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CALLBOARD November 2011 |
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Richard Devlin Editor, Prevaricator, and Embellisher of this rag |
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OF THE NEW KENSINGTON (PA) CIVIC THEATER OUR 65th SEASON Nov 2011 724 339 3140 P.O. BOX 202, New Kensington, Pa 15068
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CALLBOARD |
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Waking up Sunday morning to see trees laden with snow was something that, well, just shouldn’t be. Not in October! Although the weather improved and the effects were short lived it nevertheless announced, with dramatic excess, that winter is well on its way.
Sunday was also the final day of our first musical, Lucky Stiff, and, coincidentally, the day of the Steeler’s game. Juxtaposition, it seems, of unfortunate circumstances. We don’t have a breakdown of each performance but the total attendance was 364, not a big number for a musical nor one for a production with so large a cast.
Lucky Stiff, as you will recall is about a shoe salesman who inherits a huge sum of money from an unknown relative on the condition that the deceased uncle be taken one last time to Monte Carlo. The set is basically a black bare stage and the activity is free flowing with minimal props suggesting the setting – shoe store, boarding house, Monte Carlo, hotel suite.
It all turns out happily in the end although it would be difficult to come to that conclusion with the controlled confusion least of which was a near blind woman with a gun. The corpse, placid and serene with a Panama hat, sun glasses and a book propped to look as though he was reading was an interesting counterpoint to the bustling frenzy all around him.
This production was unique in that there were no veterans, all new faces, from the director on down.
NOTES ‘N THINGS…….. The play party for Lucky Stiff was at Stella’s where we had the entire restaurant to ourselves. This was an excellent idea considering the size of the cast and the hard work that went into the show. A great time to relax. Then the strike party was a breeze with everyone lending a hand.
The play party for Lucky Stiff was at Stella’s where we had the entire restaurant to ourselves. This was an excellent idea considering the size of the cast and the hard work that went into the show. A great time to relax. Then the strike party was a breeze with everyone lending a hand. Now this gets complicated. You see, at the workshop, during the strike party, an astonishing event played out. Josh List who was the lead in Lucky Stiff, the shoe salesman, Harry Witherspoon, proposed, to his dear love Amanda... much to her surprise. However...It’s been verified. Amanda accepted. What a great ending! Josh, you "Lucky Stiff".
MORE AT PENN STATE…… Bill Mitas, the Production Chairman, who also teaches theater at Penn State, is getting ready for their production, Avenue Q on December 1, 2, and 3. Briefly, a recent college graduate is attempting to find his way but first he has to find an apartment. He begins in an outer borough of NYC, first on Avenue A and continues until he finally finds one on Avenue Q. There’s interaction between people and puppets, drawing much from Sesame Street. This is all too brief to do it justice but it sounds like a remarkable production. Incidentally, it’s a musical.
OLD BOTTLES, ODDS AND ENDS….. Pam Farneth, head of the Directing Department, has been successful in her efforts to revive the monthly workshops. As a result, there are three in the works. Bob Stull plans on directing one for this Friday’s meeting, Matt Mlynarski has one on tap for December and John Lutman will take April or May. So, there are a number of months still open. There are experienced directors and production people that would be glad to help if help is needed. See Pam if you are interested.
For people who want to be in a workshop but not direct, see Jennifer, head of the Acting Department. Now where else, pray, can one get such experience? There are so many advantages. For example, assuming a role in a workshop or play masks the real you and allows you to become comfortable without feeling self-conscious or awkward. Even the first time helps ease the way and, after a bit more exposure you’ll begin to feel confident to be yourself if ever you need to speak to an audience. It’s an enormously valuable experience.
GENERAL MEETING….. The meeting for November is almost upon us. It’s this Friday, the 11th at 8 pm at the workshop, corner of Carl and George in the Valley Heights section of our fair city. There will be a workshop as mentioned and refreshments. Bring wine if you like or there are soft drinks available. It’s always pleasant to chat with old friends and meet new ones. Everything is informal, relaxed, in a comfortable setting. Stay until the lights flicker or leave when you want – it’s that easy going.
Nothing so pleasant when coming to a play as being greeted by our box office contingent – Nora Ann, Tootsie, Mary Ann and Carla Ann. All have had stage experience as have most working behind the scenes. Now, should we ever decide to do Macbeth…
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New Kensington Civic Theatre Entertaining the AK Valley for over 65 years |
