At the James Lee Community Center Theater 2855 Annandale Rd in Falls Church, opening this Friday, May 29th, The Providence Players presents The Glass Mendacity, Maureen Morley and Tom Willmorth’s hilarious comedy parody of some of Tennessee William’s most celebrated works: The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. It’s Big Daddy’s birthday and the entire blended family, a comedy cocktail of characters each one more of a caricature than the last, have gathered at Belle Reve to celebrate with sweet tea, cheese balls, cards and brutish, unfettered, southern charm. The Glass Mendacity is a lampooning look into what would happen if all of Williams’ characters came face to face. If you don’t know these plays, don’t fret. The off-kilter and dysfunctional family shenanigans can be enjoyed by all!
The Glass Mendacity opens at The James Lee Community Center Theater
At the James Lee Community Center Theater 2855 Annandale Rd in Falls Church, opening May 29th, The Providence Players presents The Glass Mendacity, Maureen Morley and Tom Willmorth’s hilarious comedy parody of some of Tennessee William’s most celebrated works: The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. It’s Big Daddy’s birthday and the entire blended family, a comedy cocktail of characters each one more of a caricature than the last, have gathered at Belle Reve to celebrate with sweet tea, cheese balls, cards and brutish, unfettered, southern charm. The Glass Mendacity is a lampooning look into what would happen if all of Williams’ characters came face to face. If you don’t know these plays, don’t fret. The off-kilter and dysfunctional family shenanigans can be enjoyed by all!
Opening in just three weeks on May 29th, the Providence Players presents The Glass Mendacity, Maureen Morley and Tom Willmorth’s hilarious comedy parody of some of Tennessee William’s most celebrated works: The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. It’s Big Daddy’s birthday and the entire blended family, a comedy cocktail of characters each one more of a caricature than the last, have gathered at Belle Reve to celebrate with sweet tea, cheese balls, cards and brutish, unfettered, southern charm. The Glass Mendacity is a lampooning look into what would happen if all of Williams’ characters came face to face. If you don’t know these plays, don’t fret. The off-kilter and dysfunctional family shenanigans can be enjoyed by all!
Mendacity director Jayne L. Victor, has assembled and outstanding cast for this comedy mashup of William’s greatest plays:
The Glass Mendacity Cast
Craig Geoffrion – Big Daddy DuBois Beth Whitehead – Amanda DuBois/Laura DuBois Michael Donahue – Stanley Kowalski Elizabeth Keith – Blanche DuBois Julie Janson – Maggie the Cat Ian Wade – Mitch O’Connor
Craig Geoffrion
Craig Geoffrion(Big Daddy DuBois) This is Craig’s 14th season with PPF and his 18th appearance onstage. He has most recently been seen on the PPF stage as Carlson in Of Mice and Men (2014 WATCH nominated Best Play) and as Ernie Cusack in Rumors last spring (also a 2014 WATCH Nominated Best Play). Craig has been personally honored with two WATCH awards, one for set painting for Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and one for his performance as Beverly Carlton in PPF’s The Man Who Came to Dinner. Other acting credits with PPF include roles in Side Man, Harvey, Rough Crossing, 12 Angry Men, George Washington Slept Here, Cash on Delivery, and The Good Doctor, among others.
Beth Gilles-Whitehead
Beth Gilles-Whitehead (Amanda DuBois/Laura DuBois) Beth is an outstanding actress/director as well as a Board Member for PPF. She was most recently seen as The White Witch in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe with Providence Players. Other roles played with PPF include: Bananas in The House of Blue Leaves, Mame Dennis in Mame, (WATCH nomination) Charlotte Hay in Moon Over Buffalo, M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias, Meg in Crimes of the Heart and Romaine Vole in Witness for the Prosecution, (WATCH nomination). Beth has directed All My Sons which received the Ruby Griffith Award for Overall Excellence. Other directing credits with PPF include Twelfth Night, Waiting in the Wings, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and others. Beth received her MFA in theatre from Cornell University and BA in theatre from the University of Washington in Seattle. Beth spent a decade working as a professional actress, met her husband Dave (PPF actor/director/past president) on stage, and loves teaching and coaching actors.
Michael Donahue
Michael Donahue (Stanley Kowalski) appears for the fifth season performing with PPF. His most recent PPF acting credits include Of Mice and Men (George), Dinner With Friends (Tom), Sleuth (Andrew Wyeth), You Can’t Take it With You (G-Man), All My Sons (Joe), and Big Tree Falls (Ray). He Directed PPF’s 2014 Winter production of House of Blue Leaves and Stage Managed for PPF productions of Side Man, It’s a Wonderful Life and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Mike has been seen on stage for Manassas’s professional theatre company Vpstart Crow, where he appeared in leading roles in MacBeth, Importance of Being Earnest, Romeo and Juliet, and Twelfth Night. Mike has also served as Artistic Director for Playhouse on the Square’s Professional Theatre for Youth in Memphis, TN. He was Associate Artistic Director for HITT Productions responsible for writing, directing and fight direction for large performance events. His other directing credits include: Merchant of Venice, VPStart Crow, Manassas VA., Nothing Sacred, Circuit Playhouse, Memphis TN., Tom Sawyer, TheLion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Magicians Nephew, Playhouse on the Square Professional Theatre for Youth, Memphis TN., The Tell Tale Heart, The Murders at theRue Morgue, HITT Productions, Poconos PA., Glass Menagerie, Extremities, LordByron, original one man show, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN. Mike was a member of the Society of American Fight Directors (1984-2000) and staged fights all over the eastern seaboard. Mike has a BFA in performance from VCU and a MFA in directing from University of Memphis Tennessee.
Elizabeth Keith
Elizabeth Keith (Blanche) is excited to make her stage debut with PPF in The Glass Mendacity! Having recently played Maggie the Cat in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Rockville Little Theater, she is excited to explore Blanche in this twisted parody and hopes she can keep a straight face! Elizabeth has been seen on stage in numerous productions throughout the DMV are. Recently she performed in Proof (2014 WATCH Award for Outstanding Featured Actress), The 39 Steps, A Christmas Carol, Widdershins, and Picnic at Little Theater of Alexandria.Other favorite area productions include: An Inspector Calls (Dominion Stage – WATCH Award winner for Outstanding Featured Actress), The Dresser (Port City Players), Prelude to a Kiss (Foundry Players), and A Comedy of Errors (Greenbelt Arts Center). Off stage, Elizabeth is a law professor and proud mom of two beautiful little girls.
Julie Janson
Julie Janson (Maggie) is thrilled to be performing in her third PPF production. Her past roles include Curley’s Wife in Of Mice and Men and Mrs. Beaver in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In addition to her performance work with PPF, Julie has done props and worked stage crew on a number of PPF productions. Julie has directed at the Ramstein High School Theater Company and directed, acted and stage managed for the Boston University Stage Troupe. When not involved in theater, Julie serves as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and volunteers with various animal advocacy/rescue groups including DC Actors for Animals, Braille Tails, and Main Line Animal Shelter.
Ian Wade
Ian Wade (Mitch O’Connor) is making his second stage appearance with PPF having performed as Slim this past fall’s Of Mice and Men. Ian is originally from the Maryland area where he performed at various community theaters, including Silver Spring Stage, Montgomery Playhouse, Sandy Spring Theater, Colonial Players, and the Black Box Theater. Ian moved to Virginia eight years ago. His other Virginia theater credits include Dr. Frederick Frankenstein in the musical, Young Frankenstein, at The Alliance Theater, Petruchio in CRT’s Taming of the Shrew, and Martini in PWLT’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. He has recently started doing small parts for true-crime television and independent films. He enjoys History, Science, Philosophy, and anything competitive.
The Glass Mendacity opens at the James Lee Community Center Theater, 2855 Annandale RD Falls Church 22042 on May 29th for a three week run. Tickets are on sale now here
PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
May 29, 30, June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 & 13
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m.
May 31 & June 7
We are saddened to report that PPF member Paul Hennesy passed away on April 24th. Along with fellow PPF-member and life-long friend Mike Mattheisen, Paul won the 2013 WATCH award for Outstanding Set Decoration in a Play for PPF’s production of Mark Twain’s comedy Is He Dead? Paul, a talented landscape painter, also helped design and build the set and allowed the PPF to use much of his own studio on stage and many of his very fine paintings. PPF extends it thoughts and condolences to Paul’s family.
The Set of “Is He Dead?” Act 1
The Set of “Is He Dead?” Act 2The cast and company of “Is He Dead?” directed by Beth Hughes-Brown. Paul Hennesy is far right standing.In addition to set decoration, Paul created and added many unique touches to the PPF production of “Is He Dead?” that brought laughter to the audience and good humor to the company
Farewell Paul – you will be missed
Visitation and Funeral arrangements for Paul Kevin Hennesy
April 20, 1954 – April 24, 2015
The Hennesy family will have a visitation service from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday May 7th at Domaine Funeral Home, 10565 Main St, Fairfax, VA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Friday May 8th at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 3901 Woodburn Road, Annandale, VA.
Internment will immediately follow the funeral mass at Fairfax Memorial Gardens, 9900 Braddock Rd, Fairfax, VA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Paul K. Hennesy to the American Cancer Society.
Once again, 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, PPF has established a scholarship program that provides scholarships to college-bound students from area high schools. Scholarships are limited each year.
This year, in partnership with the Arts Council of Fairfax County, we anticipate awarding three scholarships, each of $1500, to 2015 graduating seniors with a demonstrated commitment to theater arts who have been accepted to a U.S. accredited college or university or conservatory program with an intent to further contribute to theater arts.
Eligible graduating seniors must (1) reside within the school boundaries of Annandale, Fairfax, Falls Church, George Mason, J.E.B. Stuart, Marshall, Woodson or Yorktown high schools OR (2) have been a member of PPF for at least one year. It is not required that applicants to be committed to a theater arts major in college, only that they plan on continuing their involvement and contribution to theater arts in the future.
Applications must be completed and emailed to providenceplayers@cox.net no later than April 30, 2015.
Supplementary materials, including letters of recommendation, listed on the application form must be mailed to PPF at the address shown on the application.
PPF must receive these supplementary materials by April 30, 2015.
Applications will be reviewed by a committee appointed by PPF. The committee will consist of community representatives, including members of the arts community. The criteria for the awards shall be as follows:
40% based on the applicant’s past involvement in theater arts and contributions made to theater arts;
10% based on the applicant’s contribution to Providence Players of Fairfax (if any); and
50% based on the applicant’s potential to further contribute to theater arts.
Decisions on the scholarship awards will be announced by June 1, 2015
What do you get when you put the characters of A Streetcar Named Desire, The Glass Menagerie and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in the same room? A hilarious comedy that parodies some of Tennessee William’s most popular southern dramas. It’s Big Daddy’s birthday and the entire blended family have gathered at Belle Reve to celebrate with sweet tea, cheese balls, cards and brutish, unfettered, southern charm. If you don’t know these plays, don’t fret. These off-kilter and dysfunctional family shenanigans can be enjoyed by all!
Just one performances remains for the Providence Players critical and audience hit “Other Desert Cities”. It is closing weekend but there are still outstanding seats available tonight (Saturday) for the closing night performance. This is the last chance to catch a terrific production of one of the more popular dramatic comedies in recent years. The production has recieved great praise from audience and an outstanding “must see” review from DcMetroTheaterArts.com. The remaining performances are both at 7:30 PM and your best bet for the best seat selection is to purchase online at the link below. Join us for this “delightful comedy and poignant drama”!
LAST CHANCE: Final Performance Tonight
The Providence Players Present Other Desert Cities
By Jon Robin Baitz – Directed by Tina Thronson
James Lee Community Center Theater 2855 Annandale Rd Falls Church VA
Not for young children- mature themes and strong language
Sat 7:30 p.m. March 28
AUDIENCE AND CRITICAL REACTION
”The Providence Players find both delightful comedy and poignant drama in this beautifully written piece.” – DCMTA
“Skilled, seasoned actors make this beautifully written play a laugh-filled, enjoyable evening that you will be talking about for some time.Laughter in Other Desert Cities is frequent and well-earned.The Providence Players find both delightful comedy and poignant drama in this beautifully written piece. Bobby Welsh is terrific as Trip Wyeth.. Silda Grauman is played energetically and with great humor by Barbara Gertzog. The set is excellent [and the] Lighting Design by Jason Hamrick was strong. Don’t delay, and get your tickets now to Providence Players of Fairfax’s superb Other Desert Cities.” from DcMetrotheaterArts Chuck Leonard
The cast of the Providence Players production of Other Desert Cities. Photos by Chip Gertzog, Providence Players
“Am always surprised and thrilled to discover “little” local theatre productions that just rock!!! Excellent performance last night.”- Audience Member
“Wonderful theatre space, good staging, excellent acting, very interesting play.” – Audience Member
“Seriously! The script, acting, set, everything was so well done. Such a bargain for a night’s first class entertainment!” – Audience Member
“I was in VA last week-end and attended opening night of “Other Desert Cities”. Your cast did a fabulous job–the humor and pain of the Wyeth family story was beautifully presented. Your set was very bright, sunny and very Palm Springs! Thanks for an enjoyable evening in a beautiful and comfortable theatre with an accessible parking area.” – Audience Member
Don’t Miss “Other Desert Cities”: Barbara Gertzog as Silda Grauman
Recently, one of the hottest tickets on Broadway and a 2012 Tony nominee, Other Desert Citiesopens on the Providence Players stage at the James Lee Community Center Theater through March 28th. This Pulitzer Prize Finalist play by Jon Robin Baitz is a funny and smart drama filled with witty repartee that both dazzles and decimates. It is beautifully written and is full of both humorous and deeply felt moments. The New York Times called Other Desert Cities “the best new play on Broadway,” and audiences everywhere are finding it both entertaining and insightful. This witty and thought provoking family drama strikes the perfect balance between comedy and drama and has been called “smart, supremely entertaining and richly satisfying”.
Not for young children- mature themes and strong language
James Lee Community Center Theater 2855 Annandale Rd
OTHER DESERT CITIES PRODUCTION TEAM Director: Tina Thronson Producer: Mike Mattheisen Stage Manager: Michael P. Donahue Assistant Directors: Michael P. Donahue, Susan Kaplan Technical Director: Jason Hamrick Lighting Design: Jason Hamrick Set Design: John Coscia Set Construction: John Coscia Set Decoration: Ingrid David Set Painting: Craig Geoffrion Costume Design: Robbie Snow Hair and Makeup Design: Beth Harrison Properties: Beckie McNair and Julie Janson Box Office and Ticket Sales: Danine Welsh and Mike Dazé House Management: Beth Whitehead Playbill: Ellen Burns Photography: Chip Gertzog Publicity: Chip Gertzog
Not for young children- mature themes and strong language
Thurs, Fri & Sat 7:30 p.m. March 26, 27 & 28
AUDIENCE AND CRITICAL REACTION
”The Providence Players find both delightful comedy and poignant drama in this beautifully written piece.” – DCMTA
“Skilled, seasoned actors make this beautifully written play a laugh-filled, enjoyable evening that you will be talking about for some time.Laughter in Other Desert Cities is frequent and well-earned.The Providence Players find both delightful comedy and poignant drama in this beautifully written piece. Bobby Welsh is terrific as Trip Wyeth.. Silda Grauman is played energetically and with great humor by Barbara Gertzog. The set is excellent [and the] Lighting Design by Jason Hamrick was strong. Don’t delay, and get your tickets now to Providence Players of Fairfax’s superb Other Desert Cities.” from DcMetrotheaterArts Chuck Leonard
The cast of the Providence Players production of Other Desert Cities. Photos by Chip Gertzog, Providence Players
“Am always surprised and thrilled to discover “little” local theatre productions that just rock!!! Excellent performance last night.”- Audience Member
“Wonderful theatre space, good staging, excellent acting, very interesting play.” – Audience Member
“Seriously! The script, acting, set, everything was so well done. Such a bargain for a night’s first class entertainment!” – Audience Member
“I was in VA last week-end and attended opening night of “Other Desert Cities”. Your cast did a fabulous job–the humor and pain of the Wyeth family story was beautifully presented. Your set was very bright, sunny and very Palm Springs! Thanks for an enjoyable evening in a beautiful and comfortable theatre with an accessible parking area.” – Audience Member
Don’t Miss “Other Desert Cities”: Barbara Gertzog as Silda Grauman
Recently, one of the hottest tickets on Broadway and a 2012 Tony nominee, Other Desert Citiesopens on the Providence Players stage at the James Lee Community Center Theater through March 28th. This Pulitzer Prize Finalist play by Jon Robin Baitz is a funny and smart drama filled with witty repartee that both dazzles and decimates. It is beautifully written and is full of both humorous and deeply felt moments. The New York Times called Other Desert Cities “the best new play on Broadway,” and audiences everywhere are finding it both entertaining and insightful. This witty and thought provoking family drama strikes the perfect balance between comedy and drama and has been called “smart, supremely entertaining and richly satisfying”.
Not for young children- mature themes and strong language
James Lee Community Center Theater 2855 Annandale Rd
OTHER DESERT CITIES PRODUCTION TEAM Director: Tina Thronson Producer: Mike Mattheisen Stage Manager: Michael P. Donahue Assistant Directors: Michael P. Donahue, Susan Kaplan Technical Director: Jason Hamrick Lighting Design: Jason Hamrick Set Design: John Coscia Set Construction: John Coscia Set Decoration: Ingrid David Set Painting: Craig Geoffrion Costume Design: Robbie Snow Hair and Makeup Design: Beth Harrison Properties: Beckie McNair and Julie Janson Box Office and Ticket Sales: Danine Welsh and Mike Dazé House Management: Beth Whitehead Playbill: Ellen Burns Photography: Chip Gertzog Publicity: Chip Gertzog
” The Providence Players find both delightful comedy and poignant drama in this beautifully written piece.” – DCMTA
“Am always surprised and thrilled to discover “little” local theatre productions that just rock!!! Excellent performance last night.”- Audience Member
“Wonderful theatre space, good staging, excellent acting, very interesting play.” – Audience Member
Andra Whitt (left) with Tina Thronson as daughter and mother in “Other Desert Cities”Tina Thronson (left) as Polly Weyth and Andra Whitt as Brooke Wyeth
Just Five Performances Remain
Good Seats Still Available
The Providence Players Present Other Desert Cities
By Jon Robin Baitz – Directed by Tina Thronson
James Lee Community Center Theater 2855 Annandale Rd Falls Church VA
Not for young children- mature themes and strong language
REMAINING PERFORMANCES
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. March 21, 26, 27 & 28
Final Sunday Matinee 2:00 p.m. March 22
L to R: Barbara Gertzog as Silda and Andra Whitt as Brooke in “Other Desert Cities” on stage through March 28th from the Providence Players
REVIEWS:
“Skilled, seasoned actors make this beautifully written play a laugh-filled, enjoyable evening that you will be talking about for some time.Laughter in Other Desert Cities is frequent and well-earned.The Providence Players find both delightful comedy and poignant drama in this beautifully written piece. Bobby Welsh is terrific as Trip Wyeth.. Silda Grauman is played energetically and with great humor by Barbara Gertzog. The set is excellent [and the] Lighting Design by Jason Hamrick was strong. Don’t delay, and get your tickets now to Providence Players of Fairfax’s superb Other Desert Cities.” from DcMetrotheaterArts Chuck Leonard
Tina Thronson and Bobby Welsh on Stage in the Providence Players’ “Other Desert Cities”
“Seriously! The script, acting, set, everything was so well done. Such a bargain for a night’s first class entertainment!” – Audience Member
L to R: Tina Thronson, Bobby Welsh and John Coscia in the Providence Players’ “Other Desert Cities”
“I was in VA last week-end and attended opening night of “Other Desert Cities”. Your cast did a fabulous job–the humor and pain of the Wyeth family story was beautifully presented. Your set was very bright, sunny and very Palm Springs! Thanks for an enjoyable evening in a beautiful and comfortable theatre with an accessible parking area.” – Audience Member
John Coscia as Wyeth family patriarch “Lyman”Bobby Welsh as Trip and Andra Whitt as Brooke are compelling and natural on stage in “Other Desert Cities”
Don’t Miss “Other Desert Cities”: Barbara Gertzog as Silda Grauman
Recently, one of the hottest tickets on Broadway and a 2012 Tony nominee, Other Desert Citiesopens on the Providence Players stage at the James Lee Community Center Theater through March 28th. This Pulitzer Prize Finalist play by Jon Robin Baitz is a funny and smart drama filled with witty repartee that both dazzles and decimates. It is beautifully written and is full of both humorous and deeply felt moments. The New York Times called Other Desert Cities “the best new play on Broadway,” and audiences everywhere are finding it both entertaining and insightful. This witty and thought provoking family drama strikes the perfect balance between comedy and drama and has been called “smart, supremely entertaining and richly satisfying”.
Not for young children- mature themes and strong language
REMAINING PERFORMANCES
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. March 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 & 28
Final Sunday Matinee 2:00 p.m. March 22
REVIEWS:
“Skilled, seasoned actors make this beautifully written play a laugh-filled, enjoyable evening that you will be talking about for some time.Laughter in Other Desert Cities is frequent and well-earned.The Providence Players find both delightful comedy and poignant drama in this beautifully written piece. Bobby Welsh is terrific as Trip Wyeth.. Silda Grauman is played energetically and with great humor by Barbara Gertzog. The set is excellent [and the] Lighting Design by Jason Hamrick was strong. Don’t delay, and get your tickets now to Providence Players of Fairfax’s superb Other Desert Cities.” from DcMetrotheaterArts Chuck Leonard
“Seriously! The script, acting, set, everything was so well done. Such a bargain for a night’s first class entertainment!” – Audience Member
“I was in VA last week-end and attended opening night of “Other Desert Cities”. Your cast did a fabulous job–the humor and pain of the Wyeth family story was beautifully presented. Your set was very bright, sunny and very Palm Springs! Thanks for an enjoyable evening in a beautiful and comfortable theatre with an accessible parking area.” – Audience Member
Recently, one of the hottest tickets on Broadway and a 2012 Tony nominee, Other Desert Citiesopens on the Providence Players stage at the James Lee Community Center Theater through March 28th. This Pulitzer Prize Finalist play by Jon Robin Baitz is a funny and smart drama filled with witty repartee that both dazzles and decimates. It is beautifully written and is full of both humorous and deeply felt moments. The New York Times called Other Desert Cities “the best new play on Broadway,” and audiences everywhere are finding it both entertaining and insightful. This witty and thought provoking family drama strikes the perfect balance between comedy and drama and has been called “smart, supremely entertaining and richly satisfying”.
At the James Lee Community Center Theater 2855 Annandale Rd in Falls Church, opening this Friday, May 29th, The Providence Players presents The Glass Mendacity, Maureen Morley and Tom Willmorth’s hilarious comedy parody of some of Tennessee William’s most celebrated works: The Glass Menagerie, A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. It’s Big Daddy’s birthday and the entire blended family, a comedy cocktail of characters each one more of a caricature than the last, have gathered at Belle Reve to celebrate with sweet tea, cheese balls, cards and brutish, unfettered, southern charm. The Glass Mendacity is a lampooning look into what would happen if all of Williams’ characters came face to face. If you don’t know these plays, don’t fret. The off-kilter and dysfunctional family shenanigans can be enjoyed by all!
Tickets are on sale now here
