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OF THE NEW KENSINGTON (PA) CIVIC THEATER

OUR 66th SEASON September 2011

724 339 3140 P.O. BOX 202, New Kensington, Pa 15068 www.nkct.org

CALLBOARD

Our sixty sixth season gets under way this month, officially, formally, majestically. For some, those who toil out of the public eye, those who are the mainstay of the organization, there was little summer break as evidenced by the fact that we have 42 patrons and a Facebook posting with 102 friends. There were auditions, meetings and workshop activity along with a flurry of other things all of which will – read may – be covered somewhere below.

First of all, September’s General Meeting. The official kickoff of the season. It’s at eight o’clock, September 9 at the newly rejuvenated workshop corner of Carl and George. Come and get caught up on things, bring some wine to go with the refreshments and find out who’s in the upcoming play. It’s not that we want to keep it a secret but Director Alyssa Bruno has callbacks as we go to press. Go to press? How quaint. As we type.

LUCKY STIFF……

This is the name of our first production, a musical farce, yes, Lucky Stiff, an oxymoron and a double entendre all rolled into one. It seems that a shoe salesman, going nowhere in his job, is told that he has inherited a fortune from an unknown uncle with the proviso that he take the uncle to Monte Carlo one last time or the money will go to some dog charity. Oh. Small point. That uncle is dead, you understand. He agrees, of course, and the corpse, replete with make up and the help of a taxidermist appears passable. But it’s not as straight forward as that. Oh no. There’s a woman with impaired vision and she’s involved in a murder and robbery that concerns that unlucky stiff, the one in the wheelchair, the one who’s now cold. It all resolves itself but takes us on a rousing ride in the meantime. This should be a great show to work on in any capacity. Tryouts for the part of the corpse anyone?

THE WORKSHOP – IT AIN’T WHAT IT USED TO BE……

Judging by the fervor of John Delvecchio A.K.A. House Warrior it’s going to be a good season. This summer John put out a request for help in painting and cleaning up the workshop. And help he got. The result is that the outside has been painted and the old siding in the front has been replaced. The doors are painted Steeler’s Gold, say yellow, with the attractive NKCT logo, sketched by daughter Mara and painted thereon by John. A roof over the side door will be built and arrangements are being made for two signs, one in front and one on the side. The prop room and the loft have been cleaned and the place is now ready to kick off our new season. Helping John were Denny, Billy and Angie, Tom L., John L. (no relation), Sue, Alyssa, Maria and Dick. John apologizes beforehand if he missed anyone. The leak in the roof hasn’t yet been fixed although the proper authorities have been notified.

Maria writes…

Angie placed three horses in the New Ken Night of the Races for the Dattola Theater renovation fund: Lucky Stiff, Drinking Habits and Complete History Of America (abridged). That’s our lineup for this season. Clever move. Thanks, Angie.

Denny Writes….

Denny Suluva, Billy Mitas and Rick Starr needed a fourth for a golfing outing for The Kiski High School Theater program on Sept 17. Suzanne Vertosick was the fourth but had to drop out. Word just came in that a replacement has surfaced, Bob Kreashko. You will recall we did his play Camp Life a few years ago.

JENNIFER, Acting Department Head….

She is one of the new faces on the Executive Board who brings a lot of enthusiasm. She has been aggressively pushing for actors to try out for Lucky Stiff, set up the NKCT site on Facebook (102 friends as noted) and wants to develop new and experienced actors through workshops. Certainly worth perusing.

And while we’re in the vicinity, whatever happened to The Black Box concept? We noticed that someone in Lawrenceville is doing a gray box theater. Is there any life left in this fellow?

Lucky Stiff – reprise………..

Bill Mitas is designing the set and the report is that Alyssa consulted with Bill about what she wants. It will be good again to hear the sound of industry Saturday mornings and the jovial banter of those sitting watching, giving advice. These are pleasant times and the good news is that you don’t have to know anything about tools, machines or sets to give advice. So come on down when the call goes out.

Laura Wurzell is the choreographer. Great choice. Lucky Stiff is based on the book The Man Who Broke The Bank At Monte Carlo. There are two acts and 10 scenes with 21 musical numbers, murder, intrigue, disguises and surprising plot twists. This musical has played all around the world and is great fun. Anyone not involved in some way will be missing out.

OLD BOTTLES, ODDS AND ENDS…

Denny and Colleen just returned from the Stratford Shakespeare festival in Ontario where they saw Moliere’s The Misanthrope, Steinbeck’s The Grapes Of Wrath and Pinter’s The Homecoming. Earlier they had seen Drama At Inish, a great comedy, and The Admirable Crichton. Isn’t retirement wonderful?

Besides romping about seeing plays they also snagged a new Corporate Sponsor, Trib Total Media who will also print our programs at no charge to us.

This does begin to shape into an exciting season with people going beyond the routine of just doing the minimal that the office requires.

So. The General Meeting this Friday. We’re off to a great start!