Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

Lafayette High School will present its annual Broadway musical Tuesday, April 20^th and Wednesday, April 21^st at 6:30 and Thursday, April 22^nd at 2:00 in the LHS auditorium.  The play with the intermission is just over 1 ½ hours.

                A hit on Broadway, A Year With Frog And Toad was nominated for 3 Tony Awards - including Best Musical.  Arnold Lobel's beloved characters from his award-winning children’s books hop from the page to the stage in Robert and Willie Reale's musical, A Year With Frog And Toad. Developed by Mr. Lobel's daughter, Adrianne Lobel, the stage musical remains true to the spirit of the original stories as they followed the adventures of two great friends, the cheerful and popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad through four fun-filled seasons.

                Waking from hibernation in the spring, they proceed to plant gardens, swim, rake leaves and go sledding , learning life's lessons along the way, including a most important one about friendship and rejoicing in the attributes that make each of us different and special.

                This is Lafayette High’s 39^th annual Broadway musical production.  There will be three shows: Tuesday, April 20^th and Wednesday, April 21^st at 6:30 pm and Thursday, April 22^nd at 2:00 at the
Lafayette High School Auditorium.  Tickets are $5 for children and students and $8 for adults.  Tickets may be purchased at the door or before the performance in the LHS attendance office.
For more information, go to the Lafayette High School musical page at www.lionsread.com.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

An adaptation of the musical The Wiz will be performed Friday, April 30th and Saturday, May 1st, at 7 p.m. in collaboration with Cite Des Arts, 109 Vine St. (One block off of Jefferson St.)

The production, presented by the NP Moss Teens on Stage drama department, is directed by Theater Arts teacher Jennifer Miller. This family oriented presentation is produced in part by Lafayette Parish School System, International Baccalaureate, Gear Up and community sponsorships.   

Based on The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz follows Dorothy from Louisiana to Oz and back again, with music, lyrics, dancing and a modern sense of humor. Under the direction of Miller, Moss’s stellar cast features Dorothy (Jakeyla Chavis), the Scarecrow (Deion Thomas), the Tinman (Ricardo Dupre), the cowardly Lioness (Kenea’qua Hebert), Glenda the Good Witch (Brianca George), Evermean the wicked Witch(Alyshia Johnson) and Danasia Benjamin as Miss One /The Wizard, not to mention dancing crows, strutting munchkins and swaggering sweat shop workers.  The entire cast of characters will strut and jam down the yellow brick road as Cite Des Arts is transformed into a land you only dreamed of experiencing. Who hasn’t dreamt of what a life beyond the rainbow might be like?

Tickets are $5 with a reservation for the Lafayette community and $10 general admission  (available at the door). For reservations or additional information, contact Cite Des Arts at (337) 291-1122

Theatre--Workshop

New Voices, the summer theatre camp and workshop series, is back at Cité des Arts. The newly renovated camp focuses on the craft of storytelling as opposed to simply acting technique. Diving into such ideas as movement, improvisation, spoken word, and playwriting, the camp uses methods developed by successful artist from all over the world, including Jacques Lecoq, Anne Bogart, and Jerzy Grotowski. New Voices strives to teach children that theatre is about self-expression, and to show them not only how to act, but how to become successful contributors to the exciting and limitless world of theatre.

The camp will run three weeks--June 14^{th --} July 2^nd, Monday through Friday, along with a culminating performance Saturday, July 3^rd at a cost of $125 per student. Age groups and times are as follows:

2nd – 5th grades:  9:00am -11:30am
6th – 8th grades: 12:00pm- 2:30pm
9th – 12th grades: 3:00pm- 5:30pm

This year, New Voices will be run by Cité's own Jarin Schexnider, along with Faith Griffiths. Jarin is a recent graduate of Bennington College, in Bennington, Vermont. She has a degree in Drama with a focus in writing and directing physical theatre. Faith Griffiths is currently attending Bennington College, working on a degree in Elementary Art Education. Collectively, the two have worked with Children's Theatre groups in Lafayette, LA., Dallas, TX., Washington D.C., Burlington, VT., and Chicago, IL.

Applications are available online at www.citedesarts.org/voices.html , or can be picked up at Cité des Arts, located at 109 Vine Street in downtown Lafayette. For further information, call Cité des Arts at (337)291-1122.

Theatre--Article (Feature)

The Daily Iberian profiled local producer and director Walter Brown (from Acting Unlimited, Inc) in a feature article in March.  See the article here.

Theatre--Performance

Tickets are now on sale for the Eunice Players' Theatre production of What the Bellhop Saw and can be purchased at David's Hair Salon (204 S. 2nd St. in Eunice) or by calling 546-0163. All seats $10; Visa and MasterCard accepted.

Show dates are April 15th through the 17th and 21st through the 22nd at 7:00 p.m. and April 18th at 2:00 p.m. Dinner theatre is April 20th at 6:00 p.m. ($15 additional charge). Season tickets are still available for  $20 for 3 shows which is  a real bargain! Patron and Angel packages are available too. Contact David at 337-546-0163 or Debi at 337-457-2156 or any board member.

The comedy is a crowd-pleaser as hysterical characters in matching bellhop uniforms fill a hotel room with balloons, a suitcase full of money, a terrorist's bomb, and an unforgettable chase scene to the music of Swan Lake.

Back Row (from left to right): Deborah D. Ardoin, Morgan Booty, Jerica Guillory
On the Floor: Glenn "Jay" Mentel, Jr., Larry Reppond, Tucker Kelly, John D. Kittles

Theatre--Auditions

The auditions for Chez Giselle, to be held at Cite Des Arts, will only be held on Monday (April 5th) and Wednesday (April 7th) at 6:30 pm.  I apologize for the error.

Opera--Performance

The Acadiana Symphony Orchestra will present the final concert of its 2009-2010 season on Saturday, April 10th at the Heymann Center with Opera Spectacular.   Esther Heideman (soprano), Katherine Drago (mezzo), Brian Jagde (tenor) and Shawn Roy (baritone) will perform arias, duets and ensembles from a variety of well-known composers.

The production is sponsored by Cherie and Ralph Kraft and the Moody Foundation.

Theatre--Workshop

The production team of Bat Boy: The Musical has scheduled an auditioning workshop for Friday, April 9, at 3pm, at Cite des Arts downtown!  Cite is located at 109 Vine St., directly off of Jefferson.

This workshop will be an introduction to auditioning for the musical theatre, or a refresher course for those who have auditioned before but for whom it has been a while.  They will go over the basics of how to audition for a musical, what the auditors will be looking for, tips and tricks, as well as recommendations and suggestions from the show's own auditors.

Again, attendance at this workshop is NOT required to be cast and will NOT be taken into consideration when casting is underway.  It is simply an opportunity to hone skills and have some fun.

Please RVSP by e-mailing the production team at yourbeastinside@gmail.com, so the team will know how many people to expect.

Theatre--Auditions

Chez Gisele is a drag musical comedy noire.  It's a tribute to the life of a lovely French woman, Gisele  Carriton (1928-2008) who had the first gay cabaret nightclub in Lafayette from the late 1960s to the early 1970s.

It was an era of emerging civil rights for gay and African-Americans, who wildly supported Chez Gisele because it was a safe haven for acceptance.  Gisele was put into the spotlight by a local bigot with political ambitions, Puggy Moity.  He used his television show and newspaper to slander and libel Gisele and build a consensus of hatred directed at her personally; calling her a madam and her nightclub a house of male prostitution.

Gisele had to make her nightclub into a private membership club to protect her customers because of a hate crime that occurred at the bar.  She strictly kept the identity of her customers protected as she wanted them to have one place in their lives where they were free of harassment, hate, prejudice and simply be themselves.  Within the walls of Chez Gisele gay people and African American heterosexual couples could find acceptance, entertainment, fun, Parisian elegance, and unconditional love from Gisele who was considered a friend and extended family.

Unfortunately, the murder of a Chez Gisele employee took place in the parking lot of the nightclub, and was never prosecuted, an occurence not uncommon at the time as crimes against gay people didn't carry the interest of the police or judicial system. 

Despite the circumstances of hate and murder, Gisele herself was a very playful, happy person with  a great sense of humor.  She loved using colorful expressions and being a clown to lighten the spirits of those around her.  The music of the play assists to tell the story of colorful characters that passed through Chez Gisele and recreate poignant memories of an era in Lafayette history.  Chez Gisele was more than the house of Gisele, it was the birth of an attitude of grace that is still growing today.



Actors Needed:

  Gisele “Gigi” Carriton - age 30-45 can do a French accent, female
 Clarence Dupuis - age 20-35 handsome and well built, male
 Miss Doo - age 20-40 able to be a drag queen, man or woman
 Miss Marie - age 20-40 able to be a drag queen, man or woman
 Miss Fancy Fontenot - age 20-40 able to be a drag queen, man or woman
 Miss Hannah - age 30-60 man or woman Cajun looking a plus
 The Reverend - age 30-60 man
 Sofonda Peters - age 20-35 man or woman to be able to play a transvestite
 Puggy Moity - age 35-60 man
 Sheriff Landry - age 30-60 man
 Gov. Edwin Edwards - age 30-60 man


The roles of the Gisele, The Reverend and the drag queens require the ability to lipsync and dance.
It isn't necessary to bring something to read as people will be asked to read from the script.

Auditions will be Monday, April 5th and Wednesday, April 7th at 6:30 pm at Cité des Arts, downtown Lafayette.  For more information about the auditions,  please call (337) 291-1122.  The play will be performed at the Cite Des Arts main stage theater, 109 Vine St., Lafayette, LA. 70502,  May 20th through the30th (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays).   Performances will be at 7:30 pm with Sunday matinees at 2:30 pm.  Tickets are 10.00 for students and senior citizens,  and general admission is 15.00.  Tickets can be obtained in advance by calling (337) 291-1122.

Theatre--Announcement

Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts has become a partner with Barnes & Noble to promote theatrical art and art education. On May 21st, 2010, Barnes & Noble will conduct a Book Fair on behalf of the Teche Theatre in Lafayette including online sales and donate a percentage of the sales from that day to the Teche Theatre. Vouchers will be given to the Teche for its dispersal to ensure proper credit for the May 21st Book Fair. Also, the Teche will premier excerpts from its upcoming spring production of The Graduate at Barnes & Noble that day. Voucher info will be given out shortly.

Theatre--Performance

The Abbey Players will open their new show, Social Security, on Friday, April 2nd at 8 pm.  The play, by Andrew Bergman and directed by Deborah and Mickey Atchetee, concerns David and Barbara, art dealers, who have a happy marriage.  Their world is shattered with the arrival of Barbara's sister, a frumpy stay-at-home suburbanite mother, her uptight CPA husband and her stereotypically Jewish mother.  They are there to try to save their college student daughter from the horrors of living only for sex.  The comedy really begins to fly when the mother hits it off with an elderly artist who is the art dealer's best client.  This is an  adult comedy, guaranteed to have the audience rolling in the aisles. 


The show will run Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, starting April 2nd.  There will also be two Sunday matinees, April 11th and April 18th at 2 pm.

Theatre--Staged Reading and Auditions

Cite Des Arts is presenting a reading of Chez Gisele on Monday, March 29th at 6:30 pm.  This reading is open to the public and is being done in preparation for the production of the show at Cite Des Arts theater, 109 Vine St. in Lafayette on  May 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 27th, 28th, 29th, and 30th .   Performances will be at 7:30 pm with Sunday matinees at 2:30 pm.  Tickets are $10.00 for students and senior citizens with general admission $15.00 which can be obtained in advance by calling 337-291-1122.

Chez Gisele is a drag musical comedy noire.  It's a tribute to the life of a lovely French woman, Gisele  Carriton (1927-2007), who had the first gay cabaret nightclub in Lafayette during the late 1960s and early 1970s.


It was an era of emerging civil rights for gay and African-Americans, who wildly supported Chez Gisele because it was a safe haven for acceptance.  Gisele was put into the spotlight by a local bigot with political ambitions, Puggy Mottie.  He used his television show and newspaper to slander and libel Gisele and build a consensus of hatred directed at her personally, calling her a madam and her nightclub a house of male prostitution.


Gisele had to make her nightclub into a private membership club to protect her customers because of a hate crime that occurred at the bar.  She strictly kept the identity of her customers protected as she wanted them to have one place in their lives where they were free of harassment, hate, prejudice and  simply be themselves.  Within the walls of Chez Gisele, gay people and African American heterosexual couples could find acceptance, entertainment, fun, Parisian elegance, and unconditional love from Gisele who was considered their friend and extended family. 


Unfortunately, a murder of a Chez Gisele employee took place in the parking lot of the nightclub and never prosecuted, not uncommon at the time as crimes against gay people didn't carry the interest of the police or judicial system.  


The music of the play assists to tell the story of colorful characters that passed through Chez Gisele and recreate poignant memories of an era in Lafayette history.  Chez Gisele was more than the house of Gisele; it was the birth of an attitude of grace that is still growing today.


For those interested in participating in the reading, or in the auditions to be held April 5th, 6th and 7th at Cite Des Arts theater at 6:30pm, the cast of characters is as follows:


Gisele “Gigi”  Carriton        age 30-45 can do a French accent
Clarence Dupuis                age 20-35  handsome and well built
Miss Doo                          age 20-40  able to be a drag queen, man or woman
Miss Marie                        age 20-40 able to be a drag queen, man or woman
Miss Fancy Fontenot         age 20-40 able to be a drag queen, man or woman
Miss Hannah                     age 30-60 man or woman Cajun looking a plus
The Reverend                    age 30-60 man
Sofonda Peters                  age 20-35 man or woman to be able to play a transvestite
Puggy Mottie                     age 35-60 man   
Sheriff Landry                    age 30-60 man
Gov. Edwin Edwards         age 30-60 man

The roles of  Gisele, the Reverend and the drag queens require the ability to lipsync and dance.  Monologues are not required as cold readings (unprepared reading from the script) will be done.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

The UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre and UL-Lafayette Orchestra production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood opens tonight, March 25th, at 7:30 pm at Angelle Hall and continues through Sunday, March 28th.

Theatre--Performance

The Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts has announced the cast of The Graduate. 

Mrs. Robinson--Debbie Box

Benjamin Braddock--Christian Glorioso

Elaine Robinson--Morgan James

Mr. Robinson--Tony Scelfo

Mrs. Braddock--Judith Allian

Stripper--Ladaisha Bowles

Waiteress/Hotel desk clerk--Emilie Miller

Priest/Man in bar--Melvin Coleman

There is still a need for a man in his 40's to play Mr. Braddock.

Theatre--Performance

     After being closed for the last 9 months renovating the lobby, laying new carpeting and organizing the rest of the theatre, The Abbey Players are pleased to announce their new production Social Security, an adult comedy by Andrew Bergman.

    Think aging parents, rebellious college kids and baby boomers facing a mid-life crisis and that's the subject of this hysterical adult comedy!
 
      Barbara and David Kahn are successful and sophisticated art gallery owners living in Manhattan.  Barbara's frumpy stay-at-home sister Trudy and her bland CPA husband Martin Heyman live in the suburbs of Long Island.  Living with the Heymans is Sophie Greengrass, the stereotypical guilt producing, cantankerous Jewish mother of Barbara and Trudy.

      In the middle of a crisis, Trudy and Martin show up to unceremoniously dump Sophie off on Barbara and David.  Enter Barbara and David's best client, Maurice, a 98-year-old world class painter, and the sparks begin to fly.  Suddenly everyone discovers that seniors never lose interest in the opposite sex.

      Directed by Deborah Atchetee and Mickey Atchetee, Social Security will run April 2nd - May 1st, 2010 (Fridays, Saturdays and two Sunday Matinees--the 11th and 18th) with one Thursday performance (April 15th).


     Opening night, the traditional Patrons'/Premiere Night, is April 2nd, 2010.  Tickets for this event only are $35.00 per person and include dinner (seafood entree' for Good Friday), drinks, choice of two vegetables, roll and cake for dessert. 


     Tickets can be ordered online 24/7 at the Abbey Players website, or leave a message at the box office by calling 337-893-2442.  Regular performance tickets are $15.00 and Sunday matinees are $10.00.

      

     

Theatre--Reading

Cité des Arts is having a reading of our upcoming play Chez Gisele, Monday April 29^that 6:30 pm. We're looking for readers and listeners alike who are interested in helping out this fantastic work in progress. Great for those who want to see what its like behind the scenes for a locally born production go from the pen to the paper to the stage.

If your interested in participating in the reading, contact jarin@citedesarts.org.

WHAT: Reading of Chez Gisele, written by Dennis Ward

WHEN: Monday, March 29th at 6:30 pm.

WHERE: Cité des Arts, 109 Vine Street, Downtown Lafayette

COST: Free!

Performance--Theatre

As the Eunice Players’ Theatre opens its 41st season, Jody L. Powell brings to the stage a hilarious, fun-filled show, What the Bellhop Saw. The two-act comedy written by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore is sure to leave audiences squealing with laughter as one comedic gag falls atop the other at breakneck speed.

Rehearsals are underway and the cast of stage veterans and those stepping on the Eunice stage for the first time are already creating characters that fill a hotel room with physical comedy, mistaken identities, a lot of money and a little bit of romance.

Making his stage debut is John Kittles of Eunice, playing Georgie, the hen-pecked husband of Arlene, played by Jerica Guillory of Eunice. Guillory was previously seen on the EPT stage in Never Get Smart with an Angel. Angelle Bellard of Duson steps in as Georgie’s secretary and the object of his affection. She has been seen on the EPT stage in Providence, Bus Stop and The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.

Portraying Georgie’s brother, Wally the bellhop, is Casey Harmon, a 16-year stage veteran from Crowley. Casey was most recently seen in Opelousas Little Theatre’s musical version of Jekyll and Hyde and he won the American Assn. of Community Theatre's Best Actor award for his portrayal of Lennie in Of Mice and Men.

Tucker Kelly and Morgan Booty, both from Crowley, fill the roles of Stan, a bumbling CIA agent and Missy, the hotel maid, respectively. Both were seen in Bridge to Terabithia and Seance in Acadiana, put on by the Acadia Players, as well as numerous high school and church productions.

Newcomer to the stage is Larry Reppond, of Eunice, fulfilling the role of Roger Fish, a renowned author whose life is in danger for having written the misunderstood book, The Satanic Nurses. Babu, the terrorist out to kill him, is played by Glenn “Jay” Mentel, Jr. of Opelousas. Jay most recently brought his gift for physical comedy to the EPT stage in If the Shoe Fits and the OLT stage in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged).

Bringing a healthy dose of comedy to Eunice for the first time is Shane Guilbeau, who plays Mr. Bickhardt, the hotel manager. Shane has become a local favorite in his home town of Lafayette for creating the Cajun comic character Grosbec, and playing multiple outrageous characters in Greater Tuna and A Tuna Christmas.

Rounding out the cast are Sarah Martel and Deborah D. Ardoin of Eunice. Only ten years old, Sarah is already an active violin player with the Eunice Symphony Orchestra. Ardoin is a long-time member of EPT and a founding member of the newly developed Acadiana Repertory Theatre. She is a multiple Irving Award winner, most recently for Best Actress in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.

The humor in this play lies in a bunch of goofy people all descending on the same hotel room at the same time, with everybody frantically running in and out of doors, donning disguises, hiding and scheming and generally getting in trouble. Believe it that this is the making for a delightfully absurd evening of pure comedic gold!
Evening performances will be held April 15 – 17 and 21 – 22 at 7:00 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday, April 18 at 2:00 p.m. Dinner theatre (with steak and trimmings) is scheduled for Tuesday, April 20 at 6:00 p.m. at Nick's on Second St., with the performance immediately following. Individual tickets for the show are not on sale yet although season tickets may be purchased and more information can be obtained by calling 457-2156 or 546-0163. For $20 a season ticket includes 3 shows, reservation rights, voting privileges and an invitation to the 40th Annual Irving Awards. Angel and patron packages are also available for purchase. 

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

Come and see the UL Opera Theatre's and the UL Symphony's production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the Solve-It-Yourself Musical!

This wildly warm-hearted theatrical experience kicks off when the Music Hall Royale (a hilariously loony Victorian musical troupe) "puts on" its flamboyant rendition of an unfinished Charles Dickens mystery. The story itself deals with John Jasper, a Jekyll-and-Hyde choirmaster who is quite madly in love with his music student, the fair Miss Rosa Bud. Now, Miss Bud is, in turn, engaged to Jasper's nephew, young Edwin Drood. Our title character disappears mysteriously one stormy Christmas Eve-but has Edwin Drood been murdered? And if so, then whodunit? The giddy playfulness of this play-within-a-play draws the audience toward one of Drood's most talked-about features, which allows the audience to vote on the solution as prelude to the most unusual and hilarious finale!

Cast:
Edwin Drood--Alex Hollerman
Chairman--Nicholas Manzo
John Jasper--Holden Greene
Rosa Bud--Lana Carver and Jenee Luquette
Neville Landless--Evan Melancon
Helena Landless--Meghin Taylor and Ashlee Richard
Reverend Crisparkle--Brian Egland
Princess Puffer--Carolyn Broussard
Bazzard--Beverly Harlton
Durdles--Ken Harrelson
Deputy/Waiter--Nathanael Trahan

Citizens of Cloisterham - Kelly Griffin, Jenny Dupre, Katie Parris, Brittany Monaghan and Jennifer Andrews

Dancers - Kristina Doiron, Courtney Scott, Rebecca LaFleur, Katie Parris, and Ashley Arnold

The show is directed by Shawn Roy, and choreographed by Melinda Caubarreaux. The UL Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Michael Blaney. Set design and construction by Duncan Thistlethwaite, Lighting design by Ken Harrelson and Sound by Nathan Abbott.

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Rupert Holmes.

The show will run Thursday (March 25th), Friday March 26th), Saturday (March 27th) at 7:30pm, with a Sunday matinee on March 28th at 3pm.

Performances will be held at the Ducrest-Gilfry Auditorium at Angelle Hall on UL campus.

Tickets will be available at the door for $10 general admission, and free for UL students and faculty.

Theatre--Performance

The University of Louisiana Department of Performing Arts presents Good Thing by Jessica Goldberg. Performances are March 24th through the 27th at 7:30pm and March 28th at 2:00pm in Burke Theatre in Burke-Hawthorn Hall on the UL campus.

Sara Birk, Assistant Professor of Acting and Voice at UL, is directing this production. Professor Birk has worked as actor, director, and vocal coach in numerous productions in both educational and independent theatres around the country. Actors for this production include students from the Performing Arts Department at UL-Lafayette.

Dean is about to be a father for the first time. Unfortunately, what should be a joyful occasion is not quite what he expected. The impending birth has necessitated locking the mother-to-be in a room so that she won’t get into Dean’s brother’s drug stash and harm the baby. And just to make things more complicated, Dean’s ex-girlfriend has returned from college to renew their relationship, prompting Dean to wonder if his choices in life have been the right ones.

Good Thing examines those moments when we look back at past decisions and try to figure out where we went wrong, and how we can make things right. Sometimes the right choice is the one most difficult to face, and the one that will cost the most.

Tickets for Good Thing are $10.00 for General Admission, $5.00 for UL Alumni, Senior Citizens, children and students. UL faculty, staff and students with a valid ID are admitted free of charge. Tickets are available at the door one hour prior to each performance. Due to adult situations and language, this production is intended for mature audiences. For further information, please call the UL Lafayette Department of Performing Arts at 482-6357.

Theatre--Review (IPAL)

Ray Blum's review of IPAL's production of Guys and Dolls appeared in the Friday, March 19th edition of the Daily Advertiser.  The Georgies went to Kim Monroe (Miss Adelaide) and Mike Labiche (Nathan Detroit).

Theatre--Auditions

Auditions for IPAL's last play of the regular season, The New Kid on the Block by Pat Cook, will be held at the  Essanee Theater at 6:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, March 22 and 23. Donna Berard is directing. Performances are scheduled for June 3-13. There are roles for three males and four females:
     Carl--Rather bossy man in his 70's
     Lloyd--A southern gentleman retired from the Army in his 70's
     Parker--A genial man in his 70's
     Will Stewart--A cautious woman in her 60's or 70's with a secret
     Morgana Bolton--Bombastic gossip around age 60
     Jolene Balfoy--Will's sarcastic daughter and mother to Will's grown grandchildren
     Eleanor Dumfries--Dramatic lady in her 60's or 70's

The plot concerns Carl, Lloyd and Parker, three older gentlemen who share a large home, need to rent out their fourth bedroom to help with the rent. Their problem seems answered when Will shows up except Will turns out to be a lady. While Lloyd and Parker like her and want to vote her in, Carl barks back, "We're not voting on prom queen!" Carl's reaction is all part of a plan with Will, his sister, to let her live with them for a while. Before the brother and sister can reveal their plotting, however, the "fun" begins. It's all over the area that Carl and Will are sweethearts; Lloyd has put on his army fatigues and is running night maneuvers; and Parker is sneaking around the neighborhood with his walkie-talkie. Then the woman in black enters, telling Will she better leave. On top of this, Will's daughter, Jolene, arrives having just left her husband. This comedy has more turns than a Google map to grandma's house. And the audience finally finds out just who really is "The New Kid on the Block."

For more information, call (337)364-5114 and leave a message. The director will return the call.

Film--Auditions

This blog doesn't generally carry information about film auditions on purpose, but I've received the following from several people with requests to post it.  Some of the roles have been cast.  This is a training film for a law firm.

Stubbs Law Firm

Simple Character Sheet

1. Man In Hard Hat
     Single scene, non-speaking
     Age 30's

2. Accountant
     Non-speaking, male
     Age 30's

3. Anna
     Non-speaking
     Age 30's – 40's
     Traits: Professional administrative type, studious

4. Attorney
     Non-speaking
     Age 40's-50's

5. Female worker
     Non-speaking
     Age 40's-50's
     Traits: Out of shape, 20-30 year employee

6. HARRY
     Cast

7. John
     Speaking
     Age 40 – 45
     Traits: Good looking, in shape male

8. Landlord
     Non-speaking
     Age 60's – 70's
     Traits: Retiree, Leaseowner

9. Male worker
     Non-speaking
     Age 40's – 50's
    Traits: Out of shape, 20-30 year employee

10. MARK
     Speaking
     Age 40's-50's
     Traits: In shape, saleman-esque, good personality

11. SUIT #1
     Speaking
     Age 40's – 50's
     Traits: Professional, charming, swindler

12. SUIT #2
     Speaking
     Age 38 – 50's
     Traits: Professional, swindler

Theatre--Audition (Musical Theatre)

Acting Unlimited, Inc. has scheduled auditions for the summer show, Bat Boy: The Musical.  The production can be followed by blog here.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

Ruth Diaz (Sarah Brown), Brett LeBlanc (Sky Masterson) and Milton Resweber (Benny Southstreet)

Mike Labiche (Nathan Detroit) and Kim Monroe (Miss Adelaide)

Audie Comeaux (Rusty), Michael Caffery (Nicely Nicely) and Milton Resweber (Benny)

Mike Borato (Lt. Brannigan), Matthew Dugan and Charlie Robertson

Ruth Diaz (Sarah Brown), Thomas Owens and Travis Guillory

IPAL's Guys and Dolls enters its second weekend of performances on Thursday, March 11th at 7:30 pm.

Theatre--Auditions

The Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts in Franklin is announcing open auditions for The Graduate. Auditions will be held on Wednesday, March 17th at 6 pm. Persons auditioning must be 17 years old and older. A prepared piece is not required to audition as parts of the actual script will be provided at the audition.

The story surrounds the life of Benjamin Braddock, recent college graduate and prodigal son, who returns home and promptly becomes embroiled in an affair with the wife of his father's business partner but soon finds he is falling in love with her daughter, Elaine. The principle characters, three male and three female, needed for this production are Benjamin Braddock, Mr. Braddock, Mr. Robinson, Mrs. Robinson, Elaine Robinson, and Mrs. Braddock. However, there are also a few ensemble roles as well.

Production dates will be May 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th and June 1st.

Theatre--Auditions

Christy Leichty and Johanna Divine are holding open auditions for the revival of their earlier hit, Les Marionettes, at Cite Des Arts on Monday (March 8th), Tuesday (March 9th) and Wednesday (March 10th), starting at 6:30 pm.  Performances are scheduled to take place during Festivals International.

Theatre-Dance This Week

This is another busy week for local theatre and dance.  Two new shows open this weekend:  Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical at the Opelousas Little Theatre and Evening of Dance from the UL-Lafayette Department of Performing Arts.  The shows presented by three groups will continue their runs:  Guys and Dolls at IPAL in New Iberia, Unbearably Lo_ely by Acting Up (in Acadiana) and The Lawyer Who Stopped Talking by Phillips/Christy at Cite Des Arts.


Support local theatre by one or more of these shows this week!

Theatre--Review

Ray Blum reviews Firelight Performing Arts' production of Bell, Book and Candle in the March 5th edition of the Daily Advertiser.

Theatre--Performance (Musical theatre)

Come and see the UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre's production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the Solve-It-Yourself Musical!

This wildly warm-hearted theatrical experience kicks off when the Music Hall Royale (a hilariously loony Victorian musical troupe) "puts on" its flamboyant rendition of an unfinished Charles Dickens mystery. The story itself deals with John Jasper, a Jekyll-and-Hyde choirmaster who is quite madly in love with his music student, the fair Miss Rosa Bud. Now, Miss Bud is, in turn, engaged to Jasper's nephew, young Edwin Drood. Our title character disappears mysteriously one stormy Christmas Eve-but has Edwin Drood been murdered? And if so, then whodunit? The giddy playfulness of this play-within-a-play draws the audience toward one of Drood's most talked-about features, which allows the audience to vote on the solution as prelude to the most unusual and hilarious finale!

Cast:
     Edwin Drood--Alex Hollerman
     Chairman--Nicholas Manzo
     John Jasper--Holden Greene
     Rosa Bud--Lana Carver and Jenee Luquette
     Neville Landless--Evan Melancon
     Helena Landless--Meghin Taylor and Ashlee Richard
     Reverend Crisparkle--Brian Egland
     Princess Puffer--Carolyn Broussard
     Bazzard--Beverly Harlton
     Durdles--Ken Harrelson
     Deputy/Waiter--Nathanael Trahan
     Citizens of Cloisterham - Kelly Griffin, Jenny Dupre, Katie Parris, Brittany Monaghan and Jennifer Andrews
     Dancers - Kristina Doiron, Courtney Scott, Rebecca LaFleur, Katie Parris, and Ashley Arnold

The show is directed by Shawn Roy, and choreographed by Melinda Caubarreaux. The UL-Lafayette Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Michael Blaney. Set design and construction is by Duncan Thistlethwaite.  Book, music, and lyrics are by Rupert Holmes.

The show opens on March 25th at 7:30 pm and will continue on the 26th and 27th with a Sunday matinee on March 28th at 3pm. Performances will be held at the Ducrest-Gilfry Auditorium at Angelle Hall on UL campus. Tickets will be available at the door for $10 general admission, and free for UL students and faculty.

Theatre--Performance (Musical theatre)

On March 11th, the Opelousas Little Theatre opens with an awesome version of Jekyll & Hyde: the musical. Thirty actors bring their best to perform the inherent qualities of good and evil. The new venue, The Delta Grand, is almost finished and ready to showcase its first theatrical performance.  Join them the last 3 weekends of March (March 11th through the 28th), Thursday through Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. Sell outs are already happening, so purchase tickets now at Sebastien Dupre Jewelry, 337-948-4367. Charges, cash and checks are accepted, and Robbie will hold for the tickets at will call at the door. Tickets may be purchased at the door for that night's performance, shows may sellout.

For more information, call Dana Reed at (337) 351-2591 or Duncan McBride at either (337) 543-8762 or (337) 351-3822 (cell).

Opera--Performance

The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA) will present the international tour of George and Ira Gershwin's quintessential American opera, Porgy and Bess, at the Heymann Center for the Performing Arts.  Jazz phrasings find a home in opera in this breath-taking masterpiece that entwines pride, prejudice, pathos and passion, with a memorable score that includes "Summertime", "I Got Plenty o' Nuttin’" and "It Ain't Necessarily So".

PASA is also sponsoring outreach activities before the performances. An exciting lineup of lectures and art demonstrations are planned as PASA prepares for their presentation of Porgy and Bess at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 7 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center.  There will be a special student production on Monday, March 8th.


The activity schedule leading up to the Porgy and Bess performance is designed for opera fans, music and theater lovers and anyone interested in culture and stimulated by new ideas.

           Wednesday, March 3
Porgy and Bess: A love story against all odds
Lafayette Parish Library-south regional branch
6101 Johnston Street
Lafayette, La 70503
Time: 6:30 p.m.

George Gershwin’s great American opera Porgy and Bess was controversial from the start (in 1958 the movie set was destroyed by arson), but songs like “Summertime” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So” ensure its immortality. Join U.L.’s Dr Susan Nicassio as she explores the classic tale of love, crime, loss, and ultimately redemption, set in the Charleston tenement of Catfish Row.

           Saturday, March 6
PASA presents: "Porgy and Bess; from drama to destiny"
Teen Discussion
Progressive Baptist Church Community Center
125 Gallian Street
Lafayette,La 70501
Time: 1-3 pm
PASA will host a teen summit at Progressive Baptist Church Community Center. Area high school students are invited to participate as panelists in the teen discussion. The summit will focus on similar social challenges faced by the characters from Porgy and Bess and how it relates to teens today.This event will be moderated by local poet and actress Katrina Auzenne, and co-moderated by Lafayette City-Parish Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux. The event is free but space is limited. Interested participants can register by calling (337) 237-2787 ext. 206.

Tickets for Porgy and Bess range from $12-$60 with discounts available for groups of 10 or more and students with a valid ID. Tickets can be purchased through all TicketMaster outlets, by phone at 1(800)745-3000, or online at the PASA website.

Theatre--Auditions

Auditions for IPAL's last play of the regular season, The New Kid on the Block by Pat Cook, will be held at the  Essanee Theater at 6:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, March 22 and 23. Donna Berard is directing. Performances are scheduled for June 3-13. There are roles for three males and four females:
     Carl - Rather bossy man in his 70's
     Lloyd - A southern gentleman retired from the Army in his 70's
     Parker - A genial man in his 70's
     Will Stewart - A cautious woman in her 60's or 70's with a secret
     Morgana Bolton - Bombastic gossip around age 60
     Jolene Balfoy - Will's sarcastic daughter and mother to Will's grown grandchildren
     Eleanor Dumfries - Dramatic lady in her 60's or 70's

The plot concerns Carl, Lloyd and Parker, three elderly gentlemen looking for a roommate to help pay the rent. Their problem seems answered when Will shows up, except Will turns out to be a lady. Lloyd and Parker like her and want to vote her in, but Carl barks back, "We're not voting on prom queen!" Carl's reaction to Will masks a relationship between that is different from what the audience might expect.

For more information, call (337)364-5114 and leave a message. The director will get back to you.

Editor's Note

Just a reminder to everyone:  I am still looking for reviewers for the blog.  Please contact me if you are interested.

Theatre--Performance

The Lawyer Who Stopped Talking, an original play written by Jim Phillips and directed by Christy Leichty, opens at Cite Des Arts on Thursday, March 4th.

The Guru (Barney Fortier)

Her Lawyer (Bob Sidman)

The Detective (Bill Fontenot)

The Stage Manager (Katrina Auzenne)

The Wife (Kayla LeMaire)

The Devotee (Kayla Smith)

TV reporter/Camera Operator (Marsha Sills/Jack Sorenson)

The Herald (Stephanie Broussard)

The Lawyer (Steven Cooper)

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

The UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre is currently in rehearsal for The Mystery of Edwin Drood, which will run from March 25th through March 29th with 4 performances in Ducrest-Gilfry Auditorium in Angelle Hall on the UL Lafayette campus.

Theatre--Auditions

Cité has some great plays on its horizons, but a great performance first requires a great cast! These are the upcoming auditions from Cité des Arts:

Les Marionettes

What: Auditions for Johanna Divine and Christy Leichty’s Les Marionettes

When: March 8^th-10^th 6:30pm-9:00 pm

Where: Cité des Arts, located at 109 Vine Street in downtown Lafayette.

      About the Play:

Les Marionettes, Divine and Leichty's original burlesque-inspired musical is back, with the honor of being a part of this year’s Festival International.

      Actors Needed:

Females and males ages 18 and up, who can sing, dance, act, juggle, do tricks, acrobatics, and anything else! Signing may be required for the audition, so have a song at least somewhat prepared.  The production will run April 21^st through April 25^th. 

 In My Shoes


What: Auditions for Katrina Auzenne’s In My Shoes
When:  Saturday, March 20th from 2 to 4 pm and Sunday, March 21st from 3 to 5 pm
Where: Cité des Arts, located at 109 Vine Street in downtown Lafayette.

      
     About the Play:

In My Shoes highlights the battle between sexy and sensible when two roommates are forced to talk in each other's shoes--literally.  As always, it seems that their male counterparts are oblivious to the importance of shoes.  A man couldn't possible understand a woman's shoes--or could he?

The production will run June 4th through the 6th and June 11th through the 13th.


      Actors Needed:
Charise:  female, 20-30 years old.  High maintenance, irresponsible and her looks are everything.  Must be able to walk in high heels.
Edna:  Plus size female, 20-30 years old.  Low maintenance, hard working, Plain Jane type.  Must be able to walk in high heels.
Stuart:  male, 20-30 years old.  Slim or toned build, athletic type.
Charles:  male, 20-30 years old.  Clean cut, caring, white-collar working man.
Cook:  male, any age.  Small but fun part.  Great for a first time actor looking at gain experience and knowledge of the theatre.