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 IV Issue #3A, June 1, 2002 Scroll down for the "In This Issue" section "The Magic of Harry Potter" Children's Concert The Nashua Symphony presents "The Magic of Harry Potter" Children's Concert, blending music, art, and dance, on Sunday afternoon, June 2 at 2:00. This is an interactive, multimedia children's concert. The performance features contests, illusion, and music from the movie "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" during which the fifty finalists of the Nashua Symphony Harry Potter drawing contest will have their entries projected above the stage, and the grand prize winners will be announced. The program in the Keefe Auditorium in Nashua includes selections from "Beauty and the Beast" and a performance of Paul Dukas' "The Sorcerer's Apprentice." The Northern Ballet Theatre Youth Ensemble recreates this enchanting story, as depicted in the movie "Fantasia," with an original choreography that involves some of the orchestra musicians. Ever wanted to dress up as your favorite Harry Potter character? Here's an opportunity! Children are encouraged to come to the concert in costume. Costumes are encouraged, but not a requirement. Adult tickets are $15 and $20, children $7 and $10. You can reserve by calling the reservation number 800 639-3101 or order online through the Web site: http://www.NashuaSymphony.org. In This Issue 1. FEATURE STORY: The Nashua Symphony presents -- "The Magic of Harry Potter" Children's Concert 2. WHAT'S HAPPENING? (In alphabetical order, rotating one with each issue) 2.1 American Stage Festival and Peacock Players, Nashua 2.2 Chowthedummy from Amherst High School, in Nashua 2.3 Elm Street Junior High School, Nashua 2.4 Hollis/Brookline High School 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 Chamber Orchestra with the Merrimack Chorale, in Nashua 2.11 Nashua Senior High School 2.12 Nashua Symphony Orchestra 2.13 Nashua Theatre Guild 2.14 New Hampshire Community Theatre Association (NHCTA) 2.15 Palace Theatre, Manchester 2.16 Souhegan High School, Amherst 2.17 Windham Performing Arts 2.18 The Acting Loft, Manchester 2.19 Actorsingers, Nashua 3. OFFSTAGE 4. ABOUT the Play by Play Preview Includes the Portable Pocket Planner 2. WHAT'S HAPPENING? +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.1 American Stage Festival and Peacock Players, Nashua +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://www.americanstagefestival.org Organized Chaos - - - - - - - - - - - - The next presentation from the teen Improv Group "Organized Chaos" is Friday June 7, 7:30 PM, at the ASF in Nashua. Tickets are $7 for adults, and $5 for students and seniors. Little Shop of Horrors - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - With "Little Shop of Horrors" the American Stage Festival brings campy classic to the stage in Nashua. This Rock 'n Roll musical "takes root" at 14 Court Street from June 13-30. Tickets are $18 to $25 with group discounts available. Check the Web site or call the box office for complete information. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.2 Chowthedummy Productions, Amherst => Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Compleat Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Saturday, June 1, 7:30 PM, and Sunday, June 2, 3:00 PM Playhouse 101 downstairs at the American Stage Festival, 14 Court Street in Nashua. Tickets are $8, general admission. For more information, call Levi Morger at (603) 672-3063. This comedy features three Souhegan High School (Amherst NH) students: Mike Ross, Nathan Atkinson, and Levi Morger, who enact all of Shakespeare's plays and sonnets in less than two hours. As part of his senior project on directing styles, Levi Morger directs this production ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3 Elm Street Junior High School, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Romeo and Juliet - - - - - - - - - - - - Congratulations to the drama club from Elm Street Junior High School for a mellifluous run of "Romeo and Juliet," directed by Walter Freeman. (PPP) Spring Concerts - - - - - - - - The annual spring concerts presented by the bands and choral groups are June 5 and 6, 7:00 at the Keefe auditorium, Elm Street Junior High, Nashua. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.4 Hollis/Brookline High School +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Draft - - - - - - - - Congratulations to Jessica DiGiacinto, a senior at Hollis/Brookline HS, for scripting and directing an original play for her senior year writing project. High praise goes to all involved with "The Draft." (PPP) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.5 Kids' Coop Theatre, Derry +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://www.derrynh.com/kct The KCT producers are planning an exciting program for 2002-2003. The program is in development. Stay tuned. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6 Leddy Center for the Performing Arts, Epping +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://www.leddycenter.org 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. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AUDITIONS are scheduled for June 22, beginning at 9:00 AM. Audition appointments are available now, by calling (603) 679-2781, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Auditions are by appointment only. The show goes up October 26 through November 24. The director is looking for 20+ boys and girls. All roles are available, including the lead children's roles Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt, Augustus Gloop, Violet Beauregard, and Mike Teevee. The 14 adult roles include singing and non-singing roles. Check the Web site for more information. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.7 Majestic Theatre Trust, Manchester +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://www.majestictrust.org The Wizard of Oz - - - - - - - - - - - - - Majestic Theatre offers an AUDITION opportunity for "The Wizard of Oz," on June 9 and June 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. All ages are welcome. Those under age 15 should audition on June 9 only. Roger Scruggs is directing this show, with musical direction by Joel Mercier. The Wizard, Dorothy, munchkins and company take the stage August 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, and 11. The Mystery of Edwin Drood - - - - - - - - - - - - - - This show runs May 31 through June 8. "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" is a rousing musical evening, staged at the Music Hall Royale. Edwin Drood is engaged to marry the lovely Rosa Bud. After a stormy dinner party, Edwin leaves and is never seen again. What ensues is a mystery of what happened to the main character, and Charles Dickens never finished the story. It is left to the audience to vote and decide who indeed killed Edwin Drood! A. Robert Dionne directs, with music direction by Peter Bridges. Majestic Theatre Summer Schedule - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "She Loves Me," June 28, 29, July 5, 6, 7 directed by Heather Stockwell, with music direction by Margaret (Peg) DiGrazia. "The Adventures of Lewis and Clark," July 19, 20, 21 (Youth Company) directed by Jeff Caron with music direction by Josue Rondon, Jr. "The Wizard of Oz," August 1 - 11, directed by Roger Scruggs, with music direction by Joel Mercier. "Oliver Twist," August 23, 24, 25 (Youth Company) directed by A. Robert Dionne, with music direction by Josue Rondon, Jr. This is a new one-act musical adaptation of Oliver Twist. Majestic Youth Company - - - - - - - - - - - - The Majestic Youth Company provides opportunities for youths between the ages of seven and fifteen to expand their knowledge, experience, and love for the performing arts. Check the Web site for additional program opportunities. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.8 MSM Players, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Annie - - - - Congratulations to all who worked behind the scenes, in front of the curtain, in the pit, and wrangling a scene-stealing "Sandy," for a wonderful production of "Annie." (PPP) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.9 Music and Drama Company, Londonderry ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://www.madco.org Hotline: (603) 434-2180 Upcoming shows - - - - - - - - - - - - "Lost in Yonkers" -- fall 2002 "Oklahoma" -- spring 2003 "Nunsense" -- summer 2003 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.10 Nashua Chamber Orchestra with the Merrimack Chorale ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://www.newww.com/org/nco Call: (603) 673-4100 Spring Concert - - - - - - - - - - - The spring concert is June 1 at 8:00 PM at the Collings Auditorium at Daniel Webster College. The program includes Beethoven's "Edgmont Overture," Donizetti's "Overture to Don Pasquale," and with the Merrimack Chorale, Vivaldi's "Gloria" and Haydn's "The Heaven's Are Telling." This concert also marks the premiere of NCO Conductor Mark Lathan's Elegy "In Memoriam to Don Wherry." Tickets range from free to $14. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.11 Nashua Senior High School ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Footloose - - - - - - - Under the direction of Michelle Guerette, with musical direction by Steve MacKinnon and choreography by Bobby Fonacier, "Footloose" rocked the house in early May! Congratulations to all involved. (PPP and TTT) Spring Music Festival and Competition in Williamsburg VA - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Four busloads of still smiling, but "played-out" musicians returned home after a 4-day music festival in Williamsburg, VA, and somehow they found the energy to load and unload all those big, heavy, first-place trophies. Congratulations to all of the participants and the directors. Every participating group earned a "superior" rating. Every competing group brought home a first-place trophy. Everyone brought home a load of wonderful memories. Participating groups included: Chorale, Concert Choir, Jazz Choir, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Winterguard (a winter corps for Color Guard.) (PPP) While the link lasts, you can read about Nashua High's music festival success in "The Telegraph," at: http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=57595&SectionID=24&SubSectionID=556&S=1 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.12 Nashua Symphony Orchestra ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://www.NashuaSymphony.org 1-800-639-3101 The Nashua Symphony is seeking an Executive Director. The responsibilities include the administration and operation of a professional orchestra and a volunteer choral society. For complete information, contact the Search Committee Chairman Garry N. Henkel, GNHenkel@msn.com. The Magic of Harry Potter Children's Concert - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Please see the feature story in this newsletter for information about "The Magic of Harry Potter" Children's Concert. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.13 Nashua Theatre Guild ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://nashuatheatreguild.org (New Web Site) The Taming of the Shrew - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Nashua Theatre Guild is again a key contributor to the "Arts in the Park" Summer Program at Greeley Park in Nashua. Look for "The Taming of the Shrew" July 6, 7, 13 and 14, 4:00, in front of the band shell on the east side of Concord Street, Greeley Park in Nashua. Bob Foster is directing. This show is free to all. Recommendation: You will be sitting on the grass, so bring your own blanket and chairs, and insect repellent and sunscreen as needed. (PPP) The House of Blue Leaves - - - - - - - - - - - - "The House of Blue Leaves" is coming this fall, directed by Kevin Riley. AUDITIONS are announced for 8/5 and 8/6, at the conference room of the Chandler Library, 257 Main Street in Nashua. For questions or for additional information, contact the director Kevin Riley at KPRiley7@aol.com, call (603) 880-0243, or check the Web site. Annual Meeting - - - - - - - - The meeting is scheduled for June 14, 6:30 PM at the Ground Round restaurant on Route 101 in Nashua. The Italian buffet is $15.50. Call Traci at (603) 882-0490 or e-mail Tracib8666@aol.com to reserve, by June 7 please. If you can't make the dinner, plan to attend the business meeting, which commences at 7:30. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.14 New Hampshire Community Theatre Association (NHCTA) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://members.aol.com/NHCTA "Waiting for Lefty" by the Concord Community Players and "Feeding the Ducks" from KISTheatre of Merrimack and Manchester, award winners for best production and first alternate production, are representing NH at the New England regional competition. The regional competition is scheduled for September 20--22, 2002 at the Concord City Auditorium in Concord NH. The New England winners there go on to the AACT national competition, scheduled for 2003 in Connecticut. In March of 2002, the NHCTA held its annual statewide festival and competition at the Concord City Auditorium. This was an especially full schedule, with ten community theatre groups from all parts of NH competing. 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!) While the link lasts, you can read about the results of the NH March competition as published in "The Telegraph," at: http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=52078&SectionID=17&SubSectionID=327&S=1. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.15 Palace Theatre, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://www.palacetheatre.org Pops - Humor in Music - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Join Maestro Anthony Princiotti and the New Hampshire Philharmonic in their presentation of "Pops - Humor in Music" on Sunday, June 9, 3:00 PM at the Palace Theatre. This season's Pop concert is devoted to the subject of humor in music and features works from Rossini and Delibes along with selections from musical theatre. Summer 2002 Palace Professional Theatre for Children Series - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Another fabulous summer of children's shows will be taking off in July. All performances are at 10:00 AM and again at 12:00 noon at the Palace Theatre, and will last between 45 and 60 minutes. Tickets are $5 per person, general admission. Tickets go on sale June 10. Group rates are available by calling the box office at (603) 668-5588, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. "Winnie the Pooh" (a musical) July 9 "Cinderella, Cinderella" (a participation play) July 16 "The Ugly Duckling" (a musical) July 23 "Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz" (a participation play) July 30 "The Further Adventures of Maide Marian" (a musical and a participation play) August 6 "Jack and the Beanstalk" (August 13) ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.16 Souhegan Senior High School, Amherst ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Phoenix in New York - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "Phoenix in New York" is an original play by Steve Hodgman, memorializing the events of September 11, 2001. This play was performed at Souhegan High in May, for school groups during the day, and for an appreciative audience in the evening. All proceeds are going toward a memorial, honoring those we lost on 9/11 and those who continue to serve our country. This play is an educational one, particularly relevant to our lives today. (PPP) Steve Hodgman is making the script available to any group that would like to read it, and he is not seeking any royalties. If your theatre group is interested in reading this script, please contact Steve directly, at (603) 673-9940, x 587, or e-mail Steve at shodgman@sprise.com. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.17 Windham Performing Arts ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Windham Performing Arts organization recently wrapped a successful third season with a vibrant production of "Guys and Dolls." A Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is in the works for the fall of 2002. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.18 The Acting Loft, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web Site: http://www.nhia.edu/main_stage.html Acting Loft News - - - - - - - - - - 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. The forthcoming Acting Loft schedule includes: "Les Miserables" "Footloose" "Jekyll and Hyde" Musical Theatre Camps - - - - - - - - - - - - The Acting Loft Studios is offering musical theatre camps during July and August. Camps are structured to meet the needs of students between the ages of 6 and 16. Each 2-week session includes classes in music, dance, and acting. Students will complete their class experience by performing in a production of The Acting Loft's renowned "Storytime Theatre." Classes meet on weekdays, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM in the Acting Loft Studios, 153 Concord Street. Registration is now underway for sessions scheduled July 8-19, July 22-August 2, and August 5-16. To register or for more information, call Christopher Courage at (603) 623-0313 x 551. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.19 The Actorsingers, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Web site: http://www.actorsingers.org The forthcoming Actorsingers schedule includes: "Titanic" - fall of 2002, directed by Brett Mallard with music direction by Michele Henderson "Brigadoon" - spring of 2003, directed by Kathy Lovering with music direction by Alene Bonner Semi-Annual Meeting - - - - - - - - - - - The semi-annual meeting is Monday, June 10 at Actorsingers Hall on Lake Street in Nashua. Anyone interested in any aspect of creating high-quality musical productions is welcome and encouraged to attend. Social hour begins at 6:30 PM with the business meeting convening at 7:30. Titanic - - - - - The Actorsingers announce AUDITIONS for "Titanic." Information Night is Monday, August 19 at 7:00 PM, and all are welcome. Information Night is an opportunity to meet the directors and ask questions about the show. Auditions are Sunday August 25 and Monday August 26, 6:00 to 10:00 PM each night. The show goes up one weekend only, November 8, 9, and 10. Adults ages 16+ are invited to audition for "Titanic." This show requires a big cast, with 50+ adults. The show requires children, and children's roles will be filled by children of adult participants. There is not a separate audition for cast members younger than age 16. 3. OFFSTAGE 3.1 The Nashua Arts and Humanities Coalition meets on the first Monday of each month, 6 PM, downstairs at the Nashua Public Library. The next meeting is Monday, June 3. All who are interested are welcome to participate. Web site: http://www.ArtsInNashua.org. 3.2 The Summer Youth Music School (SYMS) at the University of New Hampshire is again offering a rich music program for teens this summer. To take part in the SYMS Junior session, students must have just completed grade 7 or 8. The Junior Session runs from July 14 through 19. To take part in the SYMS Senior session, students must have just completed grade 9, 10, 11, or 12. The senior session runs from July 22 through August 3. Scholarships are available, and the deadline for scholarship applications is June 1. For complete information, visit the Web site at http://www.unh.edu/music/syms.htm. 3.3 New Hampshire Theatre Committee -- Energized by co-founder and co-chair Matty Gregg, the New Hampshire Theatre Committee has a dedication to promoting theatrical awareness throughout New Hampshire. NHTC Awards are scheduled for early 2003 at the Palace Theatre in Manchester. For complete information, please visit the Web site: http://www.nhtheatre.com. 3.4 Look for Nicholas, Oliver, and Liz Judd in an upcoming movie starring Michael Douglas and Bernadette Peters. The final title has not been determined - it might be "Smack In The Kisser," or "A Few Good Years." The boys are in a karate scene, and Liz is an extra. Way to go Judds! (PPP) 3.5 Kerry O'Malley from Nashua is now performing on Broadway, as the Baker's Wife in "Into the Woods," at the Broadhurst Theatre in NYC. Go Kerry! (PPP) 3.6 And who is that man behind the curtain at the Broadhurst Theatre on Broadway in NYC, where "Into the Woods" is playing? It's Manchester's own Joe Tomaccio, well known to Acting Lofters. Joe is working, and auditioning for opportunities on Broadway. Go Joe! (PPP) 4. About the Play by Play Preview 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 e-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 and printed and on-line sources in the public domain, supplemented by NH-MA-Theatre and Music-Lovers distributions, and additional direct sources confirmed and with permission. The PPP does not re-distribute e-mail addresses. Thank you for your support, and keep those story ideas and calendar entries coming. * 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. NOTE: Several professional, club, and independent theatre organizations do NOT advertise auditions on Web sites or through news media. To learn about these opportunities, you must contact producers or board members from those organizations. * The deadline for items for the June 15 issue is Wednesday, June 12. Due to the wealth of program opportunities for young people during the summer, the PPP will be issued every two weeks or possibly even more frequently. Portable Pocket Planner 5/31 - 6/8, "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" Majestic Theatre, Manchester 6/1, 6/2 -- "Compleat Works of William Shakespeare" Playhouse 101, Nashua 6/1 - "Nashua Chamber Orchestra Spring Concert" Collings Auditorium at Daniel Webster College, Nashua 6/2 - "The Magic of Harry Potter Children's Concert" Nashua Symphony, Keefe Auditorium, Nashua 6/5, 6/6 - "Band and Choral Concerts" Elm Street Junior High School, Keefe Auditorium, Nashua 6/7 - "Organized Chaos" Improv, Peacock Players, American Stage Festival, Nashua 6/9 - "Pops - Humor in Music," Palace Theatre, Manchester 6/13 through 6/30 "Little Shop of Horrors" American Stage Festival, Nashua 6/28, 6/29, 7/5, 7/6, 7/7 - "She Loves Me" Majestic Theatre, Manchester 7/6, 7/7, 7/13, 7/14 - "The Taming of the Shrew" Nashua Theatre Guild, Greeley Park, Nashua 7/9 - "Winnie the Pooh" Palace Theatre for Children, Manchester 7/11 through 7/28 - "Fiddler on the Roof" Leddy Center, Epping 7/19, 20, 21 "The Adventures of Lewis and Clark" Majestic Theatre Youth Company, Manchester 7/16 - "Cinderella, Cinderella" Palace Theatre for Children, Manchester 7/23 - "The Ugly Duckling" Palace Theatre for Children, Manchester 7/30 - "Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz" Palace Theatre for Children, Manchester 8/1, 8/2, 8/3, 8/9, 8/10, 8/11 - "The Wizard of Oz," Majestic Theatre, Manchester 8/6 - "The Further Adventures of Maide Marian," Palace Theatre for Children, Manchester 8/13 - "Jack and the Beanstalk," Palace Theatre for Children, Manchester 8/23, 24, 25 - "Oliver Twist" Majestic Theatre Youth Company, Manchester 9/20, 9/21, 9/22 - "NHCTA of AACT New England Regional Festival" Concord City Auditorium, Concord NH Copyright © 2002, Play by Play Preview, Nashua NH. All rights reserved.