P L A Y B Y P L A Y P R E V I E W Bringing you theatre and music news with a focus on young people Volume III Issue Number 3, February 15, 2001 Scroll down for the "In This Issue" Section The Acting Loft presents: My Fair Lady This is the final weekend for The Acting Loft presentation of this rarely performed masterpiece. This is the Broadway show that brought us Get Me to the Church On Time, On the Street Where You Live, Wouldn’t It Be Loverly, With a Little Bit Of Luck, I Could Have Danced All Night, and more favorites. Performances continue 2/16 at 7:30 PM, Saturday 2/17 at 3 PM and again at 7:30 PM, and Sunday 2/18 at 4:00 PM. Call (603) 623-0313 Box office extension: 547 The talented cast includes: Alexi Jenis, Amanda Beale, Arielle Kaplan, Arsha Alexander, Brian Minsky, Caitlin Ducharme, Catie Preczewski, Darcy McGrath, Elizabeth Rousseau, Heather Fay, Jenn Dalrymple, Jocelyn Cordell, Katie Finegan, Kristen Gehling, Levi Morger, Meghan Getchell, Nathan Atkinson, Nick Edes, Noelle Conomacos, Rio Grandmaison, Stefanie Howell, Stephanie Kruskol, Tom Caron, Ariel Heller, and Dashiel Morger. Christopher Courage is Director, Susan Horne is Choreographer, Sally Landis is Music Director; Leslee Stewart is Stage Manager; Linda Atkinson is Properties Manager; and credit David Atkinson for Set Design and Construction. This reporter was fortunate to catch up with Tom Caron, who is playing Alfred Doolittle, the “Fair Lady’s” father. Alfred is the one who is “…getting married in the morning, so, Get Me to the Church On Time!” Tom has performed in no fewer than eleven main stage shows with The Acting Loft. His favorite role was that of the Narrator in Blood Brothers, because it gave him the opportunity to develop his own character without being influenced by other actors’ portrayals. As the Tinman in The Wizard of Oz, Tom had to think quickly while moving stiffly, to disengage the Scarecrow’s microphone which was tangled in Dorothy’s pigtails! Another time he showed his presence in live theatre was when he skipped a verse during a solo in Pippin, and the song would only make sense if he created a new verse on the spot, which he did! Tom tells us “My Fair Lady is a classic show that hasn’t been performed locally in a while. It is funny, smart, heartfelt, and everyone knows and loves the music.” (PPP) In This Issue 2. WHAT’S HAPPENING? (In alphabetical order, rotating one with each issue) 2.1 Souhegan High School, Amherst 2.2 Trinity High School, Manchester 2.3 Windham Players, Windham 2.4 Academy of Notre Dame, Tyngsboro MA 2.5 The Acting Loft, Mancheste 2.6 Actorsingers, Nashua 2.7 American Children’s Theatre, Tyngsboro MA 2.8 American Stage Festival Peacock Players and Stage Two, Nashua 2.9 Amherst PTA, Amherst 2.10 Elm Street Junior High School, Nashua 2.11 Hollis-Brookline High School, Hollis 2.12 Londonderry High School, Londonderry 2.13 KidPop! Family Concerts, NH and beyond 2.14 Kids’ Coop, Derry 2.15 Leddy Center for the Performing Arts, Epping 2.16 Majestic Theatre Trust, Manchester 2.17 Merrimack Community Theatre (MCT), Merrimack 2.18 MSM Players, Nashua 2.19 Music and Drama Company (MADCo), Londonderry 2.20 Nashua High School, Nashua 2.21 Nashua Theatre Guild, Nashua 2.22 New Thalian Players, Manchester 2.23 Palace Theatre, Manchester 3. Offstage 4. About the Play by Play Preview 5. Prancin’ Portable Pocket Planner 2. WHAT’S HAPPENING? +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.1 Souhegan High School, Amherst +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Crazy for You - - - - - - - - - - Souhegan High School is presenting Crazy for You Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 3/29, 3/30, 3/31 this spring. This show features the music of George and Ira Gershwin, and the hilarious 1990’s spoof of 1930’s musicals is a treat for everyone. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and senior citizens. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.2 Trinity High School, Manchester +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Little Shop of Horrors - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Student Director Charity Jean is getting the word out about this all-student production at Trinity High School in Manchester. The show goes up 3/29, 3/30, and 3/31. Each show is at 7:30 PM.Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for adults. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3 Windham Players, Windham +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Fiddler on the Roof - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Windham Players production of Fiddler on the Roof goes up 3/23 – 3/31 at the Adams Memorial Opera House in Derry. Ginger Borase is Producer/Director. Stay tuned for ticket information. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.4 Academy of Notre Dame, Tyngsboro MA +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of MacBeth - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On March 9 and 10 the Academy of Notre Dame Drama Club is presenting this show, a comedy by David McGillvray and Walter Zerlin Jr. This play is the attempt by the intrepid ladies of Farndale Avenue to stage Shakespeare’s MacBeth. Performances are at 8:00 PM and tickets at the door are $6. The Academy of Notre Dame Drama Club is now accepting ads for the playbill. $100, $50, and $25 ad space is available. You can contact Corinne Hall, Beth Doucette, or the Academy of Notre Dame in Tyngsboro for complete information. (Wow. That’s the first time a title has spanned multiple lines on a page! PPP) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.5 The Acting Loft, Manchester +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.nhia.edu For theatre info, select the site map and click on Theatre Programs (603) 623-0313 Box office extension: 547 See the first page for information about My Fair Lady, now playing at The Acting Loft. Sunday in the Park with George - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Sunday in the Park with George is now in rehearsal, working toward a late spring production. Divas in Concert – The Men Strike Back - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - On Friday 3/23 and Saturday 3/24 at 7:30 PM, the men take revenge in this companion concert to the earlier, Divas in Concert. Using crystal clear tenor voices and dark eerie baritones, talented male vocalists take their turn at presenting Broadway showstoppers written just for men. The hair won’t be as big, and the heels might not be as high, but the voices and the egos will soar as they try to surpass the heights reached by the women! Who is the fairer sex? Tickets are $10 general admission. ++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6 Actorsingers, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.actorsingers.org On the Town - - - - - - - - - On The Town comes to town March 9–11. How many adventures and “Miss-Adventures” can three sailors find during a 24-hour shore leave in 1940’s New York City? Kathy Lovering is directing, Kathy Redman is producing, with music direction by Ginny Corcoran and choreography by Martha Daniels Holland. Louis Duhamel is heading up the Stage Management team. Tickets are on sale now – call (603) 888-1253. While blocks of seats are available, special discount group rates for 10 or more apply. Tickets are also available at these Nashua sites: Annie’s Bookstop, Party Time, and Scontsas Jewelers. Impromptu - - - - - - - - This play by Tad Mosel is the Actorsingers entry in the New Hampshire Community Theatre Association competition. Chuck Emmons is directing. Competition dates are March 17 and 18 in Tamworth, NH. Narnia - - - - - A Junior Actorsingers production of the musical Narnia based on The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe from the Chronicles of Narnia goes up April 20 – 22. Jeff Caron is directing, Judy Hayward is music director, with choreography by Bobby Fonacier. Louis Duhamel is heading up the Stage Management team. Stay tuned for ticket information. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.7 American Children’s Theater, Tyngsboro MA ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.americanchildrentheater.com Three Little Pigs -- Out West - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The famous Three Little Pigs find themselves in the midst of a crisis! Younger pigs Hooey and Pigtail lost their houses to the Big Bad Wolf. All head west to a Dude Ranch, where Baby Bear and his critters attempt to turn these Easterners into true "Cow-pigs.” Check out the web site to find out what else these critters are plotting! Production dates are May 4, 5, and 6 this spring. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.8 American Stage Festival, Peacock Players, and Stage Two, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.americanstagefestival.org Godspell - - - - - - - The Peacock Players are now delivering the second weekend of Good News according to Saint Matthew to Nashua, in the form of Godspell. The score includes the hits Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord, and Day By Day. Scott Severance is Producer/Director, Judy Hayward is Music Director, with choreography by Tina Cassidy. For tickets or more information, call (603) 886-7000. The talented cast includes: Lauryl Trenholme-Pihl, James Scoville, Jessica Scalese, Katie Preston, Tom Ortiz, Corey Michener, Meredith Lustig, Juliet Lu, Danielle Kramer, Ashley Hughes, Garett Hawe, Meghan Donnelly, Lindsay Armstrong, and Tess Amodeo-Vickery. The Jungle Book -- ASF Stage Two - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Jungle Book is now in rehearsal. Production dates are March 23 through April 1. Also coming in the year 2001 - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Once Upon A Mattress – ASF Peacock Players +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.9 Amherst PTA +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Pygmalion - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw is coming to Amherst NH in early May, at the Souhegan High School theatre. For further information, please e-mail the director Gary Locke at gsl24fps@webtv.net. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.10 Elm Street Junior High School, Nashua +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Elm Street Beat - - - - - - - - - - - - The acclaimed Elm Street Beat show choir from Elm Street Junior High is traveling to Washington D.C. this spring, where they will be performing/competing/enjoying a music festival. “The Beat” members are still developing creative fund-raising activities. They are almost there, but we need to bring them home as well! Watch this space for the local performance schedule, and how you can participate in fund-raising activities. (PPP) Four One-Act Plays - - - - - - - - - - The Elm Street Junior High Drama Club is presenting four one-act plays, April 19 and 20. Stay tuned for more information. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.11 Hollis-Brookline High School +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ South Pacific - - - - - - - - - - - - Check your local newspapers for information about the Hollis-Brookline High School production of South Pacific, coming in March. There will be much washing of hair! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.12 Londonderry High School +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Up the Down Staircase - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - It is truly amazing how many ups and downs this drama club delivered, and in a one-story school building to boot! A++++ to all! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.13 KidPop! Family Concerts, NH +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ KidPop! Family Concerts, NH and beyond - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Judy Pancoast and the KidPop Crew are working on a TV production for early 2001. Stay tuned! A KidPop! Family Concert in Portland, Maine in April is in the planning stages. Judy Pancoast is currently recruiting teens between the ages of 12 and 17, for the next tour with her crew. Applicants should have singing, dancing, and performance skills, and must enjoy interacting with young and very young children. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.14 Kids’ Coop, Derry +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.derrynh.com/kct Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This show is now in rehearsal. Performance dates are April 13 and April 14. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.15 Leddy Center for the Performing Arts, Epping +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.geocities.com/leddycenter You can reserve tickets for Leddy Center performances through www.geocities.com/leddycenter on the web, call (603) 679-2781, or e-mail leddyctr@nh.ultranet.com. Reservations are always recommended for Leddy Center productions. The Mikado - - - - - - - - - Gilbert and Sullivan’s musical masterpiece The Mikado is coming March 9 through March 25. This production marks the eleventh annual offering by the NH Gilbert and Sullivan Society. This production features Paul LeFevre, Paul Gustavson, Donna Tongue, Nicholas Patrie, Ellen Gregg, Hunter Comack, and Debra Marcotte among many others. Musical comedy for the whole family. Tickets are $12 to $15 $4 off all tickets purchased in advance for March 9, 10 and 11. AUDITIONS for summer productions of Oliver! and Godspell - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Hear ye! Hear ye! Elaine Gatchell, Executive Director of Leddy Center for the Performing Arts in Epping, NH, is pleased to announce AUDITIONS for Lionel Bart’s Oliver! and Stephen Schwartz’s Godspell, on Saturday, February 17, from 9 AM to 2 PM. Seeking ages 8 years through adult for Oliver!, and applicants a mature 16 and up for Godspell. Casting for Oliver! requires 40 to 50 people; the cast for Godspell requires 10 cast members—5 men and 5 women. Auditioners must come prepared to sing a song (chosen by Leddy Center staff) from the show for which they are auditioning. Music for both shows is available now, and you can acquire it through the Leddy Center business office Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. For more information and directions, call Leddy Center at (603) 679-2781, Monday through Friday from 9 to 5, or e-mail leddyctr@nh.ultranet.com any time. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.16 Majestic Theatre Trust, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.majestictrust.org (603) 669-7469 Secrets Every Smart Traveller Should Know – Dinner Theatre - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Tickets are available for the first Dinner Theatre – Secrets Every Smart Traveller Should Know, coming to Majestic Theatre on Friday, March 2nd at 7pm; Saturday March 3rd at 7pm,. and Sunday March 4th at 1pm. Tickets are $18.00 all-inclusive and the full meal is served all three days. Majestic announces AUDITIONS 2/18 and 2/25 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, for the first suite of productions, including: The Compleat Werks of Willy Shakespeare, The Last Dance of Dr. Disco, The Diary of Anne Frank, Guys and Dolls, Children of Eden, Three Pigs And A Wolf: The Musical, The Fantastiks and Titanic: A New Musical. Check the web site or call for complete information. 2001 Season - - - - - - - - - Subscriptions for the 2001 season are now available, in limited quantities. Call (603) 669-7469 for more information. These are the productions slated for this season: Secrets Ever'y Smart Traveller Should Know, The Compleat Werks of Willy Shakespeare, The Last Dance of Dr. Disco, Children of Eden, The Fantasticks, a musical adaptation of Tom Sawyer, a new musical Titanic, a musical adaptation of Treasure Island, The Diary of Anne Frank, and Guys & Dolls. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.17 Merrimack Community Theatre, auditions in Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://members.tripod.com/merrimackct The Tempest - - - - - - - - - MCT announces a spring production of Shakespeare's The Tempest (The Next Generation) directed by Vick Bennison, with a taste of Science Fiction. Coming in May. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.18 MSM Players, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Mame - - - - - This production is now in rehearsal, directed by George LaVoice,with production dates scheduled for mid May. The show must go on! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.19 Music and Drama Company, Londonderry ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.madco.org Hotline: (603) 434-2180 Oliver! - - - - - MadCo is now in rehearsal for a spring production of Oliver! Ron Godfrey is directing this production, with music direction by Peter Bridges and choreography by Gina Michaud. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.20 Nashua High School ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ South Pacific - - - - - - - - - - - Younger and younger than springtime, this show is also coming to Nashua this spring. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.21 Nashua Theatre Guild, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Philadelphia Story - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Nashua Theatre Guild is bringing The Philadelphia Story to the stage this spring. 2.22 New Thalian Players, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.newthalianplayers.homestead.com The Butler Did It - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Check the web site for news about this production, coming to Manchester in late April. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.23 Palace Theatre, Manchester +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.palacetheatre.org Box office and to schedule audition appointments: (603) 668-5588 Bridge to Terabithia - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This musical adaptation develops the humor and warmth of Katherine Paterson’s Newburg Award-winning novel. Friday 2/16 at 7:00 PM and Saturday 2/17 at 2:00 PM. Ticket prices include a $2 historical fee per ticket. $9 for adults, $7 for seniors and students. 3. OFFSTAGE 3.1 NH Public Radio – Calling all Producers! Here is an opportunity to talk about your show! New Hampshire Public Radio is planning big changes in programming, replacing some on-air hours of music with news and arts-oriented features. The plans call for a weekly program featuring speakers and performers showcasing NH artists. Another program is expected to focus on people who contribute to our state, including artists, writers, musicians, and others with interesting stories to tell. This could be a big boon for theatre and music lovers. Contact NHPR and tell them what YOU are doing and what you want to HEAR about! (PPP) 4. About the Play by Play Preview The Play by Play Preview brings you information about theatre and music opportunities with a focus on young people. o Each issue gives a deadline for receipt of information for the next newsletter, and a target date for the next issue. March 5 is the deadline for information for an early March issue. o You are invited to provide information about auditions and performances open to all and appropriate for all ages. This includes professional, community, school, church, and club events. o AUDITIONS announced here are open to all. Other audition opportunities are available through the sponsoring organization. Prancin' Previewer Pam (PPP, the Mom) and Terrific Tiger Tim (TTT, the young person) GilPatrick are enjoying sending you theatre and music news of interest to young people in the southern NH area. Information is primarily from readers. Other sources are NH-MA-Music-Lovers and NH-MA-Theatre-Lovers distributions, printed and online sources in the public domain, and other sources confirmed and with permission. Editorial comments from the editors are flagged with (PPP) or (TTT). If you are reading a printed copy or an online copy forwarded from a friend, you might choose to add your name to the direct online mailing list. Send e-mail to: PrancinPam@yahoo.com, and include the word “subscribe” in the subject heading. If you choose to discontinue receiving this e-mail at any time, reply with “unsubscribe” in the subject heading. The PPP does not re-distribute e-mail addresses. Prancin’ Portable Pocket Planner 2/16, 17, 18 – My Fair Lady, The Acting Loft, NHIA, Manchester 2/16, 17, 18 – Godspell, ASF Peacock Players, Court Street Theatre, Nashua 2/16, 17 – Bridge to Terabithia, Palace Youth Theatre, Manchester 3/2, 3, 4 – Secrets Every Smart Traveller Should Know, Dinner Theatre, Majestic Theatre, Manchester 3/9, 10, 11 – On The Town, Actorsingers, Keefe Auditorium, Nashua 3/9, 10 – A truly unique MacBeth, Academy of Notre Dame, Tyngsboro MA 3/9 through 3/25 – The Mikado, Leddy Center, Epping 3/17, 18 – New Hampshire Community Theatre Association Competition, Tamworth NH 3/23, 24, 30, 31 – Fiddler On The Roof, Windham Players, at the Opera House, Derry 3/23, 24 – Divas in Concert – The Men Strike Back, The Acting Loft, NHIA, Manchester 3/29, 30, 31 – Little Shop of Horrors, Trinity High School, Manchester 3/29, 30, 31 – Crazy for You, Souhegan High School, Amherst 4/13, 14 – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Kids’ Coop Theatre, Derry 4/19, 20 -- Four One-Act Plays, Elm Street Junior High School, Nashua 4/19, 20, 21, 22 – The Butler Did It, New Thalian Players, Manchester 4/20, 21, 22 – Narnia, based on The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Junior Actorsingers, Nashua Copyright © 2001, Play by Play Preview, Nashua NH. All rights reserved.