Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

Take a journey back in time with the Acadia Players as Grease comes to the Crowley stage.

 

Days of bobby-socks and poddle skirts, days of ducktails and leather jackets, Grease is the phenomenal hit that has garnished a place in television and movie history.

 

The Acadia Players will be performing this hit at the legendary Grand Opera House of the South in downtown Crowley. Dates for the performance are: June 10th, 12th, 13th, 16th and 17th. Performance times are7:00 pm each evening, with the exception of Sunday, June 13th, when a matinee performance will be held at 2:00 pm.

 

Tickets are $12.00 per adult and $8.00 per student (including high school and college students with a proper I.D.). Tickets are going fast, but may be purchased in person at the Crowley Flower Shop, 1414 North Parkerson Avenue in Crowley, or online at www.acadiaplayers.com.  If purchasing student ticket online, and subject is high school or college student, an I.D. must be presented at the doors for verification.

 

For more information, contact the Crowley Flower Shop at 783-1512 or Jimmy Broussard, Director, at 789-1322.

Theatre--Performance

 Pat Cook’s new comedy, The New Kid on the Block, will be presented by the Iberia Performing Arts League on Thursday, June 3 and run Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons throughJune 13 at the Essanee Theater in New Iberia.  Evening performances are at 7:30 P.M. and Sunday Matinees are at 3:00 P.M.  Ticket outlets in New Iberia are Delaune’s Pharmacy, Paul’s Flower Shop or Accentrics. Tickets or other information can be obtained by calling the theater at 364-6114 and leaving a message.

The production, directed by Donna Berard, has begun rehearsals and the cast and crew are already having a blast! You will laugh all the way home from this new Pat Cook comedy— Carl, Lloyd and Parker, 3 senior citizens, need to rent out their fourth bedroom to help with the rent. Their problem seems all taken care of when Will shows up for the room, except Will turns out to be a female. The craziness and laughter take off from there. Carl’s reaction is nothing more than part of a plan with Will, his sister, to let her live with them for a while.  But before the brother and sister get to reveal their little secret, the neighborhood gossip, Morgana, has them as sweethearts. Lloyd runs around in his army fatigues doing night maneuvers as Parker sneaks around the neighborhood with his walkie-talkie. Then a secretive woman in black enters the house telling Will that she must leave at once. Will’s daughter, Jolene, comes in to thicken the plot, with some story about leaving her husband and wanting to stay with mom. This is a matter of who’s who, who is telling who what, who is telling the truth about who else and who is really who?

Fred Comeaux, who plays the role of Carl, was the mastermind behind the birth of IPAL, and is on stage once more after a long hiatus from the stage, but not IPAL. According to director, Donna Berard, “I have been wanting to see Mr. Fred back on that stage again for some time.  He is the reason we are all here. Every time I watched Mr. Fred’s face as he watched our productions, I could see the admiration he had for the stage. I just knew that we had to do something to entice him back onto our stage. This play did it!”  Mac Stearns, another veteran actor, is playing Parker Klawson. Walter Brown, a man of many talents within the theatre world, is playing the role of Lloyd Timberlake.  The cast is completed by Susan Clark as Will, Marcella Tracy as Morgana, Michelle Derouen as Jolene and Sheila Derouen as Eleanor Dumfries. “I am so pleased,” Berard said, “to be working with such a great group of people. 

This production is sponsored by the First National Bank of Jeanerette.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

Chez Gisele is a drag musical comedy noire original play written by Dennis Ward that premiers May 27th at Cite Des Arts.  Chez Gisele time travels back to Lafayette in the late 1960s to early 1970s and pays tribute to the indomitable spirit of a lovely French woman, Gisele Carriton, who opened the first gay cabaret nightclub in the Parisian style of live entertainment. 


Gisele was an unconditionally loving spirit that welcomed all types of people to her club and gave them one place in Lafayette where they could be free to be themselves.  Gisele accomplished this at great personal expense as the story unfolds.   The play's force is attributed to the colorful characters that were a part of Chez Gisele and  Lafayette's history at the time.  Chez Gisele's regular drag queens are having campy fun lip-syncing and dancing to the 1970s disco music in period glamour gowns and hairdos.

Christy Leichty, the director, says Chez Gisele rocks and, unless the audience is not breathing, it will have a great time entering the world of Chez Gisele.  The play will be performed May 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th,  June 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th, 11th and 12th.  All performances start at 7:30pm, except for the  Sunday matinees, which begin at 2:30pm. 


Tickets are available at the door and in advance by calling 337-291-1122.  Paypal is accepted.  
 

Theatre--Performance

The Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts in Franklin (501 Main Street) is doing The Graduate on May 27th, 28th and 29th, along with  June 1st at 7:00 PM with a matinee performance May 30 at 2:00. Tickets are $10.

Theatre--Lecture

On Wednesday, May 26th, AUI will be hosting a lecture on the historical and literary heritage of Bat Boy: The Musical.  The production team has been lucky enough to get two great speakers: Mr. Walter Brown, our production's supervising director and president of Acting Unlimited, Inc., and Dr. Julia Frederick, professor of history and director of the UL Lafayette Honors Program.  The lecture will be held at the South Regional Branch of the Lafayette Public Library (6101 Johnston Street in Lafayette). It will begin at 2 pm, and after the speakers have finished presenting there will be some music from the show.

Get educated with Bat Boy: The Musical!

Theatre--Auditions

Charlee Halphin is casting a series of one acts to be performed at Paul’s Gallery in New Iberia. The rehearsal dates and performances are listed below for the first two shows.  The rehearsal times are not scheduled yet as they will be set  according to the actors’ availabilities.  Auditions will be Wednesday, May 26th from 6-8 and Saturday, May 29th 2-5 at the A&E Gallery  (335 W. St Peter St., New Iberia). Auditions will be scheduled outside of these times if needed.  The contact number is 818-693-2863.

The Fat Man’s Wife
Performance:
Sunday, June 20th at 11am
Rehearsal Dates:
Thursday,  June 3rd at 7pm (Read through)            
Monday,  June 7th through Saturday, June 19th.  Actors will rehearse Monday through Thursday with possible Sunday rehearsals.

Character Breakdown:
Joe: Late 40s/Early 50s, Man with wide girth
Vera: Joe’s Wife of same age, attractive
Dennis: Late 20s/Early 30s, young handsome

Summer at the Lake
Performance:
Sunday, July 18th at 11am
Rehearsal Dates:
Thursday,  July 1st at 7pm (Read through)
Monday,  July 5th  through  Saturday, July 17th.    Actors will rehearse Monday through Thursday with possible Sundays.

Character Breakdown:
Donald: a boy around 17
Mrs. Fenway: a fretful middle aged women
Anna: an elderly servent

Theatre--Classes

Firelight is now registering for Summer Camps 2010. This summer they are offering the following line-up of camps.

Guitar Camps:
      Beginning Guitar Camp offers the young student experience in tuning, beginning music notation and the playing of chords. The student must furnish his own guitar and electronic tuner. Age Range: 7 years old and up. June 14th--18th  (Monday - Friday, 9-10 am)
      Intermediate Guitar Camp is for the student who has some experience playing the guitar or piano. The student must furnish his own guitar and electronic tuner. Age Range: 10 years old and up with experience.  June 14th--18th, 2007 (Monday -- Friday 10:00 am-12:15 pm)

Broadway Song and Dance Camps
      Broadway Babies: Campers will learn basic singing skills and simple choreography culminating in a
performance of a Broadway style revue. This year*s theme is travel. Join us as we explore different cities of the world. Ages: 4-8  ( June 21th--25th , 2010  2:30-3:30pm )
      On Broadway: Campers will learn basic singing skills and simple choreography culminating in a
performance of a Broadway style revue. This year's theme is travel. Join us as we explore different cities of the world. Ages: 9-12  ( June 21th--25th , 2010 9 am.-2 pm).

Theatre Camps:
      T'Lights Camp: Campers will learn acting, dancing, and singing skills along with memorization techniques while working on the musical production of Cinderella. Ages 5-8. July 19-July 30, 2010 (Monday-Thursday 2PM. - 3:30P.M.)
     Firelight Junior Company Camp: Campers will learn acting, dancing, and singing skills along with memorization techniques while working on the musical production of The Little Mermaid. Ages 9 and up. (July 12th--July 30th, 2010, Monday-Thursday 9a.m. - 1p.m.)


The camps will culminate with a double feature performance of Cinderella and The Little Mermaid (July 30th--August 1st, 2010.)

Theatre--Classes

The Opelousas Little Theatre Summer Camp is here! The camps are similar to last year.

Dana's Camp:
She will be teaching the basics of theatre. Campers will learn about stage presence and beginner's acting techniques. Her camp will meet from 9 AM to 1 PM on camp days. Her camp will end with a talent show and a one act play. Dana will take ages 11 and younger. Older first time campers are encouraged to join Dana's camp, but can take Ashley's camp at the discretion of Dana, Ashley, and the parent. Dana will not accept more than 25 campers.

Ashley's Camp:
She will be teaching intermediate/advance acting techniques. Campers will learn the basics of dancing and acting for musical theatre. They will also learn some stage makeup techniques. Her camp will meet 1 PM to 5 PM on camp days. Ashley's camp will end with a musical showcase and a one act musical. Ashley will accept ages 12 and older. Ashley will not accept more than 25 campers.

(Note: Children must be potty trained and sent to camp with a drink (preferably water) and snack as there is a snack break.)

Dates:
Camp will start on June 1st and run June 2nd, 7rd, 9th, 14th, 16th, 21st, 23rd. Performances on June 24th and 26th for Ashley and June 25th and 27th for Dana.

Cost:
The cost is $30 per week per child. If you have 2 or more children in camp the cost will go down to $25 per week per child. There is also a $10 registration fee.

Registration:
The day for registration at the OLT building will be on May 29th from 9 am to 1 pm. They will also begin accepting registration forms by mail on May 1st.  Please get ther information in as soon as possible because registration will be limited this year.
Send the $10 regtration fee and the following information to:

OLT Summer Camp (Dana or Ashley)
P.O. Box 742
Opelousas, LA 70571-0742

Information needed:
Parent's name(s), phone number(s), and address(es), who will be picking the camper up from camp.
Child's name(s), age(s), camp interested in, any special needs or allergies the child has, theatre experience (if any).
Any conflicts the child will have with the camp dates (other camps, vacations, etc.).

Dana and Ashley look forward to having a fun summer with the children. For more information  or to inquire about concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Dana: 337-351-2591
Ashley: 337-308-7108

Theatre--Performance

The cast of IPAL's next production, The New Kid on the Block, has begun rehearsals and they are already having a blast! The comedy by Pat Cook is about 3 male senior citizens who are awaiting the meeting with their interested new roommate. They say the harder you try to keep a secret the harder it tries to get out. But what secrets could there be between three older gentlemen who live in a 4 bedroom house? After all, they simply want to rent out that 4th bedroom to help with the rent. This craziness and laughter take off from there. The audience will laugh all the way home from this new Pat Cook comedy...Fred Comeaux, who was the mastermind behind the birth of IPAL, is on stage once more after a long hiatus. Mac Stearns, another veteran actor, is playing Parker Klawson. Walter Brown, a man of many talents within the theatre world, is playing the role of Lloyd Timberlake. The cast is completed by Susan Clark, Marcella Tracey, Michelle Derouen and Sheila Derouen. Donna Berard will direct. The cast has received a nice email from playwright Pat Cook thanking them for doing this production and wishing "Break A Leg!"

 Look for tickets to go on sale soon at Delaune's Pharmacy, Paul's Flowers, and Accentrics. The show will run June 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th, 2010. Hope to see everyone all there for this fun for the whole family.

For more information, call 337-364-6114 and leave a message.

Theatre/Dance--Performance

Simplicated/Complified is a site-specific performance which reaches to explore the speed ofcommunication, beginning with the intimacy and simplicity, and transgressing to the rapid and sometimes complicated change in how we now communicate.  The premiere of the performance will take place in freetown field, an empty lot located at the corner of gordon and main street in lafayette's freetown neighborhood.

Dates:  Friday, May 21, 2010 8pm
            Saturday, May 22, 2010 8pm

Tickets: a suggested donation of $5-$10 can be given at the door.

Performers:
Winifred Blewster
Hannah Briggs
Jamie Faulk
Yvonne Olivier-Hample
Alyce Wise Morgan

Costume Designer: Chad Trahan

Visual/Installation Artist: Marla Kristicevich

Choreographer: Paige Krause

For more information, e-mail collaborate78@gmail.com or call 337-309-4964

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

Chez Gisele opens on May 27th, instead of the 20th as was noted here previously.

The talented cast of Chez Gisele is having an avalanche of fun rehearsing the script and creating choreography. "Mais oui, monsieur!" “There's something big about you and it isn't your nose” -Gisele Carriton.

Stephanie Broussard as Gisele.

The lovely Gigi (Stephanie Broussard) is fantastic with her French accent 

and embodies the real life and unconditionally loving spirit of the late Gisele Carriton.  The handsome Clarence (Jack Robertson) is so cute that gay boys get weak in the knees and fall off their bar stools.

Miss Doo (John Vincent) is the sharp tongued leader of the snarling, hissing drag queens: Miss Marie (Blaine Peltier), Miss Fancy Fontenot (Gavin Willis) and SoFonda Peters (Sasha St. Julien).  Miss Doo (John Vincent) is also the creative choreographer of the exciting dance routines.

Miss Hannah (Pat Cravins) stirrs spice piquant into the Chez Gisele story with her gifted prediction of the future as a Creole voyante hoodoo woman.  

The Reverend (John Bess) gives a fantastic lively performance as a gay holy roller preacher that infectiously spreads the Holy Spirit that could make a dead man dance and shout.  Mucky Racker (Micheal Moity) is slinging mud and trash about Gigi faster than a speeding bullet.

The colorful 60s and 70s costumes are designed by master costumer designer James Hamby.  Chez Gisele is expertly directed by Christy Leichty (Les Marionettes), and opens May 27 for 11 performances ending June 12. Tickets are available at Cite Des Arts (337-291-1122) or online at www.citedesarts.org.

Theatre--Review (Firelight Performing Arts)

Last night (May 15) I went with friends to see the penultimate performance of Lionel Bart’s Oliver!, produced by Firelight Performing Arts, the brain child of Laura and Ray Blum.  Since Firelight is a sort of training ground for young, some very young, protothespians, the playing space is modest and the young cast pretty much unfamiliar (to me, anyway) I didn’t know what to expect.

What a hoot and a delight!  The cast, with the exception of the geezers, were adorable and talented.  I am sure “adorable” because of their moms and dads.  But the total product- including dancing, singing, acting, set and costume changes- was the creation of Laura and Ray.  The performance I saw was throughly enjoyable with no pregnant pauses.  Since Oliver! had twelve performances with several parts double (or even triple) cast, one can marvel at the Blums' handling of the logistical problems.

Since I have appeared on stage with several of the “geezers” I don’t want to ignore them (we just aren’t adorable).  They did wonderful pro bono work to flesh out the musical.  Laura Blum (Nancy) has a wonderful voice and was “sweet”.  Vincent Barras (Fagin) has (had) a wonderful beard and was “slimy”.  Jackie Robinson (Bill Sykes) was just downright “evil”.  Ray Blum was just standing and smiling throughout like everyone’s favorite uncle.

Anyway, the whole evening was enjoyable to me and I had no nephew or niece in the show.

---Robert D. Sidman

PASA seeking new Executive Director

The board of directors of the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA) announced today that it has begun a search for a replacement for its executive director Jacqueline Lyle, who will move to the role of creative director.

"For the past 20 years under Jackie Lyle's direction, PASA has consistently brought a stellar line-up of performing arts entertainment to Lafayette.  We are looking to the next 20 years as we begin the search for a new executive director," says Donald Johnson, board president.

"Serving as PASA's executive director has been very exciting, fulfilling and gratifying.  I cannot imagine what else I could have done with my professional life that would have been this rewarding and satisfying," says Lyle. "We are fortunate that we live in a community whose generosity continues to support all of the work that PASA does."

The search is currently under way and PASA is seeking applicants. The full job description can be viewed online at www.pasa-online.org.  Interested individuals should submit their resumes to ed@pasa-online.org.

The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA), based in Lafayette, LA, began in 1989 and has presented performing artists of many genres - dance, opera, chamber music, comedy, theater, jazz, and popular music. Violinist Itzhak Perlman, comedians Lily Tomlin and Bill Cosby, pop singers Tony Bennett and Roberta Flack, and the annual tours of the New York City Opera National Company and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater rank in PASA's history.  Additionally, PASA has commissioned new music and new dance, spawning projects that have enjoyed critical acclaim around the world.

PASA has consistently grown within its mission of providing local access to great performing arts, developing an annual series of daytime performances for students; a thriving musical instrument recycling program that benefitsmiddle school students; free programming for senior citizens; in-school residencies; and PASA in the Park, a free annual outdoor event. The latest PASA initiative is the Louisiana Regional Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Ensemble Festival, a partnership with the school of music at the University of Louisiana Lafayette and Festival International under the auspices of Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington program.

Dance--Workshop

The Lafayette Ballet Theatre Dance Conservatory is offering a Creative Movement Camp for young children this summer. In anticipation of the company’s spring 2011 production, the camp theme is the ballet Peter Pan.

Creative movement provides an imaginative introduction to dance, rhythm and music. Students will spend time dancing, listening to stories and creating fun, unique crafts related to the Peter Pan theme.

Session 1 for children ages 4 and 5 is slated for Monday, July 12, through Friday, July 16. Session 2 for children ages 6 and 7 will be Monday, July 19, through Friday, July 23. The camps will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day at the Conservatory studio, located at 100 Pillette Road in Lafayette. The tuition is $165.

For more information on Lafayette Ballet Theatre and its official school, Dance Conservatory, call 337-262-0444 or visit www.lafayetteballettheatre.org.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

AUI and the production team is pleased to announce the cast of Bat Boy: The Musical.  Congratulations to everyone in the cast!

The cast is as follows:

Edgar (the Bat Boy): Phillip Smith and Erik Schneider

Shelley Parker: Martha Diaz

Meredith Parker: Ruth Diaz

Dr. Thomas Parker: Cody Daigle

Rick Taylor: Nick Dooley

Sheriff Reynolds: Scott Meddows

Mayor Maggie: Erin Segura

Reverend Hightower: Cindy Hebert

Pan: Kristina Marshall

Mrs. Taylor: Carolyn Broussard

Ron Taylor: Kelly Griffin

Ruthie Taylor: Krista Corbello

Bud: Michael Mouton

Lorraine: Nathanael Trahan

Daisy: Rachel Silliman-Smith

Clem: Gerard Ducharme

Theatre--Audition (Musical Theatre)

The Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts is holding auditions for its summer musical (which will not be named until after auditions) on Tuesday, May 11th at 7 pm and Wednesday, May 12th at 5:30 pm.  A short prepared monologue and the song of your choice would be appreciated but is not required.

Theatre--Performance (Festival)

The Lafayette High School Performing Arts Academy Theatre Arts Program under the direction of Blaine Peltier has been selected to perform in the world’s largest and most prestigious arts festival in the world as part of the American High School Theatre Festival (AHSTF).  Each August, Edinburgh, Scotland becomes the most magical and exciting place on earth as performing artists from all over the world come to Scotland to take part in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  The whole city becomes a stage and visitors can view performances of music, theatre, dance, and comedy during its three week run.  LHS’ performance will be showcased at the AHSTF venue in Edinburgh .

The Lafayette High School Performing Arts Academy Theatre Arts Program, recognized for its entertaining and innovative productions, was selected by the AHSTF Board of Advisors to represent the United States as part of the 2009 AHSTF program.  The Board reviews all completed applications and identifies the top schools based on their most recent bodies of work, awards, community involvement, philosophies, and recommendations.

While in Scotland , AHSTF’s professional technical team ensures that the company’s lighting, sound, and property needs are addressed.  WorldStrides of Charlottesville, Virginia, the nation’s oldest and largest student travel company will be planning the travel arrangements for each high school group.

As you can imagine, LHSPAA Theatre Arts students, their parents, and teacher are heavily involved in fundraising activities to finance their two-week adventure to Scotland and England .  Contributions and donations are welcome and information is available from Blaine Peltier, head of the LHSPAA Theatre Arts Dept., at 337.212.4471.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

Chez Giselle, a drag musical comedy noire written by Dennis Ward and Directed by Chrsity Leichty, is on its way to the Cité Des Arts stage.  Performance dates are May 27th to the 29th, June 4th to the 6th, and June 11th and 12th (Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 2:30pm.).  Stay tuned for more details and online ticket sales coming next week.

Theatre--Festival Acceptance (Leichty/Divine)

Congratulations to Christy Leichty, Johanna Divine, and all the ladies (and gentlemen) of The Dream of the Marionettes as they make their way to the Big City. After an amazing run here during Festival International, Les Marionettes just received word that they have been accepted to the 2010 New York International Fringe Festival, running this summer from August 13th to the 29th in NYC! And they need your help!

It's not easy feat o transport, feed, and house a cast of 13 for two weeks in New York City, and the Marionettes are not only selling cast recording CD's, but also accepting donations, contributions, Frequent Flyer miles, and anything else to help make their way up.

If you are interested in helping Les Marionettes make it to NY, contact Cite Des Arts at 291-1122 or info@citedesarts.org for more info. 

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

The Opelousas Little Theatre has announced the cast for Into The Woods: 


Narrator/Mysterious Man - Gabe Ortego
Baker - Michael Sibille
Baker's Wife - Ashley Nicole Brown
Cinderella - Dawn Blumrich
Cinderella's Stepmother - Erika Stanford
Florinda (Evil Stepsister) - Lindsey Billeaudeau
Lucinda (Evil Stepsister) - Grace Feucht (understudy Lila Myers)
Cinderella's Father - Josh Castille
Cinderella's Mother - Alex Tromblay
Cinderella's Prince - Duncan McBride
Steward - Nick Blumrich
Jack - Eugene Dupre
Jack's Mother - Taylor LaCalle
Giant - Dana Reed
Little Red Ridinghood - Taylor Reed
Wolf/Repunzel's Prince - Andy Doucet
Granny - Hannah Stewart
Witch - Angie LaCalle
Repunzel - Natalie Sibille
Snow White - Samantha Lamonte
Sleeping Beauty - Sierra Lanclos
3 Little Pigs - Giovanni Lamonte, Olivia Roy, Sarah Joubert
Cow - Aaron Meche
Chicken - Chloe Perron

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

Firelight Performing Arts has a matinee of Oliver! this afternoon at 2 pm.  My apologies for missing it earlier!