Tag Archives: Wiesenthal

Pigs Do Fly Productions to present Tom Dugan’s CEMETERY PUB – March 13 – 19, 2023

24 Tuesday Jan 2023

Posted by in Clients, Pigs Do Fly Productions

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

Pigs Do Fly Productions
presents an
East Coast Premiere:
Cemetery Pub
March 3 – 19

“… fast-paced script, which is taut and sharp… Cemetery Pub is a terrifically entertaining piece of theatre…”
Paul Myrvold’s Theatre Notes, May 2022

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

January 24 2023

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL:   Rehearsals will begin shortly for Pigs Do Fly Productions’ production of playwright/actor Tom Dugan’s Cemetery Pub.  This will be only the second time the play has been produced – the first time was in May 2022 in Dugan’s own Backyard Theatre in California. Cemetery Pub will run from March 3rd through March 19th at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale.

Set in the old-time and slightly run-down O’Brien’s Tavern (also known as the Cemetery Pub) across from St. Gertrude’s Catholic Cemetery as well as from the railroad tracks, Cemetery Pub is a dark comedy, and features a trio of fascinating characters: Dixie, the young owner of the bar, Ken O’Brien, Dixie’s uncle, and Danny, Dixie’s long-lost cousin.

Tom Dugan

This three-character play is somewhat of a departure for playwright Tom Dugan, who is well known to South Florida audiences for his award-winning play (and performances in) Wiesenthal, and several other one-person shows: “I grew up in a big Irish Catholic family, I had over 60 first cousins, aunts and uncles,” he explains.  “As the second youngest of the clan, no one sat me down to explain, who was who and what was what.  I was on my own to figure out my family history – I cobbled together a family narrative, based largely on half pieces of information, fortified by my own imagination.  My older siblings have pointed out to me recently that most of my assumptions are wrong, but they also pointed out that my version was much more entertaining.  This got me thinking about writing a play based not on the facts of my family story but rather the rumors and embellishments I came up with.”

“How I feel about this play is ‘Wow’”, says Pig’s Do Fly’s Executive Producer Ellen Wacher.  “It’s definitely a departure from many of the shows we’ve done in the past.  But it’s superbly written – I can visualize each scene – and it has a great deal of humor integrated with its serious subject matter and the characters’ lives.”

“To me, Cemetery Pub defies classification,” says the production’s director, Deborah ‘DK’ Kondelik.  “It is deadly funny, full of mystery and suspense, and at times even farcical. The characters and relationships are distinctively off-beat and captivating; there is an edginess to the play, a tongue-in-cheek kind of humor that will titillate audiences.”

Kondelik has cast Caroline Dopson as Dixie, David Corey as Ken, and Todd Bruno as Dan.

Cemetery Pub’s Stage Manager is Joseph Long, Dean Landhuis is the show’s Scenic Designer, David Hart will do the Sound Design, Preston Bircher will create the Lighting Design and serve as Technical Director, Jameelah Bailey will handle props, and Director Deborah Kondelik will coordinate Costumes. Jessica Kaschube is the Company Manager.

Tickets for Cemetery Pub are $39 and are available online at www.pigsdoflyproductions.com  or by calling 954-678-1496.  Performances are on Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, and on Sunday at 5 pm. All performances will take place at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.

For more information about Pigs Do Fly Productions, please visit www.pigsdoflyproductions.com.   For more information about Ellen Wacher, please visit www.ellenwacher.com.  To arrange for interviews, or for photos, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.

~*~

Cemetery Pub
By Tom Dugan
March 3 – 19, 2023
Directed by Deborah Kondelik
Performances:
Friday & Saturday at 8 pm
Sunday at 5 pm
Tickets:  $39
For tickets:  www.pigsdoflyproductions.com / 954-678-1496
All performances will take place at
Empire Stage
1140 N. Flagler Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
www.pigsdoflyproductions.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/PigsDoFlyProductions/

Tom Dugan:  Dubbed by critics “A National Treasure,” for the past twenty years Tom Dugan’s one-man plays have thrilled audiences from Beverly Hills, to 42nd street, and have been the subject of many PBS programs throughout North America.   His play Wiesenthal, (Produced by Daryl Roth) honored with multiple awards and nominations (N.Y. Drama Desk, N.Y. Outer Critics Circle, L.A. Ovation, L.A. Drama Critics Circle), has enjoyed productions in Israel, India, Australia, Italy, and Mexico. A feature film of Wiesenthal is planned for 2024. 
Mr. Dugan’s one person plays include The Civil War Trilogy, Robert E. Lee – Shades of Gray (100% Sweet -Bitter Lemons), Frederick Douglass In The Shadow Of Slavery (“the best history lesson ever!” – Peninsula News) and The Ghosts of Mary Lincoln (Spellbinding – LA Times), The twentieth century trilogy; Tevye In New York! (“Delightful” – Broadway World) Wiesenthal (“Masterful”- Backstage), Tell Him It’s Jackie. (“Brilliant”- Curtain Up). Tevye In New York will have its Florida premiere at The Delray Beach Playhouse in December 2023. For more information contact; Tom.dugan@outlook.com

  • Tom Dugan
  • Dave Corey
  • Caroline Dopson
  • Todd Bruno
  • Deborah Kondelik
  • Ellen Wacher
  • Todd Bruno, Dave Corey, Caroline Dopson
  • Todd Bruno, Caroline Dopson
  • Caroline Dopson, Todd Bruno
  • Dave Corey, Caroline Dopson

Tom Dugan’s TELL HIM IT’S JACKIE Premieres December 15th at Mizner Park

18 Thursday Nov 2021

Posted by in Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

December 15 – 19, 2021

“…a fascinating exploration of the early life of Jackie Kennedy… Dugan does a wonderful job of presenting audiences with a side of her that few know about.”  Julia Stier – Medium

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

November 18, 2021

BOCA RATON, FL:  Actor/Playwright Tom Dugan’s new play, Tell Him It’s Jackie will have its premiere South Florida run from December 15th through December 19th at the Mizner Park Cultural Center in Boca Raton.  The play received rave reviews when it debuted in Los Angeles in Dugan’s own ‘Backyard Playhouse’ in 2020.

Kait Haire

Kait Haire will portray former First Lady Jackie Kennedy in a powerful and revealing narrative as she receives word, on June 5th, 1968, of her brother-in-law Robert Kennedy’s assassination. Believing herself incapable of living through another great loss, Jackie decides on a course of action that will irrevocably change her future and that of her children.  Tell Him It’s Jackie is a fascinating exploration of the life of one of America’s – and the world’s most recognizable and beloved figures.

“The experience of working on Tell Him It’s Jackie has been wonderful,” Haire says. “Jackie is an American icon, and it is easy for people to forget she wasn’t just the poised, stylish woman she presented to the public. She had her breaking points, like we all do, and as an actor it has been great to get to explore those moments.” 

Tom Dugan

Playwright Tom Dugan, well known for his award-winning performance as Simon Wiesenthal in his play Wiesenthal,dove deep into Jacqueline Kennedy’s life history in order to stay true to the woman portrayed in Tell Him It’s Jackie.  “I discovered new information that was only recently released to the public,” he says.  “And I came to understand Jackie had a powerful sexuality that she used to manipulate the media, the public, and the people in her life. Kait Haire has that same alluring charisma – her Jackie is compelling, real, and seductive.

“This play is a completely pandemic inspired production,” Dugan explains. “We rehearsed for a couple of months over Zoom which allowed us the time to really develop the character organically, and the play debuted in my own backyard!  Everyone – our tech crew, Kait, and I were COVID tested frequently (this was before the vaccine); and aside from when Kait was performing, we were all masked, as was our socially distant audience, which was limited to only 16 people.”

“Ms. Haire creates an impeccable Jackie; she looks like her, sounds like her,
and moves like her.” – Theatre Notes

Playwright Tom Dugan, well known for his award-winning performance as Simon Wiesenthal in his play Wiesenthal,dove deep into Jacqueline Kennedy’s life history in order to stay true to the woman portrayed in Tell Him It’s Jackie.  “I discovered new information that was only recently released to the public,” he says.  “And I came to understand that Jackie had a powerful sexuality she used to manipulate the media, the public, and the people in her life. Kait Haire has that same alluring charisma – her Jackie is compelling, real, and seductive.

“This play is a completely pandemic inspired production,” Dugan explains. “We rehearsed for a couple of months over Zoom which allowed us the time to really develop the character organically, and the play debuted in my own backyard!  Everyone – our tech crew, Kait, and I were COVID tested frequently (this was before the vaccine); and aside from when Kait was performing, we were all masked, as was our socially distant audience, which was limited to only 16 people.”

“Ms. Haire creates an impeccable Jackie; she looks like her, sounds like her,
and moves like her.” – Theatre Notes

Playwright Tom Dugan, well known for his award-winning performance as Simon Wiesenthal in his play Wiesenthal, dove deep into Jacqueline Kennedy’s life history in order to stay true to the woman portrayed in Tell Him It’s Jackie.  “I discovered new information that was only recently released to the public,” he says.  “And I came to understand that Jackie had a powerful sexuality she used to manipulate the media, the public, and the people in her life. Kait Haire has that same alluring charisma – her Jackie is compelling, real, and seductive.

“This play is a completely pandemic inspired production,” Dugan explains. “We rehearsed for a couple of months over Zoom which allowed us the time to really develop the character organically, and the play debuted in my own backyard!  Everyone – our tech crew, Kait, and I were COVID tested frequently (this was before the vaccine); and aside from when Kait was performing, we were all masked, as was our socially distant audience, which was limited to only 16 people.”

“Ms. Haire creates an impeccable Jackie; she looks like her, sounds like her,
and moves like her.” – Theatre Notes

Playwright Tom Dugan, well known for his award-winning performance as Simon Wiesenthal in his play Wiesenthal,dove deep into Jacqueline Kennedy’s life history in order to stay true to the woman portrayed in Tell Him It’s Jackie.  “I discovered new information that was only recently released to the public,” he says.  “And I came to understand that Jackie had a powerful sexuality she used to manipulate the media, the public, and the people in her life. Kait Haire has that same alluring charisma – her Jackie is compelling, real, and seductive.

“This play is a completely pandemic inspired production,” Dugan explains. “We rehearsed for a couple of months over Zoom which allowed us the time to really develop the character organically, and the play debuted in my own backyard!  Everyone – our tech crew, Kait, and I were COVID tested frequently (this was before the vaccine); and aside from when Kait was performing, we were all masked, as was our socially distant audience, which was limited to only 16 people.”

“Ms. Haire creates an impeccable Jackie; she looks like her, sounds like her,
and moves like her.” – Theatre Notes

Tom Dugan (Playwright/ Director/Actor) has been honored with nominations for the New York Drama Desk Award, New York Outer Critics Circle Award, Los Angeles Ovation Award, and won the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Wiesenthal (produced by Daryl Roth and directed by Jenny Sullivan). Wiesenthal has enjoyed productions in Israel, India, Australia, Italy, and Mexico. The script has been published by Bashert Books and is currently available on Amazon. A feature film of Wiesenthal, produced by Dan Kaplow (The Haunting of Hill House, Joe Exotic) is now in the works. During the pandemic Tom, with the help of his family, created Dugan’s Backyard Playhouse, a socially distant outdoor live theatre where he premiered two of his plays Tell Him It’s Jackie (“brilliant and masterful” – Curtain Up) and The Ghosts Of Mary Lincoln (“Spellbinding” LA Times). Tom’s newest one-man show, Tevye in New York (“Magical” – LA Times), premiered at the Wallis Annenberg in Beverly Hills over the summer, and will begin touring next year. His newest piece, Cemetery Pub, will premiere in 2022.  Mr. Dugan’s Film/TV credits include Friends, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Dave, Kindergarten Cop, and Naked Gun. Facebook: TomDuganPlays

Tell Him It’s Jackie will run from December 15th through December 19th at Mizner Park Cultural Center in Boca Raton.  Tickets are $49 and are available online at miznerparkculturalcenter.com/ or by calling 844-672-2849.

Please Note:  Masks covering nose, mouth, and chin must be worn
in the building at all times in order to attend.

For more information about Tell Him It’s Jackie, Tom Dugan, or Kait Haire, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.

Tell Him It’s Jackie
By Tom Dugan
December 15-19, 2021
Tickets: $49
Performances:
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 pm
Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday at 2 pm
For tickets: 
https://miznerparkculturalcenter.com/events/tell-him-its-jackie/2021-12-15
Or call 844-672-2849
Mizner Park Cultural Center
201 Plaza Real, 2nd Floor
Boca Raton, FL 33432

  • Tom Dugan
  • Kait Haire
  • Kait Haire as Jackie

Tom Dugan Stars in WIESENTHAL at Mizner Park Cultural Center

15 Monday Nov 2021

Posted by in Clients, Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

December 3 – 5, 2021

“Actor/playwright Tom Dugan’s superb award-winning one-man show Wiesenthal is a must-see for anyone who loves great acting, writing, drama, human rights and/or Jews, plus hates fascism, crimes against humanity, war and atrocities.” 
Ed Rampell for Hollywood Progressive

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

November 15, 2021

BOCA RATON, FL:  Wiesenthal, written by and starring noted actor/playwright Tom Dugan tells the remarkable true story of Nazi Hunter Simon Wiesenthal. Sometimes referred to as “The Jewish James Bond”, Wiesenthal devoted his life to bringing more than 1,100 Nazi war criminals to justice.  Dugan will bring this powerful piece of theatre to the Mizner Park Cultural Center from December 3rd through December 5th.

Tom Dugan

Told with hope, humanity and humor, the play follows Wiesenthal as he addresses a group of visitors on his last day at the Jewish Documentation Center in Vienna. As he reflects on his life and work, Wiesenthal recounts how he faced Hitler’s SS; how he endured the loss of family and friends; and how, after liberation day, he began his remarkable journey – tracking down and gathering information on fugitive Nazi war criminals so they could be brought to trial.

Dugan, who was raised Irish Catholic, was inspired to write Wiesenthal by his father, a war veteran and liberator who received the Bronze Battle Star and a Purple Heart for his service in World War II.

Simon Wiesenthal & Marty Rosen

There will be audience ‘talk backs’ after each performance, with a special appearance after the December 4th evening show by long-time Simon Wiesenthal friend and lawyer Marty Rosen.  Rosen worked with Wiesenthal for over 30 years, helping with the legalities of bringing many Nazis to justice.  When the statute of limitations for Nazi war criminals was about to run out in Germany, Marty travelled to Germany and convinced Chancellor Willy Brandt to abolish it – assuring that for the rest of their lives Nazi war criminals could be chased, caught, and brought to justice.

Wiesenthal enjoyed an extended run Off Broadway, as well as long runs at Rubicon Theatre in Ventura, California, and Theatre 40 in Los Angeles, where the production won the L.A. Drama Critics’ Circle Award and was nominated for three Ovation Awards (“Best Actor”, “Best Director” and “Best Play”). The show was a Critic’s Choice in the L.A. Times and was praised for the “righteous stories here that you will not forget.” The Times described Dugan as “authoritative and engaging.” The Ventura County Star reviewer called Dugan’s performance “remarkable…drawn in unforgettable strokes,” and wrote that the play “gives equal weight to the heroic wisdom and wit with which Wiesenthal lived his long and purposeful life.”  The show was also a Critic’s Pick in Backstage, where Dugan’s work was called “masterful” and the writing “superlative”.

Tom Dugan (Playwright/Actor) Having been honored with nominations for the New York Drama Desk Award, New York Outer Critics Circle Award, Los Angeles Ovation Award, and winning the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Wiesenthal produced by Daryl Roth and directed by Jenny Sullivan, Wiesenthal has enjoyed productions in Israel, India, Australia, Italy, and Mexico. Tom’s next piece Tell Him It’s Jackie, about former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, was hailed “a stunning accomplishment” by Entertainment Weekly. Mr. Dugan recently premiered Tevye In New York at the Wallis Annenberg in Beverly Hills (“magical” – Los Angeles Times) and will begin a national tour in 2022. Dugan’s newest work, a dark comedy called Cemetery Pub will premiere in Los Angeles in 2022.

Tell Him It’s Jackie (“Scorching… impeccable” – Theater Notes) will run at the Mizner Park Cultural Center from December 15 – 19.

Please Note:  Masks covering nose, mouth, and chin must be worn in the building at all times in order to attend.

The Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center is located at 201 Plaza Real, in Boca Raton (33432)

For more information about Wiesenthal and/or Tom Dugan please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244.
~

Wiesenthal
By Tom Dugan
December 3 – 5, 2021
Tickets: $35/$45
Performances:
Friday & Saturday, December 3 & 4 at 7:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday, December 4 & 5 at 2:00 pm
For tickets: 
https://miznerparkculturalcenter.com/events/wiesenthal-2/2021-12-03/
Call 844-672-2849
Mizner Park Cultural Center
201 Plaza Real, 2nd Floor Boca Raton, FL 33432

  • Tom Dugan
  • Tom Dugan as Simon Wiesenthal
  • Tom Dugan as Simon Wiesenthal
  • Simon Wiesenthal & Marty Rosen

March & April at the Miznzer Park Cultural Center

09 Monday Mar 2020

Posted by in Clients, Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

March & April at
Mizner Park Cultural Center:
Festival of Classics: A Night of Short Performances
& Artist Conversations – March 16
Tovah is Leona – March 28 & 29
Wiesenthal – April 3-5
Hank Williams and My Honky Tonk Heroes – April 8
Judy Carmichael: Swing Time!  A Celebration of the
Great American Song Book – April 17
Harrison Greenbaum:  What Just Happened?
A Comedy + Magic Show – April 25

For Immediate Release
Contact:  Carol Kassie
carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244

March 9, 2020

BOCA RATON, FL:     Mizner Park Cultural Center will once again host a wide variety of entertainment and events over the coming weeks.  Comedy, music, magic, and live theatre are all on the popular venue’s schedule during March and April.

On March 16th, the award-winning actor Avi Hoffman will host Festival of Classics: A Night of Short Performances and Artist Conversations.  The show, presented by Joseph Papp Yiddish Theatre, Shakespeare Troupe of South Florida, Grace Arts, New City Players, and Thinking Cap Theatre with Emily Ricca Dance Collective, will showcase local South Florida companies performing the Classics.  Hoffman, who will be joined by special guest Susan Papp, will take on the persona of Joseph Papp, the American theatrical producer and founder of the New York Shakespeare Festival and the Public Theatre.

Tovah Feldshuh

Six-time Tony and Emmy nominated star Tovah Feldshuh returns to the theatre on March 28th and 29th for four encore performances of Tovah is Leona! a musical production featuring highlights from the new Broadway-bound musical Queen of Mean, based on Piers Ransdell’s New York Times best-selling biography of Leona Helmsley.  In the production, which sold out in January, Feldshuh, as the disgraced doyenne, comments and sings about anything and everything – from her meteoric rise from office temp to trophy wife, from wheeler-dealer to hotel magnate, to her relationship with real estate rival Donald Trump.

Tom Dugan as Simon Wiesenthal

Wiesenthal, the story of ‘an ordinary man who did extraordinary things’, will run for four performances only, from April 3rd – 5th.  Written by and starring Tom Dugan, Wiesenthal is the riveting true story of Simon Wiesenthal.  Nicknamed ‘The Jewish James Bond’, he devoted his life to bringing more than 1,100 Nazi war criminals to justice. Intelligent, funny, flawed, and noble, Wiesenthal was a universal hero.

Jason Petty will bring his acclaimed musical review, Hank Williams and my Honky Tonk Heroes, to the Cultural Center on April 8th.  Petty a masterful singer, actor, and historian, whose musicianship and songwriting abilities have won him numerous performances at The Grand Ole Opry, will recreate the magic that Williams and his ‘honky tonk heroes’ – the giants of country music – created.

Grammy-nominated pianist, vocalist, and songwriter Judy Carmichael will celebrate the music of swing piano greats with an evening of classics from the Great American Songbook in her show Swing Time!  A Celebration of the Great American Song Book on April 17th.  From the Gershwins to Cole Porter to Fats Waller and Peggy Lee, Carmichael’s mastery of the piano style popularized by Count Basie and James P. Johnson among others, has been lauded all over the world.

Harrison Greenbaum

Harrison Greenbaum will return to the Mizner Park Cultural Center with What Just Happened?  A Comedy + Magic Show on April 25th.   The award-winning magician and comedian, who has been featured on “America’s Got Talent”, NBC’s “Last Comic Standing”, and National Geographic’s “Brain Games”, has created a unique blend of comedy and magic, jaw-dropping cutting edge illusions, mind reading, and legerdemain, much of it invented specifically for this performance, and never seen before.

Tickets to each of these performances, as well as many other Mizner Park Cultural Center performances are on sale now and can be purchased online at http://miznerparkculturalcenter.com or by phone at 844-672-2849. Ticket details are below.

The Mizner Park Cultural Center is located at 201 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Website: http://miznerparkculturalcenter.com/Like us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MiznerParkCulturalCenter/

For more information about the Mizner Park Cultural Center, and any of these shows, please contact Carol Kassie at Carol@CarolKassie.com / 561-445-9244.
~
Ticket prices and performance times:

Festival of Classics: A Night of Short Performances and Artist Conversations
Monday, March 16, at 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Tickets:  $25-$50Direct link for tickets:  https://miznerparkculturalcenter.com/events/festival-of-classics/Tovah is Leona
Saturday, March 28 at 3 pm & 8 pm
Sunday, March 29 at 2 pm & 7 pm
Tickets: $49 – $59
Direct link for tickets:  https://miznerparkculturalcenter.com/events/tovah-leona-march/2020-03-28/Wiesenthal
Friday, April 3 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 4 at 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Sunday, April 5 at 2:00 pm
Tickets:  $45
Direct link for tickets:  https://miznerparkculturalcenter.com/events/wiesenthal-2/2020-04-03/Hank Williams and My Honky Tonk Heroes
Wednesday, April 8 at 7:30 pm
Tickets: $39 – $45
Direct link for tickets:  https://miznerparkculturalcenter.com/events/hank-williams/Judy Carmichael:  Swing Time!  A Celebration of the Great American Song Book
Friday, April 17 at 7:30 pm
Tickets:  $37 – $47
Direct link for tickets:  https://miznerparkculturalcenter.com/events/judy-carmichael/Harrison Greenbaum:  What Just Happened?  A Comedy + Magic Show
Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 pm
Tickets: $29 – $39Direct link for tickets:  https://miznerparkculturalcenter.com/events/harrison-greenbaum-3/For tickets to all shows at the Mizner Park Cultural Center, and for more information: https://miznerparkculturalcenter.com/   or call 844-672-2849.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karyl Lynn Burns and Normand Kurtz present Wiesenthal – Jan 22 – Mar 16

05 Thursday Dec 2013

Posted by in Clients

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , ,

Tony Award-Winning Producer Normand Kurtz
Partners with Stage Door Theatre for
Pre-New York Engagement of
WiesenthalMasthd January 22 through March 16, 2014

For Immediate Release: December 5, 2013
Dugan_as_Simon 2(Coral Springs, FL) – Executive Producers Dee Wilson-Bunn of the Stage Door Theatre in South Florida today announced an addition to the company’s 2013-2014 Season – the award-winning pre-New York engagement of WIESENTHAL, written by and starring Tom Dugan. Produced by Tony Award-winner Normand Kurtz, who brought Broward audiences the record-breaking hit Too Jewish, WIESENTHAL tells the remarkable story of the life of Simon Wiesenthal, sometimes referred to as “The Jewish James Bond.” Told with hope, humanity and humor, the play follows Wiesenthal as he addresses a group of visitors on his last day at the Jewish Documentation Center in Vienna. As he reflects on his life and work, Wiesenthal recounts how he faced Hitler’s SS; how he endured the loss of family and friends; how he escaped a concentration camp only to be recaptured; and how, after liberation day, he began a remarkable journey for justice.

Directed by Jenny Sullivan, WIESENTHAL opens Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at the Broward Stage Door, 8036 W. Sample Road in Coral Springs. For tickets, call (954) 344-7765 or visit the company website at www.stagedoortheatre.com.

From the Producer of Too Jewish
WIESENTHAL marks Stage Door’s second collaboration with Kurtz, whose production of Too Jewish ran for 14-months. Kurtz won the Tony Award for new_simon_22the original production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and his production of Solitary Confinement with Stacy Keach broke the house record at the Kennedy Center and the Pasadena Playhouse. Also a highly respected music producer, Kurtz has been associated with recording superstars Billy Joel, David Bowie, Jethro Tull, The Jets, Lena Horne, Rupert Holmes, and Christina Aguilera, whom he discovered and co-managed. Kurtz produced Accomplice with Jason Alexander and The Best is Yet to Come Off-Broadway with fellow WIESENTHAL producer Karyl Lynn Burns (Drama Desk Award). WIESENTHAL is also produced in association with Rubicon Theatre in California and The Phoenix Theatre in Arizona.

Says Wilson-Bunn, “When Normand first approached us and we read the script and watched the video, we were struck by how absolutely engaging and entertaining this piece is! It conveys events of historical importance, but it also transcends biography and is truly a play with an incredible dramatic arc. The universality makes it possible for audiences to hear and understand the significance. Dave [Torres] and I were completely drawn into the story. We knew we had to share this with our audiences.”

Wiesenthal1“WIESENTHAL is an uplifting testament to the future,” says Kurtz, “a triumphant story of hope. Simon Wiesenthal went through a dark night of the soul – he had every reason imaginable to mistrust his fellow man. But as we travel with him on his journey, we experience an intelligent, flawed, funny and noble man who chooses action over self-pity, justice over revenge and who make perhaps the most difficult choice of all…to place his trust in us and in the future.”

Inspiration and History
Dugan, who was raised Irish Catholic, was inspired to write WIESENTHAL by his father, a war hero and liberator who received the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his service in World War II.

WIESENTHAL has receiving standing ovations and cheers at performances across the United States, with long runs at Rubicon Theatre in Ventura, California and Theatre 40 in Los Angeles, where the production won the L.A. Drama Critics’ Circle Award and was nominated for three Ovation Awards (“Best Actor”, “Best Director” and “Best Play”). The show was a Critic’s Choice in the L.A. Times and was praised for the “righteous stories here that you will not forget.” The Times described Dugan as “authoritative and engaging.” The Ventura County Star reviewer called Dugan’s performance “remarkable…drawn in unforgettable strokes,” and wrote that the play “gives equal weight to the heroic wisdom and wit with which Wiesenthal lived his long and purposeful life.”  The show was also a Critic’s Pick in Backstage, where Dugan’s work was called “masterful” and the writing “superlative”.

Tom Dugan
tom2Tom Dugan (Playwright/Actor) first appeared on television in the classic 1984 MTV video “Legs.” TV and film credits include “Bones,” “Friends,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “The Practice,” “Chicago Hope,” “Just Shoot Me,” “Kindergarten Cop,” “Dave,” “Marked For Death,” “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure,” “The Naked Gun,” “Hellraiser IV,” “Leprechaun III,” “Stuart Smalley Saves The Family,” “Beethoven II and “The Trial of Old Drum.” On the Los Angeles stage, Dugan appeared in The Man Who Came to Dinner, The Voice of The Prairie (Colony Theatre), Dublin Carol (Ensemble Theatre), Black Comedy (International City Theatre) and Black Coffee (Theatre 40). Regional and touring credits include Friends Like These (with Donna Mills), Misery (with Susan Rattan) and On Golden Pond (with Jack Klugman). Dugan recently recreated his award-winning portrayal of Antonio Salieri in Amadeus at The California Theatre (San Bernardino). He is also an accomplished playwright whose critically acclaimed one-man shows Oscar to Oscar, Robert E. Lee – Shades of Gray, and Frederick Douglass – In the Shadow of Slavery (starring Mel Johnson Jr.) have been produced in over two dozen cities across the United States. Dugan’s newest work The Ghosts of Mary Lincoln recently premiered at The Townsend Center for Performing Arts at Georgia West University. He lives in Woodland Hills with his wife Amy and two boys Eli and Miles.

About the Director
WIESENTHAL Director Jenny Sullivan is an Artistic Associate at Rubicon Theatre Company in Ventura, where her directing credits include The Mystery of Irma Vep (2012 Ovation Nomination for Direction), Tea at Five with Stephanie Zimbalist, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Indy Award) with Joe Spano, Hamlet (Indy Award) with Joseph Fuqua, Tuesdays with Morrie with Harold Gould, Defying Gravity and Dancing at Lughnasa (Indy Award) with Susan Clark and Bonnie Franklin. Other credits include The Dresser with Len Cariou and Granville Van Dusen at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre; The Elephant Man for San Jose Rep, and six seasons with Williamstown Theatre Festival. She directed multiple casts of Nora and Delia Ephron’s Love, Loss, and What I Wore at The Geffen Playhouse and The Vagina Monologues for the Canon and Coronet theatres. She directed the World Premiere of Jane Anderson’s The Baby Dance at The Pasadena Playhouse, which then moved to Williamstown Theatre Festival, Long Wharf Theatre (CT Critics’ Directing Award) and the Lucille Lortel Off-Broadway. Jenny’s film credits include “Access All Areas” and “The Next Best Thing” (in which she had the good fortune to direct her father Barry). Jenny is most proud of the World Premiere of her play J for J with Jeff Kober and the late, great John Ritter.

Performance Schedule and Tickets
WIESENTHAL opens on Wednesday, January 22 and continues through Sunday, March 16. Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. through Sunday, March 16, 2014.

Tickets may be purchased at the theatre, by phone or online. Box Office hours are Monday through Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday to Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. To charge by phone, call (954) 344-7765. Or go to www.stagedoortheatre.com.

WIESENTHAL Social Network
For additional information, visit the production website at www.wiesenthaltheplay.com. On Facebook: www.facebook.com/wiesenthaltheplay.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Mr. Dugan and Producer Kurtz will be in town and available for previews or live interviews Monday through Wednesday December 9 – 11. Additional photos of Mr. Dugan with his father (World War II decorated hero) and in the role are available. To attend a short 30-minute preview of the show and join us for a reception of Viennese pastries on Monday or Tuesday, please contact Carol Kassie at the number above or via e-mail.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The 2013-2014 Season will be a Feast for Theatre Lovers in South Florida

07 Monday Oct 2013

Posted by in Boca Raton Theatre Guild, Clients, Entr'Acte Theatrix, RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women, Sol Children Theatre, Steve Solomon's 'Canoli, Latkes, & Guilt! The Therapy Continues...', The South Florida Theatre League, Theatre Thoughts, Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2013-14 Season Collage2 copySouth Florida theatre is thriving.  At last count, the Theatre League of South Florida reported a membership of 58 theatres, with several new production companies waiting in the wings to join.

The 2013-2014 South Florida theatre season promises to be more exciting than ever.  Theatre companies have chosen a wide variety of plays – traditional and non – to populate their many stages, and audiences will have the opportunity to sample everything from Broadway classics and award-winning dramas to rock operas, madcap comedies, and children’s theatre.

Although many are familiar with the larger venues in the area – The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, and Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, there are a number of excellent smaller, interesting, and reasonably priced local theatres definitely worth visiting.

Boca Raton hosts several well respected theatre companies.  The award-winning Women’s Theatre Project and the Boca Raton Theatre Guild both operate out of the Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park.  This state of the art theatre seats 155 patrons.  There is ample parking available, and the surrounding park is a delightful setting for a pre-theatre picnic. This year, the two companies have joined forces to offer patrons the opportunity to purchase subscriptions to their productions.  For a total of $99, patrons can attend four plays – two musicals produced by the Boca Raton Theatre Guild, and two plays presented by the Women’s Theatre Project.

The Boca Raton Theatre Guild will also team with Peter J. Loewy this season, and together they will co-produce Respect: A Musical Journey of Women at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center.  Respect originated in South Florida, and Loewy was not only its first director, but one of the prime developers of the ever-popular show.

Parade Productions is one of Boca Raton’s newer companies. Their mission, “to produce high quality theatre experiences that entertain, enlighten inform, uplift and inspire”, is reflected in their choice of plays.  This season’s production, The Last Schwartz has been praised as being ‘rollicking, sad, shocking, goofy, and thoughtful…’  Their home, at the Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center’s Studio Theatre, is easily accessible, and free, metered, or valet parking is available.

Sol Children Theatre offers theatre for the entire family.  Now entering their 11th year, this company of young performers, under the direction and guidance of Rosalie Grant, produces a number of quality productions each year.  Located on Federal Highway just south of Spanish River Boulevard, Sol is a small black box theatre.  It seats 77, including child sized front row seating for their younger audiences.  This year they are debuting a new production company, Evening Star Productions, which will focus on plays for more for mature audiences, and feature adult, professional actors, as well as young people working towards a career in theatre.

For those who would venture north to Delray Beach, Entr’Acte Theatrix will follow up this past summer’s highly successful production of Monty Python’s Spamalot with The Who’s Tommy at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts at Old School Square.

Steve Solomon will bring his comedic recollections back to the The Lyric Theatre, The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, and the Coral Springs Center for the Arts …And the Broward Stage Door Theatre in Coral Springs has a dozen productions planned between September 2013 and July 2014.

Below is a list, in chronological opening night order, of just some of the theatres, theatre companies, plays (and one musical group), that will be on stage this season, along with brief descriptions of each production. Group rates are available for every one of these productions. Mark your calendars and purchase your tickets soon!

The Broward Stage Door Theatre will present 12 plays and musicals openingpage-2-1between August 30, 2013 and July 6, 2014.  Included in their schedule are 9-5: The Musical, Stephen Sondheim’s Company, Sophisticated Ladies, featuring the music of Duke Ellington, Twilight of the Golds, Crimes of the Heart, and The Last Night of Ballyhoo.
The Broward Stage Door Theatre
8036 W Sample Rd
Coral Springs, Fl 33065
www.stagedoortheatre.com
Tickets:  $38 (Students $16)
Phone:  954-344-7765
Showtimes:
Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:00 pm,
Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm
Several productions will also play at the Broward Stage Door Miami
www.stagedoormiami.com
~*~
Sol-logo

Sol Children Theatre and Evening Star Productions will present a number of plays throughout the season.  Please keep checking this website for more information!
~*~

~*~

The Last Night of Ballyhoo
Presented by: The Broward Stage Door TheatreBallyhoo - On Stage copy
By Alfred Uhry
November 15 – December 31
Tickets:  $38 (Students $16)
Phone:  954-344-7765
Showtimes:
Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:00 pm,
Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm
The Broward Stage Door Theatre
8036 W Sample Rd
Coral Springs, Fl 33065
www.stagedoortheatre.com

It’s Atlanta, Georgia, in December 1939. Gone with the Wind is having its world premiere, and Hitler is invading Poland. But many of Atlanta’s German Jews are more concerned with who is going to Ballyhoo, the social event of the season. By the author of Driving Miss Daisy. Winner of the 1997 Tony Award for Best Play.
~*~

Steve Solomon – Stand Up
December 3
Showtime: 7:00 pm
The Lyric Theater
59 S.W. Flagler Avenue,
Stuart, FL 34994
Tickets: $35
Phone:  772-286-7827
To purchase tickets on line:  www.lyrictheatre.com/show

stevesoloman_banner.jpg

America’s favorite dysfunctional comedian is back again. Creator and star of three-time award-winning Broadway comedy “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m in Therapy”, Steve Solomon returns with even more side-splitting, raucous jokes this December, introducing new material and incorporating stories from his other hit shows, such as “STILL in Therapy” and “Home for the Holidays.”
~*~

RESPECT:  A Musical Journey of Women
 December 5 – January 6
Presented by:  The Boca Raton Theatre Guild & Peter J. LoewyRespect Graphic copy
The Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center, Studio Theatre, 2nd Floor
201 Plaza Real
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Phone:  866-811-4111
Group Sales: 561-948-2601
Tickets: $38/$33 if purchased before November 15
RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women chronicles of the progress of women through the 20th Century, as played out against the songs they were listening to during various periods in their lives.  Featuring an ensemble cast of four and a live band, the show includes more than 60 songs, ranging from “I Wanna Be Loved by You,” and “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend,” to “I Will Survive,” “Hero” and “Video.
Purchase tickets at: www.brtg.org
~*~

The Lyons
December 6 – 22, 2013Lyons_Postcard
Presented by: The Women’s Theatre Project
The Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park
300 South Military Trail,
Boca Raton, FL 33486
Phone: 561-347-3948
Tickets: $25 (Joint subscriptions with the Boca Raton Theatre Guild available – see above)
www.womenstheatreproject.com
Nicky Silver’s outrageously funny and stirring play about a family coming to terms with the impending death of its patriarch received glowing reviews when it ran on Broadway in 2012.   The play focuses on Rita Lyons and her grown children, who, as they gather to say goodbye, learn that despite being a family, each of them is totally isolated. Afraid of closeness and solitude, they are pushed into a new arena – the human connection.
~*~

9-5: The Musical
Presented by: The Broward Stage Door Theatrepress-image295
Music and Lyrics by  Dolly Parton
Book by  Patricia Resnick
Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture
December 13 – January 19
Tickets:  $38 (Students $16)
Phone:  954-344-7765
Showtimes:
Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:00 pm,
Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm
The Broward Stage Door Theatre
8036 W Sample Rd
Coral Springs, Fl 33065
www.stagedoortheatre.com
9-5: The Musical is the musical comedy based on the popular movie, and features Dolly Parton’s original hit title song, along with her Tony Award and Grammy-nominated score.  9-5: The Musical is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge.  Outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic, 9-5: The Musical is about teaming up and taking care of business!
~*~

My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m STILL in Therapy… the chaos continues
December 18 – December 22
Showtimes:
Wednesday, December 18 at 7:30 PM STAND UP SHOT 2 (4)
Thursday, December 19 at 7:30 PM
Friday, December 20 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 21 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 21 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 22 at 7:00 PM

The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse
701 Okeechobee Blvd,
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Tickets: $30
Phone:  561-832-7469 or 800-572-8471
To purchase tickets on line: http://www.kravis.org

The comedy chaos continues in this ALL NEW critically acclaimed prequel to his original smash hit, My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m In Therapy! I’m Still In Therapy takes us back to Steve’s wacky childhood right up to the present day. The audience follows along in this wonderfully funny journey about growing up, mixed marriages, ex-wives, dogs, cats, dieting, and dozens of other side-splitting situations that we can all relate to. It’s an evening of comedy you don’t want to miss!
~*~

Peter Pan
January 17 – February 2
By J.M. Barrie – Updated by John Caird & Trevor NunnPeter Pan
Presented by Sol Children Theatre
Fridays & Saturdays 7pm;
Saturdays & Sundays 2pm
Tickets: $12 & $8 juniors
3333 North Federal Highway,
Boca Raton, FL  33431
Phone:  561-447-8829
www.solchildren.org
The beloved story of Peter, Wendy, Michael, John, Capt. Hook, Smee, the Lost Boys, pirates and Indians, and, of course, Tinker Bell, in their adventures in Never Land. However, for the first time, the play is here restored to Barrie’s original intentions.
~*~

Wiesenthal
January 22 – March 16WiesenthalLogoHiRes
Presented by Karyl Lynn Burns & Normand Kurtz
and The Broward Stage Door Theatre
Tickets:  $38/$42
Phone:  954-344-7765
Showtimes:
Wednesday, Thursday Saturday, and Sunday at 2:00 pm,
Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm
The Broward Stage Door Theatre
8036 W Sample Rd
Coral Springs, Fl 33065
www.stagedoortheatre.com

Written by and starring Tom Dugan and produced by Karyl Lynn Burns and Dugan_as_Simon 2Tony Award-winner Normand Kurtz, Wiesenthal tells the remarkable story of the life of Simon Wiesenthal, sometimes referred to as “The Jewish James Bond.” Told with hope, humanity and humor, the play follows Wiesenthal as he addresses a group of visitors on his last day at the Jewish Documentation Center in Vienna. As he reflects on his life and work, Wiesenthal recounts how he faced Hitler’s SS; how he endured the loss of family and friends; how he escaped a concentration camp only to be recaptured; and how, after liberation day, he began a remarkable journey for justice.
~*~

Pippin
 January 24 – February 9
Presented by: The Boca Raton Theatre Guildpippin_logosm stroke
The Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park
300 South Military Trail,
Boca Raton, FL 33486
Phone: 561-347-3948
Group Sales: 561-948-2601
Tickets:  $35 (Joint subscriptions with the Women’s Theatre Project available – see above)
www.brtg.org
Currently enjoying an extremely successful revival on Broadway, Pippin uses the premise of a mysterious performance troupe, led by a Leading Player, to tell the story of a young prince and his search for meaning and significance.
~*~

The Last SchwartzTLS Postcard 4x6 Front copy
 January 30 – February 23
Presented by: Parade Productions
The Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center, Studio Theatre, 2nd Floor
201 Plaza Real
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Phone:  866-811-4111
Group Sales:  561-291-9678
Tickets:  $35/$40
www.paradeproductions.org
The Schwartz family is on its last legs. Their father has died and their Catskills home is going up for sale. Norma Schwartz’ husband hasn’t spoken to her since she turned their 15 year old son in for smoking pot; it doesn’t seem like brother Herb’s wife will ever present him with an heir; middle sibling Simon has one foot on the moon; and youngest brother Gene arrives at the family compound with an unexpected guest. Will any of them remember what it means to be a family?
~*~

Steve Solomon’s Canoli, Latkes, & Guilt! The Therapy Continues…
February 5 – 16CANNOLI-LATKIS LOGOG HI REZ w new spelling (2)
The Coral Springs Center for the Arts
2855 Coral Springs Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33065
Phone:  954-344-5990
Group Sales: 1-888-264-1788
Tickets: $42.50/$49.50
The Coral Springs Center for the Arts
2855 Coral Springs Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33065
Phone:  954-344-5990
Group Sales: 1-888-264-1788
www.stevesolomoncomedy.com
Just in case you’ve missed one of Steve Solomon’s award winning “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish…” comedies, he’s back with a new show featuring the very best comedy bits from his earlier three shows – plus loads of new comedy pieces.
~*~

Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly IvinsRed Hot
February 28-March 16
The Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park
300 South Military Trail,
Boca Raton, FL 33486
Phone: 561-347-3948
Tickets:  $25 (Joint subscriptions with the Boca Raton Theatre Guild available – see above)
www.womenstheatreproject.com
Barbara Bradshaw will star as the unsinkable, unstoppable Molly Ivins. The ‘dyed-in-the-wool liberal from deep in the heart of Texas’, famously brassy newspaper columnist and best-selling author was a crusading journalist who broke gender barriers with her sharp-tongued wit, humor, and political savvy to establish herself as one of the nation’s most influential political columnists.
~*~

The AnarchistAnarchist 1 copy
By David Mamet
February 28 – March 21, 2014
Tickets: $25 ($20 previews)
Days & Times: Thu – Sat: 8pm
Sat & Sun: 2pm (not all Sat matinees available)
Andrews Living Arts Studio
23 NW Fifth Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301
Tickets available online at: www.brtg.org or by calling 866-811-4111The Southeast American premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet’s The Anarchist, starring Carbonell Award-winner Patti Gardner and Jacqueline Laggy. Two women and one unspeakable crime highlight this searing drama as one character’s radical past in the turbulent 70s comes back to haunt her….again. This production will take place in the Andrews Living Arts Studio, an intimate, 50 seat black box theatre well suited to the play.
www.brtg.org
~*~

Great Moments in Opera:logo
March 29 & April 4
Presented by: The Delray Beach Chorale
Featuring the choruses of several major operas.  The 60-voice chorale will be performing with professional instrumental accompaniment.  The concert will feature soloists Artists-in-Residence Alicia Branch, Soprano, Monica Hidalgo, Alto, Myngoe Brashears, Tenor, Jorge L. Toro, Tenor and William R. Stafford, baritone and Jorge Toro, Tenor.

The concert will be performed on March 29th at
The Duncan Theatre in Lake Worth
4200 South Congress Avenue
Lake Worth 33461
&
On April 4th at
The First Presbyterian Church in Delray Beach
33 Gleason Street,
Delray Beach 33483
Tickets: $25 in advance/$30 day of show
delraybeachchorale.org
~*~
Everyday RaptureMargot Moreland 3
By Sherie Rene Scott & Dick Scanlon
Music by various composers
April 25 – May 11, 2014
Tickets: $28
Days & Times: Thurs – Sat: 8pm
Sat & Sun: 2pm
The Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center, Studio Theatre, 2nd Floor
201 Plaza Real
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Phone:  866-811-4111
Group Sales: 561-948-2601
Tickets available online at: www.brtg.org or by calling 866-811-4111

May 25 – May 27, 2014
The Willow Theatre at Sugar Sand Park
300 South Military Trail,
Boca Raton, FL 33486
Tickets:  $28
Days & Times: Fri & Sat:  8pm
Sat & Sun: 2pm
Phone: 561-347-3948 (tickets available by phone or at the box office only)
www.brtg.org

Everyday Rapture was praised by critics and audiences alike when it played on Broadway in 2010.  Margot Moreland will star in the Southeast premiere of this Tony Award-nominated musical story of a young woman’s psycho-sexual-spiritual journey on the rocky path that separates her mostly Mennonite past from her mostly Manhattan future. Her life takes her from the cornfields of Kansas to the clover fields of New York (with a disturbing detour through YouTube). Featuring songs made famous by Harry Nilsson, The Band, David Byrne, Roberta Flack, Mister Rogers, The Dap Kings and Judy Garland.
~*~

This page will be updated on a regular basis.

For information on the Theatre League of South Florida and what’s playing in theatres from Key West through Jupiter, visit www.southfloridatheater.com.