Theatre--Performance

The Abbey Players presents Legends!, opening June 8. See what happens when two aging movie stars, who hate each other with a vengeance, are forced to work together in a new Broadway play.

Abbey Players veterans Gloria Breaux and Ava Mingo make the wigs fly in this hilarious play as Sylvia Glenn and Leatrice Monsee in this finely written comedy by James Kirkwood, the author of P.S. Your Cat Is Dead and A Chorus Line. Joining Breaux and Mingo are Milton G. Resweber, Drew Hanks, Mickey Atchetee, and Philippe Vantrot.

Legends! is a story about bitter rivals. They have stolen roles, Oscars, and husbands from each other over their long association. Now, due to personal circumstances, they are brought together to cooperate on a Broadway project offered to them by a seedy producer whose only show of note is an off-Broadway hit called Craps! Eager beaver producer Martin Klemmer, a wheeler-dealer if ever there was one, has uncovered a terrific commercial script - Star Wars: The Play. Since he has produced only one Off-Broadway project, Martin's phone calls are not being returned by the powerful Broadway magnates capable of getting this play to the Great White Way. Martin needs names, names like film legends Sylvia Glenn and Leatrice Monsee, for the leads. If Martin can sign them, he can get the money.  Unfortunately, they hate each other. Will Martin be able to resolve this titanic dilemma? Will 'Star Wars: The Play' hit the big time? And, if Sylvia and Leatrice do agree to appear together, will Brad Pitt sign on,too?

Legends! is co-directed by Gloria Breaux and Sam Royer, both of whom have dedicated many years to The Abbey Players.

Legends! opens Friday, June 8, with Patron’s Night. Tickets for Patron’s Night are $35 and include a meal catered by Don’s Catering of Abbeville, drinks, and ticket. All other tickets will be $15. Legends! will run every Friday and Saturday until June 30, with a matinee on Sunday, June 10, and Sunday, June 17. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by logging into abbeyplayers.com.

A hand-painted bayou scene will be raffled off with the closing of the play. Each person who purchases a ticket will be entered in the drawing, which will be held June 30.

Abbey Players' playhouse is located at 200 South State Street, in Abbeville. The Abbey Players are dedicated to performing quality theatre for the Acadiana area. Legends! is produced by The Abbey Players by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

(Back Row L-R) Philippe Vantrot, Milton G. Resweber, Drew Hanks, and Mickey Atchetee. (Front Row L-R) Gloria Breaux and Ava Mingo

Theatre--Article

Check out Cody Daigle's "On Stage" in the Times Of Acadiana, for information on most current local productions.

Theatre--Auditions (update)

This is updated information on the open auditions to be held by the Abbey Players for their production of Cheating Cheaters. The auditions will be held at the Abbey Theatre on Sunday, March 15 at 1 PM and on Monday and Tuesday, March 16 and 17 at 6 PM.

The script is a comedy and calls for 2 men and 3 women. The women are two sisters who pretend to be nuns in order to get money for "charity". Their niece, an art student, is returning from France and the sisters are worried about her response to their scheme. The niece has a few money-making schemes of her own. Added to the mix are a crooked, blackmailing policeman and a young lawyer who falls for the niece.

Theatre--Auditions

Abbey Players are holding open auditions for their upcoming spring production of Cheating Cheaters by John Patrick. It will be directed by Gloria Breaux.

Auditions will take place at 200 South State Street in Abbeville on Sunday, March 15th at 1 pm, Monday, March 16th at 6 pm and Tuesday, March 17th at 6 pm. They are looking for 3 women, 2 men, all age ranges. Anyone looking to assist this production, in any capacity, is welcome to attend. No experience is necessary.

Visit the Web site, www.abbeyplayers.com, or call (337) 893-2442 for more information.

Theatre--Performance

Move Over, Mrs. Markham, by Ray Cooney and John Chapman, the latest Abbey Players production, opened on February 14. Performances will continue Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, February 20- March 28, with 2 PM Sunday matinees on March 1 and 22. Tickets can be reserved online at www.abbeyplayers.com .

This British bedroom farce, directed by Deborah Atchetee and Mickey Atchetee, moves at warp speed with scantily clad characters in compromising situations. (No need to worry- just suggestive!) They appear and disappear through various entrances and most change identities during the second act. Since you must be alert to get the full effect you may reprint this review and bring it with you to the theater. You may help anyone in the audience who may be befuddled without actually citing this handout.

Anyway, a publisher of children’s books, Phillip Markham (Scott Meddows) and his wife Joanna (Kayla Smith) are leaving their apartment empty when they go out for the evening. Remember, the rule of thumb in such a play is that “an empty apartment (ie. bed room) is the devil’s workshop”.

Phillip gives his business partner Henry Lodge (Jerrod Arabie) the apartment for the evening for an assignation with Mrs. Wilkinson (Kayla Martin), someone with whom he has flirted, but never met. However, independently Joanna has promised the apartment to Henry’s wife Linda (Beth Stephenson) for her tryst with Walter Pangborn (Milton Resweber). Uh! Oh! But wait a minute- the Markhams’ decorator Alistair Spenlow (Jaimie Allemand) plans to “work late” so that he can use the apartment to seduce the maid Sylvie (Samantha Royer). Remember also that such farces can violate a cardinal rule of physics. Several people can occupy the same space at the same time.

Then real catastrophe enters in the form of Olive Harriet Smythe (Gloria Breaux), the grand doyenne of children’s books, the J.K. Rowling of this play’s universe. She has fired her previous publisher for bad taste and wants to hire Philip and Henry.

What’s going to happen? Reserve a seat and see! I’m not telling.
---Robert D. Sidman, Ph.D.

Theatre--Audition

Auditions are set for the Abbey Players Theatre's next production, Move Over, Mrs. Markham, by Ray Cooney and John Chapman. This hilarious British farce will have the audience laughing until they cry. The chaos begins when three separate couples all seek illicit liaisons unknowingly at the same time and place.

The Abbey Players are looking for 5 women and 4 men between the ages of 20 and 50. Auditions are open to all interested persons. Auditions will be Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14, from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm and Monday, December 15, from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Auditions will be at the theatre, located at 200 South State Street, Abbeville, LA.

For more information call the theatre at 898-2442 or check out the website.

Theatre--Review (The Abbey Players)

The Abbey Players are currently presenting a thoroughly delightful production of the Joe DiPietro and Jimmy Roberts musical revue, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. It's a series of skits, mostly comic, about relationships between men and women. The views expressed are nothing new but that does not mean that they are shallow or untrue. As in real life, some relationships are wonderful, some are OK and some are failures. There are some sharp comments and some racy dialogue so you may want to leave the younger kids at home. However, nothing in the show is offensive.

The score is the kind you will forget even while you are listening to it, but the clever lyrics more than compensate.

Staging is elegantly simple with a bare stage graced by a bandstand and a few tables and chairs plus a rolling platform which becomes a bed and a sofa. Changing the arrangement of furniture, adding a few hand props, evocative lighting and a few slide projections are more than enough to set each scene.

The accompaniment is two keyboards played by Jason Pennington and Rebecca LeBlanc. They support the singers admirably. Accompanying is a rare talent and a good accompanist is a godsend in live performance.

Act One concerns getting to the altar and ends with a wedding; Act Two concerns what happens afterwards. Each performer gets a chance to shine. J. Larry Blount is wonderful in "Shouldn't I Love You Less" which is a Valentine to successful, long-term relationships. When he and Jill Stewart, as his wife, connect for a moment at the end of the song it is as true and affecting a moment as you will ever see on stage.

Scott Meddows uses his impressive size and a complete personality makeover to portray a prisoner who literally frightens a mismatched couple into new lives. Jessica Quinn is funny, heartbreaking and admirable as a divorced woman trying to keep her dignity while rebuilding her life in "Rosie Ritz's First Dating Video". And Jill Stewart is hysterical in "Always a Bridesmaid".

But, to be honest, they are all wonderful as characters ranging from lounge lizards to nerds to sophisticates. Director Diane Moss has a dream cast and she has showcased them beautifully. This is a cast which glows with the joy of live performance on the stage. Their enthusiasm is infectious!

The choreography by Rebecca LeBlanc is simple and sparse but very clever. I particularly loved the opening number and "On The Highway Of Love" which is performed entirely in chairs!

It's hard to imagine a better production of this show. If you are looking for an entertaining evening with a little bite and a lot of heart, be sure to catch I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change.
---Walter Brown

Theatre--Reviews

Ray Blum of the Daily Advertiser reviews That's the Spirit (an IPAL production that recently ended its run) and I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change (the Abbey Players' currently running production) in the Friday, October 3rd edition.

Theatre--Performance

The Abbey Players' production of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change is opening on Friday, September 26th. This lighthearted celebration of the mating game tackles the truths and myths behind the contemporary conundrum known as "the relationship". A frothy, fun look at the absurdity of love, this clever musical revue reveals the difficulties of connecting with another person, no matter what the age.

The charming concoction, directed by Dianne Moss, scales the dizzying spectrum of romance and its many forms, from dating to marriage, the agonies and triumphs of dealing with in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car, and pick-up techniques of the geriatric set.

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance, and to those who have put on a brave face, mustered their courage, and dared to ask, "So, what are you doing on Saturday night?"

For more information or for tickets, check www.abbeyplayers.com.

This is an adult musical comedy with adult situations and may not be appropriate for children.

Theatre--Performance

The Abbey Players Children's Theatre Guild presents Telling Tales Again Sam? by Linda M. Abbott and directed by Marie Vaughan.

Sam is determined to be a good Narrator and a great PR man for the fairy tale kingdom as the Gingerbread Man, the Three Little Pigs and other favorites all present their tales under Sam's direction. This is a pleasant and amusing anthology of some favorite tales.

The show will run from August 1 - August 31, 2008 at the Abbey Players Theatre, 200 South State Street in Abbeville.

Theatre--Auditions

The fall production at The Abbey Players theatre will be the hit musical comedy, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. This entertaining look at the dating and marriage game has roles for two men and two women between the ages of 25 and 45. A violinist is also needed. Those interested in
auditioning may come with sheet music of their choice or with any prepared solo. The adult musical will be directed by Dianne Moss and will run several weekends in the fall. Exact show dates will be determined after the show is cast.

Auditions will take place at the Abbey Players theatre, 200 South State Street, on Tuesday, July 8th, at 7 pm, and again on Saturday, July 12th, at 2 pm. For more information about the show, call the Abbey Players office, 893-2442, between 9 and 11 am weekdays, or call Dianne Moss at 523-9995

For more information and a map to the theatre at www.abbeyplayers.com

Theatre--Audition

The fall production at The Abbey Players theatre will be the hit musical comedy, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. This entertaining look at the dating and marriage game has roles for two men and two women between theages of 25 and 45. A violinist is also needed. Those interested in
auditioning may come with sheet music of their choice or with any prepared solo. The adult musical will be directed by Dianne Moss and will run several weekends in the fall. Exact show dates will be determined after the show is cast.

Auditions will take place at the Abbey Players theatre, 200 South State Street, on Tuesday, July 8th, at 7 pm, and again on Saturday, July 12th, at 2 pm. For more information about the show, call the Abbey Players office, 893-2442, between 9 and 11 am weekdays, or call Dianne Moss at 523-9995

For more information and a map to the theatre at www.abbeyplayers.com

Theatre--Performance

Picasso at the Lapin Agile, presented by The Abbey Players, places Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian cafe in 1904(just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter set the art world afire with cubism). In his first comedy for the stage, the popular actor and screenwriter Steve Martin plays fast and loose with fact, fame and fortune as these two geniuses muse on the century's achievements and prospects as well as other fanciful topics with infectious dizziness. Bystanders, including Picasso' agent, the bartender and his mistress, Picasso's date, an elderly philosopher, Charles Dabernow Schmendimen and an idiot inventor introduce additional flourishes of humor. The final surprise patron to join the merriment at the Lapin Agile is a charismatic dark haired singer time warped in from a later era.

Shows are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm.

Theatre--Auditions

Children's Theatre Guild will hold auditions for Telling Tales Again, Sam? directed by Marie Vaughan on Saturday, June 14th and Sunday, June 15th at 2pm at the Abbey Players Theatre at 200 South State Street in Abbeville.
Please contact Marie Vaughan at (337)893 2442 from 9-11 am weekdays for more information.

Theatre--Performance

Picasso at the Lapin Agile, a long running Off-Broadway absurdist comedy, places Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian cafe in 1904, just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter set the art world afire with cubism. In his first comedy for the stage, the popular actor and screenwriter plays fast and loose with fact, fame and fortune as these two geniuses muse on the century's achievements and prospects as well as other fanciful topics with infectious dizziness. Bystanders, including Picasso' agent, the bartender and his mistress, Picasso's date, an elderly philosopher, Charles Dabernow Schmendimen and an idiot inventor introduce additional flourishes of humor. The final surprise patron to join the merriment at the Lapin Agile is a charismatic dark haired singer time warped in from a later era.

Directed by Jerrod Arabie Assistant Director - Pamela Broussard

Regular performance tickets are $12.00 and run every Friday and Saturday from May 10th - June 14th...at 8pm.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! HURRY ABBEY PLAYERS SHOWS FREQUENTLY SELL OUT!

Purchase tickets ONLINE or by calling 337 893 2442.

Theatre--Review

Ray Blum has a review of the Abbey Players' production of Picasso at the Lapin Agile in the May 16th edition of the Daily Advertiser.

Theatre--Performance

Imagine if you will ... Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein, both in their early twenties, before either became well-known, just happen to meet by chance in a bar in Paris circa 1904. Picasso at the Lapin Agile, the long running Off-Broadway absurdist comedy, places Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian cafe in 1904, just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter set the art world afire with cubism. In his first comedy for the stage, Steve Martin (the popular actor and screenwriter) plays fast and loose with fact, fame and fortune as these two geniuses muse on the century's achievements and prospects as well as other fanciful topics with infectious dizziness. Bystanders, including Picasso's agent, the bartender and his mistress, Picasso's date, an elderly philosopher, Charles Dabernow Schmendimen and an idiot inventor introduce additional flourishes of humor. The final surprise patron to join the merriment at the Lapin Agile is a charismatic dark haired singer time warped in from a later era.

May 9th, 2008, 8pm is Patron's Premiere night! This event is open to the public. For $35.00, you get dinner served at 7 pm by a prominent Acadiana restaurant, two complimentary drinks from our antique bar, dessert and a ticket to the show. Regular performance tickets are $12.00 and run every Friday and Saturday from May 10th - June 14th at 8 pm.

Purchase tickets online or by calling 337 893 2442.

Theatre--Performance

The 2007-2008 season of the Abbey Players will close with Picasso at the Lapin Agile by Steve Martin (anticipated run, May 9 – June 20).

The play involves an imaginary meeting of Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein at a quaint bar in Paris in 1904, before either of the gentlemen had achieved fame. They talk of life, love, art and science and poke fun at themselves, the people in the bar and the world in general. A visitor from the future appears near the end and puts everyone’s life and dreams back into perspective. It’s a fun comedy sprinkled with the humor of Steve Martin.

Jerrod Arabie- Director
Pamela Broussard- Assistant Director
Jack Sorenson- Schmendimen
Mattie Hartman- Suzanne
Mickey Atchetee- Einstein
Nathan Bodin- Picasso
Bob LeMaire- Gaston
Angelle Bellard- Germaine
Lydia Soileau- Countess/Woman
Scott Meddows- Freddy
Chris DeShazo- Singer/Elvis
Bob Sidman – Sagot

The Abbey Players are pleased to announce auditions for their upcoming Spring production,Picasso at the Lapin Agile, by Steve Martin.

The show will run mid-May thru June, 2008 and will be directed by Jerrod Arabie and assistant-directed by Pamela Broussard.

Open auditions will be held at the Abbey Players Theatre, 200 South State Street, Abbeville, LA. on the followng dates and times:

Sat. March 22, 1pm -3pm.
Sun. March 23, 1pm -3pm.

Various roles for men ages 18 - 60. Roles for women ages 18 - 40.

Theatre--Auditions

The Abbey Players are pleased to announce auditions for their upcoming Spring production,Picasso at the Lapin Agile, by Steve Martin.

The Abbey Players strive for quality theatre by producing 3-4 well-rehearsed mainstage productions a year, with a children's production during the summer. It is a formula for success that has lasted over 30 years. Hosted productions from outside theatre companies are often added in between. Abbey Players mainstage productions typically run 4 or more weekends, giving the surrounding community an ample number of shows to attend.

The situation is this: on a night in 1904, Albert Einstein, 25 years old, wanders into the Lapin Agile, a small, rather dingy Paris bar hospitable to painters, writers and other eccentrics who are giving direction to the new century's avant-garde. Einstein is waiting for a woman friend, but in the course of the evening he also meets the future in the person of Pablo Picasso, 23.

Having already perceived the future in himself, Einstein is far more fascinated by the arrogant young Picasso than the painter is by him. At least at first. Einstein, after all, is a drone in a patent office by day; he's still a year away from the publication of his seminal work, "The Special Theory of Relativity." He's a nobody. And as a physicist, he's of a different species.

Picasso is already something of a celebrity, though not one with a talent for self-promotion to match that of Charles Dabernow Schmendimen, who also drops into the bar.

The piece, played without intermission, succeeds in being low-comedy funny while also suggesting that a great scientist and a great artist share a rarefied sense of beauty; they're both governed by esthetic laws that, though not easily proved, are innate in minds of genius.

The show will run mid-May thru June, 2008 and will be directed by Jerrod Arabie and assistant-directed by Pamela Broussard.

Open auditions will be held at the Abbey Players Theatre, 200 South State Street, Abbeville, LA. on the followng dates and times:
Sat. March 15, 1pm -3pm.
Sun. March 16, 1pm -3pm.
Mon. march 17, 7pm -9pm.
Sat. March 22, 1pm -3pm.
Sun. March 23, 1pm -3pm.

Various roles for men ages 18 - 60. Roles for women ages 18 - 40.

Volunteers for various other aspects of the show, besides acting, are needed as well! Any and all experience levels are encouraged to attend. If you've ever wanted to assist in any manner, or be involved with the Abbey Players or the arts in general, now is the time!