Monthly Archives: April 2017

April 7, 2017 · 3:12 pm

SMALL ENGINE REPAIR Review

SMALL ENGINE REPAIR presented Untethered Theatre and the Clifton Players through April 15. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening Friday performance.

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Carter Bratton as Swaino, Nathan Neorr as Frank & Charlie Roetting as Packie. Photo by Kirk Sheppard.

The more I enjoy a show, the less I have to talk about in my review. This review for SMALL ENGINE REPAIR should be pretty brief.

The script is very well-written with believable characters and many laugh-out-loud moments. I enjoyed how the story unfolded, how it kept me guessing on where events were heading, and how it ended with a satisfying conclusion.

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Rupert Spraul as Chad. Photo by Kirk Sheppard.

Director Jared Doren has assembled a strong ensemble. The pacing is spot on. The blocking is natural, uses all available space, and offers good sight lines (especially considering the limitations of the venue).

I wouldn’t have pegged Nathan Neorr as a “father of the year” type, but he is completely believable as Frank and gives a strong, layered performance. Charlie Roetting gives Packie a lovable misfit quality and has great comic timing. As womanizing Swaino, Carter Bratton finds a perfect balance between the swagger and the heart hidden beneath. The three easily click as childhood friends. Rupert Spraul is equally strong as silver-spooned, college jock Chad.

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Nathan Neorr as Frank, Rupert Spraul as Chad, Carter Bratton as Swaino & Charlie Roetting as Packie. Photo by Kirk Sheppard.

Overall a well-written, dark comedy gem, very smartly directed and performed. Not only did the script take me to a place I didn’t expect, it was a hell of a ride getting there.

My rating: 5 out of 5

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the show or my review. All I ask is that you express your opinion without attacking someone else’s opinion. You can post your comments below.

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April 7, 2017 · 11:43 am

Auditions Announced for HORIZONS OF GOLD at Northern Kentucky Community Theater

NKYCT_logoNorthern Kentucky Community Theater Announces Auditions for HORIZONS OF GOLD, a New Musical

Book by Beth Kenniv
Music by Jeff Smith and James Kenniv
Lyrics by Dave Thompson and Beth Kenniv

Produced and Directed by Benjamin & Kaitlyn Iocco
Music Direction by Benjamin Price
Vocal Direction by Jeff Smith
Choreography by the Dance Center Choreographers

Rose is a young Mexican migrant, abandoned and lost in turbulent 1930s California. She clings to Margaret Thomas, a Kansas farmwife displaced by the Dust Bowl. Together they grieve a lost family and search for home and healing in the midst of unrelenting hardships. Could John Bollen, the generous wheat farmer down the road, be a savior for them both? A powerful journey of the heart unfolds for three people who find their lives intertwined, each desperate to heal the past and embrace a new future.

Performances: August 24-26th
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 PM
Saturday at 2 PM

Location: Anderson Center Theater
7850 Five Mile Road, Anderson Township, OH 45230

Auditions:

  • Friday, May 5th, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Saturday, May 6th, 2 PM – 5 PM

Location: Union Baptist Church
1985 Mt Zion Rd, Union, KY 41091

ALL AGES AND ETHNICITIES WELCOME

Those auditioning are encouraged to sign up for a time slot. Those who arrive without an appointment will be seen during the next available slot. Sign up for an audition time slot here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080c4eacac2ba2f49-auditions

Callbacks: Monday, May 8th, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Rehearsals: Beginning Saturday, June 3rd
Tuesday and Thursday Evenings

Saturday Mornings and Afternoons
Most cast members will be needed for at least 1-2 rehearsals per week. We will take conflicts into account. No conflicts will be accepted after August 20th. A complete rehearsal schedule will be distributed after the show is cast.

Audition Requirements:

  • 16-32 bars of a musical theater or Gospel song in the style of the show that best showcases your vocal and acting ability. Please bring sheet music in the correct key with your cuts marked. An accompanist will be provided.
  • You may be asked to stay for the dance portion of the audition. Please dress appropriately.
  • You may be asked to read from the script.
  • Resume listing theatrical experience is appreciated; headshot/picture is REQUIRED.
  • Please also bring a completed audition form and a list of known conflicts for June through August. No conflicts will be accepted after August 20th.

Please Note:

  • You can visit www.horizonsofgold.com for more information about the show and to familiarize yourself with the music.
  • We require a participation fee of $40 per cast member.
  • You do not have to be the actual age(s) of the character(s) you are auditioning for, just be able to look and act accordingly.
  • Some roles may double.

If you have any questions, contact us at nkyctheater@gmail.com.

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1200251940092217/

Cast Breakdown:

  • Rose (early 20s): a Mexican migrant, a survivor; loyal, passionate. Vocal range: mezzo soprano with belt – A3-E5
  • Margaret Thomas (late 40s): a farmwife; steadfast, determined. Vocal range: alto/mezzo soprano – A3-C#5
  • John Bollen (late 30s-early 40s): a prosperous farmer; rugged, tender, heroic. Vocal range: high baritone – B2-G4
  • Lawrence Thomas (mid 40s): Margaret’s brother-in-law, a businessman; unscrupulous; introduced I-10 – may double. No solo singing.
  • Edward Thomas (early 50s): Margaret’s husband; stubborn, defeated, good; I-1, I-2 only – may double. No solo singing.
  • William Thomas (early 20s): Margaret’s older son; responsible; I-1, I-2, I-3 only – may double. Any voice type.
  • Charlie Thomas (20): Margaret’s younger son; fun-loving; I-1, I-2, I-3 only – may double. Any voice type.
  • Opal (18-20): Charlie’s girl; sweet, sincere; 18-20; I-2, I-3, I-4 only – may double. Any voice type.
  • Pearl (20): Nettie’s sister; motherly, caring; introduced I-7. Vocal Range: Alto
  • Nettie (14-18): Pearl’s sister; dreamy and dramatic; introduced I-7. Any voice type.
  • Alice (20s): farm girl; self-focused, catty; introduced I-8. No solo singing.
  • Hank (20s-30s): a good-natured farmhand; introduced I-8 – may double. Part singing.
  • Otis & Clarence (20-30s): dim-witted farmhands; good comedic timing needed; introduced I-8 – may double. Part singing.
  • An active ensemble of all ages and voice types that includes many individually-featured roles and soloists (Mama & Papa, Foreman, Gospel Quartet, Ethel & Edith, etc.)

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April 6, 2017 · 4:01 pm

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park to Audition 10 to 13 Year Boys on May 6 for SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE

PIP_logo(CINCINNATI) – The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park will hold auditions on Saturday, May 6, to cast a male, juvenile actor between 10 and 13 years old with strong language skills to play John Webster in the upcoming production of SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE. The character is described as a street urchin who aspires to be an actor, loves blood and gore and will grow up to be an accomplished and gruesome Jacobean playwright.

Interested children should email a resume of any experience and a photograph to Cait Robinson, assistant director, at cait.robinson@cincyplay.com. The deadline for consideration is May 3.

The young actor must be available for all rehearsals of this production, most of which are scheduled around school hours. Rehearsals begin August 4. He must also be available for all performances of the show, which are scheduled Tuesdays through Sundays and include some weekday student and public matinees. SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE will be performed in the Playhouse’s Marx Theatre September 2 – 30, 2017. For further information, visit the Playhouse website at www.cincyplay.com.

The resume and photo must be emailed again even if they have been sent in the past. A good quality school or family photograph is acceptable. The resume must include exact birth date and height, as well as an email address and telephone number. Those selected to audition will be contacted by telephone or email to schedule specific times and will receive scenes to prepare for the audition. Audition location and other details will be provided when appointments are made.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of more than 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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April 6, 2017 · 8:32 am

2017-2018 Season Announced by Middletown Lyric Theatre

MLT_logo2017 – 2018 SEASON

SEPTEMBER 15, 16, 22 & 23
LOST IN YONKERS – Comedy: By: Neil Simon
By America’s great comic playwright, this memory play is set in Yonkers in 1942. Bella is thirty-five years old, mentally challenged, and living at home with her mother, stern Grandma Kurnitz. As the play opens, ne’er-do-well son Eddie deposits his two young sons on the old lady’s doorstep. He is financially strapped and taking to the road as a salesman. The boys are left to contend with Grandma, with Bella and her secret romance, and with Louie, her brother, a small-time hoodlum in a strange new world called Yonkers

NOVEMBER 10, 11, 17 & 18
THE GAME’S AFOOT: Farce by: Ken Ludwig
It is December 1936 and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his leading role in the play Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it’s up to Gillette himself, as he assumes the persona of his beloved Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and hilarity are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays.

FEBRAURY 16, 17 23 & 24
GRAND CONCOURSE: Comedy/Drama by: Heidi Schreck
Having dedicated her life to religious service, Shelley runs a Bronx soup kitchen with unsentimental efficiency, but lately her heart’s not quite in it. Her brisk nature masks an unsettling fear that her efforts are meaningless. When Emma — an idealistic but confused college dropout — arrives to volunteer, her reckless mix of generosity and self-involvement pushes Shelley to the breaking point. With keen humor and startling compassion, Heidi Schreck’s play navigates the mystery of faith, the limits of forgiveness, and the pursuit of something resembling joy

APRIL 13, 14, 20 & 21
MY NAME IS ASHER LEV – Drama Adapted by: Aaron Posner
Asher Lev tells his story in a series of flashbacks. He is a Ladover Hasidic Jew born with a great artistic talent. His sect of Judaism, however, does not believe that art is a worthwhile pursuit. When he begins to draw nudes and pictures of the Cruxifixion, Through the years, he has continued to argue with his parents about the nature and value of his work. They attend one of his shows in New York, but are horrified by the centerpiece of the exhibit:a painting of Jesus Christ

MAY 11, 12, 18 & 19
CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION: Comedy/Drama By: Annie Baker
When four lost New Englanders who enroll in Marty’s six-week-long community-center drama class begin to experiment with harmless games, hearts are quietly torn apart, and tiny wars of epic proportions are waged and won. A beautifully crafted diorama, a petri dish in which we see, with hilarious detail and clarity, the antic sadness of a motley quintet.

JUNE 8,9,15 & 16
PRESENT LAUGHTER: Farce/Comedy By: Noel Coward
At the center of his own universe sits matinee idol Garry Essendine: suave, hedonistic and too old, says his wife, to be having numerous affairs. His line in harmless, infatuated debutantes is largely tolerated but playing closer to home is not. Just before he escapes on tour to Africa the full extent of his misdemeanors is discovered. And all hell breaks loose. Noel Coward’s Present Laughter premiered in the early years of the Second World War just as such privileged lives were threatened with fundamental social change.

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April 6, 2017 · 6:37 am

Auditions Announced for INSPECTING CAROL at The Drama Workshop

TDW_VERTAUDITIONS The Drama Workshop’s production of INSPECTING CAROL. Written by Daniel Sullivan. Directed & Produced by Ray Persing

Auditions will be May 21-22, 2017, at The Glenmore Playhouse, 3716 Glenmore Ave, Cheviot, OH 45211. Doors will open at 6:30pm, and auditions will begin promptly at 7pm.

Actors are asked to bring a resume and headshot, and will audition in groups. Auditions will run no later than 9 pm, and may end earlier. Callbacks, if necessary, will be on May 24, 2017. Updates will be posted on the TDW Facebook page.

Show dates are December 1, 2017 through December 17, 2017. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm, Sunday afternoon at 2 pm. Call time is 1 ½ hours before curtain, unless other arrangements are made with the stage manager. Rehearsals will begin in mid-August.

The director is seeking 7-8 men (12-60s) and 4-5 women (40s-60s). Performers of all ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to audition.

ABOUT THE SHOW: A Christmas Carol meets The Government Inspector meets Noises Off in this hilarious hit from Seattle. A man who asks to audition at a small theater is mistaken for an informer for the National Endowment for the Arts. Everyone caters to the bewildered wannabe actor, and he is given a role in the current production, A Christmas Carol. Everything goes wrong and hilarity is piled upon hilarity.

  • Zorah Bloch: Female, 40s; The founding director of The Soapbox Playhouse. An self-involved woman in her 40’s.
  • Sidney Carlton: Male, 50s/60s; A founding member of The Soapbox Playhouse. A kind but somewhat addled man.
  • Dorothy Tree Hapgood: Female, 50s/60s; Sidney’s wife, an Englishwoman who is unable to lose her accent. Also a founding member of the theatre company.
  • Larry Vauxhall: Male, 40s/50s; A tough and intellectually vain man. A child of the 60s who is still looking for a turn-on. Also a founding member of the theatre company.
  • Phil Hewitt: Male, 30s/40s; An obsessive man who usually plays the ineffectual character in any Soapbox production. Also a founding member of the theatre company.
  • Walter E. Parsons: Male, 20s/30s; An African-American man who has recently taken up acting again after a stint in the armed forces. A good-natured yet excitable person.
  • Luther Beatty: Male, 12-17; A tall, big-boned 11-12-year-old boy who is really too big to be playing the character of ‘Tiny Tim’ – a role he has been performing two years too long. A youthful actor under 18 could pull it off.
  • Kevin Emory: Male/Female, 30s/40s; Timid, nervous managing director of the theatre company who is afraid of Zorah.
  • M.J. (Mary Jane) McMann: Female, 40s; The company Stage manager. A realist who long ago realized the Playhouse had hit bottom. Also a founding member, she looks on now only as a bemused observer. She has an ironic sense of humor.
  • Betty Andrews: Female, 30s/40s; An inspector for the National Endowment for the Arts who has a forbidding appearance.
  • Bart Frances: Male, 20s; A pleasant youth who dresses in a black leather motorcycle jacket and torn jeans.
  • Wayne Wallacre: Male, 20s/30s; An affable, eager to please young man who is in search of a new career in acting, but has no training and even less talent.

Actors who are selected will be contacted by the director. The practice of The Drama Workshop is to notify all auditioners via email of results once the show is cast, after which a cast list will be posted on the TDW website and Facebook page. Those without email who are not cast will not be contacted individually.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
Please bring a current headshot & resume. No prepared monologue is required. Auditions will consist of readings from the script. Callbacks, if needed, will be at the director’s discretion. Bring your calendar and be prepared to list all conflicts. Conflicts not listed at time of audition may not be honored. Those who are cast will be expected to assist with the staging, advertising, or some other aspect of the production. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Ray Persing at 937.877.6116 or at trpersing@gmail.com

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