Saturday, May 31, 2008
Theatre--Article
Cody Daigle of the Daily Advertiser has an article about the renovations to Burke-Hawthorne Theatre, home to the University of Louisiana-Lafayette's Department of Performing Arts and to the structure of the Performing Arts' curriculum in the May 31th edition.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Theatre--Review
Drama can present real life in such a way that theatergoers enter another world. Recent area productions have done that. The Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts’ Steel Magnolias carried us (male and female alike) to the world of the “Beauty Salon.,” The University of Lousiana at Lafayette's Performing Arts Department's production of Closer carried us to merry-new-England, and not-so- merry modern love. Cite’ des Arts’ current production of David Auburn’s Proof brings us into the world of mathematics and very the real people who inhabit it. As with many modern dramas, the play debuted at the Manhattan Theatre Club, and moved on to Broadway. But this one then won the Pulitzer Prize, the Drama Desk Award, and the Tony Award for Best Play of 2001.
The essential story involves four characters. Robert (Bill Matthews), an older and respected mathematician has died after descending into some form of mental illness, and has left numerous notebooks full of ravings (mathematical and otherwise). He had been cared for by a college-dropout daughter Catherine (Betty Boudreau) who may or may not have inherited some of her father’s genius. Another sister, Claire (Kayla Lemaire) is in for the funeral and has none of her father’s traits. A former student of Robert’s, Hal (Steven Cooper), who is the only cast member NOT a member of this family, comes on the scene. The story is a mystery (who actually did the proof), a love story (father-daughter, boy-girl, man-profession) and a drama (about doubt, pride, fear, reality, illusion). It is a heady mix. And it is carried out with both intensity and insight under the able direction of Christy Leichty.
Before continuing, and in the spirit of “full disclosure,” this reviewer in his real life is a mathematician (more accurately a math teacher) whose world view has been affected by the very real mathematicians he has met personally and professionally. He knows the frequently stereotyped world of mathematics as a world more passionate and artistic than any other. It is true that mathematicians use symbols on a page –but those are but their language. Their real work is about the underlying realities of universe - what the finger of God has writ in the sands of logic, of structure, and ultimately of reality. Mathematicians use words like “beautiful” or “subtle” or “elegant” to describe their work. To “normal” people it all seems mysterious.
Auburn’s play and director Leichty’s interpretation thereof captured this world artfully. While there are a few math jokes scattered in the play, no real knowledge (or memory of high school Algebra) is needed to follow the plot. Accepting the very real passion of mathematicians is. Opening with a dimly lit flashback scene, the play goes in and out of the real world and the mathematical world as Robert(deceased) and Catherine move in and out of the light. Isn’t that the way we think of mathematics? Sometimes there, sometimes not. The action quickly commences as the relationships of the characters develops. The visiting sister (Claire) is a practical, correct, controlling New Yorker--with all the abrasiveness and superficiality of that city. She quickly conflicts with Catherine, the gifted college-dropout who took time out from her life to care for a father. Catherine has all the grittiness and strength of her home--Chicago--the “Hog Butcher of the World … Stormy, husky, brawling City of the Big Shoulders.” A young mathematician (Hal) arrives and his motivations are soon thrown into the mix. Is he there to truly pay tribute to his mentor; is his relationship with Catherine a real one; is he there for his own professional advancement? The mystery of the show revolves around who actually did the “proof” and various clues to its authorship. Was it Robert in a lucid interlude, or does Catherine perhaps have her father’s mathematical gifts (and instability)?
In the hands of the wonderful Cite’ cast and crew the complexities of the story, the conflicts, and the emotions felt by these characters swirl around us. Director Christy Leichty keeps the entire enterprise under control, with a neat balance between the mathematical world and the real world. The quiet first scene is a pastoral leading to tempests in the second act. The subject matter is the world of abstract mathematics and three fourths (75%, .75, 12/16) of the characters are mathematicians. But we relate to them as the real people they are. Center stage in the drama is Betty Boudreau, whose Catherine is strong, fragile, abrasive, yet tender. Boudreau switches mood and relationship quickly and effortlessly and is a pleasure to watch. Kayla Lemaire’s Claire treads a fine line between “villainy” and “caring sister.” She is an outsider in the group, not caught up in this mathematical world. She is the voice of reality for better or worse. Steven Cooper as the young mathematician, Hal, is an outsider too-–the only non-family member. That separation is clear and he carried out the “professional mathematician” aspect of his role convincingly. He was especially effective in the personal relationship he established with Catherine–-be it love, doubt , support or argument. Bill Matthews as Robert brought a reality and an abstractness to the part-–the reality and abstractness that are part of mathematics. Matthews only previous acting was in high school. Bravo on your re-debut. The simple, evocative, need I say elegant, Craftsman Style “porch” designed by Duncan Thistlewaite, executed by Sarah Briggs and lit by Will Moody helped transport us from a small theater in Lafayette to another world.
This Proof is a short one, and ends on June7. The literate script, the excellent cast, and the first rate production make it a must see you will love. Go, enter Cite’s alternate reality, and you’ll need no more proof!
--Donald “Doc” Voorhies
The essential story involves four characters. Robert (Bill Matthews), an older and respected mathematician has died after descending into some form of mental illness, and has left numerous notebooks full of ravings (mathematical and otherwise). He had been cared for by a college-dropout daughter Catherine (Betty Boudreau) who may or may not have inherited some of her father’s genius. Another sister, Claire (Kayla Lemaire) is in for the funeral and has none of her father’s traits. A former student of Robert’s, Hal (Steven Cooper), who is the only cast member NOT a member of this family, comes on the scene. The story is a mystery (who actually did the proof), a love story (father-daughter, boy-girl, man-profession) and a drama (about doubt, pride, fear, reality, illusion). It is a heady mix. And it is carried out with both intensity and insight under the able direction of Christy Leichty.
Before continuing, and in the spirit of “full disclosure,” this reviewer in his real life is a mathematician (more accurately a math teacher) whose world view has been affected by the very real mathematicians he has met personally and professionally. He knows the frequently stereotyped world of mathematics as a world more passionate and artistic than any other. It is true that mathematicians use symbols on a page –but those are but their language. Their real work is about the underlying realities of universe - what the finger of God has writ in the sands of logic, of structure, and ultimately of reality. Mathematicians use words like “beautiful” or “subtle” or “elegant” to describe their work. To “normal” people it all seems mysterious.
Auburn’s play and director Leichty’s interpretation thereof captured this world artfully. While there are a few math jokes scattered in the play, no real knowledge (or memory of high school Algebra) is needed to follow the plot. Accepting the very real passion of mathematicians is. Opening with a dimly lit flashback scene, the play goes in and out of the real world and the mathematical world as Robert(deceased) and Catherine move in and out of the light. Isn’t that the way we think of mathematics? Sometimes there, sometimes not. The action quickly commences as the relationships of the characters develops. The visiting sister (Claire) is a practical, correct, controlling New Yorker--with all the abrasiveness and superficiality of that city. She quickly conflicts with Catherine, the gifted college-dropout who took time out from her life to care for a father. Catherine has all the grittiness and strength of her home--Chicago--the “Hog Butcher of the World … Stormy, husky, brawling City of the Big Shoulders.” A young mathematician (Hal) arrives and his motivations are soon thrown into the mix. Is he there to truly pay tribute to his mentor; is his relationship with Catherine a real one; is he there for his own professional advancement? The mystery of the show revolves around who actually did the “proof” and various clues to its authorship. Was it Robert in a lucid interlude, or does Catherine perhaps have her father’s mathematical gifts (and instability)?
In the hands of the wonderful Cite’ cast and crew the complexities of the story, the conflicts, and the emotions felt by these characters swirl around us. Director Christy Leichty keeps the entire enterprise under control, with a neat balance between the mathematical world and the real world. The quiet first scene is a pastoral leading to tempests in the second act. The subject matter is the world of abstract mathematics and three fourths (75%, .75, 12/16) of the characters are mathematicians. But we relate to them as the real people they are. Center stage in the drama is Betty Boudreau, whose Catherine is strong, fragile, abrasive, yet tender. Boudreau switches mood and relationship quickly and effortlessly and is a pleasure to watch. Kayla Lemaire’s Claire treads a fine line between “villainy” and “caring sister.” She is an outsider in the group, not caught up in this mathematical world. She is the voice of reality for better or worse. Steven Cooper as the young mathematician, Hal, is an outsider too-–the only non-family member. That separation is clear and he carried out the “professional mathematician” aspect of his role convincingly. He was especially effective in the personal relationship he established with Catherine–-be it love, doubt , support or argument. Bill Matthews as Robert brought a reality and an abstractness to the part-–the reality and abstractness that are part of mathematics. Matthews only previous acting was in high school. Bravo on your re-debut. The simple, evocative, need I say elegant, Craftsman Style “porch” designed by Duncan Thistlewaite, executed by Sarah Briggs and lit by Will Moody helped transport us from a small theater in Lafayette to another world.
This Proof is a short one, and ends on June7. The literate script, the excellent cast, and the first rate production make it a must see you will love. Go, enter Cite’s alternate reality, and you’ll need no more proof!
--Donald “Doc” Voorhies
Theatre--Article
There is an article by Herman Fusilier about the Cite Des Arts production of Proof in the May 30th edition of the Daily Advertiser.
Theatre--Review
The Cite Des Arts production of Proof is reviewed by Ray Blum in the May 30th edition of the Daily Advertiser.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Theatre--Workshop
DRAMATIKS PRODUCTIONS presents
YOUNG PEOPLE’S SUMMER THEATRE WORKSHOP
Dramatiks Productions and Jennifer Miller-Frank presents a summer theatre workshop June 7th - July 1lth 2008 at Cité des Arts. Focusing on improvisation, concentration, characterization, projection, technique, teamwork, theater terminology and more, students will also have the opportunity to take part in the finale show The Big Bad Musical.
WHEN: Classes meet Saturdays from 9:00am – 11:00am.
(Additional rehearsals will be required two weeks prior to performance date)
WHO: boys and girls, ages 10 – 17
WHERE: Cité des Arts, 109 Vine St., downtown Lafayette between Jefferson St. and Third St.
COST: $150.00 (this fee includes a $30.00 costume and script fee)
For additional information and registration, please contact
Jennifer Miller-Frank at 337-780-8555.
YOUNG PEOPLE’S SUMMER THEATRE WORKSHOP
Dramatiks Productions and Jennifer Miller-Frank presents a summer theatre workshop June 7th - July 1lth 2008 at Cité des Arts. Focusing on improvisation, concentration, characterization, projection, technique, teamwork, theater terminology and more, students will also have the opportunity to take part in the finale show The Big Bad Musical.
WHEN: Classes meet Saturdays from 9:00am – 11:00am.
(Additional rehearsals will be required two weeks prior to performance date)
WHO: boys and girls, ages 10 – 17
WHERE: Cité des Arts, 109 Vine St., downtown Lafayette between Jefferson St. and Third St.
COST: $150.00 (this fee includes a $30.00 costume and script fee)
For additional information and registration, please contact
Jennifer Miller-Frank at 337-780-8555.
Theatre (Playwriting)--Workshop
NEW VOICES PLAYWRITING CAMP: A two-week theatre workshop for young people
July 14 – July 26, 2008
Cité des Arts
337-291-1122
Got a story to tell? Ideas to share? If you’re looking for a creative way to
spend part of your summer, then Cité des Arts has a solution for you. For the sixth year in a row, Cité is offering its New Voices Playwriting Camp, a summer theatre workshop for young people.
New Voices is a two week-long theatre workshop that offers students hands-on lessons in the art and craft of making plays. Through writing exercises,
improvisation, theatre games, and group work; students will dream up, develop,
and write a one-act play. These plays are then compiled into an evening of
theatre that is produced at Cité des Arts for the general public.
The camp is designed for students aged 10-16. No prior theatre or writing
experience is necessary.
WHEN: 1pm – 5pm, July 14 – July 26, 2008
WHERE: Cité des Arts, 109 Vine St., downtown Lafayette between Jefferson St. and Third St.
WHO: for students aged 10-17
COST: $50.00
Students interested in the New Voices Playwriting Camp should contact Cité des Arts at 291-1122 for information on registering.
July 14 – July 26, 2008
Cité des Arts
337-291-1122
Got a story to tell? Ideas to share? If you’re looking for a creative way to
spend part of your summer, then Cité des Arts has a solution for you. For the sixth year in a row, Cité is offering its New Voices Playwriting Camp, a summer theatre workshop for young people.
New Voices is a two week-long theatre workshop that offers students hands-on lessons in the art and craft of making plays. Through writing exercises,
improvisation, theatre games, and group work; students will dream up, develop,
and write a one-act play. These plays are then compiled into an evening of
theatre that is produced at Cité des Arts for the general public.
The camp is designed for students aged 10-16. No prior theatre or writing
experience is necessary.
WHEN: 1pm – 5pm, July 14 – July 26, 2008
WHERE: Cité des Arts, 109 Vine St., downtown Lafayette between Jefferson St. and Third St.
WHO: for students aged 10-17
COST: $50.00
Students interested in the New Voices Playwriting Camp should contact Cité des Arts at 291-1122 for information on registering.
Theatre--Auditions
Children's Theatre Guild will hold auditions for Telling Tales Again, Sam? directed by Marie Vaughan on Saturday, June 14th and Sunday, June 15th at 2pm at the Abbey Players Theatre at 200 South State Street in Abbeville.
Please contact Marie Vaughan at (337)893 2442 from 9-11 am weekdays for more information.
Please contact Marie Vaughan at (337)893 2442 from 9-11 am weekdays for more information.
Theatre--Performance
Picasso at the Lapin Agile, a long running Off-Broadway absurdist comedy, places Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian cafe in 1904, just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter set the art world afire with cubism. In his first comedy for the stage, the popular actor and screenwriter plays fast and loose with fact, fame and fortune as these two geniuses muse on the century's achievements and prospects as well as other fanciful topics with infectious dizziness. Bystanders, including Picasso' agent, the bartender and his mistress, Picasso's date, an elderly philosopher, Charles Dabernow Schmendimen and an idiot inventor introduce additional flourishes of humor. The final surprise patron to join the merriment at the Lapin Agile is a charismatic dark haired singer time warped in from a later era.
Directed by Jerrod Arabie Assistant Director - Pamela Broussard
Regular performance tickets are $12.00 and run every Friday and Saturday from May 10th - June 14th...at 8pm.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! HURRY ABBEY PLAYERS SHOWS FREQUENTLY SELL OUT!
Purchase tickets ONLINE or by calling 337 893 2442.
Directed by Jerrod Arabie Assistant Director - Pamela Broussard
Regular performance tickets are $12.00 and run every Friday and Saturday from May 10th - June 14th...at 8pm.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! HURRY ABBEY PLAYERS SHOWS FREQUENTLY SELL OUT!
Purchase tickets ONLINE or by calling 337 893 2442.
Theatre--Performance Schedule
Cite Des Arts announces their schedule of theatrical performances for the next few months:
May 22 – June 7: Cité des Arts presents Proof
June 12 – 14: Multiplicity, a new original work of theatre by Ezra Istre
June 20 – 21: Theatre Production by The Foundry Theatre Company
June 26 – 28: Firelight Children’s Theatre presents Three Piggy Opera and Peter Pan
July 10 -12: Cité des Arts presents the 2nd Annual Hub City Theatre FestivalJuly 18 – August 9: SAS and Shane Guilbeau Production
August 14 – August 30: Gnostic Coincidence, an original work by
Steven Cooper
September 4 – 20: Cité des Arts presents Greezy Spoon, an original work by Austin Sonnier, Jr.
September 25 – November 1: Alternating shows of the Cité des Arts’ production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Blaine Peltier and Discoproductions’ production of The Rocky Horror Show.
May 22 – June 7: Cité des Arts presents Proof
June 12 – 14: Multiplicity, a new original work of theatre by Ezra Istre
June 20 – 21: Theatre Production by The Foundry Theatre Company
June 26 – 28: Firelight Children’s Theatre presents Three Piggy Opera and Peter Pan
July 10 -12: Cité des Arts presents the 2nd Annual Hub City Theatre FestivalJuly 18 – August 9: SAS and Shane Guilbeau Production
August 14 – August 30: Gnostic Coincidence, an original work by
Steven Cooper
September 4 – 20: Cité des Arts presents Greezy Spoon, an original work by Austin Sonnier, Jr.
September 25 – November 1: Alternating shows of the Cité des Arts’ production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Blaine Peltier and Discoproductions’ production of The Rocky Horror Show.
Theatre--Performance
Cité des Arts continues this Thursday with the production of the Pulitzer Prize winning play, Proof. If you did not get out to see it on opening weekend, make sure you get your reservations in for one of the upcoming shows! The staff at Cité and the cast received wonderful feedback and comments from the audiences that were here this past weekend.
Written by David Auburn and directed by Christy Leichty, Proof features a great cast including Betty Boudreau, Steven Cooper, Kayla Lemaire and Bill Matthews. And the other star of the show is the set! Designed by Duncan Thistlethwaite with lighting designed by Will Moody, the back area and porch of a house which is the scene for the entire play, is inviting to everyone who walks in the door. It is well worth checking out!
The show runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm through Saturday,
June 7th.
WHEN: May 29 – 31, June 5 –7 (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays), 7:30pm
WHERE: Cite Des Arts, 109 Vine Street, downtown Lafayette between
Jefferson St. and Third St.
ADMISSION: $15 for Adults; $10 for Senior Citizens and Students
For information and reservations, please call 291-1122
PLAY SYNOPSIS
The story focuses on Catherine, a troubled young woman who has spent years
caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now,
following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival
of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal a former student of
her father’s, who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her
father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and
the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult
problem of all: How much of her father’s madness – or genius will she inherit?
Written by David Auburn and directed by Christy Leichty, Proof features a great cast including Betty Boudreau, Steven Cooper, Kayla Lemaire and Bill Matthews. And the other star of the show is the set! Designed by Duncan Thistlethwaite with lighting designed by Will Moody, the back area and porch of a house which is the scene for the entire play, is inviting to everyone who walks in the door. It is well worth checking out!
The show runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm through Saturday,
June 7th.
WHEN: May 29 – 31, June 5 –7 (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays), 7:30pm
WHERE: Cite Des Arts, 109 Vine Street, downtown Lafayette between
Jefferson St. and Third St.
ADMISSION: $15 for Adults; $10 for Senior Citizens and Students
For information and reservations, please call 291-1122
PLAY SYNOPSIS
The story focuses on Catherine, a troubled young woman who has spent years
caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now,
following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival
of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal a former student of
her father’s, who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her
father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and
the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult
problem of all: How much of her father’s madness – or genius will she inherit?
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Theatre--Review
Steel Magnolias, the Richard Harling dramedy about six women in Truvy’s Beauty Salon, is a staple of community theater across America. The show is filled with pithy one-liners, as well as personal conflict (this IS a beauty parlor after all) and more substantive themes of interpersonal relations (we are stuck with our family but can choose our friends) and the consequences of choices we make. It is especially endearing to Louisiana, as it is set in our very own Natchitoches. Made into a movie, and performed in virtually every theater venue in Acadiana, the Teche Theater of the Performing Arts gave its take on the show – and a successful take it was.
The ensemble cast was wonderful. Each actress took a personal slant on her character, her humor, and her own tragedy. By the end of the play, they seemed like friends of mine. While all six cast members were excellent, particularly outstanding were Erin Segura as Shelby and Denise Hodge as Ouiser. Segura’s character was a standout, maintaining the upstate accent throughout. She was assertive, flippant, and altogether modern in contrast to the other “ladies.” Hodge was a hysterical – from the moment she took the stage eyes focused on her bombastic, spitfire take on Ouiser. Hodge’s every line was given with confidence, character, and punch and got more than an appropriate laugh. I was surprised to find out during the curtain call that this was her very first time on stage … she seemed to be a veteran! Speaking of first timers, Director Ed “Tiger” Verdin was making his directorial debut. His staging was virtually flawless. The many levels of the stage, made it easy to see all characters from any point in the theater, so all were clearly heard and seen. Interestingly, a simple window frame and door frame separated the shop from the beautiful townscape outside … and did the job perfectly well. In the hands of a creative director and crew, such miracles are possible!
The Teche Theater, with its multiple levels of seating, was a perfect environment for this show and every member of the “house staff” made the audience feel welcome and part of the family. It is almost as though we were at Truvy’s Beauty Salon sitting in the “waiting seat” and next on the hot seat! Many consider Steel Magnolias a “chick show” and that it is. The audience was over 80% on the distaff side. But show is a chance for everyone (i.e., men) to look into this particular slice of the world, the people, and the problems in it.
--Donald "Doc" Voorhies
The ensemble cast was wonderful. Each actress took a personal slant on her character, her humor, and her own tragedy. By the end of the play, they seemed like friends of mine. While all six cast members were excellent, particularly outstanding were Erin Segura as Shelby and Denise Hodge as Ouiser. Segura’s character was a standout, maintaining the upstate accent throughout. She was assertive, flippant, and altogether modern in contrast to the other “ladies.” Hodge was a hysterical – from the moment she took the stage eyes focused on her bombastic, spitfire take on Ouiser. Hodge’s every line was given with confidence, character, and punch and got more than an appropriate laugh. I was surprised to find out during the curtain call that this was her very first time on stage … she seemed to be a veteran! Speaking of first timers, Director Ed “Tiger” Verdin was making his directorial debut. His staging was virtually flawless. The many levels of the stage, made it easy to see all characters from any point in the theater, so all were clearly heard and seen. Interestingly, a simple window frame and door frame separated the shop from the beautiful townscape outside … and did the job perfectly well. In the hands of a creative director and crew, such miracles are possible!
The Teche Theater, with its multiple levels of seating, was a perfect environment for this show and every member of the “house staff” made the audience feel welcome and part of the family. It is almost as though we were at Truvy’s Beauty Salon sitting in the “waiting seat” and next on the hot seat! Many consider Steel Magnolias a “chick show” and that it is. The audience was over 80% on the distaff side. But show is a chance for everyone (i.e., men) to look into this particular slice of the world, the people, and the problems in it.
--Donald "Doc" Voorhies
Friday, May 23, 2008
Theatre--Audition Cancellation
The following AUDITIONS have been CANCELLED at Cité des Arts for the one act comedy, The Lawyer Who Stopped Talking.
Saturday, May 24: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Sunday, May 25: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Monday, May 26: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
THESE WILL NOT BE RESCHEDULED. Cite apologizes for any inconvenience.
Saturday, May 24: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Sunday, May 25: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Monday, May 26: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
THESE WILL NOT BE RESCHEDULED. Cite apologizes for any inconvenience.
Theatre--Review
The Daily Advertiser is carrying Ray Blum's review of the IPAL production of The Queen of Bingo in the May 23rd edition.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Theatre--Audition
Auditions for The Lamp, a one act drama/comedy, will take place at Cite des Arts June 2nd and June 4th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. This play will be performed as part of the Hub City Theater Festival, July 10th-12th at Cité des Arts. The Lamp is an original piece by Cindy Brown.
The play includes 3 female characters and 2 male characters....
Charlene- A widow 45-55 years old
Ruby- Charlene's best friend, 45-55 years old
Loretta- another of Charlene's friends, 45-55 years old, attractive and vain,
speaks her mind
Genie- A male character probably over 40
Shawn- A male character quite a bit younger than Charlene
WHEN: Monday, June 2nd and Wednesday, June 4th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
WHERE: Cité des Arts, 109 Vine St., downtown Lafayette between Jefferson St. and Third St.
For additional information please contact Cindy Brown at 839-9291 or
322-5166, or e-mail her at jasmine276@aol.com.
The play includes 3 female characters and 2 male characters....
Charlene- A widow 45-55 years old
Ruby- Charlene's best friend, 45-55 years old
Loretta- another of Charlene's friends, 45-55 years old, attractive and vain,
speaks her mind
Genie- A male character probably over 40
Shawn- A male character quite a bit younger than Charlene
WHEN: Monday, June 2nd and Wednesday, June 4th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
WHERE: Cité des Arts, 109 Vine St., downtown Lafayette between Jefferson St. and Third St.
For additional information please contact Cindy Brown at 839-9291 or
322-5166, or e-mail her at jasmine276@aol.com.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Theatre--Auditions
Auditions will be held for the one act comedy, The Lawyer Who Stopped Talking, an original piece by Jim Phillips. The performance of this play will take place during the Hub City Theatre Festival, July 10-12th at Cité des Arts. Some characters will play multiple roles and some roles are non-speaking.
WHEN:Saturday, May 24: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Sunday, May 25: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Monday, May 26: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
WHERE: Cité des Arts, 109 Vine St., downtown Lafayette, between Jefferson St. and Third St.
For additional information, please contact Jim Phillips at 337-290-1601.
Cast of Characters, The Lawyer Who Stopped Talking:
Tom Harris, Esquire: A man in his 30s-50s;
Scenes 1-4 The main character, a lawyer
Denise Harris: A woman in her late 20s-30s;
Scenes 1&4 Tom’s soon to be ex-wife
Maha Baba: A man in his late 40s-50s.
Scenes 1-4 Denise’s guru
Alice Barkley: A woman in her late 70s;
Scenes 2-4 Tom’s first devotee.
Director / Stage Manager: A man/woman in 20s-60s
Prologue
Bob: A man in his 20s-60s;
Scenes 1&4 Denise’s divorce lawyer.
Mr. Gunn: A man in his late 30s-40s;
Scenes 3&4 Detective
Sonia: A woman in her early 20s;
Scenes 1-4 Assistant detective
Lawyer No. 1: A man in his 30s-50s;
Scene 3 From Tom’s law firm
Lawyer No. 2: A man/woman in 30s-50s;
Scene 3 From Tom’s law firm
Television reporter: A man/woman in 20s-30s;
Scene 3
TV camera operator: A man/woman in 20s-30s;
Scene 3
Group of devotees: 6-10 men/women in their teens-50s
Scene 3
The Breather
Cloth Over Head
Tie-dyed Stretcher
Arrow Meditator
WHEN:Saturday, May 24: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Sunday, May 25: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Monday, May 26: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
WHERE: Cité des Arts, 109 Vine St., downtown Lafayette, between Jefferson St. and Third St.
For additional information, please contact Jim Phillips at 337-290-1601.
Cast of Characters, The Lawyer Who Stopped Talking:
Tom Harris, Esquire: A man in his 30s-50s;
Scenes 1-4 The main character, a lawyer
Denise Harris: A woman in her late 20s-30s;
Scenes 1&4 Tom’s soon to be ex-wife
Maha Baba: A man in his late 40s-50s.
Scenes 1-4 Denise’s guru
Alice Barkley: A woman in her late 70s;
Scenes 2-4 Tom’s first devotee.
Director / Stage Manager: A man/woman in 20s-60s
Prologue
Bob: A man in his 20s-60s;
Scenes 1&4 Denise’s divorce lawyer.
Mr. Gunn: A man in his late 30s-40s;
Scenes 3&4 Detective
Sonia: A woman in her early 20s;
Scenes 1-4 Assistant detective
Lawyer No. 1: A man in his 30s-50s;
Scene 3 From Tom’s law firm
Lawyer No. 2: A man/woman in 30s-50s;
Scene 3 From Tom’s law firm
Television reporter: A man/woman in 20s-30s;
Scene 3
TV camera operator: A man/woman in 20s-30s;
Scene 3
Group of devotees: 6-10 men/women in their teens-50s
Scene 3
The Breather
Cloth Over Head
Tie-dyed Stretcher
Arrow Meditator
Monday, May 19, 2008
Theatre--Auditions
The Evangeline Players will produce the Neil Simon comedy The Odd Couple as part of their 2008-2009 season. Performances of this classic will be the first three weekends in August 2008. Vincent P. Barras will be directing and the parts of Felix and Oscar are pre-cast. They are searching for six supporting characters. There are four poker-playing buddies (males from 20s to 60s) who have small scenes in all three acts. There are two females needed to play the Pidgeon sisters from England, so British accents are important. The two females can be any age from 20s-40s.
Tryout dates are Monday, May 19th and Tuesday, May 20th from 6-8 pm. People do not need to be at both audition dates. If you cannot make those dates, please contact Vincent P. Barras at 519-0865 to make other arrangements.
Those cast will be notified and given scripts by May 23rd. Rehearsals will begin on Monday, June 9th, but the poker scenes as well as the Pidgeon sister scenes will rehearse one day a week for the first five weeks with more frequent rehearsals as we near opening night.
Tryout dates are Monday, May 19th and Tuesday, May 20th from 6-8 pm. People do not need to be at both audition dates. If you cannot make those dates, please contact Vincent P. Barras at 519-0865 to make other arrangements.
Those cast will be notified and given scripts by May 23rd. Rehearsals will begin on Monday, June 9th, but the poker scenes as well as the Pidgeon sister scenes will rehearse one day a week for the first five weeks with more frequent rehearsals as we near opening night.
Theatre--Performances
Set aside July 10 – 12, 2008 for the Second Annual Hub City Theater Festival.
After a successful 2007 premiere year, the Hub City Theatre Festival returns this summer with something for every theatre lover out there. Cité des Arts will again produce the event and HCTF director, Cara Hayden, is very excited about the number of submissions that have been received this year. According to Hayden, one of the main missions of this Festival was to create a sense of community among the theatres throughout the Acadiana area and also to provide the opportunity for the number of talented individuals in the area to submit original works.
Besides one-act theatre pieces, the Festival will also feature theatre workshops and presentations as well as showcase improv works. Information will be updated as the schedule comes together. Come celebrate a weekend of theater!
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After a successful 2007 premiere year, the Hub City Theatre Festival returns this summer with something for every theatre lover out there. Cité des Arts will again produce the event and HCTF director, Cara Hayden, is very excited about the number of submissions that have been received this year. According to Hayden, one of the main missions of this Festival was to create a sense of community among the theatres throughout the Acadiana area and also to provide the opportunity for the number of talented individuals in the area to submit original works.
Besides one-act theatre pieces, the Festival will also feature theatre workshops and presentations as well as showcase improv works. Information will be updated as the schedule comes together. Come celebrate a weekend of theater!
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Theatre--Performance
Cité des Arts theatre season continues with The Pulitzer Prize winning play, Proof.
Written by David Auburn and directed by Christy Leichty, Proof opens May 22nd for a three week run, closing on Saturday June 7th.
On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman,
has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathe-matician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal (a former student of her father’s), who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father’s madness – or genius will she inherit?
WHEN: May 22 – 31, June 5 –7 (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays)
WHERE: Cite Des Arts, 109 Vine Street, downtown Lafayette between
Jefferson St. and Third St.
ADMISSION: $15 for Adults; $10 for Senior Citizens and Students
For information and reservations, please call 291-1122
Written by David Auburn and directed by Christy Leichty, Proof opens May 22nd for a three week run, closing on Saturday June 7th.
On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman,
has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathe-matician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal (a former student of her father’s), who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father’s madness – or genius will she inherit?
WHEN: May 22 – 31, June 5 –7 (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays)
WHERE: Cite Des Arts, 109 Vine Street, downtown Lafayette between
Jefferson St. and Third St.
ADMISSION: $15 for Adults; $10 for Senior Citizens and Students
For information and reservations, please call 291-1122
Notice
This is just an announcement to let you all know that the next couple of weeks are going to be really busy for me (birthdays, graduations, etc.). I will do my best to keep the blog current, but I may be late updating. I'll be back as soon as I can.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Theatre--Review
Ray Blum has a review of the Abbey Players' production of Picasso at the Lapin Agile in the May 16th edition of the Daily Advertiser.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Theatre--Performance
The Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts has released the cast list for their production of Steel Magnolias, which will open on May 22nd. The cast will be:
Truvy: Faye Coots
Annelle: Julia Franks
Clariee: Allison Jones
Shelby: Erin Segura
M'Lynn: Mary Ann Fournier
Quiser: Denise Hodge
Truvy: Faye Coots
Annelle: Julia Franks
Clariee: Allison Jones
Shelby: Erin Segura
M'Lynn: Mary Ann Fournier
Quiser: Denise Hodge
Theatre--Article
The May 15 edition of the Daily Advertiser includes an article by Cody Daigle on the possibility of professional theatre in Lafayette. The article includes comments by Amy Waguespack (Acting Up in Acadiana)and Nyalls Hartmann (UL-Lafayette Department of Performing Arts), as well as Duncan Thistlethwaite and Cheryl Castille (Cite Des Arts) and others.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Theatre--Article
The May 12th edition of the Daily Advertiser has an article by Cody Daigle about the Lafayette Parish High School Arts Academy and the proposed changes to it.
There is also an article (also by Cody Daigle) about the new black box theatre which the Arts Academy students and teacher constructed from an old classroom.
There is also an article (also by Cody Daigle) about the new black box theatre which the Arts Academy students and teacher constructed from an old classroom.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
The Pulitzer Prize winning play Proof by David Auburn opens on May 22 for its three week run at Cite Des Arts.
On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathmatician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal a former student of her father's, who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all:How much of her father's madness or genius will she inherit?
Directed by Christy Leichty.
WHEN: May 22-31, June 5-7 (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays)
For information and reservations, please call Cite at 291-1122
On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathmatician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal a former student of her father's, who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all:How much of her father's madness or genius will she inherit?
Directed by Christy Leichty.
WHEN: May 22-31, June 5-7 (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays)
For information and reservations, please call Cite at 291-1122
Theatre--Performance
Dramatiks Productions presents A Dragon In The Mix, written by Sue Ann Gunn and directed by Jennifer Miller-Frank. In one large palace, combine a queen, her mother, ladies-in-waiting and assorted princesses. That's the recipe four mischievous fairies are cooking up in this witty fairy tale spoof. It is a one act comedy andfamily fun at its finest.
WHEN: May 16 &17, 2008 at 7:30 PM
WHERE: Cite Des Arts, 109 Vine Street, downtown Lafayette between
Jefferson St. and Third St.
ADMISSION: Adults, $10.00 ; Students and Senior Citizens $8.00
For additional information and reservations, please contact Cité at
337-291-1122
WHEN: May 16 &17, 2008 at 7:30 PM
WHERE: Cite Des Arts, 109 Vine Street, downtown Lafayette between
Jefferson St. and Third St.
ADMISSION: Adults, $10.00 ; Students and Senior Citizens $8.00
For additional information and reservations, please contact Cité at
337-291-1122
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Theatre--Audition
Bruce Coen is still looking for one male in his 20's and 2 males 40-60 for Multiplicity at Cite Des Arts. For information, call Bruce at 739-4389 or Cite at 291-112.
Theatre--Audition
Tryouts for The Odd Couple have Changed.
Tryout dates are Monday, May 19th and Tuesday, May 20th from 6-8 pm. People do not need to be at both rehearsal dates. If you cannot make those dates, or if you need more information about where the tryouts will be held, please contact Vincent P. Barras at 519-0865 to make other arrangements.
Tryout dates are Monday, May 19th and Tuesday, May 20th from 6-8 pm. People do not need to be at both rehearsal dates. If you cannot make those dates, or if you need more information about where the tryouts will be held, please contact Vincent P. Barras at 519-0865 to make other arrangements.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Theatre--Review
Patrick Marber’s Closer, produced by the University of Louisiana—Lafayette’s Department of Performing Arts at Fletcher Hall Auditorium is not a theatrical version on the well-known television program. It is a witty and biting dissection of what passes for romance in the modern era. It is for mature audiences. It succeeds as piece of art because it allows one to look to the lives of others and perhaps realize something meaningful to one’s own life. As Marber himself notes, he is “not concerned with the “good” or “bad” here, nor in passing judgment on the characters. This is what they said. This is what they did. How they behaved is really none of my business. The audience will see them as they like, and may well disagree with each other, but hopefully they’ll recognize something true.” Marber’s play won much recognition: the Olivier Award in London, The New York Critics Award, and two Tony nominations. UL-L’s presentation was up to that proud lineage.
It is characters and how they are brought to live by first-time director Sarah Gauthier that brings the show to life (and to what passes for love). The four-character ensemble plays their roles superbly both as individuals and in various pairing. No individual ever dominates. Allison Barron (Anna) and Sarah Hitchcock (Alice) play the female half of the relationships wonderfully, while Hunter Burke (Dan) and Blaine Peltier (Larry) play the male half strongly. As Anna, Barron is artistic, sophisticated, and yet vulnerable. She evokes sympathy throughout. Hitchcock’s Alice is common, dependent, wounded and simply “disarming.” Burke’s Dan, an “obit writer” comes full circle in the story. At first reserved, then dynamic, later wounded, and then reserved again, he evokes the fantasies (real and unreal) of many a man. His is the opening and the closing. Peltier’s Larry (a doctor in the story) is loud, bombastic, selfish, and yet sympathetic. He plays the part with bravado!
The emotions this group evokes are diverse. What are they so sad about? Love--or what passes for it. What happens in the course of the story? At the end, the characters are not so innocent anymore. Everyone says loving things to everyone. But they find that falling in love, not being in love, is what is addictive. After all of the humor, the arguments, the electricity, the excitement, the sad comment is “What do you have to do to get intimacy?” The greatness of this particular show, and the staging at UL-L, is that the characters--all of them—hurt, and make the audience hurt for and with them. By the end, it is not cartoon characters on stage; it is the real people for whom the audience can care. Little more can be asked from a night’s entertainment.
Production values are high. Jenna Fontenot’s set is minimalist, but invokes a strong sense of place. The set focuses attention on the characters rather than on itself. Meagan Mod’s choreography of the opening of Act II develops Alice’s character as much as her words do. And, again, Sarah Gauthier’s direction was right-on. The accents were consistently British, but not intrusive. Silence, touches and the lack thereof carried the real meanings as much as the words. Even the typing on a computer was done in character. The lighting, the music, the costumes focused attention on the characters and their development.
A word of warning: The language, the situations, the discussions are for mature adult audiences with strong adult content. Much would be “bleeped” on the airwaves! However nothing untoward “goes on” onstage. A thank you: In all of the publicity I saw concerning the play that was perfectly clear, and appropriate warnings (wisely) restricted the show to 17 years old and over! This show only plays two more night, May 9 and 10. If you are interested in a moving, thoughtful experience, by all means see it.
--Donald "Doc" Voorhies
It is characters and how they are brought to live by first-time director Sarah Gauthier that brings the show to life (and to what passes for love). The four-character ensemble plays their roles superbly both as individuals and in various pairing. No individual ever dominates. Allison Barron (Anna) and Sarah Hitchcock (Alice) play the female half of the relationships wonderfully, while Hunter Burke (Dan) and Blaine Peltier (Larry) play the male half strongly. As Anna, Barron is artistic, sophisticated, and yet vulnerable. She evokes sympathy throughout. Hitchcock’s Alice is common, dependent, wounded and simply “disarming.” Burke’s Dan, an “obit writer” comes full circle in the story. At first reserved, then dynamic, later wounded, and then reserved again, he evokes the fantasies (real and unreal) of many a man. His is the opening and the closing. Peltier’s Larry (a doctor in the story) is loud, bombastic, selfish, and yet sympathetic. He plays the part with bravado!
The emotions this group evokes are diverse. What are they so sad about? Love--or what passes for it. What happens in the course of the story? At the end, the characters are not so innocent anymore. Everyone says loving things to everyone. But they find that falling in love, not being in love, is what is addictive. After all of the humor, the arguments, the electricity, the excitement, the sad comment is “What do you have to do to get intimacy?” The greatness of this particular show, and the staging at UL-L, is that the characters--all of them—hurt, and make the audience hurt for and with them. By the end, it is not cartoon characters on stage; it is the real people for whom the audience can care. Little more can be asked from a night’s entertainment.
Production values are high. Jenna Fontenot’s set is minimalist, but invokes a strong sense of place. The set focuses attention on the characters rather than on itself. Meagan Mod’s choreography of the opening of Act II develops Alice’s character as much as her words do. And, again, Sarah Gauthier’s direction was right-on. The accents were consistently British, but not intrusive. Silence, touches and the lack thereof carried the real meanings as much as the words. Even the typing on a computer was done in character. The lighting, the music, the costumes focused attention on the characters and their development.
A word of warning: The language, the situations, the discussions are for mature adult audiences with strong adult content. Much would be “bleeped” on the airwaves! However nothing untoward “goes on” onstage. A thank you: In all of the publicity I saw concerning the play that was perfectly clear, and appropriate warnings (wisely) restricted the show to 17 years old and over! This show only plays two more night, May 9 and 10. If you are interested in a moving, thoughtful experience, by all means see it.
--Donald "Doc" Voorhies
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Theatre--Performance
The hilariously funny comic duo of Shane Guilbeau and Sandra LaBorde Broussard are returning to the Cité des Arts' stage with their productions of Grosbecs and Eulalie. This is a fundraiser for Comeaux and Lafayette High Schools Speech and Drama Clubs. The students receive all the funds brought in from these shows.
WHEN: Friday, May 9th at 7:30pm and Saturday, May 10th at 2:00pm and 7:30pm.
WHERE: Cite Des Arts, 109 Vine St., downtown Lafayette between Jefferson St. and Third St.
TICKET PRICES: $10.00
For reservations please call 337-291-1122.
WHEN: Friday, May 9th at 7:30pm and Saturday, May 10th at 2:00pm and 7:30pm.
WHERE: Cite Des Arts, 109 Vine St., downtown Lafayette between Jefferson St. and Third St.
TICKET PRICES: $10.00
For reservations please call 337-291-1122.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Theatre--Performance
Imagine if you will ... Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein, both in their early twenties, before either became well-known, just happen to meet by chance in a bar in Paris circa 1904. Picasso at the Lapin Agile, the long running Off-Broadway absurdist comedy, places Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian cafe in 1904, just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter set the art world afire with cubism. In his first comedy for the stage, Steve Martin (the popular actor and screenwriter) plays fast and loose with fact, fame and fortune as these two geniuses muse on the century's achievements and prospects as well as other fanciful topics with infectious dizziness. Bystanders, including Picasso's agent, the bartender and his mistress, Picasso's date, an elderly philosopher, Charles Dabernow Schmendimen and an idiot inventor introduce additional flourishes of humor. The final surprise patron to join the merriment at the Lapin Agile is a charismatic dark haired singer time warped in from a later era.
May 9th, 2008, 8pm is Patron's Premiere night! This event is open to the public. For $35.00, you get dinner served at 7 pm by a prominent Acadiana restaurant, two complimentary drinks from our antique bar, dessert and a ticket to the show. Regular performance tickets are $12.00 and run every Friday and Saturday from May 10th - June 14th at 8 pm.
Purchase tickets online or by calling 337 893 2442.
May 9th, 2008, 8pm is Patron's Premiere night! This event is open to the public. For $35.00, you get dinner served at 7 pm by a prominent Acadiana restaurant, two complimentary drinks from our antique bar, dessert and a ticket to the show. Regular performance tickets are $12.00 and run every Friday and Saturday from May 10th - June 14th at 8 pm.
Purchase tickets online or by calling 337 893 2442.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Theatre--Auditions
The Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts is holding auditions for its production of Annie Warbucks on May 26, 27, 28 and 29 at 7 pm. For more information, call 337-828-2787.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Theatre--Performance
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Department of Performing Arts presents Closer. Written by Patrick Marber and directed by Sarah Gauthier, the play follows a brilliant exploration into the brutal anatomy of modern romance, where a quartet of strangers meet, fall in love, and become caught up in a web of sexual desire and betrayal.
The play runs May 8, 9, and 10 in Fletcher Hall Auditorium at 7:30pm. It is free admission for all, but because of the strong Adult content, no one under the age of 17 will be admitted to the show.
The play runs May 8, 9, and 10 in Fletcher Hall Auditorium at 7:30pm. It is free admission for all, but because of the strong Adult content, no one under the age of 17 will be admitted to the show.
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