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August 26 - September 15, 2021
In response to last week's article about creating an actively inclusive theatre course, this video about inaccessibility in the theatre was shared by its creator. As a reminder, I share an article every week about something happening in the theatre world - typically an essay from Howlround. If you have an interesting article you find (or write!) that you think more people should be reading or talking about, please send it my way! Everything in this newsletter is open for reader submissions.
If you are heading to the Cape, or just want to go on a little mental vacation, read Chris Rohmann's postcard from the Cape here.
The next issue will include events from September 2 - 22. Submit upcoming events via the link below or by emailing me before Tuesday at midnight. Any questions, comments or feedback? Email me at pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com
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YOUR EVENT HERE
$5 per week for your poster and ticket link in top billing!
Email me to reserve your dates.
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THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS:
from Howlround
Instead of a Vision: Listening and Dialogue as the Work of a Theatre Director
by Charlie Peters
From the article:
Vision. The word has come to almost define the work of a theatre director. Influenced by notions of the auteur film director, in some cases the so-called vision for a theatrical production is all the director is given credit for as an artist. This must change if we are to create a more equitable future. How we conceive of and discuss directing may not seem of primary importance in seeking a more just theatre, but it is a central concern that reflects and embodies many beliefs about how good art is made, how power can and should be used, and what we believe about the individual and the collective.
Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com
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The Majestic Theater
Majestic re-opening; completing run of the play “The Pitch” by Stan Freeman
The Majestic Theater, 131 Elm Street, West Springfield, MA. 413.747.7797
NOTES: The Majestic Theater temporarily closed in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time it was in the middle of a six-week run of the play “The Pitch.” After 17 months, the theater will re-open on Saturday, August 7 and present the remaining three-week run of the play for ticket holders who were unable to see it. The run concludes on August 29.
“The Pitch” tells the story of retired sportswriter Roger Pennell who reluctantly agrees to collaborate with a young reporter, Mike Resnick, on the biography of a boyhood friend of Roger's. That friend, Vernon Peters, was a pitcher who had been languishing on a farm team for the Yankees, but finally got the call that brought him to the mound at Yankee Stadium. Peters threw only one pitch that day, and his career in the Major Leagues abruptly ended. In digging into the story, the young writer discovers a secret at the heart of it all, a secret the older writer fiercely intends to protect.
The play was written by Pioneer Valley-based writer Stan Freeman, who was a former reporter for The Republican/Masslive.com
Ticket for the play range from $24-$31 and are now available by calling or visiting the box office at (413) 747-7797.
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To Bee or Not to Bee: Popular Pollinator-themed Performance for All Ages Buzzes to Springfield and Westhampton
Piti Theatre Company, based in Shelburne Falls, is bringing their award winning all ages musical To Bee or Not to Bee to Springfield Libraries' East Forest Park Branch, 136 Surrey Road on Saturday, August 28 at 11 am. This is a free event. To Bee tells Farmer James’ comic, tragic and hopeful story complete with puppets, clowning, live music and plenty of audience participation. The performance is designed for ages 4 and up and is 45 minutes long. To Bee has been touring in Europe and North America since 2012.
The show's next in-person performance will be another free outdoor event hosted by the Kestrel Land Trust on Saturday, September 11 at 3:30 pm at the Greenberg Family Conservation Area in Westhampton. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Visit kestreltrust.org to reserve your tickets.
Piti will also be performing school shows this fall at Colrain Central School, Hawlemont Elementary, Munger Hill Elementary in Westfield and Bowdoinham Elementary in Maine.
These tour dates are supported in part by grants from the Colrain, Hawlemont and Westfield cultural councils, local agencies supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. The premiere of the troupe's new virtual version of the show wrapped up on August 22nd at the Toronto Fringe Festival and now presenters and schools around the world will be able to schedule live streams of the show followed by zoom-based beekeeper/creator talkbacks (yes, the performers are also beekeepers). Touring and the live streaming version are also made possible in part by the New England Foundation for the Arts Resilience Fund and the New England States Touring Program.
Why To Bee or Not to Bee?
In 2006-2007, U.S. beekeepers lost 50% of their bees. In the years since, beekeepers around the world have continued to struggle with 30 – 40% annual losses resulting from factors including pesticide use, loss of habitat, the proliferation of wireless radiation and industrial beekeeping practices. Meanwhile native bee species are simultaneously disappearing.
Piti Theatre's response is the creation of To Bee or Not to Bee - a new play with music that inspires wonder and curiosity about honeybees and by extension the natural world. The show raises awareness about the honeybee's plight and gives children and adults tools for helping bees thrive in their communities.
To Bee tells the tale of a farmer-beekeeper named James who gradually replaces his diverse crops with corn in order to fill a growing corporate demand for corn bi-products. The action opens with the audience protesting in front of Farmer James’ barn chanting “There’s no good food, we’re in a bad mood.” Only after James recounts his tale with music and puppets to appease the angry mob does he realize, with the help of his friend the Piano Lady, that by getting some advice (and bees!) from a wise woman beekeeper about reviving his land will his bees again be able to thrive. Children are invited onstage to help James re-transform his farm at the end of the show. The performance connects to a real world grassroots campaign launched in called 10% For the Bees which encourages replanting of 10% of lawns with bee friendly habitat and transitioning to organic lawn care methods.
Cast: Jonathan Mirin and Laura Josephs (USA)
Music: Jonathan Mirin and Carrie Ferguson (USA)
Book: Jonathan Mirin
Choreography and Design: Godeliève Richard (Switzerland)
Director: Dominque Bourquin (Switzerland)
For video, music and more about To Bee or Not to Bee and Piti Theatre’s Bee Week program go to www.ptco.org/tobee
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Eggtooth Productions is pleased to announce their first full scale, in-person production on September 10 and 11, 2021 at 7:30 pm at the Shea Theater in Turners Falls, MA.
The Drag Sisters: Back Where We Belong
is a glittery, fun-filled, musical extravaganza where the musical magic of Etta James meets Dolly Parton meets Lou Reed meets Sia fully glammed and busting dance moves, not to mention extra dry martinis. Tickets are $20 at https://sheatheater.org/
The show features Joe Dulude, II as the ever fabulous Mr. Drag with Jane Williams of New Salem and Myka Plunkett from Northampton as his gloriously bungling yet dazzling sisters, all of whom are kept in check by an Alexa-like creature played by Linda Tardif of Turners Falls. Emily Pritchett of Amherst tries very hard to clean up after them all.
Said Mr. Drag, "The Drag Sisters are back! That’s right! Join the Drag Sisters as they officially put down their martinis (for a moment to fix their wigs…I mean hair) and open up the Shea Theatre for performances again! The Drag Sisters: Back Where We Belong reunites some of your favorite members of the Drag Family with stories, song and maybe a surprise or two. Join us for a night of fun, frivolity and of course cocktails. Cheers!"
Linda McInerney, producer and artistic director of Eggtooth Productions said, "We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Drag et al back to the stage after far too long in a far too weird time and this reunion gives us all the chance to be together safely and joyfully. I can't think of a better way to experience collective delight and laughter than with this ridiculously motley crew. We can't wait to greet you and show you to your seat."
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