Theatre--Performance

The UL-Lafayette School of Music Department of Performing Arts is proud to present a studio project directed by Camille Bulliard.  The project is Tape, written by Stephen Belber.  The show involves three high school friends who reunite years later.  Tape examines questions of motive, memory, truth and perception.  The cast is Bailey Hebert (Vince), Jeremy Drewery (Jon) and Ashley Brown (Amy).  Costume and set design were done by students.  The show runs Thursday, February 10th through Saturday, February 12th.

Tickets are free for UL-Lafayette students with ID, $5 for alumni and/or seniors and $10 general admission.  Tickets are available in advance.

For more information, call the Department at (337) 482-6357.

Theatre--Performance

Abbey Players announce their winter production of Blithe Spirit, written by Noel Coward.

Novelist Charles Condomine newly married to straight-laced Ruth, invites their friends the Bradmans to join them for drinks along with a local clairvoyant, Madame Arcati. Via a séance, Charles accidentally summons the spirit of his first wife, Elvira. Chaos ensues as Charles tries keep both wives at bay.

The show will open February 18th, 2011 and will run 6 consecutive weeks, Friday and Saturday nights. Doors will open at 7:00pm and the show starts at 8:00pm. Matinee performances are February 27th and March 13th.

Opening night/ Patrons Night: February 18th, 2010. $35.00
Regular Performances: $15.00

Tickets go on sale February 7th!  Abbey Players brings the convenience of buying tickets to their productions online 24 hours a day, seven days a week!

Online ticket sales are Visa/Mastercard only. American Express is not accepted online at the moment, but are accepted by calling 337-893-2442.  For online tickets, visit the Abbey Players' ticket web page at http://abbeyplayers.tix.com/

Abbey Players, Inc. is a Non-Profit organization.

Theatre--Classes

The spring sessions classes of CYT have been posted to the website and registration is officially open.  Classes begin on Tuesday, February 15th at 4:30 pm at First Baptist Church.  Beauty and the Beast (the next CYT production) auditions will be held on Thursday, February 17th and Friday, February 18th.

Theatre--Performance

As We Grow?! highlights student actors from Acting Up (in Acadiana) ages 7-17 in their 2011 showcase.  Students wrote 95% of the material in this original work that ponders creativity, play, technology, and social networking.  Performances take place at the Acadiana Center for the Arts on January 28th at 7:30 pm and January 29th at 2 pm and 7:30 pm.

Tickets are available by visiting AcadianaCenerfortheArts.org or at our box office.  Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children K-12. Remaining tickets will also be available at the door prior to performances.  For more information, call (337) 739-4273 or (337) 233-7060.

Theatre--Auditions

The Evangeline Players of St. Martinville will hold open auditions for Uncommon Women and Others by Wendy Wasserstein on Saturday and Sunday, February 19th and 20th from 1-3 pm at the Duchamp Opera House located at 200 S. Main Street in St. Martinville (corner of Hwy. 96 and Hwy. 32, across from the church square).

The play will be under the direction of Charlee Halphen who teaches theatre in Iberia Parish and who directed Ghosts for the Evangeline Players last Fall. 

The play takes place in 1978 with flashbacks to 1972-3 as the main characters recall their college lives and contrast them with their present lives.

The director is looking for 9 women and one man (who is the narrator).  Most of the women are in their twenties but there is a part for a middle-aged or older woman.

Performances are scheduled for May 13th through the 22nd.

Dance--Performance

 The stage will sizzle when the national tour of Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenca—a passionate combination of flamenco dance, music and beautiful costumes--hits the stage as part of the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA) season at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 26 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center in Lafayette.

Hailed by critics everywhere for its exciting and transcendent performances, Noche Flamenca is recognized as the most authentic flamenco touring company in world. Under the direction of Martin Santangelo, the award-winning Noche Flamenca has become Spain’s most successful touring company. Formed in 1993 by Santangelo and his award-winning wife, Soledad Barrio, they have successfully brought to the stage the essence, purity, and integrity of one of the world’s most complex and mysterious art forms. Noche Flamenca highlights include regular seasons in New York City and Buenos Aires, performances in Greece and Egypt and annual tours to North America.

 "Flamenco dance can be considered a cousin to tap dance," says Jacqueline Lyle, PASA's executive director. "Unlike tap shoes, which have taps on the soles of the shoes, flamenco shoes have nail heads. Tap dancers tend to bounce up, while flamenco dancers work hard down into the floor. When flamenco dance combines its fiery character with the incredible work of this company's flamenco guitarists and singers, the entire show becomes spell-binding."

Tickets for the evening performance are available by calling TicketMaster at 1(800) 745-3000, by visiting any TicketMaster outlet or online at www.pasaonline.org.

Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenca are supported by presenting sponsors Chevron and Preis and Roy. Additional support for this performance includes grants from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the Acadiana Center for the Arts; and the National Dance Project of the New England Foundation for the Arts, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and additional funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Ford Foundation, and the Community Connections Fund of the MetLife Foundation.

For more information about all upcoming Performing Arts Society of Acadiana presentations, visit www.pasaonline.org or call (337) 237-2787.

Theatre--Review (AUI/AURA at Cite)

Ray Blum reviews AUI/AURA's productions of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog and The Frogs (and the collaboration of Walter Brown and Cody Daigle) in the Friday, January 14th edition of the Daily Advertiser.

Theatre--Auditions

AUI/AURA is pleased to announce auditions for their summer production of William Shakespeare's comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream at Cite Des Arts (109 Vince Street In downtown Lafayette) on Saturday, February 12th and Sunday, February 13th from 1 to 5 pm (on both days). This production will run in late July and/or early August. It will be directed by Cody Daigle and Cara Hayden.

The company is opening auditions to all interested actors in the community, with a special interest in actors under the age of 25. The production will require 15-20 actors, including those with special skills as dancers, singers, acrobats or musicians.

Actors of all ages, sizes and levels of acting experience are encouraged to audition.

Interested actors should prepare a 2 minute monologue from any play by Shakespeare (comedies preferred, not Midsummer). Some actors will also be asked to do cold readings from the script.

Interested singers may prepare a 30-second a capella vocal piece.  Interested dancers, acrobats and musicians should be prepared to discuss their previous experience and training.

AUI/AURA encourages everyone interested in participating to attend the audition, despite any previous experience with Shakespeare. A good attitude and a lot of energy are what interest the company most.

Theatre--Auditions

The Opelousas Little Theatre is holding open auditions for William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet on January 19th (from 6 to 8 pm), January 22nd (from 3 to 5 pm) and on January 29th (from 3 to 5 pm).  The auditions will be held at the Opelousas Little Theatre and performances will be at the Delta Grand Theatre starting April 6th.


They are looking for males and females 15 and up for 20 to 30 characters.  Auditioners should bring a prepared monologue (Shakespeare preferred but not required).

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

The Iberia Performing Arts League will present its spring musical, South Pacific, opening March 25 and playing Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through April 10.  Evening performances are at 7:30 and Sunday Matinees at 3:00. Lead players are Mike Parich as Emile de Becque, Kim Monroe as Nellie Forbush, Phillip Smith as Lt. Joe Cable, Helen Allain Richthoven as Bloody Mary, and Thomas Owens as Luther Billis. Other featured players are Mike Berry, Bud Forrest, Anne Catherine Leblanc, Matt Dugan, James Wyche, Faye Tarantino, William Lambert, and Breigh Rodriguez.  In addition to this cast a chorus of 31 talented singers and dancers will bring the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical to life.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, and will be available in February.  Further information may be obtained by calling IPAL at (337) 364-6114, e-mailing to ipal@cox.net, or through the website www.iberia performs.com.

This performance 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 Center for the Arts, by the Community Foundation of Acadiana and by Regions Bank.

Theatre--Reading

On Monday, January 10 at 6:30 pm, Cité des Arts will host a reading/workshop for a new musical called In his Grace by Jane Billeaudeaux and John Richard.  This brand new musical is based on the lives of some famous musicians/entertainers/preachers from Farraday, Louisiana.

The authors could use a bunch of enthusiastic readers/listeners to give feedback on this script.

Theatre--Workshop

AUI/AURA is excited to announce an audition workshop to help actors prepare for the upcoming auditions for the summer production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The workshop will be led by the show's director, Cody Daigle, and AURA member and director, Ruth Diaz.

Participants will go through some exercises in the fundamentals of iambic pentameter, speaking Shakespeare's verse and good audition etiquette. There will also be time to work with the workshop leaders on your selected monologue.

The workshop is open free of charge to all interested actors. AUI/AURA asks, however,for RSVPs in advance of the workshop if you would like time for your individual audition monologue.


The workshop will be held at Cite Des Arts (109 Vine Street in downtown Lafayette) on January 22nd from 1 to 5 pm.  For more information, and/or to RSVP, e-mail AUI/AURA at actingunlimitedinc@gmail.com.

Theatre--Staged Reading

AUI/AURA will present the first workshop reading of Why We Fall,  a new play by local playwright, Cody Daigle.

After an attempt at suicide, 17-year old Lee Fielding and his mother, Maura, attempt to move forward. Matters are complicated as Lee develops a potentially dangerous friendship with Nela, a fellow classmate, and struggles to contain a truth about his teacher, Matt.  Why We Fall explores how we find ourselves at rock bottom and what we do to dig ourselves out.  Why We Fall will receive a staged reading by On The Square Productions, a Manhattan-based theatre company, in New York City in March. This workshop is part of the show's development process for the New York reading.

The reading will take place on Saturday, February 12th and Sunday, February 13th at 7:30 pm at Cite Des Arts in downtown Lafayette. Admission is free. A talkback will follow the performances.

Opera--Auditions

The UL Lafayette Opera Theater will hold auditions for its spring production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta, The Mikado.  The auditions will take place in Angelle Hall (in the chorus room) on January 14th beginning at 3 pm.    Appropriate audition material would be any song by Gilbert and Sullivan, a light operatic aria, or a classic, lyric musical theatre piece.  Try to keep it comic if possible. 

Auditioners may also be asked to do a cold reading.

Rehearsals will be Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 – 8 pm with 4 performances from April 14th through the 16th in Ducrest-Gilfry Auditorium in Angelle Hall on the UL Lafayette campus. 

The cast have 5 females and 5 males with a chorus.  The role of the Mikado is pre-cast.

Cast Breakdown:

The Mikado, bass

Nanki Poo,  tenor

Yum Yum, soprano

Koko, baritone (Patter role)

Katisha, mezzo or contralto

Poo Bah,  baritone or bass

Pish Tush, baritone or bass

Peep Bo,  soprano or mezzo

Pitti Sing,  mezzo

Contact Shawn Roy at 482-5939 or srr3023@louisiana.edu for more information about the auditions or performances.

The operetta is being accompanied by the UL Lafayette Wind Ensemble conducted by Dr. William Hochkeppel.  The show is being directed by Shawn Roy and choreographed by Kenneth Jenkins.  Sets are by Duncan Thistlethwaite and Lighting Design by Ken Harrelson.  Costumes are by Malabar Costume rental, Inc. 

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

AUI/AURA's newest productions, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog and Cody Daigle's adaptation of Aristophanes' The Frogs, open Thursday, January 6th at 7:30 at Cite Des Arts in downtown Lafayette.  The shows will run through Sunday, January 9th.  For more information or to make ticket reservations, please call Cite at (337) 291-1122.  Tickets may also be purchased online at the Cite website here.

 Michael Mouton (Dionysus) and Erin Segura (Xanthius) in The Frogs

Joseph Diaz (Heracles) and Michael Mouton (Dionysus) in The Frogs 

 

 Shannon Kenast (Charon) in The Frogs

 The Frog Chorus from The Frogs

 The Mystic Chorus from The Frogs

Phillip Spear (Pluto) in The Frogs

 (from bottom left to right) Martha Diaz (the Maidservant), Morgan James (Plathane), Kelly Griffin (the Bistrokeeper) and Erin Segura (Xanthius) in The Frogs

 Erik Schneider (Billy) and Martha Diaz (Penny) in Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

 Erik Schneider (Dr. Horrible) and Kelly Griffin (Moist) in Dr. Horrible

 Erik Schneider (Dr. Horrible) and Phillip Smith (Captain Hammer) in Dr. Horrible

 Erik Schneider (Dr. Horrible), Phillip Smith (Captain Hammer), Martha Diaz (Penny) and Morgan James (Fan Girl) in Dr. Horrible

Theatre--Auditions

The Opelousas Little Theatre is holding open auditions for William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet on January 19th (from 6 to 8 pm), January 22nd (from 3 to 5 pm) and on January 29th (from 3 to 5 pm).  The auditions will be held at the Opelousas Little Theatre and performances will be at the Delta Grand Theatre starting April 6th.


They are looking for males and females 15 and up for 20 to 30 characters.  Auditioners should bring a prepared monologue (Shakespeare preferred but not required).

Theatre--Performance

The ball has dropped, the new year is here, and the 2011 season at Opelousas Little Theatre is underway.  Their first show of the season is always a Showcase.  Showcase is a variety show that OLT puts on to draw local talents from the community to let them present their specialties.   Another prupose is to call attention to the theatre and to promote the local arts and the talent of the townsfolk.  Also, it is a chance for the directors of the season to pursue cast members for the upcoming schedule of shows.  On the bill, there are actors, dancers, bellydancers, singers, and all are amazing talents with tons of heart and dedication. So, for lovers of good music, hard laughing and a little serious drama, this is a not to be missed chance to see the best that this community has to offer. 


Tickets are available at Sebastion Dupre Fine Jewelery (337-948-4367).  The show will run January 20th, 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th and 29th at 7 pm.  Sunday matinees will run January 23rd and 30th at 2 pm.  For more information feel free to contact Walter Duncan McBride at 337-543-8762. Performances will be held at the Opelousas Little Theatre in the South City Park.  

Theatre--Reading

Monday, January 10, 6:30pm Cité des Arts will host a reading/workshop for a new musical called In his Grace by Jane Billeaudeaux and John Richard.  This brand new musical based on the lives of some famous musicians/entertainers/preachers from Farraday, Louisiana, looks to be a very entertaining show that will be produced in Cité des Arts in October.  It should be very clear who the persons referenced are. 

Cite could use a bunch of enthusiastic readers/listeners to give us feedback on this script.

Theatre--Workshop

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

Acting Unlimited, Inc. and its educational branch, Acting Unlimited Repertory Academy, the companies that brought you Bat Boy: The Musical and Speech and Debate, are pleased to present their winter double-feature, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog and Aristophanes' The Frogs!

Dr. Horrible, written by Joss, Jed, and Zack Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen, is the story of an aspiring supervillain, his arch-nemesis, and the activist who happens to be the girl of their dreams. AURA brings this surprisingly heartfelt tale of finding identity, purpose, and connection from the Internet onto the stage.

In Aristophanes' The Frogs, Dionysus, God of Wine and Drama, decides to end the conflict in his war-ravaged world. He takes a trip to the Underworld to bring back a great artist who will awaken the world to its senses. Along the way he and his slave Xanthias face challenges, choices and a maniacal chorus of Frogs. The question is asked: how do you save the world -- with the head or with the heart?

The shows will be performed together with an intermission at Cite Des Arts.

Tickets are $8, the performances are at the following times:

Thursday, January 6 at 7:30 PM
Friday, January 7 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, January 8 at 8 PM (with special ArtWalk pre-show!)
Sunday, January 9 at 3 PM

...the status is not quo.


For more information or to make reservations, call Cite at (337) 291-1122.  To purchase tickets online, visit the Cite Des Arts website.

Editor's Note

2011 is looking to be an exciting time for local theatre!  Help keep this blog current by sending me information about your productions--pictures, releases, whatever you have.  The more people who can be told about local theatre, the more people who come!  Let's support local theatre and one another!