Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

Take a journey back in time with the Acadia Players as Grease comes to the Crowley stage.

 

Days of bobby-socks and poddle skirts, days of ducktails and leather jackets, Grease is the phenomenal hit that has garnished a place in television and movie history.

 

The Acadia Players will be performing this hit at the legendary Grand Opera House of the South in downtown Crowley. Dates for the performance are: June 10th, 12th, 13th, 16th and 17th. Performance times are7:00 pm each evening, with the exception of Sunday, June 13th, when a matinee performance will be held at 2:00 pm.

 

Tickets are $12.00 per adult and $8.00 per student (including high school and college students with a proper I.D.). Tickets are going fast, but may be purchased in person at the Crowley Flower Shop, 1414 North Parkerson Avenue in Crowley, or online at www.acadiaplayers.com.  If purchasing student ticket online, and subject is high school or college student, an I.D. must be presented at the doors for verification.

 

For more information, contact the Crowley Flower Shop at 783-1512 or Jimmy Broussard, Director, at 789-1322.

Theatre--Performance

 Pat Cook’s new comedy, The New Kid on the Block, will be presented by the Iberia Performing Arts League on Thursday, June 3 and run Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons throughJune 13 at the Essanee Theater in New Iberia.  Evening performances are at 7:30 P.M. and Sunday Matinees are at 3:00 P.M.  Ticket outlets in New Iberia are Delaune’s Pharmacy, Paul’s Flower Shop or Accentrics. Tickets or other information can be obtained by calling the theater at 364-6114 and leaving a message.

The production, directed by Donna Berard, has begun rehearsals and the cast and crew are already having a blast! You will laugh all the way home from this new Pat Cook comedy— Carl, Lloyd and Parker, 3 senior citizens, need to rent out their fourth bedroom to help with the rent. Their problem seems all taken care of when Will shows up for the room, except Will turns out to be a female. The craziness and laughter take off from there. Carl’s reaction is nothing more than part of a plan with Will, his sister, to let her live with them for a while.  But before the brother and sister get to reveal their little secret, the neighborhood gossip, Morgana, has them as sweethearts. Lloyd runs around in his army fatigues doing night maneuvers as Parker sneaks around the neighborhood with his walkie-talkie. Then a secretive woman in black enters the house telling Will that she must leave at once. Will’s daughter, Jolene, comes in to thicken the plot, with some story about leaving her husband and wanting to stay with mom. This is a matter of who’s who, who is telling who what, who is telling the truth about who else and who is really who?

Fred Comeaux, who plays the role of Carl, was the mastermind behind the birth of IPAL, and is on stage once more after a long hiatus from the stage, but not IPAL. According to director, Donna Berard, “I have been wanting to see Mr. Fred back on that stage again for some time.  He is the reason we are all here. Every time I watched Mr. Fred’s face as he watched our productions, I could see the admiration he had for the stage. I just knew that we had to do something to entice him back onto our stage. This play did it!”  Mac Stearns, another veteran actor, is playing Parker Klawson. Walter Brown, a man of many talents within the theatre world, is playing the role of Lloyd Timberlake.  The cast is completed by Susan Clark as Will, Marcella Tracy as Morgana, Michelle Derouen as Jolene and Sheila Derouen as Eleanor Dumfries. “I am so pleased,” Berard said, “to be working with such a great group of people. 

This production is sponsored by the First National Bank of Jeanerette.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

Chez Gisele is a drag musical comedy noire original play written by Dennis Ward that premiers May 27th at Cite Des Arts.  Chez Gisele time travels back to Lafayette in the late 1960s to early 1970s and pays tribute to the indomitable spirit of a lovely French woman, Gisele Carriton, who opened the first gay cabaret nightclub in the Parisian style of live entertainment. 


Gisele was an unconditionally loving spirit that welcomed all types of people to her club and gave them one place in Lafayette where they could be free to be themselves.  Gisele accomplished this at great personal expense as the story unfolds.   The play's force is attributed to the colorful characters that were a part of Chez Gisele and  Lafayette's history at the time.  Chez Gisele's regular drag queens are having campy fun lip-syncing and dancing to the 1970s disco music in period glamour gowns and hairdos.

Christy Leichty, the director, says Chez Gisele rocks and, unless the audience is not breathing, it will have a great time entering the world of Chez Gisele.  The play will be performed May 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th,  June 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th, 11th and 12th.  All performances start at 7:30pm, except for the  Sunday matinees, which begin at 2:30pm. 


Tickets are available at the door and in advance by calling 337-291-1122.  Paypal is accepted.  
 

Theatre--Performance

The Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts in Franklin (501 Main Street) is doing The Graduate on May 27th, 28th and 29th, along with  June 1st at 7:00 PM with a matinee performance May 30 at 2:00. Tickets are $10.

Theatre--Lecture

On Wednesday, May 26th, AUI will be hosting a lecture on the historical and literary heritage of Bat Boy: The Musical.  The production team has been lucky enough to get two great speakers: Mr. Walter Brown, our production's supervising director and president of Acting Unlimited, Inc., and Dr. Julia Frederick, professor of history and director of the UL Lafayette Honors Program.  The lecture will be held at the South Regional Branch of the Lafayette Public Library (6101 Johnston Street in Lafayette). It will begin at 2 pm, and after the speakers have finished presenting there will be some music from the show.

Get educated with Bat Boy: The Musical!

Theatre--Auditions

Charlee Halphin is casting a series of one acts to be performed at Paul’s Gallery in New Iberia. The rehearsal dates and performances are listed below for the first two shows.  The rehearsal times are not scheduled yet as they will be set  according to the actors’ availabilities.  Auditions will be Wednesday, May 26th from 6-8 and Saturday, May 29th 2-5 at the A&E Gallery  (335 W. St Peter St., New Iberia). Auditions will be scheduled outside of these times if needed.  The contact number is 818-693-2863.

The Fat Man’s Wife
Performance:
Sunday, June 20th at 11am
Rehearsal Dates:
Thursday,  June 3rd at 7pm (Read through)            
Monday,  June 7th through Saturday, June 19th.  Actors will rehearse Monday through Thursday with possible Sunday rehearsals.

Character Breakdown:
Joe: Late 40s/Early 50s, Man with wide girth
Vera: Joe’s Wife of same age, attractive
Dennis: Late 20s/Early 30s, young handsome

Summer at the Lake
Performance:
Sunday, July 18th at 11am
Rehearsal Dates:
Thursday,  July 1st at 7pm (Read through)
Monday,  July 5th  through  Saturday, July 17th.    Actors will rehearse Monday through Thursday with possible Sundays.

Character Breakdown:
Donald: a boy around 17
Mrs. Fenway: a fretful middle aged women
Anna: an elderly servent

Theatre--Classes

Firelight is now registering for Summer Camps 2010. This summer they are offering the following line-up of camps.

Guitar Camps:
      Beginning Guitar Camp offers the young student experience in tuning, beginning music notation and the playing of chords. The student must furnish his own guitar and electronic tuner. Age Range: 7 years old and up. June 14th--18th  (Monday - Friday, 9-10 am)
      Intermediate Guitar Camp is for the student who has some experience playing the guitar or piano. The student must furnish his own guitar and electronic tuner. Age Range: 10 years old and up with experience.  June 14th--18th, 2007 (Monday -- Friday 10:00 am-12:15 pm)

Broadway Song and Dance Camps
      Broadway Babies: Campers will learn basic singing skills and simple choreography culminating in a
performance of a Broadway style revue. This year*s theme is travel. Join us as we explore different cities of the world. Ages: 4-8  ( June 21th--25th , 2010  2:30-3:30pm )
      On Broadway: Campers will learn basic singing skills and simple choreography culminating in a
performance of a Broadway style revue. This year's theme is travel. Join us as we explore different cities of the world. Ages: 9-12  ( June 21th--25th , 2010 9 am.-2 pm).

Theatre Camps:
      T'Lights Camp: Campers will learn acting, dancing, and singing skills along with memorization techniques while working on the musical production of Cinderella. Ages 5-8. July 19-July 30, 2010 (Monday-Thursday 2PM. - 3:30P.M.)
     Firelight Junior Company Camp: Campers will learn acting, dancing, and singing skills along with memorization techniques while working on the musical production of The Little Mermaid. Ages 9 and up. (July 12th--July 30th, 2010, Monday-Thursday 9a.m. - 1p.m.)


The camps will culminate with a double feature performance of Cinderella and The Little Mermaid (July 30th--August 1st, 2010.)

Theatre--Classes

The Opelousas Little Theatre Summer Camp is here! The camps are similar to last year.

Dana's Camp:
She will be teaching the basics of theatre. Campers will learn about stage presence and beginner's acting techniques. Her camp will meet from 9 AM to 1 PM on camp days. Her camp will end with a talent show and a one act play. Dana will take ages 11 and younger. Older first time campers are encouraged to join Dana's camp, but can take Ashley's camp at the discretion of Dana, Ashley, and the parent. Dana will not accept more than 25 campers.

Ashley's Camp:
She will be teaching intermediate/advance acting techniques. Campers will learn the basics of dancing and acting for musical theatre. They will also learn some stage makeup techniques. Her camp will meet 1 PM to 5 PM on camp days. Ashley's camp will end with a musical showcase and a one act musical. Ashley will accept ages 12 and older. Ashley will not accept more than 25 campers.

(Note: Children must be potty trained and sent to camp with a drink (preferably water) and snack as there is a snack break.)

Dates:
Camp will start on June 1st and run June 2nd, 7rd, 9th, 14th, 16th, 21st, 23rd. Performances on June 24th and 26th for Ashley and June 25th and 27th for Dana.

Cost:
The cost is $30 per week per child. If you have 2 or more children in camp the cost will go down to $25 per week per child. There is also a $10 registration fee.

Registration:
The day for registration at the OLT building will be on May 29th from 9 am to 1 pm. They will also begin accepting registration forms by mail on May 1st.  Please get ther information in as soon as possible because registration will be limited this year.
Send the $10 regtration fee and the following information to:

OLT Summer Camp (Dana or Ashley)
P.O. Box 742
Opelousas, LA 70571-0742

Information needed:
Parent's name(s), phone number(s), and address(es), who will be picking the camper up from camp.
Child's name(s), age(s), camp interested in, any special needs or allergies the child has, theatre experience (if any).
Any conflicts the child will have with the camp dates (other camps, vacations, etc.).

Dana and Ashley look forward to having a fun summer with the children. For more information  or to inquire about concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Dana: 337-351-2591
Ashley: 337-308-7108

Theatre--Performance

The cast of IPAL's next production, The New Kid on the Block, has begun rehearsals and they are already having a blast! The comedy by Pat Cook is about 3 male senior citizens who are awaiting the meeting with their interested new roommate. They say the harder you try to keep a secret the harder it tries to get out. But what secrets could there be between three older gentlemen who live in a 4 bedroom house? After all, they simply want to rent out that 4th bedroom to help with the rent. This craziness and laughter take off from there. The audience will laugh all the way home from this new Pat Cook comedy...Fred Comeaux, who was the mastermind behind the birth of IPAL, is on stage once more after a long hiatus. Mac Stearns, another veteran actor, is playing Parker Klawson. Walter Brown, a man of many talents within the theatre world, is playing the role of Lloyd Timberlake. The cast is completed by Susan Clark, Marcella Tracey, Michelle Derouen and Sheila Derouen. Donna Berard will direct. The cast has received a nice email from playwright Pat Cook thanking them for doing this production and wishing "Break A Leg!"

 Look for tickets to go on sale soon at Delaune's Pharmacy, Paul's Flowers, and Accentrics. The show will run June 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th, 2010. Hope to see everyone all there for this fun for the whole family.

For more information, call 337-364-6114 and leave a message.

Theatre/Dance--Performance

Simplicated/Complified is a site-specific performance which reaches to explore the speed ofcommunication, beginning with the intimacy and simplicity, and transgressing to the rapid and sometimes complicated change in how we now communicate.  The premiere of the performance will take place in freetown field, an empty lot located at the corner of gordon and main street in lafayette's freetown neighborhood.

Dates:  Friday, May 21, 2010 8pm
            Saturday, May 22, 2010 8pm

Tickets: a suggested donation of $5-$10 can be given at the door.

Performers:
Winifred Blewster
Hannah Briggs
Jamie Faulk
Yvonne Olivier-Hample
Alyce Wise Morgan

Costume Designer: Chad Trahan

Visual/Installation Artist: Marla Kristicevich

Choreographer: Paige Krause

For more information, e-mail collaborate78@gmail.com or call 337-309-4964

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

Chez Gisele opens on May 27th, instead of the 20th as was noted here previously.

The talented cast of Chez Gisele is having an avalanche of fun rehearsing the script and creating choreography. "Mais oui, monsieur!" “There's something big about you and it isn't your nose” -Gisele Carriton.

Stephanie Broussard as Gisele.

The lovely Gigi (Stephanie Broussard) is fantastic with her French accent 

and embodies the real life and unconditionally loving spirit of the late Gisele Carriton.  The handsome Clarence (Jack Robertson) is so cute that gay boys get weak in the knees and fall off their bar stools.

Miss Doo (John Vincent) is the sharp tongued leader of the snarling, hissing drag queens: Miss Marie (Blaine Peltier), Miss Fancy Fontenot (Gavin Willis) and SoFonda Peters (Sasha St. Julien).  Miss Doo (John Vincent) is also the creative choreographer of the exciting dance routines.

Miss Hannah (Pat Cravins) stirrs spice piquant into the Chez Gisele story with her gifted prediction of the future as a Creole voyante hoodoo woman.  

The Reverend (John Bess) gives a fantastic lively performance as a gay holy roller preacher that infectiously spreads the Holy Spirit that could make a dead man dance and shout.  Mucky Racker (Micheal Moity) is slinging mud and trash about Gigi faster than a speeding bullet.

The colorful 60s and 70s costumes are designed by master costumer designer James Hamby.  Chez Gisele is expertly directed by Christy Leichty (Les Marionettes), and opens May 27 for 11 performances ending June 12. Tickets are available at Cite Des Arts (337-291-1122) or online at www.citedesarts.org.

Theatre--Review (Firelight Performing Arts)

Last night (May 15) I went with friends to see the penultimate performance of Lionel Bart’s Oliver!, produced by Firelight Performing Arts, the brain child of Laura and Ray Blum.  Since Firelight is a sort of training ground for young, some very young, protothespians, the playing space is modest and the young cast pretty much unfamiliar (to me, anyway) I didn’t know what to expect.

What a hoot and a delight!  The cast, with the exception of the geezers, were adorable and talented.  I am sure “adorable” because of their moms and dads.  But the total product- including dancing, singing, acting, set and costume changes- was the creation of Laura and Ray.  The performance I saw was throughly enjoyable with no pregnant pauses.  Since Oliver! had twelve performances with several parts double (or even triple) cast, one can marvel at the Blums' handling of the logistical problems.

Since I have appeared on stage with several of the “geezers” I don’t want to ignore them (we just aren’t adorable).  They did wonderful pro bono work to flesh out the musical.  Laura Blum (Nancy) has a wonderful voice and was “sweet”.  Vincent Barras (Fagin) has (had) a wonderful beard and was “slimy”.  Jackie Robinson (Bill Sykes) was just downright “evil”.  Ray Blum was just standing and smiling throughout like everyone’s favorite uncle.

Anyway, the whole evening was enjoyable to me and I had no nephew or niece in the show.

---Robert D. Sidman

PASA seeking new Executive Director

The board of directors of the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA) announced today that it has begun a search for a replacement for its executive director Jacqueline Lyle, who will move to the role of creative director.

"For the past 20 years under Jackie Lyle's direction, PASA has consistently brought a stellar line-up of performing arts entertainment to Lafayette.  We are looking to the next 20 years as we begin the search for a new executive director," says Donald Johnson, board president.

"Serving as PASA's executive director has been very exciting, fulfilling and gratifying.  I cannot imagine what else I could have done with my professional life that would have been this rewarding and satisfying," says Lyle. "We are fortunate that we live in a community whose generosity continues to support all of the work that PASA does."

The search is currently under way and PASA is seeking applicants. The full job description can be viewed online at www.pasa-online.org.  Interested individuals should submit their resumes to ed@pasa-online.org.

The Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (PASA), based in Lafayette, LA, began in 1989 and has presented performing artists of many genres - dance, opera, chamber music, comedy, theater, jazz, and popular music. Violinist Itzhak Perlman, comedians Lily Tomlin and Bill Cosby, pop singers Tony Bennett and Roberta Flack, and the annual tours of the New York City Opera National Company and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater rank in PASA's history.  Additionally, PASA has commissioned new music and new dance, spawning projects that have enjoyed critical acclaim around the world.

PASA has consistently grown within its mission of providing local access to great performing arts, developing an annual series of daytime performances for students; a thriving musical instrument recycling program that benefitsmiddle school students; free programming for senior citizens; in-school residencies; and PASA in the Park, a free annual outdoor event. The latest PASA initiative is the Louisiana Regional Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Ensemble Festival, a partnership with the school of music at the University of Louisiana Lafayette and Festival International under the auspices of Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington program.

Dance--Workshop

The Lafayette Ballet Theatre Dance Conservatory is offering a Creative Movement Camp for young children this summer. In anticipation of the company’s spring 2011 production, the camp theme is the ballet Peter Pan.

Creative movement provides an imaginative introduction to dance, rhythm and music. Students will spend time dancing, listening to stories and creating fun, unique crafts related to the Peter Pan theme.

Session 1 for children ages 4 and 5 is slated for Monday, July 12, through Friday, July 16. Session 2 for children ages 6 and 7 will be Monday, July 19, through Friday, July 23. The camps will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day at the Conservatory studio, located at 100 Pillette Road in Lafayette. The tuition is $165.

For more information on Lafayette Ballet Theatre and its official school, Dance Conservatory, call 337-262-0444 or visit www.lafayetteballettheatre.org.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

AUI and the production team is pleased to announce the cast of Bat Boy: The Musical.  Congratulations to everyone in the cast!

The cast is as follows:

Edgar (the Bat Boy): Phillip Smith and Erik Schneider

Shelley Parker: Martha Diaz

Meredith Parker: Ruth Diaz

Dr. Thomas Parker: Cody Daigle

Rick Taylor: Nick Dooley

Sheriff Reynolds: Scott Meddows

Mayor Maggie: Erin Segura

Reverend Hightower: Cindy Hebert

Pan: Kristina Marshall

Mrs. Taylor: Carolyn Broussard

Ron Taylor: Kelly Griffin

Ruthie Taylor: Krista Corbello

Bud: Michael Mouton

Lorraine: Nathanael Trahan

Daisy: Rachel Silliman-Smith

Clem: Gerard Ducharme

Theatre--Audition (Musical Theatre)

The Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts is holding auditions for its summer musical (which will not be named until after auditions) on Tuesday, May 11th at 7 pm and Wednesday, May 12th at 5:30 pm.  A short prepared monologue and the song of your choice would be appreciated but is not required.

Theatre--Performance (Festival)

The Lafayette High School Performing Arts Academy Theatre Arts Program under the direction of Blaine Peltier has been selected to perform in the world’s largest and most prestigious arts festival in the world as part of the American High School Theatre Festival (AHSTF).  Each August, Edinburgh, Scotland becomes the most magical and exciting place on earth as performing artists from all over the world come to Scotland to take part in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  The whole city becomes a stage and visitors can view performances of music, theatre, dance, and comedy during its three week run.  LHS’ performance will be showcased at the AHSTF venue in Edinburgh .

The Lafayette High School Performing Arts Academy Theatre Arts Program, recognized for its entertaining and innovative productions, was selected by the AHSTF Board of Advisors to represent the United States as part of the 2009 AHSTF program.  The Board reviews all completed applications and identifies the top schools based on their most recent bodies of work, awards, community involvement, philosophies, and recommendations.

While in Scotland , AHSTF’s professional technical team ensures that the company’s lighting, sound, and property needs are addressed.  WorldStrides of Charlottesville, Virginia, the nation’s oldest and largest student travel company will be planning the travel arrangements for each high school group.

As you can imagine, LHSPAA Theatre Arts students, their parents, and teacher are heavily involved in fundraising activities to finance their two-week adventure to Scotland and England .  Contributions and donations are welcome and information is available from Blaine Peltier, head of the LHSPAA Theatre Arts Dept., at 337.212.4471.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

Chez Giselle, a drag musical comedy noire written by Dennis Ward and Directed by Chrsity Leichty, is on its way to the Cité Des Arts stage.  Performance dates are May 27th to the 29th, June 4th to the 6th, and June 11th and 12th (Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 2:30pm.).  Stay tuned for more details and online ticket sales coming next week.

Theatre--Festival Acceptance (Leichty/Divine)

Congratulations to Christy Leichty, Johanna Divine, and all the ladies (and gentlemen) of The Dream of the Marionettes as they make their way to the Big City. After an amazing run here during Festival International, Les Marionettes just received word that they have been accepted to the 2010 New York International Fringe Festival, running this summer from August 13th to the 29th in NYC! And they need your help!

It's not easy feat o transport, feed, and house a cast of 13 for two weeks in New York City, and the Marionettes are not only selling cast recording CD's, but also accepting donations, contributions, Frequent Flyer miles, and anything else to help make their way up.

If you are interested in helping Les Marionettes make it to NY, contact Cite Des Arts at 291-1122 or info@citedesarts.org for more info. 

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

The Opelousas Little Theatre has announced the cast for Into The Woods: 


Narrator/Mysterious Man - Gabe Ortego
Baker - Michael Sibille
Baker's Wife - Ashley Nicole Brown
Cinderella - Dawn Blumrich
Cinderella's Stepmother - Erika Stanford
Florinda (Evil Stepsister) - Lindsey Billeaudeau
Lucinda (Evil Stepsister) - Grace Feucht (understudy Lila Myers)
Cinderella's Father - Josh Castille
Cinderella's Mother - Alex Tromblay
Cinderella's Prince - Duncan McBride
Steward - Nick Blumrich
Jack - Eugene Dupre
Jack's Mother - Taylor LaCalle
Giant - Dana Reed
Little Red Ridinghood - Taylor Reed
Wolf/Repunzel's Prince - Andy Doucet
Granny - Hannah Stewart
Witch - Angie LaCalle
Repunzel - Natalie Sibille
Snow White - Samantha Lamonte
Sleeping Beauty - Sierra Lanclos
3 Little Pigs - Giovanni Lamonte, Olivia Roy, Sarah Joubert
Cow - Aaron Meche
Chicken - Chloe Perron

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

Firelight Performing Arts has a matinee of Oliver! this afternoon at 2 pm.  My apologies for missing it earlier!

Theatre--Review (Abbey Players)

Ray Blum's review of the Abbey Players' production Social Security is in the Friday, April 30th edition of the Daily Advertiser.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

The Opelousas Little Theatre was denied the rights to Beauty and the Beast because of the extended national tour.  So the committee has decided on an alternate production, Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods. The audition times previously scheduled for Beauty and the Beast will be used instead for Into the Woods.  The dates and times are Wednesday, April 28th from 5 to 7 pm and Saturday, May 1st from 4 to 6 pm.

For more infomation, contact Duncan McBride at 337-351-3822 or Dana Reed at 337-351-2591.

Theatre--Review (Leichty/Divine at Cite Des Arts)

Cody Daigle reviews The Dream of the Marionettes on his blog at the Daily Advertiser's website..

Theatre--Article (Feature) (Abbey Players and Eunice Players' Theatre)

The Baton Rouge Advocate highlighted two Acadiana productions, the Abbey Players' Social Security and the Eunice Players' What the Bellhop Saw, in its April 16th edition.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

IPAL is putting on a rock-and-roll musical … and they are well under way. Remember When will run August 19th  to August 29th.  Auditions are completed, and principal actors and singers for the show are James Wyche, Shelly Rankin, Travis Guillory, Lynn Derouen, Donna Berard, Martin Smith, Rhonda LeBlanc, Cheryl Mack, Brett LeBlanc, Audie Comeaux, and Bridgett Touchet! Additionally, they will have a live band of 9 players/singers and a chorus of 40 rock-n-rollers singing and dancing.

As a fun event, IPAL is planning a “Fifties Food Fest” on July 10th as a fundraiser, so they can continue to present grear entertainment!  Continue to watch for further details!

Performance--Theatre

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Performing Arts Department presents The Shape of Things by Neil LaBute from April 29th through May 1st at 7:30 pm in the Burke-Hawthorne Hall Theatre.  The show was directed by Katie Lamson.  Faculty, staff and students are admitted free of charge, alumni tickets are $5 and general admission is $10.

The Shape of Things is about a chubby bi-speckled college student, Adam, who meets an attractive art major, Evelyn, while he is working as a security guard at the museum. Evelyn, who is getting started on her graduate thesis project, intends to deface a statue of a male nude which had been altered to censor the nudity. In exchange for Evelyn's phone number, Adam leaves Evelyn alone with the statue and her can of spray paint. Adam and Evelyn start dating and Evelyn persuades Adam to begin a life change including diet and exercise, and a change in wardrobe. Adam and Evelyn go on double dates with Adam's best friend, Phillip, and his finacee', Jenny. Evelyn and Phillip do not get along and are constantly at each others throat. As Evelyn and Adam move deeper into a relationship, Adam's best friend, Phillip, confronts Adam about the dramatic changes he's making. Meanwhile Adam and Jenny begin to express hidden feelings of attraction toward one another.

Cast:
Adam - David Hynuh
Evelyn - Greta Trosclair
Phillip - Michael Cato
Jenny - Natalie LeBlanc

Theatre--Performance

The cast of IPAL's next production, The New Kid on the Block, has begun rehearsals and they are already having a blast! The comedy by Pat Cook is about 3 male senior citizens who are awaiting the meeting with their interested new roommate. Fred Comeaux, the mastermind behind the birth of IPAL, is on stage once more after a long hiatus. Mac Stearns, another veteran actor, is playing Parker Klawson. Walter Brown, a man of many talents within the theatre world, is playing the role of Lloyd Timberlake. The cast is completed by Susan Clark, Marcella Tracey, Michelle Derouen and Sheila Derouen. Donna Berard will direct. The cast has received an email from playwright Pat Cook, thanking them for doing this production and wishing "Break A Leg!"

Look for tickets to go on sale soon at Delaune's Pharmacy, Paul's Flowers, and Accentrics. The show will run June 3rd,4th,5th,6th,10th,11th,12th and13th, 2010.  For more information, call 337-364-6114 and leave a message.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

Firelight Performing Arts of Louisiana’s spring musical theatre offering, Oliver, will open on April 30th for a three-weekend run, closing on May 16th. The play, set in Victorian England, showcases the acting, singing, and dancing talents of 30 children, 10 adults, and one dog.

        

Oliver, based on the Charles Dickens novel, Oliver Twist, and directed by Laura Blum, will have performances on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm. with Saturday and Sunday matinees beginning at 2:00 pm. Tickets, which cost $15 for adults and $10 for students, are available at the door or via the internet at www.firelightenterprises.com. Reservations, which are highly recommended, can be made at 857-6991. The
theatre is located at 501 Church Street in Youngsville, across the street from Youngsville Middle School.

Theatre--Performance

After weeks of rehearsal, the Eunice Players’ Theatre is set to open its 41^st season with What the Bellhop Saw, a two-act comedy by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore on Thursday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m..  Director Jody L. Powell chose the show for its broad comedy, split-second timing and audience appeal.  Everyone needs to make plans now to see the show before dates sell out.

The story centers on two brothers, Wally, a bellhop in New York’s finest hotel, played by Casey Harmon of Crowley, and Georgie, the world’s most hen-pecked husband, played by John D. Kittles of Eunice.  Georgie’s plan to have an affair with his secretary, played by Angelle Bellard of Duson, is thwarted when his abrasive wife, played by Jerica Guillory of Eunice, arrives on the scene. 

Unbeknownst to any of them, the same room is secretly rented to an author believed to have written a controversial book, played by Larry Reppond of Eunice, and the inept CIA agent hired to guard him, played by Tucker Kelly of Crowley.  Wreaking havoc on all of them with a pig mask and a ticking bomb is an assassin bent on killing the author, played by Glenn “Jay” Mentel, Jr. of Opelousas.

The adjacent room holds a guest who wants peace and quiet while seemingly having a party of her own, played by Deborah D. Ardoin of Eunice, while the author’s pig-tailed daughter, played by Sarah Martel of Eunice is hidden elsewhere in the hotel

The bumbling hotel manager, played by Shane Guilbeau of Lafayette, and an aspiring-actress hotel maid, played by Morgan Booty of Crowley, find themselves in the middle of the shenanigans as identities are confused, and the bellhops keep multiplying. 

With this crazy cast of characters running in and out of windows and doors and hiding under the bed, things quickly spin out of control and into a delightfully absurd evening. 

Other performances set to follow opening night are April 16 – 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. 

Season ticket holders should call the number on their ticket for reservations.  Individual tickets are available at David’s Ltd. at 204 S. Second St. or by calling 457-2156.  Season tickets are still on sale; for $20 a season ticket includes 3 shows, reservation rights, voting privileges and an invitation to the Irving Awards. Angel and patron packages are also available for purchase.  Visa and MasterCard are accepted.  The theatre is located at 121 S. Second St. in Eunice.

More information can be found on Facebook or at euniceplayers.blogspot.com. Don’t miss your chance to see this side-splitting comedy.

Theatre--Fellowship

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announces the awards and scholarship nominees for the 42nd annual Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), April 13-17, 2010.

UL Assistant Professor of Theatre Camille Bulliard, has been awarded a Faculty Fellowship to represent Region 6 of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, at the festival’s National event in Washington, D.C.

Selected faculty and participants from eight regional festivals held in January and February at colleges and universities across the country have been invited to showcase their talents at the Kennedy Center, to be considered for scholarships and awards and to participate in master classes with some of the best artists in their field. Students participating in the regional and national festivals are eligible for awards for distinction in performance, stage design, playwriting, directing, stage management, dramaturgy, and dramatic criticism.

Developed by Roger L. Stevens, Kennedy Center Founding Chairman, the KCACTF is dedicated to encouraging, recognizing and celebrating the finest and most diverse work produced in college and university theater programs. The eight regional festivals and national festival provide an opportunity for college and university theater departments to present their work, especially new or student-written work, and to receive outside assessment. Since its establishment in 1969, the KCACTF has reached more than 18 million theatergoers, students and teachers nationwide.

Faculty Fellowships recognizes faculty members for outstanding achievement as teaching artists. Each recipient will attend the KCACTF National Festival in April to mentor student award-recipients and participate in master classes. 

Professor Bulliard has been recognized in the area of Performance.

In addition to her post at UL, Ms. Bulliard also maintains a private practice as a certified Life and Career Coach.

Theatre--Audition (Musical Theatre)

Auditions for Acting Unlimited, Inc.'s production of Bat Boy: The Musical will take place at Cite Des Arts on Thursday, April 15th at 6pm and Saturday, April 17th at 3pm.

Bat Boy is the Lucille Lortel- and Outer Critics Circle Award-winning re-imagining of the story of the eponymous Weekly World News star. This high-energy, emotionally complex show brings to life the story of the Bat Boy, dragged out of his cave and taught by a veterinarian's family how to act like a human. When he innocently attempts to fit in with human society in the economically crippled town of Hope Falls, the desperate people turn on him. This darkly comic and hysterically tragic musical, which examines what it is to be human and how the past never leaves us, is recommended for adults due to mature subject matter (Auditioners must be 18+, 16+ with written parental permission--forms will be available at auditions and on the production blog).

Please prepare 16-32 bars of an upbeat contemporary Broadway musical number for auditions, and bring sheet music (but be ready to sing more of the song if the musical director requests it). An accompanist will be present. If the auditioner does not have sheet music the production team can be contacted--there will be several selections from appropriate shows at the theatre. Some suggestions for appropriate musicals are Rent, Ragtime, Avenue Q, Wicked, and anything from the works of Stephen Sondheim.  If no song is prepared, the musical director will ask to hear either "Memory" from CATS or "You'll Never Walk Alone" from Carousel.

The second part of the audition will be cold readings from the text. Auditioners are welcome to read for as many characters as they would like. There will also be a dance audition, so dress to move.

The production will run July 29-August 14 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

The roles are:

EDGAR (the Bat Boy): Young tenor to play 16. Charming, innocent, eager, but with an animal side.
SHELLEY PARKER: This role has been pre-cast.
MEREDITH PARKER: This role has been pre-cast.
DR. THOMAS PARKER: Tenor, 30-50. The town's veterinarian, the patriarch of the family who takes in the bat child. Charismatic, intelligent, with a dark secret and a willingness to protect it by any means.
SHERIFF REYNOLDS: Baritone to play 30-up. The only face of law enforcement in Hope Falls; good-hearted if not too bright, the Sheriff tries to keep his town from chaos.
RICK TAYLOR: Baritone/tenor to play 16-18. Shelley's boyfriend, Rick bears a grudge against the Bat Boy, and does what he thinks is right--often without considering the consequences.
REV. BILLY HIGHTOWER: Tenor OR alto to play 30-up. The traveling evangelist who tries heroically to raise the spirits of the citizens of Hope Falls.
MAYOR MAGGIE: Mezzo-soprano to play 30-up. The mayor of Hope Falls.
MRS. TAYLOR: Tenor OR alto to play 30-50. Rick, Ron, and Ruthie's sadistic mother.
PAN: Tenor OR alto, any age. The forest spirit Edgar and Shelley encounter in the woods.
RON TAYLOR: Mezzo to play mid-teens, pants role. Rick's youngest sibling, the gentlest of the Taylors.
RUTHIE TAYLOR: Any vocal range (no solos) to play young teen. Rick and Ron's sister, the middle Taylor sibling, who is bitten by the Bat Boy.
NAMED TOWNSPEOPLE (Lorraine, Daisy, Mr. Dillon, Bud, Roy, Ned, Clem): Various vocal types, ages, and genders. The desperate people of Hope Falls, struggling to survive when the second industry their town attempts fails, now willing to find a scapegoat.
CHORUS TOWNSPEOPLE

Depending on audition turnout, double- and triple-casting is likely.


The production team can be contacted with questions or concerns at yourbeastinside@gmail.com.

Theatre--Auditions

A Fairy Tale Adventure by Sophia Holder is a light hearted and funny family play that involves audience interaction. The Wicked Witch has stolen the Fairy Tale endings. The only one who can restore their endings is the Fairy Queen, but the Witch has locked her in the dungeon of the castle. Only Hansel, Gretel and the Gingerbread man are unaffected by the Witch's spell. They must free the Fairy Queen. The audience will join all the familiar fairy tale characters as they journey through the forest to help their queen.

Children 6 through 12 are invited to audition on Saturday, April 17th at 11am and at 1pm. Auditions will be held at the Essanee Theater,  126 Iberia Street. The play with be performed on July 16th, 17th and 18th and July 23rd, 24th and 25th.  Michael Weber is the director for this play and looks forward to working with the children of New Iberia. For more information, she can be reached at (337) 229-6055 or at (337) 519-1784.

Performance--Musical Theatre

The Dream of the Marionettes, a burlesque-inspired musical, features an all-star cast of Lafayette locals, with music performed by a live band. The show begins each night at 6:30pm with Cirque du Cite, in the Cite des Arts lobby, featuring fortune tellers, jugglers, stilt-walkers, and an assortment of circus side shows. The play begins at 7:30pm.

In Les Marionettes, a hard, task-driving puppetmaster is cast aside by a freedom-seeking band of marionettes, who begin to express their hidden dreams and aspirations in song. The play was co-written by local artists Christine Leichty and Johanna Divine, with an original score by Divine and Daniel Coolik, and choreography by New Iberia native, John Vincent.

Divine and Leichty hope Les Marionettes offers something different to audiences; “We want to create a new experience – a unique piece that showcases the incredible talent found in Lafayette,” Leichty says. They also hope the piece helps re-define the concept of burlesque; “A lot of people think of burlesque as being risqué, “ Divine says, “but we’re presenting it as it was at the turn of the century, focused on parody and satire. It’s a comedy, first and foremost.”

The show is running as a part of Festival International de Louisiane from April 21 to April 25, 2010. Pre-show festivities begin at 6:30 each night, so come early for the best seats! For pre-sale tickets, contact Cite des Arts at (337) 291-1122 or at www.citedesarts.org.

Theatre--Review (UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre)

Ray Blum reviews the UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood in the Friday, April 9th edition of the Daily Advertiser.  The Georgies went to Nick Manzo and Carolyn Broussard.