In a review of Don’t Dress for Dinner, Maryland Theater Guide critic Fosse Thornton answers the question, “What does it take to create the perfect farce?” The answer is…
“What does it take to create the perfect farce? For starters, a top-notch cast. Secondly, a dynamic set. Above all, the show must be fast-paced. The frenetic energy necessary to keep a farce alive is hard to create and even harder to maintain. Providence Players of Fairfax has hit the mark on all accounts and has gone above and beyond with ‘Don’t Dress for Dinner’ by Marc Camoletti and adapted by Robin Hawdon. The production is nearly flawless.” ~Fosse Thornton, Maryland Theater Guide.
(Read the full review by clicking the banner below)
DC Theater Arts Critic William Powell and opening weekend audiences believe Don’t Dress for Dinner, by Marc Camoletti, is a “smash hit!”
“This convoluted romantic farce is a deliciously funny show….an energetic show that keeps smiles, giggles, and laughter flowing throughout…’Don’t Dress for Dinner’ will gnaw on your funny bone. It is a deliciously funny show that you should consume forthwith!”
Audiences agreed:
“Hilarious!”
“…Best show Providence Players has ever done!”
“…I’m coming back to see it again; it was so fun, and I know I missed some things! So funny!”
“Absolutely wonderful! One of the best shows I’ve seen you all do. Hilarious!”
“…I’m so glad I came. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this!”
(Read the full review by clicking the banner below)
In this raucous farce, Bernard is planning a romantic weekend with his chic mistress in his charming converted farmhouse, whilst his wife, Jacqueline, is away. He has arranged for a cordon bleu cook to prepare gourmet delights, and has invited his best friend, Robert, along too to provide the alibi. It’s foolproof; what could possibly go wrong? Well, suppose Robert turns up not realizing quite why he has been invited. Suppose Robert and Jacqueline are secret lovers, and consequently determined that Jacqueline will not leave for the weekend. Suppose the cook has to pretend to be the mistress and the mistress is unable to cook. Suppose everyone’s alibi gets confused with everyone else’s. An evening of hilarious confusion ensues as Bernard and Robert improvise at breakneck speed. Warning: This play contains suggested sexual situations and adult content. No strong language.
Enjoy these sneak peek photos from Matthew Randall.
(L-R) Ann Brodnax as Suzanne, Jayne L. Victor as Jacqueline, David Wright as Bernard and Bruce Alan Rauscher as Robert in Don’t Dress for Dinner by Marc Camoletti.
Meet the incredible cast of Don’t Dress for Dinner. Opens Friday, June 9! All cast photos by Matthew Randall.
The cast of Don’t Dress for Dinner (L-R, Top-Bottom, David Wright as Bernard, Gene Downing as George, Bruce Allen Rauscher as Robert, Eileen Copas as Suzette, Jayne L. Victor as Jacqueline and Ann Brodnax as Suzanne, Keely Sullivan den Bergh as Suzette not in the photo. Photo by Matthew Randall.)
Ann Brodnax (Suzanne) is delighted to join Providence Players for the first time and is honored to be working with such a talented cast and crew. Ann’s previous stage credits include Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Accomplice, Dinner with Friends, The Smell of the Kill, Wit, The Dinner Party, Taking Leave, The Iceman Cometh, and Clybourne Park. Much gratitude and love to her family, friends, and colleagues for their endless support. Finally, to her husband Jeff who amazes and inspires her every day.
Eileen Copas (Suzette) is very excited to join the cast as Suzette understudy, grab life’s opportunities by the horn, and get back on the the stage. She dabbled in costume design in Providence Players’ Beatle Club and loves helping out behind the stage, especially if headsets are involved. Her stage debut in the LTA’s Rumors was a blast and looks forward to the experiencing he same magic on stage with the cast of Don’t Dress for Dinner. Many thanks to her hot husband and two dynamic daughters for putting up with Mom’s shenanigans. And to her own mom…her we go! Lots of love.
Gene Downing (George) is a native Washingtonian and one of the newest members of Providence Players. Gene is a talented spoken word artist who uses his love for performing poetry to hone his craft as an actor. Though relatively new to theater, Gene has performed in several improv plays such as The Theater Lab: Life Stories Series, Live Garra Theater: Soul II Soul: What Makes A Poet Breathe?, and The Theatrix Company/Live Garra Theater: Soul II Soul 2. Gene loves the challenge of stepping out of improv and poetry and into more scripted roles and growing as an actor.
Bruce Alan Rauscher (Robert) is an accomplished theater artist. He has performed with Signature Theater, WSC Avant Bard, Keegan Theater and The American Century Theater. Favorite roles include Joseph Merrick in The Elephant Man, Alan Strang in Equus, The Bastard in King John, Alan Turing in Breaking the Code, Edgar in King Lear, Gary/Roger in Noises Off, Rev. Hale in The Crucible, Edward III in Edward III and Col. Chipman in The Andersonville Trial, receiving a Helen Hayes nomination for Best Actor. Bruce played David in PPF’s Playing Juliet/Casting Othello. Bruce has been honored with a Mary Goldwater Award for acting by The Theater Lobby.
Keely Sullivan den Bergh (Suzette) is excited to be making her debut with Providence Players and the larger NoVA theater community! You may have last seen her spinning a web of lies as Jean in Nova Nightsky’s Dead Man’s Cell Phone last February. She’s also performed in a number of plays and musicals over the years, some of which include Deathtrap, Legally Blonde, Chicago and 42nd Street. Lots of love to this talented, welcoming community, and a huge thank you to her husband, Jesper Sullivan den Bergh, for pushing her back on stage. Enjoy this kooky, head-spinning show. Merde!
Jayne L. Victor (Jacqueline) is thrilled to be back on the PPF stage where she last appeared in 2019 in August Osage County. Since then, she has produced and directed for the company. Jayne was most recently seen on stage in LTA’s Rumors. Previous directing credits include Auntie Mame, Moon Over Buffalo (11 WATCH Nominations) and Glass Mendacity (PPF). Thank you to family and friends who continue to indulge and constantly support her love of the theatre. Jayne is a member of the PPF Board of Directors.
David Wright (Bernard) was last seen on the PPF stage in California Suite. Recent credits: Unnecessary Farce & Dinner Party (VTC); Red, White & Tuna, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged & Play it Again Sam (LTA); The Great American Trailer Park Musical & November (Dominion). Notable roles: Rabbit Hole (Howie), Glengarry Glenross (Levine), Misery (Paul), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (McMurphy) & A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream (Bottom). Dave is also the creator/moderator of professional improv troupe Last Ham Standing. Most importantly, he would like to thank Angey for her continued support as well as their daughters, Kenzie, Emma & Maddy, for teaching him the true meaning of unconditional love.
Beth & David Whitehead in Providence Players’ 2021 production of Parking Lot.
Beth & David Whitehead (Directors) have been involved with Providence Players since 2003. Having co-directed the 2004 production of The Good Doctor, by Neil Simon, they thought they would try it again!
Beth Whitehead loves being a Providence Players member. She directed All My Sons by Arthur Miller, (which earned the Ruby Griffith Award’s top award, All Round Production Excellence) and To Kill a Mockingbird which earned a WATCH nomination for best play. Most recent acting with Providence has been as Barbara in August, Osage County and Mrs. Graves in Enchanted April. Prior roles have included: Bananas in House of Blue Leaves, Mame in Auntie Mame, Meg in Crimes of the Heart, and Romaine Vole in Witness for the Prosecution. Her favorite role of all time is mother to four and grandmother to four.
David Whitehead is a veteran member of PPF and long-time board member having served as President and Treasurer. He has played many roles with PPF including Antonio Salieri in the Providence production of Amadeus, which earned him a WATCH nomination for outstanding lead actor in a play. He has also been a set and light designer, stage manager, and currently manages PPF’s marketing efforts as well as serving as all around “fetch it” and “get it done” guy. David is honored to be able to work once again with Beth, his love and support.
On behalf of Providence Players of Fairfax, Directors Beth & David Whitehead are pleased to announce the cast of Don’t Dress for Dinner, by Marc Camoletti.
In this raucous farce, Bernard is planning a romantic weekend with his chic mistress in his charming converted farmhouse, whilst his wife, Jacqueline, is away. He has arranged for a cordon bleu cook to prepare gourmet delights, and has invited his best friend, Robert, along too to provide the alibi. It’s foolproof; what could possibly go wrong? Well, suppose Robert turns up not realizing quite why he has been invited. Suppose Robert and Jacqueline are secret lovers, and consequently determined that Jacqueline will not leave for the weekend. Suppose the cook has to pretend to be the mistress and the mistress is unable to cook. Suppose everyone’s alibi gets confused with everyone else’s. An evening of hilarious confusion ensues as Bernard and Robert improvise at breakneck speed. Warning: This play contains suggested sexual situations and adult content. No strong language. Tickets on sale now.
CAST
(* denotes Providence Players debut)
Bernard – David Wright
Jacqueline – Jayne L. Victor
Robert – Bruce Alan Rauscher
Suzette – Keely Sullivan den Bergh*
Suzette – Eileen Copas*
Suzanne – Ann Brodnax*
George – Gene Downing* Read more
DC Theater Arts Critic, Kendall Mostafavi, and opening weekend audiences are inspired by the women scientists of the early 1900s who “had to endure…to find fulfillment and balance in life, love, and ambition.
“Providence Players’ production of ‘Silent Sky’ is a delightful experience bursting with science, the importance of friendship, and the art of finding value in life….The cast does a great job bringing the material to life and keeping the energy flowing.” ~ Kendall Mostafavi
“Gunderson’s writing is incredibly witty and surprisingly funny, which buoys the energy of the show among the many moments of frustration, disappointment, and heartbreak in Henrietta [Leavitt]’s life.” ~ Kendall Mostafavi
A patron agreed:
“Attended the performance last night and it was amazing. The cast were all great and Tina Thronson rocked it as a director. If you have a chance go see this wonderful story of how women played a huge role in Astronomy you should do it.” ~ M.W., Audience Member
(Read the full review by clicking the banner below)
An inspiring and true-life story of Henrietta Leavitt, an astronomer ahead of her time. It is 1900, and Henrietta has the opportunity to work at Harvard University to help map the stars but receives no scientific credit. She is eager to use Harvard’s telescope – the Great Refractor – but is told that she will not be able to access the telescope or do astronomical research. She will only be allowed to log the stars photographed by the men of the department. However, Henrietta will not be dissuaded, and begins the process of recording the changes she identifies in Cepheid stars – a scientific discovery that has profound and lasting impact on the field of astronomy and astrophysics. Silent Sky is the poignant tale of a woman’s dedication to the stars, and the human touch that makes life under the vast sky beautiful and timeless.
Enjoy these sneak peek photos by Chip Gertzog.
Andra Whitt as Henrietta Leavitt. Photo by Chip Gertzog.
Photos include Amanda Ranowsky as Margaret Leavitt, Chris Persil as Peter Shaw, Lesleyanne Kessler as Annie Jump Cannon and Roxanne Waite as Williamina Fleming. All photos by Chip Gertzog.
by Marc Camoletti Directed by Beth & David Whitehead
In this raucous farce, Bernard is planning a romantic weekend with mistress in his charming converted farmhouse, whilst his wife, Jacqueline, is away. He has arranged for a cordon bleu cook to prepare gourmet delights, and has invited his best friend, Robert, along too to provide the alibi. It’s foolproof; what could possibly go wrong? Well, suppose Robert turns up not realizing quite why he has been invited. Suppose Robert and Jacqueline are secret lovers, and consequently determined that Jacqueline will not leave for the weekend. Suppose the cook has to pretend to be the mistress and the mistress is unable to cook. Suppose everyone’s alibi gets confused with everyone else’s. An evening of hilarious confusion ensues as Bernard and Robert improvise at breakneck speed. Warning: This play contains sexual situations and adult content.
Providence Players of Fairfax is:
A non-profit community theater troupe. All participation is on a volunteer basis. No members of the cast or crew are compensated.
A membership organization. Membership is not required to audition. If cast, all actors (and in fact, all volunteers), are required to become members of Providence Players of Fairfax ($25 per individual or $60 per family – three or more) for the season (if not already a member).
Casting Announcement
Providence Players is casting 6 roles (3 Female and 3 Male). No roles are precast, and all roles are open. All backgrounds and ethnicities are welcome and encouraged to audition!
Actors who audition one night may be asked to come back a second night, if available. You are not required to be available multiple evenings to be considered.
The Director reserves the right to extend the audition period pending initial audition response. Callbacks are scheduled but may not be necessary
Performance Dates and Times (at the James Lee Community Crtr.)
Preview: Thursday June 8 at 7:00 pm Evening Performances: Thurs. Fri. Sat.; June 9 – 24 at 7:30 pm Matinees: Sundays, June 11 & 18 at 2:00 pm
About the Play
Time: Present Day Setting: A Country Home
Characters
Bernard – Jacqueline’s husband and Suzanne’s lover.
Jacqueline – Bernard’s wife and Robert’s lover.
Robert – Bernard’s friend and Jacqueline’s lover.
Suzette – the cook.
Suzanne – Bernard’s mistress.
George – Suzette’s husband.
Additional Audition Information/Instructions:
HOW WE WORK: Most Providence 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 the auditions. You may be asked to go outside 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 will 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 to make our auditions as relaxing and fun as possible.
AUDITION PROCESS & SIDES: Auditions will consist of readings from the script. No monologue required. Sides for the audition process will be supplied at auditions.
AUDITION FORM: Please TRY TO COMPLETE, in a separate attachment, the Providence Audition Form and bring it with you to the audition.
Please come to auditions prepared to list any availability conflicts with rehearsal or the performance schedule. Space is provided on the audition form for this purpose.
Resumes and headshots will be accepted but are not required. We may ask to take a picture of you, but this is for internal use only and will not be shared.
Additional Rehearsal Information/Instructions:
Rehearsals begin the first week of May and include weekdays 6:30/6:45-9:45pm and some weekend days (times TBD), including tech rehearsals the weekend prior to opening week. Unless indicated otherwise, all rehearsals will happen at the James Lee Community Center. Rehearsals will be held in the evenings roughly from 6:30/6:45 to 9:45pm. and on Saturdays and Sundays as indicated.
In addition to the rehearsal schedule onstage, additional full cast readings of the play will take place in April – Dates and locations TBD.
A social gathering to pick up scripts will also be scheduled one evening in April – Date and location TBD.
Set build weekend is May 6 & 7, and all cast members are encouraged to attend.
About the Directors: Beth & David Whitehead
Beth and David Whitehead have been involved with Providence Players since 2003, and have directed several productions for the company, including team directing The Good Doctor in 2004. They have both been on stage in numerous productions, including the portrayal of a married couple in the recent Providence PopUp production of Parking Lot. Beth and David have taken on numerous production roles on many productions throughout the years. Beth and David serve as Providence Players board members.
On behalf of Providence Players of Fairfax, Director Tina Hodge Thronson is pleased to announce the cast of Silent Sky, by Lauren Gunderson.
An inspiring and true-life story of Henrietta Leavitt, an astronomer ahead of her time. It is 1900, and Henrietta has the opportunity to work at Harvard University to help map the stars but receives no scientific credit. She is eager to use Harvard’s telescope – the Great Refractor – but is told that she will not be able to access the telescope or do astronomical research. She will only be allowed to log the stars photographed by the men of the department. However, Henrietta will not be dissuaded, and begins the process of recording the changes she identifies in Cepheid stars – a scientific discovery that has profound and lasting impact on the field of astronomy and astrophysics. Silent Sky is the poignant tale of a woman’s dedication to the stars, and the human touch that makes life under the vast sky beautiful and timeless. Tickets on sale now!
CAST
(* denotes Providence Players debut)
Henrietta Leavitt – Andra Whitt Margaret Leavitt – Amanda Ranowsky Peter Shaw – Chris Persil Annie Jump Cannon – Lesleyanne Kessler* Williamina Fleming – Roxanne Waite
About the Director
Tina Hodge Thronson
Tina Hodge Thronson has done everything for Providence Players from hanging lights, painting sets, and prompting to acting and directing. Her directing credits include And Then There Were None, Born Yesterday, Twelve Angry Men, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Steel Magnolias, and The Laramie Project. Major roles include the archetypal seductress, the archetypal wife, a wily Italian aunt, a housecoat-wearing landlady/spy, and a sympathetic barmaid. She is delighted to have the chance to direct such an inspiring story based on Henrietta – one of the most important women in the study of Astronomy.
DC Theater Arts Critic Linda Kinney and opening weekend audiences give rave reviews of Providence Players’ holiday production, “Cabaret Takes a Holiday!”
“The cabaret has a mixture of humor, nostalgia, and some teary-eyed ballads, with smooth transitions that have you on the edge of your seat wanting more.” ~ Linda Kinney, DC Theater Arts Critic.
Audiences shared:
“…delightful and so fun.” ~ Long-time patron
“…beautifully done!” ~ Audience member
“…so glad we came.” ~ Audience member
(Read the full review by clicking the banner below)
