This Pulitzer Prize winning play is a bittersweet look at the marriages of two couples who have been friends for years. The play shifts back and forth over almost fifteen years as we meet the characters at the beginning of their relationships and later as we see the impact on both couples when one of those marriages goes sour.
Performance Dates And Times Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, & 20.
Sunday Matinees at 2:00 p.m. Apr. 7 & 14
TWO MEN , TWO WOMEN – ALL ROLES OPEN
AUDITION DATES Thursday, January 3, 7-9pm (in theater)
Friday, January 4, 7-9pm (in theater)
Monday, January 7, 7-9pm (in multi-purpose room – signs will direct you)
Wednesday, January 9, 7-9pm (for callbacks only, if needed)
LOCATION The James Lee Community Center
2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22042
(Look For Signs To Audition Room)
AUDITION INFORMATION/INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE DIRECTOR, TINA THRONSON
HOW WE WORK: 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 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 and make our auditions as relaxing and fun as possible.
AUDITION PROCESS: Auditions will consist of readings from the script – No monologue required. I would recommend that auditioners have a familiarity with the script and, if possible, have an audition partner with whom they have practiced. [If unable to bring an audition partner – no problem – I will be mixing and matching as well.]
AUDITION SIDES: Sides for the audition process will be supplied each evening.
AUDITION FORM: Resumes and headshots will be accepted, but are not required. Each auditioner will be asked to fill out a form for consideration.
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).
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION: I am looking for the way actors convey who their character is and how actors relate to other “friend[s]” onstage. I remain open to the age range I will choose for the cast – which is dependent upon who auditions and what combinations work best to serve the script. I look forward to meeting you and seeing some of your work.
Kids deliver the goods in Providence Players production
By Jackie Friedlander, Special to the Times
For the past two years, the Providence Players of Fairfax community theater have been performing “It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play,” based on the Christmas movie classic. This year, though, they are presenting “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” for their 15th anniversary holiday production. Director Beth Whitehead explained her choice by saying that the play includes 21 kids out of the 30 cast members… Read more.
ONLY THREE PERFORMANCES REMAINING – CLOSING WEEKEND
Produced in partnership with the Young Hearts Foundation
50% of the net proceeds from this production will go to fighting blood cancers and other diseases
Mayhem Ensues As the Herdman Kids Collide with Christmas
AUDIENCES AND CRITICS ALIKE HAVE LOVED THIS FUNNY, HEARTWARMING HOLIDAY CLASSIC FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
ONLY THREE PERFORMANCES REMAIN
Saturday 2:00 and 7:30, Sunday 2:00
At The James Lee Community Center Theater
2855 Annandale Rd Falls Church, VA 22042
Performance Dates and Times
Thurs, Fri and Sat Evenings 7:30 pm
December 13, 14, 15
Sat & Sun Matinees 2:00 pm
December 15, 16
Julia Exline of DCMetroTheatreArts.com says:
“With a fun plot and energetic performances, I would take the family to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever for a dose of Christmas spirit — and with proceeds going towards such a good cause, that makes it all the merrier. Wonderfully directed by Beth Whitehead, who manages to inspire great performances from a large cast – Jody Lynn Parker was fantastic as the tough Imogene Herdman, and Kyleigh Friel greatly entertaining as her wild sister, Gladys. Jennifer Owens does a fine job as the town goody-goody Alice Wendleken…the “Baby Angels,” and are perhaps the cutest thing you will see this season.” Full Review
Bob Ashby of Showbizradio.net says:
“Besides being a very enjoyable show for performers and audience, the production had a serious purpose, as half the net proceeds from the production plus the concession revenue are being donated to The Young Hearts, a local cancer charity.” Full Review
Performed in Two Acts with One Fifteen Minute Intermission – Run Time Including Intermission is 1 hour 20 Min.Always Affordable: General Admission Seating – $15
A Funny, Heartwarming Holiday Classic – For The Whole Family
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world; they lie, steal and cheat. Now they have taken over the churches’ annual Christmas pageant! The entire town has gathered in anticipation, waiting to see the Herdmans ruin Christmas – or will they? This funny, heartwarming, holiday tale has become a classic.
Great Theater for A Great Cause – Co-Produced with The Young Hearts Foundation
This special holiday production will benefit the work of an amazing group of teens who raise funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 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.
This production is underwritten, in part, by Virginia Commerce Bank
Mayhem Ensues As the Herdman Kids Collide with Christmas
AUDIENCES AND CRITICS ALIKE HAVE LOVED THIS FUNNY, HEARTWARMING HOLIDAY CLASSIC FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
FIVE MORE PERFORMANCES THRU DECEMBER 16TH
Produced in partnership with the Young Hearts Foundation
50% of the net proceeds from this production will go to fighting blood cancers and other diseases
At The James Lee Community Center Theater
2855 Annandale Rd Falls Church, VA 22042
Performance Dates and Times
Thurs, Fri and Sat Evenings 7:30 pm
December 13, 14, 15
Sat & Sun Matinees 2:00 pm
December 15, 16
Julia Exline of DCMetroTheatreArts.com says:
“With a fun plot and energetic performances, I would take the family to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever for a dose of Christmas spirit — and with proceeds going towards such a good cause, that makes it all the merrier. Wonderfully directed by Beth Whitehead, who manages to inspire great performances from a large cast – Jody Lynn Parker was fantastic as the tough Imogene Herdman, and Kyleigh Friel greatly entertaining as her wild sister, Gladys. Jennifer Owens does a fine job as the town goody-goody Alice Wendleken…the “Baby Angels,” and are perhaps the cutest thing you will see this season.” Full Review
Bob Ashby of Showbizradio.net says:
“Besides being a very enjoyable show for performers and audience, the production had a serious purpose, as half the net proceeds from the production plus the concession revenue are being donated to The Young Hearts, a local cancer charity.” Full Review
Performed in Two Acts with One Fifteen Minute Intermission – Run Time Including Intermission is 1 hour 20 Min.Always Affordable: General Admission Seating – $15
A Funny, Heartwarming Holiday Classic – For The Whole Family
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world; they lie, steal and cheat. Now they have taken over the churches’ annual Christmas pageant! The entire town has gathered in anticipation, waiting to see the Herdmans ruin Christmas – or will they? This funny, heartwarming, holiday tale has become a classic.
Great Theater for A Great Cause – Co-Produced with The Young Hearts Foundation
This special holiday production will benefit the work of an amazing group of teens who raise funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 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.
This production is underwritten, in part, by Virginia Commerce Bank
A Funny, Heartwarming Holiday Classic – For The Whole Family
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world; they lie, steal and cheat. Now they have taken over the churches’ annual Christmas pageant! The entire town has gathered in anticipation, waiting to see the Herdmans ruin Christmas – or will they? This funny, heartwarming, holiday tale has become a classic.
Great Theater for A Great Cause – Co-Produced with The Young Hearts Foundation
This special holiday production will benefit the work of an amazing group of teens who raise funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 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.
This production is underwritten, in part, by Virginia Commerce Bank
PPF is pleased to announce a change in its 15th anniversary season line-up. In April 2013, PPF will produce Dinner with Friends, by Donald Margulies.
Directed by Tina Thronson and produced by Chip Gertzog, Dinner with Friends is full of humor, warmth, and wisdom. This 2000 Pulitzer Prize winning drama is a funny yet bittersweet look at the marriages of two couples who have been friends for years and the impact on both couples when one of those marriages goes sour. Margulies’ elegant, breezy and witty dialog nourishes the audience as do his poignant insights which are deeply affecting. The New York Times called this multi-award winning work “A play for our time”. Dinner with Friends is not for young audiences. It contains mature themes and language.
PPF was unable to secure rights to August: Osage County, but will attempt to do this fine production in a future season when rights become available.
A Funny, Heartwarming Holiday Classic – For The Whole Family
The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world; they lie, steal and cheat. Now they have taken over the churches’ annual Christmas pageant! The entire town has gathered in anticipation, waiting to see the Herdmans ruin Christmas – or will they? This funny, heartwarming, holiday tale has become a classic.
Great Theater for A Great Cause – Co-Produced with The Young Hearts Foundation
This special holiday production will benefit the work of an amazing group of teens who raise funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 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.
This production is underwritten, in part, by Virginia Commerce Bank
Director Beth Whitehead is pleased to announce the cast for the holiday production, Barbara Johnson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Beth would like to thank all the talented actors who auditioned for this production and made her task of casting the show a most pleasant challenge.
The Cast includes:
Grace, Stephanie Hearne Bob, Bobby Welsh Beth, Hazel Thurston Charlie, Brendan Dure Alice, Jennifer Owens Max, Ethan Phillips Ralph, Blake Phillips Imogene, Jody Lynn Parker Leroy, Ryan Clark Claude, Diego Pedulla-Smith Olley, Jay Swallow
Gladys, Kyleigh Friel Baby Angels: Leah Hearne, Erika Friel, Matilda Lee, Katie Jaynes, Juliette Phillips David, Bryce Neuhauser Hobie, Elias Cato Elmer Hopkins, Adam Ashley
Angel Choir: Lily Bernero (Doris), Nicole Owens (Claire), Elise Welsh (Beverly) Mrs. Armstrong, Julie Bratton Mrs. McCarthy, Nanci Pedulla Mrs. Slocum, Libbey Eads
Reverend Hopkins, Dave Schwartz, Michael Ehrlich & Mike McLaughlin
Fireman, Mike Donahue
In Fairfax/Falls Church – Friday and Sat at 7:30 PM – Last Two Performances: “You Can’t Take It With You” at The James Lee Community Center Theater 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church 22042.
“You Can’t Take It With You” – The comedy classic from The Providence Players. A brilliant, warm-hearted and critically–acclaimed comedy that is one of America’s best. Join Grandpa and his good-natured, though eccentric, family as they meet the stuffy and more conservative Kirbys – nothing but hilarity ensues. This revival of PPF’s very first production is a Pulitzer Prize winner and tremendous fun for all ages!
Single Show Tickets Online, By Email, By Phone or At The Box Office
Last Chance For Season Tickets: online at www.providenceplayers.org and at the door. The Nov 3rd performance will be sign language interpreted.
Audiences Love This Production!
Here is What the Critics Are Saying
”…the cast brought great energy to each scene and elicited laughter at the right moments throughout the evening.”
“Bennett simply commands the stage from the first light cue.”
“…Standout performances included John Coscia as the laid-back grandfather, and Sara Evans Bennett as the enthusiastic Penny.”
“…Four actress pillars — [Katie Brown, Beth Hughes-Brown, Sara Evans Bennett and Andra Whitt] form the sparkling foundation of this farce, confections for every sense…”
[Patrick David] “…succeeded especially in presenting Mr. Kirby as someone with depth and humor, although dominated by propriety and business sense. This capturing of a rather nuanced personality becomes important when Kirby ultimately relents from his stubbornness and stifled behavior.”
“…an extravagantly detailed set (overseen by design/construction genius John Coscia) — its unveiling set to a thoughtful soundtrack engineered by [Barbara Gertzog] that invites pre-show audience engagement. Contributing to the cozy clutter of the “Can’t Take It” residence — partly decorated by Coscia’s wife, Lisa Church…”
[The timeless themes of this Pulitzer Prize Winning play] “…are upstaged by sheer levity wrought by director [Chip] Gertzog both on- and offstage. He squeezes each laugh line and pratfall for full reward… For those who can’t take it anymore, for the love of theater, go”
More From The Critics
…”the cast brought great energy to each scene and elicited laughter at the right moments throughout the evening. A vibrant and intricately detailed set further enhanced my impressions of PPF’s strong début.”…[Andra Whitt effectively channeled] “awkward and ditsy humor, perfect for the role of Essie Carmichael. [Patrick David] “…succeeded especially in presenting Mr. Kirby as someone with depth and humor, although dominated by propriety and business sense. This capturing of a rather nuanced personality becomes important when Kirby ultimately relents from his stubbornness and stifled behavior.” [The production team] “…more than held their own in making this production a successful début for PPF’s 15th season.” –by Adam Sylvain www.showbizradio.net
“…Standout performances included John Coscia as the laid-back grandfather, and Sara Evans Bennett as the enthusiastic Penny. Christopher Swartz also did a fine job as Tony…John Coscia designed and constructed a set that resembles the interior of a lived-in home, complete with mismatched furniture, cluttered antiques, and a hodge-podge of assorted knick-knacks and trinkets. The result is not unlike walking into your grandmother’s sitting room. Sound Designers Chip and Barbara Gertzog use old-time music to help reflect the 1930s, as well as sound effects, including explosives and a coo-coo clock, and Technical Director Sarah Mournighan keeps the stage well-lit… Another way the era is seen is through costumes by Robbie Snow, …. You Can’t Take it With You will deliver a wonderful evening of entertainment.” -by Julia Exline, DC Metro Theater Arts www.dcmetrotheaterarts.com
“…Four actress pillars — [Katie Brown, Beth Hughes-Brown, Sara Evans Bennett and Andra Whitt] form the sparkling foundation of this farce, confections for ever sense…One constant of PPF shows is that you can count on an extravagantly detailed set (overseen by design/construction genius John Coscia) — its unveiling set to a thoughtful soundtrack engineered by [Barbara Gertzog] that invites pre-show audience engagement. Contributing to the cozy clutter of the “Can’t Take It” residence — partly decorated by Coscia’s wife, Lisa Church, who last lended her expert touch for the 1998 blast-off production — are no fewer than 20 framed art pieces, a bulging curio cabinet, four implied rooms, three implied levels, ornate antiques, a radiator and clocks, namely a grandfather and a working cuckoo — befitting the Vanderhof/Sycamore household whose zany inhabitants dance and dally as if possessed. Strains of the pre-show “Pennies From Heaven” segue into our introduction to Evans Bennett’s Penny, who underscores the show’s comedic cadence, while Essie’s flitting-about creates a rhythmic visual tapestry, even with no music (that we can hear). Though she plays a delusional dancer, Whitt raises the bar(re) with unmatched artistry. And Evans Bennett simply commands the stage from the first light cue.” [The timeless themes of this Pulitzer Prize Winning play] “…are upstaged by sheer levity wrought by director [Chip] Gertzog both on- and offstage. He squeezes each laugh line and pratfall for full reward… For those who can’t take it anymore, for the love of theater, go” by Terryism on the “T IS 4 Theatre” Blog http://tis4theatre.wordpress.com/2012/10/21/you-cant-take-it-with-you-taking-wall-street-by-laughter
Good Seats Still Available For Final Three Performances: Thurs, Fri, Sat at 7:30 PM
“You Can’t Take It With You” – The comedy classic from The Providence Players. A brilliant, warm-hearted and critically–acclaimed comedy that is one of America’s best. Join Grandpa and his good-natured, though eccentric, family as they meet the stuffy and more conservative Kirbys – nothing but hilarity ensues. This revival of PPF’s very first production is a Pulitzer Prize winner and tremendous fun for all ages!
Final Three Performances at The James Lee Community Center Theater 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church 22042.
Single Show Tickets Online, By Email, By Phone or At The Box Office
Last Chance For Season Tickets: online at www.providenceplayers.org and at the door. The Nov 3rd performance will be sign language interpreted.
Final Performance Dates And Times Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
November 1, 2 & 3
Final Three Perfromances
What the Critics Are Saying
”…the cast brought great energy to each scene and elicited laughter at the right moments throughout the evening.”
“Bennett simply commands the stage from the first light cue.”
“…Standout performances included John Coscia as the laid-back grandfather, and Sara Evans Bennett as the enthusiastic Penny.”
“…Four actress pillars — [Katie Brown, Beth Hughes-Brown, Sara Evans Bennett and Andra Whitt] form the sparkling foundation of this farce, confections for every sense…”
[Patrick David] “…succeeded especially in presenting Mr. Kirby as someone with depth and humor, although dominated by propriety and business sense. This capturing of a rather nuanced personality becomes important when Kirby ultimately relents from his stubbornness and stifled behavior.”
“…an extravagantly detailed set (overseen by design/construction genius John Coscia) — its unveiling set to a thoughtful soundtrack engineered by [Barbara Gertzog] that invites pre-show audience engagement. Contributing to the cozy clutter of the “Can’t Take It” residence — partly decorated by Coscia’s wife, Lisa Church…”
[The timeless themes of this Pulitzer Prize Winning play] “…are upstaged by sheer levity wrought by director [Chip] Gertzog both on- and offstage. He squeezes each laugh line and pratfall for full reward… For those who can’t take it anymore, for the love of theater, go”
More From The Critics
…”the cast brought great energy to each scene and elicited laughter at the right moments throughout the evening. A vibrant and intricately detailed set further enhanced my impressions of PPF’s strong début.”…[Andra Whitt effectively channeled] “awkward and ditsy humor, perfect for the role of Essie Carmichael. [Patrick David] “…succeeded especially in presenting Mr. Kirby as someone with depth and humor, although dominated by propriety and business sense. This capturing of a rather nuanced personality becomes important when Kirby ultimately relents from his stubbornness and stifled behavior.” [The production team] “…more than held their own in making this production a successful début for PPF’s 15th season.” –by Adam Sylvain www.showbizradio.net
“…Standout performances included John Coscia as the laid-back grandfather, and Sara Evans Bennett as the enthusiastic Penny. Christopher Swartz also did a fine job as Tony…John Coscia designed and constructed a set that resembles the interior of a lived-in home, complete with mismatched furniture, cluttered antiques, and a hodge-podge of assorted knick-knacks and trinkets. The result is not unlike walking into your grandmother’s sitting room. Sound Designers Chip and Barbara Gertzog use old-time music to help reflect the 1930s, as well as sound effects, including explosives and a coo-coo clock, and Technical Director Sarah Mournighan keeps the stage well-lit… Another way the era is seen is through costumes by Robbie Snow, …. You Can’t Take it With You will deliver a wonderful evening of entertainment.” -by Julia Exline, DC Metro Theater Arts www.dcmetrotheaterarts.com
“…Four actress pillars — [Katie Brown, Beth Hughes-Brown, Sara Evans Bennett and Andra Whitt] form the sparkling foundation of this farce, confections for ever sense…One constant of PPF shows is that you can count on an extravagantly detailed set (overseen by design/construction genius John Coscia) — its unveiling set to a thoughtful soundtrack engineered by [Barbara Gertzog] that invites pre-show audience engagement. Contributing to the cozy clutter of the “Can’t Take It” residence — partly decorated by Coscia’s wife, Lisa Church, who last lended her expert touch for the 1998 blast-off production — are no fewer than 20 framed art pieces, a bulging curio cabinet, four implied rooms, three implied levels, ornate antiques, a radiator and clocks, namely a grandfather and a working cuckoo — befitting the Vanderhof/Sycamore household whose zany inhabitants dance and dally as if possessed. Strains of the pre-show “Pennies From Heaven” segue into our introduction to Evans Bennett’s Penny, who underscores the show’s comedic cadence, while Essie’s flitting-about creates a rhythmic visual tapestry, even with no music (that we can hear). Though she plays a delusional dancer, Whitt raises the bar(re) with unmatched artistry. And Evans Bennett simply commands the stage from the first light cue.” [The timeless themes of this Pulitzer Prize Winning play] “…are upstaged by sheer levity wrought by director [Chip] Gertzog both on- and offstage. He squeezes each laugh line and pratfall for full reward… For those who can’t take it anymore, for the love of theater, go” by Terryism on the “T IS 4 Theatre” Blog http://tis4theatre.wordpress.com/2012/10/21/you-cant-take-it-with-you-taking-wall-street-by-laughter/
