August 2016 - NEohioPAL - lists.neohiopal.org

The Players Guild Theatre seeks a Props Master for ASSASSINS
by Joshua Erichsen via NEohioPAL 01 Aug '16

01 Aug '16

August 1, 2017 CANTON, OH - The Players Guild Theatre, a non-profit, volunteer-based theatre, is seeking a Props Master for their upcoming season-opening musical, ASSASSINS which is scheduled to open on September 2. The Props Master will be responsible for acquiring, gathering, renting and/or constructing all props necessary for the production as directed by the Director, Technical Director, Stage Manager and/or Producing Artistic Director. The Props Master WILL NOT be responsible for acquiring any blank-firing stage weapons. A modest stipend of $250.00 is offered for the services rendered as Props Master. Previous experience with props construction/execution is a plus. Interested parties should email the Producing Artistic Director at jerichsen(a)playersguildtheatre.com (No phone calls please). # # #

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REVIEW: "The Best Man" in Canton
by Tom Wachunas via NEohioPAL 01 Aug '16

01 Aug '16

Rewind To NowBy Tom Wachunas I imagine that to Broadway theater goers in1960, or film viewers in 1964, Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man” must have seemed,despite its funny moments amid unguarded cynicism, a searing and candid if notbrave commentary on the toxicity of American politics. And now, after seeing itpresented by Seat of the Pants Productions, directed by Craig Joseph at theBlack Box Theater in Glen Oak High School - and coming as it does on the heelsof our national political conventions - I also wonder if those first audiencescould have possibly appreciated the uncanny prescience of Vidal’s vision whencompared to today’s terribly fractious political practices. Set at a contestednominating convention (of an unnamed party) in, interestingly enough,Philadelphia, the party’s nomination hangs in the balance as two embattledcandidates wait to see which one the lame-duck president will endorse. All ofthe play’s action transpires in the candidates’ respective hotel suites. Someof the 1960s hot-button issues, back-room deal-brokering, and “scandalous”behaviors addressed in this story might seem downright ho-hum by today’sstandards, for better or worse. Yet its topicality nonetheless takes on apalpable new authenticity here. All elevenmembers of director Joseph’s excellent cast are remarkably adept atarticulating the play’s uneasy balance between biting sarcasm and crediblehuman drama. There’s a distinctair of world-weariness to Greg Emanuelson’s portrayal of candidate WilliamRussell, particularly when he navigates a crisis of conscience late in theproceedings. He’s a highly educated man of patrician stock who refuses topander to public opinion. His penchant for quoting philosophers and writers ongovernment, morality, and ethics to anyone within earshot is one that his verymeticulous campaign manager, Dick Jensen, regards as a serious liability. Inthat role, Matthew Heppe is an excitable yet endearing bundle of nerves as heattempts to downplay Russell’s overly-brainy sermonizing. Other liabilitiesthreaten to derail Russell’s bid for the nomination, including his reputationas a philanderer and its toll on his marriage. Stephanie Cargill has crafted aremarkably poignant rendering of dignity amid woundedness, tempered with adetachment both chilling and sad in her role of Mrs. Russell. It’s easy enoughto appreciate her reservations about getting on board with feisty and sardonicparty operative Mrs. Gamadge, played by Margo Parker, who insists with militanturgency that Mrs. Russell be alwaysvisible at her husband’s side to inspire women voters. Conversely, HeidiSwinford injects a practically lascivious glee to her role of Mabel Cantwell,the beautiful (and sly, despite her somewhat air-headed demeanor) wife ofRussell’s opponent, Senator Joe Cantwell. She’s an effective poser, and all tooeager to nurture the media feeding-frenzy with her vacuous glad-handing. And‘eager’ doesn’t begin to adequately describe her husband. As the manipulativeand self-serving Senator Cantwell, Scott Miesse turns in an often rivetingstudy of intense cupidity surpassed only by his character’s frighteningaptitude for flinging ill-gotten dirt on his opponent. He’s utterly unashamedto declare that his ends justify his means. Speaking of ends, Bob McCoy brings to his roleof the ailing President Art Hockstader - outgoing in more ways than one – a genuinesense of existential angst. In his private talks with both candidates, he makesa big point of asking if they believe in God, perhaps looking to salve theconsequences of his own unbelief and see if there might be an alternative routeto immortality. “The world’s changed since I was politickin’,” he muses at onepoint, adding, “In those days you had to pour God over everything, likeketchup.” That line eliciteda particularly hearty (and nervous?) laugh from the audience on opening night(July 29), and has lingered with me ever since. I’ve always found that the artof theatre is at its best when it doesn’t remain on the stage after the housegoes dark – that it leaves us with something to chew on beyond the moreephemeral elements of mere “entertainment”. A take-away of lasting value.Seeing this play’s indictment of so much wrong in American politics then seems to inexorably point head andheart to the failures and absurdities of our now. So call itsermonizing if you will. But I wonder if for too long we’ve made God into aninnocuous condiment. Like ketchup. Maybe he should be the main course. Now that’s a take-away.“The Best Man” at the Black Box Theater in GlenOak HighSchool, 1801 Schneider St. SE, Plain Township (Canton, Ohio) / Shows on FridayAugust 5 and Saturday August 6 at 8 p.m., Sunday August 7 at 2 p.m. / Tickets $15 at http://www.seatofthepants.eventbrite.com/ For othercommentaries by Tom Wachunas on the arts in the greater Canton area, pleasevisit his blog at http://www.artwach.blogspot.com/

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Kent Trumbull Theatre looking for Folks
by Eric Kildow via NEohioPAL 01 Aug '16

01 Aug '16

The Kent Trumbull Theatre just celebrated its 50th season of educational and community theatre, and we are looking for designers, directors, stage managers, and any other collaborators for this upcoming and future seasons. If you like working backstage, please let us know, as we are always looking for new faces. All positions are paid an honorarium. Please contact us at (330) 675-8829 or trumbullboxoffice(a)kent.edu if you are interested. -- *Eric S. KildowWarren, OHhttp://www.eskildow.com <http://www.eskildow.com>http://fnturg.blogspot.com <http://fnturg.blogspot.com>"Facts are facts and will not change on account of your desires." --Jawaharlal Nehru*

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Disney's The Little Mermaid opens Friday at Mercury Theatre Company
by Mercury Theatre Company via NEohioPAL 01 Aug '16

01 Aug '16

Disney's The Little Mermaid Disney's Broadway Musical makes its Regional Premiere August 5th http://bit.ly/2aqlmmu What: Disney's The Little Mermaid When: August 5-20, 2016 August 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 at 7:30 pm August 7, 14, and 20 at 2:00 pm August 11 and 18 at 7:00 pm Where: Regina Hall, Notre Dame College. 1857 South Green Rd., South Euclid, 44121 Cost: $20 Adults, $16 Seniors (60+), $16 children and students (with valid ID) How: For tickets call 216.771.5862 or order online at www.mercurytheatrecompany.org<http://www.mercurytheatrecompany.org> Additional Information: http://bit.ly/2aqlmmu<http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fconta.cc%2F2ax5lgP&h=6AQERXCF1> <http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fconta.cc%2F2ax5lgP&h=6AQERXCF1> Encouraging all to follow their hearts, dreams, and voices to find true happiness, Mercury Theatre Company presents the regional premiere of one of Disney's classic and most heartwarming musicals: The Little Mermaid, August 5-20, 2016. Based on the Disney animated film and hit Broadway musical, Disney's The Little Mermaid concludes Mercury Theatre Company's 18th season with the music you love by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken. This fable for all ages will capture your heart with its irresistible songs including "Under the Sea", "Kiss the Girl", and "Part of Your World". In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home - and her fins - behind and live in the world above. But first she'll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking. Artistic Director Pierre Brault brings his critically acclaimed production (Virginia Musical Theatre in Virginia Beach, October 2015) to Mercury Theatre Company with a talented cast of 30, beautiful sets and over 250 gorgeous costumes. Guaranteed to bring Ariel and her friends to life right before your eyes. Rated G. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Seats range from $16-$20 and tickets are now on sale by calling (216) 771-5862 or ordering online at www.mercurytheatrecompany.org<http://www.mercurytheatrecompany.org>. Fantastic Group Rates are available now by calling 216.771.5862. Mercury Theatre Company 216.771.5862 www.mercurytheatrecompany.org

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Nutcracker Workshop in August
by Cleveland City Dance via NEohioPAL 01 Aug '16

01 Aug '16

August 1-August 12, 2016Nutcracker camps for two weeks Does your child dream of dancing on stage with the Sugarplum Fairy and other Nutcracker Sweets? If so this camp is perfect. The two week camp will prepare students for roles as Mice or Gingers in the 2016 City Ballet of Cleveland’s Uniquely Cleveland Nutcracker.� Dancers will still rehearse throughout the fall but this camp allows them to be better prepared for the audition on Saturday, September 10, 2016. �� Two classes per week �� 2 hours-2:30 pm -4:30 pm �� Tuesdays and Thursdays �� Ages 6-10 �� Stretch, Ballet Technique, Read and/or watch the Nutcracker, Learn Nutcracker Choreography �� In-Studio Presentation for parents the last class �� Weekly Pricing $100 per week �� Both weeks are recommended if your child would like to perform in City Ballet of Cleveland’s The Uniquely Cleveland Nutcracker in November this year. � � Cleveland City Dance, Home to City Ballet of Cleveland � � � 13108 Shaker Square Cleveland, OH 44120 www.clevelandcitydance.com / 216-295-2222

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Piano teacher/After School/Ruffing Montessori School
by Julia Sheehan via NEohioPAL 01 Aug '16

01 Aug '16

Ruffing Montessori has a 2016-17 opening for a piano teacher after school for children ages 5-14 on Tuesdays though Thursdays. Classes begin September 19 and continue through the last week of May 201. Lessons offered from 3:15-6pm half hour each. Please contact me with interest or contacts for potentially interested parties. Julia Sheehan Julia Sheehan Director of Camps & Enrichment Programs 3380 Fairmount Boulevard Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 216 321 7571 PH 216 932 7866 216 321 7568 FX www.ruffingmontessori.net<http://www.ruffingmontessori.net> [cid:0A7EF7A3-5406-49D6-AE1D-17E8C2F05C3F]

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Olde Towne Hall Theatre Holding Auditions August 1st for Benefit: Red, White and Broadway!
by K. Mihalik via NEohioPAL 01 Aug '16

01 Aug '16

Olde Towne Hall Theatre announces auditions for its annual benefit, "Red, White and Broadway!" This benefit will be comprised of songs from musicals which represent significant historical and cultural happenings in this nation's history. Please bring any song to sing with background vocals or be prepared to sing a capella. Dancers are more than welcome to audition as we like to have one or two dance numbers in the show. Please prepare a short routine to any song you choose. This benefit will feature songs from "Hamilton," "1776," "Ragtime," and many others. Directors Kim Mihalik and Heidi Freas will assign songs to vocalists based on auditions. THIS IS A VERY SHORT REHEARSAL PERIOD, the weeks of August 8 and 15. Performances will be August 19 and 20. NO APPOINTMENTS ARE NECESSARY. Auditions will be held at Olde Towne Hall Theatre, 36119 Center Ridge Rd, North Ridgeville, starting at 7PM on Monday August 1, 2016. Please forward any questions to kim_mihalik(a)sbcglobal.net We hope you will join us!

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PIANO TUNING SERVICE
by David Spondike via NEohioPAL 01 Aug '16

01 Aug '16

David’s Fine Tuning & Piano Service ”Hear the Difference” A regularly tuned piano has a longer lifespan and stays in tune longer in between tunings. 330-801-0089 Book your appointment now online. It’s easy! CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE <https://gazellenetwork.com/scheduling/9QjtKp1bTgJKW2w3dGSzvmdz> Visit my website at http://davidsfinetuning.com <http://davidsfinetuning.com/> for a complete list of services, piano care tips, and more. Follow me on Twitter @DavidsFineTune or “Like” David’s Fine Tuning <https://facebook.com/davidsfintuning> on Facebook for more piano stories and piano related links. Thank you and wishing you the best in all of your musical endeavors. David Spondike, Ph.D. Piano Technicians Guild, Associate Member

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Tickets on sale now for Mamai Theatre Company's U.S. Premiere of Fanny Burney’s THE WOMAN HATER!
by Christine via NEohioPAL 01 Aug '16

01 Aug '16

THE WOMAN HATER By Fanny Burney Directed by Christine McBurney U.S. Premiere! Scenic Design by Don McBride Costume Design by Angelina Herin Lighting Design by Robert Peck Sound Design by Richard Ingraham Properties Design by Monica Plunkett AUGUST 18-SEPTEMBER 4 Cleveland Masonic Performing Arts Center <http://www.clevelandmasonicauditorium.com/> DeMolay Room, 3615 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland An absurdly satirical indictment of the excesses of both men and women, this 1802 comedy remained unproduced until 2003. When Sir Roderick is jilted by Lady Smatter, he proclaims himself a woman-hater and is determined to keep his young heir away from the opposite sex. Identities are mistaken, social pretensions are deliciously exposed, and the gender constructs of wifely and daughterly duties are boldly upended — bringing forth a new kind of heroine. With… Rocky Encalada+ Dylan Freeman TJ Gainley* Khaki Hermann Rachel Lee Kolis+ Doug Kusak Gus Mahoney Marcia Mandell Meg Martinez+ Nate Miller John Polk Michael Regnier Shannon Sharkey Evan Thompson Natalie Welch Carrie Williams * Member, Actors Equity Association +Equity Membership Candidate Mamai Adult Outreach Events ~Play Reading Join Mamai Theatre Company and guests, to discuss Mamai’s 2016 season plays. August 3 at 7 pm The Woman Hater by Fanny Burney The Cuyahoga County Public Library, Beachwood Branch <http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Event-Results/Event-Detail.aspx?id=87…> 25501 Shaker Blvd. Beachwood Register here <http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Branches/Beachwood.aspx> or call 216-831-6868. This event is free and open to the public. ~Talk Back August 21: Join the company of The Woman Hater. NEW! Mamai Youth Outreach ~ Mamai Matinee Register your child ages 5-7 for a drama workshop in our building while you enjoy Mamai’s Sunday 2:30pm matinee performance! (1) adult admission included with each child registration fee. This project is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. The Woman Hater - August 28th Information & Registration is here <http://www.mamaitheatreco.org/#!youth-outreach/cqdu>! Mamai returns to THE CLEVELAND MASONIC PERFORMING ARTS CENTER <http://www.clevelandmasonicauditorium.com/> at 3615 Euclid Ave., in Cleveland, which features ample free parking, air conditioning. Check out our new restaurant picks here <http://media.wix.com/ugd/c0e070_6a4d8fe37f2f4fc7af654001e7d3c79c.pdf>! Tickets at www.mamaitheatreco.org or 440.394.8353 Dates & Times: Thursdays-Saturdays @7:30pm, Sundays @2:30pm Mamai Theatre Company's mission is to create intelligent, relevant classical theatre that offers an artistic home for Cleveland's theatre artists, and equal opportunity for women in the professional theatre community. You can sponsor <http://www.mamaitheatreco.org/#!tickets-2016/c13ai>, join our mailing list <http://www.mamaitheatreco.org/#!tickets-2016/c13ai> or purchase tickets <http://www.mamaitheatreco.org/#!tickets-2016/c13ai> online! TICKETS: <http://sic.brownpapertickets.com/>www.mamaitheatreco.org or 440.394.8353 Adults: $22 Seniors (65 & older): $20 Students (25 & under): $15 We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. www.mamaitheatreco.org mamaitheatrecocleveland(a)gmail.com

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