager, Nikki Beck, ncbeck@smith.edu or ext. 3222
Scripts
Perusal scripts available in Josten Library, Mendenhall Center, Smith College
Exit Seven Players Ltd. presents Auditions: Noises Off! November 4, 5
Exit 7 Theater, 37 Chestnut Street, Ludlow, MA 01056
Exit 7 will be holding auditions for its February play, NOISES OFF on Monday, November 4 and Tuesday, November 5 from 7-10pm. Those auditioning must be at least 18 years of age, no exceptions.
Performances will be February 14, 15, 21, 22 at 8pm and February 16, 23 at 2pm
Directed by: Bruce Torrey
Produced by: Chris Climo and Jami Wilson
Full audition information, including character descriptions, may be found here.
Synopsis:
Michael Frayn's Noises Off takes a fond look at the follies of theatre folk, whose susceptibility to out-of-control egos, memory loss, and passionate affairs turn every performance into a high-risk adventure. This play-within-a-play captures a touring theatre troupe’s production of Nothing On in three stages: dress rehearsal, the opening performance, and a performance towards the end of a debilitating run. Frayne gives us a window into the inner workings of theatre behind the scenes, progressing from flubbed lines and missed cues in the dress rehearsal to mounting friction between cast members in the final performance. Brimming with slapstick comedy, Noises Off is a delightful backstage farce, complete with slamming doors, falling trousers, and -- of course -- flying sardines!
Auditions for MISS YOU LIKE HELL
Auditions November 4 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Callbacks November 5 at 6:30 PM
Academy of Music Theatre, Northampton
The Academy of Music Theatre Announces Auditions for the musical Miss You Like Hell, book and lyrics by Quira Alegria Hudes, and music and lyrics by Erin McKeown. Performances on March 27 & 28, 2020 at the Academy of Music Theatre, 274 Main Street, Northampton, MA. All auditions and call backs to be held at the Academy of Music Theatre. You do not need to make an appointment to attend. Please see audition dates and times below.
Prepare a song of approximately 36 bars, a cappella or with backtrack. Auditions will include sides and dance and movement.
Callbacks will be held November 5 from 6:30-9pm.
ROLE INFORMATION:
3 female and 3 male featured roles.
Olivia: half-Latina, sixteen
Beatriz: Mexican-American, late thirties to early forties
Pearl: African-American, sixteen
Mo: Southern, in retirement
Higgins: also Southern, also in retirement
Manuel: Peruvian, a day laborer, thirties to fifties
Ensemble of singers who step into the story as a lawyer, an officer, a legal clerk, a guy at a motel desk, an ICE official: any gender
For questions, please email Executive Director Debra J’Anthony at djanthony@aomtheatre.com.
Exit Seven Players Ltd. presents Auditions: The Who's Tommy November 10, 12, 17
Exit 7 Theater, 37 Chestnut Street, Ludlow, MA 01056
Based on the iconic 1969 rock concept album, The Who's Tommy is an exhilarating story of hope, healing and the human spirit. The story of the pinball-playing, “deaf, dumb and blind boy” who triumphs over his adversities has inspired, amazed and puzzled audiences for more than 50 years. This five-time Tony Award-winning musical was translated to the stage by theatrical wizard, Des McAnuff, and is a high-energy, one-of-a-kind theatrical event.
Directed by Michael O. Budnick
Music and Sound Supervised by George Garber Jr.
Choreography by Janeen Connor
Instrumental Accompaniment by Cadre Prime
Produced by Adam Malmborg and Drew Gilbert
Full audition information, including character descriptions, vocal selections and other information may be found here.
Audition Dates
November 10
3-5pm: All adults and teens, vocal and dance, principals, supporting principals and ensemble, followed by 5-6:30pm: Adult/teen principals/supporting principals, vocal and acting
OR
November 12
6-8pm: All adults and teens, vocal and dance, principals, supporting principals and ensemble, followed by 8-9:30pm: Adult/teen principals, supporting principals, vocal and acting
Adult/Teen auditionees will not need to attend both dates.
ALSO:
November 17
3-5pm: All children followed by principal callbacks by appointment 5-7pm (if necessary.) Children will be called in the order of arrival and may leave after their audition.
Please try to arrive at least 10 minutes before start time. Not all auditionees will need to stay for the entire session. To make auditions run more smoothly please fill out the audition form (attached) in advance and bring it with you. Also, please bring a current headshot, if you have one.
Rehearsal and Production Dates
Rehearsals are scheduled to start in late January on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoon or evenings (depending on other show schedules) in Ludlow, MA. Not all actors may be required for all rehearsals. There may be some meetings with principals prior to rehearsal start.
Tech week starts April 19 and actors must be available all week in the evenings.
Performances are April 24-26, May 1-3, 8-10 at 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2pm on Sundays.
Be a part of a collaborative community theatre project! Looking for actors to play the lead character of a cowboy and sheriff from Denton, Texas in "My Life As a Cowboy"
About the project: This play was conceived by Mike O'Neil, a participant at Riverside Industries in Easthampton, a non-profit organization that supports people with disabilities through job training, arts, and education programs. Mike dreams of being a cowboy and with the help of a Riverside staff member Lyndzi Wildheart, he wrote “My Life As A Cowboy,” a fictional memoir of his imaginary life as Sherriff Buford Ewing, a trick shooter and leader of a down-and-out western town called Denton. Along with a team of other artists, a playwright, set builders, actors (professional and amateur), and Riverside participants we want to help Mike’s dream become a reality.
We are building a life-sized set of Mike’s town (including the city hall and the Sherriff’s di facto office, the Sweetwater Saloon) and stage a play inspired by his story for a live audience. The team will perform the short play in a free, outdoor performance in Easthampton in late Spring 2020.
Auditions for Buford will take place in November & December, exact times TBD. All levels of actors or any gender are encouraged to audition. Interested? Please contact Amanda Herman at aaherman@gmail.com
The Play Reading Co-op is currently seeking submissions of full length plays from New England writers for a monthly, ongoing reading series. The mission of the co-op is simply for local theater makers to have a chance to get in a room together to work on high quality material for our own learning, enjoyment, and camaraderie. It's also a great way to learn about new works and writers. The reading is intended to be informal and without an audience other than other co-op “members” and potentially a friend or colleague(s) of the writer. If the writer is looking for a discussion or feedback afterward, we are happy to make space for that as well. We are ideally looking for plays with at least 2 female identifying roles.
Seeking FOUR African-American actors: TWO women: (18-30), (40-60). TWO men: (18-30), (35-50) for Dominque Morriseau's SKELETON CREW. Northampton Center for the Arts: May 14-17, 2020. Actors will be paid. For information and scripts contact Robert Freedman. 413-531-4164 - rpf1012@comcast.net
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Phantom Sheep Productions in association with Unity House Players LaughCrafters: Comedy Improv Class Fall Session
Mondays for 6 weeks starting November 4
Unitarian Universalist Society of Greater Springfield, 245 Porter Lake Drive, Springfield, MA
Western MA’s own professional comedy troupe “Phantom Sheep Productions” is proud to be offering a weekly “LaughCrafters: Comedy Improv” class at UUSGS for ages 15-adult starting Nov 4th . This is a great creative outlet to boost confidence in stage presence, sharpen quick thinking, collaborate with others, and of course laugh! All levels are welcome and challenged at their own pace. We invite you to get a taste of the program with a free improv jam workshop on Oct. 21st 7-9PM. More information can be found at fb.com/phntmsheep.
Piti Theatre Company presents Valley Playwright Mentoring (VPM) is an afterschool theatre program for teens ages 13 and up. No previous theatre experience is required!
Open to the public!
Starts Tuesday, Nov. 5
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Franklin County
16 Court Square, Greenfield
(above the Second Congregational Church)
The production is for young people with stories to tell and things to share. Participants will create a performance based on stories from their lives that will be performed at a local high school and for the public. Teens who complete the program will receive a stipend. Space is limited to 12 participants per group.
Happier Valley Comedy presents Zen of Improv 1 November 13 at 5:00 PM
Repeats weekly until January 22nd
Happier Valley Comedy Theater, 1 Mill Rd, Hadley, MA
Would you like to play and laugh in a supportive community every week?
Do you want to get better at thinking on your feet?
Could you use some practice in mindfulness? turning off your judgmental mind? being brave?
Would you like to become more confident speaking in public?
Curious about how this whole improv comedy thing works?
If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, Zen of Improv 1 would be an ever so lovely way to spend some time every week. Happier Valley Comedy's Founder and Head of Happiness Pam Victor offers this weekly for adults who want to try something fun, rewarding, and, quite possibly, mind-expanding. You'll learn a very gentle, very easy, patient approach to improv comedy in an incredibly positive and accepting atmosphere that will get you up on your feet and out of your head. Through improv exercises, games, and scenework, you'll practice the vital improvisation skills of paying attention acutely, accepting other peoples ideas, redefining and disempowering failure, staying in the moment, quieting your critical voice to invite more joy and ease into your work, and much more.
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