“There is nothing that compares to an unexpected round of applause…” AUGUST 2023 ISSUE 12 Eight O’Clock Theatre BARNUM August 4 - 13, 2023 Ghostlight Young Company THE LIGHTNING THIEF August 11 - 20, 2023 West Coast Players THE BUTLER DID IT August 25 - September 10, 2023 Francis Wilson Players THE SOUND OF MUSIC August 31 - September 17, 2023
“Keep cool boys… Real cool…” Really, you need to watch it out there. Hydrate and stay indoors if you can. It’s very hot. Lots of new shows opening - Hope you’re in one of them! Remember, if you are in a show, pass the word to new cast members to the area about sending their emails to receive APPLAUSE to: [email protected]
“All women need makeup. Don't let anybody tell you different. The only woman who was pretty enough to go without makeup was Elizabeth Taylor and she wore a ton.” Dunedin Showcase Theater (DST) Venue Actor Studio (VAS) c/o Mike Cote 5124 9th Avenue N 1920 Pinehurst Road St. Petersburg, FL 33710 Dunedin, FL 34698 727-822-6194 727-417-0035 [email protected] [email protected] West Coast Players (WCP) Eight O’Clock Theatre (EOT) 21905 US 19 North Central Park Perf. Arts Ctr. Clearwater, FL 33765 105 Central Park Drive 727-437-2363 Largo, FL 33771 wcplayers.org PO Box 297, Safety Harbor, FL 34695 727-587-6751 SAGES Theater (SAGES) [email protected] c/o Linda Goldman www.eightoclocktheatre.com 727-536-7076 [email protected] Francis Wilson Playhouse (FWP) sagestheater.org 302 Seminole Street Clearwater, FL 33755 Tarpon Springs Performing 727-446-1360 Arts (TA) franciswilsonplayhouse.org 324 Pine Street Cultural Center The Ghostlight Young Company (GYC} 101 S. Pinellas Avenue c/o Rachel Fennell Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 3010 51st Street South 727-942-6605 Gulfport, FL 33707 tarponarts.org (978) 930-3804 www.ghostlightyc.org Richey Suncoast Theatre (RST) 6237 Grand Blvd. Gulfport Community Players (GCP) New Port Richey, FL 34652 1619 49th Street S 727-842-6777 Gulfport, FL 33707 richeysuncoasttheatre.com gulfportcommunityplayers.org St. Petersburg City Theatre (SPCT) 4025 31st Street South St. Petersburg, FL 33712 727-866-2059 spcitytheatre.org “AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY” (2007)
AUDITION DATES & LOCATION: Tuesday, August 8, 2023, from 10AM to 12 Noon at St. Petersburg Senior Center, 330 5th Street N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. AUDITIONS THEATRE: SUNSHINE SENIOR CENTER PLAY/MUSICAL: LOVELY LITTLE MURDERS The show, written and directed by David Middleton, is a comedy with music. Join the continuing adventures of the regulars at Edie’s Diner as they set sail on the “Love Boat”. Find out what happens when they cross paths with a famous mystery writer and her scheming assistant who have murder on their minds! Please note: Rehearsals are to be held at the Sunshine Senior Center on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon starting August 15, 2023. The performances will be Friday and Saturday, October 27 and 28, 2023 at 7:00 pm. Auditions will be cold readings from the script. All songs will be artfully lip synced. Since this is a sequel to Eating at Edie’s a few roles may be precast. Female roles include Edie, smart, sensible and witty; Josie, sassy, sarcastic; Sarge, female military veteran; Lola, sensual, lustfully aggressive; Paige Turner, mystery writer with writer’s block; Rita Booke, Miss Turner’s ambitious assistant; Sharon, honeymooning passenger; Julie, ship’s Cruise Director; and Marge, elderly manhunting widow. Male roles include Captain Sterling, ship’s captain; Gopher, ship’s purser; Rudy Parmigiano, ship passenger; Archie, honeymooning passenger; the bartender; an elderly passenger; and Hank Henderson, country singing passenger. The show features a group of murder-inspiring muses known as the Murder-ettes. St. Petersburg Sunshine Senior Center, 330 5th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Call 727-893-7133 or visit the website.
AUDITIONS THEATRE: DUNEDIN SHOWCASE THEATRE PLAY/MUSICAL: FAMILY FORTUNES by Victor Carr AUDITIONS: Wednesday, August 2nd at Dunedin Community Center, 1920 Pinehurst Road, Dunedin at 7PM and will consist of cold readings from the script. Production dates are October 5th through the 8th at the Community Center. DIRECTOR: Victor Carr PRODUCER: Mike Cote Characters Include: Amy Herbert: Teenage girl (17) Tom Gardina: Amy ’s boyfriend, sort of Carol Herbert: Amy ’s mother; a lawyer Dave Herbert: Carol ’s husband Frank Wallace: A friend of Dave ’ s Jennifer Wallace: Frank ’s wife Jess Talmidge: Black worker at Frank ’s company; in his 60’ s Walt Brandon: Jess ’s grandson; 16 -17 years old For more information, contact Mike at [email protected] Synopsis: A light, family comedy about a woman lawyer given the opportunity to break the glass ceiling at her law firm, with a case involving racism, ageism, and shear stupidity. Intermixing this legal maneuvering, she ’ll be entertaining the local civic royalty and watching over her 17 -year -old daughter and her not -so -insightful husband. Special note should be made that this will be the premier performance of this play written by Victor Carr and based on some of his earlier experiences in New England.
AUDITIONS THEATRE: EIGHT O ’CLOCK THEATRE PLAY/MUSICAL: XANADU AUDITIONS: August 13 and 14 at 7pm at the Central Park Performing Arts Center. Performance dates: October 27 - November 5. Visit http://www.eightoclocktheatre.com for details. DIRECTOR: James Grenelle NOTE ON ROLLER SKATING: Roller skating proficiency is not required for most actors at the time of auditions. However, all cast members must be at least willing to learn to skate well, as each cast member will be on roller skates at the end of the show. Only Kira and Sonny will need to be excellent roller skaters. KIRA (CLIO ) (Lead Role, Female -presenting, 20 -35) The youngest of Zeus's daughters and the muses. Falls in love with Sonny. Pretty. Adventurous. Honest and determined. Muse of history and the leader of the muses. Will need to roller skate. Vocal range: G3 -A5 SONNY MALONE (Leading Role, Male -presenting 20 -35) A self -critical and depressed, mortal, chalk artist who falls in love with Kira. Handsome, but not particularly smart. He embodies 1980s pop culture and is very much a California dreamer. Will need to roller skate. Vocal range: B3 -C6 DANNY MAGUIRE (ZEUS) (Supporting Role, Male -presenting, 20 -70) The hard -nosed "all work and no play" businessman who owns the theater he once built for his love, Kira. Used to be a budding artist like Sonny but has since let money and greed consume him. Vocal range: A3 -C6 (cont ’d)
XANADU (cont’d) MELPOMENE (MEDUSA) (Supporting Role, Female-presenting, 40-60) Kira's oldest sister. Mother of the Sirens. She is jealous that Kira is the leader of the muses rather than herself, and therefore creates the plot for her downfall. Muse of tragedy. Vocal range: G3-A5 CALLIOPE (APHRODITE) (Supporting Role, Female-presenting, 30-60) Kira's older sister and fellow muse. She is jealous of Kira and as Melpomene's sidekick, plots with her for Kira's downfall. The Muse of epics. Vocal range: G3-A5 THALIA/ENSEMBLE (Featured Role, Male-presenting, 20-35) One of Kira's older sisters and fellow muse. Muse of comedy. Actor doublings include: Siren, Young Danny, Tubes Singer, and Cyclops. Vocal range: C4-C6 EUTERPE/ENSEMBLE (Featured Role, Female-presenting, 20-35) One of Kira's older sisters and fellow muse. Muse of music. Actor doublings include: Siren, Andrews Sister, and Thetis. Vocal range: G3-A5 ERATO/ENSEMBLE (Featured Role, Female-presenting, 25-45) One of Kira's older sisters and fellow muse. Muse of lyrics and erotica. As Eros, she is responsible for shooting Kira with the arrow of love brought on by Melpomene and Calliope's spell. Actor doublings include: Siren, Andrews Sister, Eros, and Hera. Vocal range: G3-C6 TERPSICORE/ENSEMBLE (Featured Role, Male-presenting, 25-40) One of Kira's older sisters and fellow muse. Muse of dance. As Hermes, the messenger of the gods, he is deeply masculine in voice but sassy and flippant in attitude. Actor doublings include: Siren, Tubes Singer, Hermes, and Centaur. Vocal range: C4-C6 (cont’d)
XANADU (cont’d) Please prepare 16 bars of a song (in your key) that showcases your voice. Bring sheet music; a pianist will be provided. No a cappella or recorded music. Wear or bring proper dance attire (no sandals or flip-flops). There may be readings from the script. Bring a current resume and headshot if you have them. Be prepared to provide any conflicts you may have during the rehearsal period. All roles are open and unpaid. Rehearsals are Monday – Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. This Tony Award-nominated, hilarious, roller-skating musical adventure is based on the Universal Pictures cult classic movie of the same title, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. Xanadu follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, California in 1980 on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time – the first ROLLER DISCO! But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation, and chaos abounds. Xanadu is hilarity on wheels for adults, children, and anyone who has ever wanted to feel inspired.
AUDITIONS THEATRE: WEST COAST PLAYERS PLAY/MUSICAL: THE CRAZY TIME by Sam Bobrick AUDITIONS: August 13th and 14th at 7PM at West Coast Players, 21905 US 19 North, Clearwater, FL. A GPS may not provide accurate directions. Please visit our website wcplayers.com for directions. DIRECTOR: Mary Kay Cyrus All roles available: MILES GLADSTONE - a man in his mid -late fifties (plus) has left his wife of 30 years for a woman half his age. (lead) JERRY CONROY – Miles’ partner and contemporary; rather a con man SUSAN – Miles’ married daughter; 30s KATE GLADSTONE – Miles’ ex -wife in her early to mid - 50s (plus) DIRK KNUDSEN – A young man in his mid -twenties currently dating Kate Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. No actors paid. Performance dates are October 20 – November 5, 2023 - Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. THE CRAZY TIME is a play about men trying to understand women and how they never will.
AUDITIONS THEATRE: NEW MUSICAL PLAY/MUSICAL: NONNA, A MUSICAL CELEBRATION AUDITIONS: Sunday, August 13th @ 4PM and Monday, August 14th @ 7PM. Auditions will be at The Veridian, 518 Third Avenue S, St. Pete 33701 Please be there promptly as we need to have someone at the door to let everyone in. If you are late you must call Annemarie at 727 -645 -9122 to send someone to let you in. Rehearsals planned for Eves Tues and Thurs 7 -10pm and Saturdays 3 -7pm starting August 21, Callbacks will be scheduled if needed on Thurs August 17 at 7pm. PARKING: behind the CVS at 301 Third Street S. We will send you a pass. It ’s just a block away from The Veridian PERFORMANCES: In November at Unity Church of Palm Harbor. Additional performances TBA. Performers will each receive a stipend from the receipts. DIRECTORS: Venue Theatre Director Corinne Broskette and Author/Producer Annemarie St. Michael are seeking 10 actors/singers for a new production of “Nonna, A Musical Celebration” - a story of how one woman transcends from being a mom to being an outcast to her only son, and how she comes back into his and her granddaughter ’s favor. SEEKING ACTORS WHO CAN SING WELL, one dance number in the beginning, a folk dance (the Hora). Please bring one song that shows off your voice, and music on CD or a Capella, a picture and resume (if you have). Readings will be from the script. The ORIGINAL MUSIC is available online at https://soundcloud.com/the -healing -earthangel/tracks The SCRIPT can be reached through [email protected]
The script requires actors to portray the characters of different ages in the story. Characters: Moishe - (Jewish accent) a businessman, 60-80 years, Baritone Ariana - 18-25 years old, Nonna’s daughter to play younger, Mezzo Alejandro - Nonna’s husband (Spanish accent), two ages 18-65, Tenor Frank - 35-55 years old (play two ages), Tenor Nonna - an artist and mother, at ages 18, 50-55, and 65, Soprano Tommy - 20 and 35, Nonna’s first husband, Tenor Rita - 18-25, a member of the Choir, Soprano Rev. Rose - a preacher, 35-45, Soprano 3 teens - to play younger (2 boys, 1 girl), in chorus and two scenes, ANY voices We will transpose the keys as necessary for the right actors. ALSO seeking Stage Manager, backstage personnel, makeup and hair, costumes, etc. Everyone can work somehow. NONNA, A MUSICAL CELEBRATION (cont’d)
THEATRE: FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE AUDITIONS PLAY/MUSICAL: ELF THE MUSICAL AUDITION DATES & LOCATION: Sunday, September 10th and Monday, September 11th at 7PM at the theatre - 302 Seminole Street, Clearwater Auditioners will do private singing audition first. Must be 32 Bars of a Broadway Song. Must bring Sheet Music OR sing selection from ELF score. (NO tracks or prerecorded music). After vocals you may be invited to read from the script. There will also be a Dance Audition. The show does have a Tap Number but not all characters require tap. (Theatre is currently hosting FREE Tap Classes to prepare for this musical. Check our Facebook for details.) Available Roles: Buddy - Born a human but raised at the North Pole as a Christmas Elf, Buddy is eager to find his place in the world. He is a child at heart and that child-like curiosity makes him both endearing and gets him into trouble. Age: 25 to 35, Vocal range top: C5, Vocal range bottom: Ab2 Jovie - Buddy’s girlfriend. She works at Macy’s and has a bit of a cynical outlook on life and love because of the men she’s dated. She is caught off guard by Buddy’s genuinely big heart. Age: 20 to 35, Vocal range top: D5, Vocal range bottom: G3 Walter - Buddy’s workaholic father. He is a Children’s book writer, but lacks any of the childlike spirit that Buddy has. He is selfish, tense, and generally angry with life. Age: 50+, Vocal range top: G4, Vocal range bottom: A2 Emily - Walter’s wife. Though she is sweet and willing to take him in, she thinks Buddy is crazy at first. Wishes her husband would spend more time with the family. Age: 45+, Vocal range top: Eb5, Vocal range bottom: F3
ELF THE MUSICAL (cont’d) Debbie - Walter’s secretary. Takes an instant liking to Buddy simply for the novelty of it. Though she aims to please and is a bit of a suck-up, she feels under appreciated, Vocal range top: Eb5, Vocal range bottom: D4 Manager - A heavy-set manager at Macy’s. He is a good, friendly guy just trying to do his job and get by. Vocal range top: F#4, Vocal range bottom: B2 Greenway - Walter’s boss. He is what Walter will become if he continues down the path he is on. A tyrannical, workaholic who cares nothing about the people around him or who work for him. Santa - Just another workingman. Loves his job and Christmas, but also likes to kick-back and watch the game when a rare opportunity arises. A natural storyteller. Age: 55+, Vocal range top: E4, Vocal range bottom: A2 Chadwick - One of Walter’s right-hand men. He is desperate to keep his job, and perhaps the dumber of the two. Matthews - One of Walter’s right-hand men. He is desperate to keep his job and is the schemer of the two. Ensemble roles include: Mrs. Claus, Elves, Charlie, Shwanda, Mr. Narwhal, Teenager, Employees, Security Guard 1&2, Customer 1&2, Saleswoman, Store Elf 1&2, Fake Santa 1 & 2 & 3, Mother, Policeman 1&2, Sarah, Jim, Vendor, Waitress, Charlotte, Man, Woman NORTH POLE ELVES will be played by a Children’s Ensemble who will double as other ensemble parts PERFORMANCE DATES ARE: November 30th through December 17th, 2023
THEATRE: EIGHT O’CLOCK THEATRE PLAY/MUSICAL: BARNUM By Mark Bramble (book) & Michael Stewart (lyrics) CAST LIST Production Dates: August 4 - 13, 2023, Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo, FL 33770 [email protected] DIRECTOR & MUSICAL DIRECTION BY: Jason Tucker CHARACTER ACTOR CAST P.T. Barnum Domenic Bisesti Charity Barnum Lisa Prieto Ringmaster/James Bailey James Grenelle Jenny Lind Gloria Rice Joice Heth/Blues Singer Katrina Young Tom Thumb Sarah Dunn Julius Goldschmidt Victoria Baumann Chester Lyman Jay Allen Amos Scudder Tony Schmitt Sherwood Stratton Sam Kantrowitz Wilton Greg Bowen Edgar Templeton Fox Gomer Humbert Morrissey Leila Wilson ENSEMBLE Including Katelyn DeVries, Anabela Johnson, and Aidan Anderson P.T. Barnum, the Greatest Showman on Earth, combines razzle-dazzle and circus acts with charm and brass to sell “humbug” to cheering crowds. A joyful and moving musical portrait of the 19th century’s greatest show-biz legend, Barnum is a colorful, dynamic spectacle with heart. Winner of multiple Tony and Olivier Awards (including Best Musical), Cy Coleman and Michael Stewart’s rousing score includes There’s a Sucker Born Every Minute, Join the Circus, The Colors of My Life and Come Follow The Band. The show runs August 4-13 at the Central Park Performing Arts Center. Visit www.eightoclocktheatre.com for more information.
THEATRE: ST. PETERSBURG CITY THEATRE PLAY/MUSICAL: MARY POPPINS THE BROADWAY MUSICAL CAST LIST Production Dates: September 29 - October 8, 2023 DIRECTOR: Jeff Lukas MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Dawne W. Eubanks CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Mary Poppins Tammy D. Lukas Bert Bill Shideler George Banks Dave Davis Winifred Banks Kendra Van Wynserghe Michael Banks Sebastian Kuoch Jane Banks Josie Yanda Mrs. Brill Sandra Huerta Robertson Ay Xavier Molina Delgado Katie Nanna Brianna Middleton* Miss Lark Nona Edelson* Admiral Boom/Chairman Alan Rosenthal Miss Smythe Grace Hood* Von Hussler Shaun Cleppe* John Northbrook Rudy Gonzales* Valentine Benjamin Eisenhour* Willoughby Leyla Jade0Curbello* Mrs. Corry Sara Heller The Bird Woman Stacie Steinke Miss Andrew Jovana Zaremba Neleus Willow Barner* Policeman/Parkkeeper Vaughn Wassmer* Queen Sharon Davis* ENSEMBLE Cassidy Bellville, Campbell Burnett, Polly Croucher, Sarah Duncan, Georgia Dunning, Candice Hughes, Taylor Landau, Jeff Morris, and Richard Walters *Denotes Ensemble as well
THEATRE: FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE PLAY/MUSICAL: RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S THE SOUND OF MUSIC CAST LIST MORE INFO: August 31 - September 17, 2023 at Francis Wilson Playhouse, 302 Seminole Street, Clearwater, FL CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Maria Nickie Berlage Captain Von Trapp Asher Carlson Mother Abbess Mary Anne Boone Elsa Schraeder Nicole Lodge Max Detweiler Peter Barlow Sister Sophia Marissa Nicole Koch Sister Margaretta Chloe Mastro Sister Merthe Megan Jetter Franz Alex Lodge Frau Schmidt Janet Ando Rolf Gruber Jacob Sundstrom The Von Trapp Children: Liesel Shawna Hopper Friedrich Jaxton D’Rion Louisa Jade Granger Kurt Tyler Rogers Brigitta Mya Simpkins Marta Maddy Smith Gretl Charlotte Smith ENSEMBLE Fallon Ahmed, Tim Blakely, Mackenzie Comer, Cienna Currier, Sabrina Gordon, Elli Harmon, Matt Howard, Matt Kosinski, Rachael McCann, Jeffrey Prell, Maggie Scott, Kathryn (Katie) Smith, Emma Tighe, and Dennis Winchester DIRECTOR: Jason Fortner MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Emi Stefanov
THEATRE: WEST COAST PLAYERS PLAY/MUSICAL: THE BUTLER DID IT By Tim Kelly CAST LIST MORE INFO: August 25 - September 10, West Coast Players, 21905 US 19 North, Clearwater, FL CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Haversham Victorya Santosa Rita Liz Brawner Miss Maple Michelle Wallace Father White Nick Wilbur Chandler Eric Weber Louie Fan Mike Bruno Rick T.J. Venieris Laura Laura Carpenter Peter Flimsey Bruce Taylor Charity Noel Wood The Butler Did It parodies every English mystery play ever written, but it has a decidedly American flair. Miss Maple, a dowager with a reputation for “clever” weekend parties, invites a group of detective writers to eerie Ravenswood Manor on Turkey Island where they are to impersonate their fictional characters. The hostess has arranged all sorts of amusing incidents: a mysterious voice on the radio, a menacing face at the window, a mad killer on the loose. Who is that body in the wine cellar anyway? Why do figurines keep toppling from the mantel? Then, a real murder takes place and Miss Maple is outraged. She offers an immense reward to the “detective” who can bring the killer to justice. And what an assortment of zany would-be sleuths! When they’re not busy tripping over clues, they trip over each other! Laughs collide with thrills, and the climax is a real seatgrabber as the true killer is unmasked and almost everyone turns out to be someone else! DIRECTOR: Jamie Bierchen
THEATRE: FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE PLAY/MUSICAL: SAME TIME NEXT YEAR By Bernard Slade CAST LIST MORE INFO: October 12 - 22, 2023 Francis Wilson Playhouse, 302 Seminole Street, Clearwater, FL 33755 727-446-1360 franciswilsonplayhouse.org CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Doris Sadra Bostick George Travis Moore One of the most popular romantic comedies of the century, the plot follows a love affair between two people, Doris and George, married to others, who rendezvous once a year. Twenty-five years of manners and morals are hilariously and touchingly played out by the lovers. Winner of Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards. DIRECTOR: Jason Fortner
THEATRE: SAGES PLAY/MUSICAL: DENYING GRAVITY By Linda Goldman CAST LIST MORE INFO: September 9 - 30, venues and addresses shown below CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Narrator Lee Catalfomo Claire Letty Mendoza Pat John Tatum Sherry Gina Santamaria Susan Marina Spears Megan Jane Muhrlin Caitlyn Amy Lyn Howell Mae Linda Horrell Denying Gravity provides a roller coaster ride with twists and turns between comedy and drama. A minor misstep interrupts the good life “Claire” has been living and she is annoyed (yet somewhat amused) to find herself challenged until she realizes she has entered a “twilight zone” of The Unexpected. Sept 9 – Tarpons Springs Cultural Center, 101 S Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs. For this show only, reserve seats by calling the box office at 727-942-5605 Sept 23 – Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Rd, Tampa Sept 30 – 105 Central Park Dr, Largo FL (with ASL Interpreters) For these 2 shows, Reserve seats at sagestheater.org Sept 9 – Tarpons Springs Cultural Center, 101 S Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs. For this show only, reserve seats by calling the box office at 727-942-5605 Sept 23 – Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Rd, Tampa Sept 30 – 105 Central Park Dr, Largo FL (with ASL Interpreters) For these 2 shows, Reserve seats at sagestheater.org DIRECTOR: Christine Hamacher
SHOW REVIEW THEATRE: TARPON ARTS PLAY/MUSICAL: NOW AND THEN The plot of Now And Then was such a unique concept. Giving a young couple the chance to “start over” in a very real way. An Irish pub. This particular night. It ’s 1981. Jamie is closing up for the night, when an older gentleman enters and begins discussing a proposition with him. Abby, Jamie’s girlfriend walks in. She is soon included in the proposition. The proposition? Listen to the man’s story for an hour - and they each receive $1,000. They accept. The man, played by Darryl Vaci, begins to spin a tale of a young couple in love and how they become engaged, and enter a life of love, babies, college, careers, etc. His delivery is very personal. It should be - it ’s HIS. And, it ’s Jamie ‘s and Abby ’s. Mr. Vaci is effortless in his interpretation of his character. He speaks as though he knows this path of an elder telling his younger self the wisdom he has learned from his experiences. Playing Jamie, Joey Arcuri has a charming playfulness about him. He delights in video games and has hope for someday being as good on piano as to even impress Miles Davis. Megan Patterson portrays Abby. She is a self -assured girl and knows what she wants to accomplish in life. College degrees and someday to become a teacher. Eventually become a mother. She ’s not sure she really wants to get married right away but she loves Jamie very much. Each of them listen closely to the tale The Man tells. At the very end of Act I, The Woman briefly appears. She is played by Velda Gauthier. She only says two words and the Act ends. At the beginning of Act II, the plays continues. And you guessed it - The Woman is Abby, all grown up. So, the tale continues with both The Man and Woman giving their variations on the story. They reminisce as well as argue. The 2nd part of Act II, is just the Woman & Man, reconnecting in 2016 on that same fateful night. It all ends happily every after. It was a very quirky yet satisfying story and one that was worth viewing. Superb acting and directing (David O ’Hara). Thank so much for bringing it to us, Tarpon Arts!
SHOW REVIEW THEATRE: TARPON ARTS PLAY/MUSICAL: TALLEY’S FOLLY Audiences were totally entertained and delighted by Tarpon Arts production of Talley’s Folly by playwright, Lanford Wilson. Director Lisa Milloy and the cast of two, Yvelisse Cedrez Wallace and James Skinner, took us on an incredible roller coaster ride for “97 minutes” as Skinner’s Matt Friedman informed us on several occasions. Cedrez Wallace’s Sally Talley and Skinner’s Matt brought us along on what was described as a dance, a waltz, and we gladly allowed ourselves to be swept away. The play is the second in The Talley Trilogy, between Lanford’s plays Talley & Son and Fifth of July. Set in a boathouse near rural Lebanon, Missouri in 1944, it is a romantic comedy following the characters Matt and Sally as they settle their feelings for each other, sharing intimacies with each other and with the audience. Matt was congenial in greeting the audience and letting them know what they were going to be in for. His light-hearted charm was impossible not to become infatuated with, even though Sally didn’t always see it that way. She ran the gamut of emotions, from hyperventilating nervousness to stubborn indignation to eventually a simply beautiful affection, matching what Matt put forth through the entire show. The two players were convincing and made it real for all of us. Director Malloy and Stage Manager Nickie Berlage transformed the stage into an abandoned boat house, complete with hanging vines, a tree, and assorted treasures one could only find in a rural area. Malloy’s passion for the show was obvious in the careful, deliberate movements and changes in mood that wound through the show like the vines on the set. This two-person tour-de-force was a real treat for the audience and, I’m sure, for the performers as well. All in all, everyone enjoyed a wonderful dance.
SHOW REVIEW Gulport Community Players offered up 10 wonderful oneact plays and did not disappoint. As follows: 1) Blind Date - Imagine a blind date with a third person along? So many things wrong on every level. Daniel McKay was Mr. Hyper and Insecure who brought along his Emotional Support person to assist him through the date to no avail. Madison Chase was great as Jill, his flustered date. Deb Birchler, and Joyce Wagner were super in their roles and gave us laughs throughout. Stephen Bell directed this superb one-act! 2) Whale Watching - Directed by Ron Zietz, The always wonderful Kagey Good was Grandma who reminisced about her deceased husband while whale watching on a ferry. Her grandson Jonah (the humor of his name not lost on the audience), was played by Joshua Goldman. They were both splendid and actually ended up catching glimpses of two whales, mother and baby, in the harbor. A comedic and touching act simultaneously. 3) Hang-Ups - A very unusual plot in this one-act, directed by Stan Gurvitz. Selena, portrayed by Shaheen Mamawala, has a peculiar profession. She is an “extalker”. Not a “sex-talker” to be sure. She actually gets paid by men to talk to them like their exes. Pity her newly-acquired date, Ted, played by Steven Halstead. He is bewildered and unsure what to make of this. Both actors bring just the right amount of vigor for their roles. It was a crazy, but great act! 4) Florida - A very touching one-act from the viewpoint of two down-trodden individuals commonly known as “street people”. Nona Edelson played Didi, who is slowly slipping into dementia and is becoming frustrated at not being able to remember things. Her companion is Roger, played by Richard Walters. Roger always optimistic - constantly trying to keep Didi’s mental state “up”. Directed first-rate by Stan Gurvitz. PLAY/MUSICAL: SUMMER ONE-ACTS THEATRE: GULFPORT COMMUNITY PLAYERS
SHOW REVIEW GULFPORT COMMUNITY PLAYERS - ONE-ACTS (cont’d) 5) Dog House - An interesting idea to show us how the world looks through the eyes of dogs! Carmilina Alford played the female dog with such cuteness you just wanted to adopt her and take her home! Very believable dog mannerisms and great interplay with Reynaldo Garcia, playing the male dog. Mr. Garcia was just adorable! They were each “to die for” in their inquisitions about their owners and what they were up to. Enjoyed this so much! Creatively directed by Olga Kruse. 6) Death Brings A Casserole - What a concept! Death (laugh-out-loud played by Rob Romero) actually brings a Green Bean Casserole to an impending dead individual played by Steven Halstead. This one-act was hilariously magnificent! Mr. Romero slithered, climbed, squirmed, wriggled, and snaked all around the almostdead man, handing him the required casserole. It was just perfect! Mr. Halstead was great, wondering why he as being given food while praying in his church? Great job, both characters! Brick Brickel as the fab director. 7) Interview - Joshua Goldman as the Job Applicant. What can I say? If he was the Applicant for a job in anyone’s company in real life - well WATCH OUT! He would be the poster boy for the worst Applicant in history! WOW! He played him ridiculously CRAZY! Meaning in the most complimentary way. Rob Romero played the Interviewer with great aplomb. At wit’s end and finally just throwing in the towel! Great job, guys. Kudos to Stephen Bell’s great direction. 8) Stickers - Grandmother played by Norma Caltagiron and Emily played by Madison Chase. Teaching traditions and rituals to be passed on after learning of an impending health diagnosis. Ms. Caltagirone was gentle in explaining her imminent passing and sharing some important family traditions to Emily. Both actors were expert in treating the dialogue with respect to convey how important it is to share in these customs and beliefs. Olga Kruse directed.
SHOW REVIEW GULFPORT COMMUNITY PLAYERS - ONE-ACTS (cont’d) 9) Pumps - Imelda Marcos would have loved to be in the audience for this one. Shoes! You either love them or you could give a crap! But Oh! Some women - they would give just everything for them. Case in point - Stephie, played by Madison Chase. You can see she just oozed shoes from every pore! Her mantra - SHOES ARE US! Sole-fully directed by Brick Brickel. 10) When Killer Animals Go Nuts - Well, this title alone will make you wonder what in the world is THIS about? Right? Here’s another “date night” in a restaurant, with a guy and a girl… Max, played by the terrific Daniel McKay is someone who is speaking VERY LOUD and PRECISE to Jill, played by Joyce Wagner. Every question Jill asks Max, results in Max answering with a BLUSTEROUS and CLIPPED announcer-type voice. It turns out he is the voiceover guy for several TV series and films. It keeps going this way, until Jill just can’t take it any longer and she exits. But, before Max leaves, he encounters Candy, portrayed by Shaheen Mamawala, who turns out to be a local TV weather girl. Between the two of their broadcast voices, they get along swimmingly and it’s a match made in filmdom. Well directed by Ron Zietz! Note: It should be mentioned that Madison Chase, with very short notice, in addition to the role she was cast, played several additional roles in the performance reviewed. She was outstanding in all and played each stunningly. You would never have known she was stepping into them for someone else. Kudos, Madison!
8/2 DST - Auditions - 7:00 PM - FAMILY FORTUNES 8/8 Sunshine Sr. Ctr - Auditions - 10:00 AM - LOVELY LITTLE MURDERS 8/13 & 14 EOT - Auditions - 7:00 PM - XANADU 8/13 & 14 WCP - Auditions - 7:00 PM - THE CRAZY TIME 8/13 & 14 Auditions - 4 PM & 7 PM - NONNA, A MUSICAL CELEBRATION
Eight O’Clock Theatre - BARNUM Eight O'Clock Theatre is excited for the upcoming production of Barnum which features circus acts, a hummable score, and a giant elephant! P.T. Barnum, the Greatest Showman on Earth, combines razzle-dazzle and circus acts with charm and brass to sell “humbug” to cheering crowds. A joyful and moving musical portrait of the 19th century’s greatest show-biz legend, Barnum is a colorful, dynamic spectacle with heart. Winner of multiple Tony and Olivier Awards (including Best Musical), Cy Coleman and Michael Stewart’s rousing score includes There’s a Sucker Born Every Minute, Join the Circus, The Colors of My Life and Come Follow The Band. Performances August 4 - 13 2023 Directed by Jason Tucker http://www.eightoclocktheatre.com Ghostlight Young Company - THE LIGHTNING THIEF The musical follows Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old boy who newly discovers that he is a demigod and goes on a quest to find Zeus' missing lightning bolt and prevent a war between the Greek gods. Performances August 11 - 20, 2023 Directed by Rachel Fennell GhostlightYC.org/tickets West Coast Players - THE BUTLER DID IT This comedy parodies every English mystery play ever written with a decidedly American flair. When they're not busy tripping over clues, they trip over each other! Laughs collide with thrills, and the climax is a real seat-grabber as the true killer is unmasked, and almost everyone turns out to be someone else! Performances August 25 - Sept. 10, 2023 Directed by Jamie Bierchen wcplayers.org Francis Wilson Playhouse - THE SOUND OF MUSIC The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta von Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision. Winner of 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical Performances August 31 - Sept. 17, 2023 Directed by Jason Fortner franciswilsonplayhouse.org ON THE BOARDS!
Eight O'Clock Theatre is excited for the which features circus acts, a hummable score, and a giant elephant! P.T. Barnum, the Greatest Showman on Earth, dazzle and circus acts with charm and brass to sell to cheering crowds. A joyful and moving musical portrait of the 19th is a colorful, dynamic spectacle with heart. Winner of multiple Tony and Olivier Awards (including Best s a Come The musical old boy who newly discovers that he is ' missing lightning bolt and This comedy parodies every English mystery play ever written with a decidedly American flair. When they're not busy tripping over clues, they trip over each other! Laughs collide grabber as the true killer is The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta von Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must Directed by Jason Fortner Gulfport Community Players - Summer One-Acts REHEARSAL Gulfport Community Players - Summer One-Acts Stephen Bell, Rob Romero, Joshua Goldman
McKenzie Pollock, August 1st Ryan Sturm, August 3rd Kathleen Goelz, August 4th GiGi Groom, August 4th Katherine Grace, August 5th Normajeanne Anderson, August 5th Tai Lyttle, August 5th Felipe Olivero, August 5th Leah Morelli, August 6th Dawn Bronson, August 7th Jo Greene, August 8th Bill Harber, August 12th Jimmy Ferraro, August 13th Jay Allen, August 14th Lisa Prieto, August 16th Nickie Berlage, August 18th Lou Russo, August 19th Melanie Simpson, August 21st Andrew Roehm, August 21st Ginny Fraebel, August 22nd Lee Zumpe, August 22nd Ann Marie Kennedy, August 22nd Victor Carr, August 23rd Jessica Rymsza, August 24th Ashton Cote, August 24th Brick Brickel, August 26th Rebecca Street, August 26th David Fraga, August 27th Elaine Goller, August 28th Vicky Baumann, August 29th Wil Toro, August 30th Cody Carlson, August 30th Dan Kelley, August 31st
Saturday, August 26 2023 6:30 PM Back Door Players Theatre 1619 49th Street S Gulfport, FL 33707 gulfportcommunityplayers.org The “Cathy” Awards, named after the Players’ founder, Catherine Hickman, recognizes the favorites from all the plays of the past season as well as the recently-completed One-Acts. Tickets, $20 per person, must be purchased in advance ONLINE at www.GulfportCommunityPlayers.org. No cash, check, or walk-ins! Tickets include appetizers, finger foods, and desserts. There will be a beer and wine CASH bar. CATHY AWARDS CEREMONY
Sat Sep 30, 2023 - 2 & 8pm CELEBRATING 1947 - The war had ended. Harry S. Truman was President and television was just starting to catch on. It was also a milestone year for new shows and writers, including Lane & Harburg’s Finian’s Rainbow, Lerner & Loewe’s Brigadoon, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Allegro, Kurt Weill’s Street Scene, plus varied fare such as Up In Central Park, High Button Shoes, Angel In the Wings, Barefoot Boy With Cheek, Bonanza Bound, Bloomer Girl and many more. CONCERT SERIES