Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Priscilla's Perfect Day - A New Family Musical
Catawba Club Productions and Group Rep will present a new family musical, Priscilla’s Perfect Day, opening June 12th at the Lonny Chapman Theatre. Jeremy Aldridge directs the show, which features music by Richard Levinson and book by Diana Martin.
It will also feature choreography by Michele Bernath and a cast that includes Natascha Aldridge, Courtney DeCosky, Stephen Simon, Matt Valle, Brian Wallis, Victor Isaac, Diana Martin, Kaylena Mann, Lily Donnelly, and Ben Freiberger.
Rain might ruin eleven-year-old budding artist Priscilla Penelope Periwinkle's idyllic notion of a relaxing vacation in Maine, and her "bratty" little brother Billy and his pesky, pancake-lovin' dog Roscoe are making their first day at the quaint old cottage anything but perfect; when she finds some very strange crayons that send them all to a magical sunny beach, things start looking up ... at least until they meet one very big, and very hungry, lobster. But thanks to Billy's quick thinking, it could still end up being Priscilla's Perfect Day!
Priscilla’s Perfect Day will run Saturdays at 11:00 am, June 12 through July 17. There's even a pancake party and activities follow each of the performances. For tickets and more information please call 818-700-4878 or go to http://thegrouprep.com/index.php/262.
Monday, May 24, 2010
MTG's Das Barbecü Featured in Ring Festival LA
Casting is complete for Musical Theatre Guild’s next production, Das Barbecü, book and lyrics by Jim Luigs and music by Scott Warrender. The musical is one of the featured performances in the Ring Festival LA and will be performed one night only on June 14, 2010.
Gordon Goodman will play Wotan and Pamela Hamill, his wife Fricka, Stuart Ambrose is Siegfried, Melissa Fahn is Gurtrune and Shauna Markey will play Brunnehilde. Each actor will also take on various other roles.
The off-Broadway hit (which is loosely based on Richard Wagner’s massive four-part 20-hour Ring Cycle), manages to neatly, and hysterically, compress the story into a rollicking two-hour musical comedy with a country and western score that features songs like "Hog-Tie Your Man", "Rodeo Romeo" and "Makin' Guacamole". And it’s all set in present day Texas. Opera-lovers and opera-haters alike should be ready to kick back, laugh and have a good ‘ol toe-tapping time.
Tickets are available by calling The Alex box office at 818-243-ALEX. For more information go to www.musicaltheatreguild.com/.
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Labels: musical theatre guild
Friday, May 21, 2010
Auditions: Sing Me a Happy Song
Students and community members are invited to audition for the College of the Canyons theatre department’s workshop production of Sing Me a Happy Song, to be performed at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) at College of the Canyons Black Box Theatre, during this summer’s Festival of New American Musicals.
Written by two of Broadway’s newest voices, Georgia Stitt and David Kirshenbaum, Sing Me a Happy Song is a contemporary musical revue about finding heart in material times. With songs about modern-day relationships, searching for yourself on the Internet, striving to have everything but never having enough, love, family and your gay best friend, this five-character show is at once comic and poignant, smart and silly, emotional and timely.
The show is one of the many musicals featured in the Festival of New American Musicals, which celebrates the return of the American musical by showcasing full productions, staged readings, concerts, master classes and other performance-based events in conjunction with performance arts organizations in cities across Southern California.
Debuting at this year’s festival, the PAC-produced workshop production of Sing Me a Happy Song will be cast entirely with students who enroll in the college’s course Theatre 193: Summer Theatre Workshop. In addition to working on the production, students will participate in a series of master classes conducted by industry professionals.
Auditions for Sing Me a Happy Song will be held at noon, Saturday, June 5, and 6:30 pm, Monday June 7, in Pico Hall room 202, on the Valencia campus.
Performers are asked to prepare 16 to 32 bars from no more than two musical theatre songs. Audition material should be no more than three minutes in length, and should be accompanied by sheet music in the correct key. Music in CD form will not be accepted.
All selected cast members will need to register for the Theatre 193: Summer Theatre Workshop course. Those who are not cast will be offered additional opportunities to participate in the production.
For more information about auditions for Sing me a Happy Song or the course Theatre 193: Summer Theatre Workshop, please contact COC theatre department chair Paul Wickline (661) 362-3152.
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Thursday, May 20, 2010
theTRIBE, The Fantasticks, and a Unique Sponsor a Seat Program
Quality theatre at affordable prices. Isn’t that what every theatergoer is ultimately looking for? theTRIBE, led by Christopher Chase and partner Tiffany Oliver, is one theatre company that wants to help, by providing quality, accessible theatre in Los Angeles County.
One of theTRIBE’s unique ways of accomplishing the task is with their “Sponsor a Seat” program, which allows patrons to purchase a discounted ticket that will be anonymously given to someone who might not otherwise be able to afford a night at the theatre.
Chase says, “Our hope is that, by providing tickets to those on a limited budget (e.g., students, single mothers, foster families, etc.), we will enhance the theatre community; and quite possibly, those who receive sponsored seats might eventually even be able to sponsor others. I can’t think of a more organic way for a theatre-loving community to grow.”
You can see theTRIBE’s work in action next month in their upcoming production, The Fantasticks, opening June 4th at Theatre 6470 at The Complex in Hollywood.
“The Fantasticks is a classic piece that I am honored to be directing” says Chase. “Besides being laugh-out-loud funny, the show is honest in its depictions of love, its displays of humor, and its personal explorations of the unknown. It is, at heart, about growth.
Traditionally, the show focuses on the growth of two young lovers, Matt and Louisa, (played by Michael David and Madison Mitchell), along with two single fathers, a bandit, two older male actors, and a male mute. To balance the male-heavy cast, Chase will have women playing several of the roles normally played by men; Alissa-Nicole Koblentz as Hucklebee, Stacy Lynn Baker as Mortima and Setareh Khatibi as The Mute.
Chase says, “This gives us the opportunity to explore relationships other than just Louisa and Matt. We also see friendships, professional interactions, and even spiritual connections that couldn’t be explored so gracefully with only one female in the cast.”
The remaining cast members are Christopher Karbo in the role of El Gallo, Tony Oliver playing Bellomy, the girl’s father, and Darryl Maximillion Robinson as Henry.
“The staging has also been updated using more realistic movements instead of the classic over-the-top style, although we’ve kept some comedic gags intact for those who are already fans of the show," adds Chase. "If you’re looking to smile, laugh, hum along to beautiful music, and maybe learn a little something about yourself, The Fantasticks is the perfect show to see.”
You can catch theTRIBE’S production of The Fantasticks June 4 -July 11 at Theatre 6470 at The Complex in Hollywood. Tickets are available online now at www.thetribeproductions.org/tickets/.
And remember, following the show, if you’re so inclined, you’ll have the opportunity to sponsor a seat for someone else to enjoy the show too. Fantastic.
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Monday, May 17, 2010
Hila Plitmann in Concert at Boston Court
Boston Court Theatre's 2010 Spring Music Series is featuring Hila Plitmann in An Intimate Evening of Song this weekend in two evening performances May 22 and 23rd.
Plitmann is the Grammy Award-winning soprano who starred in Boston Court's main stage production of Eric Whitacre's Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings in 2007 (fabulous!), and more recently was seen in the world premiere of Stephen Schwartz's Séance on a Wet Afternoon (amazing) by Opera Santa Barbara.
The accomplished coloratura will perform art, film, and pop covers that range from “Five Hebrew Love Songs” to “All the Love in the World,” in what promises to be a memorable and beautiful performance.
Tickets are available at www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/725065.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Cinespia's First Cemetery Screening - The Wizard of Oz
“I see dead people” takes on new meaning this weekend at Hollywood Forever Cemetery as Cinespia opens its 10th summer season of graveyard movie screenings. What? You’ve never seen a movie in a cemetery before? Well here’s your chance to kick back in your lawn chair with your picnic supper and watch a classic movie shown on the marble mausoleum wall with several hundred of your closest friends (some living, some dead…but hey, who’s counting?)
First screening of the season is The Wizard of Oz this Saturday, May 15th. Gates open at 7:00 pm and the film starts at 8:30 pm. No reservations are necessary and there is a $10 suggested donation to get in. Parking on the cemetery grounds is $5. DJ Carlos Niño spins before and after the movie.
Films announced so far include The Thing (May 22), North by Northwest (May 29) and Purple Rain (May 30). For directions, what to bring, and all the 411, go to www.cinespia.org/.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery is located at 6000 Santa Monica Blvd at Gower.
The Group Rep Presents A Brand New BABY
Cate Caplin is directing and choreographing an updated version of the musical BABY at Group Repertory Theatre opening June 4th. The Maltby & Shire musical, which was nominated for seven Tony Awards, has a book by Sybille Pearson and is based on a story developed with Susan Yankowitz. Jeffrey Rockwell will musical direct.
BABY tells the story of three couples dealing with the painful, rewarding and agonizingly funny situations of expecting a baby: college students in their twenties, barely at the beginning of their adult lives; thirty ‘somethings’, having trouble conceiving but willing to try; and middle-aged parents, looking forward to seeing their last child graduate from college when a night of unexpected passion lands them right back where they started.
According to Caplin, “BABY has been a very special story that I have wanted to tell as a director for over 15 years. Aside from its glorious music and its clever and thoughtful lyrics, there is an emotionally charged and poignant heartbeat built into the very essence and core of each of the couples we become involved with. There is a universal truth and honesty that everyone can relate to and a timelessness that resonates and touches all who experience the piece.”
She adds, “The production will feature a lot of choreographed ‘moments’ and heightened styling throughout. I’ve designed physical animation that mirrors the musical punctuation and visually ‘paints’ the nature and journey of the three principal couples, their emotional ride and their surrounding world of players.”
The three couples will be played by Emily Thompson and Robert Allen as Lizzie and Danny, Dana Abrams and Steve Rizzo as Pam and Nick, and Luise Heath and Lloyd Pedersen as Arlene and Alan. Completing the ensemble are Klair Bybee, Tonilyn Hornung, Beckett Arnold, Lareen Faye, Michael Cassano and Jeremy M. Sage.
The design team for BABY includes Rachel Jaime Miller (Lighting), Chris Winfield (Set), Maro K. Parian (Costumes) and Lauren Cocca (Props). Richard Woody is Assistant Director and Michele Bernath is Assistant Choreographer.
Two Talkback Sessions with the cast will be held following the Sunday performances on June 13 and June 27.
BABY opens Friday, June 4th and runs through July 11 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Boulevard, North Hollywood 91601. For tickets and more information go to www.thegrouprep.com/ or call the reservation line at 818-700-4878.
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Thursday, May 6, 2010
Limelight: The Story of Charlie Chaplin
It’s now official. La Jolla Playhouse announces the addition of the new musical Limelight: The Story of Charlie Chaplin to its 2010/2011 season. This world premiere production features music and lyrics by Christopher Curtis, book by Christopher Curtis and Thomas Meehan and direction by Michael Unger. Limelight will run September 7 - October 17, 2010.
He came to America an unknown. He left amidst scandals and controversy. In between, Charlie Chaplin became one of the best-loved and most famous entertainers in the world. From the gritty streets and smoky music halls of London to movie screens across the world, Limelight goes behind the camera to show how a comic genius found soaring success and later fell from grace. A fascinating study in talent and turmoil, boldness and vulnerability, Chaplin’s life was fueled by an insatiable drive that was both essential to his artistry and the cause of strife in his personal life. Limelight provides a moving and delightful close-up on the man who changed motion pictures forever.
Limelight joins the season, which also includes the previously announced schedule of shows:
Surf Report
June 15 – July 11, 2010
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
July 20 – August 22, 2010
Limelight: The Story of Charlie Chaplin
September 7 - October 17, 2010
Mandell Weiss Theatre
Notes from Underground
September 17 – October 17, 2010
Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre
Ruined
November 16 – December 19, 2010
Little Miss Sunshine
February 15 – March 27, 2011
For more information about the season visit www.lajollaplayhouse.org/.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Carmen Miranda Musical Premieres at The Hudson
Previewing May 21 is the world premiere musical, Carmen Miranda – The Lady in the Tutti Frutti Hat, by Sam Mossler. Dennis Kaye musical directs, choreography is by Daniel Coffman and Adam Schlachter will direct.
Magi Avila stars in the title role and began her own professional career as an opera singer at the age of 15. She is a familiar face on Mexican television, where she additionally worked as a newscaster, and has appeared in stage productions in Mexico, San Diego, (San Diego Rep) and Los Angeles (Casa 0101).
In addition to Avila, the cast will include Dennis Kaye, Robson Vieira, Edgar Lopez, Marcello Olivas, Jeff Markgraf, Geremy Dingle, Larry Meregillano, Ron Hershewe, Cengis Yaltkaya and Michael Solomon.
Carmen Miranda became a successful radio singer, making a transition first into Brazilian films, and then to America, first on Broadway and then to Hollywood. She was a sensation, making 13 Hollywood movies and, at one point (1946), becoming Hollywood’s highest earning star. The singer, dancer, actress was known for her unabashedly Latin screen persona, her musical talent, her sex appeal, and her distinctive headgear.
She was the lady in the tutti frutti hat, like the title of the song in her film “The Gang’s All Here.” A disastrous marriage to an exploitive husband/manager who overworked her and allegedly beat her contributed to her early demise. She succumbed to a fatal heart attack the night after her final television appearance. Miranda has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and her footprints are preserved in cement as part of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre collection.
The show, suitable for family audiences, will feature sixteen of Miranda’s songs and production numbers and celebrates the life and career of a unique and legendary entertainer who brought joy to millions.
Tickets are available at www.Plays411.com/carmen. For more about the musical go to www.carmenmirandashow.com/.
La Cañada Theatre Opens Squeak
The charming new musical, Squeak: A Musical in One Act, opens at La Cañada Theatre in Montrose May 7 and will run through May 16. It features music by Brian Leader, lyrics by Noelle Donfeld and book by Sachi Oyama.
Suzanna, a research mouse, is in love with her scientist, Yuri, who is in love with Phoebe, a doubting waitress. Brutus, is a house mouse who is hopelessly in love with Suzanna, and has a match-making sister, Cleopatra, who will do anything to help him. Can true love be found among the electrodes and pizza in this mini tale of interspecies love?
Starring in the cast are Arron Rothbart as Yuri, Aria Noelle Curzon as Suzanna and Deb Owen as Cleopatra of Mouse Matches, Inc. Also featured are Rachele Gueli as Phoebe and Michael McAdam as Brutus.
Owen has a passion for working with writers on new musicals. “It is a rare opportunity as a performer to be a part of the creative process as well as having a role created, at least in part, around my strengths. Cleopatra will always have a little ‘Deb’ in it, no matter who plays the role in the future.”
La Cañada Theatre is located at 2416 Montrose Avenue, Montrose, CA 91020. Tickets for Squeak are available online at www.lacanadatheatre.org/shows.html. For more information, please call 818-731-6740.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
La Jolla Playhouse Adds Little Miss Sunshine Musical
La Jolla Playhouse announced today an exciting new production for its 2010/11 subscription season: the world premiere musical Little Miss Sunshine. The Tony Award-winning creative team of composer/lyricist William Finn and writer/director James Lapine, who previously collaborated on the Tony Award-winning musicals Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, will bring their latest project to the Playhouse. The production will run February 15 - March 27, 2011 in the Mandell Weiss Theatre.
The previously-announced A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is on hold.
Little Miss Sunshine is based on the 2006 motion picture by Big Beach Films and Fox Searchlight with a screenplay by Michael Arndt. The film received numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
The Hoover family has seen better days. Richard, the father, is a floundering motivational speaker, Grandpa's been kicked out of his retirement home for doing drugs, and Uncle Frank's been dumped by his boyfriend. Moody teenager Dwayne has taken a vow of silence and overextended mom Sheryl can do little more than slap on a smile. But when the youngest Hoover—energetic, indomitable Olive—enters a regional children’s beauty pageant, the family thinks their luck could change and embarks on a cross-country trek chasing the coveted title of “Little Miss Sunshine.” With a rollicking pace and moments of joyful abandon, Little Miss Sunshine is an outrageously funny and surprisingly touching new musical.
Dates for the other previously announced Playhouse shows have been confirmed, including: Annie Weisman’s Surf Report, directed by Lisa Peterson, will run June 15 – July 11; William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream directed by Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley, will run July 20 – August 22; Bill Camp and Robert Woodruff’s adaptation of Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground, directed by Woodruff, will run September 17 – October 17; and the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Ruined, directed by Liesl Tommy, will run November 16 – December 19.
Subscriptions to La Jolla Playhouse’s 2010/11 season are available by calling 858-550-1010 or by visiting www.lajollaplayhouse.org/.