Play by Play Press Bringing you theatre and music news of interest to young people Volume II Issue Number 9, October 27, 2000 MSM Players present OLIVER! Fun, Glorious Fun! The MSM Players are presenting the beloved musical Oliver this weekend. Curtain time Friday and Saturday 10/27 and 10/28 is 7:30 PM, with a Sunday matinee on 10/29 at 2:00 PM. All performances are at the Nashua Catholic Jr. High School Auditorium on Bartlett Street, off Concord Street just south of Greeley Park in Nashua. You will want to sing along and raise a flagon when you hear the rousing Food, Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, Oom Pah Pah, and other favorites. Oliver will break your heart when he sings Where Is Love, so be sure to bring a hanky (nose-rag?) Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students and seniors. You can call (603) 882-7011 to reserve tickets, or send email to MSMPlayers@aol.com. All seating is general admission. John Zimini is directing, assisted by Allie Proctor. Nineteen-year-old Adam Carle is making his debut as a Producer, as well as filling the stage role of the blustering Dr. Grimwig. Sally Landis is the Music Director, working with choreographer Penny Gagne. Cast photographer Jon Ciemiewicz also assists with lighting and sound. Set Artist Bill Etter created magnificent and inventive scenes that will transport you to London during the days of Charles Dickens. George LaVoice and John Zimini designed a multi-tiered set, constructed and painted by Peter Burke, Adam Carle, Charles M. Emmons, George LaVoice, Brandi Lester, Matthew Lipka, Julia Mazak, Bryan Plamondon, Allie Proctor, Bill Willis, and Barrett Wolber. This show is packed with of action and props, requiring changes on several platforms. It wouldn’t be happening without this talented stage crew headed by Bryan Plamondon: Brandi Lester, Matthew Lipka, Julia Mazak, Allie Proctor, and Barrett Wolber. The cast includes adults and youths from southern NH and northern MA. These adults and young people fill many roles: Tom Ortiz, Bethany Arfiro, Paul Keane, Adam Carle, Valerie St. Pierre, Brendon O’Rourke, Molly Gallaher, Mary Albee, Vanessa Marcum, and Cindy Musekiwa. Oliver J. Judd, originally from England but now from Hollis NH, is Oliver – a role he was destined to play. He needs no help with his British accent! Cheri Birch plays the ill-fated Nancy, and Charity Jean plays her faithful friend Bet. Accomplished actor Norm Sands is making his NH debut as the evil Bill Sykes. Tim GilPatrick is the wily Artful Dodger, the leader of the gang of thieves trained by Fagin. Jeff Caron brings an unforgettable Fagin to life. Glen Grimard is the bumbling (what else?) Mr. Bumble, who later regrets bumbling into matrimony with the “pre-rogatively” Widow Corney, played by Lynn MacDonald. The roles in the dour Sowerberry household are ably filled by Charles E. Emmons, Sue Brennan, and Alyssa O’Mara. Nathan St. Pierre works in Mr. Sowerberry’s funeral parlour, playing the cocky Noah Claypole. The hungry workhouse boys and members of Fagin’s gang include Rachel Birch, Alyssa Bonnette, Anna Buchta, Mike Childs, Carolyn Husovsky, Kristen Joerger, Miranda MacDonald, Ian Mazurek, Lara Middlemiss, Patrick Riley, Courtney Schwalbe, Ryan Sherwood, Alyssa Zimini, and Kasie Zimini. In This Issue 1. FEATURE STORY: MSM Players present Oliver! 2. WHAT’S HAPPENING? (In alphabetical order, rotating one with each issue) 2.1 Majestic Theatre Trust, Manchester 2.2 Merrimack Community Theatre 2.3 MSM Players, Nashua 2.4 Music and Drama Company (MADCo), Londonderry 2.5 Nashua Symphony Orchestra, Nashua 2.6 New Thalian Players, Manchester 2.7 Palace Theatre, Manchester 2.8 Windham Performing Arts, Windham 2.9 The Acting Loft, Manchester 2.10 Actorsingers, Nashua 2.11 American Stage Festival, Nashua 2.12 KidPop! Family Concerts, NH and beyond 2.13 Kids’ Coop, Derry 2.14 Lawrence Academy, Groton, MA 2.15 Leddy Center for the Performing Arts, Epping 3. How Else Can We Find Out What’s Happening? 4. Offstage 5. About the Play by Play Preview Back by popular demand! – The Prancin’ Portable Pocket Planner 2. WHAT’S HAPPENING? 2.1 Majestic Theatre Trust, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.majestictrust.org The Sound of Music - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music continues at the Majestic Theatre in Manchester this final weekend, directed by Joe Rojek. This production includes the numbers I Have Confidence and I Must Have Done Something Good, favorites from the movie starring Julie Andrews, but often not presented on stage. Curtain time on 10/27 and 10/28 is 8:00 PM, and the matinee on Sunday 10/29 is at 2:00 PM. Call (603) 669-SHOW for tickets. The cost is $10 for adults, and $7 for students up to age 17. A special senior rate of $7 is available for the Sunday 10/29 matinee only. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.2 Merrimack Community Theatre ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://members.tripod.com/MerrimackCT/ Dark Passages - - - - - - - - - - - The award winning murder mystery thriller Dark Passages creeps in on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 11/16, 17, and 18, at 8 PM, and Sunday, 11/19, at 3:00 PM, at the Collings Auditorium, Daniel Webster College, Nashua. Rita Harden is directing. Tickets are $9. You can purchase tickets in advance at Darrell's Music Hall, 75 Main Street, Nashua, or DW Pizza, 78 DW Hwy, Merrimack. All seats are general admission. Daniel Webster College is on University Avenue just off Pine Hill Road, west of St. Stanislaus Hall and near the Nashua Airport. For more information, check out the web site, or send email to MerrimackCT@aol.com. There is not a bad seat in this comfortable, state-of-the-art new theatre. (PPP) Some material may not be suitable for children. Here is a quote from the publicist: “Rated PG13. By modern standards, it's pretty tame even for TV, but there is some swearing (SOB being the worst), some physical violence (some with sexual undertones), and sexual chatter at various levels of innuendo.” (PPP) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3 MSM Players, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Oliver - - - - - See the feature story in this newsletter for complete information about the production of Oliver. Mame - - - - - MSM Players announce their spring musical, Mame, to be directed by George LaVoice. Watch this space for audition information, scheduled for early 2001. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.4 Music and Drama Company, Londonderry ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.madco.org Hotline 434-2180 Playing Doctor - - - - - - - - - - - There are only four performances of Playing Doctor -- 11/10, 11, 17, and 18. William Van Zandt and Jane Milmore wrote this three-act comedy which is set in modern times. Playing Doctor is a combination of slapstick Marx brothers type situations, mixed with puns and sexual innuendo. Oliver! - - - - MADCo has selected Oliver! for its spring musical. Check the web site after the run of Playing Doctor, or watch this space for audition information. To subscribe to the MADCAPS ONLINE newsletter, send email to MusicAndDrama@aol.com. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.5 Nashua Symphony Orchestra, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.NashuaSymphony.org A Symphony of Whales - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Nashua Symphony Orchestra invites you to a special event on Saturday, 10/28 at 2:00 PM at the Keefe Auditorium in Nashua. A Symphony of Whales is the world premiere of the orchestration of NH composer, author, and musician Steve Schuch. He is the author of the children’s book of the same title. Schuch joins the NSO for the symphonic presentation of his inspiring tale, as he narrates the story and solos on the violin. You can order tickets through the Nashua Symphony Association at (603) 595-9156, or through the web site. Tickets are $15 per person. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6 New Thalian Players, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Boy Friend - - - - - - - - - - - The The New Thalian Players are presenting the hilarious spoof on the 20’s, The Boy Friend, at Holy Cross Hall of Notre Dame College, 2321 Elm St., Manchester, NH. 11/9 and 11/10 at 7:30 PM, 11/11 at 2:00 and again at 7:30 PM and 11/12 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $6 for students and seniors and $12 for adults. For tickets and more information call (603) 669-4298 or send email to PI4N0man@aol.com. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.7 Palace Theatre, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: www.palacetheatre.org Annie Warbucks - - - - - - - - - - - Annie Warbucks, the sequel to Annie, is coming to the Palace Theatre mainstage November 17, 18, 24, and 25. Check the web site or call the Palace box office at (603) 668-5588 for reservations and information. Anne of Green Gables - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kindred spirits! Congratulations to the young cast of Anne of Green Gables, performing with the Palace Youth Theatre. This show tugged at our heartstrings, and made one specific editor yearn to become a dancer in Tangiers. (PPP) Bridge to Terabithia - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The next Palace Youth Theatre production, Bridge to Terabithia, is coming to the stage in February, 2001. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.8 Windham Performing Arts, Windham ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Fiddler on the Roof - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Windham Performing Arts organization announces AUDITIONS for children ages 8 and up, and adults of all ages, for a March production of Fiddler on the Roof, with Producer/Director Ginger Borase. Auditions are scheduled for 12/6, 12/7 from 5:00 to 10:00 PM on the second floor of the Windham Town Hall. Callbacks, if required, will be 12/8. Please call (603) 425-0130 AFTER NOVEMBER 13th to schedule an audition time. Applicants should be prepared with a musical number of their choosing, and a brief monologue. Additional scene readings may be required. Rehearsals begin January 2001. Performances are scheduled for March 23, 24, 30, and 31 in the year 2001, at the newly restored Adams Memorial Opera House in Derry, NH. There are positions available for stage and set crews, as well as lighting, sound and costuming. Please call (603) 425-0130 at your earliest convenience if you are interested in any of these opportunities. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.9 The Acting Loft, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Bye, Bye Birdie - - - - - - - - - - - Put on a Happy Face! Bye, Bye Birdie is coming to the Acting Loft in November. This musical comedy showcases these favorites and more: Put on A Happy Face, The Telephone Hour, Kids, and One Boy. Christopher Courage, Susan Horne, and Sally Landis head up the production team. Performance dates are 11/10, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19. Friday performances are at 7:30, Saturdays at 3:00 and again at 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 4:00. All seats are reserved. Call (603) 623-0313 x547 for tickets and information. iMprOV aT The InStitute - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This was an evening full of surprises! Kudos to all involved. (PPP) ++++++++++++++++++++ 2.10 Actorsingers, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.actorsingers.org Fiddler on the Roof - - - - - - - - - - - - - Look for Tevye, Golde, their daughters and suitors, among villagers young and old at the Actorsingers Fiddler on the Roof, coming to Nashua in November. This production is directed by Catherine Andruskevich. Performance dates are 11/10, 11, and 12. Check the web site for more information. Call (603) 889-2711 after 6pm for tickets or information. You can purchase tickets in advance at Annie's Book Stop - 493 Amherst St. and Webster Commons, Party Time - 251 West Hollis Street in Nashua, or Scontsas 169 Main Street, Nashua. On the Town - - - - - - - - - Coming in March of 2001. Kathy Lovering is directing, Ginny Corcoran is music director, and Martha Daniels Holland is designing choreography. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.11 American Stage Festival, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.americanstagefestival.org Je M’Appelle Madeline - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Continuing the “Stage Two Series” that began last spring with The Velveteen Rabbit, this adaptation is based on the beloved mademoiselle created by Ludwig Bemelmans. Directed by Holly Countie and Scott Severance, the show runs about 75 minutes and is designed for young audiences. Performances are 10/27 through 11/5, Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 11 AM and 2 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM. While not a musical, Madeline features the well-known French songs Alouette and Frere Jacques. Doctor Dolittle - - - - - - - - - - - This production is the world premiere of a musical written by Elliott Baker of Durham, NH. Based on the classic stories created by Hugh Lofting, Doctor Dolittle chronicles the adventures of a kindly gent from England and his menagerie of friends. Performances are 11/10 through 11/19, Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 1 PM and again at 7 PM, and Sundays at 1 PM, directed by Scott Severance. 2000-2001 Season - - - - - - - - - - - - - Additional productions slated for the Peacock season include Godspell, The Jungle Book, and Once Upon A Mattress. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.12 KidPop! Family Concerts, NH +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site for Kidz at Heart Productions: www.kidzatheart.com Web page for more information about Judy Pancoast: www.kidzatheart.com/artists/judy.htm Look for Judy Pancoast, her KidPop! Crew, and even an alien and some ladybugs to Pop up in showcase settings this fall and winter. Just in time for Halloween, you can hear Judy and her crew sing about the Goodtimes Goosebumps Motel on her latest tape/CD, Through the Eyes of a Kid. Check the web site or this space for information about AUDITIONS for the KidPop! Crew. This team consists of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 who love to dance and sing, and enjoy interacting with young children. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.13 Kids’ Coop, Derry +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.derrynh.com/kct The casts of Little Women and Babes in Toyland delighted audiences earlier this month, with colorful and creative performances. Congratulations! PPP +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.14 Lawrence Academy, Groton, MA +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ FAME goes up at Lawrence Academy in Groton MA 11/2, 11/3, and 11/4 at the Lawrence Academy Theatre in Groton MA. Peacock Players and KidPop! fans might see familiar faces on stage – the cast includes Sarah Conneighton, Jackie Bender, Corey Michener and Jared Mezzocchi. Tickets are $5. For reservations or information, call the school at (978) 448-6535. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.15 Leddy Center for the Performing Arts, Epping +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.geocities.com/leddycenter Charlotte’s Web - - - - - - - - - - - - Wilbur, Charlotte, Templeton, Fern, Avery, and their many friends “humbly” welcome you to Leddy Center this fall. You’ve probably read their adventures in the enchanting story by E.B. White. Now you can see these beloved characters on stage in Epping, NH. Performances begin October 28, and run through November 19. Tickets are $12 and $14 for matinees, and $13 and $15 for evening shows. You can reserve tickets through the web site: www.geocities.com/leddycenter, call (603) 679-2781, or send email to leddyctr@nh.ultranet.com For 10/28 and 10/29 at 1:30 PM only -- Leddy deducts $4 from tickets purchased in advance for these two dates. Thereafter, Fridays at 7:30, Saturdays at 1:30 and again at 7:30, and three Sundays in November at 1:30. Special daytime matinees are available. Check the web site or call for complete information. Reservations are always recommended. The Mikado - - - - - - - - - Gilbert and Sullivan’s musical masterpiece The Mikado is coming in March. This production marks the eleventh annual offering by the NH Gilbert and Sullivan Society. Oliver - - - - - AUDITIONS for a July 2001 production of Oliver are February 17, 2001, 9 AM to 2 PM. 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 have links to other arts' web sites. 3.2 You can subscribe to NH email music or theatre interest groups, or both. One service is egroups.com. For a free subscription to this service that does not re-distribute your email, send a blank message to nh-ma-theatre-lovers-subscribe@egroups.com 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 via this route. Each list has a monitor, who approves submitted announcements, then forwards ONE ANNOUNCEMENT to persons who have requested to be on the list. The event must be open to all, and must not be for personal profit. This is also an easy, inexpensive way to advertise your events! 3.3 Check the Encore section in Friday issues of The Telegraph, serving Nashua and southern NH. You'll find audition and performance information in articles and in numerous calendar and listings sections. You can peruse the current Telegraph on the web: www.nashuatelegraph.com. 3.4 You can read today or yesterday's Boston Globe on the web: www.boston.globe.com/globe. For a nominal fee you can order articles from archived editions. Recently, the Globe discontinued its Calendar magazine in Thursday issues, replacing it with an expanded At Home section. 3.5 For a focus on NH events in numerous categories, review the NH Weekly section in The Boston Sunday Globe. 3.6 Peruse the Weekend section in Thursday issues of The Manchester Union Leader. 3.7 Look in the Happenings section of the Broadcaster, published by 1590 AM radio, and delivered on Thursdays, free of charge, to homes and businesses in several southern NH towns. 4. OFFSTAGE 4.1 Holiday Stroll in Nashua, November 25 Downtown Nashua is the place to be the Saturday after Thanksgiving, for the annual Holiday Stroll. Music, theatre groups, and other performances will be available at specified venues. Check upcoming issues of the (Nashua) Telegraph for complete schedule information. 4.2 Consider a program ad in your favorite playbill One way to show your support for the arts is to sponsor a program ad, big or small, in your favorite playbill. This is good business as well, since the several thousands who attend and perform in theatre and concerts patronize the advertisers. Some production companies also offer “applause lines.” For a minimal cost you can send a personal greeting to your friends in the cast and crew. Some companies run an ad for a single show. Others will run your ad for an entire theatre season, and can tell you the numbers in their audiences for the previous season. 5. ABOUT THE PLAY by PLAY PREVIEW Just in time for its one-year anniversary, this newsletter has a new name. The Play by Play Preview formerly was called the Peahen Plus Press. In order to provide our ever-growing reader list with reliable timing of information about auditions and events, these changes are in effect: - Each issue gives a deadline for receipt of information for the next newsletter, and the target date for the next issue. The editors will continue to collect information from printed and online sources in the public domain. - You are invited to provide information about performances open to all and appropriate for all ages. This includes professional, community, school, church, and club events. Please include dates, times, cost, location, contact, and how-to-order-tickets information. - Auditions announced here must be open to all, and must be for all ages OR for youths only. Auditions must either be available by appointment as you specify, or open to all who arrive during the times you specify. When offering audition opportunities, please give as much information on requirements as you can. Examples: “five minutes,” “expect to stay for an hour,” “be prepared and dressed to dance,” “solo song and monologue,” “piano accompaniment available,” or whatever you expect and require. Prancin' Previewer Pam (PPP, the Mom) and Terrific Tiger Tim (TTT, the young person) GilPatrick will continue to send you theatre and music news of interest to young people in the southern NH area, as long as you enjoy receiving it, until we have our own web site, or until Tim goes away to college. If you choose NOT to receive this mail, reply with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject heading. If you LIKE getting this email -- do nothing! Thank you for supplying information to be formatted here. Keep it coming! You can access past issues of the Play by Play Preview through the Junior Actorsingers page on the Actorsingers web site: www.actorsingers.org. If you are reading a copy forwarded from a friend or a printed copy and you would like to be on the direct mailing list, send email to: PrancinPam@yahoo.com, and include the word “subscribe” in your subject heading. Editorial comments from the senior editor are flagged with (PPP). Schedule information is from readers, from printed and on-line sources in the public domain, and from other sources confirmed and with permission. The PPP does not re-distribute email addresses. November 7 is the deadline for receipt of information to be distributed in an early November issue. News items received after that date will be printed in the next available issue. Prancin’ Portable Pocket Planner 10/27, 28, 29 – Oliver, MSM Players, NCRJHS Auditorium, Nashua 10/27, 28, 29 – The Sound of Music, Majestic Theatre Trust, Manchester 10/27, 28, 11/3, 4 – Arsenic and Old Lace, Nashua Theatre Guild, downstairs at ASF, Nashua 10/27, 28, 29, 11/3, 4, 5 -- Madeline, Peacock Players, ASF Court Street, Nashua 10/28 – A Symphony of Whales – Nashua Symphony Orchestra, Keefe Auditorium, Nashua 10/28, 29, 11/3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19 – Charlotte’s Web, Leddy Center, Epping 11/2, 3, 4 – Fame, Lawrence Academy Drama Club, Lawrence Academy, Groton, MA 11/9, 10, 11, 12 – The Boyfriend, New Thalian Players, Notre Dame College, Manchester 11/10, 11, 12 – Fiddler on the Roof, Actorsingers, Keefe Auditorium, Nashua 11/10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 – Bye, Bye Birdie, The Acting Loft, Manchester 11/10, 11, 17, 18 – Playing Doctor, Music and Drama Company (MADCo), Londonderry 11/10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 – The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle, Peacock Players, ASF, Nashua 11/16, 17, 18, 19 – A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Milford HS, Milford 11/16, 17, 18, 19 – Dark Passages, Merrimack Community Theater, Daniel Webster College 11/17 and 18 – The Crucible, Souhegan Senior High School, Amherst 11/17, 18, 24, 25 – Annie Warbucks, Palace Theatre, Manchester 12/1 and 2 – Only Love, Acton’s Theatre III, Acton, MA 12/21 and 22 – It’s a Wonderful Life, ESJHS Drama Club, Keefe Auditorium, Nashua