SEMINAR: October 24 - November 9, 2014

SEMINAR
Dates Playing: 10/24/2014 - 11/9/2014

Written By: Theresa Rebeck
Director: Ron May
Venue: Black Theatre Troupe

WHAT IT'S ABOUT: 

In SEMINAR, a provocative comedy from Pulitzer Prize nominee Theresa Rebeck, four aspiring young novelists sign up for private writing classes with Leonard, an international literary figure. Under his recklessly brilliant and unorthodox instruction, some thrive and others flounder, alliances are made and broken, sex is used as a weapon and hearts are unmoored. The wordplay is not the only thing that turns vicious as innocence collides with experience in this biting Broadway comedy.

WHAT IT'S REALLY ABOUT:
Five hundred dollars a week for all the abuse you can take. And maybe some sex. SEMINAR is a biting Broadway comedy about power, sex and art. Written by a woman who has spent her share of time around writers, (Rebeck has enjoyed several Broadway hits and was the creator of NBC’s Smash) - she knows something about the pressures of academia and the publishing world, as well as the internal drive of unbridled ambition. The play traffics in questions about subjectivity in writing, the existence of true talent, and the power struggles and compromises that come with selling work. Full of hilarious quips and zingers, SEMINAR is ultimately quite insightful about the vulnerability of truth in an insincere world.

Please note: This play contains mature themes and adult language.

CAST

Leonard - David Barker

Douglas - Andy Cahoon
Martin - Will Hightower
Kate - Kerry McCue
Izzy - Kim Richard

Director – Ron May
Set Design – Jeff Thomson
Lighting Design – Paul A. Black
Costume Design – Lois K. Myers
Sound Designer – Chris Neumeyer
Stage Manager – Aaron Wheeler.

Get your tickets at http://bit.ly/SeminarPHX

THE BOOK CLUB PLAY Reviews

Actors Theatre of Phoenix will rev up production for THE BOOK CLUB PLAY again this week. Thanks to all who came out and supported opening weekend.

Here's what the audience and critics said about THE BOOK CLUB PLAY:

"My husband and I saw the show opening night - Saturday. It was wonderful! We recommend it to everyone." 

- Mary LeBlanc


"The Actors Theatre production has an energetic, hardworking cast and confident direction that gets you thinking about just what justifies 'art.' "

- Gil Benbrook, Talk in Broadway Phoenix (Read full review here)


"'The Book Club Play' was terrific! Well-written, beautifully acted and skillfully directed. This one is a must see!"

- Barbara Oliver

"... This popcorn offering is a guaranteed tickler for anyone who loves to read. ... In this production, directed by Matthew Wiener, the characters are brought vividly to life by some of the Valley's most eminently watchable actors."

- Kerry Lengel, The Republic (Read full review here)


"A real page turner ...Under Matthew Wiener’s direction, 'The Book Club Play' feels like a beautiful timepiece slowly wound until its springs finally burst forth — maximizing the playwright’s portrayal of book clubs as a microcosm of society." 

- Lynn Trimble, Art Musings Writer (Read full review here)

Get your tickets for THE BOOK CLUB PLAY running Saturday, July 5 2014 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 6 at 2:00 p.m.

Follow Actors Theatre of Phoenix on Facebook and Twitter for schedules, promotions and show news.

http://actorstheatrephx.org/Event/7/The-Book-Club-Play/

Opening Week of THE COTTAGE

Actors Theatre of Phoenix is pleased to announce opening weekend for THE COTTAGE at The Black Theatre Troupe Building.

Performance Schedule for this week:

Friday 6/27 7:00 P.M. - Preview Night

Saturday 6/28 7:00 P.M. - OPENING NIGHT

Sunday 6/29 2:00 P.M. - Matinee

THE COTTAGE (a comedy in two acts), is a rollicking farce inspired by the works of Noel Coward. Set in the English Countryside in 1923, this tale of love, sex and betrayal begins when Sylvia Van Kipness decides to expose her love affair with her husband's brother. The true meanings of fate, identity, and marriage are all called into question as a surprising and hilarious web of secrets unravel in this ridiculous, potentially murderous, romantic comedy.

Have you purchased your ticket yet? 

Follow Actors Theatre of Phoenix on Facebook and Twitter for schedules, promotions and show news.

No Sweat (For You) Summer Season - Special Showings

From Steve Jobs to The Boob Show and Scorpius Dance Theatre to Sinatra, Sondheim and Noel Coward, Actors Theatre has added nine special events including one-person shows, modern dance, a celebration of the Great American Songbook and Adam Smith and Friends in concert to its first-ever No Sweat (For You) Summer Season.

Here's a preview of our special events:

THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY OF STEVE JOBS - “One of the finest theatrical and all-encompassing emotional performances seen on any valley stage” - David Appelford, KEZRadio
By Mike Daisy, performed by Ron May

Saturday, July 5 @ 10 p.m.
Wednesday, July 9 @ 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 12 @ 10 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23 @ 7 p.m.

Ron May reprises his provocative and intense monologue that pulls back the curtain veiling America’s most mysterious technology icon with a wickedly funny tale of pride, beauty, lust and industrial design.

THE FEVER - ”Mesmerizingly theatrical—a profoundly engaging journey through the awakening of a pampered man's conscience." —NY Newsday.

By Wally Shawn, performed by Mike Lawler

Friday, July 11 @ 10 p.m.
Wednesday, July 16 @ 7 p.m.

With compassion, eloquence, and ruthless self-scrutiny, the playwright discovers that having good intentions toward the dispossessed is not enough. He reaches the inevitable conclusion that the politically correct are guilty themselves unless they take action. The narrator has succeeded in defining his own guilt but is uncertain whether or not he has the personal courage to join in the struggle. 

THE BOOB SHOW -A hysterically funny, empowering, and poignant musical exploration of breasts!

Written and Performed by Sally Jo Bannow

Friday, July 18 @ 10 p.m.
Sunday, July 20 @ 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 3 @ 7 p.m.

This musical celebration is appropriate for anyone who's ever had a boob, or just loved one from afar. Whether they are big, small, scarred, saggy, or man-boobs, The Boob Show will leave you feeling uplifted!

SCORPIUS DANCE THEATRE 
Choreography by Lisa Starry

Saturday, July 19 @ 10 p.m.
Friday, August 1 @ 10 p.m.

Scorpius has been a constant presence in the metropolitan Phoenix arts community since its inception in 1999, combining the motifs of humor, drama, and both organic and technical movement to form a very distinct brand of dance theater.

A synthesis of Joni Mitchell and James Taylor of 30 years ago, Adam Smith takes the stage with this very special performance; a preview of his new, up and coming CD titled So Simple Now. 

Get up close and personal with Scorpius Dance Theatre as they bring back their mesmerizing production, Intimate, which originally deputed in 2005. The show features breath-taking solos, seductive duets, energetic group pieces and entertaining dance films.

A NIGHT WITH NOEL - The Music of Noel Coward
Hosted by Ian Christiansen

Saturday, July 26 @10 p.m.

Sir Noël Peirce Coward was an English playwright, composer, director, actor and singer, known for his wit, flamboyance, and what Time magazine called "a sense of personal style, a combination of cheek and chic, pose and poise". Actors Theatre’s production of The Cottage is influenced by the style of this great artist.

THAT’S LIFE: FROM SINATRA TO SONDHEIM - Great voices, great songs, great times

Featuring Kristen Drathman, Rusty Ferracane, and Craig Bohmler

Sunday, July 27 @ 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 10 @ 7 p.m.

An evening of song celebrating standards from the Great American Songbook and classics from the Broadway Stage. With music from Harold Arlen, Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Julie Styne, Marvin Hamlish, Kander & Ebb, and Stephen Sondheim.

TWO SHOTS - Two Men, Two Plays, One Evening
Written and performed by Ben Tyler and David Barker

Wednesday, July 30, @ 7 p.m.

The Sperm of Ten Men, Written and Performed by Ben Tyler. In 1991 Tyler agreed to be a sperm donor for his brother and sister-in-law.

Dodging Bullets, Written and Performed by David Barker. In 2004, in an upscale Boston suburb, a brain surgeon tried to kill Barker and his sister.

BLACK AND 25 IN AMERICA -  Invisible and without voice – that’s what it means to be a young, Black adult in America.

Written and performed by Jeremy Gillett

Wednesday, August 6 @ 7 p.m.

The play explores the issues of race, class, gender and identity through the life stories of characters Big Man, Joshua Thomas Northington III, Darron, and Marcy. Gillett gives his audience insight on what it means to be a young, Black adult in America. Through a series of vignettes, the play reveals how each character feels invisible and without voice.

 ADAM AND FRIENDS - A synthesis of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor of 30 years ago – with a today sound.

Featuring Adam Smith and Special Guests

Wednesday, August 13 @ 7 p.m.

After a year in the recording studio, Adam Smith returns to the stage with this very special performance; a preview of his new, up and coming CD titled So Simple Now and songs from his current album Around the Bend with a few favorite cover songs. Adam will be joined on stage by special guest performers.

Get your tickets at Actorstheatre.org.

Angelica Howland joins Actors Theatre for The Book Club Play and The Cottage

Meet our guest blogger Angelica Howland, the upcoming star in the Actors Theatre summer season: 

Angelica makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, Brian, son, Harrison and two wagging piles of furry love, Charlotte and Hansel. 

Some of her recent theatrical credits include: 

-At Birth with The Hormel Festival of New Plays and Musicals 2014
-All New People with Stray Cat Theatre; 
-The 39 Steps with Phoenix Theatre; 
-In The Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) with Actor’s Theatre (ariZoni Award, Actress in a Major Role).  

And some favorite theatrical credits include: 

-Doubt and A Parable with Actors Theatre, 
-You Can’t Take It With You with Phoenix Theatre  
-The Yellow Boat and Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse with Childsplay.  

This year marks 20 years that I have been a professional actress. In November of 1995 I played Jenny in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie at Phoenix Theatre. Working with the late Michael D. Mitchell was my first experience with a professional director and I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. None. I had taken drama in high school but up until this point, I wanted to be a dancer. An injury made me change my focus. Which is very good because I was quite mediocre. And clumsy.

Anyway, Mr. Mitchell gave me my first crash course in the art of acting. A week into rehearsals, as we Brodie girls stood there being girls, Michael came to us and told us that the other three were doing very well but, that I needed work. I was stunned. All my lines were memorized. I was playing, "the beautiful one" and I thought, "Am I not being beautiful enough?" He said, "Angelica, do you know the story we are telling?" I didn't. I had memorized my lines and my cue lines but, no -- I had no idea what the story was that we were telling.

I went home that night and read the entire play. Three times, cover to cover. That week I rented the movie starring Maggie Smith. I thought deep thoughts and began to listen to what the actors around me were saying. At the end of the week, Mr. Mitchell looked at me and smiled. That was it. Just a smile. And I breathed a sigh of relief. That man gave me a gift I have used every project since: "Do you know the story you are telling?" Thank you, you wise angel of a man!

What story am I telling now? This current project with Actors Theatre is a new adventure for me. I'm telling two stories (The Book Club Play and The Cottage) and . At the same time. And they are two very funny, yet very different ones. I'm nervous. And so excited.


I'm playing with Maren and Ian for the first time. Two actors I greatly admire -- who are also good friends. And I'm once again getting to share the stage with my dear friend, Joe. We share a comfortable chemistry that allows us to play in a way that pleases us both. Not to mention its a ton of fun. Tyler was my reader for an audition in the winter. All I could think as we read together was,"'Wow -- I hope I get to work with him one day.' and, woo hoo! My wish was granted. I just met Alexis yesterday and I'm already chomping at the bit to get down and dirty in the rehearsal hall with her. I can't wait to get down and dirty with all of them.

AND? I'm working with Matthew Wiener. Matthew and I have done several projects together now. I used to be afraid of him. I would go into his auditions shaking like a leaf. Now? Not only has he taught me many valuable lessons concerning the art of storytelling and we speak an unexplained kind of shorthand when we work together, he is also my friend.


I consider Actors Theatre the playground in my own backyard. I'm so fortunate to have a place to play and still get to be in my home city while raising my son. I've worked with several artists on the boards and behind the scenes of this theatre company who have pushed me creatively and I have done work I am very proud of on their stage. It thrills me to be celebrating this 20 years of storytelling with several members of my theatre family. I kind of want to wrap the world up in my arms right now and give it a hard squeeze.
I'm a lucky, lucky woman.

- Angelica Howland 

Praise for GOOD PEOPLE

Thanks to all who have attended GOOD PEOPLE so far and for the positive response from both friends and followers on our Facebook Page! 

We appreciate the POWERFUL support from my community. 

GOOD PEOPLE is running at the AZ Opera Center now until May 11 - get your tickets today! 



Here's what the audience is saying about this Actors Theatre of Phoenix production:

"Adding my enthusiastic support for Good People at Actors Theatre of Phoenix. What a strong cast- moving performances. Everyone was great but a special nod to Katie McFadzen! (In addition, Tom gives a big thumbs up to the comfortable chairs and leg room!!)" 
- Janet Arnold


"Oh my Lord! Actors theatre "Good people" is such a great show! I was on the edge of my seat! So engaging and superbly performed! No flaws! Just brilliance! What a fabulous night of theatre!" 
- Lillie Richardson

"Adding my enthusiastic support for Good People at Actors Theatre of Phoenix. What a strong cast- moving performances. Everyone was great but a special nod to Katie McFadzen! (In addition, Tom gives a big thumbs up to the comfortable chairs and leg room!!)" 
- Matthew Wiener

"Break a leg to the cast of Actors Theatre of Phoenix's "Good People" opening tonight. Great preview last night with Katie McFadzen, Maria Amorocho Weisbrod, Rusty Ferracane and Cathy Dresbach in the AZ Opera space. Interesting script and outstanding cast!" 
- Brenda Edwards

"Good People is great theatre with some very talented theatre artists at the top of their game. Special shoutout to Katie McFadzen. So proud."

- Dwayne Hartford

Thanks to the Phoenix community for coming out and supporting Actors Theatre - let your friends know about GOOD PEOPLE and feel free to come again! 

Good People at the Arizona Opera Center

Actors Theatre of Phoenix presents GOOD PEOPLE -
April 25 - May 11.

Welcome to Southie, a Boston neighborhood where a night on the town means a few rounds of bingo, where this month’s paycheck covers last month’s bill, and where Margie Walsh has just been let go from her job at the Dollar Store. Facing eviction and scrambling to catch a break, Margie thinks an old flame who’s made it out of Southie might be her ticket to a new start. With his signature humorous glow, David Lindsay-Abaire explores the struggles, shifting loyalties and unshakable hope that come with having next to nothing in America.

GOOD PEOPLE will run at the Arizona Opera Center now through May 11 - have you purchased your tickets yet?




 Read the latest review of the GOOD PEOPLE production here.

"A play title like "Good People" just has to be ironic — because what could be more boring than characters without flaws? — and Actors Theatre's latest dark comedy does not disappoint." - Kerry Lengel, The Arizona Republic

4000 MILES First Audience Review

Catch 4000 MILES now through January 26 at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center in Phoenix. Get your tickets  at actorstheatrephx.org

4000 MILES is Closer than You Think

Join us for the Actors Theatre of Phoenix production of 4000 MILES, opening January 11 at The Black Theatre Troupe/Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center in Phoenix.

At the end of his cross-country bike trip, 21-year old Leo arrives unannounced at the Greenwich Village apartment of his 91-year old Jewish grandmother, Vera. As an overnight couch-surf turns into an extended stay, this compassionate and unsentimental play explores the funny, frustrating, and ultimately life-changing relationship between a grandson learning to face his life and a grandmother who is starting to forget hers.

Finalist 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Winner 2012 Obie Award, Best New Play

Winner 2012 New York Times Outstanding Playwright Award

Winner Time Magazine's #1 Play or Musical of 2012

Behind the Scenes of 4000 Miles with Courtney Weir

Courtney Weir as Bec in 4000 MILES

Hello blog readers! My name is Courtney Weir, and I am playing Bec in 4000 MILES, here at Actors Theatre. We are currently in rehearsal. And

by currently I mean LITERALLY we are rehearsing right this minute. Seriously. It's happening now. How lucky are you to be experiencing it with me! Would you like a cupcake? There are cupcakes. But, no, don't have the cupcakes. I want the cupcakes. And I'm the one writing.

Currently I'm watching a scene being rehearsed that I'm not in. It's a scene between the lead guy, Leo, played by the amazing mister Devon Nickel, and Amanda, played by the incredibly talented (and young!) Keilani Akagi (pronounced "kay-lah-nee ah-kah-gee," but the "gee" has a hard "g" as in "got" or "green" or "gallbladder"). Keilani is the youngest in our cast, at the ripe ol' age of 19. Man, when I think of my 19 year old self, I was NOT at the level she is, performance wise. The girl sings, dances, acts, goes to school, often has adorable shoes and

sports a pink and white polka dot phone case. She's kind of the deal.

So in this scene, a lot happens. Most of which I'm not gonna go into here, because I'm not going to reveal spoilers, people! However I can say, there are many laughs created by these two actors. There's talk of sex, alcohol, communism, death, and teeth (weird but believe me it all

makes sense). And more stuff too, but hey, you will have to wait and see!

Side note, I just realized I forgot to put mascara on today and now I'm wondering what else I've forgotten... which doesn't totally pertain to rehearsal, except to say IN rehearsals, we all generally look pretty grubby (with the exception of Keilani's shoes). We wear sweats and old

t-shirts, that sort of thing. Because we gotta be comfortable to move around and figure out what human beings do with their bodies and that sort of thing. And more importantly, so that when we eat cupcakes, we can get crumbs on ourselves and not worry. Which reminds me, there's a

cupcake I'm gonna go eat. It has tiny Christmas tree sprinkles. Farewell until next time, people who read this! 

4000 MILES in Rehersal

Join us for our production of the award-winning play, 4000 MILES, opening January 11, 2014.

At the end of his cross-country bike trip, 21-year old Leo arrives unannounced at the Greenwich Village apartment of his 91-year old Jewish grandmother, Vera. As an overnight couch-surf turns into an extended stay, this compassionate and unsentimental play explores the funny, frustrating, and ultimately life-changing relationship between a grandson learning to face his life and a grandmother who is starting to forget hers. 

A STEADY RAIN - Opening Weekend

Joseph Kremer in A STEADY RAIN

“Opening Weekend” is always a fun few days in the theatre world. It’s filled with exhaustion, weird energy,

rehearsal line flubs, and beer in the dressing room. I’ll explain the booze in the dressing room at the end.

Opening Weekend is the name for the days of Preview, Opening Night, and the Sunday Matinee. The Preview (first performance in front of an audience) is always fun, but extremely nerve-racking. However, when the audience gave what felt like a 5 minute standing ovation to Matthew Wiener (Producing Artistic Director) and Erica Black (Managing Director) before their curtain speech, any trepidation Chris and I felt suddenly went away. That was a pretty magical moment to experience backstage.

Opening Night was especially incredible since this was the first show for Actors Theatre since their triumphant return. There was a feeling in the air as if we were all experiencing a very special moment together at the same time. Sure, I was a little tired and I messed up a couple of lines, but it didn’t matter. The warm compliments I received after the show made me forget all about it and that’s all that’s really important.

In fact, Opening Night was so busy that they actually had to refill the beer …which was being stored in the storage space in our dressing room. So to recap, there was beer within close proximity, great audiences, and an “unpaused” theatre company. What a great weekend.

A STEADY RAIN - blog #3

TECH.

In case you don’t know: “Tech” is what we in the theatre biz affectionately call the span of 5 days before the opening night. These days are usually full of stress, jokes, aggravation, and weariness as the lighting designer, sound designer, director, and stage manager all sit in the house and create the picture of what the show will look like. But what do the actors do? Well the actors run through the show and of course have their lines and emotional moments carefully choreographed and perfected in order to facilitate the process.

LOL.

Ok, the truth is, as an actor I have a pretty good idea of what I’m going to do. But I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stepped into the performance space and my character or emotional beats change quite a bit because of the change in environment.

Did you hear that sound? That was the sound of Anthony (our director) ripping his gorgeous hair out of his head.

Don’t worry Anthony, it doesn’t change THAT much.  In fact, you probably won’t even notice it. But it’s definitely something that registers inside of me. The acoustics in the space are usually the first thing that has an effect on me. Most rehearsal spaces are small, enclosed rooms with low ceilings and tile floors, which are absolutely NOTHING like the actual performance space. If the acoustics aren’t great your volume has to go up so the back seats can hear you, which can have a profound effect on what sort of emotion you’re trying to portray. It’s frustrating, but challenging. And sometimes…SOMETIMES it actually helps change things for the better.

A STEADY RAIN - blog #2

So here’s a quiz for you:

In the last 72 hours, Joe Kremer has:

A) Drank heavily

B) Visited deep dark areas of his mind and soul

C) Sat in a room memorizing lines for 7 hours straight

D) Called for line 196,524 times

E) All of the above

If you chose E, you’re correct.

It may seem crazy but all of the items I mentioned above are absolutely necessary.

But I’m sure right now you’re asking me, “Hey Joe, if you’re spending 7 hours memorizing, why are you calling for line 196,524 times?”  The answer to that is very simple, I have stage fright.

In case you don’t know, “calling for line” is when you’re rehearsing a scene and you say to the wonderful stage manager, “line?” When you do that, the wonderful stage manager, who has the script in front of them, says the first part of the line to you, you then say the rest of the line, and then you continue on with the scene. But here’s the thing with me: When I’m in my tiny little office at home, I can have a scene DOWN COLD…and I mean like, know it forwards and backwards. As soon as I have to do it in front of someone such as Anthony (our fearless leader) or Amy (our amazing stage manager), it goes RIGHT OUT OF MY HEAD. So, I just keep “calling for line” and we do it over and over and over, no matter how annoyed my awesome fellow actor (Chris) gets. And believe me, he has every right to be annoyed. I swear, you’d rather go over to dinner at Jeffrey Dahmer’s house instead of listening to me say the word “line” 196,254 times. But the good news is that once I go through a scene all the way in front of someone, it just gets better from there. It’s always that first step that’s always the hardest. But isn’t that the case for most of life’s challenges?

To pee or not to pee

An opening night haiku:

No intermission

Must pee before “places” call

Timing is crucial

There are many, many things that require concentration and attention on opening night. Lines, of course; props, costume, hair and make-up; last minute notes from the director; awareness of the audience's response (don’t want to step on any laughs); microphone placement; telling the story as we rehearsed it. All cylinders must be firing.

I can say from personal experience that nothing turns your brain to mush faster than a full bladder. I have my pre-show toilet routine down to a science. At ½ hour before curtain, I put on my make-up, curl my hair, and get dressed. At 15 minutes, I’m stretching, warming up vocally, maybe running a few lines. When the stage manager calls “5 minutes”, I am in the bathroom. Then we go to places.

On this particular opening night, Matthew Wiener gave his curtain speech… and then came the dreaded announcement: “We’re holding for technical difficulties.” NOOOO!!! 5 minutes pass… 10 minutes. Should I return to my dressing room and go again? Can’t risk it. (Dang, I shouldn’t have had that iced tea with dinner.)Before full-blown panic sets in, the curtain goes up. I climb the stairs to my position on stage. The show begins. The lights are hot… my mouth is dry. Sweet dehydration! I can do this after all.
by Cathy Dresbach