Friday, February 29, 2008

Theatre--Performance

The Theatre League of Louisiana, in conjuction with the Heymann Center, will present the national tour of The Producers on March 8th at 7:30 pm.

Bialystock and Bloom! Those names should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with Mel Brooks’ classic cult comedy film. Now as a big Broadway musical, The Producers once again sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humor. It is a truly “boffo” hit, winning a record twelve Tony® Awards and wowing capacity crowds night after night.

The plot is simple: a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history thereby bilking their backers (all “little old ladies”) out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit! The antics of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they maneuver their way fecklessly through finding a show (the gloriously offensive “Springtime For Hitler”), hiring a director, raising the money and finally going to prison for their misdeeds is a lesson in broad comic construction. At the core of the insanely funny adventure is a poignant emotional journey of two very different men who become friends.

Theatre--Performance

The Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts presents Ain't Misbehavin', opening on March 7th and running March 8th, 9th, 11, 12th and 13th. All performances except March 9th will be at 7:30 pm. The March 9th performance is a matinee, and will begin at 2 pm. Admission is $10 and tickets will go on sale at the Fads starting March 3, 2008.

The outrageously prodigious comic and musical soul of 1930s Harlem lives on in this rollicking, swinging, finger-snapping revue that is still considered one of Broadway’s best.

The inimitable Thomas “Fats” Waller rose to international fame during the Golden Age of the Cotton Club, honky tonk dives along Lenox Avenue, rent parties, stride piano players and that jumpin’ new beat, Swing. Although not quite a biography, Ain’t Misbehavin’ evokes the delightful humor and infectious energy of this American original as a versatile cast struts, strums and sings the songs he made famous in a career that ranged from uptown clubs to downtown Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood and concert stages in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ is one of the most popular, well-crafted revues of all time – sometimes sassy, sometimes sultry, with moments of devastating beauty. Ain’t Misbehavin’ is simply unforgettable.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Theatre--Performance



Cité des Arts’ production of Driving Miss Daisy opens this Thursday, February 28th at 7:30pm. Sponsored by AT&T, the 1987 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Alfred Uhry and directed by Duncan Thistlethwaite, will run Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm for three weeks ending on March 15th.

Set in the 1960s, a white Southern matron develops an unusual friendship with her African-American chauffeur, based on trust, respect and companionship. It covers over twenty years of the pair's life together as they slowly build a relationship that transcends their differences. The production, directed by Duncan Thistlethwaite, stars Acadiana theatre veterans Jenny Felder as Daisy, A.D. Dugar as Hoke and Duncan Thistlethwaite as Boolie.

WHEN: February 28th, 29th, March 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Cité des Arts, 109 Vine St., downtown Lafayette, between Jefferson St. and Third St.
COST: Ticket prices are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for Senior Citizens, 65+ and Students of any age.
For additional information and reservations, please call Cité des Arts at
337-291-1122.

Theatre--Article

The Times of Acadiana has an article about Acting Up (in Acadiana)'s No Teacher Left Standing in its February 26, 2008 issue.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Theatre--Performance









The IPAL production of Little Shop of Horrors opens to the public on Friday, February 29th at 7:30 pm. For more information or tickets, contact IPAL.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Theatre--Performance

TheatreworksUSA, in conjuction with the Heymann Center, will present Freedom Train on March 3, 2008 at 10:00 am.

Freedom Train tells the thrilling story of Harriet Tubman, the Moses of her people, in a fascinating series of highly theatrical scenes that use dance, dialogue, and music of the period. Songs include "Follow the Drinking Gourd," "Steal Away," "Wade in the Water," "Good News, the Chariot's A-comin'," and many others still sung today. Freedom Train is the story of self-sacrifice, dedication and survival, laced with warmth and a sense of humor that celebrates the human spirit -- a universal story for all(approximately one-hour in length).

For tickets or more information, contact TheatreworksUSA at 800-497-5007 or on the internet at http://www.theatreworksusa.org.

Theatre--Performance

The Lafayette Parish High School Arts Academy will perform Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece,Waiting For Godot on March 7th and 8th at the N.P. Moss Annex Auditorium at 8PM. Admission is free to the public. Donations, however, are graciously accepted.


The storyline evolves around two men waiting for someone – or some thing – named Godot. Vladimir and Estragon wait near a tree on a barren stretch of road, inhabiting a drama spun from their own consciousness. The result is a comical wordplay of poetry, dream-scapes, and nonsense, which has been interpreted as a somber summation of mankind’s inexhaustible search for meaning. His play remains one of the most magical and beautiful allegories of our time.

Theatre--Performance

The Iberia Performing Arts League will present its production of Little Shop of Horrors beginning on Friday, February 29th and running Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays thru March 16. Performances will be in the Essanee Theater on Iberia Street in New Iberia. Ticket or other information can be obtained by calling the theater at 364-6114 or by e-mailing littleshop@cox.net . All seats are reserved and are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. The show is not recommended for children 12 or under due to mild violence and language. Strobe lights and other special effects will be used.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Theatre--Article/Reviews

Cody Daigle has written an article in the February 20th issue of the Times of Acadiana on his personal response to watching the Off Off Broadway production of his show Providence.

Reviews of Providence in New York can be seen at:
NYTheatre.com,
StageBuzz and
Laurie Lawson of Offbway.

Theatre--Performance

Acting Up (in Acadiana) restages its original production No Teacher Left Standing at the Acadiana Center for the Arts on February 28, 29, March 1, 6, 7, & 8 at 8 PM. The project explores and spoofs the shortcomings in our educational system, particularly the frustrations with No Child Left Behind. The audience is invited to stay for a panel discussion following the show on Friday February 29th. The panel will have former teachers, current teachers, teachers from alternative schools, as well as the actors and the director of the production.

No Teacher Left Standing will feature company members Hannah and Ricky Briggs, Lian Cheramie, Kara Guarisco, David Guarisco, Katie Keator and Katie
Lahey as well as Junior Company members and other professional associates. Paige Krause will develop choreography, and Amy Waguespack directs the project.General admission tickets will be available at the Acadiana Center for the Arts beginning February 18th. All tickets are $10 and will also be available at the door. For tickets call (337) 233-7060. For more information, call (337) 739-4273.

Theatre--Performance Assistance Needed

Donald "Doc" Voorhies, the director of Little Shop of Horrors at IPAL, is asking for production assistance. He needs a strobe light to use in the show, but doesn't have one of sufficient strength. "Doc" can be contacted at docvoorhies@cox.net.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Theatre--Performance Postponed

The dates for Driving Miss Daisy have changed due to illness. Public performances are now scheduled for February 28th, 29th, March 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, 15th at 7:30 p.m., at Cité des Arts, 109 Vine St., downtown Lafayette, between Jefferson St. and Third St.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Theatre--Performance

The Theatre League of Louisiana presents the music of Billy Joel in Movin' Out, a jukebox musical featuring the songs of Billy Joel, on February 24 at 7:30 pm.

Conceived by Twyla Tharp, the musical tells the story of a generation of American youth growing up on Long Island during the 1960s and their experiences with the Vietnam War. The principal characters are drawn from those who appeared in various Joel tunes: high school sweethearts Brenda and Eddie ("Scenes from an Italian Restaurant"), James ("James"), Judy ("Why Judy Why"), and Tony (Anthony in "Movin' Out"). The show is unusual in that, unlike the traditional musical, it essentially is a series of dances linked by a thin plot, and none of the dancers sing. All the vocals are performed by a pianist and band suspended on a platform above the stage while the dancers act out the narrative sans dialogue, making the show, in essence, a rock ballet.

This event is part of TLL's 2007-2008 Broadway Series.

For ticket information(prices: $56.50, $46.00, $37.00 plus handling fees), contact the Heymann Box Office at 291-5555.

Theatre--Audition (2nd Post)

IPAL will be holding auditions for their next play, Moon Over Buffalo, on February 18th from 5:30 pm to 7 pm at the old Essenee Theatre on Iberia Street in New Iberia.

Call 364-6114 for information or to schedule an audition date other than tonight

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Theatre--Article

Local playwright Cody Daigle has written an article, published by the Times of Acadiana in the February 13th edition, about the Lafayette Parish High School Arts Academy (including the theatre program).

Friday, February 15, 2008

Theatre--Auditions

The Eunice Players' Theatre is holding auditions for the first play of the 39th season, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, at 6:30 pm on February 18th and 19th.

Two men, ages 20-50, and two women, ages 18-25, are needed for the two act comedy. The Players also need volunteers to assist with set decoration and backstage duties. Production is projected for early April.

Auditions will be held at the theater on South Second Street. For more information, contact Gabe Ortego at 331-0806.

Theatre--Performance

Acting Up (in Acadiana) will restage its original production of No Teacher Left Standing at the Acadiana Center for the Arts on February 28 and 29 and March 1 and 6 through 8 at 8 pm.

Company director Amy Waguespack says that the program explores and spoofs the shortcomings in the educational system, dealing particularly with the No Child Left Behind program. The audience will be invited to stay after the show on February 29 for a panel discussion, featuring former teachers, current teachers, the actors, writers and director among others.

General admission tickets will be available at the Acadiana Center for the Arts or at the door. Prices are $10 per person. For more information, please call 739-4273.

Performing Arts--Scholarship

PASA is currently accepting applications from individuals and non-profit groups for the L.Hill Bonin Scholarship award for performing arts students. The application deadline is March 1, 2008. Interested applicants can download an application as well as scholarship requirements from www. pasaonline.org.

Guidelines for the L. Hill Bonin, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Award, administered by Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA), are available for high school and college students pursuing short-time educational and training opportunities in performing arts or arts administration as well as for non-profit organizations or groups that propose performing arts productions or activities which involve and benefit high school or college students.

Completed forms and all attachments must be submitted to the PASA office by March 1, 2008 to qualify for the 2007/2008 scholarships. To request scholarship guidelines and an application, call PASA at (337)237-2787. Applications and eligibility requirements can also be found online at www.pasaonline.org

The L. Hill Bonin, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to award talented and deserving students of the performing arts with funds for enhancing their talents through participation in advanced study or classes beyond those available in their present study programs. Now awards may benefit groups that provide opportunities to students for enhancing their performing arts talents.

To be considered for an award, students must be enrolled in any high school or college in the parishes served by PASA, be planning to pursue a career or professional training in performing arts or arts administration, be a citizen of the United States and a Louisiana resident, and have an overall grade point average of B or higher on their high school or college transcript. For a non-profit organization or group to be eligible it must propose a production, performance, or activity that involves high school or college students and ensure that the funds will be used for the enhancement of the talents of the students in the performance.

Recipients are chosen by the PASA Bonin Scholarship committee, composed of PASA board members and a representative of the Bonin family. Recipients, after meeting eligibility criteria, are chosen on the basis of the artistic merit of the proposed training or project, planning and design of the proposal, and appropriate request and plans for the use of the funds.

Last year's the Bonin scholarship awarded three recpients including one U.L. student and two 2007 high school graduates. Matthew Couvillon, a student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, spent most of the summer at Jacob's Pillow, home of America's longest-running dance festival and a hotbed of choreographic learning and dance. William Moody IV of Lafayette High School and Alexandra Pitre, of Opelousas Catholic High School were the two outstanding high school students selected by the committee. Moody attended "Encore! Ensemble Theatre Workshop in Varbone, France where he studied different acting disciplines. Pitre used her scholarship to attend the prestigious Martha Graham Summer intensive in New York City and the Garth Fagan Summer Movement Institute in Rochester, New York.

Theatre--Review

Ray Blum reviews the Omni Artiste production of A Woman's Journeyin the February 15th edition of the Daily Advertiser.