============================================================= 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 8, November 30, 1999, REVISION to 2.13 December 3, 1999 In this issue: 1. FEATURE STORY – Kids' Coop Theatre, Derry, Into the Woods Jr., and Hansel & Gretel this weekend 2. WHAT'S HAPPENING? (In alphabetical order, rotating one with each issue) 2.1 Maskers, Manchester Central High School 2.2 Merrimack Community Theatre 2.3 Music and Drama Company, Londonderry 2.4 Nashua Theatre Guild, Nashua 2.5 Palace Theatre, Manchester 2.6 Souhegan Valley Chorus Concert 2.7 Acting Loft, Manchester 2.8 Actorsingers, Nashua 2.9 American Stage Festival Peacock Players, Nashua 2.10 Elm Street Junior High School, Nashua 2.11 Kids' Coop Theatre, Derry 2.12 Leddy Center for the Performing Arts, Epping 2.13 Majestic Theatre Trust, Manchester REVISION 12/3 2.14 Manchester Youth Theatre (MYT), Manchester 3. HOW ELSE CAN WE FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING? 4. OFFSTAGE 5. ABOUT THE PEAHEN PLUS PRESS ======================================================================== 1. FEATURE STORY Kids' Coop Theatre, Derry NH ======================================================================== The Kids' Coop in Derry NH is a relatively new company with a goal of providing young people with a wonderful learning experience, and an opportunity to foster self-esteem. The focus is toward helping 8 to 18-year-olds reach their full potentials. The Kids' Coop Theatre describes its mission thus: To provide a venue for children to showcase their abilities as actors, with the knowledge that the only way children can soar is by having the opportunity to spread their wings. The Kids' Coop is offering a double bill this coming weekend: (1) Into the Woods, Jr. This production is directed by John Sefel, with music direction by Donna Tongue and accompaniment by Angela Olszta. December 3 & 4 at 7:30 PM at the Adams Opera House in Derry. Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $6 for children. Call 434-8524 for information and reservations. With a young cast and anticipated young audiences, the Junior version of Into the Woods includes Act I only, with happy endings. The cast includes: Phillip Desrochers, Sean Donnell, Katie Enos, Rita-Marie Gregory, Meghan Harrington, Cassie-Jo Krupp, Scott Lane, Sean LeBrun, Andrew Lucas, Lindsey McKitterick, Sarah McKitterick, Danielle Melillo, Sarah Pettingill, Alicia Rockenhauser, Allison Sica, Kyle Szen, Ashley Vance, and Jillian Wheeler. (2) The Story of Hansel & Gretel There are two opportunities to see this show, Saturday and Sunday matinees 12/4 and 12/5 at 1:30 PM. All seats $6. The director is Jeff Caron, with musical direction by Paul Bencal. The young cast includes Talia Antonoro, Nick Boccia, Katlyn Cavanaugh, Sean Donnell, Danielle Lussier, Samantha Tupper, and Ashley Valencourt. Kids' Coop Theatre is offering a double feature special. Buy tickets for both shows, and get $1 off each ticket (2 tickets per show minimum.) All seats are general admission. You can call for reservations, buy tickets at the door (while they last!) or purchase tickets at the Nutfield Store in Londonderry, the Hair Loft in Derry, or at Lauren's Country Kitchen on Birch Street in Derry (inside the Texaco.) ================================================================ 2. WHAT'S HAPPENING? ================================================================ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.1 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 planned for January. For information about Maskers you can send email to Peter Chambers at baltic_avenue@hotmail.com. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.2 Merrimack Community Theatre +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: http://members.tripod.com/MerrimackCT Announcing OPEN AUDITIONS for Under Milk Wood, by Dylan Thomas, to be directed by Vick Bennison. Performance dates are 4/6 through 4/9/2000, at the American Stage Festival, Court Street, in Nashua. Seeking: 20 to 25 men and women, and about 6 children over age 10. Under Milk Wood is a masterpiece of the English Language. It has it all -- comedy, poignancy, poetry, (subtle) bawdiness, and a little music. It is a day in the life of a small Welsh town full of crazy people. Auditions are Sunday 12/12, 6 PM to 9 PM, at Daniel Webster College Auditorium in Nashua, and Monday, 12/13 6PM to 9 PM, at Merrimack High School. Arrive on either date any time before 8:30 PM. For more information check out the web site, call the director at 673-9073, or send email to the director Vick Bennison at vbennison@aol.com. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.3 Music and Drama Company, Londonderry ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: http://www.madco.org MAD Co. announces OPEN AUDITIONS for a spring production of Cole Porter's romantic comedy Anything Goes. Seeking artists with singing, dancing, and acting ability, ages 16 and up. Auditions are Monday 1/10/2000 and Tuesday 1/11/2000, 7 PM, at the Londonderry Middle School. Callbacks are Wednesday 1/12. Auditioners should bring a prepared song with sheet music for piano, comfortable shoes for dancing, a recent photo, and enthusiasm! For more information check out the web site, or call the MAD Co. hot line at 603 434-2180. You can subscribe to the MADCAPS ONLINE newsletter by sending email to MusicAndDrama@aol.com. +++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.4 Nashua Theatre Guild +++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: http://hometown.aol.com/NashuaThGd Congratulations to the entire cast and crew of The Bad Seed for a successful run of this suspense drama. High praise goes to 4th-grader Alexandra Socha, for her performance as the evil young girl. Any problems getting back into school? Did they check her for matches or weapons? (Ed.) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.5 Palace Theatre, Manchester +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Palace Theatre Trust is achieving its vision of developing the Palace Youth Theatre, under Artistic Director Peter Ramsey. Annie was the hugely successful opening production in November, delighting sell-out crowds. Congratulations to Kaleigh Cronin who played the part of Annie – fulfilling a life-long dream. Watch this space for audition and production information about upcoming shows. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.6 Souhegan Valley Chorus Concert +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 12/5/99 at 7:30 PM the Souhegan Valley Chorus presents its 20th anniversary concert at the Souhegan High School Auditorium in Amherst, under the direction of Ms. Julia Oliver-Babb. The title of the concert this year is A Day for Dancing, and the featured guests are members of the Southern New Hampshire Youth Ballet. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at Darrell's Music in Nashua, or at the Toadstool Book Store in Milford. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.7 The Acting Loft, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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 Wizard of Oz - - - - - - - - Great balls of fire! (pun intended) Congratulations to the entire cast and crew for this fabulous show. From Toto to the Flying Monkeys and everyone who traveled the Yellow Brick Road (and some who didn't) this production was phenomenal! There was a sell-out crowd for every show, and each audience showed its appreciation with a standing ovation. Pippin Feb 11-13 - - - - The talented cast selected for the February production of Pippin is already hard at work learning the intricate songs and dances. Stay tuned for production information, and surprising news from the original playwright! Ed. Note -- The Wiz, formerly publicized here and elsewhere, is no longer scheduled for February 2000. COMING to The Acting Loft in the year 2000: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pippin Feb 11-13 Blood Brothers May 19-21 Chess August 18-20 +++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.8 Actorsingers, Nashua +++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: www.actorsingers.org Audition information will be available soon for the Actorsingers spring production of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, Pirates of Penzance. Performance dates are May 5-7. Watch this space or check the Actorsingers web site for information about upcoming Junior Actorsingers events. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.9 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. 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 - - - - - - - Congratulations to the cast and crew of Guys and Dolls. This jazzy, fun-filled romantic comedy provided rollicking entertainment for guys and dolls of all ages. 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 to schedule an appointment. Performances are scheduled for March. A Midsummer Night's Dream - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Performance Dates: Feb. 4-6 and 11-13, 2000. Directed by Deb Schoenberg, with musical direction by Michael Roy. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.10 Elm Street Junior High School, Nashua +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Winter Concerts – 12/8, 12/9 - - - - - - - - Wednesday and Thursday 12/8 and 12/9 at 7:30 PM the Elm Street Junior High Music Department presents two winter concerts. There is no charge for either concert and each is open to the community. The concerts are under the musical direction of Mr. Anthony Courounis, Mr. Vincent Duval, and Ms. Julia Oliver-Babb. 12/8 – Show Choir, Concert Choir, Red & White Band, Jazz Band 12/9 – Jazz band, Eagles Band, Select Choir, Show Choir, 7th Grade Chorus A Christmas Carol – 12/16, 12/17 - - - - - - - - - This experimental theatre version presents the classic tale in a different and creative manner, while preserving the beauty of Dickens' original story and classic language. This production is directed by Mr. Walt Freeman, assisted by Ms. Marsha Yalden. Only two performances, each at 7:00 at the Keefe auditorium, Elm Street Junior High School, Nashua, Thursday 12/16 and Friday 12/17. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students, and are available at the door or from any cast member. +++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.11 Kids' Coop, Derry +++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: http://www.derrynh.com/kct Into the Woods Jr. and The Story of Hansel & Gretel – this weekend. See the feature story earlier in this newsletter. As of 11/30/99 the KCT web site cites an incorrect time for the Hansel & Gretel matinees. The correct time is 1:30 each day, not 2:00. AUDITIONS for a Broadway Revue are scheduled for January 8. Call 434-8524 to schedule a time. There are opportunities for solos and chorus roles, for artists ages 8 to 18. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.12 Leddy Center for the Performing Arts, Epping ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: http://www.nh.ultranet.com/~leddyctr A Magical Leddy Christmas is coming December 10 through 12. This special event features the Leddy Chorale and Bell Choir, and a presentation of the beloved story of The Gift of the Magi, by O. Henry. Friday 12/10 at 7:30, Saturday 12/11 at 1:30 and 7:30, and Sunday 12/12 at 1:30. Two daytime presentations of The Gift of the Magi are also offered on Wednesday, 12/15, at 9 AM and 10:30 AM. Check out the web site, or call 603 679-2781 for further information. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.13 Majestic Theatre Trust, Manchester ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ web site: http://www.majestictrust.org REVISION: Majestic Productions regrets they were forced to change the production dates for South Pacific. The NEW DATES are January 6, 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 8 PM. Tickets are $9. Majestic Productions is offering refunds and exchanges for those who already purchased or reserved tickets for the December dates. Please call the box office at 603 669-7469 for info and reservations. Ed. Note – The dates listed in the December 3 Encore section of the Nashua Telegraph are INCORRECT. 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. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2.14 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. ================================================ 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 theNH/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 or yesterday's Globe on the web, at: http://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 =================================== Hanukkah begins 12/4 - - - - - - - - - - - Enjoy the spirit of the season and the festival of lights! Costumes from the Silver Screen - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Judy Garland's blue pinafore 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 is now open and it 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. Amherst MA High School cancels production of West Side Story - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Nashua Telegraph, the Boston Globe, and national news services are reporting the cancellation of a planned production of West Side Story at Amherst Massachusetts High School. This decision was in response to objections from students and the community at large, due to negative stereotyping of people of Hispanic descent. An alternative production is planned. Check the news media for ongoing coverage of this decision. (Ed.) =================================== 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.) The response to this newsletter has been overwhelming and entirely positive. Thank you all for supplying information to be formatted here. Keep it coming! 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: prancinpam@yahoo.com. Note the change of email address. 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 #9, coming later in December.