Providence Players of Fairfax

Director Beth Hughes Brown is proud to announce the cast for Play On!, PPF’s final production of the 2010-2011 season.

Henry:  Patrick David
Billy:  Will MacLeod
Violet:  Katie Brown
Polly:  Beth Gilles-Whitehead
Saul:  Craig Geoffrion
Aggie:  Lindsay Williams
Gerry:  Matt Ames
Phyllis:  Cheryl Sinsabaugh
Smitty:  Caity Brown
Louise:  Chelsea Megli
Maggie:  Smitty Connolly

Providence Players of Fairfax announces open auditions for “Play On!”
by Rick Abbot
Directed by Beth Hughes-Brown

Audition Dates/Process/Additional Information

Tuesday, February 15, 7-9:30pm
Wednesday, February 16, 7-9:30pm
Thursday, February 17, 7-9:30 pm (call backs)

• Please prepare a 2-3 minute comedic monologue.  This is strongly encouraged, but not required. 
• Auditions will also consist of cold readings from the script. 
• No roles are pre-cast. 
• Audition sides will be provided at the auditions.
• Resumes and headshots are not required, but are welcomed. Forms will be available at the time of the auditions for personal and contact information.
• The Providence Players welcomes both experienced and inexperienced actors. We try and make our auditions as relaxing and fun as possible.
• If cast, actors will be asked to become Providence Players members ($10).

Audition Location
The James Lee Community Center
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22042

From the Director
Play On! is a hilarious story of a theater group trying desperately to put on a play in spite of maddening interference from a haughty author/ess who keeps revising the script.  Act I is a rehearsal of the dreadful show, Act II is the near disastrous dress rehearsal, and the final act is the actual performance in which anything that can go wrong does.  When the authoress decides to give a speech on the state of the modern theatre during the curtain calls, the audience is treated to a madcap climax to a thoroughly hilarious romp.  Even the sound effects reap their share of laughter. [Courtesy of Samuel French.com]

Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
May 27, 28, Jun. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m. May 29 & Jun. 5

Play On! Character Summary

Aggie Manville – a stage manager and prompter – any age
Geraldine/Gerry Dunbar – a director – over 30 years old
Louise/Louie Perry – an overworked sound, light, and sound technician – any age
Phyllis/Phil Montague – a somewhat eccentric novice playwright – between 42 and 57
Henry Benish (Lord Dudley) – Leading man – mid 50’s
Polly Benish (Lady Margaret) – A “diva” somewhat concerned and teased about her weight – mid 50’s
Marla “Smitty” Smith (Doris the maid) – pretty but awkward – quite young
Saul Watson (Dr. Rex Forbes – the villain) – 45-50 years old
Billy Carewe (Stephen Sellers) – future leading man – looks 25-35
Violet Imbry (Diana Lassiter- an Ingénue) – looks 25-35

Washington Area Theatre Community Honors (WATCH) announced nominations for 2010.  PPF received six (6) nominations and we are extremely proud of those nominated and everyone involved in the productions that warranted this type of recognition.  Those nominated include:

• John Coscia – Featured Actor in a Play – for his roles as “Sgt. Hing, Doc O’Connor, Dr. Cantway, Fred Phelps, and Dennis Sheppard” in The Laramie Project
• Erin Finucane – Outstanding Cameo in a Play – for her role as “Amber” in Big Tree Falls
• Beth Hughes-Brown – Outstanding Cameo in a Play – for her role as “Olive” in Big Tree Falls
• Cheryl Sinsabaugh – Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play – for her role as “Deirdre” in Waiting in the Wings
• Robbie Snow – Outstanding Costume Design in a Play – for Waiting in the Wings
• Addie Storvick – Outstanding Cameo in a Play – for her role as “Sherri” in Big Tree Falls

In addition, other PPF members were nominated for their efforts with other community theaters in the region:

• Jason Damaso – Outstanding Cameo in a Play – for his role as “Waiter” in Damascus Theatre Company’s production of She Loves Me
• Susan Devine – Outstanding Direction of a Musical, for Little Theatre of Alexandria’s production of Chicago
  
• Robin Zerbe – Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play – for her role as “Thelma” in Reston Community Players’ production of Trip to Bountiful

The award ceremony will take place Sunday, March 6, at The Birchmere in Alexandria.   Our congratulations to all the nominees.

In the fall of each season, the Board of Directors hosts a series of playreading events to help it discern and get input on shows it should consider.  Members enjoy the chance to “act out” at these events, read great scripts, and give input on possible produdctions for future seasons.  These are wonderful social gatherings with a very useful purpose.

Learn how and become a member of Providence Players! Then join us for a future member events.  Be sure to check back for “News” and other ways to volunteer and get involved.

Enjoy some of the photos from the event, taken by Sharon Roslund:

“Yearning for inspirational family entertainment is timeless. During the Holidays well-known classics light up the cold nights.  The Providence Players of Fairfax are performing a stage adaptation of a beloved Christmas movie classic recreating a mythical time and place, Christmas Eve 1946. Deep within the mind’s eye, the journey of a man grappling to find a reason to live may well appear as “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play” unfolds.”

To read the rest of the story by David Siegal, see the online version of the article.

Providence Players is pleased to announce the cast of The Shadow Box.

From Barbara Gertzog, the director: “Auditions were amazing and there were a lot of talented, wonderful people who gave their time and creative energy to the experience. Thanks to all who came out!” 

Cottage One

Joe: John Coscia
Maggie: Jayne Victor
Steven: TBD

Cottage Two

Beverly: Sara Bennett
Brian: David James
Mark: Andy Izquierdo

Cottage Three

Agnes: Leta Hall
Felicity: Mona Kay Helper

Interviewer: Chip Gertzog

It’s no secret that It’s a Wonderful Life is one of America’s holiday favorites.  PPF is proud to bring this unique adaptation of Capra’s movie to the stage on December 10. 

“Brian O’Connor has done a terrific job staging this ‘radio play’ version, and it has been a richly creative and wonderful rehearsal process,” says David Whitehead, the actor playing George Bailey. 

Here are photos from one of this week’s dress reheasals.  For more photos and a complete cast and production team list, visit the It’s a Wonderful Life show page.

Read the recent article in the Falls Church News-Press.

Each production, PPF hosts a special free preview performance for students and their guests, including teachers.  This special preview of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Thursday, December 9 will start at 7pm.  No reservations are required and seating is first come, first served. Hope you can join us!  For dates and information on student preview performances for future shows, free tickets and other community resources, please visit our community resources page.

Download the flyer and share with other students and teachers – its free!

Providence Players of Fairfax announces open auditions for
“The Shadow Box” by Michael Cristofer
Directed by Barbara Gertzog

Casting:  3 Male, 4 Female, 1 Male or Female and 1 Male Teenager (some guitar playing experience desired for this role)
All Open

Audition Dates/Process/Additional Information

Monday, November 29, 7-9:30pm
Tuesday, November 30, 7-9:30pm
Wednesday, December 1 7-9:30 pm*

*This date may be used for some call backs as well as initial auditions. The director will not necessarily call back all of those who are being considered for roles.

• Auditions will consist of readings from the scripts in various combinations of actors.
• Please plan on reading more than once. If you would like (and are able) you may audition more than one evening.  Although, depending on the number of auditioners, the Director may have to limit the number of repeat auditioners somewhat and will try and communicate that each evening of auditions.
• Audition sides will be provided at the auditions. They are posted here if you wish to see the sides in advance of the auditions.  
• No monologue or other pre-prepared audition piece is required.
• Resumes and headshots are not required, but are welcomed. Forms will be available at the time of the auditions for personal and contact information. If you would like to complete the form in advance, you may download it from the website.
• The Providence Players welcomes both experienced and inexperienced actors. We try and make our auditions as relaxing and fun as possible.
• If cast, actors will be asked to become Providence Players members ($10).
• Email the Director, Barbara Gertzog, at bgertzog@cox.net with any questions about the production or auditions.
• If you plan on attending auditions, please RSVP to providenceplayers@cox.net to let us know you are coming and which evening(s).

Audition Location
The James Lee Community Center
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22042
Please Look For Signs To Direct You To The Room That Auditions Will Be Held in Each Evening.

From the Director
The Shadow Box takes place in three cottages on the grounds of a large hospital.  It concerns one day in the life of three families, all of whom have a family member who is terminally ill.  The play follows the patients as they deal with the reality of their illnesses and their relationships with their loved ones who try to caretake and deal with their emotions at the same time.  All three of the families have large regrets that they confront over the course of the day as well as a great deal of love and moments of joy and acceptance and enjoyment in being together.  Although the three families will inhabit the same space, and one cottage will represent all three, they do not interact as characters but there are periods of dialogue that overlap between the three family groups. Those moments in the play have great emotional impact.

The Shadow Box has unusually challenging and exciting roles for actors to undertake; the characters go through transformations, revelations, and there are profane and very funny moments. The play also can be sad due to its theme but the language and relationships between characters guard against bathos and overwrought “scenery chewing”. The play is too well written for the characters to be obvious in that manner. The play is also exciting for actors because all of the roles are “major” roles that will require you to fully embrace your character and your craft.  Finally the play lends itself to substantial collaboration between actors within their families and the director as the character and relationships take shape.

General Rehearsal Schedule
Intensive rehearsals in the theater will take place in the month of March. Due to the limited theater time before April 2nd opening, the rehearsal schedule will be all consuming in that month and it will be necessary for all actors to be available as much as possible. In addition, during January and February there will be rehearsals scheduled in other venues, such as the director’s home. These rehearsals will be scheduled following casting. Fortunately the rehearsals can be divided into the three family groups initially which will be more efficient and productive for the actors.  Due to the size of the roles and importance of character above plot and action, it will be expected that the actors will be “off book” prior to March rehearsals in the theater.

Performance Dates And Times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16
Sunday Matinees 2:00 p.m. Apr. 3 & 10

The Shadow Box Character Summary

Cottage One

Joe (age 40’s-50’s- lead role), Joe is a working man from the Northeast.  Strong, but gentle family man, very close to his son, Steve. Joe is relatively inarticulate about his own feelings toward his illness.  All of his emotion is focused on his family.  He is very worried about his wife’s acceptance of his terminal illness and how they will share this news with their son.  Joe has no visible signs of illness or infirmity.

Steve (can act, look 14 to 16 yrs- featured role).  Actor should be able to play the guitar, but doesn’t need to play well, just chords and strumming as he is practicing a song during the play.  Steve has a mix of emotions, he is excited to be visiting his father, is perplexed by his mother’s erratic behavior and this role involves interacting with his parents during this visit to his father’s cottage.

Maggie (age 40’s-50’s-lead role).  Maggie is a complex character, primarily a loving wife and mother, funny and warm, but wraps it up in a no nonsense, bossy demeanor as she comes for a visit to the cottage.  But Maggie is very conflicted and has not accepted the terminal nature of her husband’s illness.  She would like everything to be back to normal.  She also bears the burden of not having told their son about the severity of his father’s illness.  Also from the Northeast.

Cottage Two

Brian (age 40’s-50’s- lead role)  Brian is a cerebral, literate man who is trying to reason his way through acceptance of his terminal illness.  He generally keeps his tone light, but erudite, and his emotions in check.  He is surprised and moved by a visit from his ex-wife who has always been more emotional, spontaneous, physical.  He has to manage the hostility between his partner Mark and his ex-wife, Beverly.  Brian has no obvious signs of illness except for tremors until the end of the play when he faints; the character also has a dancing sequence with Beverly

Mark (age 30’s-40’s- lead role) Mark is very good looking.  He is Brian’s caretaker and lover.  Mark is dealing with his emotions about Brian’s illness by pretending that he doesn’t have any.  He has a great deal of conflict with Beverly who tries to make him confront his fears and, as a result, be a better, more loving caretaker to Brian.

Beverly (age 40’s-50- lead role) Beverly is Brian’s ex-wife, she is funny, full of life and fun, profane, sarcastic, prone to dancing and discussing her love life.  Her brittle humor masks her love and concern for Brian.  She is also someone who goads Mark and her scenes involve conflict with Mark and quick witted humorous interactions with Brian.  Beverly is a life force, with an edge.  Beverly is responsible for a lot of humor in the play.

Cottage Three

Felicity (ages 60’s-70’s- lead/featured role) Felicity is the character most obviously impacted by her illness.  She is blind and in a wheelchair. She is an earthy, feisty, take no prisoner old lady who morphs from quick witted, no nonsense acceptance and lucidity to confused rambling due to her pain and illness.  She often challenges her daughter and caretaker, Agnes.

Agnes (ages 40’s-50″s- lead role) Agnes is a repressed, restrained woman who is devoted to her mother but often frustrated by her behavior.  She has been under a lot of tension as her mother’s illness has been protracted. She is also concealing a secret that is revealed during the play.  Agnes is a character who surprises with her passion and representation of the challenges of being a caretaker for a parent.

Interviewer (featured role) Usually played off stage by a male, in this play the interviewer will likely be both off and on stage and acting as a counselor. Can be male or female, age range undetermined, but likely best to be 40’s or older. The Interviewer interacts primarily with the patients, Joe, Brian, and Felicity, but has some scenes with the caretakers as well.  Interviewer is generally empathetic but can seem detached and clinical at times as well.  Interviewer is present throughout the play and it is a large featured role.

Providence Players of Fairfax (PPF)  is looking for talented individuals who are interested in directing.  PPF is now accepting applications for directors for its 2011-2012 mainstage season.  If you are a qualified director (have directed professionally or community theater productions in the area) and wish to be considered for a mainstage production, please read the Call for Directors information and submit the director interest form by the deadline, December 31. 

Make sure you check out our volunteer opportunities page for other ways to get involved with Providence Players.