Community Theater in Falls Church, VA
A night of music and storytelling with a holiday flair. Come join us as a group of talented singers interpret Broadway and jazz standards, classic cabaret music and holiday favorites. This special holiday show will be presented at The Italian Café, Providence Players’ favorite restaurant. A delightful evening filled with joy, music and laughter. Come sing along!
Enjoy these photos of a recent dress rehearsal. All photos by Chip Gertzog.
When Henrietta Leavitt began work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she wasn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joined a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculated projects in “girl hours” and had no time for the women’s theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempted to measure the light and distance of stars, she also had to take the measure of her own life on earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love and marriage.
This true story explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discovery, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. Social progress, like scientific progress, was difficult to envision when trapped within the constraints of society. Through their dedication and persistence, Henrietta and her female peers impacted both society and science and changed the way we understand the earth and the heavens.
Providence Players of Fairfax is:
Casting Announcement
Providence Players is casting 5 roles (4 Female and 1 Male). No roles are precast, and all roles are open. All backgrounds and ethnicities are welcome and encouraged to audition!
Download both documents: Audition Announcement and Audition Form (in word and pdf).
Audition Location
The James Lee Community Center Theater
2855 Annandale Rd.
Falls Church, VA 22042
Auditions will be held in the theater.
Audition Dates:
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday December 6, 7 and 8, 2022
Auditions begin at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 13 is dedicated to Callbacks – if required.
PLEASE RSVP to info@providenceplayers.org with the date you plan to attend.
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.
Performance Dates and Times (at the James Lee Community Crtr.)
Preview: Thursday March 16 at 7:00 pm
Evening Performances: Thurs. Fri. Sat.; March 17 – April 1 at 7:30 pm
Matinees: Sundays, March 19 and March 26 at 2:00 pm
About the Play
Time: 1900 – 1920
Settings: Leavitt Home – Wisconsin
The Harvard Observatory – office in Cambridge MA
Ocean liner – mid Atlantic
Henrietta’s home – Cambridge MA
Characters
Note: Margaret is musical – auditioners should be able to sing a hymn – and appear to play piano. For the audition, just a few bars of any popular hymn will do.
Note: Peter also needs to be able to join in a hymn so please be able to sing a few bars.
Additional Audition Information/Instructions:
Additional Rehearsal Information/Instructions:
A copy of the Theater Access Schedule for this show will be distributed at auditions. This is NOT the specific rehearsal schedule, but it will give you an idea of the commitment you are making – rehearsal space and performance – and how to identify conflicts. Unless indicated otherwise, all other 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.
About the Director: Tina Hodge Thronson
I have been an active member of the Providence Players for 25 years. Not only have I acted in numerous productions with Providence Players, but I have also had the good fortune to direct a very eclectic selection of plays. The list of plays includes Born Yesterday, Twelve Angry Men, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Dinner with Friends, Steel Magnolias, The Laramie Project, And Then There Were None and Other Desert Cities. Since I have a personal connection with astronomy and astronomers, I feel real delight at the prospect of bringing the passion and dedication of these astronomy pioneers to the stage in Silent Sky. My shows are noted for being fun to work on. I hope you will find the audition experience to be the same. Cheers, Tina.
I/We look forward to seeing you at Auditions!
Meet the incredible cast of “Cabaret Takes a Holiday.” Opens Friday, December 2! All cast photos by Chip Gertzog.
Courtney Camden is a DC based writer / actress excited to make her Providence Players debut! Recent credits include Godspell, Catch Me If You Can, Sister Act, & Clue: The Musical. She would like to thank her parents, friends, and Taylor Swift for their continued support and encouragement!
Susan R. Dye is delighted to join the fun, creative Providence Players and be given another opportunity to sing! Susan has also been heard in Pinky Swear Productions’ Singing Our Hearts Out and Songs from the Heart, American Family Choir’s Christmas in Washington and Kennedy Center Honors performances, Hexagon’s musical satires, The Arlington Players’ Pirates of Penzance, Kiss Me Kate, H.M.S. Pinafore, Cabaret, and Promises, Promises, The Montgomery Playhouse’s Dictionary, and The British Players’ Snow White, Babes in the Wood, Mother Goose, Puss in Boots, and their 40th, 47th, 50th and 52nd Old Time Music Hall.
Jennifer Levy is delighted to make her debut with Providence Players. Most recently seen in McLean Community Players’ production of The Show Must Go On, her other credits with MCP include productions of Footloose, Guys and Dolls, Oliver!, Damn Yankees, Calendar Girls, Life With Father, Children of a Lesser God and Born Yesterday. She performed in Vienna Theater Company’s productions of “A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” and “Cinderella.” For ten years, she was a featured performer in Hexagon’s annual satirical musical revue in Washington, D.C.
Dean Reichard is active in the DMV cabaret community, having conceived, directed, and performed in 16 installments of the CHAWbaret series at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop to date. Dean has performed in various showcases of the DC Cabaret Network (DCCN), including their 2022 Fringe Festival show “This Is Cabaret.” Other credits include Curtains (2019, TAP), CHESS (2015, KAT), Jekyll and Hyde: the Musical (2011, KAT), Side Show (2007, ESP), Jesus Christ Superstar (2006, SMP), a cappella group NWYT, and GMCW.
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 2016 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.
George Willis, as a 1984 graduate of West Point, distinguished himself as a “singing soldier” and created musical bonds that he maintains as a member of the local West Point Alumni Glee Club. He came to the DMV in 1993 as a performer on the Spirit of Washington. He continued as the singing server, “Biscuit Boy,” at the Springfield Silver Diner. He has performed with several theater groups over the last 20 years, (most recently in MCP’s “The Show Must Go On”)and he hopes this performance with the Providence Players will lead to many more.
Kerri Wilson is thrilled to be back on stage after transitioning to the administrative side of Theatre. Favorite past roles include Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Sonia in Godspell, and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. She would like to thank Deborah Davidson for the opportunity to be a part of Providence Players, as well as the opportunity to be born. Josie Pye and Rachel Lynde, back together again!
About the Music Director: Barbara Schelstrate
Barbara Schelstrate (Music Director) is glad to be taking a holiday with the Providence Players Cabaret! Other music-directing credits include Gilbert & Sullivan shows at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW), productions of Amahl and the Night Visitors and numerous musicals at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, the world premiere of Alice Adams at CHAW in 2016, and annual productions for an inclusive theater company, ArtStream, for which she also composes the music. Her other compositions include a one-act opera, Frigga and the Mistletoe, and a musical version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which was presented at CHAW in 2017. Ms. Schelstrate also has a singing resume, having performed with the Washington National Opera Chorus in such productions as Aida and MacBeth.
About the Director: Deborah Davidson
An actor and cabaret singer, Deborah Davidson is making her debut as a director with this show. Providence Players audiences saw her as Mattie Fae in Providence Players’ production of August: Osage County. She has written and performed in the one-woman shows With A Song in My Heart, I’m Still Here and A Sorta Cabaret at the Arts Club of Washington, the Corner Store on Capitol Hill, and the Indigo Room at the Atlas Arts Center. A Yale University Cabaret Fellow, she has appeared in many cabarets, including the Fringe Festival’s Naked Cabaret, CHAWbaret, and the D.C. Cabaret Network’s Showcase.
Local theatre appearances include 25 characters in 50 Ways, another Fringe production; Mme. Renaud in La Cage aux Folles (McLean Players); Hattie in Follies (Arlington Players); Mrs. Boyle in Prelude to a Kiss (Foundry Theatre); Gabrielle and the French Tart in Dear World (American Century Theatre) and multiple roles in The Laramie Project (Foundry Theatre) as well as lead performing roles in four Hexagon shows.
On behalf of Providence Players of Fairfax, Director Deborah Davidson is pleased to announce the cast of “Cabaret Takes a Holiday.”
A night of music and storytelling with a holiday flair. Come join us as a group of talented singers interpret Broadway and jazz standards, classic cabaret music and holiday favorites. This special holiday show will be presented as a PopUp production at The Italian Café, Providence Players’ favorite restaurant. A delightful evening, and one special family-friendly matinee, filled with joy, music and laughter. Come sing along! Tickets on sale now!
Courtney Camden*
Susan Dye*
Jennifer Levy*
Dean Reichard*
David Whitehead
George Willis*
Kerri Wilson*
Accompanist: Barbara Schelstrate*
An actor and cabaret singer, Deborah is making her debut as a director with this show. Providence Players audiences saw her as Mattie Fae in Providence Players’ production of August: Osage County. She has written and performed in the one-woman shows With A Song in My Heart, I’m Still Here and A Sorta Cabaret at the Arts Club of Washington, the Corner Store on Capitol Hill, and the Indigo Room at the Atlas Arts Center. A Yale University Cabaret Fellow, she has appeared in many cabarets, including the Fringe Festival’s Naked Cabaret, CHAWbaret, and the D.C. Cabaret Network’s Showcase.
Local theatre appearances include 25 characters in 50 Ways, another Fringe production; Mme. Renaud in La Cage aux Folles (McLean Players); Hattie in Follies (Arlington Players); Mrs. Boyle in Prelude to a Kiss (Foundry Theatre); Gabrielle and the French Tart in Dear World (American Century Theatre) and multiple roles in The Laramie Project (Foundry Theatre) as well as lead performing roles in four Hexagon shows.
DC Theater Arts Critic Linda Kinney and opening weekend audiences give rave reviews of Providence Players’ production of November, by David Mamet.
“…I enjoyed the campiness and slapstick comedy of this play…This was my first attendance at a Providence Players of Fairfax show, and I look forward to returning. Kudos to all involved for an entertaining production.” – Linda Kinney, DC Theater Arts Critic
Audiences agreed:
“…the funniest show I’ve seen at Providence Players.” ~ Long-time patron
“…Outrageously Hilarious!” – Audience member.
“Wickedly Funny!” – Audience member.
“This is the best play I’ve ever seen. Please tell everyone that seriously this is the BEST play I’ve ever seen.” ~ Opening Weekend Patron
(Read the full review by clicking the banner below)
Warning: This play contains strong language and adult content.
President Charles Smith’s chances for reelection are looking grim. It’s November in an election year, approval ratings are down, Chuck’s money’s running out, and nuclear war might be imminent. Though his staff has thrown in the towel and his wife has begun to prepare for her post-White House life, Chuck isn’t ready to give up just yet. Amidst the biggest fight of his political career, the President has to find time to pardon a couple of turkeys, saving them from the slaughter before Thanksgiving, and this simple PR event inspires Smith to risk it all in an attempt to win back public support. With Mamet’s characteristic no-holds-barred style, November is a scathingly hilarious take on the state of America today and the lengths to which people will go to win. Warning: This play contains strong language and adult content.
Enjoy these photos by Chip Gertzog.
I’m Dwight Grackle, chief of the Micmac Nation, leader of a sovereign nation and rightful heir to Nantucket Island based on a treaty signed by my trusted and honored ancestors. Then, with honeyed words, they stole it from us. A National Seashore Preserve? What’s that!?? We are one with the animals. The Micmac nation is one with the raven, the crab and the tiger beetle. I only need 25 square miles – roughly half – so, don’t get all worked up! To build a casino, an adult playground. Only 4,000 beds bringing more people in to see the birds! Who can have a problem with that?
On behalf of Providence Players of Fairfax, Director Jayne L. Victor is pleased to announce the cast of November, by David Mamet.
In this quick-moving comedy and satire, President Charles Smith’s chances for reelection are looking grim. It’s November in an election year, approval ratings are down, Chuck’s money’s running out, and nuclear war might be imminent. Though his staff has thrown in the towel and his wife has begun to prepare for her post-White House life, Chuck isn’t ready to give up just yet. Amidst the biggest fight of his political career, the President has to find time to pardon a couple of turkeys, saving them from the slaughter before Thanksgiving, and this simple PR event inspires Smith to risk it all in an attempt to win back public support. With Mamet’s characteristic no-holds-barred style, November is a scathingly hilarious take on the state of America today and the lengths to which people will go to win. Warning: This play contains strong language and adult content. Tickets on sale now!
Chuck – Michael Donahue
Archie – Matthew Randall*
Bernstein – Kat Sanchez*
Turkey Guy – David Whitehead
Dwight – Mario Font
A night of music and storytelling with a holiday flair. Come join us as a group of talented singers interpret Broadway and jazz standards, classic cabaret music and holiday favorites. This special holiday show will be presented as a PopUp production at The Italian Café, Providence Players’ favorite restaurant. A delightful evening filled with joy, music and laughter. Come sing along!
Providence Players of Fairfax is:
Casting Announcement
Providence Players is casting singers for a holiday cabaret, “Cabaret Takes A Holiday.” No roles are precast, and all roles are open. All backgrounds and ethnicities are welcome and encouraged to audition! (Must be 18 or older.)
Download both documents: Audition Announcement and Form (in word and pdf).
All those auditioning for this production, and all those cast or working as part of the production team must be vaccinated. Please have your vaccine card or photo copy available when you arrive.
Audition Dates
Callbacks are not currently planned.
PLEASE RSVP to info@providenceplayers.org
The director reserves the right to extend the audition period pending initial audition response.
Audition Location
James Lee Community Center
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
Auditions will be held in the Urbanites Room. Sign in at the front desk.
Performance Dates and Times
Evening Performances: Fri., Sat., Sun; December 2-4 and 9-11 at 8:00 pm
Matinee: Saturday, December 3 at 3:00 pm
Performance Venue
Italian Cafe
7161 Lee Hwy.
Falls Church, VA
About the Director: Deborah Davidson
An actor and cabaret singer, Deborah is making her debut as a director with this show. Providence Players audiences saw her as Mattie Fae in PP’s production of “August: Osage County.” She has written and performed in the one-woman shows “With A Song in My Heart,” “I’m Still Here” and “A Sorta Cabaret” at the Arts Club of Washington, the Corner Store on Capitol Hill, and the Indigo Room at the Atlas Arts Center. A Yale University Cabaret Fellow, she has appeared in many cabarets, including the Fringe Festival’s “Naked Cabaret,” CHAWbaret, and the D.C. Cabaret Network’s Showcase.
Local theatre appearances include 25 characters in “50 Ways,” another Fringe production; Mme. Renaud in “La Cage aux Folles” (McLean Players); Hattie in “Follies” (Arlington Players); Mrs. Boyle in “Prelude to a Kiss” (Foundry Theatre); Gabrielle and the French Tart in “Dear World” (American Century Theatre) and multiple roles in “The Laramie Project” (Foundry Theatre) as well as lead performing roles in four Hexagon shows.
From the Director, Deborah Davidson
I am thrilled and humbled to be directing Providence Players’ first-ever cabaret show. How appropriate that it’s also my first-ever directing gig! Not to worry; fortunately, Providence Players is blessed with a committed group of seasoned volunteers who will support me – and you – every step of the way. Cabaret means so much to me as a performer; unlike in a scripted show, my personality is my character. I look forward to meeting you and seeing how your personality shines through in your audition—have fun with it!
REHEARSALS: The first group rehearsal will be at James Lee Community Center in early October. You will then sign up for a one-on-one meeting with the director, to discuss song selection and patter, and sign up for individual rehearsals with the accompanist. There will be evening group rehearsals (to be announced) starting November 14, and two final evening rehearsals the week of the show, November 29-30.
Please come to auditions prepared to list any availability conflicts between now and the show. Space is provided on the audition form for this purpose.
About the Show
“Cabaret Takes A Holiday” is a cabaret show, featuring a group of talented storytellers who sing. We will celebrate “HOLIDAYS” however our singers choose to interpret that – in Act 1, we’ll start out with a group opener, then each singer will perform a set of 2-3 songs with the theme: “When I think of holidays, I think of ____.” Then in Act 2 we’ll focus on Christmas and possibly other December holiday songs. We’ll include a singalong of Christmas songs with the audience, and end with another group number.
The Saturday matinee, intended to be a holiday show for families, will be the opening number, plus (most of) the music and singalongs in Act 2. Christmasy stuff like Santa Claus, cocoa, and even more kid-friendly singalong will be added.
PLEASE NOTE this is not a pre-written show! Singers will choose their songs, in consultation with the director, and learn them on their own. (Of course, you are welcome to use songs in your current repertoire that fit with the theme—patter can make a lot of songs work!) You will sign up for individual rehearsals with the accompanist, but that time is to polish the number, not learn it. YouTube and all the other online tools are your friends.
Additional Audition Information
WHAT TO PREPARE: Please prepare 16-32 bars of a holiday song (however you envision “holiday”—see “About the Show”, above) and a brief anecdote or patter segment. Remember that cabaret is storytelling! An accompanist will be provided.
AUDITION FORM: Please ALSO COMPLETE the attached Providence Audition Form and bring it with you to the audition. 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.
We look forward to seeing you at Auditions!
directed by Jayne L. VictorDavid Mamet’s Oval Office satire depicts one day in the life of a beleaguered American commander-in-chief. It’s November in a Presidential election year, and incumbent Charles Smith’s chances for reelection are looking grim. Approval ratings are down, his money’s running out, and nuclear war might be imminent. Though his staff has thrown in the towel and his wife has begun to prepare for her post-White House life, Chuck isn’t ready to give up just yet. Amidst the biggest fight of his political career, the President has to find time to pardon a couple of turkeys — saving them from the slaughter before Thanksgiving — and this simple PR event inspires Smith to risk it all in an attempt to win back public support. With Mamet’s characteristic no-holds-barred style, November is a scathingly hilarious take on the state of America today and the lengths to which people will go to win.
Providence Players of Fairfax is:
Casting Announcement
Providence Players is casting 5 roles (gender flexible). No roles are precast, and all roles are open. All backgrounds, races and ethnicities welcome and encouraged to audition!
Download all three documents: Audition Announcement, Form (in word and pdf) and November Rehearsal Conflict Schedule.
Audition Dates
PLEASE RSVP to info@providenceplayers.org with the date you plan to attend.
Audition Location
The Italian Café
7161 Lee Highway
Falls Church, VA 22046
Please do not contact the restaurant to attain audition information.
Performance Dates and Times
Preview: October 13, Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Evening Performances: October 14 – 29, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
Matinee Performances: October 16 & 23, Sundays 2:00 p.m.
About the Director: Jayne L. Victor
Jayne L. Victor has directed many productions for Providence Players including last year’s PopUp production of The Parking Lot with co-director and spouse, Michael Donahue. She has directed mainstage productions of Auntie Mame and The Glass Mendacity. She has been seen on the Providence Players’ stage as Violet Weston in August: Osage County, Sonia in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike and other roles in Red Herring, Calendar Girls, House of Blue Leaves, Dinner With Friends, Shadowbox, and All My Sons (Washington Area Theater Community Honors/WATCH nomination).
About the Play
Place: The Oval Office
Time: Present Day
Ages for the characters from mid 40’s and up.
Additional Audition Information/Instructions:
We look forward to seeing you at Auditions!
