============================================================= P E A H E N P L U S P R E S S Bringing you theatre news of interest to young people ============================================================= Volume I. Issue Number 6, October 29, 1999 In this issue: 1. FEATURE STORY - "The King & I" -- Actorsingers 2. WHAT'S HAPPENING? (In alphabetical order, rotating one with each issue) 2.1 Majestic Theatre Trust Youth Company, Manchester 2.2 Manchester Youth Theatre (MYT), Manchester 2.3 Maskers, Manchester Central High School 2.4 Music and Drama Company, Londonderry 2.5 Nashua Theatre Guild, Nashua 2.6 Palace Theatre, Manchester 2.7 Young Americans in Nashua 2.8 Acting Loft, Manchester 2.9 Actorsingers, Nashua 2.10 American Stage Festival, Nashua 2.11 Elm St. Junior High School, Nashua 2.12 Fairgrounds Junior High School, Nashua 2.13 Kids' Coop, Derry 2.14 Leddy Center for the Performing Arts, Epping 3. HOW ELSE CAN WE FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING? 4. OFFSTAGE 5. WHAT IS THE PEAHEN PLUS PRESS? 6. FUTURE OF THE PEAHEN PLUS PRESS =============================================== 1. FEATURE STORY - "The King & I" -- Actorsingers =============================================== The first weekend in November, the Actorsingers invite you to 19th century Siam! You will hear the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein songs "Shall We Dance?" "Getting to Know You," "I Whistle a Happy Tune," and more. This production includes some delightful songs that are not in the familiar Yul Brynner movie. Come find out why the royal wives think "Western People Funny." This is a (senior) Actorsingers production, with a talented cast of more than fifty artists ranging in age from nine to seventy-something. Directed by David Bouvier, musical direction by Kathy Redman, and choreography by Betty Thomson. Young people in featured roles are Garett Hawe (Louis Leonowens), Kevin Koo (Prince Chululongkorn, Simon Legree), and Krystal Muccioli (Princess Ying Yaowlak.) Garett depicts the perfect young English gentleman Louis, accompanying his mother Anna Leonowens to the court of Siam. Kevin Koo doubles as the Crown Prince and Simon Legree. As a student of Chinese dancing with a specialty in martial arts, Kevin brings exciting new dimensions to his characters. Krystal Muccioli will tug at your heart as well as Anna's, when the Princess implores her teacher to remain in Siam. Lauren Schneider performs and dances the prima ballerina role of "Eliza" in the "Small House of Uncle Thomas" ballet. The royal dancers accompany Eliza on her perilous journey: Noelle Andrick, Alethea Evangela, Elisabeth Levander, Arielle Rawding, Susan Rundbaken, Rachel Sandler, and Katie Ward. The royal Princes and Princesses are the eager pupils of Anna Leonowens, played by: Rebecca Abbott, Noelle Andrick, Heather Antosca, Kerri Antosca, Seamus Doyle, Lauren Friedman, Tim Gilpatrick (also Uncle Thomas), Jackie Grilli, Laurie Guilmartin, Abby Hall, Jennifer Hauser, Michael Ierardi, Katie Ierardi, Jim Ierardi (also Buddha), Matt Morin, Kate Pollock, and Arielle Rawding. The three performances will be at the Edmund Keefe Auditorium in Nashua: Nov 5 at 8PM, Nov 6 at 8 PM, and Nov 7 at 2 PM. Order tickets by calling 888-1253. All seats are reserved. Front section: $12 Friday or Saturday, $10 Sunday. Second section: $10 Friday or Saturday, $8 Sunday. Group sales: $2 discount See the "Encore" section of the Nashua Telegraph 10/29/99, for color pictures and a feature article about "The King & I." Oh yes, the adults in this production are especially worthy of the stellar supporting youthful cast. (Ed.) ===================== 2. WHAT'S HAPPENING? ===================== +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.1 Majestic Theatre Trust, Manchester, NH +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: www.majestictrust.org Just before the snow flies, Majestic Productions is bringing "South Pacific" to Manchester. This production features artists ages 15 and up. Peacock Players and Actorsingers will recognize Kate Harwood in the cast. Shows are December 2, 3, 4 and 10 at 8 PM and December 11 at 2 PM. Tickets are $9. Reservations recommended. Call 669-SHOW. 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. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.2 Manchester Youth Theatre (MYT), Manchester +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Manchester Youth Theater (MYT) is affiliated with Child Health Services. This is a touring company, and will be giving performances in conjunction with Red Ribbon Week. See also "Maskers." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3 Maskers, Manchester Central High School ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Maskers has chosen "12 Angry Men" for its fall production, working under the direction of Mrs. Jean Heinold. Watch this space or Manchester newspapers for production information. For information about MYT and Maskers, you can send email to Peter Chambers at baltic_avenue@hotmail.com. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.4 Music and Drama Company, Londonderry +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: www.madco.org For spine-tingling comedy, don't miss "Death by Chocolate," presented by MAD Co. 11/12, 11/13, 11/19, and 11/20. Coming in April 2000 with auditions in January 2000: "Anything Goes" You can subscribe to the MADCAPS ONLINE newsletter by sending email to MusicAndDrama@aol.com. +++++++++++++++++++ 2.5 Nashua Theatre Guild +++++++++++++++++++ web site: hometown.aol.com/NashuaThGd "The Bad Seed" suspense drama is coming 11/12, 11/13, 11/14, 11/19, and 11/20 downstairs at the American Stage Festival, 14 Court Street, Nashua. The Sunday Matinee on 11/14 is at 2:00 PM. All other performances are at 8:00 PM. Call 603 880-0243 for tickets and information. How can so sweet a girl be so evil? Congratulations to Alexandra Socha for accomplishing such a transformation. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6 Palace Theatre, Manchester +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ "Annie" lovers will want to catch the upcoming production at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, November 19, 20, 26, and 27. Call 668-5588 for tickets and information. The Peacock Players salute Jillian Wheeler and Christina Nyquist, and wish them well in this equity production. +++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.7 The Young Americans +++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: http://youngamericans.org Congratulations to all those who participated in "The Young Americans" National Music Outreach Tour in Nashua in October. The response from the community was so overwhelming that the producers needed to add a second show! The first performance was full, and the second performance was standing room only! This was a rousing good time, and an exciting way to get involved in the performing arts. Thank you to Nashua music teachers, school administrators, and Board of Education, for supporting this program, and to Ms. Julia Oliver for spearheading this opportunity for our young people. Several Nashua-area high school students auditioned to join The Young Americans production company. Check out the web site to find out what might be in their future. Watch this space for news about audition results. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.8 The Acting Loft, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ "The Wizard of Oz" Nov 12-14, 19-21 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Come join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, the wicked witch, and all your favorite characters from the land of Oz, at the NH Institute of Art, in November. Directed by Christopher D. Courage, musical direction by Sally Landis, and choreography by Elizabeth Calabria. For tickets contact any cast member, or call 623-0313 Ext.518. Nov 12 - 7:30 PM Nov 19 - 7:30 PM Nov 13 - 3:00 & 7:30 PM Nov 20 - 3:00 & 7:30 PM Nov 14 - 4:00 PM Nov 21 - 4:00 PM "The Yellow Boat" Dec 3&4, 7:30 PM, tickets available at the door. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "The Wiz" Feb 11-13 - - - - - - - - - - AUDITIONS are available by appointment on 11/23, 6 PM to 9 PM. Call 603 669-8607 Ext. 23. Open to performers between the ages of 13 and 19. Artists should be prepared with a song of choice, and be dressed to dance extensively. PERFORMANCE dates are Feb 11-13, 2000. ALSO COMING to The Acting Loft in the year 2000: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "Blood Brothers" May 19-21 "Chess" August 18-20 +++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.9 Actorsingers, Nashua +++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: www.actorsingers.org Actorsingers present "The King and I" at the Edmund Keefe Auditorium in Nashua, 11/5, 11/6, and 11/7. See the feature story in this newsletter. Watch this space or check the Actorsingers web site for information about upcoming Junior Actorsingers events. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.10 American Stage Festival, Nashua +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: www.americanstagefestival.org "Guys and Dolls" - - - - - - - - - - - - The next Peacock Players production is the musical "Guys and Dolls," 11/12-14 and 11/19-21, 1999. Directed by Scott Severance. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Performance Dates: Feb. 4-6 and 11-13, 2000. Directed by Deb Schoenberg. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.11 Elm Street Junior High School, Nashua +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ "A Christmas Carol" with a twist (Not Oliver!) is coming to Elm Street Junior High School in December. Performance dates are Thursday, December 16 and Friday, December 17. Look for details in the next issue. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.12 Fairgrounds Junior High School, Nashua ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Happiness was … enjoying the fantastic 9th grade chorus presentation of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" at Fairgrounds Junior High School. Outstanding! Kevin Koo - time to put away the blankie and brandish the royal sword. Geoff Combs- no more time to fly kites, and there is no such thing as a wishy-washy Amazon! Liz Levander and Katie Ward - Suppertime is over, time to dance in the ballet with the Actorsingers in "The King & I." What talent! What range! (When do they do their homework?) (Ed.) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.13 Kids' Coop, Derry, NH +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Jillian Wheeler is donning a Little Red Riding Hood when she appears in "Into the Woods" with Kids' Coop this December, at the Adams Opera House in Derry NH, December 3 and 4 at 7:30. This production, with a young cast and anticipated young audiences, includes the first act only. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.14 Leddy Center for the Performing Arts, Epping, NH ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: www.nh.ultranet.com/~leddyctr "The Wizard of Oz" opens this weekend 10/30 and runs through 11/21. Opening shows are 10/30 and 10/31 at 1:30 PM. Thereafter, Fridays at 7:30, Saturdays at 1:30 and 7:30, and Sundays at 1:30. Tickets are $11 to $13. Leddy Center will deduct $4 from all tickets purchased in advance for 10/30 or 10/31. Group rates available for groups of 15+. Call (603) 679-2781 for tickets and information. "A Magic Leddy Christmas" is coming December 10 through 12. ============================================== 3. HOW ELSE CAN WE FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING? ============================================== 3.1 Check out The NH Green Room at www.nhgreenroom.com, for auditions, performances, and many topics of interest to theatre lovers of all ages. 3.2 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. 3.3 You can sign up with the NH/MA Theatre Lovers list and/or the NH/MA Music Lovers. To do so, 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. Having been on the lists for over a year, we have never received any junk mail. 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. 3.4 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: www.nashuatelegraph.com. 3.5 The Boston Globe You can read today's or yesterday's Globe on the web, at: www.boston.globe.com/globe. For a nominal fee you can order articles from archived editions. 3.5.1 Check the "Calendar" section in Thursday issues of "The Boston Globe." 3.5.2 Check the "New Hampshire Weekly" section of "The Boston Sunday Globe." ============= 4. OFFSTAGE ============= Happy Halloween! Carry a flashlight! Make-up is generally safer than a full-face mask, and you are all used to wearing make-up! Here are official Halloween times for some area towns: Amherst 6-8 Brookline 6-8 Hollis 4-7 Hudson 6-8 Londonderry 6-8 Mason 6-8 Merrimack 6-8 Milford 6-8 Nashua 6-8 Wilton 6-8 Windham 3-5 There is a costume contest at the Nashua Mall on Sunday 10/31, for children ages 1-12. Parade at 1:00. Prizes, treats. The Nashua Symphony Orchestra is presenting "A Children's Halloween Fantasy," Saturday 10/30, 2:00 PM at the Keefe Auditorium. All seats $15.00. Call 603 595-9156. A safe alternative for spooky fun. =================================== 5. WHAT IS 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 LIKE getting this email -- do nothing! (except maybe reply and tell us what YOU and YOURS are up to, and when and where.) Look for a new issue approximately every 2 weeks. If you choose NOT to receive this email, simply reply saying "unsubscribe" in the subject heading. 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: pgilpatr@progress.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. We apologize in advance for any schedule errors; so far none have been reported. This newsletter is supplied in ASCII format, to be readable by all email tools. ==================================== 6. FUTURE OF THE PEAHEN PLUS PRESS ==================================== The response to this newsletter has been overwhelming and entirely positive. The circulation grows almost daily. Thank you all for supplying information to be formatted here. You can now 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 Thank you, Actorsingers and webmaster. Look for Issue #7, coming in November.