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Theatre News
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Quick, fun news blurbs about what individuals and organizations are up to around the state. New theatre positions, casting, project announcements, awards, and more. Have something you want to share (about yourself or others)? Just let us know!
News/Announcements
THEATRE 29 ANNOUNCES THE CAST FOR “THE ODD COUPLE”
Theatre 29 and Director Katie Fleischman have announced the casting for the debut show of the 2018 season, The Neil Simon Classic Comedy, “The Odd Couple”.
"The Odd Couple" is the story of two suddenly single pals — a sloppy sportswriter and a fastidious news writer – who strain their friendship by becoming roommates and unconsciously repeating the same mistakes they made in the marriages they just left. The New York Times said that Neil Simon’s skill is “Not only great but constantly growing. There is scarcely a moment that is not hilarious.” The humor of this timeless classic has led to numerous television and movie spin-offs.
The local production of the comedy, which won the Tony award for Best Play in 1965, will star Kevin Myers as Oscar Madison, Chris Fleischman as Felix Unger, Janet Peercy as Murray, William Jones as Speed, Robert Ames as Vinnie, Joe Rego as Roy, and Kegan Longuevan and Brandy Thiers as Gwendolyn and Cecily Pigeon.
This classic comedy opens as a group of the guys assembled for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it’s no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean-freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as The Odd Couple is born.
Performances will be weekends from January 19th-February 4th, 2018, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 P.M. and Sundays at 2:30 P.M.
Tickets for all performances (except the opening night gala) are available for purchase now at www.theatre29.org, by calling the Box Office at 760-361-4151, tickets can also be purchased via the Walletini app available through Google Play and I-Tunes App Store, through the “Buy Ticket” button on Theatre 29’s Facebook page or by scanning the QR code embedded on show posters at businesses across the Morongo Basin.
Tickets are $15.00 Regular, $12.00 Seniors and Military, and $8.00 for Students with ID or children under 12. THE ODD COUPLE is appropriate for most audiences (Some light language and very mild adult situations).
Theatre 29 is an all-volunteer, non-profit 501(c)3 Community Theater organization.
THEATRE 29 REORGANIZING, TAKING BOARD APPLICATIONS
The all-volunteer board of directors of the non-profit Theatre 29 will be reorganizing early next month and are looking for those interested in serving. Theatre 29 will be holding their annual Board of Directors elections and reorganization December 12, 2017 at 6 pm at the theater facility, 73637 Sullivan Road in 29 Palms. Anyone who is interested in serving a 2-year term on the non-profit, all-volunteer, Theatre 29 Board of Directors, is invited to send a letter of intent to: Gary Daigneault, President, Theatre 29 Board of Directors, 6448 Hallee Road, Joshua Tree, Ca. 92252 or by e-mail at z1077fm@gmail.com. The deadline to receive letters of interest is 5:00 pm Friday, December 8, 2017. For further information, contact Daigneault at 760-366-8471
FERNDALE REPERTORY THEATRE AND KNEELAND SCHOOL
PARTNER ON ORIGINAL PLAY
“IT’S ABOUT TIME”
Ferndale Repertory Theatre and Kneeland School are cooperating to present an original production titled IT’S ABOUT TIME. Performances are FREE to Humboldt County Schools and will take place at Ferndale Repertory Theatre at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. December 11 - 15. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 707-786-5483.
This funny and adventurous play is written, designed and performed by Kneeland School’s 15 students in grades TK-8 as part of their full-immersion drama education program.
IT’S ABOUT TIME follows the journey of a young scientist, Neoteny, and his sidekick Patricia, who set out in their time machine to discover the sweetest dance moves of all the ages in order to do well in their school dance competition. Because they are using a time machine made in a garage with spare parts, Neoteny and Patricia find themselves in a variety of time periods offering more education than dance lessons!
Under the guidance of Greta Turney, a local community theater artist who has also been teaching and directing children in theatrical performances for 6 years, students are learning how to write a script, design and build a set, build properties specifically designed for theater, and learn techniques for theater acting including appropriate gesticulation, enunciation, and vocal projection.
When asked, the students said their favorite part of this year’s winter performance is being able to write the play and perform it on a real stage.
IT’S ABOUT TIME is not open to the public; Humboldt County schools can reserve blocks of seats for students by calling 707-786-5483. A short question-and-answer session with the cast follows every performance. Please see the included performance schedule for exact performance dates and times.
Ferndale Repertory Theater has been an integral part of Humboldt County’s culture since 1972 and has established a tradition of both community involvement and supporting Arts Education.
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Full performance schedule and box office information for “IT’S ABOUT TIME” :
Monday, December 11 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, December 12 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, December 13 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, December 14 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Friday, December 15 at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
All performances of “IT’S ABOUT TIME” will be at Ferndale Repertory Theatre, located at 447 Main Street in Ferndale. This production is not open to the public; Humboldt County schools can reserve blocks of seats for students by calling 707-786-5483.
A short question-and-answer session with the cast follows every performance.
Award-winning Hi-Desert Playhouse to open 1940s vintage Christmas radio show this Friday
JOSHUA TREE, CA — Take a stroll down memory lane this Christmas with a charming and zany Yuletide offering presented by the Hi-Desert Cultural Center’s award-winning Hi-Desert Playhouse! Opening this Friday and playing through December 10, TUNE-IN FOR CHRISTMAS is an evening of song and dance that is sure to make your Christmas bright! There will be laughs galore as the cast of radio players brings an old-time 1940s radio show alive with vintage radio commercials, comedy skits, tuneful carols, a tap-dancing Christmas tree, live sound effects and the richly imaginative radio version of Charles Dickens’ classic ghost story, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, adapted for radio by Anthony E. Palermo. Directed by award-winning Playhouse Artistic Director Howard Shangraw, TUNE-IN FOR CHRISTMAS is sure to delight, fascinate and fill you with warm nostalgia for the days of yore when family and friends gathered round the fireplace and “tuned in” for some good old-fashioned holiday cheer.
The talented and multi-award winning cast of “radio artists” includes Barry Cutler once again portraying that iconic old curmudgeon EBENEEZER SCROOGE. Barry was last seen on our stage as Mr. Mushnik in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and is joined by talented HDCC familiars Scott Cutler, Dawn Davis, Daniel Graff and Derrik Lewis, all of whom will be remembered for their past performances in DRACULA, as well as other HDCC productions. Also returning to the HDCC stage is the uber talented Jeanette Knight (ALMOST, MAINE; THE GOLDFISH LETTERS; DOG LOGIC; MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD). Filling out the cast are William Hart (Audrey 2 puppeteer in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and Director of ALIENS – for Reader’s Theater), Miri Hunter (A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE SPITFIRE GRILL, FOR COLORED GIRLS), and Haley Kooyman (A CHRISTMAS CAROL, GODSPELL, THE SPITFIRE GRILL). Making his HDCC debut is Andrew Accardi.
Complimentary light refreshments and a cash bar will be available during the performances. This show has a suggested rating of G. To purchase tickets or for more information, patrons may visit www.hidesertculturalcenter.org, visit the Hi-Desert Cultural Center Box Office in person Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm, or call the Box Office at 760.366.3777. To avoid a credit card processing fee, you can purchase tickets via cash or check in person at the Box Office. Group rates available. Must be at least five years of age to attend.
Elite, Preferred reserved, and General unreserved seating available. Tickets are $15-$24 and group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Accessible seating is available based on availability, so please speak with a box office agent to arrange for accessible seating choices.
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
PHOTO 1: Daniel Graff provides comic relief as he performs all of the 1940s era live radio sound effects for the Hi-Desert Playhouse’s newest vintage theatrical production, TUNE IN FOR CHRISTMAS, which features a live radio play of A CHRISTMAS CAROL.
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ABOUT HI-DESERT CULTURAL CENTER
With its multi-venue performing and visual arts centers located in Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley, California, the Hi-Desert Cultural Center (HDCC) is a 50+ year non-profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt corporation (Federal Tax ID# 23-7425816) that serves as the regional performing and visual arts organization for the gateway communities of Joshua Tree National Park. The Cultural Center operates its own performance venues and produces award-winning professional live theater, concerts, art exhibits and galleries, festivals, the Joshua Tree Philharmonic symphony orchestra, an artist residency for veterans, an extensive educational arts and technology academy program for youth and adults, and more. It operates a significant financial aid and scholarship program so that no children are turned away from programs due to their socioeconomic situation. Learn more at: www.hidesertculturalcenter.org
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Silicon Valley Shakespeare Earns Commendation from the City of San Jose
Mayor Liccardo and Councilmember Davis commend Silicon Valley Shakespeare for its ongoing efforts to deliver quality theatre to the local community and inspire local area youth
SAN JOSE, CA - October 26, 2017 - Mayor Sam Liccardo and Councilmember Devora Davis recognized Silicon Valley Shakespeare, an award winning, San Jose-based theatre company known for producing innovative, relevant theatrical experiences that illuminate and inspire modern audiences in a commendation presentation at Tuesday's San Jose City Council meeting.
During the presentation at the city's capital building, Silicon Valley Shakespeare was praised for delivering free theatre to local area youth aged 17 years and younger; and also for delivering access to arts and culture as well as free and subsidized educational programming across all demographic and economic profiles throughout San Jose.
Mayor Liccardo and Councilmember Davis also commended Silicon Valley Shakespeare for delivering world-class, award-winning theatre to local San Jose area residents, while at the same time promoting arts and cultural awareness.
Founded in 1999, the company has continued to expand its presence in San Jose. It has grown from one full-length show per year to three full length productions per season including one completely free production made available to the entire public, giving tens of thousands from throughout the greater San Jose area access to quality theatre.
"I'd like to thank Silicon Valley Shakespeare for their devotion to our community and in particular to our local area youth," states Councilwoman Davis, "San Jose flourishes because of our very strong and vibrant arts community and Silicon Valley Shakespeare is a shining example of this community."
The commendation, was presented to Executive Director Doug Brook and Artistic Director Angie Higgins with a strong emphasis on their dedication and devotion to serve a worthy local-area nonprofit. "We thank the City of San Jose for this recognition and its ongoing support," said Brook. "We appreciate the City's ongoing support and as we enter our twentieth season we look forward to partnering with our councilmembers for many years to come, to jointly serve our local arts community and in particular our local youth."
About Silicon Valley Shakespeare
Since 1999, Silicon Valley Shakespeare has breathed new life into the classics through unique and relevant theatrical experiences that illuminate and inspire modern audiences. They provide high-quality and affordable theatrical experiences and educational programs, allowing them to reach a diverse audience and build a new generation of theatregoers. All productions are free for everyone 17 and under. For more information, visit: www.svshakespeare.org.
If you'd like more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Silicon Valley Shakespeare at 408.289.1901.
About the City of San Jose
From its founding in 1777 as California's first city, San Jose has been a leader, driven by its spirit of innovation. Today, San Jose stands as the largest city in Northern California and the Capital of Silicon Valley-the world's leading center of innovation. The city, the 10th largest in the U.S., is committed to remaining a top-ranked place to do business, to work and to live. For more information, visit, www.sanjoseca.gov.
Media Contact
Contact: Doug Brook
Title: Executive Director
Phone: 408.289.1901
E-mail: doug.brook@svshakespeare.org
THEATRE 29 ACHIEVES THE SILVER SEAL AT GUIDESTAR USA
Theatre 29 has been recognized for its outstanding non-profit organizational transparency with a Silver Seal on their GuideStar Nonprofit Profile!
GuideStar is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. More than 8 million visitors per year and a network of 200+ partners use GuideStar data to grow support for nonprofits.
In order to get the Silver Seal, Theatre 29 has shared important information with the public using their profile on www.guidestar.org. Now community members and potential donors can find in-depth financial information about Theatre 29.
“With our commitment to transparency and fiduciary responsibilities, we hope that the resources offered by GuideStar to potential supporters, can be seen with more clarity in our GuideStar Profile,” said Gary Daigneault, Theatre 29 Board President. “We appreciate our community, supporters, and donors for their contributions towards our mission and we hope this Silver Seal helps show our commitment to holding theatre 29 to the highest standards of non-profit management. We are excited to have achieved this level of transparency and will be working toward the next level.”
ABOUT GUIDESTAR: If you care about nonprofits and the work they do, then you’re affected by what GuideStar does—even if this is your first visit to www.guidestar.org. Here at GuideStar we gather and disseminate information about every single IRS-registered nonprofit organization. We provide as much information as we can about each nonprofit’s mission, legitimacy, impact, reputation, finances, programs, transparency, governance, and so much more. We do that so you can take the information and make the best decisions possible. Learn about our theory of change, impact and results, and plans for the future. Visit http://www.guidestar.org for more information.
ABOUT THEATRE 29: Theatre 29 is an all-volunteer non-profit 501( C ) 3 tax exempt Community Theater Organization in Twentynine Palms, California. Theatre 29 offers year-round live theatrical productions, a wildly successful summer youth theater program, and the legendary improvisational troupe, “A Baker’s Dozen”. More at www.theatre29.org
Mendocino, CA -- The Mendocino Theater Company is pleased to bring the locally-based Mendocino Dance Project to their stage on December 15th and 16th. This exciting, contemporary dance company brings athleticism and skill to dance, exploring themes such as the fierceness and softness of a woman; the quality and significance of elasticity; and the untold stories of living.
“Dance is a unique way of telling stories, giving audiences the freedom to use their own imaginations, to reflect on their own lives, and to inhabit their own bodies," says Kara Morris, the dance company's artistic director. “I am thrilled to bring this dynamic show to the charming and intimate Helen Schoeni Theater and to work alongside the Mendocino Theater Company.”
Rich in content, sassy and playful, fierce and powerful, tender and beautiful, this show is a suitable for families and is a great introduction to the art of dance performance.
The Mendocino Dance Project performs Friday, December 15 at 7:30 PM and Saturday, December 16 at 2 PM and 7:30 PM. in the Mendocino Theatre Company's Helen Schoeni Theatre, 45200 Little Lake Street in Mendocino. General admission tickets are available by visiting mendocinotheater.org or by calling the MTC box office at 707-937-4477.
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Photo credit: Dancer Kara Morris; photo by Pablo Abuliak
Check this page to find California community theatre news. If you have news stories related to a community theatre in California, including staff or leadership changes, awards, or other noteworthy events, please email californiacommunitytheatre@gmail.com
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