Theatre--Auditions

Omni Artiste', Inc.

is holding

AUDITIONS FOR

SUNDAY DINNER

Story by

Larnell D. Patterson

A Stage play

by

Brian E Taylor

Audition Schedule:

Saturday, May 28, 2011, 3:00-5:00PM

Bring a headshot or close up photo if you have one.

Ages 10- 70, All ethnicities needed.

Production Schedule:

Mondays, 4-6PM

Thursdays, 4-6PM

Saturday, 3:00-5:00PM

Crew/Talent pay: Based on final ticket sales and proceeds/ videos available of the show.

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

Two shows: Friday, July 1, Saturday, July 2, 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

-- 

Theatre--Workshop

Firelight Performing Arts Academy

Summer Camps 2011

At the Hop: June 6-10, Ages 4-8, 2:30-3:30p.m.; Ages 9 and up 9a.m.-2p.m. Campers will learn basic singing skills and simple choreography to music from the 1950’s.  A culminating performance will be held at 7p.m. on June 10, 2011. Camp will be held at Firelight Performing Arts Academy, 501 Church Street, Youngsville, LA. For more information or to register call (337) 857-6991, (337) 962-0306 or go to our website www.firelightperformingarts.com

Broadway Bound: June 20-24; Ages 4-8, 2:30-3:30p.m.; Ages 9 and up 9a.m.-2p.m. Campers will learn basic singing skills and simple choreography to music from the Broadway stage. A culminating performance will be held at 7p.m. on June 24, 2011. For more information or to register call (337) 857-6991, (337) 962-0306 or go to our website www.firelightperformingarts.com


Fractured Fairy Tales:  Ages 5-8; July 18-29. Campers will learn acting, dancing, and singing skills along with memorization techniques while working on the musical production Fractured Fairy Tales. Culminating performances will be held on July 30, 2011,  For more information or to register call (337) 857-6991, (337) 962-0306 or go to our website www.firelightperformingarts.com


Tom Sawyer: Ages 9 and up; July 11-29. Campers will learn acting, dancing, and singing skills along with memorization techniques while working on the musical production Tom Sawyer. Culminating performances will be held on July 29-31, 2011. For more information or to register call (337) 857-6991, (337) 962-0306 or go to our website www.firelightperformingarts.com

Theatre--Workshop (Playwriting)

AUI/AURA is offering “AURA Summer Playwrights,” a 5-session summer workshop for aspiring or novice playwrights eager to learn more about writing for the stage. The workshop will teach you the basic skills you need to get your play off the ground as well as some tricks and tools to spark your creativity.

The workshop will be led by local playwright Cody Daigle, whose work has been seen locally, regionally and Off-Off Broadway in New York City.


AURA Summer Playwrights will teach you all you need to know to start writing that play you've always dreamed of writing.

WHO: The workshop is open to anyone 16 and up. You do not need to have previous experience as a playwright. (Although seasoned playwrights are welcome!) The only requirement is a desire to write a play.

WHEN: The workshops are 3 hour sessions (two 80-minute sessions with a break) over five days beginning June 13. We can tailor the time schedule to accommodate the workshop participants.

WHERE: 810 Jefferson Street, downtown Lafayette.

HOW MUCH: $50 for the 5-session workshop.

HOW DO I REGISTER?: Email actingunlimitedinc@gmail.com to register for the summer workshop program or for any questions.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Cody Daigle is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America and a company member of Maieutic Theatre Works in NYC. He works as a professional playwright, journalist and educator. His first play, “Guernica,” received its premiere production at UL-Lafayette and was entered into the American College Theatre Festival’s Fourth Freedom’s Foundation Playwriting Competition during the 1996-97 academic year. Mr. Daigle was honored with second prize in this national competition with acclaimed director Lloyd Richards serving as final adjudicator. “Guernica” has also been produced at Augusta State University in Georgia and received a public reading at the University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art in 2007. In recent years, Daigle’s “Providence” and “A Home Across the Ocean” have been produced Off-Off Broadway and his new play, “Why We Fall” was developed in New York by On the Square Theatre Company. Other NYC productions include Life Play at the NY International Theatre Festival and The Last Night of the World at the Riant Theatre. His work has also been developed by AUI/AURA and Playhouse Theatre Tulsa. His new play, “William and Judith” will premiere at Playhouse Tulsa in 2012. 

Theatre--Workshop (Playwriting)

You’ve agonized over every word. You’ve rewritten that final scene at least thirty times. You’ve changed the title more times than you can count.

But now you have a play — all 100 beautiful pages of it.

Now what?

AUI/AURA PRESENTS “THE WORKING PLAYWRIGHT”
This one-day workshop for novice and aspiring playwrights breaks down just what you need to do to get your play off your desktop and into the world. The workshop hits all the nuts and bolts of creating great submission packets, finding opportunities for submission, and the basics of putting on a reading of your own.

The workshop also hits on some basic networking and communication skills so you can make the most of your one-on-one interactions with possible theatre contacts.

SO, WHAT MAKES YOU AN EXPERT?
Simple: I’m a working playwright. I’m what they call an “emerging” or “early career” playwright. I’m a playwright who’s seeing his work produced or read by theatres around the country. And I’m writing plays in a part of the country that isn’t New York or Chicago or L.A.

I’ve been at the playwriting game for the last 10 years, and while I’m not a household name, I’m living the dream of every playwright: audiences are gathering in theatres around the country and seeing my work.

WHO’S THIS WORKSHOP FOR?
This workshop is ideal for any playwright looking to get their script read by theatres around the country without the benefit of an agent. If you’re a playwright with a big dream and a finished script, this workshop is for you.

WHAT’S INVOLVED?
“The Working Playwright” workshop is a day-long workshop, broken into two, three-hour chunks. The workshop group does not exceed 25, so you'll get personal attention throughout the day. You bring your work and your enthusiasm for playwriting – I'll bring the rest.

HOW MUCH?
The cost for the one-day workshop is $30.

WHAT DO I GET?
You'll get some hard-won practical advice on getting your play out into the world. Plus you'll leave with a packet of information that will get your plays (and you!) into the world. Plus, all workshop playwrights will get listed on my website, and companies I collaborate with can connect with you and your work.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Just email cody@codydaiglewrites.com for details on registering for the workshop.
---Cody Daigle

Theatre--Upcoming

This weekend, Acadiana theatre is having a ladies’ night.

Evangeline Players opens their produciton of Wendy Wasserstein’s Uncommon Women and Others, an early play from the Pulitzer and Tony-winning playwright of The Heidi Chronicles.

The show focuses on five old friends meeting for lunch seven years after graduationg from a prestigious women’s college. The reunion sets the scene for a series of flashbacks to their senior year when they were a part of the “uncommon group” who were going to be pretty amazing by the time they were thirty. Uncommon Women and Others is a play about choices.  It is also about struggles- the struggle to achieve and the struggle to remain an individual.

 

The cast includes Elizabeth Hunt, Katie Lamson, Sarah Hitchcock, Amanda Lyon, Kyla Cormier, Amanda Newbury, Taylor Dought, Adel-Catherine Comeaux, and Stacy  Broussard. Uncommon Women and Others contains mature subject matter and language and is intended for mature audiences .Show times are May 13, 14, 15 and  May 20, 21, 21 .  Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 PM and the Sunday matinees are at 2:00 PM. All performances are at The Duchamp Opera House in St. Martinville.  Tickets are available at Shamrock Office Supply (394-5574) or The Duchamp Opera House (394-6604) or at the door.

AUI/AURA is also presenting a staged reading of William and Judith, my new play. The reading will take place at 810 Jefferson St. (under the Juliet Hotel, near The Filling Station) at 8 p.m. on May 14.

In A Room of One’s Own, Virginia Woolf posits that if Shakespeare had an equally talented, equally ambitious sister who dreamed of being a playwright, she would have been lost to history simply because she was a woman. The play imagines that sister — Judith — who arrives in London after being disowned by the family. She finds her brother struggling to write something worthwhile after two decades of success as a playwright. In this crucible, The Tempest is created, and that play’s creation could tear brother and sister apart.

The play features an impressive cast of local actors including Duncan Thistlethwaite, John Snyder, Kayla Lemaire, David Huyhn and Martha Diaz.  The show also features an appearance by Courtneay Sanders, an associate director of Playhouse Theatre Tulsa, which will produce the show in February 2012.

For more information, click here.
---Cody Daigle
http://codydaiglewrites.com/weekend-theatre-roundup-uncommon-women-william-and-judith/
http://codydaiglewrites.com/

Theatre--Performance

Iberia Performing Arts League (IPAL) will Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest June 2 through June 12 at the Essanee Theater in downtown New Iberia. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances at 7:30 and Sunday Matinees at 3:00. TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLEat Delaune’s Pharmacy, Paul’s Flower Shop, or Accentrics on Main Street. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. All tickets are $10.00.  Further information can be obtained by calling the theater at 364-6114, e-mailing ipal@cox.net, or by visiting the IPAL website (www.iberiaperformingartsleague.com).  

Theatre--Performance

The Abbey Players is proud to announce that their spring production, Rich is Better by Jack Sharkey, will open Saturday May 21 and run Fridays and Saturdays through June 25.  The comedy, directed by Mickey Atchetee, has a new face, Brittany DuBois, in the cast along with some veteran actors, Gloria Breaux, Scott Meddows and Judge Byron Hebert.  Rehearsals have started and all cast members are excited about the production.

Nona, played by Gloria Breaux, is unaware that her husband Gino, played by Byron Hebert, owns the company where she works in telephone sales.  Gino posed as a laborer during their courtship, afraid that Nona might marry him just for his money, and has not yet told her of his deception.  When Gino’s secretary Pam, played by Brittany DuBois, shows up with papers that need to be signed he introduces her as a co-worker seeking advice on a romantic problem. Big hearted Nona insists Pam bring her lover to dinner.  Pam cons her podiatrist, played by Scott Meddows, into meeting her at Gino’s home thinking he is making a house call.  By the time the disastrous dinner party occurs, Nona’s misguided gossip has caused a strike at the mill.  Nona is wondering why Gino isn’t joining the picket lines, and he inadvertently gives Nona the impression that Pam is his paramour.  Things only get more confusing at the night goes on.

Along with the Friday and Saturday performances, two matinees are scheduled for May 22 and June 19.  Tickets go on sale the second week in May and can be purchased by logging on to abbeyplayers.com and ordering over the internet or by calling the office at 893-2442.  The office is manned by volunteers so, if ordering over the phone, please leave your name and number and the office will call you back within 24 hours.

The show runs Fridays and Saturdays, May 21 through June 25, with two Sunday matinees, May 22 and June 19.  

Theatre--Performance

The Evangeline Players of St. Martinville will present Wendy Wasserstein's Uncommon Women and Others May 13th through May 22nd. It is directed by Charlee Halphen Swain.

 

The show focuses on five old friends meeting for lunch seven years after graduationg from a prestigious women's college. The reunion sets the scene for a series of flashbacks to their senior year when they were a part of the "uncommon group" who were going to be pretty amazing by the time they were thirty. Uncommon Women and Others is a play about choices.  It is also about struggles- the struggle to achieve and the struggle to remain an individual.

 

The cast includes Elizabeth Hunt, Katie Lamson, Sarah Hitchcock, Amanda Lyon, Kyla Cormier, Amanda Newbury, Taylor Dought, Adel-Catherine Comeaux, and Stacy  Broussard. Uncommon Women and Others contains mature subject matter and language and is intended for mature audiences .Show times are May 13, 14, 15 and  May 20, 21, 21 .  Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 PM and the Sunday matinees are at 2:00 PM. All performances are at The Duchamp Opera House in St. Martinville.  Tickets are available at Shamrock Office Supply (394-5574) or The Duchamp Opera House (394-6604) or at the door.

Theatre--Auditions (Musical Theatre)

The Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts will be holding open auditions for Gypsy on Tuesday, May 10th from 7 to 10 pm.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

There are two wonderful performances opening this week, by and for children.  On Friday, Firelight Performing Arts will begin their run of  The Wizard of Oz, and on Saturday, CYT opens Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

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.