Friday, January 30, 2009

Dance--Performance

PASA presents the Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble, which will bring its unique ballet style to Lafayette at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday February 15, 2009 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center. All seats are $5 and are only available through mail order or at the Heymann Box Office. This special appearance of the Dance Theater of Harlem Ensemble is sponsored by AT&T, Dr. Curtis H. Roy, D.D.S., the Daily Advertiser, Opelousas Daily World, Keller Williams Realty, the Louisiana Open and Ben and Dawn Adams.

An American classic, Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble brings its Dance for America tour to audiences in Lafayette. Note that 3:00 p.m. is a special performance so please plan accordingly for this show.

Dance Theatre of Harlem will not only perform, but also offer the audience a behind the scenes look at how a dancer is made. Known for innovative and history-making productions, the show will end with Mother Popcorn, an electrifying piece from choreographer Robert Garland's sizzling Return with music by James Brown. Audiences may recall this exceptional dance piece from the company's last visit to Lafayette in 2001. This performance showcases the blending of the contemporary style of Dance Theatre of Harlem with their deeply-embedded roots in the tradition of ballet master George Blanchine.

Dance Theatre of Harlem's performance on the PASA series is part of a national tour which includes stops in Shreveport and Baton Rouge. "Dance Theatre of Harlem is one of the most important cultural institutions in the world. As one of our country's first African-American classical ballet companies, they've been seen by millions of people around the world, including those of us who saw them in their last appearance in Lafayette several years ago," says Jacqueline Lyle, PASA Executive Director.

"All Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble tickets are priced at only $5 and we are relying on our community to support this project through sponsorship," says Lyle. "We have designed a range of sponsorships, including corporate, dance school and church sponsorships, as well as Adopt-A-Dancer sponsorships.

PASA is looking for 18 Adopt-A-Dancer sponsors. At $500, this sponsorship includes ten tickets to the performance, invitations to a party with the dancers after the show and the opportunity to appear on stage in the show. For more information about sponsorship, call Lyle at 337 237-2787, ext. 204.

To order tickets, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope with payment by check or money order to PASA. Include a ticket request, indicating the number of tickets to be purchased, name, address, telephone number and email address, as well as payment for the total number of $5 tickets. Ticket requests should be mailed to PASA at P.O. Box 52979, Lafayette, LA, 70505. Order forms will be available in the Daily Advertiser, Daily World, at area churches and dance schools and online at http://www.pasa-online.org/.

Founded in 1969 by Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, Dance Theatre of Harlem was dubbed "One of ballet's most exciting undertakings" by the New York Times. Inspired by the death of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mitchell, an accomplished artistic director, astute educator, talented choreographer and extraordinary dancer, was inspired to start a school that would offer children---especially those in Harlem, NY, where he was born--the chance to learn about dance and the allied arts. Now in its fourth decade, the Dance Theatre of Harlem has grown into a multi-cultural dance institution with an extraordinary legacy of providing opportunities for creative expression and artistic excellence.

Over the years, Dance Theatre of Harlem has achieved unprecedented success by bringing innovative and bold new forms of artistic expression to audiences in New York City, across the country, and around the world. Serving as cultural ambassadors and representatives of the people of the United States, they have participated in high profile tours abroad most notably to the former USSR in 1988, South Africa after the fall of Apartheid in 1992; and to China in 2000 following the signing of the 2000 US-China trade treaty. During their tour of China, they performed to sold-out houses, giving the country its first performances of Firebird,and conducted extensive outreach and educational activities in Mandarin Chinese. That same year, the company returned to the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, which marked their first performances on that stage in 25 years. Dance Theatre of Harlem is known worldwide for its eclectic repertoire; which includes their history making productions of Creole Giselle and Firebird. Their company studios have served as the incubator for artists of today like Robert Garland, Alonzo King, Donald Byrd and Vincent Mantsoe.

"We want everyone in the community to have the chance to experience our performances." says Jacqueline Lyle, PASA Executive Director. "Parents have an incredible opportunity to share an entertaining cultural opportunity to their children at very little cost. Providing a foundation to enrich a child's mind and give them a greater appreciation of the arts is priceless and this performance is a great way to share that experience with them."

In addition to the professional company, the Dance Theatre of Harlem School is based in New York City, and is a leading arts education center which features a 14 member touring ensemble dedicated to continuing the legacy it started almost 40 years ago. The school houses dance studios used by the professional company dancers and the students at the school. Each year they offer training to more than 1,000 young people annually through professional and pre-professional dance programs. The school also offers a community program called Dancing Through Barriers, which is open to any child who wants to study dance.

For more information about the upcoming performance of the Dance Theatre of Harlem or the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana, visit us online or call our office at (337) 237-2787.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Dance--Performance

The Acadiana Center for the Arts is pleased to present an evening of dance in a performance by the L. J. Alleman Dancers on Wednesday, February 11 from 6:30-7:30pm at the Acadiana Center for the Arts, 101 W. Vermilion Street in downtown Lafayette.

Come see these talented dancers unfold a variety of innovative, colorful props and everyday things that have been known to blow away in the wind: kites, umbrellas, and more! This musical and visual fantasy is based in the rich, poetic imagery described by Doris Herald Lund in her poem “Attic of the Wind”.

This performance is presented by the Fugro Chance Family Performance Series of the Acadiana Center for the Arts and sponsored by Fugro Chance and Cox. Tickets for the performance are $3 for children 12 and under and $5 for adults. For tickets or more information, call the Acadiana Center for the Arts at 337.233.7060, email info@AcadianaArtsCouncil.org or visit www.acadianacenterforthearts.org

Monday, January 26, 2009

Theatre--Performance

Following a successful showing last November, the Eunice Players' Theatre is poised to bring Providence to Cite’ Des Arts for a limited run. This two-act play written by local playwright, Cody Daigle, was produced off-off-Broadway a year ago and was deemed a critical success. Jody L. Powell and Deborah D. Ardoin, directors of the show, are proud to announce an outstanding cast.

The play involves Neil and Jo, a married couple undergoing stressful times, and Mark and Sara, two friends at a crossroads as one prepares to start a new phase of life at the other’s insistence. An unexpected life-changing event brings the two men together to form a new friendship based on shared emotions. The story is beautifully told through a blending of current events and personal flashbacks.

Playing the role of Neil is Andre Andrepont of Opelousas. Although Andre is most active at Opelousas Little Theatre, his most notable role having been Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey, he previously amused audiences on the EPT stage as Nick in Over the River and Through the Woods. Appearing as Jo, Angelle Bellard of Opelousas has recently been playing on various stages in Acadiana including Abbeville and Lafayette. She charmed Eunice audiences in the roles as Cherie in Bus Stop and Nicki in The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.

Joining the cast as Mark is Gabe Ortego of Opelousas, was previously seen on the EPT stage as Joe in The Last Night of Ballyhoo and Motel in Fiddler on the Roof. Gabe has many credits from Opelousas Little Theatre, including director of Monky Business and The Last Five Years. Bonnie Pitre joins the cast as Sara, after having appeared in Woman and The Sound of Music at EPT.

The show will run January 29th, 30th and 31st at 7:30 pm. Reservations are available by calling 291-1122. Prices are $15 for adults; $10 for students and seniors. The theatre is located at 109 Vine St. in Lafayette.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Theatre--Auditions

Cite Des Arts will host open auditions for Gnostic Coincidence on Monday, January 26th from 6 pm until 9 pm. No background in dance is required, but a willingness to be open to movement is encouraged. The director is looking for three female actress/dancers of varying ages. Those auditioning should be ready to move (no background in dance is required, but a willingness to be open to movement is encouraged) and read sides. Prepared material is not required. For more information, contact Cite Des Arts at 291-1122 or Steven Cooper at 849-8627 or by e-mail at barrelmakerproductions@gmail.com.

Gnostic Coincidence, a full length, original play by local playwright Steven Cooper, is about two strangers becoming friends, their dreams, and the lessons they desire to learn. The play, which is also directed by Cooper, will be presented at AOC in March 2009 and at Cité des Arts on August 20th, 21st and 22nd, and August 27th, 28th and 29th, and will be shot as an independent film in early fall 2009. For more information, contact Cite Des Arts at 291-1122 or Steven Cooper at 849-8627 or by e-mail at barrelmakerproductions@gmail.com.

Theatre--Performance

Omni Artiste, Inc. Productions celebrates African and women's histories with their presentation of Talking Bones, written by Shay Youngblood and directed by Andrew Hunter II.

The scene is set in the Ancestor's Books & Breakfast, where the ancestors play a major role in the daily activites of the characters. Ruth, BayBay and Eila can hear the ancestors through a broken hearing aid, by a whisper and in talking bones as they bring a message about love, faith and family.

The show opens at Cite Des Arts (109 Vine Street in Lafayette) on Friday, February 6th at 7:30 pm and continues to run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through February 15th. Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:30 pm (Fridays--February 6th and 13th and Saturdays--February 7th and 14th) and Sunday matinees (February 8th and 15th) start at 3 pm. Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children, students and seniors. For more information or for reservations, call Cite at (337) 291-1122.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Theatre--Performance

What began as an exercise in non-linear narrative writing is now a full-length play, currently being prepared for showing at Cite’ des Arts. The show was produced in November 2008 at the Eunice Players’ Theatre. Providence, written by Cody Daigle of Scott, LA, infuses a present day storyline with flashbacks that reveal events occurring in the months leading up to the opening scenes of the play. Jody L. Powell and Deborah D. Ardoin, directors of the play, assist the audience in shifting through time by lighting changes, set arrangement, and seamless scene changes.

The story begins and ends with two couples in an airport, with an individual from each couple on the verge of a new beginning. Their futures are uncertain as they take risks that may change their relationships with those closest to them. Unlike traditional plays where the first few scenes are used to set up the plot, this play delivers the main event early on, while the rest of the story has the characters living with the effects.

Having seen a reading of Providence, Powell knew it was a play she wanted to stage one day. “I’ve admired Cody’s work for years and am delighted to share his work with others. It’s a rare opportunity to direct a script written by someone with his talent from this area.” Daigle was pleased to see the play produced by the Eunice institution and is excited to see it brought to his home base in Lafayette. “It’s an honor that my work was chosen when there are so many other options,” he stated.

Daigle’s work is well written, with conversations between the characters so real and honest, that it was chosen by Maeutic TheatreWorks, an off-Broadway company in New York City, to be a part of their 2008 season. The show ran for a month in February and received positive reviews. Byrne Harrison of Stage Buzz Review called it a “a beautiful and touching work of art not to be missed”.

Laurie Lawson, critic for a theatre based website, noted the use of sophisticated and sharp humor to reveal the development of an unexpected, emerging friendship between two men. Their conversations are underscored by the meaning of “providence” as it becomes more than just a destination when the word is capitalized.

This marks the third play Daigle has had produced in New York City, including Life/Play at the International Fringe Festival in 2007, and The Last Night of the World in 2006. His works have also been produced in Lafayette over the past several years.

On the heels of the show’s New York success, Powell assembled a cast of experienced actors she knew would deliver the range of emotions these multi-faceted characters have to display. Andre Andrepont, Angelle Bellard, Gabe Ortego, and Bonnie Pitre fulfill their duties admirably following weeks of character exploration and development that will leave audiences pondering the similarities between the life experiences they share with the characters. Ardoin’ contributions to the set and lighting designs set the mood and enhance the actors’ dialogue.

The show runs January 29, 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are available by calling 291-1122. Prices are $15 for adults; $10 for students and seniors. The theatre is located at 109 Vine St. in Lafayette.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Theatre--Performance

Something Old, Something New highlights student actors (ages 7-adult) in their 2009 showcase. A blend of classic and contemporary scenes provides students with a chance to test their newly learned skills in front of an audience. Performances take place at the Acadiana Center for the Arts on Friday, January 23rd and Saturday the 24th at 7:30 pm and Sunday, January 25th at 2 pm. Tickets are available at the AcA Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm. Advance tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children. All tickets at the door are $10. The box office opens at 6:45 pm for the evening shows. For more information call (337) 739-4273.

Theatre--Performance

This is the final weekend to catch the post-modern romantic comedy, Before You, a post-modern romance, (Thursday, January 22nd, Friday the 23rd and Saturday the 24th at 7:30PM)at Cité Des Arts in downtown Lafayette. Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for senior citizens and students. For reservations or for more information, please contact Cité at 337-291-1122.

Before You follows a single, thirty-something scientist named Jason, who is unhappy with his career and devises a "love equation" which he hopes will give him the key to a more fulfilling life. In increasingly surreal and menacing encounters, his boss and a sexy colleague try to thwart his efforts to solve the equation. Jason must rely on his perpetually underemployed best friend and the woman who may hold the key to his future to help him find a solution which may not lie in the realm of mathematics. The elusive solution is both simpler and more profound than he realizes...but will he recognize the answer when he sees it?

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Theatre--Performance

From Walter Duncan McBride:

The ball has dropped, the new year is here, and the 2009 season at Opelousas Little Theatre is underway. Our first show of the season is always a Showcase. Showcase is a variety show that we at OLT put on to draw local talents from our community as to let them present their specialities on our humble stage. Another purpose is to call attention to our Little Theatre and to promote the local arts and the talent of the townsfolk. Also, it is a chance to for the directors of the season to pursue castmembers for the upcoming schedule of shows.

With this, my fourth Showcase and my first opportunity to direct it, I can honestly say we have a massively talented group of individuals. Truth be told, our cast is large and most diverse. This year promises to produce one of the most fast-paced and wildly entertaining Showcases in recent memory. On the bill we have actors, dancers, bellydancers, singers, and all are amazing talents with tons of heart and dedication. Young and old, we form one big dysfunctional family of hilarity and drama that the OLT may not have yet seen.

So, if you are a lover of good music, hard laughing, and a little serious drama, you must not miss this chance to see the best that our local community has to offer. The stage is set is and the theatre is lonesome for large audiences. On a personal note, I'd like to say "thank you" to Cheryl Ned and the OLT board for this opportunity to direct Showcase this year. It's been a blast so far and the show hasn't even started yet.

Tickets are available at Sebastion Dupre Fine Jewelery, 337-948-4367.

The show will run January 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 29th, 30th, 31st at 7 pm. Sunday matinees will run January 25th and February 1st at 2 pm.

For more information, feel free to contact me (Walter McBride) at 337-543-8762. I thank you in advance for your patronage and support for the arts at Opelousas Little Theatre... our theatre, your theatre.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Theatre--Performance

Tickets for IPAL’s upcoming production of Oklahoma! will go on sale on or about February 1st. The musical will run for three weekends (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday Matinees) starting Friday, March 13, 2009. There is reserved seating and tickets are priced at $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Tickets will be available in New Iberia at Paul’s Flower Shop, Delaune’s Pharmacy, and Accentrics. IPAL has learned, from past experience, that their musicals always sell out so it is strongly advised that people purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Theatre--Review (Acting Unlimited)

Vincent P. Barras is a mathematics teacher at Lafayette High School in Lafayette Parish and an actor in many local community theatre groups.

In twenty years of theatre, I have witnessed only two creations formed by friends. The first was the 2005 production of Grand Pré, a musical collaboration between Cody Daigle and Roy Bertucci. To this date, I still kick myself for not becoming involved with that inspiring piece of poignant history. Now, some three-and-a-half years later, I have observed the second creation, Before You, by Danny Povinelli. While I cannot kick myself for not being involved in this one--there was no role in particular suited for me--I do await what future inventions Danny may deliver. If they are as good and as promising as Before You, I hope he continues to produce more works, in which I may hopefully perform. (Shameless bit of self-promotion, fully acknowledged.)

Without my getting into too many specifics, the play focuses on the intricacies and perils of dating as seen through the eyes of an ivory-towered academic who has been questioning the ethics of his work and where it could lead. Though this topic has been mined for centuries, in Before You it felt bracingly new, unaffected, and honest. These are situations we’ve all lived through, the slips and pitfalls of relationships, and every soul in the theatre wondered how would these five lives resolve their issues. It was a delicate dance, finely choreographed and beautifully acted.

This revelation of a play had a particularly strong cast led by the author himself, who had to assume the lead role at the last minute. The incredibly cerebral Danny seemed apropos for the lead role of an academic who longs for something more. Aiding Danny was a particularly enthusiastic Jack Robertson, a younger college friend with a strong addiction to puns. At first, I thought that poor Bruce Coen had not been given much of a character to play, but with each new scene, I kept thinking that Bruce, in some ways, got the better deal. Kayla Lemaire, the last actress to appear in the play, took an unusual supporting role and made her character at times overtly sensuous and at others achingly appealing. But my true admiration goes to Christy Leichty, whose comedic timing is flawless, especially when she could deliver a line with heart-stopping precision, and then crack a smile to add “Just kidding.” It’s a gift I have not seen displayed in some time, and I appreciated the humor and heart she displayed in this production.

Collaborating with long-time friend Walter Brown, Danny has produced a marvel of a set, an intimate living room of incredible detail, from the books on the bookcases to the chess set that every soul threatened to break as they sat on the coffee table. It contains several surprises, which will not be revealed here as they should be enjoyed by the audience. I did, however, feel acute sympathy for the stage right wall, which suffered the horrendous aim of all five characters hurling darts in its direction. Many missed the dartboard entirely, but I suppose that might form an analogy to the imperfect science called dating. At times, the lighting added an eerie, almost surreal quality to many dream sequences, and the cast wisely utilized the audience area for a pleasant stroll toward a nearby swing.

My only quibbles are minor. Scene changes have the potential to undermine the momentum of any play, and the inherent difficulties of the Cité stage offer many plays no favors. While the crew worked admirably to create two new scenes in that limited space, it sapped the energy of the well-focused material, and one scene change appeared interminably long, allowing for a particularly difficult costume change. I can only imagine what the Vivian Beaumont theatre in New York would do with entire scenes coming up from the floor or down from the ceiling. The first act, also, seemed a bit long, especially the first scene, where perhaps some judicious trimming is in order. The second act, however, moved briskly from scene to scene with a clarity I respected. While I could appreciate the intricate lighting design, I felt on one occasion the red lighting was overkill in an otherwise perfect second act. Sometimes the props worked against the characters: the guitar in one scene appeared determined to upstage every actor as they attempted to move it out their way to continue the scene. And for someone who has played ultimate Frisbee, Danny has the most peculiar way of sending that object through the air.

I repeat: these are minor foibles of a largely masterful work. I thoroughly enjoyed this production and I highly recommend all walks of life to see it. It will run until January 24th, performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Call 291-1122 for ticket information.
---Vincent P. Barras

Friday, January 16, 2009

Editor's Note

As you may notice, the hit counter on the bottom of the page has been changed. The last one quit working and needed to be replaced. Visit the site as often as possible!

Dance--Performance

Pacific Northwest Ballet dancer Laura Gilbreath — a Louisiana native — will perform as a guest artist in Lafayette Ballet Theatre’s production of The Sleeping Beauty.


A hundred years is a long time to wait, but true love’s kiss makes it all worthwhile. Live the dream at Lafayette Ballet Theatre’s production of the timeless tale The Sleeping Beauty at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 28, in the Heymann Performing Arts Center.

Principal guest artists from Pacific Northwest Ballet will join LBT dancers in presenting this enchanting story ballet. Featuring the celebrated music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, The Sleeping Beauty is performed as a full-length classical ballet in three acts.

Tickets are available now at the Heymann Center Box Office Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (337-262-8686) and through all Ticket Master outlets including online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/. Priced as follows: front orchestra, $32; back orchestra, $27; first balcony, $25; back orchestra, $20. Additional Ticketmaster fees may apply. Special group rates are available. Students are eligible for a 50-percent discount on balcony level tickets anytime, or they may opt for the “student rush” special: half off on all seats still available 30 minutes prior to curtain. (Students must present a current school ID at the Heymann Center Box Office to receive the “student rush” discount.)

Lafayette Ballet Theatre is a nonprofit classical ballet company offering professional contracts to local artist, classical ballet instruction, dance study scholarships, educational programs and theatrical stage performances to the Acadiana community. This project is supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the Acadiana Arts Council.

For more information on LBT and The Sleeping Beauty, call 337-262-0444 or visit http://www.lafayetteballettheatre.org/.

Theatre--Review

Ray Blum reviews Daniel Povinelli's original play, Before You, in the Friday, January 16th edition of the Daily Advertiser. The review is not available in the online edition of the paper, but Mr. Blum gives the show a extraordinarily complimentary review, commenting favorably on the writing, cast and direction. The show runs this weekend (Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm) and next weekend (Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm).

Monday, January 12, 2009

Theatre--Performance Cancellation

The Evangeline Players have cancelled their January/February production of In Praise of Love.

Theatre--Auditions

There will be an additional day of auditions on January 12 from 5-8p.m. at Cité des Arts for Gnostic Coincidence, a full length original play by local playwright Steven Cooper. Gnostic Coincidence is about two strangers becoming friends, their dreams, andthe lessons they desire to learn. The play, which is also directed by Cooper, will be presented at AOC in March 2009 and at Cité des Arts on August 20-22 and 27-29th (Thursday through Saturday), and will be shot as an independent film in early fall 2009.

CAST NEEDED: Cooper is looking for three female actress/dancers of varying ages. Those auditioning should be ready to move and read sides. Prepared material is not required. For further information call Steven Cooper at (337) 849-8627 or at barrelmakerproductions@gmail.com.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Theatre--Review (Acting Unlimited)

Jason, the scientist in crisis at the center of Daniel Povinelli's new play, Before You, is searching for an equation to unlock the mysteries of love. Jason's got all the components figured out, but he just can't quite get them to add up.

Before You as a whole suffers a similar problem. Directors Povinelli and local veteran Walter Brown have all the components right -- a very game cast of talented actors, a smartly designed and executed set and a warm-hearted story of love's redemptive power -- but the whole never measures up to the sum of its sometimes wonderful parts.

In short, Before You follows Jason, a scientist who's just left his job in pursuit of simpler pleasures (namely music). He's pressured by his boss, Marshall, to complete a secret project (of which the details, for me, remained fuzzy). Another colleage, Samantha, has left her husband and is hounding Jason for no-strings romance. But Jason has his eyes set on love with Helen, a girl from the coffee shop, and his pursuit of Helen is spurred on by his one-liner spouting friend George.

As Jason and Helen move towards love, Jason's grip on reality begins to falter, and fantasy versions of the principal charaters start showing up. The play slides back and forth from fantasy to reality,until love finally sets the world right again.

The cast, as a whole, does commendable work here. Bruce Coen and Kayla Lemaire both have tough assignments (their fantasy characters sometimes become nightmarish), and they handle it with panache. Lemaire in particular is fun to watch as the seductive Samantha. Jack Robertson handles the frenetic George with ease, and Povinelli does a good job as Jason under difficult circumstances (Povinelli steppedinto the role a week before opening).

The real delight here is Christy Leichty as Helen. Her performance was charmingly, radiantly real, and I was always eager to see her enter a scene. Her Helen was the kind of girl you'd believe could set a guy's world back on its axis.

The show is beautifully designed by Povinelli (and executed by Povinelli and Walter Brown), specifically a secret entrance I never saw coming. It's detailed and feels authentic-- something you don't always get with community theatre interior sets. The smart lighting design, which plays a major role in the communication of the narrative, is also effective.

But when it comes to the play itself, some elements are still in need of attention. The fantasy sequences, while not hard to figure out,sometimes feel awkwardly imposed on the play. The two worlds never mesh comfortably together, and in the show's final fantasy showdown,things veer tonally into areas the play hasn't prepared us for. The effect, for me, was distancing -- I wanted to connect to these people, but could never get a firm hold on who they were.

This could also be due to the "tell, don't show" quality of much of the play. These characters have a lot to say (a lot of it worth hearing), but there are only rare moments of characters actually behaving. You can see this play out in the directing -- the cast has been given a lot to do, including darts, fiddling with a guitar, and even a game of frisbee, but rarely are they revealing themselves through behavior. Yes, in a play you can make grand pronouncements,but they have to be rooted in real people making real choices.

One scene of the play makes the case. The first scene between Jason and Helen is compelling, warm and honest -- it was my favorite scene of the play. In it, Jason is doing everything he can to keep the conversation going, flirting as best as he can with scientific studies and weird facts. Helen responds in kind, pulling away when he's weird but drawing in when his humanity shows through. Ultimately, the scene sets up the biggest, best and most deserved laugh in the show.

That scene was all about behavior and it was a delight. If the rest of Before You followed that example, the equation would work itself out in spades.

---Cody Daigle

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Theatre--Season Schedule

As a part of their year-long focus on WOMEN IN THE ARTS, Cité Des Arts is pleased to announce the 2009 theatre schedule.

Educating Rita: March 5 – 21, 2009 (Thursday – Saturday)Educating Rita is an award-winning stage comedy by British playwright Willy Russell.The story follows the relationship during the course of a University semester, between Susan White, a young woman from Liverpool and working class hairdresser and Dr Frank Bryant, a middle-aged University lecturer. The play deals with England's class system, the shortcomings of institutional education, and the nature of self development.

The Miracle Worker: May 14 – 30, 2009 (Thursday – Saturday) The Miracle Worker, written by William Gibson, is the story of young Helen Keller, who is blind and deaf since infancy. She is frustrated by her inability to communicate and as a result, is subject to frequent violent and uncontrollable outbursts. Unable to deal with Helen, her terrified and helpless parents contact a school for the Blind and Annie Sullivan, a former student, is sent to their home to tutor the child. What ensues is a battle of wills as Annie breaks down Helen's walls of silence and darkness through persistence, love, and sheer stubbornness.

Crimes of the Heart: July 9 – 25, 2009 (Thursday – Saturday) Crimes of the Heart is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Beth Henley. At the core of this tragic comedy are the three Magrath sisters, Meg, Babe, and Lenny, who reunite at Old Granddaddy's home in Hazlehurst, Mississippi after Babe shoots her abusive husband. The trio was raised in a dysfunctional family with a penchant for ugly predicaments and each has endured her share of hardship and misery. Past resentments bubble to the surface as they're forced to deal with assorted relatives and past relationships while coping with the latest incident that has disrupted their lives. Each sister is forced to face the consequences of the "crimes of the heart" she has committed.

Wit: September 10 -19, 2009 (Thursday – Saturday) Wit is the first play written by American playwright Margaret Edson. The play focuses on the last hours of Dr Vivian Bearing, a university professor of English, who is dying of ovarian cancer. She recalls the initial diagnosis of Stage IV metastatic ovarian cancer from her oncologist, Dr Harvey Kelekian. Dr Kelekian then proposes an experimental chemotherapeutic treatment regimen consisting of eight rounds at full dosage. Vivian agrees to the treatment. Over the course of the play, Bearing assesses her own life through the intricacies of the English language, especially the use of wit and the metaphysical poetry of John Donne.

SEASON TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. The cost is $50.00, which is a savings of $10.00 off the total price of four regularly priced tickets. Please call Cité at 337-291-1122 to order your tickets now.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Theatre--Performance

Acting Unlimited presents its first production of 2009, Before You by Daniel Povinelli, at Cite Des Arts on January 8-10, 15-17, 22-24, curtain time 7:30 PM. Call 337-291-1122 for tickets.

This production represents the first major collaboration of Povinelli and Brown (a local stage version of the Coen Brothers ?). Danny started five years ago as a protégé of Walter Brown, arguably one of the most knowledgeable and creative theatre gurus in Acadiana. He served his apprenticeship under Walter as both actor and co-director, and now has evolved into “Resident Playwright” for Acting Unlimited.

Jason, played by Danny, is a research scientist (subatomic physicist?) in a state of torpor and ennui, discontented with his life and career and ready to quit his job.

To complicate matters, Jason is hounded by a senior colleague, Marshall, an ominous Bruce Coen, to finish a secret assignment (perfect his “love” equation?) and hit on by another senior colleague, Samantha, the sensual Kayla Lemaire. These characters sometimes appear in Jason’s dreams in cleverly staged scenes.

The “real” characters are George, a true underachiever played by Jack Robinson, who wants to be a borscht belt comedian and is a master of the groaning one-liner, and Helen, the radiant Christy Leichty, who saves Jason with love.

Danny’s cast are all veterans, some directors, who are perfect choices for the roles. His set is as perfect as it can be for the Cite Des Arts space.

Oh, by the way, Danny also composed the song Before You for the production! Incroyable!

--Robert D. Sidman, Ph.D.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Theatre--Audition

Cité des Arts announces auditions for the first show of its 2009 season, Educating Rita. Actors needed for this show include one female (from late teens to early thirties) and one male (age 45-50 or older). Actors of all ethnic groups are urged to audition for this classic production. No prepared readings are required. The show will run March 5-28th. The director, Maureen Brennan, is also looking for individuals interested in serving as a stage manager and in other technical and support positions.
When: Saturday and Sunday, January 10th and 11th , from 1:00pm -3:00pm
Where: Cité des Arts, 109 Vine St., downtown Lafayette, between Jefferson St. and Third St.

For additional information, please call Cité at 291-1122 or Maureen Brennan at 234-4912 for further information.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Theatre--Performance

Before You, an Acting Unlimited production, opens at Cite Des Arts on Thursday, January 8th at 7:30 pm. For more information, or for tickets/reservations, contact Cite at 291-1122.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Theatre--Auditions

There will be auditions for dancers/ actresses on Wednesday, January 7th at Acadiana Open Channel (from 5 pm to 8 pm) and on Monday, January 12th (from 5 pm to 8 pm) at Cite Des Arts for a full length original play called Gnostic Coincidence. Those auditioning should be ready to move and read sides. Prepared material is not required. The play will be staged in March at A.O.C, at Cite Des Arts in August, and will be shot as a film next fall. More information about scheduling will be available at the audition. For more information, call Steven Cooper at 849-8627.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Theatre--Article

In the year end edition of the Times of Acadiana, Cody Daigle assembles a listing of the local theatres, with previews of upcoming seasons (where available).