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Review of "Things As They Are" by Playwrights Local
by Bob Abelman via NEohioPAL 14 May '17

14 May '17

Underachievement defines Playwright Local’s ambitious ‘Things As They Are’ Bob Abelman Cleveland Jewish News, The News Herald, The Morning Journal Member, International Association of Theatre Critics In a recent New Yorker magazine expose on the life and work of Wallace Stevens, he is described as “the quintessential American poet of the twentieth century, a doubting idealist who invested slight subjects (the weather, often) with oracular gravitas, and grand ones (death, frequently) with capering humor.” He was also an introvert in a three-piece suit, working as a Hartford insurance legal executive. Both sides of Stevens are explored in David Todd’s very ambitious play “Things As They Are,” which is receiving its world premiere production at Playwrights Local, a theater company dedicated to giving voice to local dramatists. But by attempting to introduce some audience members to Stevens’ work while simultaneously catering to the formidable and fanatical knowledge base of others, “Things As They Are” is often a confusing, confounding and context-less array of images and information. For more of this article, go to www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/.

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Cleveland Audition Taping
by via NEohioPAL 14 May '17

14 May '17

Book your next gig with the help of Cleveland Audition Taping! If you've left auditions feeling rushed and unsatisfied, we encourage you to tape with us for your next audition! Cleveland Audition Taping provides a top-notch taping service in a comfortable environment, with state-of-the-art equipment, so you're able to put your best foot forward. We also provide a teleprompter and voiceover studio at no additional cost. Visit us online at clevelandauditiontaping.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/clevelandauditiontaping/ to learn more! We tape everyone from actors and voice actors to singers and professional speakers. Let us know how we can help you! Just email us to schedule your appointment: jami(a)kintonmediagroup.com Best, Jami Kinton clevelandauditiontaping.com facebook.com/clevelandauditiontaping

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Summer Film Camp!
by via NEohioPAL 14 May '17

14 May '17

SIGN UP NOW! Do something exciting this summer by writing, directing, and acting in your own movie!! All campers will have a chance to create their own characters and stories and then act them out on camera. Plus, everyone will receive a DVD copy of their performances. Perfect for busy, working parents and kids looking for a FUN summer experience! Click here for more information: http://houdeschoolofacting.org/camps

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CASTING- Plus sized women of color
by via NEohioPAL 14 May '17

14 May '17

Auditions for Saturated Fat ABOUT THE PROJECT Saturated Fat is an ensemble-created theatrical work focused on fatness, connection and visibility. After developing a portion of the work during Cleveland Public Theatre’s Entry Point Program, Saturated Fat is looking for additional actresses to help develop new segments of work to be performed at an upcoming conference. LOOKING TO CAST… 2-3 fat, curvy or plus-sized women or femmes of color. (For our purposes, plus sized = clothing size 14/16 and above. If you're not sure if you're in this category, come and audition). Ability to carry a tune is a plus, as is comfort with movement. DETAILS Performance is currently scheduled to take place on June 15th. Rehearsals will begin the week of May 21st. Be prepared to share your availability on your audition form. Auditions Wednesday, May 17th, 6:30pm-8pm Parma Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library (6996 Powers Boulevard • Parma, Ohio, 44129) AND Thursday, May 18th, 6:30pm-8pm Strongsville Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library (18700 Westwood Drive • Strongsville, Ohio, 44136) Actors will be given sides at the audition for cold readings. Actors may be asked to sing a short acapella song. Please bring a copy of your headshot and resume, or equivalent summary of experience. Actors should be prepared to stay for the entire 90 minutes. To request an audition, please email mlaurenking(a)gmail.com. Be sure to include your name, email address, phone number, and preferred audition day in your email.

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Half-price Industry Night Mon May 15 -- THINGS AS THEY ARE
by Playwrights Local via NEohioPAL 14 May '17

14 May '17

PLAYWRIGHTS LOCAL PRESENTS The world premiere of a new play-with-music THINGS AS THEY ARE Written by David Todd Original score composed by Ben Chasny Directed by Anjanette Hall May 12 - 28, 2017 Reinberger Auditorium (Upstairs Loft) 5209 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102 http://www.playwrightslocal.org/things-as-they-are/ Performances Friday - Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm Half-price Preview Thursday, May 11 at 7:30 pm Half-price Industry Night Monday, May 15 at 7:30 pm Tickets $18 Adults | $15 Seniors & Groups | $12 Students For more information, visit playwrightslocal.org/ or call (216) 302-8856 Synopsis “Things as They Are” is a dramatic exploration of poet Wallace Stevens, a stoic visionary whose imagination and duality have lent him an unwavering mystique. This all-new work combines dramatic scenes, an original score performed by Ben Chasny (of the acclaimed group Six Organs of Admittance), and licensed works by Stevens with movement, commedia dell’arte, and projections. “Things as They Are” looks past the stock image of its subject as an aloof executive, revealing the “real” Wallace Stevens to be a man of great insight, whimsy, and desire. Performing Musicians Ben Chasny (Guitar) John Elliott (Synthesizer/Electronics) Cast Robert Hawkes Jason Markouc Laura Starnik Tessa Hager Robert Branch Kenzie Critzer Jeanne Task Marco Liguori Liam Stilson Creative Team Inda Blatch-Geib (Costume Designer) Nora Jeanne DeMilta (Assistant Director & Marketing Coordinator) Cleo D’Orio (Commedia dell’arte Choreographer) Tom Hayes (Carpenter) Michael Hinton (Dance/Movement Choreographer) Emily Kovalcik (Prop Designer) T. Paul Lowry (Set & Projection Designer) Jonathan Maag (Lighting Designer) Francesca Mamlin (Stage Manager) Elizabeth Tofig (Dramaturg) Kelly Tomko (Production Manager) Support Funding for this production is provided in the form of an ArtsNEXT grant from: The Ohio Arts Council Funding for Playwrights Local is provided by: The AHS Foundation The Arch and Bruce Brown Foundation The Cleveland Foundation Cuyahoga Arts & Culture The Cyrus Eaton Foundation The George Gund Foundation

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Review of "These Mortal Hosts" at CPH's New Ground Festival
by Bob Abelman via NEohioPAL 13 May '17

13 May '17

New Ground’s ‘These Mortal Hosts’ offers a fresh twist on an old tale Bob Abelman Cleveland Jewish News, The News Herald, The Morning Journal Member, International Association of Theatre Critics In the New Testament, a messenger of God tells John the Baptist to go into the wilderness to prepare for the coming of a messianic figure greater than himself. In 15th century France, Joan of Arc testified to hearing angels and saints tell her to lead the French Army in rescuing her country from English domination. And in Dove Creek, Colorado, three unlikely and seemingly random locals – a self-absorbed high school senior named Meaghan, an anal-retentive bank manager named Phyllis, and a kind-hearted, straight-talking grocery store butcher named Earl – find themselves in the middle of a miracle in Cleveland playwright Eric Coble’s “These Mortal Hosts.” The play – a psalm with a sense of humor – is receiving its world premiere in the 12th annual Cleveland Play House New Ground Festival, an event that has firmly established itself as a champion of intriguing art and emerging artists. For more of this article, go to www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/.

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ATT. FILMMAKERS
by Joseph Bauer via NEohioPAL 13 May '17

13 May '17

“Teen Angels,” my truth-based, edgy drama is available for production, and I am seeking a filmmaker with a vision akin to my own with whom to collaborate. – (age 25-35 with hip hop acumen and ease with Ebonics and *Spanglish* is a plus.) If that wets your appetite, please contact me at Joeybauer1967(a)gmail.com, and I will forward the screenplay. With a mixed gender and culturally diverse cast of nine, a single set, just one scene and a running time of 90 minutes, “Teen Angels” features a barrage of in-your-face dialogue and pure provocation. Moviegoers, particularly ages 16 – 26, are in store for lots of bang for their buck with this one; it brazenly holds nothing sacred: family values, the law of the land nor, especially, authority figures of all stripes. The story takes place in a day room at Los Angeles County Juvenile Hall now and focuses on a very unique group therapy session, for which the closest comparison is a no-rules-ultimate-fighting-cage-match, led by social worker and aspiring millennial movie-cowboy, Mel Feinberg, 26, self-described as “a wise ass on a short leash.” The posse consists of seven inmates, all of them age 17, awaiting sentencing and quivering in a melodramatic display of mock fear of Dr. Crabtree, Afr. Am., the facility’s director, staunch advocate of force feeding her charges the gospel by any means necessary. As a side bar, we are drawn into the kids’ compelling histories of victimization and mind-blowing mayhem through a succession of brutally honest monologues. Their pain has a long shelf life, and it demands to be felt. We cheer them on, as they fight the power with fearless Mel by their side and only the strong left standing. My other work includes the memoir, *Hollywood Raw*, and “On the Wall,” an urban drama, presented by L.A.’s Barnsdal Gallery Theatre. In addition, “Hotel California,” my psychological thriller; “Hollywood Cowboy,” my comedy; and “Cue the Sunset,” my Bronx tale - (all read at Cleveland’s Ensemble Theatre) – put my stamp on a multitude of theater patrons’ must-see lists. Apropos, a retrospective of my portfolio is available on kindle. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you for your interest. Cheers, Joey Bauer

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Professional Headshots
by Gregory Pendolino via NEohioPAL 13 May '17

13 May '17

Need Headshots? I have worked with so many talented screen and theater actors in the area. To see a collection of these headshots please use this link: https://www.pendolinophotography.com/portfolio/portraits/headshots/ My recent favorites are at the bottom of the page. Here are my rates: $100 for one client on location (outdoor setting) $150 for two clients on location (You're only paying $75 each!) $200 for one client in studio $300 for two clients in studio (Only $150 each for studio!) Proofs emailed to you within 24-48 hours of our shoot. The best part is YOU OWN THESE! That means you can print them whenever and wherever as often and as much as you need to. For more details please go here: http://www.pendolinophotography.com/rates-booking-info I'm sure if you're involved in film or theater in Northeast Ohio we already have quite a few common friends so please feel free to like me on Facebook or follow me on Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PendolinoPhotography/ Instagram: #GregoryPendolino Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gregory.Pendolino Thanks!

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Brava! review -- The New Musical “Freaky Friday” a Funny, Touching, Fast-Paced Sparkling Gem
by Marjorie Preston via NEohioPAL 13 May '17

13 May '17

The New Musical “Freaky Friday” a Funny, Touching, Fast-Paced Sparkling Gem Brava! *www.marjoriepreston.com/brava <http://www.marjoriepreston.com/brava>* Cleveland Play House's current production of the musical “Freaky Friday,” with book by Bridget Carpenter, music by Tom Kitt and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, is a funny, touching, contemporary update of the classic book by Mary Rodgers and the subsequent two classic Disney movies. When Chicago mother Katherine (Heidi Blickenstaff) and daughter Ellie (Emma Hunton) wish upon a magical hourglass, “How I wish you'd understand and see the world my way,” a temporary curse of sorts is placed on the two of them. For the next 24 hours, the two of them swap bodies and live out the life of the other. Naturally, the process is incredibly stressful and yet enlightening as the two are surprised by both the challenges of the other's life and their own strength under pressure. “Freaky Friday” doesn't just swap the bodies of a mother and daughter – it does so on one of the most exciting days of their lives. While Katherine is hosting her wedding rehearsal and plans to marry the kind, wise Mike (David Jennings) in the morning, Ellie pines for teen heartthrob Adam (Tony Neidenbach), who is hosting an epic scavenger hunt in which she hopes to prove herself special in the eyes of her peers. Blickenstaff and Hunton both display great physicality, precise vocal chops and practiced comic timing. It is satisfying to watch Hunton showcase her amazing pipes in the Janis Joplin-esque “Bring My (Baby) Brother Home,” which segues from uptempo to a poignant, slower ending. Blickenstaff elicits belly laughs looking at in her face in a mirror as seen through the eyes of her daughter, and has a lovely rock quality to her voice à la Pink in “After All of This and Everything.” The actresses spend just enough time developing their original characters to make the body switch rewarding. We feel Blickenstaff, the awkward teen in a 40-year-old's body trying to act like an adult, breezing in and finding out that life isn't that easy, her unease palpable and then her anger bubbling as she feels adult pressures. We feel Hunton, the 40-year-old mom in a teen's body, trying to over-manage her life when given the chance to be her daughter for a day. The emotions audiences feel watching “Freaky Friday” are very real and raw, from empathy at Blickenstaff trying to navigate her way through the tortuous adult world she is unprepared to handle, to laughing out loud at some of the awkward moments, to unexpected genuine sadness at a side story involving sweet, creative little brother Fletcher (Tommy Bilczo). Director Christopher Ashley has assembled a flawless cast and ensemble that exceeds expectations. Scenic Designer Beowulf Boritt allows the focus to be on the acting, singing and choreography through the use of rolling, two-sided set pieces featuring lockers on one side and tasteful pillars on the other, or using a simple kitchen island or bus stop bench for a scene, making for easier set changes. Choreographer Sergio Trujillo brings energetic youth dance numbers (plus P.E. class) and keeps it contemporary, especially by including Neidenbach's spins on a hover board during “Go.” Music Director Andrew Graham's orchestra were tight and supportive of the action on stage. “Freaky Friday” is a fast-paced sparkling gem of a musical full of hummable tunes which can be enjoyed by audiences from tweens through adults. “Freaky Friday” contains some teen themes. “Freaky Friday” runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays evenings at 7:30 p.m. and matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through May 20th in the Allen Theatre at the Cleveland Play House at Playhouse Square. For tickets, call (216) 241-6000 or (866)546-1353 or visit *www.clevelandplayhouse.com <http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/>*. -- Best, mp Marjorie Preston, President * Marjorie Preston PR *http://www.marjoriepreston.com/ Specializing in small business, arts and non-profit clients * Let's tell your story!*

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Mamai Theatre Company | THE TESTAMENT OF MARY - Director Bernadette Clemens discusses the play at the Beachwood branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library on Wednesday, May 17 at 7
by Christine via NEohioPAL 13 May '17

13 May '17

Join Bernadette Clemens, Executive Artistic Director of Mamaí Theatre Company <http://www.mamaitheatreco.org>, and the director of THE TESTAMENT OF MARY, by Colm Tóibín, *Wednesday*, May 17 at 7 pm for a discussion of and readings from the play. Free and open to the public. Cuyahoga County Public Library, Beachwood Branch <http://cuyahogalibrary.org/Branches/Beachwood.aspx>, 25501 Shaker Boulevard, Beachwood, Ohio 44122. Register here <http://cuyahogalibrary.evanced.info/eventsignup.asp?ID=112544&rts=&disptype…> . Imagine the most iconic mother of all time telling her private version of a story we thought we knew. Colm Tóibín’s retelling of the pivotal events in the life of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Mary the survivor challenges us to imagine the suffering, courage and strength of mothers on a colossal scale -- up close and personal. Prepare to join a gifted playwright and performer in a one-of-a-kind solo journey that will leave you with new insight and questions, along with a deeper appreciation for human endurance in the context of mystery. "Mary stripped bare... A private tête-à-tête with a woman who has an extraordinary story to tell." The New York Times *Then, see the play in July at Mamai's new home at Playhouse Square!* THE TESTAMENT OF MARY -Regional Premiere! by Colm Tóibín, with Anne McEvoy Directed by Bernadette Clemens Scenic design by Don McBride Lighting design by Marcus Dana Costume Design by Kristine Davies Sound Design by Richard Ingraham Properties Design by Monica Plunkett July 5 - 23, 2017 Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:30pm Talkback with director & cast following the Sunday, July 16th matinee The Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre Tickets on sale now for THE TESTAMENT OF MARY, LOVE, LOSS AND WHAT I WORE and A DOLL'S HOUSE. Click here <https://www.mamaitheatreco.org/tickets-2017> ! Season & company information at www.mamaitheatreco.org Tickets at www.playhousesquare.org or 216.241.6000

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