Kicking off PPF’s 20th season, Jayne Victor directs Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo. On stage October 6 thru October 21 at the James Lee Community Center Theater. This outrageously funny cast is simply attacking this play. This early collection of rehearsal photos from Moon Over Buffalo shows the passion, the energy and the humor this great cast put into even the earliest of rehearsals.
Ken Ludwig’s hilarious comedy Moon Over Buffalo opens the Providence Players 20th Anniversary Season on October 6th at the James Lee Community Center Theater in Falls Church. This fast-paced comedy is set in the Erlanger Theatre in Buffalo in 1953. Charlotte and George Hay are on tour with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de Bergerac and Noel Coward’s Private Lives, when they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee. Mistaken identities, outrageous plot twists, slapstick comedy and a slew of self-obsessed performers desperately try to keep things from (hilariously) falling apart.
The Providence Players of Fairfax (PPF), is an award winning, all volunteer, non-profit community theater troupe serving Northern Virginia and the DC Metropolitan area. The production runs from October 6 through October 21 at the James Lee Community Center Theater at 2855 Annandale Road in Falls Church.
Performance Dates and Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
October 6-21
Sunday Matinees 2:00pm
October 8 & 15
Michael Donahue as George Hay, a traveling actor. Maria Watson* as Charlotte Hay, George’s wife and actress in his company. Jenny Madorsky as Rosalind, The Hay’s daughter, who left the stage to lead a “normal” life. Scott Stofko* as Howard, a TV weatherman and Rosalind’s fiancé. Chuck O’Toole* as Paul, stage manager for George’s company, and Rosalind’s ex-fiancé. Robey Manno as Ethel, Charlotte’s nearly-deaf mother. Eric Trumbull* as Richard, a love-sick lawyer who is courting Charlotte. Jaclyn Robertson* as Eileen, an actress in George’s company who was George’s “one-night stand.”
*Providence Players debut
We Invite You to Join us for the Providence Players 20th Anniversary Season as a Season Ticket Holder
Become a season ticket holder for significant savings off the single show ticket price. Season tickets are convenient and flexible. Choose which performance you wish to attend from any of 10 performances, including two Sunday matinees or Thursday evening performances. Choose early for the best seat selection or choose when you know when you want to go. Need to change the performance date later? We will help you make changes if you need to attend a different performance even after you have made your reservation. Holiday show tickets for The Phantom Tollbooth, based on the children’s classic and terrific for the entire family, are available as an additional item. The season runs from October 2017 to June 2018.
Moon Over Buffalo
By Ken Ludwig Directed by Jayne L. Victor
From the master of period-perfect farce, Ken Ludwig, this fast-paced comedy is set in the Erlanger Theatre in Buffalo in 1953. Charlotte and George Hay are on tour with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de Bergerac and Noel
Coward’s Private Lives, when they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee. Mistaken identities, outrageous plot twists, slapstick comedy and a slew of self-obsessed performers desperately try to keep things from (hilariously) falling apart.
Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
October 6-21
Sunday Matinees 2:00pm
October 8 & 15
The Phantom Tollbooth
By Susan Nanus Directed by Chip Gertzog
Based on the Book by Norton Juster Norton Juster’s acclaimed fantasy adventure comes to life onstage! Milo is bored and the Demons of Ignorance keep telling him “If you get the urge to do anything — don’t. It could be dangerous.” To the rescue comes the Phantom Tollbooth! Aided by a trusty timekeeping dog Tock, they meet many memorable characters in the Land of Wisdom on their quest to rescue the princesses Rhyme and Reason. Based on the classic young adult novel, The Phantom Tollbooth is outstanding entertainment for the whole family.
Co-Produced by Providence Players and The Young Hearts
This special production of a holiday treat will benefit the work of The Young Hearts, a group of amazing teens who raise funds to battle blood cancers and other diseases. Half of all net proceeds from this production will be donated to Young Hearts Foundation in pursuit of their important mission. For the past five years, over $40,000 was generated to support this important cause, and PPF hopes to increase its support in 2017.
Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
December 8 – 16
Saturday & Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
December 9, 10, 16, & 17
The Front Page
By Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur
Directed by Mike Donahue
The classic comedy set in a 1920s Chicago Criminal Courts press room. Reporter Hildy Johnson wants to break away from journalism and get married, but all that changes when there is a jailbreak and an escaped convict, Earl Williams, falls into the reporter’s hands. Hildy’s daunting challenge now is to get Williams out of the building to a safe place for an interview before rival reporters or trigger-happy policemen discover him. Fast paced, and filled with crisp dialog and sharp humor, this irresistible comedy of both stage and screen fame packs a wallop of nostalgic Americana.
Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
April 6 – 21
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
April 8 & 15
California Suite
By Neil Simon
Directed by Beth Gilles-Whitehead
Neil Simon’s humorous confection in four separate comedy play-lets with one common thread. Four couples from different cities travel to California over the course of a year and stay in the same Beverly Hills Hotel suite, bringing their problems, anxieties and comic marital dilemmas with them. Simon is at his most humane and compassionate best yet the banter flies fast and furious in this popular comedy. The New York Times said “Mr. Simon is writing at his ebullient best…[He] makes us laugh so effortlessly.”
Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
June 1 – 16
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
June 3 & 10
L to R: Jenny Madorsky, Maria Watson, Chuck O’Toole. Eric Trumbull in early rehearsal for the Providence Players 20th anniversary season opening comedy “Moon Over Buffalo” (Photo by Chip Gertzog)
Ken Ludwig’s hilarious comedy Moon Over Buffalo opens the Providence Players 20th Anniversary Season on October 6th at the James Lee Community Center Theater in Falls Church. This fast-paced comedy is set in the Erlanger Theatre in Buffalo in 1953. Charlotte and George Hay are on tour with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de Bergerac and Noel Coward’s Private Lives, when they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee. Mistaken identities, outrageous plot twists, slapstick comedy and a slew of self-obsessed performers desperately try to keep things from (hilariously) falling apart.
The Providence Players of Fairfax (PPF), is an award winning, all volunteer, non-profit community theater troupe serving Northern Virginia and the DC Metropolitan area. The production runs from October 6 through October 21 at the James Lee Community Center Theater at 2855 Annandale Road in Falls Church.
Performance Dates and Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
October 6-21
Sunday Matinees 2:00pm
October 8 & 15
Jayne L. Victor directs Moon Over Buffalo for the Players. Jayne is the current Board President of PPF and was recently seen onstage as Sonia in last spring’s PPF production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Previously, Jayne has directed Auntie Mame and The Glass Mendacity for the company and has acted in numerous PPF productions.
We are reprising Moon Over Buffalo with a brand new cast as a Gift to our Audience
PPF Board Member Chip Gertzog says, “It is rare that PPF repeats a production but this fall’s comedy offering is the second time the company has mounted this play. Moon Over Buffalo was an audience favorite for the company’s 10th anniversary season and it was the play in which Director Jayne Victor (performing the role of Ethel) first joined the Providence Players. For its 20th anniversary season, PPF has chosen to focus on a season of comedy offerings and it seemed fitting to present this audience favorite once again, this time with Jayne at the directorial helm.”
On directing Moon Over Buffalo, Jayne L. Victor says:
“I love the challenge of directing in general but the opportunity to direct a comedy like Moon Over Buffalo was something I could not pass up. MOB presents so many challenges for both the actors and the director; the characters are zany and have to stay real, there is a lot of physical comedy in the show which must be carefully choreographed and the show is extremely fast paced. All of these challenges made me want to tackle the show even more.”
On directing a play she performed in, Jayne L. Victor says:
“I loved being part of MOB in 2007 as it was my first introduction to PPF, and it was a very successful production. So i knew by taking on the responsibility of directing the show I had big shoes to fill and I had the challenge of creating and presenting a fresh new vision of the Hays and their “family”. I have an incredible group of actors who are not afraid to try anything so that makes my job a lot easier and I have a great production team making this a wonderful collaborative effort”
On what sets Moon Over Buffalo apart from the many other “back stage comedies”, Jayne says:
“As a fan of many of the back stage comedies, I feel MOB is unique in how the playwright introduces and develops his characters. The characters all evolve and in the end they are all likable. They have heart, and Mr. Ludwig has an outstanding writing style”
When asked why should patrons come to see this show, Jayne says:
“The main reason patrons should come see MOB is because it will afford them the opportunity to laugh….a lot, and who doesn’t need a little laughter these days? Or a lot. And because I believe MOB will be in keeping with the Providence Players tradition of great theatre.”
Jayne has assembled an outstanding cast for Moon Over Buffalo. The cast includes 5 local area performers making their Providence Players debut and three actors who have graced the PPF stage in the past.
Moon Over Buffalo Cast
Michael Donahue as George Hay, a traveling actor. Maria Watson* as Charlotte Hay, George’s wife and actress in his company. Jenny Madorsky as Rosalind, The Hay’s daughter, who left the stage to lead a “normal” life. Scott Stofko* as Howard, a TV weatherman and Rosalind’s fiancé. Chuck O’Toole* as Paul, stage manager for George’s company, and Rosalind’s ex-fiancé. Robey Manno as Ethel, Charlotte’s nearly-deaf mother. Eric Trumbull* as Richard, a love-sick lawyer who is courting Charlotte. Jaclyn Robertson* as Eileen, an actress in George’s company who was George’s “one-night stand.”
*Providence Players debut
Michael Donahue, an outstanding actor, fight choreographer and talented director (he will be directing The Front Page for PPF later in the season) takes on the tremendously challenging role of George Hay. Mike has been with the company for 8 seasons and has appeared on stage many times, most recently as Bob Ewell in last season’s production of To Kill a Mockingbird. For PPF, he has also played Stanley Kowalsky in Glass Mendacity, George in Of Mice and Men, Tom in Dinner With Friends, Andrew Wyeth in Sleuth, Joe in All My Sons (which won the Ruby Griffith award for best production) and in the world premiere as Ray in Big Tree Falls with the Players. Mike was a member of the Society of American Fight Directors from 1984 to 2000 and staged fights all over the eastern seaboard. Mike has a BFA in performing from VCU and an MFA in directing from University of Memphis.
L to R: Robey Manno as Ethel, Michael Donahue as George Hay, and Chuck O’Toole as Paul in an early rehearsal of the Providence Players Production of “Moon Over Buffalo” opening October 6th at the James Lee Community Center. (Photo by Chip Gertzog, Providence Players)
On why he wanted to perform in Moon Over Buffalo, Michael says
“It has all the elements that I love as an actor: language, physical comedy, sword fighting and relevance to my life as an aging actor. The other factor is that though it is about people in the theatre, the theme itself of getting older, wanting to recapture youth, wanting to stay on top of the game and in that pursuit, we forget about what is important and who in our lives are important.”
On Describing George, Michael says:
“George use to be a star, and now he is a fading star, but still chasing the light and flash of the past. He is easily flattered because he wants to still be seen as he was in his youth. Just like all of us who have gotten older, in our brain we are still young and vibrant until we look in the mirror or worse see it in the eyes of the young. George has a soul mate in Charlotte as they both have the same drive and are both in the same state of middle aged flux. Most importantly, George and Charlotte LOVE THEATRE. They eat and breathe the classics, as George says in the play, ‘That is writing Ronnie, the glory on the tounge, gold on the canvas. It is not the movies, it is not television it is Theatre. It is Theatre!’”
What is the most significant challenge you find in portraying the role of George?
“The core rule in performing is to be genuine. This is especially true in this type of madcap, over the top comedy. Be a real person with real needs, and let the audience laugh at the character trying to navigate the obstacles versus laughing for them.”
Jaclyn Robertson as Eileen and Michael Donahue as George in the Providence Players Production of “Moon Over Buffalo” opening October 6th at the James Lee Community Center. (Photo by Chip Gertzog, Providence Players)
How do you want audiences to feel about George?
“That no matter his narcissism, and over the top diva behavior, he is just like any of us, which is in search of happiness and fulfillment in life”
If you could invite audiences to a performance of Moon Over Buffalo what would you say to them? (Why should they come to the show?)
“This is a show that combines all of the most joyous elements of theatre, characters whose situations at the end of the day they can relate, well-structured language and rhythm of dialogue and action, physical comedy, and a celebration of having fun.”
Maria Watson makes her PPF debut as Charlotte Hay. Maria worked for 15 years as a New York City-based actor, dancer and singer. She was classically trained at the Washington School of Ballet, North Carolina School of the Arts and University of Utah. In New York, she studied directing with Tony Award-wining director Vivian Matalon and acting at the Acting Studio in New York City with James Price. She served as Artistic Director of the Mohawk Theatre Guild in Massachusetts, Millbrook Playhouse in Pennsylvania, and as Director/Choreographer at the Forestburgh Playhouse in New York. Maria is currently the Director of Dance at Georgetown Day School and on faculty at Ballet Nova in Falls Church.
Maria Watson as Charlotte Hay and Eric Trumbull as Richard both make their Providence Players debut in “Moon Over Buffalo” which launches PPF’s 20th anniversary season of comedy Oct 6 – Oct 21. (Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players
On why she wanted to perform in Moon Over Buffalo, Maria says
“I saw the play years ago with the original cast and love Carol Burnett. There aren’t many good roles for women my age, so I thought I’d audition!”
“Actually, Charlotte and I have a lot in common. We’ve been in theatre for a long time. Worked a lot, but never made star status. We ran theatres and acted with our spouses. It’s pretty interesting. I guess the challenge in playing Charlotte is remaining laser focused on what Charlotte wants, which is to be a star at all costs, but still remain human and likeable. I hope the audiences can relate a little bit. We all have dreams, that have been dashed. And, of course, they should think she’s glamourous and sexy, even for an old broad!”
Robey Manno (Ethel) made her PPF debut as Miss Stephanie in last winter’s production of To Kill a Mockingbird after a 30-year hiatus from the stage. She immediately followed up her return onstage with backstage roles as props master and stage crew member for PPF’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike in the spring. This fall (is there a pattern here?) she is thrilled to be cast as Ethel in Moon. “The play is hilarious and is just what we all need right now…laughter and levity.”
Jenny Madorsky (Rosalind) is thrilled to be making her second appearance on the Providence Players stage! She was last seen as Marvalyn in Almost, Maine (Providence Players), Nora in Henrick Ibsen’s A Doll’s House (Duke Theater Studies), Tekla in August Strindberg’s Creditors (Duke Theater Studies), Louise in Steve Martin’s The Underpants (Duke Players), Anna in Stroke/Book (Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern), and Skylar/Brandi in Buddy Cop 2 (Manbites Dog Theater). She is excited to get to play once again with the Players!
L to R: Jenny Madorsky as Rosalind and Robey Manno as Ethel in the Providence Players production of Moon Over Buffalo. Jenny and Robey are both making their 2nd appearance on the PPF stage. Don’t miss these two talented actresses! (Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players)
Chuck O’Toole (Paul) is thrilled and grateful to make his PPF debut in Moon. It marks only his second scripted show since dropping out of mime school in 2001. In the meantime, he has taken courses at the Washington Improv Theater and chronicled the tragicomedy of U.S. fiscal policy as an editor for Tax Notes. He lives with his patient wife, Leah Nylen, in Washington.
Jaclyn Robertson (Eileen) is a classically trained actress having acted in roles from Shakespeare to Clifford Odets, working in LA, AZ, and TX. She is a 2006 graduate of the AMDA LA studio program. When she’s not acting, Ms. Robertson is busy running her fitness business and chasing after her 3 young children. She is excited to make her debut with the Providence Players of Fairfax!
Jaclyn Robertson and Michael Donahue in “Moon Over Buffalo” opening October 6th at the James Lee Community Center. (Photo by Chip Gertzog, Providence Players)
Eric Trumbull (Richard) is making his Providence Players debut in Moon. He is a retired Professor of Theatre and Communications at NVCC-Woodbridge and has appeared locally in a diverse range of comedy, drama and musical theater productions with Castaways Repertory Theatre, Prince William Little Theatre, Clifton Does Drama, VpStart Crow Productions, and the Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre among others. In addition to his acting, Eric has directed more than 50 stage productions over the years.
Scott Stofko as Howard (PPF debut) and Jenny Madorsky as Roz will make you laugh in the upcoming Providence Players production of “Moon Over Buffalo” October 6 thru October 21. (Photo by Chip Gertzog, Providence Players)
Scott Stofko (Howard) is proud to be a part of PPF’s 20th anniversary production of Moon Over Buffalo. This is his first show with PPF, and he is enthusiastic about becoming a greater part of the PPF family. He has been seen recently in Aldersgate Church Community Theater’s (ACCT) productions of Little Princess (Ram Dass), A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (Sir Sagramor), and Fools by Niel Simon (Count Youskevich). Scott also works in voiceover and is very fond of performing characters with unique vocal traits. His voice-over work was recently demonstrated at LTA as the pre-show announcer for their recent run of Red, White and Tuna.
We Invite You to Join us for the Providence Players 20th Anniversary Season as a Season Ticket Holder
Become a season ticket holder for significant savings off the single show ticket price. Season tickets are convenient and flexible. Choose which performance you wish to attend from any of 10 performances, including two Sunday matinees or Thursday evening performances. Choose early for the best seat selection or choose when you know when you want to go. Need to change the performance date later? We will help you make changes if you need to attend a different performance even after you have made your reservation. Holiday show tickets for The Phantom Tollbooth, based on the children’s classic and terrific for the entire family, are available as an additional item. The season runs from October 2017 to June 2018.
Moon Over Buffalo
By Ken Ludwig Directed by Jayne L. Victor
From the master of period-perfect farce, Ken Ludwig, this fast-paced comedy is set in the Erlanger Theatre in Buffalo in 1953. Charlotte and George Hay are on tour with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de Bergerac and Noel
Coward’s Private Lives, when they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee. Mistaken identities, outrageous plot twists, slapstick comedy and a slew of self-obsessed performers desperately try to keep things from (hilariously) falling apart.
Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
October 6-21
Sunday Matinees 2:00pm
October 8 & 15
The Phantom Tollbooth
By Susan Nanus Directed by Chip Gertzog
Based on the Book by Norton Juster Norton Juster’s acclaimed fantasy adventure comes to life onstage! Milo is bored and the Demons of Ignorance keep telling him “If you get the urge to do anything — don’t. It could be dangerous.” To the rescue comes the Phantom Tollbooth! Aided by a trusty timekeeping dog Tock, they meet many memorable characters in the Land of Wisdom on their quest to rescue the princesses Rhyme and Reason. Based on the classic young adult novel, The Phantom Tollbooth is outstanding entertainment for the whole family.
Co-Produced by Providence Players and The Young Hearts
This special production of a holiday treat will benefit the work of The Young Hearts, a group of amazing teens who raise funds to battle blood cancers and other diseases. Half of all net proceeds from this production will be donated to Young Hearts Foundation in pursuit of their important mission. For the past five years, over $40,000 was generated to support this important cause, and PPF hopes to increase its support in 2017.
Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
December 8 – 16
Saturday & Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
December 9, 10, 16, & 17
The Front Page
By Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur
Directed by Mike Donahue
The classic comedy set in a 1920s Chicago Criminal Courts press room. Reporter Hildy Johnson wants to break away from journalism and get married, but all that changes when there is a jailbreak and an escaped convict, Earl Williams, falls into the reporter’s hands. Hildy’s daunting challenge now is to get Williams out of the building to a safe place for an interview before rival reporters or trigger-happy policemen discover him. Fast paced, and filled with crisp dialog and sharp humor, this irresistible comedy of both stage and screen fame packs a wallop of nostalgic Americana.
Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
April 6 – 21
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
April 8 & 15
California Suite
By Neil Simon
Directed by Beth Gilles-Whitehead
Neil Simon’s humorous confection in four separate comedy play-lets with one common thread. Four couples from different cities travel to California over the course of a year and stay in the same Beverly Hills Hotel suite, bringing their problems, anxieties and comic marital dilemmas with them. Simon is at his most humane and compassionate best yet the banter flies fast and furious in this popular comedy. The New York Times said “Mr. Simon is writing at his ebullient best…[He] makes us laugh so effortlessly.”
Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
June 1 – 16
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
June 3 & 10
In just a few weeks, the Providence Players will open our 20th anniversary season with Ken Ludwig’s fast-paced comedy Moon Over Buffalo. Director Jayne L. Victor has assembled an outstanding group of talented actors to bring this outrageously funny play to life on the James Lee Community Center Theater stage.
And, Moon Over Buffalo is just the beginning of the laughter!
The Players’ 2017-2018 season – a year-long celebration of PPF’s two decades of quality, affordable, award-winning, all-volunteer community theater in Northern Virginia – is a season filled with outstanding comedy.
We Invite You to join the Providence Players 20th Anniversary Celebration as a season ticket holder.
Never been a Providence Players season subscriber? The 2017-2018 season lineup is one of our best ever and the perfect season to join us as a season ticket holder! Read on for 9 More Good Reasons to Become a Season Ticket Holder
Reason #2 Moon Over Buffalo
By Ken Ludwig
Directed by Jayne L. Victor
From the master of period-perfect farce, Ken Ludwig, this fast-paced comedy is set in the Erlanger Theatre in Buffalo in 1953. Charlotte and George Hay are on tour with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de Bergerac and Noel
Coward’s Private Lives, when they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee. Mistaken identities, outrageous plot twists, slapstick comedy and a slew of self-obsessed performers desperately try to keep things from (hilariously) falling apart. Order Season Tickets online now!
Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
October 6-21
Sunday Matinees 2:00pm
October 8 & 15
Reason #3 The Phantom Tollbooth
By Susan Nanus
Directed by Chip Gertzog
Based on the Book by Norton Juster Norton Juster’s acclaimed fantasy adventure comes to life onstage! Milo is bored and the Demons of Ignorance keep telling him “If you get the urge to do anything — don’t. It could be dangerous.” To the rescue comes the Phantom Tollbooth! Aided by a trusty timekeeping dog Tock, they meet many memorable characters in the Land of Wisdom on their quest to rescue the princesses Rhyme and Reason. Based on the classic young adult novel, The Phantom Tollbooth is outstanding entertainment for the whole family. Order Season Tickets online now!
Co-Produced by Providence Players and The Young Hearts
This special production of a holiday treat will benefit the work of The Young Hearts, a group of amazing teens who raise funds to battle blood cancers and other diseases. Half of all net proceeds from this production will be donated to Young Hearts Foundation in pursuit of their important mission. For the past five years, over $40,000 was generated to support this important cause, and PPF hopes to increase its support in 2017.
Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
December 8 – 16
Saturday & Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
December 9, 10, 16, & 17
Reason #4 The Front Page
By Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur
Directed by Mike Donahue
The classic comedy set in a 1920s Chicago Criminal Courts press room. Reporter Hildy Johnson wants to break away from journalism and get married, but all that changes when there is a jailbreak and an escaped convict, Earl Williams, falls into the reporter’s hands. Hildy’s daunting challenge now is to get Williams out of the building to a safe place for an interview before rival reporters or trigger-happy policemen discover him. Fast paced, and filled with crisp dialog and sharp humor, this irresistible comedy of both stage and screen fame packs a wallop of nostalgic Americana. Order Season Tickets online now!
Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
April 6 – 21
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
April 8 & 15
Reason #5 California Suite
By Neil Simon
Directed by Beth Gilles-Whitehead
Neil Simon’s humorous confection in four separate comedy play-lets with one common thread. Four couples from different cities travel to California over the course of a year and stay in the same Beverly Hills Hotel suite, bringing their problems, anxieties and comic marital dilemmas with them. Simon is at his most humane and compassionate best yet the banter flies fast and furious in this popular comedy. The New York Times said “Mr. Simon is writing at his ebullient best…[He] makes us laugh so effortlessly.” Order Season Tickets online now!
Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
June 1 – 16
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
June 3 & 10
Reason #6 Award Winning Community Theater
An award-winning company, PPF is proud to be a member of the Washington Area Theater Community Honors (WATCH) organization that presents annual awards recognizing artistic and technical excellence in Community Theater. Since becoming a member in 2004, PPF has been recognized with more than 100 WATCH nominations and awards for quality theatrical performance and technical production, including several outstanding Play and Best Director nominations and awards. PPF has also been honored by the British Players’ Ruby Griffith Awards program, including The Ruby Griffith Award for All Round Production Excellence (the organization’s top honor) in 2009 for All My Sons, the award for Outstanding Achievement in a Play for last season’s Amadeus and previously for The Shadow Box, and third-runner up for Outstanding Achievement in a Play for PPF’s productions of Is He Dead? and Glass Mendacity.
Reason #7 Value and Affordability
Become a season ticket holder for significant savings off the single show ticket price. Season Tickets (3 Shows, not including Holiday Show) Adults-$53, Seniors/Students-$40 (12%-22% off single show price)
PPF Season tickets are convenient and flexible. Choose which performance you wish to attend from any of 10 performances, including two Sunday matinees or Thursday evening performances. As a season ticket holder, you have the ability to be among the first to choose seats for all of our productions. Not sure which performance you want to attend? Hold off seat selection and choose when you know when you want to go. Need to change the performance date later? We will help you make changes if you need to attend a different performance even after you have made your reservation. Just email the box office at Providence Players Box Office Email and we will be happy to help you make a change. Need to add additional tickets for friends or family attending with you? No problem! Simply purchase the additional tickets and select the seats for both your season tickets and the newly purchased single show seats. Need help with this? No problem. Just email the box office!
Reason #9 Commitment to Community
Providence Players of Fairfax strives to serve the diverse community in which we perform. In 2008, with support from the Arts Council of Fairfax County, PPF launched the Theater Community Inclusion Project. It’s goal is to reach all segments of the community PPF strives to serve, providing quality, affordable theater to existing patrons while building new audiences for the future, particularly youth and under served communities. We hold free student and senior preview performances prior to the opening of each show. Qualified organizations are able to arrange complimentary tickets for those who would be unable to afford to attend. Our concession sales help raise funds for partnering non-profit organizations. And, PPF sponsors annual student scholarships as a way of nurturing future theater artists and recognizing the contribution graduating high school seniors have made to the arts community in our region. As as a season ticket holder, our most loyal patrons and as likely charitable donors, your commitment helps support our commitment to “building community through theater”.
Reason #10 We Couldn’t Do It Without You
Our season subscribers are our base audience and most committed fans and our season patrons and donors are simply invaluable in making our season possible. They recognize the value that a top-notch, all volunteer, non-profit community theater troupe brings to our area. And, we depend on their loyalty.
WE HAVE A GREAT LINE UP FOR OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON
JOIN THE CELEBRATION! – JOIN US AS A SEASON TICKET HOLDER!
TICKET INFORMATION AND PRICES
Online: PPF Ticket Information
Email: providenceplayerstickets@cox.net
Phone: 703-425-6782 (Leave Message)
Season Tickets (3 Shows, not including Holiday Show) Adults-$53
Seniors/Students-$40
(12%-22% off single show price)
Single Tickets Adults-$20
Seniors (62+)-$17
Students (w/ID)-$17
Single Tickets – Holiday Show
Not part of our season ticket package but an easy add on
We do it this way for the convenience of our season subscribers
All tickets – $17
No reservations required, general seating
On October 6th, the Providence Players will open their 20th anniversary season with Ken Ludwig’s fast-paced comedy Moon Over Buffalo. Director Jayne L. Victor has assembled an outstanding group of talented actors to bring this outrageously funny play to life on the James Lee Community Center Theater stage. Moon Over Buffalo kicks off the Players’ 2017-2018 season, a year long celebration of PPF’s two decades of providing quality, affordable, award-winning, all-volunteer community theater in Northern Virginia.
Join us for an Outstanding Season of Community Theater
Meet the Cast of the Providence Players Production of Moon Over Buffalo
Maria Watson (Charlotte) worked for 15 years as a New York City-based actor, dancer and singer. She was classically trained at the Washington School of Ballet, North Carolina School of the Arts and University of Utah. In New York, she studied directing with Tony Award-wining director Vivian Matalon and acting at the Acting Studio in New York City with James Price. She served as Artistic Director of the Mohawk Theatre Guild in Massachusetts, Millbrook Playhouse in Pennsylvania, and as Director/Choreographer at the Forestburgh Playhouse in New York. Maria is currently the Director of Dance at Georgetown Day School and on faculty at Ballet Nova in Falls Church. Maria is excited to be making her PPF debut in a role originally performed by one of her favorites, Carol Burnett.
Michael Donahue (George) This is Mike’s eighth season with PPF. He has also played Stanley Kowalsky in Glass Mendacity, George in Of Mice and Men, Tom in Dinner With Friends, Andrew Wyeth in Sleuth, Joe in All My Sons (which won the Ruby Griffith award for best production) and in the world premiere as Ray in Big Tree Falls with the Players. Mike was a member of the Society of American Fight Directors from 1984 to 2000 and staged fights all over the eastern seaboard. Mike has a BFA in performing from VCU and an MFA in directing from University of Memphis. He will be directing PPF’s production of The Front Page this winter.
Robey Manno (Ethel) made her PPF debut as Miss Stephanie in last winter’s production of To Kill a Mockingbird after a 30-year hiatus from the stage. She immediately followed up her return onstage with backstage roles as props master and stage crew member for PPF’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike in the spring. This fall (is there a pattern here?) she is thrilled to be cast as Ethel in Moon. “The play is hilarious and is just what we all need right now…laughter and levity.”
Jenny Madorsky (Rosalind) is thrilled to be making her second appearance on the Providence Players stage! She was last seen as Marvalyn in Almost, Maine (Providence Players), Nora in Henrick Ibsen’s A Doll’s House (Duke Theater Studies), Tekla in August Strindberg’s Creditors (Duke Theater Studies), Louise in Steve Martin’s The Underpants (Duke Players), Anna in Stroke/Book (Little Green Pig Theatrical Concern), and Skylar/Brandi in Buddy Cop 2 (Manbites Dog Theater). She is excited to get to play once again with the Players!
Chuck O’Toole (Paul) is thrilled and grateful to make his PPF debut in Moon. It marks only his second scripted show since dropping out of mime school in 2001. In the meantime, he has taken courses at the Washington Improv Theater and chronicled the tragicomedy of U.S. fiscal policy as an editor for Tax Notes. He lives with his patient wife, Leah Nylen, in Washington.
Jaclyn Robertson (Eileen) is a classically trained actress having acted in roles from Shakespeare to Clifford Odets, working in LA, AZ, and TX. She is a 2006 graduate of the AMDA LA studio program. When she’s not acting, Ms. Robertson is busy running her fitness business and chasing after her 3 young children. She is excited to make her debut with the Providence Players of Fairfax!
Eric Trumbull (Richard) is making his Providence Players debut in Moon. He is a retired Professor of Theatre and Communications at NVCC-Woodbridge and has appeared locally in a diverse range of comedy, drama and musical theater productions with Castaways Repertory Theatre, Prince William Little Theatre, Clifton Does Drama, VpStart Crow Productions, and the Lazy Susan Dinner Theatre among others. In addition to his acting, Eric has directed more than 50 stage productions over the years.
Scott Stofko (Howard) is proud to be a part of PPF’s 20th anniversary production of Moon Over Buffalo. This is his first show with PPF, and he is enthusiastic about becoming a greater part of the PPF family. He has been seen recently in Aldersgate Church Community Theater’s (ACCT) productions of Little Princess (Ram Dass), A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court (Sir Sagramor), and Fools by Niel Simon (Count Youskevich). Scott also works in voiceover and is very fond of performing characters with unique vocal traits. His voice-over work was recently demonstrated at LTA as the pre-show announcer for their recent run of Red, White and Tuna.
We Invite You to Join us for the Providence Players 20th Anniversary Season as a Season Ticket Holder
Become a season ticket holder for significant savings off the single show ticket price. Season tickets are convenient and flexible. Choose which performance you wish to attend from any of 10 performances, including two Sunday matinees or Thursday evening performances. Choose early for the best seat selection or choose when you know when you want to go. Need to change the performance date later? We will help you make changes if you need to attend a different performance even after you have made your reservation. Holiday show tickets for “The Phantom Tollbooth,” based on the children’s classic and terrific for the entire family, are available as an additional item. The season runs from October 2017 to June 2018.
Moon Over Buffalo
By Ken Ludwig Directed by Jayne L. Victor
From the master of period-perfect farce, Ken Ludwig, this fast-paced comedy is set in the Erlanger Theatre in Buffalo in 1953. Charlotte and George Hay are on tour with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de Bergerac and Noel
Coward’s Private Lives, when they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee. Mistaken identities, outrageous plot twists, slapstick comedy and a slew of self-obsessed performers desperately try to keep things from (hilariously) falling apart.
Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
October 6-21
Sunday Matinees 2:00pm
October 8 & 15
The Phantom Tollbooth
By Susan Nanus Directed by Chip Gertzog
Based on the Book by Norton Juster Norton Juster’s acclaimed fantasy adventure comes to life onstage! Milo is bored and the Demons of Ignorance keep telling him “If you get the urge to do anything — don’t. It could be dangerous.” To the rescue comes the Phantom Tollbooth! Aided by a trusty timekeeping dog Tock, they meet many memorable characters in the Land of Wisdom on their quest to rescue the princesses Rhyme and Reason. Based on the classic young adult novel, The Phantom Tollbooth is outstanding entertainment for the whole family.
Co-Produced by Providence Players and The Young Hearts
This special production of a holiday treat will benefit the work of The Young Hearts, a group of amazing teens who raise funds to battle blood cancers and other diseases. Half of all net proceeds from this production will be donated to Young Hearts Foundation in pursuit of their important mission. For the past five years, over $40,000 was generated to support this important cause, and PPF hopes to increase its support in 2017.
Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
December 8 – 16
Saturday & Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
December 9, 10, 16, & 17
The Front Page
By Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur
Directed by Mike Donahue
The classic comedy set in a 1920s Chicago Criminal Courts press room. Reporter Hildy Johnson wants to break away from journalism and get married, but all that changes when there is a jailbreak and an escaped convict, Earl Williams, falls into the reporter’s hands. Hildy’s daunting challenge now is to get Williams out of the building to a safe place for an interview before rival reporters or trigger-happy policemen discover him. Fast paced, and filled with crisp dialog and sharp humor, this irresistible comedy of both stage and screen fame packs a wallop of nostalgic Americana.
Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
April 6 – 21
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
April 8 & 15
California Suite
By Neil Simon
Directed by Beth Gilles-Whitehead
Neil Simon’s humorous confection in four separate comedy play-lets with one common thread. Four couples from different cities travel to California over the course of a year and stay in the same Beverly Hills Hotel suite, bringing their problems, anxieties and comic marital dilemmas with them. Simon is at his most humane and compassionate best yet the banter flies fast and furious in this popular comedy. The New York Times said “Mr. Simon is writing at his ebullient best…[He] makes us laugh so effortlessly.”
Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
June 1 – 16
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
June 3 & 10
The Providence Players will be holding auditions for our production of Ken Ludwig’s outrageously funny farce, Moon Over Buffalo, on July 19th and 20th at the James Lee Community Center located at 2855 Annandale Rd in Falls Church. There are 8 roles and all are open. The Providence Players is a twenty-year-old, award-winning, non-profit community theater troupe. Moon Over Buffalo is the opening production of the Providence Players 20th Anniversary season.
An RSVP is necessary for planning purposes only. We do NOT require or make audition reservations or time slot appointments. Plan on attending as much of the audition session as you are able. We have fun at auditions and you will be up and down multiple times in different scenes and with different audition partners. No monologue is required. Read on for further information.
From the master of period-perfect farce, Ken Ludwig, this fast-paced comedy, set in the Erlanger Theatre in Buffalo in 1953, Charlotte and George Hay are on tour with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de Bergerac and Noel Coward’s Private Lives, when they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee. Mistaken identities, outrageous plot twists, slapstick comedy and a slew of self-obsessed performers desperately try to keep things from (hilariously) falling apart.
8 Actors (4 Men – 4 Women) – All Roles Open
The Providence Players of Fairfax is a non-profit community theater troupe. All participation is on a volunteer, non-compensated basis.
The Providence Players of Fairfax is a membership organization. Membership is not required to audition. If cast, actors in addition to production team members will be asked to become members of the Providence Players ($10) for the season (if they are not already).
Actors are expected to participate in set build (Sept. 9 &10) and set strike (Oct 22)
Wed July 19, 7:00 pm – 9:45 pm (In the James Lee Arts and Crafts Room)
Thurs July 20, 7:00 pm – 9:45 pm (In the James Lee Urbanites Room)
Call-Backs (if needed – by invitation):
Mon July 24, 7:00 pm – 9:45 pm (In the James Lee Multipurpose Room)
Location
The James Lee Community Center
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
Auditions will be held in the Arts and Crafts Room and Urbanites Rooms – NOT IN THE THEATER. Both the Arts and Crafts Room and The Urbanites Room are located to the left of the main desk at the front entrance of the community center. Signs will be posted.
PLEASE RSVP to the director atjaynevictor@verizon.net with the date you plan on auditioning.
HOW WE WORK: We do not use a system of audition time slots or appointments. You are welcome to come to auditions on either (but not both) of the initial audition evenings. No appointment is necessary but please come as close to the start of auditions and plan on staying until the end. PPF auditions have actors up and down to read multiple times in multiple combinations and scenes. Most actors find this fun. As space allows, you will be able to watch all the auditions. You may be asked to go into the hallway with audition partners and work a bit on a scene. We will do our best to get you up multiple times reading for parts you are interested in. You may also be asked to read for other parts you may not be auditioning for. The Providence Players strives to make our productions open to interested and engaged actors & actresses, regardless of their level of experience. We try and make our auditions as relaxing and fun as possible.
AUDITION PROCESS: Auditions will consist of readings from the script – No monologue is required.
AUDITION SIDES: Sides for the audition process will be supplied at auditions.
AUDITION FORM: Resumes and headshots will be accepted, but are not required. Please ALSO COMPLETE the attached PPF Moon Over Buffalo Audition Form and bring it with you to the audition.
MEMBERSHIP: The Providence Players of Fairfax is a membership organization. Membership is not required to audition. If cast, actors in addition to production team members will be asked to become members of the Providence Players ($10) for the season (if they are not already).
RSVP: Please RSVP if you plan to audition to the director at jaynevictor@verizon.net (or email her any questions you may have).
Rehearsal Schedule:
A copy of the preliminary production schedule is included with this announcement. Stage rehearsals begin September 5. 2017. The Director will be mindful of actor’s time and will do the best to schedule rehearsals in blocks initially. Additional full cast readings of the play and some selected scene study and character work may be scheduled based on actor availability in August. The schedule for these will be finalized after casting. Unless indicated otherwise, all rehearsals will happen at the James Lee Community Center. Rehearsals will be held in the evenings roughly from 6:45 to 9:45 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays as indicated.
Please come to auditions prepared to list any availability conflicts over this time period. Space is provided on the audition form for this purpose.
Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig
From the Director:
Moon is a madcap comedy about Charlotte and George Hay who are fading actors with their own acting troupe who are currently performing Private Lives and Cyrano de Bergerac in repertory at The Erlanger Theatre in Buffalo, NY in 1953. Charlotte has great dreams of still making it as a big Hollywood film star, her husband George is very satisfied as a stage actor which he sees as superior to film. Charlotte and George having no other offers head to Buffalo with a cast of characters to perform, and a series of events create a hilarious 2 act play. The action and dialogue are very fast paced and many of the roles require physical comedy.
Characters/Roles
• George Hay (Male 50’s) a traveling actor who along with his wife Charlotte runs the theatre company. Strong physical comedy including stage combat.
• Charlotte Hay (Female 50’s) George’s wife and will play any lead roles even when she is a bit too old for the roles. Charlotte helps run the theatre company. Physical comedy including stage combat
• Ethel (Female 60’s/70’s) Charlottes mother. Grumpy, trouble maker, very hard of hearing. Her son-in-law makes her crazy.
• Rosalind Hay (Female 20’s/30’s) Charlotte and George’s daughter. Used to act in her parents acting troupe, but decided to leave for a “real career”.
• Eileen (Female 20’s/early 30’s) Aspiring actress, eager to please. Has a crush on George; they have been having a fling.
• Howard (Male late 20’s/early30’s) a TV weatherman and Rosalind’s fiancé. Comes across as a wimp, annoying and nervous. Physical comedy.
• Paul (Male 30’s/early 40’s) actor and stage manager of the acting troupe. Used to be Rosalind’s boyfriend and wants her back. He would not leave acting for Rosalind. Physical Comedy.
• Richard (Male late 40’s/50’s) The Hay’s attorney who is in love with Charlotte and always tries to convince her to leave George.
About the Director Jayne L. Victor
Jayne’s resume includes work on stage and behind the scenes. She began directing children’s theatre in the late 70’s and directed in college in the 80’s. This will be Jayne’s 3rd turn at directing for PPF having directed Auntie Mame and Glass Mendacity. Most recently Jayne was seen as Sonia in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike at PPF.
2017 WATCH Nominations for 2016 Productions – Providence Players (7)
PPF is proud to be a member of the Washington Area Theater Community Honors (WATCH) organization that presents annual awards recognizing artistic and technical excellence in Community Theater. Since becoming a member in 2004, PPF has been recognized with 110 WATCH nominations for quality theatrical performance and technical production, including several outstanding Play nominations.
103 productions (34 musicals, 69 plays) were adjudicated in 2016 among the twenty-seven community theater companies from throughout Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia who participated in WATCH adjudication as member organizations.
Providence Players WATCH Nominations
Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play – Julie Janson as “Waitress, Rhonda” – Almost Maine
Outstanding Stage Combat Choreography – Michael Donahue – Amadeus
Outstanding Sound Design in a Play – Jason Hamrick (and Christopher Crockett) – Amadeus
Outstanding Play – Amadeus
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play – Mike Rudden as “Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart” – Amadeus
Outstanding Makeup Design in a Play – Beth Harrison, George Smith, Robbie Snow – Amadeus
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play – David Whitehead as “Antonio Salieri” – Amadeus
Congratulations to all our nominees and to all the other actors, production team members and PPF members whose work make these nominations and all our productions possible.
2016 DcMetroTheaterArts.com Best of 2016 Honors
DcMetroTheaterArts is the premier theater and performing arts website in the DMV. Again in 2016, DCMTA writers selected productions and concerts, dance, and operas that they saw and reviewed and productions and concerts and dance performances that they saw but did not review to recognize for special recognition as the “Best of 2016”. Every honoree was seen by a DCMTA reviewer/writer and they saw more than 2200 productions! The Providence Players were selected by the DCMTA writers for 21 “Best of 2016” Honors.
DCMetroTheaterArts’ Best of 2016: Best Plays In Community Theaters in DC/MD/VA
Almost Maine at Providence Players of Fairfax April 2016
Red Herring at Providence Players of Fairfax June 2016
Amadeus at Providence Players of Fairfax Sept 30 – Oct 15 2016
Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Providence Players of Fairfax – Dec 2016
DCMetroTheaterArts’ Best of 2016: Best Direction and Musical Direction in Musicals and Best Direction of Plays in Community Theatres in DC/MD/VA
Chip Gertzog for Almost Maine
Beth Hughes-Brown for Red Herring
Julie Janson and Music Director Kyle Keene for Amadeus
Liz Mykietyn for Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Best of 2016: Best Performances in Plays in Community Theatres in DC/MD/VA
Julie Janson as Rhonda/Waitress in Almost Maine
Elizabeth Keith as Hope in Almost Maine
Patrick David as Frank Keller in Red Herring
Liz Mykietyn as Maggie Pelletier in Red Herring
Julia Buhagiar as Constance Weber in Amadeus
Mike Rudden as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Amadeus
Bobby Welsh as Venticelli 1 and Debora Crabbe as Venticelli 2 in Amadeus
David Whitehead as Antonio Salieri in Amadeus
Michelle Shader as Grace Bradley in Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Best of 2016: Best Design in Professional and Community Theaters in DC/VA/MD
Chip Gertzog for his lighting and projection design for Almost Maine
Patrick David for his set design for Amadeus
Jason Hamrick (and Christopher Crockett) for his sound design for Amadeus
Robbie Snow for her costume design for Amadeus
Congratulations to all our honorees and to the dozens of actors, production team members, and all PPF volunteers for their work on behalf of Providence Players audiences in calendar 2016 that helped make these outstanding productions possible.
Join us for our remaining productions in our 2016 – 2017 season
CLOSING NIGHT – Final Performance- Audiences have laughed and loved the Providence Players’ season closing production of Christopher Durang’s Tony Award winning comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. As of 7 AM about 50 about great seats are still available. Join us at the James Lee Community Center Theater at 2855 Annandale Road in Falls Church for some outstanding community theater and a ton of laughs. Best seat selection is always through our no-fee online ticketing system.
Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia live a quiet life in the Bucks County Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up. Despite their bickering, they live a peaceful but somewhat mundane life and often mourn their lost dreams and missed opportunities. Their peace is shattered when their movie-star sister, Masha, swoops in unannounced with her new boy toy, Spike. Also on the scene are a sassy cleaning woman who can predict the future (Casandra) and a lovely, young, star-struck aspiring actress (Nina). A weekend of rivalry, regret, and raucousness begins, eventually leading to threats to sell the family home. With wit and absurdity, Christopher Durang’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike blends Chekhov’s famous ennui with the modern-day toils and troubles of celebrity, social networking, and age into a laugh-out-loud comedy that will tickle your funny bone. In its own deliciously madcap way, this Tony-award winning play offers some keen insights into the challenges and agonies of 21st century life. And there are tons of laughs!
Tonight – Friday, June 16 and Tomorrow Night – Saturday. June 17
CLOSING WEEKEND – Final Two Performances- Audiences have laughed and loved the Providence Players’ season closing production of Christopher Durang’s Tony Award winning comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Tickets are available for both performances. Join us at the James Lee Community Center Theater at 2855 Annandale Road in Falls Church for some outstanding community theater and a ton of laughs. Final performances: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM. Best seat selection is always through our no-fee online ticketing system.
Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia live a quiet life in the Bucks County Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up. Despite their bickering, they live a peaceful but somewhat mundane life and often mourn their lost dreams and missed opportunities. Their peace is shattered when their movie-star sister, Masha, swoops in unannounced with her new boy toy, Spike. Also on the scene are a sassy cleaning woman who can predict the future (Casandra) and a lovely, young, star-struck aspiring actress (Nina). A weekend of rivalry, regret, and raucousness begins, eventually leading to threats to sell the family home. With wit and absurdity, Christopher Durang’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike blends Chekhov’s famous ennui with the modern-day toils and troubles of celebrity, social networking, and age into a laugh-out-loud comedy that will tickle your funny bone. In its own deliciously madcap way, this Tony-award winning play offers some keen insights into the challenges and agonies of 21st century life. And there are tons of laughs!
Audiences have laughed and loved the Providence Players’ season closing production of Christopher Durang’s Tony Award winning comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Tickets are available for all three remaining performances. Join us at the James Lee Community Center Theater at 2855 Annandale Road in Falls Church for some outstanding community theater and a ton of laughs. Final performances: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM. Best seat selection is always through our no-fee online ticketing system.
Rachel Arling Samson (as Casandra) and Christian Faulkner (as Vanya) in the Providence Players Production of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” – Closing Week. Final Three Performances. Photo by Chip Gertzog, Providence Players
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
June 15, 16, 17
Adults $20 Seniors (62+)/Students $17
Location: James Lee Community Center Theater, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22042
Not for Young Audiences – Mature Themes and Language
Master of comedy Durang blends middle-age despair, dashed dreams, and squandered hopes into a hilarious farcical comedy. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, skewers the classic dramas of Chekhov through an absurdist tale of family dysfunction. But you don’t have to be a student of Russian literature to appreciate this hilarious play. Siblings Vanya and Sonia live a quiet life in the Bucks County farmhouse where they grew up. But when their movie-star sister Masha swoops in unannounced with Spike, her 20-something boy toy, an unforgettable weekend ensues. Add a clairvoyant cleaning lady, someone named Hootie Pie, a sweet young aspiring actress, and plans that could devastate the family, and you have a laugh-out-loud stage offering that will be a sure-fire audience favorite.
Connie Shabshab is Masha in the Providence Players Production of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”. Photo by Chip Gertzog Providence Players
Nominated for six Tony Awards in 2013, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is one of the most lauded, beloved and decorated Broadway plays of recent years. The Broadway production won 2013 “Best Play” honors from all the major New York awards programs (Tony Awards, Drama Desk, Drama League and New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards) as well as numerous other awards.
Connie Shabshab, Christian Faulkner and Jayne L. Victor…and Ari Post as SPIKE!
UPDATE: About 35 good seats for this afternoon’s (6/11/17) 2 pm matinee – our final matinee of the run of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Order your tickets online now to assure seating. Greats seats are available for all three of next week’s closing weekend performances.
SNEAK PEEK at Moon Over Buffalo
Ken Ludwig’s hilarious comedy Moon Over Buffalo opens the Providence Players 20th Anniversary Season on October 6th at the James Lee Community Center Theater in Falls Church. This fast-paced comedy is set in the Erlanger Theatre in Buffalo in 1953. Charlotte and George Hay are on tour with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de Bergerac and Noel Coward’s Private Lives, when they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee. Mistaken identities, outrageous plot twists, slapstick comedy and a slew of self-obsessed performers desperately try to keep things from (hilariously) falling apart.
Become a season ticket holder for significant savings off the single show ticket price. Season tickets are convenient and flexible. Choose which performance you wish to attend from any of 10 performances, including two Sunday matinees or Thursday evening performances. Choose early for the best seat selection or choose when you know when you want to go. Need to change the performance date later? We will help you make changes if you need to attend a different performance even after you have made your reservation. Holiday show tickets for The Phantom Tollbooth, based on the children’s classic and terrific for the entire family, are available as an additional item. The season runs from October 2017 to June 2018.
Co-Produced by Providence Players and The Young Hearts
By Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur
