P L A Y by P L A Y P R E V I E W Bringing you theatre and music news with a focus on young people Volume IV Issue #1, May 2002 Scroll down for the "In This Issue" section. MSM Players present - Annie The musical theatre community welcomes the MSM Players back on stage (and backstage and off stage!) After a one-year hiatus, the MSM Players have shown us that the "Sun will come out tomorrow." A delightful production of "Annie" goes up this weekend, and this weekend only, Friday, May 3 at 8:00 PM, Saturday, May 4 at 2:00 PM and again at 8:00 PM, and Sunday, May 5 at 2:00 PM. The location is the Nashua Catholic Regional Junior High School Auditorium, 6 Bartlett Avenue, Nashua, NH. Bartlett Avenue is off Concord Road, just south of Greeley Park in Nashua. For tickets: call (603) 882-7011, or purchase at the door. $12 for adults, and $8 for senior citizens and for children of Junior High age or younger. Jeff Caron directs this production, with music direction by Ellie Morrill, choreography by Penny Gagne, and Sandra Clay-Hillyard as producer. This is a fully staged production of the wonderful "Annie" story you know and love, appropriate for all ages. Favorite music numbers include "Tomorrow," "It's a Hard Knock Life," "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile," "NYC," and "Easy Street." The cast includes adults and youths of all ages from several cities and towns in southern NH and northern MA, and it marks the stage debut of one special canine from Hollis. Look for Elena Barker, Megan Bibbo, Molly Bibbo, Brandy Birch ("Arf!") Rachel Birch, Deborah Bonfanti, Naomi Bonfanti, Molly Bruckman, Anna Buchta, Bill Cote, Lorraine Cote, Dennis Cushman, Nancy Ferman, Rebecca Ferman, Jacqui Grilli, Jennifer Hauser, Murray Haynes, Mollie Hayward, Brianna Horne, Sam Jacobs, Tim Judd, Michayla Lupien, Mary Beth Lyon, Miranda MacDonald, Jackie Maciejewski, Leah Maciejewski, Tricia Manzanero, Stephanie Maraldo, Lauren Maruca, Ashley McAnespie, Christina McAnespie, Lindsey McCabe, Abby Montine, Vito Narkunas, Cara Sennott, Ryan Sherwood, Emily Vancor, and Heather Wilson, with Alexandra Socha as "Annie," John Heroux as "Daddy Warbucks," Caryl Sullivan as "Miss Hannigan," Lauryl Trenholme-Pihl as "Grace," Stan Baptista as "Rooster Hannigan," Cher Trenholme-Pihl as "Lily St. Regis," and Sean Grimes as "FDR." The book is by Thomas Meehan, with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charmin, based on "Little Orphan Annie" with permission from Tribune Media Services. Presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International. In This Issue 1. FEATURE STORY: MSM Players Present "Annie" 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 Elm Street Junior High School, Nashua 2.5 Kids' Coop Theatre, Derry and Londonderry 2.6 Leddy Center for the Performing Arts, Epping 2.7 Majestic Theatre Trust, Manchester 2.8 MSM Players, Nashua 2.9 Music and Drama Company (MADCo), Londonderry 2.10 Nashua Arts and Humanities Coalition 2.11 Nashua Senior High School 2.12 New Hampshire Community Theatre Association (NHCTA) 2.13 New Thalian Players, Manchester 2.14 Palace Theatre, Manchester 2.15 Windham Performing Arts, Windham 3. Offstage 4. About the Play by Play Preview Includes the Portable Pocket Planner 2. WHAT'S HAPPENING? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.1 The Acting Loft, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web Site: http://www.nhia.edu/main_stage.html Songs for a New World - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Acting Loft is thrilled to present the New Hampshire premiere of Jason Robert Brown's, "Songs For A New World" as part of its 2001/2002 season. "Songs For A New World" is a collection of 19 musical selections, all dealing with life's tribulations and finding the courage to go on in spite of the pain they cause. Filled with intricate and spectacular fusions of musical theatre, progressive jazz and progressive rock music, "Songs For A New World" is ingenious, heartfelt and billowing with enthusiasm. Audiences will find themselves touched by this show that cries out to be seen more than once, but you have the opportunity to see it May 17, 18, 19. To purchase tickets, call (603) 623-0313, ext 547. More Acting Loft News - - - - - - - - - - - Along with "Songs for a New World," other exciting things are happening at the Acting Loft. After an overwhelmingly successful five-year pilot program under the New Hampshire Institute of Art (NHIA) umbrella, as of July 1 The Acting Loft is established as its own not-for-profit corporation, opening its doors at 153 Concord Street in Manchester. Lofters will continue to present first-rate performances at the NHIA French Auditorium. Christopher Courage is Artistic and Producing Director, and Susan Horne joins the staff as Education Director, to facilitate an enhanced instructional schedule Please check the Web site or check this source for program information. The forthcoming Acting Loft schedule includes: Les Miserables Footloose Jekyll and Hyde ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.2 The Actorsingers, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://www.actorsingers.org Camelot - - - - - - - It's True! It's True! The crown has made it clear! The Actorsingers welcome us to Camelot this year! May 3 and May 4 at 8:00 PM, and Sunday May 5 at 2:00 PM. For tickets and information, call (603) 595-4692, or visit the Web site. Performances are at the Keefe Auditorium in Nashua. Reserved seating only, with ticket prices $15 and $12. This production is directed by Jed Holland, assisted by Amy Winograd Friedman, with musical direction by Michele Henderson, and produced by Michele Bossie. The forthcoming Actorsingers schedule includes: Titanic - fall of 2002 Brigadoon - spring of 2003 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3 American Stage Festival Peacock Players, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://www.americanstagefestival.org Anything Goes - - - - - - - - - - - "Anything Goes" combines great vaudeville comedy with many of Cole Porter's greatest songs! To order tickets, call (603) 886-7000 or check the Web site. The show goes up May 10 and runs through May 19. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.4 Elm Street Junior High School, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Romeo and Juliet - - - - - - - - - - - - The leading-edge Drama Club from Elm Street Junior High School is bringing "Romeo and Juliet" to the stage May 16 and 17, under the direction of Walter Freeman. Performances are at the Keefe Auditorium in Nashua. Contact any cast member for tickets. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.5 Kids' Coop Theatre, Derry +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://www.derrynh.com/kct Honk! - - - - - Honk, Honk, Hoot, Hoot! Thanks for a quackingly-great production. This show featured many wonderful actors, some appearing on stage for the very first time. The cast included: Misty Anderson, Sunnie Anderson, Kelley Cavanaugh, Brandon Cole, Chelsea Detollenaere, Neil Duggan, Rita Marie Gregory, Madison Harold, Melissa Higgins, Alyson Honeywell, Rebecca Jacobs, Courtney Jewett, Joel Kaznetz, Cassie Jo Krupp, Wesley Krupp, Luke Lane, Jackie Lupien, Michayla Lupien, Mary MacDonald, Kevin MacKenzie, Lindsey McKitterick, Danielle Melillo, Sara Melone, Suzanne Najem, Joey O'Donnell, Tim Poliquin, Joe Renaud, A Rockenhauser, Carly Rockenhauser, Rebecca Sanscrainte, Michael Shyavitz, Samantha St. Onge, Lauren Satkwich, McKayla Scott, Cynthia Simonoff, Amanda Stancik, David Stocks, Gregor Stocks, Elizabeth Tager, Matthew Tager, Jared Thistle, Dana Trottier, Sarah Vivinetto, and Emily Weinberger. Best wishes to Rita Marie Gregory (Ida, the mother duck) and Joe Renaud (Ugly Duck) who graduate from high school this spring. These two young people have contributed to the success of many Kids' Coop productions, and they are both off to college in the fall. In March of 2002 Kids' Coop Theatre sent an abridged version of "The Secret Garden" to the New Hampshire Community Theatre Association (NHCTA) festival and competition. They surprised everyone including themselves when they won the award for second alternate best production. Way to go, "Gardeners!" +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6 Leddy Center for the Performing Arts, Epping +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://www.geocities.com/leddycenter Spring Concert - - - - - - - On Sunday May 5 at 2 PM, Leddy Center presents its annual spring concert. This year the concert features Mary Gatchell, with her fantastic trio of musicians from New York City. The music ranges from blues to pop-rock. Many songs are originals and all musical arrangements are by Mary Gatchell. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $10 for seniors and students. Fiddler on the Roof - - - - - - - - - - "Fiddler on the Roof" is coming to Leddy Center in July of 2002, directed by Elaine Gatchell, with music direction by J. Bruce Gatchell. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AUDITIONS for Willy Wonka are scheduled for June. Beginning May 6, you can call to schedule an appointment. Call (603) 679-2781, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Auditions are by appointment only. Check the Web site for complete information. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.7 Majestic Theatre Trust, Manchester +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: www.majestictrust.org Anybody Out There? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Majestic Theatre brings us exceptional shows by exceptional people, and the "Anybody Out There?" Dinner Theatre is no exception. This comedy by John Patrick is directed by Alan Kaplan. Advanced reservations are required, and those choosing to be seated together should reserve together. Performances are May 10 and 11 at 7 PM, and May 12 at 1 PM. All inclusive tickets are $22.50. Call (603) 669-7469 to reserve, or check the Web site. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.8 MSM Players, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Annie - - - - Please see the feature story in this newsletter for complete information about the MSM Players production of "Annie." Welcome back, MSM Players! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.9 Music and Drama Company, Londonderry ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http:// www.madco.org Hotline: (603) 434-2180 Chicago - - - - - - This show continues at the Adams Opera House in Derry, through May 4. Check the Web site or call the hotline for information. To subscribe to the MADCAPS ONLINE newsletter, send e-mail to: MusicAndDrama@aol.com. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.10 Nashua Arts and Humanities Coalition ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://www.ArtsInNashua.org The Nashua Arts and Humanities Coalition meets on the first Monday of each month, 6 PM at the Nashua Public Library. All who are interested are welcome to attend. The goals of the coalition include adding voices to the need for a performing arts center in Nashua. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.11 Nashua Senior High School ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Footloose - - - - - - "Footloose" goes up one weekend only, May 10 and 11 at the Keefe Auditorium in Nashua. Contact any cast member for tickets. Typically, these shows sell out. Tickets are $10 and if available will be sold at the door. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.12 New Hampshire Community Theatre Association (NHCTA) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://members.aol.com/NHCTA In March of 2002, the NHCTA held its annual festival and competition at the Concord City Auditorium (the "Audi") in Concord NH. This was an especially full schedule, with ten community theatre groups from all parts of NH competing. Congratulations are due to all who participated. An event of this size requires many hands, in front of the curtain and backstage (and working the lights, and organizing the dressing rooms, and keeping the props and sets for TEN shows in order!) The winners for best production and first alternate production will be representing NH at the New England competition, scheduled for September 2002 at the Concord City Auditorium. The winners there go on to represent New England in the national competition, scheduled for spring of 2003 in Connecticut. While the link lasts, you can read about the results of the competition as published in The Telegraph, at: http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=52078&SectionID=17&SubSectionID=327&S=1 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.13 New Thalian Players, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Notre Dame College is closing its doors, but the New Thalian Players are not! Thank you Notre Dame College, for helping students find alternative venues for continuing their educations. The 1944 Big Band Comedy Canteen - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Under the direction of Betty Thomson, the New Thalian Players are bringing "The 1944 Big Band Comedy Canteen" to the stage at the Palace Theatre, in Manchester, in May. There are three performances, Friday May 24 at 8 PM, and Saturday May 25 at 2 PM and again at 8 PM. Tickets are $10 and $15. For reservations call (603) 668-5588. This show promises to be a musical history lesson for the young, and a walk down memory lane for those who remember "The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," the Marx Brothers, and The Lone Ranger. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.14 Palace Theatre, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: http://www.palacetheatre.org Singin' in the Rain - - - - - - - - - - "Singin' in the Rain" goes up May 10 though May 18, at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, NH. Please call (603) 669 -5588 or check the Web site for tickets and information. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.15 Windham Performing Arts, Windham +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Guys and Dolls - - - - - - - - - - - - Congratulations to all the guys and dolls associated with Windham Performing Arts, for rolling the dice and coming up winners with a terrific production! Bravo! 3. OFFSTAGE 3.1 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 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. 3.2 Go Liz Judd! Elizabeth Judd, heretofore best known as the mother of Oliver and Nicholas, wife of Tim, and unsung costume goddess, recently left her own mark in a commercial, now being broadcast throughout Europe. You can see Liz in action by clicking on http://www.ariel.info. 4. About the Play by Play Preview The Play by Play Preview is back! After a several-month hiatus, here we are in your InBox, packed full of theatre and music information, with a focus on young people. Your senior editor has been making a transition to freelance entertainment and contract technical writing. It feels good to be back! Thank you for your support, and keep those story ideas and calendar entries coming. The PPP is actively seeking corporate sponsorship to host a Web site. It takes longer to keep the e-mail list up to date than it does to format the calendar and feature information you are reading now. A Web site would help us all. (PPP) * 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 must include some segment of age seven through college age. 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. If you choose NOT to receive this mail, reply with "unsubscribe" in the subject heading. If you are reading a hard copy or an online copy forwarded from a friend, consider adding your name to the direct mailing list. Send e-mail to: PrancinPam@yahoo.com, and include the word "subscribe" in the subject heading. Editorial comments from the editors are flagged with (PPP) or (TTT). Information is primarily from readers, supplemented by NH-MA-Theatre and Music Lovers distributions, printed and on-line sources in the public domain, and additional direct sources confirmed and with permission. The PPP does not re-distribute e-mail addresses. Portable Pocket Planner 5/3, 4, 5 - Annie, MSM Players, Auditorium at Nashua Catholic Junior High, Nashua 5/3, 4, 5 - Camelot, Actorsingers, Keefe Auditorium at Elm St Jr High School, Nashua 5/3, 4 - Chicago, MADCo, Adams Memorial Opera House, Derry 5/5 - Spring Concert, Leddy Center, Epping 5/10, 11 - Footloose, Nashua Senior High School Senior Play, Keefe Auditorium, Nashua 5/10, 11, 12 - Anybody Out There? Dinner Theatre, Majestic Theatre, Manchester 5/10, 11, 17, 18 - Singin' In The Rain, Palace Theatre, Manchester 5/10 - 19 -- Anything Goes, Peacock Players, American Stage Festival, Nashua 5/17, 18 - Romeo and Juliet, Elm Street Junior High School Drama Club, Nashua 5/17, 18, 19 - Songs for a New World, The Acting Loft, Manchester 5/24, 25 - The 1944 Big Band Comedy Canteen, New Thalian Players, at the Palace Theatre, Manchester July 6 through July 14 - The Taming of the Shrew, Nashua Theatre Guild, Greeley Park, Nashua July 11 through July 28 - Fiddler on the Roof, Leddy Center, Epping Copyright © 2002, Play by Play Preview, Nashua NH. All rights reserved.