Theatre--Review (UL-Lafayette Opera Theater)

Ray Blum reviewed the UL-Lafayette Opera Theater's production of The Mikado in the Friday, April 29th edition of the Daily Advertiser.

Theatre--Auditions

Acting Unlimited, Inc will hold auditions for Fire Eye, a new play by Daniel J. Povinelli on Saturday, May 7th from 1-3 pm at the Essanee Theatre in New Iberia.  The theatre is located on Iberia Street between Main and St. Peter.  Auditions will also be held in Lafayette on Sunday, May 8th from 1-3 at 810 Jefferson Street.  AUI is seeking 2 men to play late 50's or older and 2 women to play mid-30's to early 40's.  Performances will be in September at the Essanee Theatre in New iberia.  For more information, contact Walter Brown at (337) 235-6284 or by email at wfj5552@cs.com.  All roles are open.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

The Firelight Performing Arts' spring production is The Wizard of Oz. Wizard will open May 6 and run for 3 weekends. Shows are Friday and Saturday at 7p.m and Saturday and Sunday at 3p.m. The show features a cast of 40 ranging in age from 5 to 18. Tickets can be purchased by calling 857-6991 or 962-0306.

Theatre--Auditions

Omni Artiste', Inc.

is holding

AUDITIONS FOR

SUNDAY DINNER

A Stage play

by

Brian E Taylor

Audition Schedule:

Monday, April 18, 2011 5:00PM – 8:00 PM

Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 5:00PM – 8:00PM

Friday, April 22, 2011, 5:00PM – 8:00PM

Saturday, April 23, 2011, 3:00-5:00PM

Production Schedule:

Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 5:00PM – 8:00PM

Friday, April 22, 2011, 5:00PM – 8:00PM

Saturday, April 23, 2011, 3:00-5:00PM

Crew: $60.00/day

Talent: $55.00/day

Crew call: 1 Light & sound Tech, 1 Stage Manager

Two shows: Friday, May 28, Saturday May 29, 2011, 7:30-9:00PM

Tickets on sale now: $15.00

Call: (337) 291-1122 for tickets.

Cite' des Arts

109 Vine Street

Lafayette, La 70501

Cast Breakdown:

Log Line: Babyboy struggles to find his way as a businessman, only to find out that the only support he has is his momma's gumbo and cornbread on Sunday.

Character Breakdown:

Babyboy – 18, Lead, African American, can be said to b many things. A good-hearted teen, call it like he see it, determined, ambitious. Knows the MO of all the members of the hood, brown skinned. Cast-Nicholas Marchan

Mr. Jackson – (Stepfather) 65, Supporting, Think Mr. Brown (House of Payne), dark skinned. Cast-Paul Batiste

Mrs. Jackson – (mother) 54,lead 5'6', Christian woman, very helpful.Cast-Gethsemene Campbell

Mr. Wilson – (father) 56, Minor, old school with a sixth sense, live on Chicago Low-end, progressing to upper side, Babyboy's biological father.

Lou- (older brother) – 35, Minor, 6'1”, nine year older twin to Babyboy, large build,

always have to watch him. Black Patrick Swayze. Cast-Wendell Lewis

Booboo – (Oldest brother), 53, Minor, scrubby, Young Mr. Brown, Barney, Grump without Forest, sneaky, 5'10”, sings, smokes grass – Cast-Tommy Cole

Uncle Albert (Herb) – (Drunk) 5'9”, Co-Star, 49, slim/muscular, smooth, creep and groove, works hard for beer. Cast- Brian E Taylor

Derrick -(brother) 5'8”, 54, Minor, Social Security Brother, do weed and booze, to get back on dialysis, smile at you and hate at the same time. Cast- Gregory P Williams, double cast-

Vincent – (brother) 5'8”, 51, Minor, brown-teeth, need a job, steal government checks from children, bad odor.

Pam -(sister) 5'7”, 48, Supporting, sweetheart, educated, depressed, artistic, big sister, brown—skinned, turkey neck, good with children. Raised nieces and nephews.

Debra – (sister/crack head) 5'7”, Supporting, divorcee two times, educated, on crack, cocaine, heroin.

G – (thug/weed) man) 6'3”, 32, sneaky, slim, hater, brags, quiet, down to earth. Serious about “business.” Cross arms and stares a lot. Cast-Anri Mims

Mike – (Young/wan-a-be thug) 6'1”, 17-19, Mr. Smothers from The Simpson's.

Old Mike – (hustler/handicap) 5'11”, 65, Ex-con for Murder, had a stroke, (Pastor from New Jack City), walk like Denzel Washington.

Nosy neighbor # 1 – 49, Supporting, Belinda Ruiz, a little wide sided, mad black woman, married to Mexican man, with 5 children.

Mr. Ruiz- 30-40's, Husband to Mrs. Ruiz, laid back hispanic, Chicago dock worker, lazy.

Mia Naomi Ruiz -Oldest daughter 15, medium build, feisty. Blatino - Minor

Julio Hosea Jr. Ruiz -Oldest son con artist, 14, slim. Blexican. Minor

Tasha Angelique Ruiz - 12, princess of Monaco in the hood. Blatino.- Minor

Benino Ronald Riuz – 10, Smart son of family – Minor

Benita Ruiz – 9, Diva, youngest daughter - Minor

Nosy Neighbor # 2 – 45, Bald-headed, Haitian, 7 brothers, weed man, stands on porch all day everyday, checking out everybody. (Joe Artist, Sammy Sosa)

Nosy Neighbor # 3 – Mrs. Johnson – African American, 45, married, cougar, Black Panther, retired early as social worker due to cancer.

Mr. Harrison – 55, Grisly bear, alien looking, old school, sleep disorder, sneaks to drink.

Mrs. Harrison – 5'10”, 70, stroke victim, church woman, spits when she talks, Jerry Curl, one handed functioning. Cast-Marlice Young-Dugas

Teen-boy – 17-19, Boy, Any ethnicity, lazy, job-seeker..

Job-service Worker – 59, Caucasian woman, tired, mean, 30 years State worker. Cast- Suzy Labry

Pretty Tony - Tony Mitchell- average size to well-built. Italian/European/Venezuelan Pretty boy type – Big with a big heart- 24-34, English/Venezuelan/European accent preferred. He is from London/Europe, inherited commercial real estate from family fortune. Snobbish slum lord. Trying to fit in, in a Chicago society, starkly different from his Mother Country, London, England. Principle-Recurring

Marcello- Italian Fitness trainer at Tony's private club. Henchman - 30-55

Male Nurse 1- Fit, Male, any Ethnicity, 23-30- Cast – Jeremy Henry

Male Nurse 2 – Fit -male, average build, 23-30 European, Italian -

Nurse – 25-30, Female, firm – African American community (boss)- Cast- Kimbery Louis

-- 

Opera--Review

Why beat around the bush? This Mikado was a unadulterated delight.  The UL Opera Theater's production of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado ended an all-too-short weekend run last Saturday, and for those who missed the show, here's an admonition: you missed one of the best shows Acadiana has seen in a long while.


This classically goofy operetta from the G&S canon is chock full of gooey romantic ballads, silly plot tangles, some broad characterizations, and a topsy-turvy plot that takes almost two and a half hours to finally unwind itself. The show requires some great singing, of course -- it's operetta -- but it also requires some deft comic acting as well. It's a challenging piece to sell to a modern audience weaned on romantic comedy a la the antics on "Jersey Shore." 


But what a joy this Mikado was.

Under the direction of Shawn Roy -- and aided in big ways by Kenneth Jenkins' choreography and Duncan Thistlethwaite's set -- this "Mikado" was a spirited and often laugh-out-loud funny rendering of the 19th century piece. The show never pandered as it reached for the laugh (well almost never pandered -- a second act lyric change that riffed on UL professors seemed a little heavy-handed), but song after song the production scored some terrific comic moments and even a few touching ones.

The show's beating heart was the pair of lovers, Nanki Poo and Yum Yum. As Nanki Poo, Holden Greene was a big-voiced romantic lead and acquitted himself well. (I look forward to seeing Greene develop a bit more confidence as an actor; the book scenes seemed to chip his confidence away a little.) And as Yum Yum, Jenee Luquette (the Yum Yum at the performance I saw) was sweet-voiced and lovely. The two made much with their straightforward romantic material, and gave the show a sturdy foundation.

The bigger impressions performance-wise were made by a trio around the lovers. As Pooh Bah, Miguel Ochoa was a slinking, slithering delight. As Pitti Sing, Alex Hollerman displayed the same comic chops that made
her so memorable in Too Many Sopranos and I was impressed with what a big impression she made in a smaller role. And Lindsay Leblanc as Katisha was a whole lot of brassy-voiced fun.

But I went away singing the praises of Jonah Slason, who essayed the role of Ko Ko, the reluctant executioner. Slason's performance was a blazing comic delight -- physically committed, beautifully-timed and simply funny. This kid's got that ineffable "it," and I cannot wait to see him in something new.

When a show works this well, it's easy to credit the performers with carrying the weight of that success. But I have to give the biggest kudos to the show's production team. Roy proves again and again that he's the area's best director for the stage: his shows are smart, kinetic, fun and impeccably staged. Kenneth Jenkins reminded me just how clever and funny movement can be when done with an expert hand. And the pared-down elegance of Duncan Thistlethwaite's set was a perfect complement for the pageantry of the show. And the Mikado's entrance was a clever piece of staging that showed off all three men's skill and flair for the theatrical.

How good was this show? I'm still thinking about it -- the moments I loved, the little bits of staging that made me smile, the subtle scenic changes that made huge impacts, the songs, the jokes, the energy coming off the stage.

That doesn't happen very often. This show was a delight. And next time UL Lafayette Opera Theater mounts a show, make sure you do whatever you can to see it.
--- CODY DAIGLE


Website: www.codydaiglewrites.com
Facebook: Cody Daigle Writes Stuff
Twitter: @CodyDaigle

Theatre--Auditions (Musical Theatre)

Audiitions for IPAL's summer production of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast, Jr." will be Saturday, April 30th(from 1 to 4) and Monday, May 2nd (from 6 to 8).

There have been many questions about the auditions for Beauty and the Beast, Jr., specifically concerning the musical requirements. All people auditioning will be asked to sing something, even if it just "Happy Birthday" or the National Anthem. We need to have an idea how well you can sing, plus we need to know what your musical range is. Many songs like "Be Our Guest", "Belle," "Gaston" and "The Mob Song", have solo lines for a chorus member to sing, as well as four-part harmonies which we wish to utilize. If someone does not wish to sing during the actual run of the play, that is fine because there are numerous non-singing parts and people can pantomime their singing.

For particular parts, here are just a few suggestions.

For the part of Belle, people auditioning should sing any Disney heroine song. There really isn't a particular solo in Beauty and the Beast, Jr. for Belle, so my suggestion is Ariele's song "Part of Your World: from The Little Mermaid, or Pocahontas's song "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahantas. Any Disney heroine song is appropriate.

For the parts of the Beast, Lumiere or Cogsworth, people auditioning should sing "Be Our Guest," though not the entire song. The Beast has no "solo" of his own, but does have to sing a portion of a song during the play.

For the part of Gaston or LeFou, people auditioning should sing "Gaston," though not the entire song.

For the part of Mrs. Potts or the Wardrobe, people auditioning should sing "Beauty and the Beast."

For chorus, people can sing anything from the play or "Happy Birthday," or something they are comfortable singing. There are numerous musical parts for townspersons in the song "Belle" and "The Mob Song."

Anyone auditioning for the parts just mentioned do not need to bring sheet music. We already have the sheet music and will be using the accompanying CD for auditions. If you're singing something not from Beauty and the Beast Jr. (like the other Disney heroine songs) you may either bring sheet music or sing acappella.

On the day of auditions, it would be helpful for all people auditioning to bring a head-shot. We will have a camera ready to take such a shot, but it would help tremendously to have one ready.

All auditions will begin in the front lobby of the Essanee Theatre (126 Iberia Street in New Iberia) where you will be given a number and asked to fill out an audition form. From there, you will be called into the main theatre for your audition. For convenience, we will be taking auditions on a first-come basis. Once we have heard your audition, there is no reason to stay at the theatre, as the lobby area may fill up quickly. We thank you in advance for your cooperation on this matter.


 If it is absolutely impossible for you to make either of the audition dates, please contact me (Vincent P. Barras) as soon as you can by email at vpbarras@aisp.net because I know there are always circumstances beyond our control. If you contact me using my cell (337-519-0685), please remember that I am a public school teacher and may not contact you until school is over. Notifications of the assigned roles will be sent via email within a few days of the last auditions.

Opera--Article

An article by Cody Daigle about the UL-Lafayette Opera Theater production of The Mikado appears in the Daily Advertiser.

Opera--Performance

The UL Lafayette Opera Theater in collaboration with the UL Lafayette Wind Ensemble will present the operetta,  The Mikado, by Gilbert and Sullivan.

The performances will take place on Thursday, April 14 at 7:30PM, Friday, April 15 at 7:30PM and Saturday, April 16 at 2:00PM.  There will also be an educational performance on Friday morning, April 15 for school children.  The performances will take place in Ducrest-Gilfry Auditorium in Angelle Hall on the UL Lafayette campus.

Tickets are available at the door only and are $10 for the general public and free for UL Lafayette students, faculty, staff and members of the UL Lafayette Opera Guild.  For more information about the performances, call the School of Music and Performing Arts at 337-482-6012.
 
The operetta is considered to be Gilbert and Sullivan’s finest work and revolves around a small town in Japan called Titipu.  As is all of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas, the situation is comic and many plot twists and turns occur during the evening.  The show is suitable for all ages.  The show is being directed by Shawn Roy and conducted by Dr. William Hochkeppel with 24 members of the Wind Ensemble.  Sets are by Duncan Thistlethwaite, Lighting Design by Ken Harrelson, Choregraphy is by Kenneth Jenkins and Costumes are being provided by Malabar Costume Rental in Canada.  

Theatre--Performance

Editor's Note

Please excuse the lack of updates over the last week or so.  I've been having computer issues.  Hopefully, these have been resolved, and I will be able to update.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

The Iberia Performing Arts League 2011 Summer Youth Production will be the Disney musical Beauty and the Beast Jr. This is a stage show based on the hit movie and Broadway show. The audition dates are Saturday, April 30th from 1 to 4, and Monday, May 2nd from 6 to 8. The age range for all performers in this youth musical is from 10 to 20 and all parts are open. Those desiring to audition do not need to come to both auditions, but they are certainly welcome. Rehearsals will be held in afternoons beginning May 30th and performances are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from July 15th through the 24th. Additional information can be obtained by contacting director Vincent Barras at (337) 519-0865, by internet at vpbarras@aisp.net or ipal@cox.net.

Theatre--Review (IPAL)

Ray's Blum's review of the IPAL production of South Pacific appears in the Friday, April 8th edition of the Daily Advertiser.

Editor's Note

There is a serious effort underway to cut public funding for the arts.  Please take a look at the interview in the clip below.  Arts are very important to this area and to our lives.  We need to make sure that they are supported.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Theatre--Special Event

AUI/AURA is hosting a special House Warming event at their new summer rehearsal space at 810 Jefferson Street in Lafayette on Saturday, April 9th from 5 pm to 8 pm.  The company has arranged a fund raising raffle, which will begin that day, and there will also be food (provided by Naked Pizza) and entertainment.

For more information, check AUI/AURA's website or their FB Event page.

Theatre--Auditions

The Abbey Players need one actor to play Pam in their spring comedy Rich Is Better.  Auditions will be held by appointment with the director.  If interested, contact Gloria Breaux directly at (337) 234-2510.

The story:  Nona is unaware that her husband Gino owns the company for which she does telephone sales because during their courtship he posed as a laborer.  When Gino's secretary (Pam) shows up with papers for him to sign, he introduces her as a co-worker looking for advice on a romantic problem.  Nona insists that Pam bring her lover to dinner.  Pam talks her chiropodist into making what he thinks will be a house call.  By the time the dinner party happens, mistakes and comic situations abound.

Theatre--Performance

Co-directors Walter Duncan McBride and Travis Fontenot lead the way on a quest back in time to Verona, Italy around 1590.  The players of the Opelousas Little Theatre will breathe life into William Shakespeare's iconic tale of Romeo and Juliet on the Delta Grand stage this Wednesday night in downtown Opelousas. Join this unforgettable event of comedy and tragedy with some of the area's best actors.  Many OLT veterans populate the cast, but there are even more that are new to our community theater.  Acadiana offers to us her best student actors from the tri-parish area and numerous area high schools from OHS, OC, to Pine Prairie and others.  This is a true testament of community unity.

     Among the cast are Andrew Markel (Romeo) from Lafayette High and Austin Guidroz (Juliet) from Opelousas Catholic.  Jersten Seraile (Tybalt) and Cody Richard (Benvolio) attend OHS.  Sarah Bourgeious (Nurse) and Dalton Guiterrez (Paris) attend Pine Prairie High.  Andy Doucet (Mercutio) and Casey Harmon (Friar Lawrence) are long time veterans of the OLT stage.  This is just a glimpse of the talented cast of 18 area actors.

     The show starts Wednesday, April 6th at the Delta Grand.  The show schedule is as follows:  April 7th, 8th, 9th at 7 pm, 10th at 2pm, April 13th, 14th,15th, 16th at 7 pm and the 17th at 2 pm.
  

     Advance tickets can be purchased at Sebastien-Dupre Fine Jewelry or by phone at (337-948-4367), or at the door on the day of show.  April 15th is sold out.  Get your tickets early,as they are going quick.  Tickets are $10.

     We at the Opelousas Little Theatre thank you in advance for your patronage and support of the local arts.

     Look us up online at  www.opelousaslittletheatre.com or become a friend on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Theatre--Review (Cite)

Modest Modeste is a sad-sack pianist with a drinking problem.  Since his boss is not present, Modeste can perform his favorite piece of music, Modeste Moussorgski's PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION on the piano as originally intended.  Modest Modeste is played by Ilan Ben-Yehuda who is both a trained pianist AND a trained clown which probably makes him unique.  It's like combining Bill Irwin with Victor Borge.  There is real art in this performance.

Each skit is built around one of the musical scenes in PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION which is a musical tribute to an artist friend of the composer who died suddenly.  Each musical piece is an evocation of a particular painting with subjects ranging from chickens (a very Monty Pythonesque chicken) to cannibalistic witches to national landmarks.  Actually, an awful lot of this music will be familiar from being used in films and commercials. Audience members are asked to participate in the music making by singing and playing instruments.  How often does anyone in the audience get to play the cymbals?

The show is not random--it has a plot and a theme and development of character.  It also has slapstick and great music.  But this is a show which needs a big, enthusiastic audience since audience participation is really the point.  See it if you can and bring plenty of friends.  The show works best with a lot of people in the audience who aren't too inhibited to have a good time.  There is no fourth wall in this production. 

This show is genuinely different--if you miss it, there won't be anything like it until Ilan comes back to town.  If you like well-crafted but adventurous theatre, don't miss MODEST MODESTE.

MODEST MODESTE plays through the weekend at Cite Des Arts.  Call 291-1122 or buy a ticket at the box office.  Tickets are a bargain at $8.00.
---Walter Brown

Theatre--Auditions

Abbey Players is please to announce auditions for 12 Angry Jurors, directed by Gloria Breaux and assisted by Mary Broussard. Auditions will be held April 2nd and 3rd from 1PM to 4PM at the Abbey Players' theatre on 200 South State Stree in Abbeville, LA. The cast of 15 is open to everyone who wishes to participate; men and women, young and old alike! those desiring to work in any capacity on the production crew should attend this audition.