P E A H E N P L U S P R E S S Bringing you theatre and music news of interest to young people Volume II. Issue Number 1, January 16, 2000 In this issue: 1. FEATURE STORY - Peacock Players present A Midsummer Night's Dream 2. WHAT'S HAPPENING? (In alphabetical order, rotating one with each issue) 2.1 Palace Youth Theatre, Manchester 2.2 Southern NH High School Choral Festival 2.3 Acting Loft, Manchester 2.4 Actorsingers, Nashua 2.5 American Stage Festival, Nashua 2.6 Andy's Summer Playhouse, Wilton 2.7 KidPop! Family Concerts, NH 2.8 Kids' Coop Theatre, Derry 2.9 Leddy Center for the Performing Arts, Epping 2.10 Majestic Theatre Trust, Manchester 2.11 Maskers, Manchester Central High School 2.12 Merrimack Community Theatre 2.13 MSM Players, Nashua 2.14 Music and Drama Company (MADCo), Londonderry 3. HOW ELSE CAN WE FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING? 4. ABOUT THE PEAHEN PLUS PRESS ==================================================================== 1. FEATURE STORY - Peacock Players present A Midsummer Night's Dream ==================================================================== Under the artistic direction of Deborah Schoenberg with musical direction by Michael Roy, the Peacock Players of the American Stage Festival proudly present William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. One of the most beloved of Shakespeare's comedies, the story follows two pairs of lovers into the woods, where they find themselves under the spell of mischievous fairies. Tossed into the plot is a troupe of fumbling thespians preparing a preposterous play for a wedding. This Peacock Players project began in the fall of 1999, when the artistic director conducted workshops for the entire cast, inspiring them to appreciate the rich language of Shakespeare. Deborah Schoenberg has 25 years of professional acting experience, and this summer marks her sixth season leading Project Shakespeare in Boston. She has directed several theatre projects with Nashua High School and other schools. This production of A Midsummer Night's Dream includes original music composed by Michael Roy and original choreography by Tina Cassidy. Krista Demers is the Stage Manager. The cast includes several artists new to Peacock Players. Here is a complete cast list: Courtney Barrett, Rachel Behler, Jackie Bender, Liana Bonavita, Megan Borase, Kat Bye, Steven Dennis, Jennifer Dudley, Angie Dugas, Dylan Gamblin, Josefine Garcia, Jennifer Hauser, Dave Jette, Alexander LaFrance, Laura DeCosta, Samantha LeBlanc, Stephanie LeBlanc, Morgan Lucas, Meredith Lustig, Kara Maloney, Derek Matthews, Mikah McCabe, Corey Michener, Joe Moylan, Krystal Lee Muccioli, Steffany Nichols, Courtney Page, Greg Potter, Kevin Scadova, James Scoville, Emily Stawasz, Dara Sussman, Teal Van Dyck, Christina Vilot, Jillian Wheeler, Dee Wolfson, and Marcia Wright. You can call the ASF box office at 886-7000 for reservations and information. See section 2.5. in this newsletter for production dates, times, and ticket prices. Go Dreamers! ================================================================ 2. WHAT'S HAPPENING? ================================================================ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.1 Palace Youth Theatre, Manchester +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Under the artistic leadership Peter Ramsey and Roger Scruggs the Palace Theatre Trust is achieving its vision of developing the Palace Youth Theatre. OPEN AUDITIONS for Schoolhouse Rock Junior are scheduled for Mon. and Tues. January 17 and 18, from 6 PM to 8 PM at the theatre. Rehearsals begin January 24 for production dates March 24 and 25. Casting is open to performers ages 6 to 18, both experienced and first-timers. Those auditioning should prepare a short song and bring sheet music and a small photo. Piano accompaniment is available. This first production in the youth program is based on the Emmy Award-winning Saturday morning cartoon series. The Palace Youth Theatre is a new educational performing arts program, organized and implemented by Roger Scruggs. Mr. Scruggs was artistic director for the recent overwhelmingly successful run of Annie at the Palace. The Palace Youth Theatre productions are designed to allow young actors to experience and be part of a professional theatrical performance, both on stage and behind the scenes. The cost per student per production is $25. For more information call 668-5588. The Sound of Music is slated for Palace main stage production in April, and an additional project is in development for May of this year. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.2 Southern NH High School Choral Festival +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Southern New Hampshire All-area High School Choral Festival is scheduled for Thursday, 1/27, 7:00 at Elm Street Junior High School in Nashua. The chorus is comprised of area high school students from several towns and cities in the area. The artists are already in rehearsal at their respective schools. The 7 PM concert is open to the entire community. Tickets are $4 in advance and $5 at the door. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3 The Acting Loft, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Pippin Feb 11-13 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Tickets are now available for Pippin, coming to The Acting Loft next month. Show dates are 2/11, 2/12, and 2/13. The cast and crew are polishing the bawdy songs and Fosse-style dance numbers. Jannel Ouellette is directing, with musical direction by Sally Landis, choreography by Susan B. Horne, and produced by Christopher D. Courage. One weekend only! · Friday 2/11 at 7:30 · Saturday 2/12 at 3:00 and at 7:30 · Sunday 2/13 at 4:00 Contact any cast member for tickets, or call the box office at (603) 623-0313 X-518. Call early - all seats are reserved. Tickets are $8. COMING to The Acting Loft this year: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pippin Feb 11-13 Blood Brothers May 19-21 Chess August 18-20 +++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.4 Actorsingers, Nashua +++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: www.actorsingers.org Pirates of Penzance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - OPEN AUDITIONS for the Actorsingers May 5-7 production of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, Pirates of Penzance are scheduled for Sun. and Mon. February 6 and 7, beginning at 7 PM. Information night is Weds. January 26. Info night is open to all, and is a time to learn about the show, find out what the directors are looking for, and learn some of the music. Seeking adult artists - minimum age 11th grade. Kathy Lovering is directing, with musical direction by Jed Holland and choreography by Donna O'Bryant. The Actorsingers are also recruiting for the many backstage roles - orchestra, costumes, sets, stage crew, make-up, lots more. For detailed information come to Information night, or send questions to webmaster@actorsingers.org. Lots more information available on the web site. On each of the two audition nights the hall opens at 6 PM, with the opportunity to get acquainted and learn a dance combination and songs. In order to make best use of the audition time, the audition board has set up this timetable: 6:00 Bottom Floor Middle Floor Top Floor ----------------------- ------------- ------------------------ Daughters songs Reception Pirates and police dance ---------------------- ------------- ----------------------- 6:30 Pirates and police songs Daughters dance ---------------------- ------------- ------------------------ 7:00 Auditions for daughters Dance class open to all 7:30 Auditions for pirates and police 8:00 Auditions for lead roles 8:30 Auditions for daughters 9:00 Auditions for pirates and police 9:30 Auditions for lead roles Hey, Ho Pinocchio - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Junior Actorsingers are bringing Hey, Ho Pinocchio to Nashua March 17,18, and 19 in the new Collings Auditorium at Daniel Webster College. David Ducharme is directing, with choreography by Lynne Witholm. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.5 American Stage Festival, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: www.americanstagefestival.org Peacock Classes 2000 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The ASF is offering a full slate of acting classes for different age groups this season. Call or stop by the theatre at 14 Court Street to obtain a copy of the current flier. Something special is Teen Scenes, for ages 12 - 16, created by Amy Winograd Friedman. Many of you remember the production of Little Women last season, which Amy directed. Teen Scenes workshop is scheduled for Mondays from 5PM to 7PM, 10 weeks, 1/24 through 4/3, with no class on 2/28. The workshop is designed for the young performer with some experience, and is an intensive course featuring exercises in scene study, monologue work, and improvisation. Call 889-2330 for information or to enroll. A Midsummer Night's Dream - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - Performance dates: Feb. 11-13 and 18-20, 2000. Call the box office at 886-7000 for reservations. See also the feature in section 1 of this newsletter. (Ed. Note - dates posted by the ASF in early fliers, and the dates listed on the web site as of 1/16 are INCORRECT. The ASF box office confirmed the 2/11-2/20 dates.) Peter Pan - - - - - - - AUDITION dates for Peter Pan are Mon. 2/7 from 4PM to 10PM, and Mon. 2/14, same time window. Callbacks by invitation only are 2/15 5PM to 10PM. Please call 889-2330 after 1/31 to schedule an audition time. Applicants should prepare a short song, and a reading or monologue or poem. Wear clothing comfortable for dancing. Performance dates are 5/12, 13, and 14 at the ASF in Nashua, and 5/19 and 20 at the Palace Theatre in Manchester. The Velveteen Rabbit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Performances are scheduled for March 10 through 19. All seats are $5 and tickets are on sale now. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6 Andy's Summer Playhouse, Wilton ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Andy's Summer Playhouse in Wilton Center, in beautiful southern New Hampshire is seeking a Managing Director. This well established, non-profit, 30-year-old playhouse hires diverse, professional theatre staff each summer to work with its actors ages 8-22 for five fully staged, highly innovative and newly commissioned productions. Duties include day-to-day operations, managing small office staff, and community liaison. Computer skills are essential. Grant writing experience a plus. Nine months part-time, summer full-time. Send cover letter and resume to: Sheila Haley, President, Andy's Board of Directors 128 Hunter Farm Road Peterborough, NH 03458 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.7 KidPop! Family Concerts +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Children's entertainer Judy Pancoast is looking for an energetic team of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 to perform with her at a series of musical events this summer. The KidPop! Kids will perform dance and cheering routines. Formal or informal training in dance, gymnastics or singing would be a bonus. Candidates should be cheerful, friendly, and must enjoy interacting with young and very young children. Successful candidates should be available for rehearsals in February and March. For audition information, contact Kidz at Heart Productions, at 598-3960. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.8 Kids' Coop Theatre, Derry ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: http://www.derrynh.com/kct Check the web site to find out what's happening at Kids' Coop. Summer and fall schedules are in the planning stages. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.9 Leddy Center for the Performing Arts, Epping, NH +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: http://www.nh.ultranet.com/~leddyctr Annie - - - - - AUDITIONS for a July 2000 production of Annie are scheduled for Saturday February 19, 2000, from 9 AM to 2 PM. Seeking: ten girls ages 7 to 11 to play the orphans, including Annie, adults for the adult roles, and mature teens and adults to play the many supporting roles. Audition music is available starting Monday, 1/10/2000 at the Leddy Office, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Auditioners will be expected to sing a song of the directors' choosing, and may be asked to do a reading from the script or perform directed dance steps. HMS Pinafore - - - - - - - - - - - The classic Gilbert and Sullivan operetta is coming to Leddy Center March 11-March 27, 2000. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.10 Majestic Theatre Trust, Manchester, NH ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: http://www.majestictrust.org In recognition of the interest of young theatregoers, The Majestic Theatre Trust Youth Company was founded in 1999 primarily to educate and provide opportunities for the younger tier of performers, ages 7 to 15. In its first year, the MTT Youth Company division involved over 100 young people. You can get on the mailing list for further information by supplying feedback through the web site, or by calling 603 644-8155. Majestic plans for early 2000: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Marry Me a Little 2/18, 2/19 (Dinner Theatre) Comedy 2K 4/14, 4/15 (Italian Dinner Theatre) Majestic Night 2000 5/19, 5/20 (Majestic's 10th Anniversary Celebration) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.11 Maskers, Manchester Central High School ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Congratulations to the Maskers cast and crew, for a wonderful interpretation of what is commonly referred to as 12 Angry Men. Your adapted title 12 Angry Jurors fit the playbill perfectly, and judging from the enthusiastic audience response, you are all to be commended for this achievement in dramatic theatre! The Maskers are planning another production for this spring. For information about Maskers you can send email to Peter Chambers at baltic_avenue@hotmail.com. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.12 Merrimack Community Theatre ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: http://members.tripod.com/MerrimackCT Merrimack Community Theatre is presenting Under Milk Wood in April, directed by Vick Bennison. Performance dates are 4/6 through 4/9/2000, at the American Stage Festival, Court Street, in Nashua. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.13 Music and Drama Company, Londonderry ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: http://www.madco.org MAD Co. recently selected the cast for a spring production of Cole Porter's romantic comedy Anything Goes. For more information check out the web site, or call the MAD Co. hot line at 603 434-2180. You can subscribe to the MADCAPS ONLINE newsletter by sending email to MusicAndDrama@aol.com. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.14 MSM Players, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The MSM Players are presenting The Music Man on May 19 and 20, 2000. AUDITIONS are scheduled for Jan. 27 from 6 - 8 PM and Jan 28 from 6 - 9:30 PM in the cafeteria of Nashua Catholic Jr. High School, Bartlett Street. Seeking 30 to 40 artists ages 9 and up. Be prepared with a short song and sheet music. Also seeking a costumer and costume coordinator. For more information and to confirm audition dates, contact Mr. John Phipps by phone at (603) 886-8805 or (781) 981-3984 or email phipps@ll.mit.edu, or call Mrs. Urquhart at (603) 883-6707. ================================================ 3. HOW ELSE CAN WE FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING? ================================================ 3.1 Most of the theatre groups in the area have web sites, providing dates for auditions and performances. Several of them have links to other arts' web sites. 3.2 You can sign up with theNH/MA Theatre Lovers list and/or the NH/MA Music Lovers. To do so, send a blank message to nh-ma-theatre-lovers-subscribe@egroups.com and/or to nh-ma-music-lovers-subscribe@egroups.com. There is no charge to be on these special interest distribution lists. Many professional and community groups send announcements through this route. Having been on the lists for over a year, we have never received any junk mail. Each list has a monitor, who approves submitted announcements, then sends ONE ANNOUNCEMENT to all on the list. The event must be open to all, and must not be for personal profit. 3.3 Check the Encore section in Friday issues of The Nashua Telegraph. You'll find audition and performance information in articles and in the numerous calendar and listings sections. You can peruse the current Telegraph on the web, at: http://www.nashuatelegraph.com 3.4 The Boston Globe You can read today or yesterday's Globe on the web, at: http://www.boston.globe.com/globe For a nominal fee you can order articles from archived editions. 3.4.1 Check the Calendar section in Thursday issues. 3.4.2 Check the New Hampshire Weekly section on Sundays. 3.5 See the Weekend section in Thursday issues of The Manchester Union Leader. =================================== 4. ABOUT THE PEAHEN PLUS PRESS =================================== Prancin' Peahen Pam (the Mom) and Terrific Tiger Tim (the young person) Gilpatrick will continue to send you theatre news of interest to young people in the greater Nashua area, as long as you enjoy receiving it. If you LIKE getting this email -- do nothing! (except maybe reply and tell us what YOU and YOURS are up to, and when and where.) Thank you all for supplying information to be formatted here. Keep it coming! You can now access current and past issues of the Peahen Plus Press through the Junior Actorsingers page on the Actorsingers web site. Set your browser to: http://www.actorsingers.org/jr/index.html If you are reading a friend's forwarded copy or a printed copy and you would like to be on the direct mailing list, send email to: prancinpam@yahoo.com. Editorial comments from the senior editor are flagged with (Ed.). Schedule information is from printed and on-line sources in the public domain, or from other sources confirmed and with permission. Look for issue #2 coming in February.