“There is nothing that compares to an unexpected round of applause…” JULY 2023 ISSUE 11 Tarpon Arts TALLEY’S FOLLY July 7 - 9, 2023 Gulfport Community Players SUMMER ONE-ACT PLAYS July 13 - 23, 2023
Please have a Happy Summer and be careful in all of your activities inside and outside. Keep an eye out for upcoming auditions to get ready for a busy Fall season of wonderful theatre! 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]
I'd like to sup with my baby tonight Refill the cup with my baby tonight But it’s too darn HOT It’s too darn HOT 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 “IT’S TOO DARN HOT” KISS ME KATE (1948)
AUDITION DATES & LOCATION: Sunday, September 10th and Monday, September 11th at 7PM at the theatre - 302 Seminole Street, Clearwater AUDITIONS THEATRE: FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE PLAY/MUSICAL: ELF THE MUSICAL 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
AUDITIONS 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
AUDITIONS THEATRE: FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE PLAY/MUSICAL: BROADWAY MUSICALS OF... MORE INFO: Francis Wilson is holding Auditions for the new Broadway By The Year Concerts will be Sun July 9th and Monday July 10th at 7pm at Francis Wilson Playhouse, 302 Seminole St., Clearwater, FL. Singers will be chosen for our 4 Concerts celebrating the Broadway years 1947, 1959, 1964 and 1975 with a wide range of songs from those Seasons. The Concerts will feature live accompaniment by Musical Director Emi Stefanov and Narration by Director Jason Fortner. Singers will be asked to bring 2 contrasting songs (ballad & uptempo) Singers must bring Sheet Music. (No recorded accompaniment) These fun -filled concerts will celebrate the wide range of music featured in these 4 decades of Broadway. The performances will be: BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1947 Saturday September 30th 2PM & 8PM BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1959 Saturday November 4th 2PM & 8PM BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1964 Saturday January 27th 2PM & 8PM BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1975 Saturday March 9th 2PM & 8PM
AUDITIONS THEATRE: DUNEDIN SHOWCASE THEATRE PLAY/MUSICAL: FAMILY FORTUNES by Victor Carr AUDITIONS: Monday, July 31st and 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: TARPON ARTS PLAY/MUSICAL: BLITHE SPIRIT by Noel Coward AUDITIONS: July 30th & 31st at 7PM at the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum - 100 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. Roles are open to all genders, races, and ethnic diversities. Artists are encouraged to be familiar with the material. Artists should bring their headshot and resume, along with a list of potential conflicts. DIRECTOR: Madison Claire About The Show: They say, “true love never dies” and for one fussy, cantankerous novelist that is certainly true! A spiritualist medium holds a séance for English novelist, Charles Condomine, but accidentally summons the spirit of his deceased first wife, which leads to an increasingly complex love triangle with his current wife of five years. This smash comedy hit of the London and Broadway stages is a much -revived classic. Roles Available: (All ethnicities. English accent required.) EDITH - a maid, always in a hurry, age 18+ RUTH - Charles’ current wife. She is a smart -looking woman age 30s -40s. CHARLES – an English novelist. Husband to Ruth and, before her passing, to Elvira, age 30s -40s
BLITHE SPIRIT (cont’d) DR. BRADMAN – a doctor and friend of the Condomines, age 30s-50s MRS. BRADMAN – wife of Dr. Bradman and friend of the Condomines, age 30s-50s MADAME ARCATI - a medium. A striking and eccentric woman, age 40s-60s. ELVIRA - Charles’ late wife who returns as a ghost, glamorous and fun-loving, age 30s-40s All actors who are cast must be available for all show dates, as well as tech week (Monday, October 16th, 2023 through Wednesday, October 18th, 2023) and a MANDATORY Friends & Family preview performance on Thursday, October 19th, 2023 starting at 7pm, cast call at 6pm. Showtimes are 7pm Fridays, and 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Cast call would be 1 hour prior to showtime. Show dates are listed below. Friday, October 20, 2023, 7pm Saturday, October 21, 2023, 2pm Sunday, October 22, 2023, 2pm Friday, October 27, 2023, 7pm Saturday, October 28, 2023, 2pm Sunday, October 29, 2023, 2pm Rehearsals are planned for August through October and will be subject to cast/crew availability. Rehearsals will start out at three times per week, then upping to meeting four times a week at the halfway point. For more information, or if you are unable to attend the audition date but would still like to audition, please email Director, Madison Claire at [email protected]. Looking forward to seeing you at auditions!
AUDITIONS THEATRE: WEST COAST PLAYERS PLAY/MUSICAL: THE CRAZY TIME by Sam Bobrick AUDITIONS: August 13th and 14th August 31 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.
THEATRE: TARPON ARTS PLAY/MUSICAL: TALLEY’S FOLLY by Lanford Wilson CAST LIST MORE INFO: Performances are: Friday, July 7, 2023 @ 7PM Saturday, July 8, 2023 @ 2PM Sunday, July 9, 2023 @ 2PM Tarpon Springs Cultural Center 101 S. Pinellas Avenue Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 DIRECTED BY: Lisa Malloy STAGE MANAGER: Nickie Berlage CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Matt Friedman James Skinner Sally Talley Yvelisse Cedrez Wallace Synopsis: This funny, heart-warming theatrical duet takes place on a moonlit night in 1944 Missouri in an old boathouse. Jewish accountant Matt Friedman has his heart set on marrying Sally Talley, a 31-year-old ‘old maid’ from a Protestant family. Sally believes they will never truly fit into the world around them, but Matt refuses to accept Sally’s rebuffs and her fears. Through a dialogue of selfexamination and personal revelations, Matt and Sally reawaken one another to love, finding that they do indeed, belong together. Tickets on sale now! Call 727-942-5605 or purchase online at www.tarponarts.org Or purchase tickets in person at 100 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689.
CAST LIST THEATRE: TARPON ARTS PLAY/MUSICAL: NOW AND THEN by Sean Grennan MORE INFO: Performances are: Friday, July 23 @ 7PM Saturday, July 22 & 29, @ 2PM Sunday, July 23 @ 2PM Tarpon Springs Cultural Center 101 S. Pinellas Avenue Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 DIRECTED BY: David O ’Hara CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Jamie Joey Arcuri Man Darryl Vaci Abby Megan Patterson Woman Velda Gauthier Synopsis : It is ‘last call’ at the bar when a last -minute customer enters and offers bartender Jamie and his girlfriend Abby two thousand dollars to have a drink with him. Of course, they take it! As the trio swaps stories, Jamie considers decisions about his musical career and future with Abby. The young couple realize that this stranger is unusually invested in their choices. The reason he gives them is completely unbelievable, but when an angry second stranger arrives, the unbelievable suddenly looks quite true. Enjoy this story of love, following your dreams (or not), and the costs of the choices we make. Visit tarponarts.org or call 727 -942 -5605 for tickets.
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: GULFPORT COMMUNITY PLAYERS PLAY/MUSICAL: SUMMER ONE-ACTS CAST LIST MORE INFO: July 13-23, 2023 @ the Catherine Hickman Theatre, Beach Blvd. South and 26th Avenue South in Gulfport, FL. Blind Date by R. A. Paul Death Brings A Casserole by Dan Borengasser Dog House by Ron Pantello Florida by Steven Doloff Hang-Ups by Brett Hursey Interview by Matthew Sheridan Pumps by Brett Hursey Stickers by Gordon Bolar Whale Watching by Roger Scott Powers When Killer Animals Go Nuts by Michael Higgins CASTS INCLUDE: Carmilina Alford Steven Halstead Deb Birchler Faye Lee Norma Caltagirone John Liccione Madison Chase Shaheen Mamawala Nona Edelson Daniel McKay Joshua Goldman Rob Romero Reynaldo Garcia Richard Walters Kagey Good Joyce Wagner The ten original plays were chosen from over 700 submitted. www.gulfportcommunityplayers.org
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
2023 - 2024 SEASON 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. October 27 - November 5, 2023 Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville is a musical comedy featuring the most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “Margaritaville,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Fins,” “Volcano,” and many more. When Tully, a part-time bartender and singer at a run-down hotel in the Caribbean, meets Rachel, a workminded tourist from Ohio, sparks fly. When a local volcano threatens to erupt, chaos ensues. Will Tully and his buddies discover the rumored buried treasure? Will Rachel receive the funding for her experiment to use potatoes as an energy source? With a book by Emmy Award winner Greg Garcia (“My Name is Earl,” “Raising Hope”) and Emmy nominee Mike O’Malley (“Survivor’s Remorse,” “Shameless”), this hilarious, heartwarming musical is the party you’ve been waiting for! March 1 - 10, 2024
2023 - 2024 SEASON The longest running off-Broadway revue in history is a celebration of the mating game and takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as “the relationship.” Through sketches and songs, Act I explores the journey from dating and waiting to love and marriage, while Act II reveals the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car and pick-up techniques of the geriatric set. This hilarious revue pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance, to those who have dared to ask, “Say, what are you doing Saturday night?” May 3 - 12, 2024 August 9 - 18, 2024 Jeff and Hunter, two struggling writers, hear about a new musical theatre festival. However, the deadline for submissions is a mere three weeks away. With nothing to lose, the pair decides to try to create something new with the help of their friends Susan, Heidi and Larry on the eighty-eights. With the cast in place, Jeff and Hunter begin a conversation about what to write about. [title of show] follows Hunter and Jeff and their friends on their journey through the gauntlet of creative self-expression. In the span of 90 minutes, they write and perform their show at the festival and learn lessons about themselves as people, friends and artists. PG-13 Contains strong language
SHOW REVIEW THEATRE: WEST COAST PLAYERS PLAY/MUSICAL: OUT OF ORDER At West Coast Players’ production of OUT OF ORDER, there was a comic explosion! This play kept the audience laughing from start to finish. From the very beginning of the telephone conversation from Mike Briggs, playing Richard Willey, all the way to the very end with The Body, played by Danny Tyrawa. Mr. Briggs’ performance you have to see, though, as it is one of a kind. He transports you to comedy central. His British accent is right there, along with his inflection and timing. His whole body moves along with spontaneous laughs and giggles and you can ’t help but howl at his antics in each and every scene. He is constantly on stage and is literally the Energizer Bunny, as they say. If there is a partner to his comedy, it would certainly be Rick Bronson, portraying George Pigden. His face contortions and reactions to Briggs’ laugh lines are precious and one -of - a -kind! His dead -pan stares are golden and you just can ’t help but burst out loud with laughter. Jane Worthington is rendered by the terrific Amanda Wood. As the coy office assistant, sneaking around with her boss at the Westminster Hotel, she is absolutely sensational, climbing in and out of the window as if it was an every -day occurrence. Bill Martin as the Waiter is perfect. He brings a variety of items to the room - from oysters to a wheelchair. Always looking for his gratuity, though, naturally. The Manager (Tyler Urban) is very forthright and stern, as he should be. Brandan Osorio plays Jane ’s husband, Ronnie. He ’s the one with the real British accent, since he ’s a born Englishman. Loved his rendition, especially in his cute, little towel! Michelle Wallace played Gladys the Nurse. She was ever -so -cute and did a great job. Pamela, Mr. Willey ’s wife, was played by veteran actor Annie Murren. Always the professional, Ms. Murren gave a splendid performance and went from stoic and mannered to sexy siren in a manner of minutes. You go, girl! The Maid, portrayed by Cadance Hughes, was good in her scenes and very effective, which is tough to do when you ’re only on stage briefly. Director Jessica Burchfield is to be congratulated for her successful hit!
SHOW REVIEW THEATRE: TARPON ARTS PLAY/MUSICAL: CRIMES OF THE HEART Tarpon Arts production of CRIMES OF THE HEART is a heart-tugging story about the Magrath sisters and their challenging family breakout stories. Each sister dealing with their own worries and coming together after a long absence and dealing again - with memories. Marissa Jo Kraus engagingly plays Lenny Magrath. She seems like the grounded one at first. Always remembering everyone else’s problems and backstories, etc. But after a while, her inner burdens come forth. Ms. Kraus handles this splendidly and shows us just how tender Lenny inwardly is. Kara Doyle as Meg Magrath is a free spirit. She’s the one who wandered away from home to start a singing career which petered out pretty quickly. Ms. Doyle shows Meg as tough with her hard liquor and sexy dress. It took a while, but she eventually shed her true skin and returned right back from whence she came. Back to her true Meg from the “wrong side of the tracks” self. For her to come home, it would take something mighty serious. And serious it was - it was the third of the sister trio - Rebecca “Babe” Botrelle terrifically played by Carli Kosloski. Man, can this girl act! Natural, exemplified. She exudes every word with emotion that comes from the toes up! Her mannerisms and body language are incomparable. Her energy is non-stop and she is constantly present. Kudos 10X. She is the reason Meg came back, as Babe was in legal trouble. Rounding out the cast are Jennifer De Sane as Chick Boyle, Eric Misener as Doc Porter, and Andrew Allen as Barnette Lloyd. Each of these characters was strongly played and provided the utmost believability in their storylines. Thank you to director Madison Claire for a wonderful summer production! Great work to everyone involved!
SHOW REVIEW “Let’s Make A Deal”! Well, we didn’t have Monty Hall, but boy did we have Deals! SAGES presented their Plays With Purpose story DEAL MAKER about Seasoned Citizens and the delicate subjects of housing and driving beyond their limitations. It’s not about age, you see. We start with the deal maker himself, Grandpa Bob, played warm-heartedly by veteran actor, Stu Sanford. He brings the scenes to life with his energetic, animated performance, and endears the audience immediately. You like him right away even though he brings mischief everywhere he goes. His sister, Mae, portrayed excellently by Norma Caltagirone, keeps him on his toes as best she can. Constantly trying to have him join her in classes to help him maintain his cognitive thinking, etc. She gives her performance just the right balance of sternness and joking with her brother. Bob’s granddaughter, Ashley, is rendered by Harper Houston, and she is just adorable. She keeps the play up to date with her cell phone and Uber references. Grandpa gets along well with her and dotes on her. When Grandpa tries out an assisted living facility, Nurse Rhonda (Gina Santamaria) keeps up with him and provides friendship for him. Ms. Santamaria is a natural. The kind of actress that comes across as your best friend and you immediately like her. Great job! David Cruz nicely played Grandpa’s attorney son. His administrative assistant was portrayed by Wanda Stuart. Ms. Stuart gets in some funny faces and laughs to the delight of the audience. Much thanks go to Director David Middleton, author Linda Goldman, Stage Manager Jeanne Botz, and Sound Technician Allen Coyle. This performance was performed at Francis Wilson Playhouse. PLAY/MUSICAL: DEAL MAKER THEATRE: SAGES
SHOW REVIEW THEATRE: GULFPORT COMMUNITY PLAYERS PLAY/MUSICAL: STOP KISS You know the phrase “love at first sight”, right? Well, how about when you don ’t know you ’re falling in love, and it just “happens”? That ’s the theme of Stop Kiss. Callie, excellently portrayed by Jen Casler, welcomes a new roommate to her apartment. Ms. Casler gives Callie a warm glow about her. She gives her character everything from softness at one point to bombastic the next. The storyline is told oddly - from the midpoint back, each way. Confusing but very effective. Callie ’s new friend, Sara, is played beautifully by Katherine Laczko. Quiet, hesitant, at first - Ms. Laczko brings Sara through a myriad of emotions. Shy, bold, quizzical, content, playful, confused, angry. But all finally leading to an explosive end of what she thought would be a come -what -may evening. It wasn ’t. Daniel J. Harris is very effective as Detective Cole. Looking very nice in a suit, he questions (grills?) Callie after the crime. Playing George, Callie ’s ex, is Andrew Hughes. He stands by her in her darkest hour and it ’s consoling to see his affection still lingers. He gives just the amount needed without it looking like too much. Peter, Sara ’s ex, is rendered by Jeffrey M. Lukas. He has a wonderful scene with Callie where he wants to know exactly what happened that “night”. He pushes her hard and she is so fragile that you just want to get on stage and hug her. Great job, Jeff! Playing Mrs. Winsley/Nurse was Kate Pollard. Both scenes were great, particularly as Mrs. Winsley concerning the witnessing of the crime. Well done. This play is perfect for PRIDE Month. We enjoyed it immensely. It was phenomenally performed! Thank you to director Rachel Fennell. Thank you, Gulfport Players, for allowing us to view this play, and for casting a truly perfect cast for it!
7/7 - 7/9 TA - Production - 7:00 & 2:00 PM - TALLEY’S FOLLY 7/9 & 7/10 FWP - Auditions - BROADWAY MUSICALS 7/13 - 7/23 GCP - Production - 8:00 PM - SUMMER ONE-ACTS 7/31 & 8/2 DCS - Auditions - 7:00 PM - FAMILY FORTUNES 7/30 & 7/31 TA - Auditions - 7:00 PM - BLITHE SPIRIT
Tarpon Arts - TALLEY’S FOLLY The scene is the ornate, deserted Victorian boathouse on the Talley place in Lebanon, Missouri; the time 1944. Matt Friedman, an accountant from St. Louis, has arrived to plead his love to Sally Talley, the susceptible but uncertain daughter of the family. Bookish, erudite, totally honest, and delightfully funny, Matt refuses to accept Sally’s rebuffs and her fears that her family would never approve of their marriage. Charming and indomitable, he gradually overcomes her defenses, telling his innermost secrets to his loved one and, in return, learning hers as well. Gradually he awakens Sally to the possibilities of a life together until, in the final, touching moments of the play, it is clear that they are two kindred spirits who have truly found each other - two “lame ducks” who, in their union, will find a wholeness rare in human relationships. Performances July 7 - 9, 2023 Directed by Lisa Malloy tarponarts.org Gulfport Community Players - SUMMER ONE-ACTS A series of one-act original plays, 10 in all, performed each night over a period of time. These ten original one-act plays were chosen from over 700 one-acts submitted for review. Performances July 13 - 23, 2023 Several Directors Gulfportcommunityplayers.org ON THE BOARDS!
DEAL MAKER @ S*A*G*E*S Stu Sanford & Norma Caltagirone DEAL MAKER @ S*A*G*E*S Harper Houston & Wanda Stuart
Nathan Daugherty, July 1st Angy Hayes, July 3rd Topher Warren, July 4th Elizabeth Bell, July 4th Susan Belliveau, July 5th Heather Brooks, July 6th Rosalyn Savel, July 7th Linda Featherstone, July 7th Christina White, July 12th Aubrey Cheek, July 12th Rob Glidden, July 13th Blade MacPherson, July 15th Amy Fee, July 18th Lauri Burgess, July 18th Penni Willen, July 21st TJ Venieris, July 21st Jana Swenson, July 23rd Pat Clark, July 24th Chrissy Borman, July 28th Eileen Navarro, July 28th Julie Johnston, July 29th Cengiz Dokumaci, July 31st **Compiled from Facebook listing**
July 13-23, 2023 Catherine Hickman Theatre 5501 27th Avenue S Gulfport, FL 33707 727-893-1070 gulfportcommunityplayers.org ONE-ACT PLAYS Blind Date by R. A. Paul Death Brings A Casserole by Dan Borengasser Dog House by Ron Pantello Florida by Steven Doloff Hang-Ups by Brett Hursey Interview by Matthew Sheridan Pumps by Brett Hursey Stickers by Gordon Bolar Whale Watching by Roger Scott Powers When Killer Animals Go Nuts by Michael Higgins CASTS INCLUDE: Carmilina Alford, Deb Birchler, Norma Caltagirone, Madison Chase, Nona Edelson, Joshua Goldman, Reynaldo Garcia, Kagey Good, Steven Halstead, Faye Lee, John Liccione, Shaheen Mamawala, Daniel McKay, Rob Romero, Richard Walters, and Joyce Wagner The ten original plays were chosen from over 700 submitted, and will be presented each evening. Tickets are $20 online - $25 cash at the door