The Acadia Players are putting on Christmas Belles. Here is a synopsis: A church Christmas program spins hilariously out of control in this Southern farce about squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, a vengeful sheep and a reluctant Elvis impersonator.
It's Christmas-time in the small town of Fayro, Texas, and the Futrelle Sisters—Frankie, Twink and Honey Raye—are not exactly in a festive mood. A cranky Frankie is weeks overdue with her second set of twins. Twink, recently jilted and bitter about it, is in jail for inadvertently burning down half the town. And hot-flash-suffering Honey Raye is desperately trying to keep the Tabernacle of the Lamb's Christmas Program from spiraling into chaos. But things are not looking too promising: Miss Geneva, the ousted director of the previous twenty-seven productions, is ruthless in her attempts to take over the show. The celebrity guest Santa Claus—played by Frankie's long-suffering husband, Dub—is passing a kidney stone. One of the shepherds refuses to watch over his flock by night without pulling his little red wagon behind him. And the entire cast is dropping like flies due to food poisoning from the Band Boosters' Pancake Supper. And when Frankie lets slip a family secret that has been carefully guarded for decades, all hope for a successful Christmas program seems lost, even with an Elvis impersonator at the manger. But in true Futrelle fashion, the feuding sisters find a way to pull together in order to present a Christmas program the citizens of Fayro will never forget. Their hilarious holiday journey through a misadventure-filled Christmas Eve is guaranteed to bring joy to your world!
Auditions will be in the Rice Theater in Crowley Tuesday (August 9th) ,Wednesday (August 10th), and Thursday (August 11th). Auditions start at 6, but they ask that people interested in auditioning arrive 15 minutes ahead of time to fill out the required paper work. Rehearsals will be on Sunday afternoons from 2-5.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Theatre--Performance
The Acadiana Repertory Theatre is proud to announce its premier production: Doubt, A Parable by John Patrick Shanley.
Performances will take place at 7:30 pm on September 9th and 10th at the Bayou Bijou theatre in the Student Union on the campus of U. L. Lafayette. Ticket prices are $12 and are available at the door or via our website at www.acadianarep.org
Reservations can also be made by calling 337.385.3921 or by emailing info@acadianarep.org
Directed by Garland J. Theriot, Doubt stars Shana Ledet Qualls, Steven R. Landry, Etienna R. Wright, and Kristina Marshall.
Theatre--Performance
Eavesdrop Theatre presents A Retrospective: Pawn’s Gambit, Getting Rid of Horace and Snuff Flick, three hysterical One-Act plays, August 12-13 and August 19-20 at 7:30 p.m. and August 14 and 21 at 2:00 p.m. at Cite Des Arts, 109 Vine Street, Lafayette, Louisiana.
Written by ULL Emeritus Professor of English John W. Fiero and directed by Daniel Ladmirault, this rollicking production examines the power of persuasion against three distinct backdrops: an exclusive all male social club, an upscale suburban neighborhood and a Hollywood movie set. “These plays cast a humourous spotlight on the ‘Alpha Male’ and those who love him,” says Ladmirault. “ They also serve to bring awareness to a very brilliant local comic playwright who has largely gone unnoticed, except for the lucky few who know John Fiero and his work.”
The cast members are Shane Guilbeau, Alexandra Culotta, Bob Sidman, John W. Fiero, Christy Leichty, Carmen Nicholson, Elizabeth Austin, Amanda Newberry, Stacy Broussard and Daniel Ladmirault. Matthew Humphrey is the Stage Manager/ Assistant Director and Grady Roy is the Light and Sound Technician.
Pictured Amanda Newberry, Elizabeth Austin, Daniel Ladmirault and Stacy Broussard
Pictured Amanda Newberry, Elizabeth Austin, Daniel Ladmirault and Stacy Broussard
Tickets for all performances are $10 for general admission and $8 for seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased at the door or on-line at www.citedesarts.org. For additional information, call Cite des Arts (337) 291-1122. Join Eavesdrop Theatre on Facebook.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Theatre--Review (AUI/AURA at Cite)
“Lord, what fools these mortals be!” uttered Puck, the mischievous sprite in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the latest production from Acting Unlimited, Inc. and AURA, and what a lively production it was. Filled with expressive actors, a gorgeous set, incredible hair and make-up, and suggestive mood lighting, this reproduction is sure to please all, and is another successful venture in this company’s repertoire. There are still three more performances for August 4th, 5th, and 6th, so please call 291-1122 or contact Cité des Arts for ticket information.
For those unfamiliar with the convoluted story, it’s an intoxicating blend of mortals and immortals. The mortals involve two disparate couples, for the beautiful Hermia loves Lysander, but she has already been promised by her father to wed Demetrius. Throw into the mix another lady, Helena, who is lovesick over Demetrius, and you have a classic soap opera of foolish young things who spurn the very people they should love. This quartet wanders into the woods to encounter the immortals in the form of fairies, led by King Oberon and Queen Titania, in the midst of their own lovers’ spat. Using the potent petals of a plant and the impish character of Puck, the King orders that certain characters fall in love with the first thing they see, all for hilarious results. As if this weren’t enough, there rambles on stage an acting troupe set to perform a play for the upcoming nuptials of the young quartet, and their company is nearly overwhelmed by the self-imposing figure of an actor named Bottom. The fact that all these parts congeal into a perfect parfait by the conclusion is a tribute both to Shakespeare and to the impeccable direction by Cody Daigle and Cara Hayden. Never once did I feel lost amid the chaos, and sometimes Shakespeare’s language can leave people bewildered. It also helped tremendously that this particular cast seemed to be enjoying themselves on stage, an added bonus to the play’s atmosphere.
For this cast, Daigle and Hayden drew from a rich talent pool, for there are so many rewarding characters in this play. It hardly seems fair to single out only a few, for each actor added something of note, from Phillip Smith’s Flute, with an orange-laden bosom, to Mychael Zulauf’s commanding presence as Oberon, to Martha Diaz’s particularly appealing Helena. (In all fairness, Ms. Diaz is far too pretty to be spouting lines about her homeliness, but once you buy the magic of the play, you forget this.) The actors playing the quartet of lovers (Phillip Spear as Lysander, Nick Dooley as Demetrius, Morgan James as Hermia, and Ms. Diaz as Helena) all played their roles admirably, though the men do get their fair share of stringent face-slaps. Whether the play is written this way or the roles are filled by expert actors, this play has two characters that steal the show: Puck and Bottom. An underappreciated talent of incredible comic timing, Erin Segura, complete with a nest-like wig, laughed at the mortals while drawing the audience in, periodically breaking the fourth wall, especially in her final monologue. But Bottom is the role of which most actors dream, and Gerard Ducharme filled the stage with enough pomposity to make William Shatner cringe. His egregious over-acting—that is a compliment, by the way—elevated the play’s spirited mood, and the acting troupe’s play for the newly-wedded couples, brought peals of laughter from the audience.
The thing I appreciate about Acting Unlimited is its ability to harness a wide age-range in their cast. Though it was mostly upper teens and twenty-somethings, there was a good display of mature actors in the form of Robert Sidman as Egeus, Michael Munzing as Theseus, and Kate Schneider as Hippolyta. On the other spectrum, Zachary Mishlove, Annette Diaz, Naomi Roberts, and Hannah Corkern played a gathering of children who serve the fairy queen. The play also benefited from lovely musical composition from Mychael Zulauf and Kelly Griffin, and sung mostly by the Diva Fairies (Cindy Hebert, Kelly Griffin, and Ali Roberts). And if this were possible, the extra character in this production was the set, designed by the brilliant Duncan Thistlewaite, and that set was in some ways the richest character of them all. There literally was something for everyone.
Normally, I would rank this excellent production a ten, but there were two extremely minor things that distracted me. In the scene where the fairies are lulling Titania to sleep, all the fairies and Titania herself were upstaged by the positioning of the guitar player, who sat center-stage, thus shifting the scene’s focus away from the actors. It was an awkward bit of staging, and I cannot tell if it was intentional or just happened that way. And while I loved the look of the costumes and the rich color scheme involved in the fabric choices, I was on several occasions distracted by the outfits which were not hemmed. Jagged edges, frayed hems, and lengthy dangling strings of six inches or longer marred what should have been a pitch-perfect production. The outfits of some characters, Hermia for instance, were perfectly hemmed, and yet she stood opposite actors whose material was merely cut. Those relatively minor accents make the production a 9.5 instead of a ten.
But the merriment and the infectious spirit of the play should make you forget all that. Yes, we mortals can be fools, but the only fools I know would be the ones who would miss this exquisite production.
--Vincent P. Barras
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Theatre--Auditions
The Evangeline Players are holding open auditions for The Bishop's Wife, based on the 1947 Samuel Goldwyn movie and adapted for the stage by Dave McGrath, on Saturday, September 10th (from 2 to 4 pm) and Monday, September 12th (from 6:30 to 8:30 pm) at the Duchamp Opera House.
Auditions are open to everyone. The cast consists of a wide range of ages.
Theatre--Performances
August 4-6
Thursday, August 4:
A Midsummer Night's Dream
(continuing--AUI/AURA at Cite)
Schoolhouse Rock Live!
(continuing--Eunice Players' Theatre)
Friday, August 5:
A Midsummer Night's Dream
(continuing--AUI/AURA at Cite)
Gypsy
(continuing--Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts)
Saturday, August 6:
A Midsummer Night's Dream
(opening--AUI/AURA at Cite)
Schoolhouse Rock Live!
(continuing--Eunice Players' Theatre)
Friday, July 29, 2011
Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)
The pop culture phenomenon comes to the musical stage. Schoolhouse Rock Live!, the Emmy Award-winning 1970's Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs is lighting up the stage at the Eunice Players' Theatre. Familiar songs include "Conjunction Junction", "Three Is A Magic Number", "My Hero, Zero", "Rufus Xavier Sasaparilla", "Lolly Lolly Lolly Get Your Adverbs Here", "Do the Circulation", "Interplanet Janet", "I'm Just a Bill", and more.
Dates for evening performances (7:00 p.m.) are:
Friday, July 29th
Tuesday, August 2nd - Dinner theatre night ($10 extra)
Thursday, August 4th
Saturday, August 6th
Dates for matinee performances (2:00 p.m.) are:
Sunday, July 31st
Sunday, August 7th
Friday, July 29th
Tuesday, August 2nd - Dinner theatre night ($10 extra)
Thursday, August 4th
Saturday, August 6th
Dates for matinee performances (2:00 p.m.) are:
Sunday, July 31st
Sunday, August 7th
Tickets are available at the door or can be purchased in advance by calling 457-2156 or 546-0163.
Cast members in the pictures are: Kristi Burleigh, Taylor LaCalle, Angie B. McBride, Gabe Ortego, Deborah D. Ardoin, Jersten Seraile, John Burleigh, Walter Duncan McBride, Andy Doucet, John Christian Lyons
Not pictured: Jeanne Aucoin
Not pictured: Jeanne Aucoin
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
This Week in Theatre
I'm having trouble getting Blogger to accept some changes, so until it starts working again, here is the week of theatre for July 25th through the 31st:
Week of July 25-31
Monday, July 25:
Tuesday, July 26:
Wednesday, July 27:
Schoolhouse Rock Live!
(opening--Eunice Players Theatre)
Thursday, July 28:
A Midsummer Night's Dream
(continuing--AUI/AURA at Cite Des Arts)
Friday, July 29:
Gypsy
(opening--Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts)
Schoolhouse Rock Live!
(continuing--Eunice Players' Theatre)
A Midsummer Night's Dream
(continuing--AUI/AURA at Cite Des Arts)
Cinderella
(continuing--Opelousas Little Theatre)
Saturday, July 30:
Gypsy
(continuing--Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts)
A Midsummer Night's Dream
(opening--AUI/AURA at Cite)
Cinderella
(continuing--OLT)
Sunday, July 31:
Gypsy
(continuing--Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts)
Schoolhouse Rock Live!
(continuing--Eunice Players' Theatre)
A Midsummer Night's Dream
(continuing--AUI/AURA at Cite)
Cinderella
(continuing--OLT)
Theatre--Performance
The AUI/AURA production of A Midsummer Night's Dream was the focus of an article in the online editions of The Independent.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Theatre--Article (AUI/AURA)
Theatre--Article (Acting Up)
Acting Up (in Acadiana)'s Summer Shakespeare Youth Ensemble is featured in an online article of the Independent.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Theatre--Performance
Due to the overwhelming response to IPAL’s presentation of Beauty and the Beast, Jr. an extra performance has been added. The added performance will be Saturday, July 23, at the special time of 2:00. Tickets will be available at the IPAL Ticket Outlets beginning Wednesday, July 20, on a first come, first served basis. Outlets are Dalaune’s Pharmacy, Paul’s Flowers, and Accentrics on Main Street.
Theatre--Auditions (Musical Theatre)
The Opelousas Little Theatre is holding auditions for Clue: The Musical.
The internationally popular game is now a fun filled musical which brings the world's best know suspects to life and invites the audience to help solve the mystery: who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room and with what weapon. The audience receives forms to help them deduce the solution from clues given throughout the fun filled evening. Three audience members choose from cards representing the potential murderers, weapons and rooms; there are 216 possible solutions! Only one hard nosed female detective is qualified to unravel the merry mayhem. Comic antics, witty lyrics and a beguiling score carry the investigation from room to room.
Directed by Walter Duncan McBride, this show calls for 4 female and 4 male singers. Additional cast is needed backstage to operate a living, moving set. Seven or more stage cast is needed, so please attend auditions if you wish to help.
Auditions will be held at Opelousas Little Theatre on July 20,21 @ 6 to 8 pm and July 23 @ 4 to 6 pm. Interested parties should be prepared with a 3 to 5 minute monolouge and song with music (karaoke).
The actual show will be held at the Delta Grand Theatre in downtown Opelousas on September 22, 23, 24, 29, and 30 October 1 - 7pm to 9pm with Sunday matenees on Sempter 25 October 2 - 2pm to 4pm.
The internationally popular game is now a fun filled musical which brings the world's best know suspects to life and invites the audience to help solve the mystery: who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room and with what weapon. The audience receives forms to help them deduce the solution from clues given throughout the fun filled evening. Three audience members choose from cards representing the potential murderers, weapons and rooms; there are 216 possible solutions! Only one hard nosed female detective is qualified to unravel the merry mayhem. Comic antics, witty lyrics and a beguiling score carry the investigation from room to room.
Directed by Walter Duncan McBride, this show calls for 4 female and 4 male singers. Additional cast is needed backstage to operate a living, moving set. Seven or more stage cast is needed, so please attend auditions if you wish to help.
Auditions will be held at Opelousas Little Theatre on July 20,21 @ 6 to 8 pm and July 23 @ 4 to 6 pm. Interested parties should be prepared with a 3 to 5 minute monolouge and song with music (karaoke).
The actual show will be held at the Delta Grand Theatre in downtown Opelousas on September 22, 23, 24, 29, and 30 October 1 - 7pm to 9pm with Sunday matenees on Sempter 25 October 2 - 2pm to 4pm.
Theatre--Auditions (Musical Theatre)
The Abbey Players are holding an additional night of auditions for their production of the 2005 Tony award winning The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on Wednesday, July 20th at 6 pm. The show will run for 14 performances from September 30th to November 12th (with the exception of the weekend of October 14th due to the Cattle Festival in Abbeville). The show will be directed by Scott Meddows with musical direction by Jason Pennington.
The audience participation show is most simply a spelling be. The show is very comedic and improvisation is a necessity for some of the cast members. The music has pop influences and the female characters should have strong belt/mix voices. There is minimal dance.
Please come to the audition with 16 bars from a Broadway musical number prepared to sing the entire number. Cold readings will be done from the script.
For more information, go to the Abbey Players website.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Theatre--Article
The Daily Iberian has an article about IPAL's summer production of Beauty and the Beast Jr. in the July 14th edition of the newspaper.
Theatre--Workshop
In conjunction with the preparations for Schoolhouse Rock Live!, the 3rd Annual Eunice Players’ Theatre Children’s Theatre Workshop will be held on Saturday, July 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Kids ages 7-13 will enjoy a fun-filled morning of singing, acting and games while learning the basics in the performing arts. The fee is $10.00 and space is limited so register early! For information, please call 337-546-0163 or 337-457-2156. Also, checkout the theatre website at euniceplayers.blogspot.com and the theatre's Facebook page. The workshop will be held at the theatre at 121 S. Second St. in historic downtown Eunice.
Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)
Tickets are currently on sale at The Fad of Franklin, La. for the Teche Theatre's Summer Production of Gypsy. Show dates include July 29th, dinner theatre 6:00PMshow, July 30th, Wine and Cheese 6:30PM, July 31st. Dessert Matinee 2:00PM. Other show dates are General Admission shows August 3rd,4th,and 5th at 7:30PM.
July 29,and 30 include general admission starting at 7:00PM and 31st at 2:45. For More Info and Prices call The Fad at (337)828-2486.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)
Remember "Conjunction Junction" or "The Preamble" or perhaps "Do The Circulation"? This is just a taste of some of the groovin' fun songs from the 1970's pop culture phenomenon that taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs that Eunice Players' Theatre is bringing to the musical stage in their production of Schoolhouse Rock Live!
Director Angie B. McBride is very proud to have an extremely talented cast, who are working very hard to provide a top notch show. Cast members are Deborah D. Ardoin, John Christian Lyons, Gabe Ortego and Jeanne Sonnier of Eunice, Kristi and John Burleigh of Ville Platte, Duncan and Angie McBride and Taylor LaCalle of Lawtell and Andy Doucet, Jersten Seraile and pianist, Debbie Bertinot from Opelousas.
Dates for evening performances (7:00 p.m.) are:
Wednesday, July 27th
Friday, July 29th
Tuesday, August 2nd (Dinner theatre)
Thursday, August 4th
Saturday, August 6th
Dates for matinee performances (2:00 p.m.) are:
Sunday, July 31st
Sunday, August 7th
Wednesday, July 27th
Friday, July 29th
Tuesday, August 2nd (Dinner theatre)
Thursday, August 4th
Saturday, August 6th
Dates for matinee performances (2:00 p.m.) are:
Sunday, July 31st
Sunday, August 7th
Also again this year, Mrs. McBride will hold the theatre's annual Children's Workshop, scheduled for Saturday, July 23rd. Please watch for future articles for more details and for ticket purchasing information. You can also check out our Facebook page and our blog at www.euniceplayers.blogspot .com for the latest information and pictures.
For more information, call Debi at 337-457-2156.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Theatre--Auditions (Musical Theatre)
Auditions for the upcoming Abbey Players’ production of the 2005 Tony Award winning The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will happen Saturday, July 16th at 2PM and again on Monday, July 18th at 6PM at the Abbey Players’ Theatre located at 200 South State Street in Abbeville. This audience-participation show is most simply, a spelling bee. All the "kids" are played by adults. This show is very comedic, and with audience members onstage, improvisation is a necessary task for Panch and Peretti, but useful to all cast members. The music has pop influences, and the female characters should have a strong belt/mix voice. Minimal dance. Please come to the audition with 16 bars from a Broadway musical number, but be prepared to sing the entire number. Cold readings will be done from the script of The Bee. Check out the website, http://www.abbeyplayers.com or the Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/#!/
Theatre--Columnist
Daily Advertiser theatre critic Ray Blum has written his final column for the paper. Ray has been a tireless supporter and friend of local theatre, and he will be missed by all.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Theatre--Performance
AUI/AURA presents
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE's
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
Opening Night: July 23 at 7:30 p.m.
July 27-29; Aug. 4-6 at 7:30 p.m.
July 24 and 31 at 3 p.m.
Shakespeare's immortal tale of love among both mortals and fairies comes to the Lafayette stage in a bright, romantic staging by AUI/AURA.
Two pairs of star-crossed lovers find themselves in the woods outside of Athens on a midsummer night. There, the brawling fairy King and Queen wage a passionate war that turns the woods into a magical playground of mismatched love and romantic chaos. A crew of hardy workers rehearsing a play are mixed up in this fairy mischief, and by evening's end, mortals and fairies alike are wandering through a topsy-turvy world. Wrong loves are righted, couples are wed, and order is restored by play's end, but only after the raucous ride of Shakespeare's epic romantic comedy.
The show features a cast of 30 local actors, including young actors new to the stage and well-known theatre veterans of local productions. The core company consists of cast members in their teens and early 20s, who've been working together since the summer of 2010.
The production is directed by Cara Hayden and Cody Daigle, both local theatre veterans. The set is designed by Duncan Thistlethwaite. Costumes are designed by Gina Baronne. Original tunes are composed by Mychael Zulauf and Kelly Griffin. The production is produced by Walter Brown and Marie Diaz.
AUI/AURA presents A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM after two highly praised 2010 productions – DR. HORRIBLE'S SINGALONG BLOG and BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL. This production marks the third collaboration for many in the company, and should prove to be one of the summer's brightest entertainments.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM will be presented at Cite des Arts. For tickets and reservations, call (337) 291-1122 or visit Cite Des Arts online.
Theatre--Website
There is a new theatre website in Louisiana called, appropriately enough, Theatres of Louisiana. It has information about most of the theatre goings on throughout Louisiana. It's a wonderful source for information about productions all over the state.
Theatre--Auditions (Musical Theatre)
Open auditions will be held for an original two act musical at Cite Des Arts.
WHEN: Audition Dates are Thursday, July 14th from 6:30 - 8:30 PM and Saturday, July 16th from 1:00-4:00 PM
WHERE: Auditions will be held at Cité Des Arts, 109 Vine St. (off of Jefferson, Downtown Lafayette)
WHAT: An original 2-Act Musical Comedy based on a wayward Preacher and his 2 crazy cousins.
NEEDED: 5 male Actor/Singers. 8 female Actor/Singers. Ages 18- 40 (flexible) Choir members.
REQUIRED: Please be prepared to give a cold reading of a short dialogue from the play and sing a short simple song. You are welcome to bring a short (1-minute) monologue and a song of your choice.
EXTRA: You are also welcome to bring a resume and head shot if you have them, but it is not required. We are also seeking volunteers for backstage - crew, costumes, makeup, set construction, etc. You may email John at tsejohn@msn.com or Jane at janebilleaudeaux@gmail.com. Come and try out for an entertaining and original musical!
Performance dates are: Sept. 29, 30, Oct. 1, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, & 15.
WHEN: Audition Dates are Thursday, July 14th from 6:30 - 8:30 PM and Saturday, July 16th from 1:00-4:00 PM
WHERE: Auditions will be held at Cité Des Arts, 109 Vine St. (off of Jefferson, Downtown Lafayette)
WHAT: An original 2-Act Musical Comedy based on a wayward Preacher and his 2 crazy cousins.
NEEDED: 5 male Actor/Singers. 8 female Actor/Singers. Ages 18- 40 (flexible) Choir members.
REQUIRED: Please be prepared to give a cold reading of a short dialogue from the play and sing a short simple song. You are welcome to bring a short (1-minute) monologue and a song of your choice.
EXTRA: You are also welcome to bring a resume and head shot if you have them, but it is not required. We are also seeking volunteers for backstage - crew, costumes, makeup, set construction, etc. You may email John at tsejohn@msn.com or Jane at janebilleaudeaux@gmail.com. Come and try out for an entertaining and original musical!
Performance dates are: Sept. 29, 30, Oct. 1, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, & 15.
Theatre--Auditions
Eavesdrop Theatre will hold auditions for Snuff Flick, Pawn's Gambit and Getting Rid of Horace, three hysterical one-act comedies by local playwright and retired UL English professor John W. Fiero.
Auditions are Saturday, July 9th and Sunday, July 10th from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Cite des Arts, 109 Vine Street, Lafayette, Louisiana. Roles to be cast include seven males, ages 18 - 80 and three females ages 18 - 60. Auditions are open and all interested are encouraged to attend. Auditioners will be asked to perform a cold reading from the script. Please bring a headshot and resume if available.
The production will be directed by Daniel Ladmirault. Performances are August 12-14 and 19-21 at Cite des Arts. For audition-related questions, email danny@danielladmirault.com.
Auditions are Saturday, July 9th and Sunday, July 10th from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Cite des Arts, 109 Vine Street, Lafayette, Louisiana. Roles to be cast include seven males, ages 18 - 80 and three females ages 18 - 60. Auditions are open and all interested are encouraged to attend. Auditioners will be asked to perform a cold reading from the script. Please bring a headshot and resume if available.
The production will be directed by Daniel Ladmirault. Performances are August 12-14 and 19-21 at Cite des Arts. For audition-related questions, email danny@danielladmirault.com.
Theatre--Master Class/Workshop
Cite des Arts will sponsor another session of Caroline McGee’s Master Acting Workshop for actors of all ages and experience.
Ms. McGee recently mentored a number of local students for successful acceptance to top-flight institutions including NYU Tisch Drama, California Institute of the Arts, Columbia and Brown universities, Second City/Chicago, and more. This session will focus on legendary master acting techniques developed by Lee Strasberg and Michael Chekhov. Improvisation/exercises will be based on Anton Chekhov, Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill, and Sam Shepard. For an application and more information: mcgeec50@yahoo.com
Ms. McGee served as Director at The Lee Strasberg Institute/NYU Tisch Drama Studio, The Catholic University MFA Acting, and currently teaches at The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Art Film & TV.
Ms. McGee recently mentored a number of local students for successful acceptance to top-flight institutions including NYU Tisch Drama, California Institute of the Arts, Columbia and Brown universities, Second City/Chicago, and more. This session will focus on legendary master acting techniques developed by Lee Strasberg and Michael Chekhov. Improvisation/exercises will be based on Anton Chekhov, Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill, and Sam Shepard. For an application and more information: mcgeec50@yahoo.com
Ms. McGee served as Director at The Lee Strasberg Institute/NYU Tisch Drama Studio, The Catholic University MFA Acting, and currently teaches at The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Art Film & TV.
Theatre--Performance
Cite des Arts will present a staged reading of Revolting Women/WOMANBOMB at 6 pm on Friday July 15. Tickets for the performance are free and can be reserved by calling 337-291-1122
Awarded “Best Acting” in The 2010 International United Solo Festival held at New York City’s Theatre Row, 42 Street, Revolting Women/WOMANBOMB explores the world of a 17-year old female suicide bomber and those of us left behind to pick up the pieces.
Local actors Martha Diaz and Christy Leichty will join playwrights Allan Graubard and Caroline McGee to portray the roles of the suicide bomber, a BBC journalist, and two mothers mourning their daughters.
A woman walks into a public place and explodes. Do we know her? Do we want to? Do we care? Revolting Women/WOMANBOMB tracks an encounter with a tragic event and how media influences our perceptions of it – when suicide becomes a political weapon.
Awarded “Best Acting” in The 2010 International United Solo Festival held at New York City’s Theatre Row, 42 Street, Revolting Women/WOMANBOMB explores the world of a 17-year old female suicide bomber and those of us left behind to pick up the pieces.
Local actors Martha Diaz and Christy Leichty will join playwrights Allan Graubard and Caroline McGee to portray the roles of the suicide bomber, a BBC journalist, and two mothers mourning their daughters.
A woman walks into a public place and explodes. Do we know her? Do we want to? Do we care? Revolting Women/WOMANBOMB tracks an encounter with a tragic event and how media influences our perceptions of it – when suicide becomes a political weapon.
Ms. McGee served as Director at The Lee Strasberg Institute/NYU Tisch Drama Studio, The Catholic University MFA Acting, and currently teaches at The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Art Film & TV.
Allan Graubard’s recent works include Roma Amor, Invisible Heads/Surrealists in North America, and For Alejandra Pizarnik; the plays One in the Other, Gordogan; and reviews in Leonardo (MIT Press), Pacific Rim Review (Exstasis Editions) & PEN Center/NY.
Allan Graubard’s recent works include Roma Amor, Invisible Heads/Surrealists in North America, and For Alejandra Pizarnik; the plays One in the Other, Gordogan; and reviews in Leonardo (MIT Press), Pacific Rim Review (Exstasis Editions) & PEN Center/NY.
Theatre--Performance
Coming to Cite des Arts this July are two shows directed, designed, and written by a local Lafayette theatre groupcomposed of high school students. The Tea Sippers' Theatre Group (Plus One Coffee Drinker) will be presenting Bang Bang You're Dead by William Mastrosimone and an original play by Andrew Lee Vincent, The Outside.
Both performances are rated PG-13 and will run as a double feature on the nights of July 8th, 9th, 15th, & 16th at 7:30 PM.
Bang Bang You're Dead follows the life of a young teenager after multiple acts of murder. The play opens the door to another world, letting us meet her victims and the sorrow they all face. Learning that she will have to live with the pain forever, Jade must swallow the consequences of her actions.
The Outside is a play written by Andrew Lee Vincent. It follows the lives of multiple everyday people and strings their lives together. Set in a local park, these strangers will meet, love, hate, kill, cheat, steal, and ask for comfort. Noticing that what's on the outside isn't always what's most important.
The Tea Sippers' Theatre Group (Plus One Coffee Drinker) is a local theatre group that formed last October, beginning with the play, 70 Scenes of Halloween written by Jeffery Jones. The group has since grown and continues to bring theater to Lafayette. The group consists mainly of teens from Lafayette High School and its Performing Arts Academy.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)
Dennis Ward is extremely happy to announce the cast of his new musical comedy, The Roadkill
Diner:
Cast of Characters
1. Annie Lu Nutt- A knocked up, back woods beauty who sings like a sparrow.
Jessica Jouclard
2. Connie Coffee- The feisty Roadkill Diner waitress whose tongue is an AK47.
Rose Cormier
3. Ima Nutt- Pretentious, power hungry, a grand dame only in her own mind
Stephanie Broussard
4. Aunt Ophelia Nutt-The heart of gold owner of the Roadkill Diner.
Kathy Martin
5. Teena Nutt - A lascivious criminal sister(possibly a drag role)
Mario Contreras
6. Teeta Nutt- A lascivious criminal sister (possibly a drag role)
Ryan Rogers
7. Dubbly Nutt- A heterosexual, drag queen husband of Annie Lu Nutt
Rick Rowan
8. Sam Goodman- A kind lawyer who helps the defenseless.
Joey Collins
9. Preacher Tubbs-A country preacher
Rudy Eisenzopf
10. Sheriff Jones- A country sheriff
John Bess
11. Encyclopedia salesman-A innocent teenager
Andrew Vincent
12. Wendell Sockett-He has a collection of shrapnel in his brain.
Bisquita Stevens
Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)
A pop culture phenomenon comes to the musical stage! The Emmy Award-winning 1970's Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs is lighting up the stage at the Eunice Player's Theatre. Schoolhouse Rock Live! is now in rehearsals. Performance dates are scheduled for Wednesday, July 27th, Friday, July 29th, Tuesday, August 2nd, Thursday, August 4th and Saturday, August 6th at 7:00pm. There will also be two matinees on Sunday, July 31st and Sunday, August 7th at 2:00pm. Make sure to mark your calendars and save the dates.
Director Angie B. McBride is very proud to have an extremely talented cast, who are working very hard to provide a top notch show! Cast members are Deborah D. Ardoin, John Christian Lyons, Gabe Ortego and Jeanne Sonnier of Eunice, Kristi and John Burleigh of Ville Platte, Duncan and Angie McBride and Taylor LaCalle of Lawtell and Andy Doucet, Jersten Seraile and pianist, Debbie Bertinot from Opelousas.
Also again this year, Mrs. McBride will hold the theatre's annual Children's Workshop, which is scheduled for Saturday, July 23rd.
Director Angie B. McBride is very proud to have an extremely talented cast, who are working very hard to provide a top notch show! Cast members are Deborah D. Ardoin, John Christian Lyons, Gabe Ortego and Jeanne Sonnier of Eunice, Kristi and John Burleigh of Ville Platte, Duncan and Angie McBride and Taylor LaCalle of Lawtell and Andy Doucet, Jersten Seraile and pianist, Debbie Bertinot from Opelousas.
Also again this year, Mrs. McBride will hold the theatre's annual Children's Workshop, which is scheduled for Saturday, July 23rd.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Theatre--Auditions
Eavesdrop Theatre will hold auditions for Snuff Flick, Pawn's Gambit and Getting Rid of Horace, three hysterical one-act comedies by local playwright and retired UL English professor John W. Fiero.
Auditions are Saturday, July 9th and Sunday, July 10th from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Cite des Arts, 109 Vine Street, Lafayette, Louisiana. Roles to be cast include seven males, ages 18 - 80 and three females ages 18 - 60. Auditions are open and all interested are encouraged to attend. Auditioners will be asked to perform a cold reading from the script. Please bring a headshot and resume if available.
The production will be directed by Daniel Ladmirault. Performances are August 12-14 and 19-21 at Cite des Arts. For audition-related questions, email danny@danielladmirault.com.
Auditions are Saturday, July 9th and Sunday, July 10th from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Cite des Arts, 109 Vine Street, Lafayette, Louisiana. Roles to be cast include seven males, ages 18 - 80 and three females ages 18 - 60. Auditions are open and all interested are encouraged to attend. Auditioners will be asked to perform a cold reading from the script. Please bring a headshot and resume if available.
The production will be directed by Daniel Ladmirault. Performances are August 12-14 and 19-21 at Cite des Arts. For audition-related questions, email danny@danielladmirault.com.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Theatre--Auditions (Musical Theatre)
AUDITIONS FOR: IN HIS GRACE
an original musical comedy
by: Jane Martin Billeaudeaux & John Verly Richard
based on a wayward Preacher and his 2 crazy cousins.
AUDITION SCHEDULE:
Cité des Arts, 109 Vine St., Lafayette, Louisiana
Thursday, July 14th - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 14th - 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
& Saturday July 16th from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
PRODUCTION SCHEDULE:
Rehearsals begin the week of July 25th, 2011.
Performances are Sept 29 & 30, Oct 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14 & 15.
NEEDED: 5 male Actor/Singers. 8 female Actor/Singers. ages 18-40 (flexible)
We also need a Narrator (strong southern accent) and several Choir members.
(cast info below)
REQUIRED: Please be prepared to give a cold reading of a short dialogue from the play.
and sing a short simple song. You are welcome to bring a short (one minute) monologue and a song of your choice.
EXTRA: You are also welcome to bring a resume and head shot if you have them, but it is not required. We are also
seeking volunteers for back stage - crew, costumes, makeup, set construction etc.
Please come and try out for this entertaining and amusing escapade.
For more information email..
call Cite at (337) 291-1122.
------------------------------
CAST INFO:
Narrator: Animated, smug
Young & Older Lester: Called to the Lord to preach but runs into temptation (the temptresses) along the way.
The 3 Temptresses: Power, Lust & Greed. The audience sees them, the characters do not. Power is the leader. Lust & Greed have a bit of comical rivalry
Young & Older Sonny: Curly headed, wiry. Instigator, lover, full of himself.
Young & older Buck: Quiet, country boy.
Leona Sumrall: Plain faced ghostly appearance - Audience sees her, characters don't. (voice important)
Prostitutes 1 (Candy), 2 & 3: very animated
Melvin - Well known Minister in New Orleans. Older, gray hair, horn-rimmed glasses. (singing not required)
Peewee - Black, bar room musician - music mentor to the 3 cousins.
Ruth: Lester's girlfriend, turned wife. Shy and demure (at first) and then becomes Ruth-less
Choir/townspeople -
Sonny's Girlfriend - pigtails, lollipop (singing not required)
Theatre--Auditions (Musical Theatre)
AUDITIONS FOR: THE ROADKILL DINER
a musical comedy
by Dennis Ward
AUDITION SCHEDULE: Cité des Arts, 109 Vine St., Lafayette, Louisiana
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 6:30pm-8pm
Thursday, June 23, 2011, 6:30pm-8pm
PRODUCTION SCHEDULE:
Rehearsals begin the week of July 11, 2011, Performances begin September 16th, and run through the 17th, 18th, 23rd, 24th, and 25th
CAST BREAKDOWN:
1. Annie Lu Nutt- 20-35, a Southern waitress with a strong voice and southern accent
2. Connie Coffee, 30-50, a feisty Southern waitress, singing ability a plus
3. Ima Nutt, 30-50, pretentious, a grand dame only in her own mind, strong voice and so accent
4. Dub Nutt, 20-35, straight drag queen husband of Annie Lu, singing ability a plus
5. Aunt Ophelia Nutt, 50-70, heart of gold owner of the Roadkill Diner, singing ability a plus
6. Sam Goodman, 30-50, a kind lawyer who helps the defenseless
7. Teena Nutt, 20-35, lascivous criminal sister, part can be played by a man or woman
8. Teeta Nutt, 20-35, lascivious criminal sister, part can be played by a man or a woman
9. Preacher Tubbs, 30-60, a Southern country preacher
10. Sheriff Jones- 30-50, a country sheriff
11. Encyclopedia salesman- An innocent teenager
For more information, call Cite at (337) 291-1122.
a musical comedy
by Dennis Ward
AUDITION SCHEDULE: Cité des Arts, 109 Vine St., Lafayette, Louisiana
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 6:30pm-8pm
Thursday, June 23, 2011, 6:30pm-8pm
PRODUCTION SCHEDULE:
Rehearsals begin the week of July 11, 2011, Performances begin September 16th, and run through the 17th, 18th, 23rd, 24th, and 25th
CAST BREAKDOWN:
1. Annie Lu Nutt- 20-35, a Southern waitress with a strong voice and southern accent
2. Connie Coffee, 30-50, a feisty Southern waitress, singing ability a plus
3. Ima Nutt, 30-50, pretentious, a grand dame only in her own mind, strong voice and so accent
4. Dub Nutt, 20-35, straight drag queen husband of Annie Lu, singing ability a plus
5. Aunt Ophelia Nutt, 50-70, heart of gold owner of the Roadkill Diner, singing ability a plus
6. Sam Goodman, 30-50, a kind lawyer who helps the defenseless
7. Teena Nutt, 20-35, lascivous criminal sister, part can be played by a man or woman
8. Teeta Nutt, 20-35, lascivious criminal sister, part can be played by a man or a woman
9. Preacher Tubbs, 30-60, a Southern country preacher
10. Sheriff Jones- 30-50, a country sheriff
11. Encyclopedia salesman- An innocent teenager
For more information, call Cite at (337) 291-1122.
Theatre--Auditions (Musical Theatre)
Abbey Players is pleased to announce auditions for their fall production, The 2005 Tony Award winning The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Auditions will take place July 16th at 2PM and July 18th at 6PM with possible call-backs that week. All ages are welcome to audition. Rehearsal will start promptly after the show is cast.
This audience-participation show is most simply, a spelling bee. All the "kids" are played by adults. This show is very comedic, and with audience members onstage, improvisation is a necessary task for Panch and Peretti, but useful to all cast members.
The music has pop influences and the female characters should have a strong belt/mix voice. Minimal dance. Auditions at the Abbey Players Theatre, located at 200 South State Street, Abbeville, LA. Show runs from September 23rd to November 5th (14 performances). Flexible rehearsal schedule. See http://www.abbeyplayers.comfor more details.
The music has pop influences and the female characters should have a strong belt/mix voice. Minimal dance. Auditions at the Abbey Players Theatre, located at 200 South State Street, Abbeville, LA. Show runs from September 23rd to November 5th (14 performances). Flexible rehearsal schedule. See http://www.abbeyplayers.comfor more details.
Please come to the audition with 16 bars from a Broadway musical number, but be prepared to sing the entire number. Cold readings will be done from the script of The Bee.
Cast Of Characters |
The Kids: |
Marcy Park (Mezzo) speaks 6 languages, good at everything. Acrobatic Dance in "I Speak Six Languages" - playing the piano & doing “the splits” a plus! Leaf Coneybear (Tenor) 2nd runner up in the school bee, he shouldn't even be here. He thinks he's "not that smart." Comedic Role. William Barfee (Baritone) spells with his foot, chronically congested. Olive Ostrovsky (Soprano) feels abandoned by her parents, her best friend is her dictionary. Chip Tolentino (Tenor) last year's champ. Arrogant until an unfortunate mishap results in his early elimination. Logainne Schwartzandgrubennierre (Mezzo) has a lisp. Youngest competitor, with 2 stage fathers who force her to be a perfectionist. |
The Adults: |
Mitch Mahoney (Baritone-Tenor) ex-con serving community service hours as a "comfort counselor" for the kids who are eliminated. Rona Lisa Peretti (Soprano) one time winner of the bee, now officiating it. Comedic improvisation. Douglas Panch (non-singing) Vice Principal. Infatuated with Rona. Comedic improvisation. |
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Theatre--Review (Cite Des Arts)
Exile
Music by Valerian Smith
Book by Maureen Brennan
What's more important to leave behind: accomplishment or love? That's the question that sits at the heart of the new musical Exile, now running at Cite des Arts.
On what will be the last day of his life, Napoleon sits in his quarters on the Isle of St. Helena, attempting to write his memoirs. He wants a record of his political legacy, and he furiously tries to write against the coming end. He's interrupted, however, by a mysterious figure called The Shade – part conscience, part grim reaper – and an insistent chorus of voices echoing his inner thoughts. The Shade pushes him to confront faces from the past, and Napoleon struggles to reconcile his political legacy with the emotional wreckage he's inflicted on the people he loved.
It's pretty juicy stuff. But Exile adds another intriguing layer – when this show sings, it sings in the voice of gospel, blues and R&B. Not only are we watching a man's emotional reckoning, but we're also watching an interesting clash of culture and history.
That Exile doesn't quite add up to a satisfying evening of theatre is, in no uncertain terms, a disappointment. There's a lot of interesting material at play here, and the show bristles with some really compelling ideas. At this stage, though, it hasn't quite found the way to harness them and shape them into an evening that packs a mighty punch.
On the performance end of things, a few cast members deliver memorable work. Erica Fox lands the evening's biggest vocal moment as Marie Louise – quite a voice on Ms. Fox – and I wished she'd have gotten more stage time. Ian Bonin has an affecting moment as Napoleon's son, and Stephanie Broussard has some fire and flash as Napoleon's mother (although I was disappointed that she didn't get a chance to sing). Most impressive is A.D Dugar as The Shade, finding some humor in the show's more serious scenes and offering some emotionally resonant vocal work as well.
But Exile falters in the storytelling. At the heart of the show seems to be an exploration of what an individual's legacy really is and how one holds oneself responsible for what we leave behind. Exile's Napoleon wants desperately to be remembered for his brilliant (if historically maligned) military and political career, but what haunts him are the emotional disappointments, the betrayals, the personal failures and, in the show's nicest musical moment, his absence as a father. The show hasn't quite located this as its heart yet, so scenes that should play as explosive emotional confrontations instead meander around philosophical, speculative talk. When the show does hit the heart of its intentions (as in the lovely duet between father and son and Ms. Fox's farewell vocal moment) the show works like gangbusters. But it doesn't yet do it consistently and it doesn't do it over the full arc of the evening.
I also came away from the show wishing for a more radical exploration of the show's intriguing culture clash. Valerian Smith's score contains some truly lovely things, and it was at it's most interesting when it played with gospel and the blues. I left wondering if there's a show here that explores the final days of Napoleon through the lens of the African-American experience, a show that makes this culture clash more text than subtext, a show that looks at questions of legacy, family, accountability and regret through the filter of the black experience in America. It seems that all the parts are there in Smith's score, and it was the quiet undercurrent that kept me thinking about the show on the way home from the theatre.
There's a powerful, challenging and exciting musical in Exile. And if this production isn't quite the full expression of that musical now, there's still enough here that's worth experiencing. There are some committed and engaging performances, some thought-provoking ideas and a lovely score here. And it's the work of homegrown writers. Lafayette has slowly developed a thriving scene of new work, and Exile is the latest entrant in that world. Support it, so that other new theatre pieces will take root and bloom here.
--Cody Daigle
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