Author Archives: Carol Kassie

Stage Door Theatre Presents WAISTWATCHERS THE MUSICAL! July 10 – September 6

02 Thursday Jul 2015

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openingpage-2-1Presents
WaistWatchersLogo (Kassie)July 10 – September 6

July 2, 2015

MARGATE, FL: Stage Door Theatre will exercise the considerable musical and comedic abilities of a talented cast when it presents WaistWatchers The Musical! from July 10th through September 6th.

Although the show, set in Cook’s Women’s Gym, takes a lighthearted look at four adult women dealing with assorted body image issues, it covers topics such as dieting exercise, plastic surgery, and sex over the age of forty – areas of concern to women, and to men – of all ages.

Playwright Alan Jacobson has rewritten the lyrics of popular songs to suit the subject, and some of his cleverly appropriate numbers include “Botox Queen” to the tune of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”, “I Hope I Lose It” to the tune of “I Hope I Get It” from A Chorus Line, “Viagra” to the tune of “Maria” from West Side Story, and “I Feel My Butt Squeeze” to the tune of Carole King’s “I Feel The Earth Move.”

“When I first wrote WaistWatchers The Musical! I was looking to create a fun show that people of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles could enjoy,” Jacobson explains. “I couldn’t think of anything more universal and topical than food. I truly don’t know anyone who doesn’t eat it! And people sure talk about and obsess over it. What has given me the greatest satisfaction is seeing how people respond to the show,” he says, “Not only with laughter and pleasure, but how so many people identify with the struggles, and are inspired to lead healthier lives. And to me, that is what theater is all about.”

dankelley2

Dan Kelley

“To make this show work you need to find four terrific triple threat performers and I found them,” says WaistWatcher’s director, Dan Kelley. “Katie Angell who is a Broadway World nominee for best actress in Nine To Five, Shenise Nunez (A Chorus Line, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Nine To Five, Sophisticated Ladies) will be joined by Angela Thomas and Stephanie Genovese both of whom are making their Stage Door debuts. This show is very cleverly written and it will delight our audiences,” he continues: “Be prepared to laugh off a few pounds and celebrate the power. The power of feeling good, being healthy, and being happy.”

WaistWatchers will run from July 10 – September 6 at The Stage Door Theatre. The theatre is located at 8036 Sample Road, Margate, 33065.

Tickets for WaistWatchers are $38 – $42; $16 student tickets are also available. Tickets may be purchased at the Broward Stage Door Theatre box office at 954-344-7765 or on line at www.stagedoortheatre.com

For more information about WaistWatchers and/or The Stage Door Theatre, please visit www.stagedoortheatre.com , or contact Derelle Bunn Executive Producer/Artistic Director, at DerelleBunn@yahoo.com / 954-344-7765 or Carol Kassie (ckassie@gmail.com / 561-445-9244).

Photographs and graphics available on request.

WaistWatchers The Musical
By Alan Jacobson
July 10 – September 6
Tickets: $38 – $42
Phone: 954-344-7765
   Showtimes:
Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday at 2 pm,
Friday & Saturday at 8 pm
The Stage Door Theatre
8036 W Sample Rd
Margate, Fl 33065
www.stagedoortheatre.com
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Evening Star Productions presents THE LAST FIVE YEARS – July 17 – August 2

25 Thursday Jun 2015

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Evening Star Logopresents
The Last Five Years
July 17 – August 2
Last5Years_Poster-vibrant-1“The Last 5 Years is a solid click.”
David Finkle –TheatreMania.com

“It’s probably the best new musical New York will see all season.”
Lawson Taitte – Dallas Morning News

June 25, 2015:
BOCA RATON, FL: Evening Star Productions will follow their sold out production of The Addams Family with The Last Five Years, Jason Robert Brown’s look at love and marriage from an unusual and innovative ‘his and hers’ perspective. The musical will open on July 17th and run through August 2nd at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton.

The Last Five Years is an emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two young New Yorkers who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. It premiered at Chicago’s Northlight Theatre in 2001 and debuted Off-Broadway in March 2002. The story explores the relationship between Jamie Wellerstein, a rising novelist, and Cathy Hiatt, a struggling actress. The show’s unconventional structure uses a form of storytelling in which Cathy’s story is told in reverse chronological order (beginning the show at the end of the marriage), and Jamie’s is told in chronological order (starting just after the couple have first met). The characters do not directly interact except for a wedding song in the middle of the play, as their timelines intersect.

The production will star Ben Sandomir and Sara Grant, and will be directed by Evening Star’s founder and artistic director, Rosalie Grant.

Rosalie Grant

Rosalie Grant

“My first exposure to The Last Five Years was when a middle-school Sara came to voice lessons wanting to work on “See I’m Smiling” and “Goodbye Until Tomorrow” and then commenced to work her way through the show”, says Grant.  Grant’s daughter Sara, who will play Cathy in the production, is currently attending Seattle’s Cornish College of the Arts to receive her BFA in Theatre.

“So these characters and songs have been alive in our home for almost a decade,” she continues. “But to witness Ben and Sara connecting instantly at their first music rehearsal was electrifying.  Audiences are in for an emotional roller coaster of a ride as these two actors fearlessly bring this story to life … from the laughter of new love to the despair of the doomed relationship.”

Sara Grant

“The Last 5 Years is raw yet eloquent,” says Sara Grant. “And by the end of Cathy and Jamie’s story you sit there torn between who to empathize with more. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to work on this difficult material, especially with a talent like Ben.”

Ben Sandomir

Ben Sandomir

“Part of the challenge for me will be to disconnect myself from the music during Cathy’s songs,” Sandomir explains. “The play is perfectly designed to put the audience through a rollercoaster of emotions but as actors we have to remain disciplined to pull off this effect. It’s a little intimidating to work on such a small stage,” he continues, “However, I’ve found that nothing removes my pretenses like an audience member only a few feet away! And it’s so exciting to work with Sara. What a powerful voice!”

A live musical trio, consisting of Jason Buelow on piano, Brad Miller on bass, and Lehins Aragon on violin will accompany Grant and Sandomir.

Jason Robert Brown is the three-time Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist of Songs for a New World, Parade, 13, The Bridges of Madison County, and Honeymoon In Vegas. He performs around the world as a soloist and with his band, The Caucasian Rhythm Kings, with whom he recorded his CD Wearing Someone Else’s Clothes. A film of The Last Five Years opened in theaters in February 2015 to critical acclaim, and a film of 13 is currently in development. He has conducted his orchestral suite The Trumpet of the Swan with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, and he has taught acting and composition at universities and colleges across the US and the UK.

Evening Star Productions’ The Last Five Years will run from July 17 – August 2 (there will be a preview performance on July 16 at 8 pm) at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton. Tickets are $25 or $10 for students. Group rates are also available. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Sol Theatre box office at 561-447-8829 or on line at www.eveningstarproductions.org. Sol Theatre is located at 3333 North Federal Highway in Boca Raton (33431).

For more information about Evening Star Productions, please contact Rosalie Grant at 561-447-8829 / info@eveningstarproductions.com or Carol Kassie at 561-445-9244 / ckassie@gmail.com .

The Last Five Years
Book, Music, and Lyrics: Jason Robert Brown
July 16 (preview performance) July 17 – August 2, 2015
Tickets: $25 ($10 for students)
For tickets: 561-447-8829 / www.eveningstarproductions.org
Performances:
Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7 pm
Sunday at 2 pm
All performances at
Sol Theatre
3333 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33431
www.eveningstarproductions.org
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“…Brown soars, making the conceit imbue every encouraging, optimistic step forward with an anticipation of its mortality…” “None of this would work without a score that is replete with infectious tunes as well as a couple of patter songs that reveal a jaded showbiz humor…”
Robert Hofler – Variety

“So here is a real modern falling in- and-out of love musical, a romance about careers, infused with soft-pop ballads, a faux Jewish folk song for overachievers at Christmas, and an irresistible, tempted-married-man lament with boogie-woogie insinuations. Finally, Jamie is singing “goodbye forever” and Cathy is singing “goodbye until tomorrow” while the music makes commentary on a schmaltzy waltz. Their last five years may have been painful, but they make us feel much better about the future of musical theater.”
Linda Winer – New York Newsday

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Stage Door Theatre Presents SISTERS OF SWING – June 5 – July 12

26 Tuesday May 2015

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Stage Door Theatre Presents SistersJune 5 – July 12 “The wonderful thing was that we were together for so many years. We dressed together, we slept together, we roomed together, we went shopping together, and of course we rehearsed together. We never separated.” — Maxene Andrews “We were such a part of everybody’s life in the Second World War. We represented something overseas and at home – a sort of security.” — Patty Andrews

May 26, 2015 MARGATE, FL: They sold over 75 million records, nine of them gold. They had more Top Ten hits than the Beatles or Elvis. Until the advent of The Supremes, The Andrews Sisters – Patty, Maxene, and Laverne – were the most imitated of all female singing groups; they are still one of the best-selling female vocal groups of all time. Sisters of Swing (A Tribute to the Andrews Sisters), which will run from June 5th through July 12th at the Stage Door Theatre, details the fascinating journey of these three sisters from their early days in vaudeville through their success in ‘the big time’. The-andrew-sisters-05Sisters of Swing follows Patty, Maxene, and Laverne through their sometimes stormy personal relationships, their career, as well as several entertaining interactions with other celebrities of their era, including Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. The show’s musical numbers include “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree”, “Three Little Fishies”, “Beer Barrel Polka”, Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive”, and of course, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”. The Andrews Sisters’ songbook is extensive, many of their songs instantly recognizable even almost 80 years after their first big ‘hit’ “Bei Mir Bist Du Schon” was released in 1937. Their music continues to influence major artists – Bette Midler and Christina Aguilera are two modern day singers who have channeled The Andrews Sisters at various points in their careers. Elvis Presley, Barry Manilow, Mel Tormé, The Pointer Sisters, The McGuire Sisters, and The Manhattan Transfer are among the many others who have been inspired by the sisters’ close harmonies, rhythms, and perfectly pitched tones.

dankelley2

Dan Kelley

“My father was in the air force in World War II,” explains the shows director, Dan Kelley. “He spent time in a German POW camp, so this era and these songs were very much a part of my early years – sitting around the record player and listening to my father’s stories and the Andrews Sisters,” he continues. “In fact, I think my Father had a little crush on Maxene! So this show really resonates with me.” Kelley has cast Malia Nicolini as Laverne and Molly Anne Ross as Patty. Both actresses are newcomers to Stage Door Theatre. Sara Ashley Teate, who was in last year’s Stage Door hit What’s New Pussycat will play Maxene. Brad Rakushin, recently seen in the theatre’s production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, rounds out the cast. Musical direction (and piano) is by Michael Larsen, with Julie Jacbos on drums and Martha Spangler on bass. Set design is by Sean McClelland, and lighting design by Ardean Landhuis.

Sisters of Swing will run from June 5 – July 12 at The Stage Door Theatre. The theatre is located at 8036 Sample Road, Margate, 33065. Tickets for Sisters of Swing are $38 – $42; $16 student tickets are also available. Tickets may be purchased at the Broward Stage Door Theatre box office at 954-344-7765 or on line at www.stagedoortheatre.com

Sisters of Swing: The Story of the Andrews Sisters
Written by Beth Gilleland and Bob Beverage
Musical Arrangements by Raymond Berg
June 5 – July 12 Tickets: $38 – $42
Phone: 954-344-7765
Showtimes: Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday at 2 pm,
Friday & Saturday at 8 pm
The Stage Door Theatre
8036 W Sample Rd Margate, Fl 33065
www.stagedoortheatre.com
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Entr’Acte Theatrix Presents Stephen Sondheim’s INTO THE WOODS – June 18 – June 28

26 Tuesday May 2015

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Entr-logo
Presents
Stephen Sondheim’s
IntoTheWoods-largeJune 18 – June 28
What happens after ‘happily ever after’?

May 26, 2015

DELRAY BEACH, FL:  Into the Woods, the multi-award-winning (Tony Awards, Drama Desk Awards, Olivier Awards) musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, skillfully interweaves several classic fairy tales into one epic story that shows what happens when things get real in the fairy-tale world. Entr’Acte Theatrix’ upcoming production of this acclaimed Broadway musical will run at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts’ Crest Theatre from June 18 through June 28th.

Sondheim and Lapine’s tale involves a baker and his wife who, unable to have the children they so badly desire, agree to complete a number of “errands” for a witch who promises to grant them their wish if they’re successful. During their journey, they encounter Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Cinderella and Jack (of Beanstalk notoriety) – each of whom has their own wish. All the storybook characters discover that wishes granted often come with a hefty price.

Kevin Black, who directed Entr’Acte’s recent successful productions of Spamalot, Tommy, and The Rocky Horror Show has taken on the directorial and choreographic duties for Into the Woods with his usual enthusiasm:

Kevin Black

Kevin Black

“In 1988, I saw the national tour of Into the Woods with a group of friends, and I was mesmerized”, he says. “Here was a story of hope, morals and life lessons… It was my introduction into the world of Sondheim and I was hooked – the brilliant genius of Sondheim was unmistakable in this show. In 2012, I directed Side by Side by Sondheim at The Miami Stage Door Theatre and now I have the opportunity to direct Into the Woods for Entr’Acte Theatrix. This time, the objective is to create an entertaining evening of musical theatre that even an audience who has never experienced Sondheim will enjoy,” he continues. “We’re taking a very comedic approach to the show, brightening the tempos and creating a modern day look in set and costume design. We’ve assembled a stellar cast of talented actors who prove to me every day that tackling a mega Sondheim musical like Into the Woods may prove challenging, but oh so worth it.”

Entr’Acte Theatrix’ Into the Woods cast includes some familiar faces, along with a number of talented newcomers. Sharyn Peoples who played The Lady of the Lake in Entr’Acte Theatrix’ recent sold-out production of Spamalot will play The Witch, Justin Schneyer, who played Brad in Entr’Acte’s October 2014 production of The Rocky Horror Show will play The Baker, and John Costanzo (King Arthur in Spamalot) will play Cinderella’s father. Other returning cast members are Calvin Bankert (Jack), Sahid Pabon (Cinderella’s Prince), Brielle Lysaght (Stepsister), Christian Ortega (Rapunzel’s Prince), Jenna Paige Gagliardo (Jack’s Mother), Greg Halmos (The Wolf), Christi Oliver (Stepmother), and Rio Peterson (The Steward). Newcomers include Melissa Bibliowicz (Cinderella), Victoria Lauzun (The Baker’s Wife), Jen Chia (Little Red Riding Hood), Lindsey Johr (Rapunzel), Devin Tupler (Narrator), and Brittany Payne (Stepsister)

Roger Blankenship - Musical Director

Roger Blankenship – Musical Director

Roger Blankinship will provide musical direction for the production.

Entr’acte Theatrix is a not-for-profit, semi-professional, showcase company providing opportunities for emerging theatre artists, both on-stage and backstage. The fourteen year old company gives students of college or post-graduate programs on a professional trajectory with a goal of working in the profession a chance to gain experience in their area of training or interest. Entr’acte, as the name suggests, is the “next step,” from classroom to career, and provides the young theatre artist with one of his or her all-important first professional resume-building credits.

Tickets are $25; $20 for groups of 15 or more; or $10 Student Rush – with I.D.  To celebrate Father’s Day, ticket prices for the Sunday, June 21st, 8 pm performance will be ‘Buy One/Get One Free’.
Into the Woods will run for 12 performances only, from June 18 – June 28 at the Crest Theatre at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts. The theatre is located at 51 North Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, 33444. Tickets are on sale now, and are available by calling 561-243-7922, ext. 1.

For more information about Entr’Acte Theatrix or Into the Woods visit www.entractetheatrix.org, or contact Carol Kassie at ckassie@gmail.com/561-445-9244.

Into the Woods
Book by James Lapine
Music and Lyrics by  Stephen Sondheim
June 18 – June 28
Tickets: $25
$20  Seniors 65 and over
$20  Students in college or below
$15  Groups of 10 or more
$10  Children under 12
$10  Student Rush – half hour or less before curtain – with valid ID
Box Office: 561-243-7922, Ext. 1
Performances:
(Schedule varies)
Thursday, June 18 – 8 pm
Friday, June 19 – 8 pm
Saturday, June 20 – 2 pm & 8 pm
Sunday, June 21 – 2 pm
Sunday, June 21 – 8 pm – Father’s Day Special – Buy One/Get One Free – use the code BOGO
Wednesday, June 24 – 8 pm
Thursday, June 25 – 8 pm
Friday, June 26 – 8 pm
Saturday, June 27 – 2 pm & 8 pm
Sunday, June 28 – 2 pm

Delray Beach Center for the Arts / Crest Theatre
51 N. Swinton Ave.
Delray Beach 33444
http://www.delraycenterforthearts.org
http://www.entractetheatrix.org
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Slow Burn Theatre Company presents LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS – June 5 – 28

19 Tuesday May 2015

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SlowBurnLogoSlow Burn Theatre Company
presents
their final production at West Boca High School
Poster1June 5 – June 28

“The vegetable must be destroyed!” – Seymour Krelborn

May 20, 2015:

BOCA RATON, FL: Little Shop of Horrors, Slow Burn Theatre Company’s final production in the West Boca High Performing Arts Theatre before moving to their new home at the Broward Center, is a devilishly delicious mash up of sci-fi and Broadway, fertilizer and Faust, and of rock, doo-wop, and Motown.   This ‘horror and rock-n-roll musical comedy’ has delighted audiences of all ages for over thirty years, and includes several well-known songs, including the title song, “Skid Row (Downtown)”, “Somewhere That’s Green”, and “Suddenly, Seymour”.

Audrey-webLittle Shop of Horrors tells the story of Seymour Krelborn, who stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R & B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it… blood. Over time, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!

Based on Roger Corman’s low-budget 1960 ‘B’ movie The Little Shop of Horrors, the show’s music was composed by Alan Menken, with the book and lyrics by Howard Ashman. The musical premiered Off-Off-Broadway in 1982 before moving to the Orpheum Theatre Off-Broadway, where it ran for five years.

Alan Menken is best known for his work on films produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. His scores for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Pocahontas have each won him two Academy Awards. He also composed the scores for The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Newsies, Home on the Range, Enchanted, Tangled, The Shaggy Dog, and Mirror Mirror.

Howard Ashman collaborated with Menken on Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and Aladdin.

Little Shop of Horrors will be directed and choreographed by Carbonell Award-winning Director Patrick Fitzwater:

“We’re so excited to bring this production to life as our last show at West Boca Performing Arts Theatre with this all star local cast,” he says. “It’s a great chance for audiences of all ages to come out and celebrate everything that we have accomplished since we began in West Boca, and to look forward to building the future with us at the Broward Center.”

The cast of Slow Burn Theatre’s Little Shop of Horrors includes Mike Westrich as Seymour Krelborn, Amy Miller Brennan as Audrey, Shane Tanner as Orin, and Matthew Korinko as Mushnick, along with Christine Alexander, Elisa Danielle, Nicole Dikum. Rick Peña and Gregory Johnson will handle plant duties as Audrey ll.

MikeWestrich

Mike Westrich

“I’m thrilled be able to tackle Seymour since he’s one of my favorite musical theatre heroes,” says Mike Westrich. “And I’m happy to be with Slow Burn for yet another show.” Westrich received extremely positive reviews for his turn in the company’s recent production of Rent.  “It’s such a well received and well known musical,” he continues, “And getting to play opposite such enormously talented people in these iconic roles is just something that I can’t wrap my head around.”

Musical Direction for Little Shop of Horrors is by Andrew Gilbert, costumes are by Rick Peña, scenic design by Sean McClelland , lighting design by Lance Blank, and sound design is by Patrick Fitzwater.

Sean McClelland's set design for Slow Burn Theatre Company's 'Little Shop of Horrors'

Sean McClelland’s set design for Slow Burn Theatre Company’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

Slow Burn Theatre Company is an award winning locally based professional theatre group providing South Florida’s diverse population with opportunities to experience high quality, daring, contemporary and intelligent works of musical theatre. Shows are selected that educate and provoke thought as well as entertain.

Little Shop of Horrors will run for 12 performances – from June 5th through June 28th – at the West Boca Performing Arts Theater on the campus of West Boca Raton High School on Glades Road in Boca Raton. Performances are Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased at http://slowburntheatre.org ,or by calling 866-811-4111.

For more information about Little Shop of Horrors or Slow Burn Theatre Company, please visit http://slowburntheatre.org or contact Matthew Korinko at slowburntheatreco@gmail.com /954-323-7884 or Carol Kassie (ckassie@gmail.com / 561-445-9244).
~*~

Little Shop of Horrors
Book by  Howard Ashman
Music by  Alan Menken
Lyrics by  Howard Ashman
Based on the film by Roger Corman, screenplay by Charles Griffith
June 5 – June 28
Tickets: $25-40
Phone: 954-344-7765
   Showtimes:
Friday & Saturday at 8 pm,
Sunday at 2 pm
For Tickets: 866-811-4111 / http://slowburntheatre.org
West Boca Performing Arts Theatre
at West Boca High School
12811 Glades Road
Boca Raton, 33498
3.5 miles west of 441 on Glades Road
http://slowburntheatre.org
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The Vanguard presents Amy & David Sedaris’ THE BOOK OF LIZ – June 12 – 28

19 Tuesday May 2015

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The Vanguard presents Book of Liz - image1The Book of Liz by The Talent Family – Amy Sedaris and David Sedaris June 12 – 28

“[a] delightfully off-key, off-color hymn to clichés we all live by, whether we know it or not.” —NY Times.

May 19, 2015 LAUDERDALE, FL: Amy and David Sedaris individually are two of America’s premier comic geniuses. Together, as The Talent Family, they are responsible for such witty, clever, and often downright hilarious productions as Stitches, One Woman Shoe, Stump the Host, Incident at Cobbler’s Knob and The Book of Liz. Fresh off their critically acclaimed production of Vita and Virginia, The Vanguard, Fort Lauderdale’s exciting new cultural venue, will present The Talent Family’s The Book of Liz from June 12th through June 28th at The Vanguard. The Book of Liz chronicles the plight of Sister Elizabeth Donderstock (of the Squeamish Order) renowned for her delicious cheese balls (traditional and smoky) that sustain the existence of her entire religious community. However, upon the arrival the sanctimonious Brother Brightbee, and feeling decidedly unappreciated, Donderstock flees from her home in Clusterhaven to try her luck in the real world. Her adventures lead her to an array of distinctly Sedaris-esque characters, from a Ukrainian immigrant dressed as a giant peanut to the alcoholic staff of a local diner, as she struggles to figure out where she belongs.

Mark Duncan

Mark Duncan

“The Book of Liz is a fun romp that asks serious questions about identity, self worth, and status,” says the production’s director, Mark Duncan.  “Audiences can identify with Liz’s search for recognition, approval, and respect as they “sweat” through life.” Duncan has assembled a talented, award-winning cast to portray Liz and the various characters she encounters on her journey of self-discovery: Christina Groom will play Sister Elizabeth Donderstock, and she, along with Elena Maria Garcia, Matt Stabile, and Scott Douglas Wilson will take on multiple roles throughout the play.

ChristinaGroom

Christina Groom

“I love offbeat, totally irreverent humor, and The Book of Liz has that in spades, which is why I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of this production,” Groom explains.

Elena Maria Garcia

Elena Maria Garcia

“I saw the play at the Orlando Fringe Festival in 2000,” says Garcia. “I was very pregnant at the time, and I laughed so hard I thought my water would break! I truly enjoy morphing from character to character,” she continues, “and this is the perfect vehicle to play and create in…” Matt Stabile“I’ve been hoping to work with Thinking Cap for quite a while now,” Matt Stabile explains. “So…I probably would’ve taken any show they offered! But the deal was sweetened when I read this wacky comedy, heard about this “probably more funny than should be allowed together in a room” cast, and found out that Mark Duncan was captaining this ship.  I love that this show is just silly fun.  I think there is a place for that in the theatre – and a way to help possibly connect some new audiences to the art form I love so much.”

SWilson_Headshot

Scott Douglas Wilson

Scott Douglas Wilson is equally enthusiastic: “A couple years back I discovered the script at a used bookstore in Ohio,” he says. “And being a big fan of the Sedaris family, I purchased it. I read it on the flight back to South Florida, laughing myself silly and thinking ‘I’ve gotta see this someday!’ Fast forward to 2015, and here I am – fortunate enough to actually BE in the show, with this amazingly hilarious and talented team! That’s what I call Gouda Luck!” The Vanguard, which officially opened its doors on March 13th, has been enthusiastically received by local artists, theatergoers, and nearby businesses. The new venue is located at 1501 S. Andrews Avenue in what was formerly a church when the building was first erected in 1939. The Book of Liz will run from June 12 – June 28 at The Vanguard.  There will be a special opening night reception at the theatre on June 12th from 7 pm – 8 pm. Tickets for the evening are $40 and include wine and cheese(cake), automatic entry into a raffle for books by David Sedaris, and a silent auction with prizes such as a ‘Wine Night for 2’ at The Naked Grape, a private wine tasting for up to 20 people donated by Total Wine, and valued at $500, and rare Israeli wines, donated by the Madonna Family.  Sponsors for the evening include The Cheesecake Factory, Bob’s News, Total Wine & More, Naked Grape, Enchantment Flowers, and the Madonna Family. Tickets for The Book of Liz are $35, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at www.vanguardarts.org , or by phone at 813-220-1546. Performances are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 pm, and on Sundays at 5 pm. There will be a matinee performance on Saturday, June 13th at 2 pm. The venue is located at 1501 S. Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, 33316. For more information, production shots, head shots, or to set up interviews, please contact Nicole Stodard at 813-220-1546 / nicole@thinkingcaptheatre.com or Carol Kassie at 561-445-9244 / ckassie@gmail.com or visit www.vanguardarts.org. Photographs and graphics available on request. The Book of Liz By Amy Sedaris and David Sedaris June 12 – 28 Tickets: $35 ($37.22 with s/c) For Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1475445 www.vanguardarts.org 813-220-1546 Performances: Friday, June 12th – Opening Night Thursdays – Saturdasy at 8 pm Sundays at 5 pm Saturday, June 13 at 2 pm

The Vanguard 1501 S. Andrews Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 www.vanguardarts.org Like us on Facebook!

[The Book Of Liz] may well be the world’s first Amish picaresque…hilarious…” —Village Voice. “…acidic laughs…linguistic delight…” —Variety. “Good-natured, goofy and frequently hilarious…” —NY Newsday. “…laugh-out-loud funny…” —Broadway.com.

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Sol Children Theatre presents THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD June 12 – 28

18 Monday May 2015

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Sol-logo
Sol Children Theatre
presents
Drood

June 12 – 28

“Boisterous and delectable…Shimmering musical pleasure to savor…”
—Charles Isherwood, The New York Times

May 19, 2015
BOCA RATON, FL: Charles Dickens may not have completed his final novel, but theatre patrons in South Florida will soon have the chance to finish it themselves when Sol Children Theatre presents The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the Tony Award-winning musical, at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton from June 12 through June 28.

This wildly funny and warm-hearted musical begins when the Music Hall Royale (a hilariously loony Victorian musical troupe) “puts on” its flamboyant rendition of the unfinished Dickens mystery in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. The story itself deals with John Jasper, a Jekyll-and-Hyde choirmaster who is quite madly in love with his music student, the fair Miss Rosa Bud; Miss Bud is in turn engaged to Jasper’s nephew, young Edwin Drood… who disappears mysteriously one stormy Christmas Eve. Has Edwin Drood been murdered? And if so, then whodunnit? The giddy playfulness of this play-within-a-play draws the audience toward one of the show’s most talked-about features – allowing the audience to vote on the solution as prelude to a most unusual and uproarious finale!

Rosalie Grant and Gisbert Heuer will co-direct/musical direct the production. Murphy Hayes will play ‘Mr. William Cartwright, Chairman’, and Alyssa Buelow is ‘Throttle, Stage Manager & Barkeep’. James Skiba has been cast as John Jasper, Yasmin Adli as Drood, Erin Cunningham as Rosa Bud, and Alexa Baray and Steven Michael Kennedy will play Helena and Neville Landless. Other cast members include Elvin Negron, Robyn Eli Brenner, and Kyle Laing. Ember Everett and Christopher Lam, who recently received excellent reviews in Evening Star Productions’ extremely successful production of The Addams Family will play The Princess Puffer and Durdles.

Tickets for The Mystery of Edwin Drood are on sale now, and can be purchased on line at www.solchildren.org or by calling 561-447-8829. Tickets are $15; $10 for children aged 11 or younger. Sol Theatre is located at 3333 North Federal Highway in Boca Raton (33431).

For more information about Sol Children Theatre, visit: www.solchildren.org, or contact Rosalie Grant at: solchildtroupe@aol.com /561-447-8829, or Carol Kassie at ckassie@gmail.com/ 561-445-9244.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Book, Music and Lyrics by Rupert Holmes
Adapted from the unfinished novel by Charles Dickens
June 12 – 28
Tickets: $15 / $10 juniors (11 and younger)
For tickets: 561-447-8829 / www.solchildren.org
Performances:
Friday & Saturday at 7 pm
Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm
All performances at
Sol Theatre
3333 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33431
www.solchildren.org
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The South Florida Theatre League Announces Summer Theatre Fest Activities

14 Thursday May 2015

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New Theatre League Logo - Use thisThe South Florida Theatre League
Invites patrons to
‘Step Onto Our Stage’
And  Experience a Free Night of Theatre
as part of the 2015 Summer Theatre Fest

May 14, 2015
2015 Summer Theatre Fest LogoMIAMI, FL:  The Theatre League’s Summer Theatre Fest has become an integral part of South Florida’s cultural landscape, and this year, South Florida audiences will once again have the opportunity to see theatre for free, check out new plays in development by South Florida playwrights, and tell the world what the arts – and theatre – mean to them.  The success of last summer’s Come Under Our Umbrella program and play reading series indicated to the League that theatre patrons are ready and willing to try new theatrical experiences, and even cross county lines to do it.

The theme governing this year’s Summer Theatre Fest activities is Step Onto Our Stage.  A unique ‘step and repeat’ has been created especially for the program, featuring theatrical curtains in front of a wall imprinted with the League’s logo.  Patrons will be invited to Step Onto Our Stage to be photographed or videoed ‘on stage’ as they are interviewed about their theatrical experiences, and the significance of the arts in their lives.  The step and repeat, which made its ‘debut’ at the South Florida Theatre League sponsored Carbonell Awards ‘after party’, will travel to participating theatres throughout the summer.

Summer Theatre Fest:  Each Monday from June 1 to August 31, a South Florida Theatre League member theatre will host a reading of a new play by a local playwright. Playwrights range from established local favorites, including Carbonell Award-winners and nominees, to emerging talents, with plays vastly ranging in subject matter and style. For more details, including a synopsis of each reading, please visit www.southfloridatheatre.com.

Step Onto Our Stage – Reading Schedule:

June 1 – Stages of the Sun: Readings by South Florida Theatre League Playwrights at  Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre
June 8 – A Girl’s Guide to Saving the Universe by Andie Arthur at Lost Girls Theatre at the Deering Estate
June 15 – Fortuna’s Ire by Guillermo Ramon at Storycrafter Studio at the Luna Star Cafe
June 22 – Text M for Murder by Carol White at Arts Garage/Bailey Contemporary Arts June 29 – Women Who Hate Their Jobs by Leah Roth Barsanti at Evening Star Productions
July 6 – Life and Death by Bob Bowersox at TheatreXP
July 6 – Stages of the Sun Student Edition: Readings of Short Plays by Local Student Playwrights at Area Stage
July 13 – Thirteen is Murder at Mystery on the Menu at Empire Stage
July 20 – Shift of Fortune by Thomas McLaughlin at Delray Beach Playhouse
July 20 – Summer Flights by Local Playwrights at Pigs Do Fly at Empire Stage
July 27 – Wrongful Death by Christopher Demos-Brown at Maltz Jupiter Theatre
July 27 – The Prey by Gina Montet at Mangrove Creative Collective
August 3 – Stung & Wounded by Patricia Wakely Wolf at Main Street Players
August 3 – Grace, Sponsored by Monteverde by Vanessa Garcia at Thinking Cap Theatre at the Vanguard
August 10 – Summer Shorts Tryout Plays at City Theatre at Empire Stage
August 17 – A Brand New Musical at GableStage
August 17 – Summer Play Reading at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts August 24 – Party Girls by Jessica Farr at Mad Cat Theatre Company at the Sandbox
August 31 – The Dana Plays: Raising Money for the Humane Society***

Free Night of Theater is an audience development program that has proved to be immensely popular since the League first introduced it in 2008. Free Night offers patrons an excellent opportunity to visit a venue they’ve never been to before, or sample a type of theatre they might not otherwise ever consider. Developed by the Theatre Communications Group (the national organization for American Theatre) about a decade ago to increase audiences, subsequent studies found that approximately 42% of patrons who attend a Free Night of Theatre return to that theatre and purchase tickets.  So far, participating theatres include Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, Palm Beach Dramaworks, and Evening Star Productions, however several more theatres are expected to participate.

Patrons can sign up for tickets at summerfestfreenight.southfloridatheatre.com starting on June 10 for performances during the month of July. The window to enter the lottery will close on June 24, and patrons will find out if they have won tickets on June 29.

The South Florida Theatre League is “an alliance of theatrical organizations and professionals dedicated to nurturing, promoting, and advocating for the growth and prestige of the South Florida theatre industry”.  To date, the League is the umbrella organization for close to 80 theatres between Key West and Jupiter.
For more information about the South Florida Theatre League, including a list of member theatres and their current and upcoming productions, visit www.southfloridatheatre.com/ or contact Andie Arthur at:  andie@southfloridatheatre.com

Dana Castellano

Dana Castellano

***The Dana Plays:   Dana Castellano was a treasured supporter of the South Florida Theatre Community who passed away from cancer in November 2014. Last year, during Summer Theatre Fest, Naked Stage Artistic Producer Antonio Amadeo coordinated the first Dana Plays – an evening of short plays about hope.  The event raised over $2,000. This year’s proceeds will be donated to one of Dana’s favorite charities, the Humane Society.

Evening Star Productions Schedules Auditions for their 2015-2016 Season

07 Thursday May 2015

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Evening Star LogoEvening Star Productions
Announces Auditions
for their
2015 – 2016 Season

May 7, 2015

BOCA RATON, FL: Evening Star Productions will hold auditions for their 2015-2016 productions at Sol Theatre, 3333 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton on Friday May 29 and Saturday May 30; auditions are by appointment only. Bios and headshots must be emailed to info@eveningstarproductions.org .
Please include the show and role you are auditioning for in your email; audition requirements will be assigned along with appointment confirmation

All performances will take place at Sol Theatre in Boca Raton.
Non-Equity/Paid

35mm: A Musical Exhibition
October 8 – 25
Music and Lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver
Based on Photographs by Matthew Murphy
Vocal Arrangements and Orchestrations by Ryan Scott Oliver
Additional Percussion arrangements by Jeremy Yaddaw
Additional Guitar arrangements by Matt Hinkley
Directed by Rosalie Grant

ALL ROLES ARE AVAILABLE
If a picture is worth 1,000 words – what about a song?  Can a picture inspire a song or fifteen?  In 35mm each photo creates an unique song; moments frozen in time; a glimmer of a life unfolding; a glimpse of something happening.  A stunning new multimedia musical which explores a groundbreaking new concept in musical theatre… this intricately woven collection of stories told through song re-imagines what the modern American musical can be.

oleanna prelim logoOleanna
By David Mamet
January 14 – 31, 2016
Directed by Rosalie Grant

THE ROLE OF CAROL IS AVAIALBLE
A seething investigation of “political correctness” in a time when the nation’s morality has been tested by increased incidents of sexual harassment.  Featuring Todd Bruno as John.
“Oleanna is likely to provoke more arguments than any play this year.” —NY Times. “One of the ten best plays of 1992…reason enough to cheer for the future of the theatre.” —Time Magazine.

murdered to death prelim logoMurdered to Death
By Peter Gordon
April 14 – May 1, 2016
Directed by Rosalie Grant

ALL ROLES AVAILABLE
From the author of Out of Focus comes this hilarious spoof of the best Agatha Christie traditions, with an assembled cast of characters guaranteed to delight: Bunting the butler, an English Colonel with the prerequisite stiff upper lip, a shady French art dealer and his moll, bumbling local inspectors and a well meaning local sleuth who seems to attract murder – they’re all here, and all caught up in the side-splitting antics which follow the mysterious death of the owner of a country manor house. But will the murderer be unmasked before everyone else has met their doom, or will audiences die laughing first?

 

Enchanting! BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE at Stage Door Theatre – May 15 – June 21

04 Monday May 2015

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bell_book_and_candle 2aat
Stage Door Theatre
May 15 – June 21

“This play invokes enchantment, and makes for an excellent treat.”
~ Stage and Cinema
“…Completely Enchanting – a wonderfully suave and impish fantasy…
~” New York Times

May 5, 2015
MARGATE, FL: Gillian Holroyd is a witch. She can cast spells and perform feats of magic, but she can’t fall in love. And when she casts a spell over her attractive neighbor – partly to keep him away from an old rival, and partly because she is attracted to him – this slight ‘imperfection’ leads to a number of unintended and somewhat tricky situations. Although when John Van Druten’s supernatural hit, Bell, Book and Candle debuted on Broadway in 1951 it was billed as – and thought of as a light comedy, it delivers a message that is still relevant today. The play touches on the importance of appearances, on the dynamics of a close circle of friends, on pretending and secrets, and on passing as something one is not. Bell, Book and Candle will open at Stage Door Theatre on May 15th, and run through June 21st.

Leeds head shot

Michael Leeds

“I have loved Bell, Book and Candle ever since I saw the Jimmy Stewart/Kim Novak film as a kid,” says the show’s director Michael Leeds. “The magic, the romance, and the hysterical performances by Jack Lemmon, Ernie Kovacs and Elsa Lanchester are indelibly etched in my mind. Then – when I recently read the play, I saw how much more there was to explore; this wonderful journey of two people breaking out of their shells, stepping out of their comfort zone to fall in love.”

Leeds is extremely pleased with his cast for the production: “For the leads, I cast two fine actors from New York, Nicholas Wilder and Melissa Herion,” he explains. “And I was lucky to get three terrific local actors.  South Florida theatre goers are well acquainted with the enormously talented Ken Clement and Janet Weakley, and we’re introducing a young actor, Thomas Karner, who more than fills Jack Lemmon’s shoes. With those performances and the magic we’re creating on stage – literally! – our audiences are in for a great time!”

Bell, Book and Candle will run from May 15 – June 21 at The Stage Door Theatre. The theatre is located at 8036 Sample Road, Margate, 33065.

Tickets for Bell, Book and Candle are $38 – $42; $16 student tickets are also available. Tickets may be purchased at the Broward Stage Door Theatre box office at 954-344-7765 or on line at www.stagedoortheatre.com

For more information about Bell, Book and Candle and/or The Broward Stage Door Theatre, please visit www.stagedoortheatre.com , or contact Derelle Bunn Executive Producer/Artistic Director, at DerelleBunn@yahoo.com / 954-344-7765 or Carol Kassie (ckassie@gmail.com / 561-445-9244).

Bell, Book and Candle
By John Van Druten
May 15 – June 21
Tickets: $38 – $42
Phone: 954-344-7765
   Showtimes:
Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday at 2 pm,
Friday & Saturday at 8 pm
The Stage Door Theatre
8036 W Sample Rd
Margate, Fl 33065
http://stagedoortheatre.com
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