============================================================= 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 7, November 12, 1999 In this issue: 1. FEATURE STORY - The Acting Loft presents "The Wizard of Oz" 2. WHAT'S HAPPENING? (In alphabetical order, rotating one with each issue) 2.1 Manchester Youth Theatre (MYT), Manchester 2.2 Maskers, Manchester Central High School 2.3 Music and Drama Company, Londonderry 2.4 Nashua Theatre Guild, Nashua 2.5 Palace Theatre, Manchester 2.6 Acting Loft, Manchester 2.7 Actorsingers, Nashua 2.8 American Stage Festival, Nashua 2.9 Elm St. Junior High School, Nashua 2.10 Hollis-Brookline High School, Hollis 2.11 Kids' Coop, Derry 2.12 Leddy Center for the Performing Arts, Epping 2.13 Majestic Theatre Trust, Manchester 3. HOW ELSE CAN WE FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING? 4. OFFSTAGE 5. ABOUT THE PEAHEN PLUS PRESS ======================================================================== 1. FEATURE STORY The Acting Loft presents "The Wizard of Oz" ======================================================================== Join Dorothy Gale and her friends The Tin Man, the Lion, and of course the Scarecrow, as they fight off the Wicked Witch and her flying monkeys. "The Wizard of Oz" is filled with colorful costumes, memorable characters, and beloved songs like "Somewhere over the Rainbow," "Follow the Yellow Brick Road," and "If I Only Had a Brain." This is a perennial favorite of families everywhere, and The Acting Loft will help you believe that "there's no place like home." Christopher D. Courage directs this production, with musical direction by Sally Landis and choreography by Elizabeth Calabria. Terri Pattee heads up the masterful costume guild. The cast includes talented young people from many towns and cities in New Hampshire and northern MA. Ashley St. Martin, Nathan Atkinson, Tom Caron, Toby Paul, Bud Lang, Sarah Pattee, John Phipps, and Catie Preczewski do a stellar job filling the principal roles. Look for Ashley Alexander, Stephanie Basler, Joe Belanger, Mark Boisvert, Adam Carle, Peter Chambers, Noelle Conomacos, Brynne Dizack, Christy Emmond, Kate Gallagher, Meghan Getchell, Tim Gilpatrick, Garett Hawe, Alexi Jenis, Michael LaPointe, Alexa Rogers, Elizabeth Rousseau, Katelyn Stewart, Kirsten White, and Sean Young in exciting and demanding supporting roles. The marvelous magical munchkins include Christina Benton, Eric Brown, Kara Cronin, Elizabeth Dirth, Seamus Doyle, Nathan Duszny, Lake Graham, Garett Hawe, Jared Lydon, Brady Lynch, Priscilla Merrick, Kristin Migliori, Meredith Murphy, Meagan Paquette, Corinne Rossignol, and Ali Shakra. For tickets (while they last!) contact any cast member, or call 623-0313 Ext 518. All seats are reserved. First weekend SOLD OUT Call now to reserve for the 2nd weekend 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 NH Institute of Art is located at 128 Concord Street, in Manchester, NH, at the corner of Concord and Pine, across Concord Street from the library. This is 2 blocks east of Elm Street and 2 blocks north of Hanover Street. Elm Street is a 2-way street, running North and South in Manchester. Chestnut is east of and parallel to Elm, 1-way, southbound only. Pine is east of Chestnut, 1-way, northbound only. Concord Street is 2 blocks north of Hanover Street (the Palace). ================================================================ 2. WHAT'S HAPPENING? ================================================================ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.1 Manchester Youth Theatre (MYT), Manchester +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Manchester Youth Theater (MYT) is affiliated with Child Health Services in Manchester. This is a touring company, bringing messages to school-age students in a creative format. Important themes this group has tackled include bulimia, drug abuse, and theft. For information about MYT you can send email to Peter Chambers at baltic_avenue@hotmail.com. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.2 Maskers, Manchester Central High School ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Maskers has selected "12 Angry Men" for its next production, working under the direction of Mrs. Jean Heinold. Watch this space or Manchester newspapers for production information. Performances are being scheduled for January. For information about Maskers you can send email to Peter Chambers at baltic_avenue@hotmail.com. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3 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. +++++++++++++++++++ 2.4 Nashua Theatre Guild +++++++++++++++++++ web site: hometown.aol.com/NashuaThGd "The Bad Seed" suspense drama opens this weekend: 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. +++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.5 Palace Theatre, Manchester +++++++++++++++++++++++ "Annie" is coming to 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. ++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6 The Acting Loft, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++ "The Wizard of Oz" Nov 12-14, 19-21 - - - - - - - - - - - - - See the feature story about "The Wizard of Oz" in the first section of this newsletter. "The Yellow Boat" Dec 3&4, 7:30 PM, tickets available at the door. $6, general admission. - - - - - - - - - - - - - By popular demand, The Acting Loft presents a return engagement of the hugely successful summer production of "The Yellow Boat." This is the true story a young boy named Benjamin, who contracts AIDS from a blood transfusion. This touching story deals with the conflicts between medicine and humanity, and champions the use of art therapy as a means of treating the emotional needs of young patients. Written by the boy's father, "The Yellow Boat" is a humorous, touching, educational and entertaining experience not to be missed by mature adolescents and adults. Nathan Atkinson of Amherst plays the role of Benjamin. "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. Ed. note: Performance dates conflict with Peacock Players "A Midsummer Night's Dream." ALSO COMING to The Acting Loft in the year 2000: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "Blood Brothers" May 19-21 "Chess" August 18-20 +++++++++++++++++++ 2.7 Actorsingers, Nashua +++++++++++++++++++ web site: www.actorsingers.org Magnificent! Regal! Congratulations to all the cast, crew, and orchestra from "The King and I." Judging from the enthusiasm expressed by three packed houses, this was a masterful and memorable production. Congratulations to Shannon Murphy, a senior at Merrimack High School, for her stellar performance as Tuptim, the reluctant gift to the King of Siam. (Ed.) Actorsingers are currently seeking a director for the spring production of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, "Pirates of Penzance." The deadline for applications is November 20. Performance dates are May 5-7. Watch this space or check the Actorsingers web site for information about upcoming Junior Actorsingers events. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.8 American Stage Festival, Nashua +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: www.americanstagefestival.org Plans are in the works for the creation of an annual Peacock Players Awards Banquet. This event would be an opportunity to recognize outstanding work and re-unite those who worked together to put together some fabulous productions. Shows that will be honored in the first celebration are: "Bye, Bye Birdie," "Little Women," "The Sound of Music," "ImprovSeuss," "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," and "Guys and Dolls." If you were involved with one or more of these shows and don't already have an interest form, obtain one from the ASF, and return to Scott Severance no later than November 22. Target timeframe for this event is January or February. Peacock Players have a new seating policy; all seats are now reserved. Adults: $10 for a reservation in the center section, and $8 for either of the two side sections. Students and seniors: $7center and $6 side. Groups of 15 or more: $6 center and $5 side. Call the box office at 603 886-7000 for tickets and information. "Guys and Dolls" - - - - - - - - - - - The Peacock Players production of the musical "Guys and Dolls" opens this weekend and runs for two weekends only: 11/12-14 and 11/19-21, 1999. Fridays at 7 PM, Saturdays at 1 PM and 7 PM, and Sundays at 1 PM. Produced and directed by Scott Severance. All performances are at the American Stage Festival, 14 Court Street, Nashua. "The Velveteen Rabbit" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AUDITIONS for "The Velveteen Rabbit" are scheduled for December 13-15. Seeking young people between the ages of 7 and 14. Call 889-2330 after December 1 to schedule an appointment. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Performance Dates: Feb. 4-6 and 11-13, 2000. Directed by Deb Schoenberg. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.9 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. Tickets are available from any cast member. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.10 Hollis/Brookline High School ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Hollis/Brookline High School theater group presents "It Runs in the Family" from Friday 11/12 through 11/14. The cast includes Miriam "Mim" Smith, Evan Quinlan, and Ariel Sud. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. Show times are 8 PM Friday and Saturday and 3 PM Sunday. Tickets are now on sale at Hollis/Brookline High School, Monument Square Market, Brookline Village Store, and Hollis Grain and Hardware. ++++++++++++++++++++ 2.11 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. Aficionados of "Into the Woods" - be forewarned that this production includes the first act only, in the interest of a young cast and young audiences. (Ed.) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.12 Leddy Center for the Performing Arts, Epping, NH +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: www.nh.ultranet.com/~leddyctr "The Wizard of Oz" continues from now through 11/21. Fridays at 7:30, Saturdays at 1:30 and 7:30, and Sundays at 1:30. Tickets are $11 to $13. Group rates available for groups of 15+. Call (603) 679-2781 for tickets and information. "A Magical Leddy Christmas" is coming December 10 through 12. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.13 Majestic Theatre Trust, Manchester, NH +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: www.majestictrust.org Majestic Productions and "Bali Hai" will call you to "South Pacific" in Manchester next month. This production features artists ages 15 and up. Peacock Players and Actorsingers will spot Kate Harwood in a nurse's uniform. 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. ============================================== 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: http://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 =================================== Judy Garland's dress from "The Wizard of Oz" is among the costumes on exhibit at the American Textile History Museum in Lowell. The "Dressed for the Part: Hollywood Costumes from the Silver Screen" exhibit features more than 40 costumes worn by stars from the silent era through the 1960's, including Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, and Rita Hayworth. Costumes in the exhibit are part of the private collection of local film historian and collector John LeBold. The exhibit opens November 16 and runs through March 12. Hours are 9 AM to 5 PM, at the American Textile History Museum in Lowell. $10 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, children under 6 free. Call 978 441-0400 for more information. The annual "Holiday Stroll" in Nashua is scheduled for Saturday, November 27, from 5 PM to 9 PM. Several choral groups, theatre groups, magicians, and wandering minstrels will be entertaining you from City Hall to Railroad Square. Look for ice sculptures, wagon rides, and food vendors as well. This event is sponsored by Destination Downtown of Nashua. For more information or to volunteer to help, call [STALE NAME AND NUMBER DELETED], or Philip Scontas at 882-3281. =================================== 5. ABOUT 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. 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 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. This newsletter is supplied in ASCII format, to be readable by all email tools. Look for Issue #8, coming later this month.