|
|
|
|
April 28 - May 18, 2022
Check out the UMass New Play Lab and the Fringe Festival this week - lots of new works by graduate students. You can also catch Grease at Holyoke High School, 9 to 5 at the Majestic, and the final weekend of Admissions at Silverthorne Theatre. There are also auditions for a play development project through the Play Incubation Collective, and a chance to get involved at Ja'Duke or the Drama Studio.
The next issue will include events from May 5 - 25. 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
|
|
|
WAM Theatre presents THE NEW GALILEOS by Amy Berryman
Sunday May 1, 2pm at Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield MA or streaming online
Tickets available here wamtheatre.com or at the door.
|
|
YOUR EVENT HERE
$5 per week for your poster and ticket link in top billing!
Email me to reserve your dates.
|
|
|
THIS WEEK IN THEATRE NEWS:
from Howlround
Returning to the Streets: Street Theatre in Modern Society
by Sebastiano Spinella
From the article:
It is an old saying in the theatre profession that “street theatre is the best school.” This is because when the public has paid for a ticket to see your show, they are sure to stay throughout the performance—even if what they see does not involve them or excite them. But with street theatre, the actor has to be sure not to let the audience’s attention drop. They must conquer the audience minute by minute, otherwise they will simply leave. In addition to the freedom of the public, there is a freedom of the artist to experiment with their performance, improving their skills until they find the perfect rhythm and connection with passersby.
Have you read an interesting article about theatre recently? Send it to me! pioneervalleytheatre@gmail.com
|
|
|
UMASS NEW PLAY LAB is the anchor of our Fringe Festival with two exciting new works by two of our graduate students.
Red: Passion and Patience in the Desert.
A Wild Adaptation
by Bianca Dillard
April 28 at 7:30 p.m. and May 1 TBA
Curtain Theater, located in the Bromery Center for the Arts
Student works:
Cry Wolf
An online audio drama by Shelly Hed
An online part of the Fringe Festival, coming in April
A Midsummer Night's Dream
by William Shakespeare
Directed and produced by Ivy Linden-Dionne, Claudia Maurino, Kaliska Wiley, and Madeline Choiniere Barr
April 29 at 7:30 p.m., April 30 at 2 p.m.
Curtain Theater, located in the Bromery Center for the Arts
Part of our Fringe Festival, tickets free, check back for reservation details.
The Other America
Written by Pedro Eiras, inspired by Nobel Prize Winner Dario Fo's Johan Padan and The Discovery of the Americas
May 1 at 2 p.m.
Curtain Theater, located in the Bromery Center for the Arts
Part of our Fringe Festival, tickets free, check back for reservation details
Webgirl
by Sena Yacteen
May 6 & 7 at 7:30 p.m., May 7 at 2 p.m. and May 8 time TBA
Curtain Theater, located in the Bromery Center for the Arts
Part of our Fringe Festival, tickets free, check back for reservation details
***
Play Lab reservations are free but encouraged, and can be made through the Fine Arts Center Box Office (click here to go directly to our events).
Other Fringe events are also free, but reservations are encouraged where available.
More details are on the Department's Fringe Fest page: https://www.umass.edu/theater/fringe-fest-22
|
|
Holyoke High School
GREASE
4/28/22 at 7:30 pm, 4/29/ 2022 at 7:30pm, 4/30/2022 at 7:30pm, 5/1/2022 at 2:00pm
Holyoke High School Auditorium
Rydell High 1959: Head "greaser" Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their "Summer Nights"
https://hhsgrease.bpt.me
After 3pm on the day of the event, online ticket sales will end. Except for the Sunday Matinee, online tickets will end at 9:00 am) Tickets can be purchased at the Door a 1/2 hour before the performance with cash or check only.
|
|
|
|
|
9 TO 5 WORKS ITS MAGIC ON MAJESTIC THEATER STAGE
APRIL 28 – MAY 29
Musical is Based on Iconic 1980 Film with Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton
9 to 5, the musical based on the beloved 1980 film that featured Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as three unlikely friends who bond over their frustrating jobs, will be staged at the Majestic Theater April 14 – May 29.
The story focuses on Violet, Doralee and Judy, whose boss, Franklin Hart, Jr., is president of their company, as well as a domineering and lecherous man. A fantasized poisoning has him threatening to call the police on the women, but they turn the tables on him, tie him up and kidnap him. Back at work, they institute changes under Hart’s name, but also discover some “creative accounting” practices. Hart escapes and returns to work ready to take over when the company’s CEO arrives, is impressed by the changes, promotes Violet and ships Hart off to manage the company branch in Bolivia. The play 9 to 5 was written by Dolly Parton and Patricia Resnick
The cast of 9 to 5 includes Crystin Gilmore (Violet), Kaytlyn Vandeloecht (Dora Lee), Mollie Posnick (Judy), Joe Casey (Hart), Kait Rankins (Roz), and Chris Rojas (Joe). Danny Eaton is producing director, Sue Dziura is associate producing director/assistant stage manager and Rand Foerster is directing the musical. The music director is Mitch Chakour and Stephen Petit is production stage manager. The set design is by Greg Trochlil, costumes are designed by Dawn McKay, and Doug Wallace is sound designer. Choreography is by Stacy Ashley.
Tickets to 9 to 5 and Betty & the Patch range from $31 - $37 and are available for sale at the Majestic’s box office Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm; or on the phone at (413) 747-7797.
|
|
|
|
|
SILVERTHORNE THEATER PRESENTS ADMISSIONS: A SEARING DRAMA OF PRIVILEGE, POWER AND HYPOCRISY
In its final show of the ’21-’22 Season, Silverthorne Theater Company presents Joshua Harmon’s 2018 drama, Admissions, on stage in The Perch at the Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center in Greenfield from April 22 through 30. Tickets for Admissions are on sale now via Eventbrite.
Winner of the 2018 Outer Critics Circle Award, Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play, and the 2018 Drama Desk Award, Outstanding Play, Admissions was described by The Guardian as “a harsh lesson for white liberals.” Set in a private school not unlike many in the Valley and beyond, and drawing on the current atmosphere of vigorous re-examination of the true meaning of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the play approaches progressive values and implicit racism – not without humor – but asking audience members to step back from preconceived ideas. Silverthorne’s production will include post show discussion.
Sherri Rosen-Mason is head of the admissions department at a New England prep school, fighting to diversify the student body. Alongside her husband, the school’s headmaster, they’ve largely succeeded in bringing a stodgy institution into the twenty-first century. But when their only son sets his sights on an Ivy League university, personal ambition collides with progressive values, with convulsive results. This is a no-holds-barred look at privilege, power, and the perils of hypocrisy.
Directed by Mark Dean, the cast features veteran actor Steve Eldredge* as Headmaster Bill Mason, with Margaret Streeter as his wife, Admissions Director Sherri Rosen-Mason, and Luke Bosco as their son Charlie. Sarah Wilson plays Sherri’s friend Ginnie, with Jane Barish as Development staff member Roberta. Technical Director John Iverson provides set, lighting and sound design, and Amanda Bowman stage manages.
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Everyone who attends a Silverthorne event must wear face coverings while in the building and show proof of full vaccination for COVID-19.
Follow STC on Instagram and Facebook @silverthornetheater to join in! You can also sign up for our Email Newsletters to stay in the know.
For questions and further information, please contact us at silverthornetheater@gmail.com, call 413-768-7514, or visit https://silverthornetheater.org/event/admissions/
|
|
|
WAM Theatre presents
THE NEW GALILEOS by Amy Berryman
directed by Megan Sandberg-Zakian
featuring: Alika Hope, KD McTeigue, Nicole Orabona, Kristen van Ginhoven.
Sunday May 1, 2pm
at Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield MA or streaming online
Tickets available here wamtheatre.com or at the door.
In a future not too distant from our own, three female scientists–a marine biologist, a glaciologist, and a soil expert–are being held hostage by their government because of their work fighting climate change. As they are interrogated, the women face the ultimate question: what are they willing to sacrifice to defend the truth? In this edgy, gripping new play, by one of the country’s hottest playwrights, just off West End, Amy Berryman, explores the interaction of science and capitalism.
WAM Theatre’s Fresh Takes Play Reading Series presents ground-breaking stories that are imaginative and thoughtful explorations of complex issues affecting women and girls. Featuring local professional actors and directors, the Fresh Takes play readings continue WAM’s commitment to connecting Berkshire audiences to female playwrights who are contributing to national and international theatre conversations. Each reading will be followed by a brief discussion with the artists.
|
|
|
|
GCC Theater presents The Elephant Man
Fri, May 6th, Sat, May 7th, Thur, May 12th, Fri, May 13th, and Sat, May 14th, all at 7:30pm. One 2pm Matinee on Sunday, May 8th
Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center, Downtown Greenfield, MA
After being canceled by the pandemic, two years later The Elephant Man returns. Since then, the Sloan Theater at GCC has been in renovation, so with most of the same cast and crew, the production will open Friday, May 6th at 7:30pm at Hawks & Reed in downtown Greenfield with additional performances Sat, May 7th, Thur, May 12th, Fri, May 13th, and Sat, May 14th, all at 7:30pm. One 2pm Matinee on Sunday, May 8th. The Elephant Man by Bernard Pomerance takes place in late 1800s England and is based on the life of Joseph Merrick, referred to as John Merrick in the play, whose life was complicated by extreme growths on his body. The play is directed by GCC Theater's department chair, Tom Geha with a cast and crew of over 25 students, alumni, and community members.
More information.
|
|
|
The Understudies: An Improvised Musical!
May 7th at 7:00 PM
Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, MA)
Be part of the fun as brave improvisers and their trusty musician create an entire musical from scratch. Saturday, May 7th at 7pm at the Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). Tickets: $13 online and at the door.
For more info: https://www.happiervalley.com/understudies.html
|
|
|
Mother’s Day Celebration
Sunday May 8th the Academy of Music, Northampton at 2:30 PM
Show your love for your nurturer and all nurtures
who make the world a better place with their love, care, and support.
Shout! Elevate! Inspire!
CELEBRATE all the NURTURERS in your life AND support YOUTH VOICE, SOCIAL JUSTICE, and the ARTS
The Performance Project Benefit Concert 2022
Invite your mom, invite your nurturer, your sweetie, your extended family
Go out to brunch!
then from 2:30 - 4:30 - Shout! Elevate! Inspire!
Or, attend the concert, and then GO OUT TO DINNER!
It’s perfect!
AMAZING LINEUP OF MUSICIANS AND PERFORMING ARTISTS
The Lost Tribe
Avery Sharpe
Taylor Mickens
Amina “Illypsis Speaks” Jordan-Mendez
Iyawna Burnett
First Generation Ensemble
MCs I-SHEA and Chloe Estrella Soto
|
|
|
|
Eggtooth Productions is proud to offer Joe Dulude’s final drag musical production before leaving the Pioneer Valley, though he promises to come back to entertain us in the future. His latest musical drag extravaganza, Dragspringa, will be presented on Friday May 13 and Saturday, May 14, 2022 at the Shea Theatre in Turners Falls. Performances take place at 7:30 pm and tickets are $20 at https://sheatheater.org/.
Joe, in the guise of Mr. Drag, his beloved drag persona had this to say, “Dragspringa - that time in every Drag's life when they must leave everyone they know behind and explore the world. Join the Drag Sisters as they raise one last martini and bid a fond farewell to Mr Drag. Expect laughter, tears and of course copious amounts of alcohol.
For this latest saga in the Drag Family's life, Joe Dulude II, who created and performs the role of Mr Drag wanted to write a show that celebrates the Drag Sisters at their best for this farewell. He is moving away from the Pioneer Valley and wanted to give one last hurrah . Alongside Joe, Jane Williams portrays his older sister Kat and Myka Plunkett their younger sister DD. Joining them on stage is Linda Tardif as their musical device Jinnifer, plus some special guests.
This is not goodbye...it is until next time. Cheers!”
|
|
|
|
WILBRAHAM UNITED PLAYERS “PRESENT LAUGHTER”
Poor Garry Essendine, the famous leading man is not having a good week. The world that revolves around him is just not behaving as it should. As he faces down the years of middle-age the ingenue he brought home from a party wants to stay with him forever; his not really “ex” wife has him conspiring against his friend and director. His producer’s wife is trying to seduce him; his long-suffering secretary and his servants serve with a side of “sass” and to top it all off a crazy playwright who is a dedicated fan just won’t leave him alone.
Join the Wilbraham United Players as they take the stage with Noel Coward’s sparkling comedy – Present Laughter on May 13, 14, 15 and 20, 21 and 22. Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30. Sunday matinees are at 2:30.
The production is being performed on the Fellowship Hall Stage at the Wilbraham United Church – 500 Main St.
Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Player’s website – wilbrahamunitedplayers.org. Reserved Premium Seats are $27 and General Seating is $22. There is a discount for Seniors and Students.
|
|
|
2nd Saturdays Presents...
May 14th at 7:00 PM
Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, MA)
A dive into theatrical longform improv formats you'll love, from classics like Armando and Shrink to new creations like Neighbors, which has played to standing ovation! Saturday, May 14th at 7pm at the Happier Valley Comedy Theater (1 Mill Valley Rd, Hadley, on rte.9). Tickets: $13 online and at the door.
For more info: https://www.happiervalley.com/2nd-saturdays.html.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
