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 2, February 5, 2000 In this issue: 1. FEATURE STORY - The Acting Loft presents Pippin 2. WHAT'S HAPPENING? (In alphabetical order, rotating one with each issue) 2.1 The Acting Loft, Manchester 2.2 Actorsingers, Nashua 2.3 American Stage Festival, Nashua 2.4 KidPop! Family Concerts, NH 2.5 Kids' Coop Theatre, Derry 2.6 Leddy Center for the Performing Arts, Epping 2.7 Majestic Theatre Trust, Manchester 2.8 Merrimack Community Theatre 2.9 MSM Players, Nashua 2.10 Music and Drama Company (MADCo), Londonderry 2.11 Palace Youth Theatre, Manchester 3. HOW ELSE CAN WE FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING? 4. OFFSTAGE 5. ABOUT THE PEAHEN PLUS PRESS ==================================================================== 1. FEATURE STORY - The Acting Loft presents Pippin February 11-13 ==================================================================== Taking the music of Motown, jazz, and disco as its inspiration, Pippin tells the story of the youngest son of King Charlemagne of France. In this production, the choreographer uses Fosse's influences to create some of the most intricate and physically demanding dance numbers ever presented on an amateur stage. The Acting Loft of the New Hampshire Institute of Art is presenting Pippin at the NHIA auditorium, 148 Concord Street, Manchester. There are four performances, one weekend only, Friday 2/11 at 7:30 PM, Saturday 2/12 at 3 PM and again at 7:30 PM, and Sunday 2/13 at 4 PM. All seats are reserved. Call the box office for reservations, 623-0313 X-518. Of special interest in this production is a new ending to the show, written recently by Stephen Schwartz, the creator of the music and lyrics. With Mr. Schwartz's permission, The Acting Loft will be the first company to present his newly conceived finale. This is the talented cast: Nathan Atkinson, Alli Beaudry, Joe Belanger, Emily Bielagus, Thomas Caron, Noelle Conomacos, Heather Fay, Chelsey Fitzgerald, Kristen Gehling, Meghan Getchell, Ryan Gibeau, Tim Gilpatrick, Garett Hawe, Broderick "Bud" Lang, Darcy McGrath, Ilo Neukam, Sarah Pattee, Toby Paul, Catie Preczewski, Corinne Rossignol, Elizabeth Rousseau, Katelyn Stewart, Joseph Tomacchio, Regis Wakefield, and Sean Young. This production is directed by Jannel Ouellette, choreographed by Susan Horne, with musical direction by Sally Landis. Christopher D. Courage is the producer, and Leslee Stewart is the Stage Manager. The music and lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz from a book by Roger O. Hirson. Bob Fosse directed Pippin on the Broadway stage. ================================================================ 2. WHAT'S HAPPENING? ================================================================ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.1 The Acting Loft, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Pippin February 11-13 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - See the feature story in the first section of this newsletter. Blood Brothers, May 19-21 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AUDITIONS for Blood Brothers are Tuesday, February 15, from 6 to 9 PM. Auditions are open to artists between the ages of 13 and 19. An appointment is required - call 669-8607 X-23. Applicants will need to present a song and a one-minute monologue using a British accent. The production requires approximately 20 cast members, including 3 singing male leads, 2 singing female leads, and 1 non-singing female lead. The rest of the cast is an ensemble that never leaves the stage. Production dates are May 19, 20 and 21. Coming this summer - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Chess August 18-20 +++++++++++++++++++ 2.2 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. Seeking adult artists - minimum age 16. 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. You can send questions to the webmaster@actorsingers.org. Complete information is 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. The audition board has set up this timetable: 6:00 Bottom Floor Middle Floor Top Floor ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daughters learn Reception, and any Pirates and police learn dance audition songs business requiring talking ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6:30 Pirates and police Daughters learn dance learn songs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. Elizabeth Ierardi is the Producer. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3 American Stage Festival, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: www.americanstagefestival.org A Midsummer Night's Dream - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - Performance dates: Feb. 11-13 and 18-20, 2000. Call the box office at 886-7000 for reservations. Peter Pan - - - - - - - AUDITION dates for Peter Pan are Mon. 2/7 from 4PM to 10PM, and Mon. 2/14, also 4 to 10. Callbacks by invitation only are 2/15 5PM to 10PM. Please call 889-2330 to schedule a 5-minute audition slot. As of 2/5/00, the web site has INCORRECT directives on when you may call for an appointment. The ASF office confirms that appointments were not accepted until AFTER 1/31. Applicants should prepare a short song, and a reading or monologue or poem. Wear comfortable clothing for dancing. Rehearsals begin February 22 and will usually be on Monday and Thursday evenings, and on Sunday afternoons. 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. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.4 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! Crew will perform dance and cheering routines. The upbeat family concert and festival called KidPop! will be presented at six to eight indoor and outdoor venues this coming summer. Formal or informal training in dance, gymnastics or singing would be a bonus, but not an absolute requirement. Candidates should be cheerful, friendly, alcohol and drug free, and must enjoy interacting with young and very young children. As is consistent with Judy Pancoast's view of children, youths of all shapes, sizes and ethnicity are encouraged to audition. The team welcomes diversity. The final audition session is set for Saturday February 12, starting at 1:00 P.M. at You Should Be Dancin' on Rt. 114 in the Goffstown Square Shopping Plaza. Applicants must call Kidz at Heart Productions at (603) 598-3960 to reserve an audition time. Come dressed in comfortable clothes and sneakers and be prepared to learn some simple routines from the instructors. Those auditioning must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and are asked to provide a current photo that will not be returned. Finalists will be notified within one week, for callback auditions on February 19. The team selected must be available for rehearsals on Friday evenings in February and March. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.5 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. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6 Leddy Center for the Performing Arts, Epping +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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: seven girls age 7 to 14 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 now 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. For more information, check the web site, call 679-2781, or send email to leddyctr@nh.ultranet.com. HMS Pinafore - - - - - - - - - - - The classic Gilbert and Sullivan operetta is coming to Leddy Center March 11-March 27, 2000. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.7 Majestic Theatre Trust, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.8 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. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.9 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. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.10 MSM Players, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The MSM Players are presenting The Music Man on May 19 and 20, 2000. For more information contact 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 during school hours. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.11 Palace Youth Theatre, Manchester +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Schoolhouse Rock Junior - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Production dates are March 24 and 25. This show is now in rehearsal, and features artists from ages 6 to 18. This first production in the youth program is based on the Emmy Award-winning Saturday morning cartoon series. Under the artistic leadership Peter Ramsey and Roger Scruggs the Palace Theatre Trust is achieving its vision of developing the Palace Youth Theatre. 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 Sound of Music - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AUDITIONS are scheduled for March 21, for a mainstage production of The Sound of Music. The production is targeted for late April. ================================================ 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 the NH/MA Theatre Lovers list and/or the NH/MA Music Lovers. 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. 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 of The Boston Globe. 3.4.2 Check the New Hampshire Weekly section of The Boston Sunday Globe. 3.5 Check the Weekend section in Thursday issues of The Manchester Union Leader. =================================== 4. OFFSTAGE =================================== 4.1 All-Area High School Concert, January 27 Congratulations to all the performers and backstage crew who contributed to the Southern New Hampshire All-Area High School Concert. It was terrific to see young people and faculty from cities and towns in the state working together to deliver this magnificent concert. (Ed.) 4.2 National Endowment for the Arts According to Nina Totenberg of NPR Morning Edition, if the Supreme Court supports the current direction of Congress, it is in effect the end of the NEA, the National Endowment for the Arts. For many, this situation creates concerns about Congressional funding for creative arts in America, since the NEA provides major support for NPR (National Public Radio) & PBS (Public Broadcasting System), as well as numerous other creative and performing arts. If this is important to you, please contact your state representative and let him or her know your position. (Ed.) =================================== 5. 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 choose NOT to receive this mail, reply saying UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject heading. If you LIKE getting this email -- do nothing! Thank you all for supplying information to be formatted here. Keep it coming! You can 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.