Wednesday, December 31, 2008

STOMP storms back to Sacramento


Except for the human voice, drumming is no doubt our most fundamental form of expression. It finds perhaps its most eloquent vehicle in STOMP, which uses everything from a box of matches to inflated truck tires as it pulls us in to a percussive dynamo, returning and renewed on the Sacramento stage. In its wordless yet funny celebration of the world’s working people, whose sweat and dirty hands bring us civilization, it draws us into the action, clapping our hands to signals from the cast.

The spirit of the show is reflected by an abstract set mirroring an oily shop, its two levels glittering with metal objects and a suggestion of oil drums. The uninterrupted action, from juggling to synchronized clanging, goes on for an hour and forty-five minutes, performed by eight out of a listed cast of twelve in sometimes threadbare work clothes.

Created and directed by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, STOMP continues through January 4 at the Sacramento Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street. For a detailed review, including time and ticket information, see today’s issue of the El Dorado Hills newspaper Village Life, or click the title of this post.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Opportunities for young performers at EDMT

Here are the audition schedules for two upcoming shows by El Dorado Hills Musical Theatre. With highly professional and skilled support by an adult staff, EDMT has proved over and over again that kids, properly coached, trained and inspired by a dedicated staff and enthusiastic parents can produce wonders that rival Broadway.

Maxwell Detective Agency
Training Show for ages 5-9
Online Registration: opens Jan 2nd at 8:00 pm and closes Jan 8th at 8:00 pm
Auditions: Saturday, Jan 10 at 9:00 am
Where: EDMT rehearsal facility at 5011 Golden Foothill Pkwy, Suite 4, El Dorado Hills
Cost of Tuition: $150
Link for detailed information: http://www.edmt.info/Maxwell/Maxwell.html

High School Musical 2
Main Stage show for ages 10-20
Online Registration: opens Jan 12th at 8:00 pm and closes Jan 21st at 8:00 pm
Auditions: Saturday, Jan 24 at 9:00 am
Where: EDMT rehearsal facility at 5011 Golden Foothill Pkwy, Suite 4, El Dorado Hills
Cost: Tuition $295, Raffle $100, Refundable Deposit $75
Link for detailed information: http://www.edmt.info/HSM2/HSM2.html

AUGUST WILSON CELEBRATED WITH 10 YEAR COMMITMENT FROM STC

Artistic Director Peggy Shannon announces STC's ten-year committment to present all of August Wilson's plays over the next ten years, and in chronological order. “His artistic voice," she says, "helped to define the American Theatre of the 20th century and will serve as a bright light throughout the 21st century." STC will thus become the first professional theater in the country to make such a committment.
Adds Managing Director Mark Standriff, “August Wilson is one of the greatest playwrights in theatre history and deserves to have the kind of celebration usually reserved for Shakespeare, Shaw, and O'Neill." Wilson undertook the task of chronicalling the African-American experience in the United States. He is the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Fences, The Piano Lesson, King Hedley II, Ma Rainy's Black Bottom, Joe Turner's Come and Gone, Seven Guitars, Two Trains Running, Jitney and Radio Golf. His plays have been produced all over the world.
This daunting project begins with the first play of August Wilson’s groundbreaking ten-play Pittsburgh Cycle, chronicling the African-American experience through each decade of the 1900s. "Gem of the Ocean," the first play in the cycle, is set against the legacy of emancipation in 1904 Pittsburgh, where the legendary Aunt Esther, the drama's fiery matriarch, welcomes into her Hill District home Solly Two Kings, who was born into slavery and scouted for the Union Army, and Citizen Barlow, a young man from Alabama searching for a new life.
For more information on STC’s 2008-2009 season visit http://www.sactheatre.org/. For ticket information call the Wells Fargo Box Office at 916-443-6722 or toll free at 888-4-STC-TIX.

News from IT

Two news notes are now available on the blog of our IT Insiders: about the passing of the coposer of Man of La Mancha and the least favorite Christmas song. To get the details, go to our "followers" list (on right) and click the second icon from right on the lower line.

Monday, December 29, 2008

New Workshops at Stage Nine

Two new workshops are scheduled at Stage Nine in Historic Folsom:

Little Thespians Workshop for ages 7-10
Saturdays - 9:00am - 10:00am starting Jan. 3
$60 per month for 4-5 sessions a month (no charge for first session)
Students will be taught acting skills through theatre games and improvisation techniques.

Scene Study & Improvisation Workshop for ages 10-14
Saturdays - 10:30am - 12:30pm starting Jan. 3
$80 per month for 4-5 session per month (no charge for first session)
Students will learn acting techniques by working on scenes and through improvisation games.
Workshops will be held at the
Stage Nine Theatre
715 Sutter Street
(916) 646-9459
For more details click the title of this post.

Friday, December 26, 2008

To Harold Pinter: Maestro of the Inarticulate

With a strange sense of personal loss, I just read an obituary for Harold Pinter, one of England’s preeminent modern playwrights, who died on Christmas Eve. More years ago than I care to count, I directed his one-act masterpiece, “The Dumbwaiter,” during a six-month project in London.

To find out how English actors and directors learn their craft, I signed up for a semester at Studio 68, a London school for theater professionals. Curiously, our imperious artistic director, Robert Henderson, an American, was also a personal friend of Pinter’s. He assigned me to direct Pinter’s one-act masterpiece, “The Dumbwaiter,” for a downtown production and cast two of his students in the two roles.

The absurdist story captures Pinter’s lifelong pacifism. In a claustrophobic bedroom two assassins wait to receive orders, delivered on a dumbwaiter, from their mysterious leader. The orders tell them whom they’re supposed to kill next. Henderson gave us one supreme commandment: “When the script says ‘pause,’ you pause; when it does not say 'pause,' you don’t pause.” He insisted that the commandment came from Pinter himself (almost as if delivered via dumbwaiter).

Pinter’s style, now dubbed “Pinter-esque,” features pregnant pauses but is also marked by monosyllabic and repetitious lines that an audience has to read between. The effect bypasses language to get into the minds of Pinter’s characters. Thus Pinter dialogue becomes the poor-man’s eloquence.

My two actors and I faced the challenge bravely. At first I hammered on Henderson’s demand about pausing, but soon the actors rebelled. It was hard enough, they said, to learn the peculiar lines. But learning the pauses was damn near impossible. Fortunately our production, pauses be damned, came off, even drawing a favorable review from our lone newspaper critic, who liked everything except the set.

So as a tribute to one of the last century’s most influential playwrights, I submit that his creation has been great enough to survive what we did to one of his gems.

D-dawg

Friday, December 19, 2008

News from Garbeau's


On December 15 we passed along information that prices were going up at Garbeau's. We now have some happy news. Prices are going down; also you can support the Make-A-Wish Foundation while enjoying dinner and a show.

"In conjunction with the many gift cards and Flex Tickets, we look forward to seeing more people return this upcoming year. We are lowering our prices in 2009 as an invitation to those who are mindful of finances. (Please note that the quoted savings for Flex Tickets already took into consideration the new prices). If you are skipping dinner and joining us for the show only, a seat on the main floor will only cost $23.50. If you are joining us for dinner (or lunch), the same seat will cost only $21.50. Children remain at $12 and students can get in for only $15 (regardless of the section in which they are seated)."


* * * *


A New Year’s Wish at Garbeau’s
Second Annual Benefit for the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Enjoy a four-course meal followed by a 7:30 p.m. production of My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra. A faux countdown and toast will take place at 10 p.m. for those who want an early night. For those staying, BBC: A Beatles Tribute Band will takes stage from 10:30 p.m. through the early morning hours of 2009. Wha't more, 100% of proceeds are donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Prices include everything except bar purchases and tip: $115 Full Package (Dinner, My Way, Beatles); $80 Early Evening Package (Dinner, My Way); $45 Countdown Package (Beatles only). You can find information by clicking the title of this post or by calling (916) 985-6361 for tickets and reservations. Garbeau's is located at Hwy. 50 and Hazel, 12401 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova, CA 95742.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Winnie-the-Pooh with a tale about a tail

From left: Leora Mazumdar, Tristan Bonds, Olivia Kaufmann, Julia Adams, Carly Speno.

If you’re near Old Folsom during the holiday season, do make it a point to see “A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail” at Stage Nine, especially if you bring children from toddlers on up. The beloved characters created by A.A. Milne find new adventures in a charming musical by Carol Weiss, but get reservations fast. The one-hour show is playing to sell-out houses.

Set in a mountain forest, the Christmas story revolves around a dejected donkey named Eeyore, who can’t get into the holiday spirit, even before he finds that his tail is missing. But he’s surrounded by loving animal friends, almost like a family, who help him search for the missing body part. They also exchange simple gifts, including a broken balloon and an empty honey pot.

Played on an eye-catching set by performers in a delightful parade of colorful costumes, what distinguishes the show is the cast. All youngsters from the teens on down to eleven, they sing and act like seasoned pros, with poise and spot-on comic timing. And they’re adorable. You have a hard time resisting an impulse to jump up on stage and hug them all, including Tigger the tiger.

Call (916) 353-1001 for reservations and tickets, or click the title of this post for a detailed review and more information in the El Dorado Hills newspaper Village Life. Or you can visit Stage Nine at http://www.stageninefolsom.com/.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

La Pastorela at STC: a Latin-American Xmas play


Diablon (Ryan Neilsen), leader of the devils




Like every fine restaurant, every successful theater company has its niche. For theaters the master chef is usually the artistic director. And for the Sacramento Theatre Company that someone is Artistic Director Peggy Shannon, and her specialty is a loving emphasis on the many cultural streams that converge into the unique character of these United States of America.

Most often expressed on the intimate Pollack Stage, that emphasis is currently seen in Edgar Sanchez’s “La Pastorela” (The Shepherd). Adapted for the American stage by Jessica Goldman and Barbara Lynn, the play is an example of a genre popular in Latin America. Often performed in churches by working class actors, las pastorelas are nativity plays where shepherds protect the holy trinity and where good and evil are at war.

The action takes place in Bethlehem where winged angels in diaphanous white gowns rebuff devils in terrifying red masks and do battle over the infant and his parents. Most of the cast are drawn from STC’s Young Professionals Conservatory and the Ensemble for kids and teens.

The youngsters overflow with verve, “amateurish” in the best sense, with a naïve passion for their work. Though drawn from a Latino source the play recalls the medieval mystery and morality plays performed in marketplaces by members of various tradesman guilds–and caricatured by Shakespeare in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Yet there is something endearing about “LaPastorela.” From the beginning we sense its inclusiveness when we’re invited to step outside before the action begins and observe the actors in a procession onto the stage. There we see shepherds in simple dress led by the pious hermit (Gabriel Catabran) in a big-headed mask resembling Mark Twain. We also meet a colorfully costumed Rooster (Shermanika Freeman), Snake (Hannah O’Bryan) and Owl (Patrick Claypool).

A lazy and ever-hungry Bartolo (Kelly Walker) brings comic relief among the earnest shepherds, while artful battles between angels and devils are choreographed by Jaron Aviv. The musical choreographer is Tayler Anderson.

The scene and costume design come from Michael Peters. Among the most arresting effects are a giant dummy, or puppet, playing “Dios Padre,” or God the Father, and manipulated by a black-cloaked Veronica Grey. Ryan Neilsen leads a team of devils and Margharita Viniguerra leads the band of angels.

Sanchez, director as well as Playwright, composed much of the music. Cynthia Llano Faulkner leads a band of two guitars, a violin and a drum. While songs are sung in Spanish, the dialog is in English translation by Ella Isaguierre and The Language Academy of Sacramento.

“La Pastorela” continues through December 24 in the Wells Fargo Complex, 1419 H Street. Ticket prices are $15-$20. Shows are Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Call (916) 443-6722 or click the title of this post.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Prices rise at Garbeau's after today

This has been a financially rough year for businesses, including theaters. But a few are bucking the tide. Among them is Garbeau's Dinner Theatre in Rancho Cordova. So today they announced a rise in prices. If you're a fan of Garbeau's sophisticated and varied menu, both for the kitchen and the stage, click the title of this post for details.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

More (and less) than Murder in "Murder Room"

"The Murder Room," by Jack Sharkey, brings a wicked spoof of murder mysteries to the Chautauqua Playhouse in Carmichael. For a review in Village Life of El Dorado Hills and more detail, click the title of this post and go to A20 and A22. You can call (916) 489-7529 (PLAY) or go to http://www.cplayhouse.com/.

December Offerings at Thistle-Dew

From Thistle-Dew Theatre Company:

Our Family Christmas shows are as follows:

DECEMBER 2008:

"Christmas Bouquet" a One Act play
by Gloria Jones
with
"The Runaway Presents" a One Act play
by Karen Kearney

Opens
Friday, Dec. 12 (7pm), Saturday, Dec. 13 (7pm), and Sunday, Dec. 14 (2pm)
Friday, Dec. 19 (7pm), Saturday, Dec. 20 (7pm) and Sunday, Dec. 21 (2pm) Friday, Dec. 26 (7pm), Saturday, Dec. 27 (7pm) and Closes Sunday, Dec. 28 (2 pm)


Ticket price reduced to: Infants to five year olds FREE!,
$5.00 for children from 5 years to 12 years,
$10.00 for teens and $20.00 for adults.
includes a choice of decadent desserts,
coffee/tea/fruit juices.
Limited seating therefore
Reservations are required

444-8209
On line (best): thistledewplaywrights@yahoo.com

Yes, we do offer gift certificates.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

A Message from Garbeau's

Hello Friends of Garbeau's!

Our Comedy Night is tonight! We have more reservations than usual so we look forward to a great evening! At 6:30, we open the full bar and finger foods (chicken strips, hot dogs, fries, etc.) are available. All ages are accepted but parental discretion is advised. For $10, escape the world for a night! Doors open at 6:30 and the comedy runs from 7 - 9pm. (Food and beverage can be purchased throughout the show.)

Our upcoming season seems to be popular--we're not even to the week before Christmas yet, but we've already sold more Flex Tickets than last year. And this is your final week to get them at their lowest price! Next Monday, prices for the 8-pack will go up by $15 each (so $30 a couple). You'll still be enjoying savings by buying a Flex Ticket--it's just that you'll enjoy even more savings if you buy this week.

Our two holiday shows-"'Tis the Season" and our Family Theater's "O Christmas Cheese...O Christmas Cheese?"--are fun ways to get in the mood for the holidays! Especially for Saturdays, make your reservations now! We have also added Sunday evening performances for the next two weeks.

We are looking forward to our second annual "New Year's Wish at Garbeau's," benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Depending on which package you buy, ticket prices are $115 (full evening), $80 (early evening), and $45 (Beatles only). Your donation to Make-A-Wish is already included in the price! Come enjoy a wonderful dinner, one or two great shows, and a hopping dance floor for a reasonable price--all while giving to an amazing cause!
We look forward to seeing you soon!

Mark, Andrea, and the Entire Garbeau's Family

A dazzling "Cinderella" returns to STC


After a five-year gap “Cinderella” comes roaring back in the Sacramento Theatre Company’s best- ever production, with a new set (Giullio Perrone), new staging, new choreography (Michelle Hillen-Noufer), and an all-new cast, except for the Good Fairy (Lucinda Hitchcock-Cone) and the two wicked stepsisters (Michael RJ Campbell and Brian Rodda). With a sly wink the pair are named Goneril and Regan, after the wicked daughters of King Lear.

Having enjoyed the earlier three productions I have to say that this one is the best ever, almost like a completely new show. Director Peggy Shannon tells me that both she and Gregg Coffin, who composed the music, feel the same way. Though the plot and the play’s 16 original songs remain the same, the tongue-in-cheek playfulness rises to a new level of artistry and ease. Also added are four mice (Joelle Jacoby, Tori Johnson, Cooper Salmon, and Kendall Jo Zellars), none of them blind.

Also retained is the appeal to both children and adults, largely through audience involvement, including a breakdown of the invisible fourth wall that separates the players from those watching. Early on, Buttons (Caleb Salmon), a pixyish vagabond with a crush on Cinderella, leaves a rolled-up painting of his at the fringe of the stage and asks the audience to call out his name if any character tries to touch it. Sure enough we find lots of chances to yell out “Buttons!”.

Later we get candy thrown at us from the stage, and the highlight has Prince Charming (Tristan Rumery) wandering through the audience with the glass slipper, trying it on random girls and women clear up to the last row. There’s also a deliberate fracturing of our willing suspension of disbelief, with references to Sacramento in the presumably medieval kingdom, plus a working-class Bo Peep (Jessica Goldman) who considers monarchy passé.

What’s new is particularly hard to describe, a blend of balletic precision and seeming spontaneity, infused with a lighthearted good nature, a love of life, plus a sense of caring, especially toward children. Before the performance began, children were invited to come up front to occupy the few vacant seats. And before intermission I sat behind Coffin, the composer, who quietly gave up his choice seat to a little girl and moved to the end of the row.

Dominating–and often stealing–the show are the wicked step-mother, Mrs. Baden-Rotten (William Elsman), and “her” two ugly daughters. Playing them in drag relieves female actors of having to be ugly as well as wicked. The trio make us laugh while getting away with horrors we would shudder at if women played the roles, like cutting off a daughter’s toes to make a slipper fit.

Morgan Cook gave us an innocent and pretty Cinderella and alternates the role with Hilary Wells. Among others in the cast are Kyle Welling as Dandini, the prince’s valet; Jim Lane as Baron Hard-up, Cinderella’s soused father, stomping around with one foot in a bucket; Barry Hubbard and Orlana Klip as an inept king and queen; Paige Silvester as a black sheep leading five white ones in dance; Jared Lee as a nimble dancing bear; plus others too numerous to mention.

Based on a concept by Paul Whitworth, with book and lyrics by Kate Hawley, “Cinderella” continues through January 4 in the Wells Fargo Complex, 1419 H Street. Performances are Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., Thursday at 12:30 and 7 p.m., Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20-$40. Call (916) 443-6722 or go to http://www.thegirlsarebackintown.com/.

Friday, December 5, 2008

New theater Classes Start at EDMT

New Classes Began Dec.3 at the Performing Arts Institute

Check out the variety of new offerings such as Acting for Film, Hip Hop, Intro to Musical Theatre, Sewing Basics and a vocal class on the Golden Age of Broadway! Plus, many of the outstanding classes from the fall session such as tap, jazz, and acting will continue. For more information and a complete schedule, click here
http://www.edmt.info/PAISched.html.

FRIDAY CLASSES BEGIN TODAY. PLUS, IF YOU MISSED A WEDNESDAY CLASS, IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER AND BEGIN NEXT WEEK. DON'T MISS OUT!
El Dorado Musical Theatre is an award-winning, regional youth theater with a
mission to build confidence for life through excellence in theater performance.
EL DORADO MUSICAL THEATRE · 5011 GOLDEN FOOTHILL PARKWAY, UNIT #4 EL DORADO HILLS, CALIFORNIA 95762-9649 PHONE 916-941-SING (7464) · FAX 916-941-7465
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Thursday, December 4, 2008

Folsom's Stage Nine Theatre Changes Schedule

Stage Nine Theatre will be presenting the hilarious comedy “Escanaba in da Moonlight” by Jeff Daniels in place of “Born Yesterday.” “Escanaba...” runs from Jan. 16 – Feb. 22 with performances at 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 4:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Synopsis: When the Soady clan reunites for the opening day of deer season at the family’s Upper Peninsula camp, 35 year old Reuben Soady brings with him the shameful reputation of being the oldest Soady in the history of Soadys never to bag a buck. Reuben is buckless and the laughing stock of the folks in Escanaba, who even hide their children from his sight lest they too catch the disease. In a hunting story to beat all hunting stories, ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT spins a hilarious tale of humor, horror and heart as Rueben goes to any and all lengths to remove himself from the wrong end of the family record book.

Stage Nine Theatre is located at 717 Sutter Street in Historic Folsom.
Reservations: (916) 353-1001
Tickets: $22 general, $20 seniors & SARTA, $15 children 12 and under – Special group rates are available.

For more information, click the title of this post.

News from El Dorado Arts Council

AMERICA'S GOT TALENT SEEKS CALIFORNIA'S BEST. Producers from the television show America's Got Talent have sent an appeal to California's talented performing artists to register for an audition at NBC.com/agt. For the last 3 seasons this series has truly changed the lives of its previous contestants in ways they never dreamed of, starting with a $1,000,000 grand prize. Any talent goes! No matter how zany, bizarre or unusual others may think your talent is, on this show, it could make you a star! Please sign up at NBC.com/agt to get more info and schedule your audition.

For more information about the El Dorado Arts Council, click the title of this post.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Upcoming Auditions at Stage Nine in Folsom


Stage Nine is holding auditions for two upcoming shows: Visiting Mr. Green and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. For details click the title of this post.

"Holiday in the Hills" Brightens Old Folsom Again



l to r: Ayesha Mazumdar, Connie Mockenhaupt, Kirsten Swanson


If you’re in or around Old Folsom during a holiday weekend, you can enjoy a lighthearted celebration at Stage Nine, as this cozy little theater continues its traditional musical tribute to the holidays and to the history of the town. “Holiday in the Hills” returns with a mix of old and new jokes, songs and cast.

The show runs through December 28 at 717 Sutter Street, with convenient nearby parking. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. Tickets are $22 general, $20 for seniors and SARTA members, $15 for children. Special group rates are available, and birthday parties are welcomed. For reservations call (916) 353-1001.

For a detailed review, see the El Dorado Hills weekly Village Life (December 3), or go online to www.villagelife.com/edition, sign on or sign up (it’s free), and navigate to page A22.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

For Those interested in Playwrights and Playwriting

Thistle Dew Playwrights Workshop eNewsletter December 1, 2008 (Volume 6)

*****Closing a Successful Run! ******
"Going to Tibet" by Tim Cahill just finished its production run. Judging by the consistent positive audience reactions (gasps, titters, and belly laughs) it was a great success. Congratulations to the cast (Keith Letl, Danielle Williams, Summer Hairabedian, Karen Kearney, Richard Williams, Tom Langtry, and Micael Buse) for a fantastic job onstage! Thanks to Thomas M. Kelly, Director; and to Mary Jo O’Connor, Stage Manager Extraordinaire, for guiding this product of The Thistle Dew Playwright’s Workshop to its successful conclusion.

*****The Proof is in the Pudding******

The Thistle Dew Playwrights Workshop thrives. How do we know? The following is a partial list of recent plays workshopped by the Playwrights Workshop that have been produced [S], published, [P], or are in consideration for publication [p]:
“Annie’s Story” by Laura Sheperd [S, p]
“Extreme Unction” by Thomas M. Kelly [S, P]
“The Seduction of Thomas Sorrell” by Tim Cahill [S, P]
“Going Somewhere?” by Julie Greene [S, P]
“Homecoming” by Leo McElroy [S]
“Going to Tibet” by Tim Cahill [S]
“Timekeeper” by Thomas M. Kelly [S, P]
“The Butterfly Within” by Thomas M. Kelly [S, P]
“Stop snoring, Jay! I’m dreaming of Christmas!” by Thomas M. Kelly [S]
“Wake up, Jay! It’s Christmas!” by Thomas M. Kelly [S]
“This is not our backyard, Charlie!” by Thomas M. Kelly [S]
Do you have a piece you'd like critiqued? Email Tom Kelly thistledewplaywrights@yahoo.com and cc Julie julie.greene@sbcglobal.net . Bring your play to the Monday night Playwrights Workshop at 7 pm at the Thistle Dew (one copy for each role plus one extra for stage directions) and plan to leave two copies at the theatre with Tom. All newcomers are welcome!

*****Opening Soon at the Thistle Dew Dessert Theatre*****

DECEMBER 2008:
"The Runaway Presents" a One-Act by Karen Kearney; directed by Thomas M. Kelly
"Christmas Bouquet" a One-Act by Gloria Jones; directed by Gloria Jones
Once again, Workshop members are pulling together to put up a great show. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend! Invite a friend.
Opens Friday, Dec. 12 (7pm), Sat., Dec. 13 (7 pm), and Sun., Dec. 14 (2 pm);
Fri., Dec. 19 (7 pm), Sat., Dec. 20 (7 pm) and Sun., Dec. 21 (2 pm);
Fri., Dec. 26 (7 pm), Sat., Dec. 27 (7 pm), and Sun., Dec. 28 (2 pm)

*****Future Productions at the TDDT******
JANUARY 2009: “Ba-Bang! or 01/20/09: the end of an error” by Thomas M. Kelly Opens Friday, Jan. 9 (7 pm); Sat., Jan. 10 (7 pm), and Sun., Jan. 11 (2 pm);
Fri., Jan. 16 (7 pm), Sat., Jan. 17 (7 pm ) and Sun., Jan. 18 (2 pm);
Fri., Jan. 23 (7 pm) and Sat., Jan. 24 (7 pm);
Fri., Jan. 30 (7 pm) and closes Sat., Jan. 31 (7 pm).

FEBRUARY 2009
Laura Sheperd’s newest play, “The Last Resort Trailer Park”, will be produced in February 2009. Mark your calendars!

*****Kudos******
….to Tim Cahill! JAC Publishing has accepted “The Seduction of Thomas Sorrell” for publication! This play, a product of the Playwrights Workshop, was produced at the TDDT last spring. Congratulations, Tim!

*****Reminder*****
Workshop members may request a free ticket to a Thistle Dew performance by emailing thistledewplaywrights@yahoo.com. Invite a paying friend! Ticket prices are $20 and include the best dessert in town.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Joseph Children's Choir Auditions December 2nd

If your child is between 8 and 13 years old and loves to sing, he or she might want to audition for the Children's Choir in EDMT's Encore production, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Auditions will be held December 2nd beginning at 3:30 p.m. at EDMT, 5011 Golden Foothill Pkwy, Suite #4, El Dorado Hills.

Only 16 kids will be cast. All must sing, move well, and most importantly, be completely focused.

The Children's Choir will be in full view (specifically, the side stages in front of the proscenium) for the entire show, except for when they are on the center stage. The Children's Choir will sing back-up on 12 songs, be choreographed into five songs, and will take the stage for three of those. The Children's Choir will also be center stage for two more songs, without choreography.

Children's Choir rehearsals will be held December 11, 18, January 8, 15, 22, 26 and 29 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., February 2, 4, 5 from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m., February 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and February 10, 11, 12 from 3:30 to 10:00 p.m. Performances will be held February 13 - 22, 2009.

For more information including registration fees, show description, parent volunteer requirements, and show calendar, visit http://www.edmt.info/Joseph/JosephChild.html. You can also download registration forms from this web page. Please print them and bring them with you to the audition. The online registration period has closed but we will still audition any child who comes to the audition.