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The North Canton Playhouse announces auditions for: "Elf the Musical Jr"
by North Canton Playhouse via NEohioPAL 18 Sep '15

18 Sep '15

The North Canton Playhouse is excited to be the first theatre in Northeast Ohio to present "Elf the Musical Jr"! The North Canton Playhouse will be holding auditions for 'Elf the Musical Jr', for ages 7yr - 19yr (19yr must still be in high school) on Saturday, October 3, at 1:00pm, at the NCP Mainstage, located on the campus of Hoover High School at 525 - 7th St. NE, North Canton, OH, 44720. Synopsis of show: Based on the beloved holiday film from 2003,this hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy follows Buddy the Elf in his quest tofind his true identity! Please go to www.northcantonplayhouse.com to receive more information on audition requirements & preparation, as well as to register for auditions. Performances will be December 4-20 at the North Canton Playhouse Main Stage. Directed by Lisa Paynter

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Still Need 1 Teenage Girl & 1 Mid-20's Male
by Mike Skerritt via NEohioPAL 18 Sep '15

18 Sep '15

We are still one teenage girl and one mid-20's male short for our new play "What Remains." The play will be presented as part of a week-long Arts Festival at the First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland at 3630 Fairmount Boulevard (at Eaton Road) in Shaker Heights. This production will be the world premiere of a wonderful story by playwright Max Bush and will be performed as follows. PERFORMANCE DATES: · 7:30 PM Friday, November 13 · 7:30 PM Saturday, November 14 · 2:00 PM Sunday, November 15 In Max’ own words, the following is a synopsis of the play. “Maggieis a talented young artist who is just a couple months away from graduatinghigh school. As the summer swiftly approaches she finds herself agonizing overserious life decisions. What is theright path for her future? Should shefollow her dreams and become an artist? Or should she do the sensible thing and go to college with her boyfriendMike? As Maggie struggles with lookinginto her future she meets Cliona, a 69 year old woman who hires Maggie to sortthrough the objects of Cliona’s life. As Maggie, and her eccentric friend Sarah, search through Cliona’sthings, the people involved with them come alive and we see the truth aboutCliona’s own artistic past. An unlikelyfriendship blossoms between Maggie and Cliona as they each help the other todiscover something about themselves they never would have found on their own.” We will hold an additional audition at 3 PM this Saturday, September 19 at the church, address above. You do not have to BE the actual age needed, but you should LOOK the actual age. Come prepared to read a few lines from the play, and to demonstratesome simple movement steps. Anappointment is not required. No singingis required. Contact Director Mike Skerritt at gmskerritt(a)aol.com

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OPENING TONIGHT: Lakeland production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf
by Martin Friedman via NEohioPAL 18 Sep '15

18 Sep '15

Lakeland Civic Theatre announces *A compelling play* *Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?* By Edward Albee Directed by Martin Friedman Set and Lighting Design by Kirsten Nichole Costume Design by Jordan Cooper Sound Designed by Eric Simna Production Stage Manager Nichole Vencl *Featuring **Gregory Violand* and Molly McGinnis** *Courtesy of *Actor’s Equity Association* *The Play:** Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?* Written in 1962 by Edward Albee <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Albee> *Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?* won both the 1963 Tony Award for Best Play <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Award_for_Best_Play> and the 1962–63 New York Drama Critics' Circle <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Drama_Critics%27_Circle> Award for Best Play. Its stars won the 1963 Tony Awards for Best Actor and Actress as well. It was also selected for the 1963 Pulitzer Prize for Drama <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulitzer_Prize_for_Drama> by that award's drama jury. However, the award's advisory board – the trustees of Columbia University <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_University> – objected to the play's then-controversial use of profanity and sexual themes, and overruled the award's advisory committee, awarding no Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1963. The play was revived on Broadway <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadway_theatre> at the Longacre Theatre <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longacre_Theatre>, opening in March 2005 in previews and closing on September 4, 2005 after 177 performances and 8 previews. Bill Irwin won the 2005 Tony Award for Best Actor <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Award_for_Best_Performance_by_a_Leading_…> for his role. On December 12, 2010, the Steppenwolf Theatre <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steppenwolf_Theatre> in Chicago <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago>, Illinois <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois> began performances of the play featuring Amy Morton <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_Morton> as Martha, Tracy Letts <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracy_Letts> (the Pulitzer Prize <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulitzer_Prize>-winning playwright of *August: Osage County <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August:_Osage_County>*)[16] <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who%27s_Afraid_of_Virginia_Woolf%3F#cite_note…> as George. The dialogue has been hailed by some critics as some of the greatest in all of the American theatre. *Production Dates:* *Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? *will open on Friday, September 18 and run through October 4, 2015. *The Roles:* *Martha*: *Molly McGinnis** *George*: *Gregory Violand** *Nick*: *Daniel Simpson* *Honey*: *Katie Nabors* · Courtesy of Actor’s Equity Association *Production Dates:* *Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? **will open on Friday, September 18 and run through October 4, 2015:* *Friday, September 18 @ 7:30pm* *Saturday, September 19 @ 7:30pm* *Sunday, September 20 @ 2:00pm* *Friday, September 25 @ 7:30pm* *Saturday, September 26 @ 7:30pm* *Sunday, September 27 @ 2:00pm* *Friday October 2 @ 7:30pm* *Saturday, October 3 @ 7:30pm* *Sunday, October 4 @ 2:00pm* *Tickets: **$15 for adults, $13 for seniors and $7 for all students. Call 440.525.7134 <440.525.7134> for for ticket reservations and information about group discounts. For more information please contact Dr. Martin Friedman at martinfriedman98(a)gmail.com <martinfriedman98(a)gmail.com>. * *Rodehorst Performing Arts Center:* *Building “D” at Lakeland Community College. Free Parking in the Faculty/Staff Parking Lots. Take I 90 East and exit Route #306. Turn right and turn left into Lakeland Community College and get into the right land. Turn right at the stop sign and then take another right at the next stop sign and then turn left into the parking lot. The theatre is to the left of the large Clocktower on your left. * *For more information email Martin Friedman at martinfriedman98(a)gmail.com <martinfriedman98(a)gmail.com> or call at 216/233-5441 <216%2F233-5441>.*

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Berko preview: JOHN KANDER: PERFECTLY MARVELOUS
by Roy Berko via NEohioPAL 17 Sep '15

17 Sep '15

To read Roy Berko's a preview of JOHN KANDER: PERFECTLY MARVELOUS, to be presented at the Allen Theatre by The Musical Theater Project, go to www.royberko.info. To receive his previews and reviews immediately after they are posted on-line go to the blog and follow the directions in the right hand column. Roy's reviews and previews also appear on Broadwayworld.com, artsamerica.com, and coolcleveland.com Please vote for Issue 8--which supports Cuyahoga County's Arts & Culture sector and is NOT A TAX INCREASE.

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Get Your Reiki Treatment Today!!
by andrearuth1983 via NEohioPAL 17 Sep '15

17 Sep '15

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Reiki has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery. Now, certified Reiki Practitioner/Master, Andrea Belser, is offering (for a limited time) 60 minute Reiki treatments at 50% off! Take advantage of this temporary discount by contacting Andrea atandrearbelser(a)gmail.com for an appointment today! Sincerely, Andrea Belser andrearbelser(a)gmail.com 216-374-8674 www.AndreaRBelser.com Sent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device

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AUDITION Notice - Next to Normal - TrueNorth Cultural Arts
by Laura Golden via NEohioPAL 17 Sep '15

17 Sep '15

TrueNorth Cultural Arts Rick Fortney, Artistic Director AUDITION INFORMATION winner of 3 Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize Next to Normal Music by Tom Kitt Book & Lyrics by Brian Yorkey Directed by Fred Sternfeld Music Directed by Anthony Trifiletti AUDITION DATES Saturday, October 17th, 2015 - 10:30am - 2:30pm Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 7:00pm - 10:00pm *If you are unable to make either date, Skype appointments or video submissions are possible. Auditions will be scheduled in (10) minute increments and are by appointment. Walk-ins will be accepted as time permits. To make your appointment please call (440) 949-5200 x221. To inquire about skype or video submissions, please email director Fred Sternfeld at fsternfeld(a)gmail.com CALLBACKS (by invitation) Saturday, October 24th, 2015 in the late morning and early afternoon. LOCATION French Creek Nature & Arts Center 4530 Colorado Avenue, Sheffield Village, OH 44054 AUDITION PREPARATION Please be prepared to present a one minute musical theatre song and a one minute contemporary monologue that are character and objective driven. Selections from Next to Normal are acceptable. ABOUT THE PLAY, AWARDS, SYNOPSIS, CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS, ETC. For complete info, visit Music Theatre International’s Next to Normal webpage at this link: http://www.mtishows.com/show_detail.asp?showid=000383 - All roles are open. - There are no AEA contracts available for this production. - All ethnicities will be considered. REHEARSALS There will be 4 weeks of rehearsal starting on April 9 and a few additional rehearsals in the month preceding to learn the music. Rehearsals will be selected (based on availability of the cast) on weekday evenings, and weekend mornings, afternoons or evenings 3 - 5 times per week. COMPENSATION Non-Equity actors receive a competitive stipend for their participation in this production. PRODUCTION DATES May 6 - 22, 2016. Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 7:30pm; Sundays 3:00pm. ABOUT DIRECTOR FRED STERNFELD For TrueNorth, Fred Sternfeld most recently directed The Glass Menagerie. Other recent productions include Julius Caesar Set in Africa at Karamu, Rent at Hathaway Brown Theatre Institute and Towards Zero at Coach House Theatre. Fred is widely represented on Northeast Ohio stages through diverse projects, garnering numerous honors and awards. Recently he directed the award-winning productions of Company, Les Miserables: School Edition and A Little Night Music at FPAC, West Side Story, The Miracle Worker and Baby at TrueNorth, Yellowman at Karamu Performing Arts Theatre, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Peter Pan at Beck Center, Ragtime, the musical and Man of La Mancha at the JCC and Fiddler on the Roof and The Sound of Music at Cain Park. www.fredsternfeld.com.

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AUDITIONS Start THIS SUNDAY for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Cassidy Theatre
by The Cassidy Theatre via NEohioPAL 17 Sep '15

17 Sep '15

*PLEASE JOIN US FOR UPCOMING AUDITIONS at The Cassidy Theatre for * *The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee* *Director: Mike Larochelle* *Music Director: Mike Caraffi* *Choreographer: Brenda Larochelle* *Audition Dates:* *Sunday September 20, 7:00 PM* *Monday September 21, 7:00 PM* *CALLBACKS: TBD* *OPEN CALL- No Appointment necessary* Non-Equity performers / All Roles Available *Location: *The Cassidy Theatre, 6200 Pearl Road, Parma Hts., OH 44130 (In the Greenbrier Commons, behind the Police Station) *Please prepare the following:* *Please prepare 16-32 bars of a song from the show, or in the style of the show that shows off your vocal range. Please bring sheet music (accompanist will be provided). *Bring a headshot and resume if available. Please bring a picture even if headshot isn’t available. *Be prepared for movement/ dance audition. *If you wish to audition but are not able to make it to the above dates, please contact the box office at #440-842-4600 to make alternate arrangements. *Please bring a list of conflict dates you may have during the rehearsal period. *Show Dates for:** November 21st - December 6th, 2015. Fridays and Saturdays @ 8:00 PM and Sundays @ 3:00 PM* Show Information: Music and Lyrics by William Finn, Book by Rachel Sheinkin, Conceived by Rebecca Feldman, Additional Material by Jay Reiss Six awkward spelling champions learn that winning (and losing) isn't everything. Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless charm and humor. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home life, the tweens spell their way through a series of [potentially made-up] words hoping to never hear the soul crushing, pout inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box. *CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS AND VOCAL RANGES: (**Please Note: Most cast members sing in ensemble musical numbers not listed below.)* *LOGAINNE SCHWARTZANDGRUNENIERRE*- the youngest and most politically aware speller, often making comments about current political figures. She is driven by internal and external pressure, but above all by a desire to win to make her two fathers proud. A3 - F5 *MARCY PARK*- placed ninth in last year’s nationals. She speaks six languages and is the poster child for the Over- Achiever, and attends a Catholic school called "Our Lady of Intermittent Sorrows." She is also not allowed to cry. C4 - E5 *OLIVE OSTROVSKY*- A newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come sometime during the bee. Having found comfort in its words and vastness, Olive made friends with her dictionary at a very young age, helping her to make it to the competition. She starts enormously shy, and shyly blossoms. B3 - F5 *CHIP TOLENTINO-* An athletic and social Boy Scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment. C4 - B5 *LEAF CONEYBEAR*- The second runner-up in his district, Leaf gets into the competition on a lark and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. A3 - A5 *WILLIAM BARFEE*- A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous “Magic Foot” method of spelling has boosted him to spelling glory. E4 - B5 *RONA LISA PERETTI* (Age 35 – 50) - The number-one realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County Spelling Bee Champion herself, and the returning moderator. She is a sweet woman who loves children. B3 - F5 *MITCH or MADGE MAHONEY* (Age 25 – 40) - The Official Comfort Counselor. An ex-convict, Mitch/Madge is performing community service with the Bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students. He/She has no idea how to offer comfort, but does find him/herself wishing he/she could find a way to make the kids feel better. E4 - A5 *DOUGLAS PANCH* (Age 35 – 50) - The Vice Principal of Putnam Middle School. Frustrated with his life, he finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After five years' absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge. *Additional Roles that May be doubled:* *JESUS CHRIST:* Deity invoked by a speller in need. Non-singing role. *CARL DAD:* Schwarzy's main trainer, the more intense and competitive of Schwarzy's fathers. G3 - D5 *DAN DAD:* The more laid back and ineffectual of Schwarzy's fathers. G3 - D5 *OLIVE's MOM:* A fantasy version of Olive's mom at her Ashram in India. D4 - E5 *OLIVE's DAD:* A fantasy version of Olive's dad coming to the bee from work. E4 - B5 The Cassidy Theatre is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. *If you have any questions, or concerns please contact the Cassidy Theatre Box Office at #440-842-4600 <440-842-4600>. The Cassidy Theatre Box Office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays 9:30- 3:30.*

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Beacon Journal Review of WRPlayhouse's production of Night of January 16th by Kerry Clawson
by Marie Dusini via NEohioPAL 17 Sep '15

17 Sep '15

Theater review: Courtroom whodunit is suspenseful in Ayn Rand’s ‘Night of January 16th’ at Western Reserve Playhouse The courtroom whodunit Night of January 16th keeps the suspense high as several characters are introduced who had plenty of motive to kill despotic businessman Bjorn Faulkner. Director Brian Westerley works with a strong cast at Western Reserve Playhouse, led largely by a handful of award-winning local actors who have starred regularly on the Weathervane stage: Meg Hopp as tough district attorney Flint, Daniel Colaner as smooth-talking defense attorney Stevens, Tom Stephan and Scott Davis alternating as sardonic Judge Heath and Harriet DeVeto as the passionately angry servant Magda. Playwright Ayn Rand (1905-1982) creates several characters of both comical and questionable nature in this murder trial in which Faulkner’s longtime mistress Karen is on the hot seat. Actress Beth Gaiser does a good job portraying her as a woman who has plenty to hide but can’t contain several angry outbursts during the trial. Barry Wakser plays private investigator Van Fleet, who may just be an unreliable witness considering he spies on people from bars. And Patrick Wilson is goofy as inspector Sweeney, the first cop on the scene of the crime who seems a little too enamored of Faulkner and his mistress’s legendary high-class lifestyle. DeVeto is hilarious as housekeeper Magda, who gives what she perceives as disgusting details about Faulkner and Karen’s longtime affair. DeVeto is at her most fun when she gives “other woman” Karen the evil eye in court. The play, written by Russian-born American novelist, philosopher, playwright and screenwriter Rand, premiered in 1934 in Los Angeles, played on Broadway in 1935-1936 and was subsequently revived Off-Broadway in 1973 as Penthouse Legend. It was inspired by the real-life story of Swedish “Match King” Ivar Kreuger, who reportedly committed suicide in Paris in 1932. In Night of January 16th, Faulkner has fallen to his death from the penthouse of the building he owned. But was it murder or suicide?In a unique twist, nine members of the audience are picked each night to serve as jurors. They control the play’s ending by deciding whether Karen is guilty or not. This production is the last of Western Reserve Playhouse’s summer season, which takes place in a large barn in Bath. Sue Snyder, Jack Steele and Jim Gremba created the courtroom set, consisting of the judge’s bench with defense and prosecution tables on each side.We learn that this businessman was a ruthless swindler who enjoyed ruling over both the women and the business people in his life.One awkward moment occurs when Colaner’s Stevens interrupts the trial to read a note from a source unknown to the audience, asking Stevens to stall the proceedings until this person arrives. When Karen hears that, she’s in a big hurry to finish up her testimony and later we find out why. As in most good murder mysteries, there’s a love triangle and numerous people with conflicting interests from Faulkner’s life. Among them are Faulkner’s young American wife Nancy Lee (Elizabeth Allard), who has a superiority complex; and her rich daddy, Whitfield, played by David Hundertmark. And what’s a murder mystery without a mobster thrown in for good measure? That character, Regan, is played as a hothead by the talented Ron Young. It all makes for an entertaining night at the theater.Arts writer Kerry Clawson may be reached at 330-996-3527 or kclawson(a)thebeaconjournal.com

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REVIEW: WRPlayhouse's Night of January 16th by David Ritchey
by Marie Dusini via NEohioPAL 17 Sep '15

17 Sep '15

Western Reserve Playhouse closes season with mystery9/17/2015 - West Side Leader By David Ritchey | | | Irv Korman, at left, and Dan Colaner share a scene in Western Reserve Playhouse’s production of “Night of January 16th.” | | Photo courtesy of Michael Kermizis | BATH — Do we really know what happened the night of Jan. 16? Maybe someone was murdered, or maybe not. That’s for the jury to decide.What happened that night is the subject of “The Night of January 16th,” which is on stage through Sept. 26 at Western Reserve Playhouse. The show is a courtroom drama by Ayn Rand and it opened on Broadway in 1935. The 80-year-old script has been staged for theaters, film, TV, radio and, now, community theater. Interestingly enough, the long script holds up in Western Reserve Playhouse’s offering of this intellectually challenging drama. The show has a cast of 17 performers. Karen (Beth Gaiser) is on trial for the murder of Bjorn Faulkner, a wealthy tycoon. He owns buildings, companies and, some would say, Karen. She has been his mistress for more than 10 years.However, Bjorn recently married another woman, Nancy Lee (Elizabeth Allard). Her father, the president of a bank, made a significant loan to Bjorn and may or may not have demanded he give up his mistress.But, on the night in question, a man’s body fell or was thrown from Karen’s balcony on the 50th floor of a building. Was she responsible? Is she the killer? Was it Bjorn’s body?In the trial, District Attorney Flint (Meg Hopp) and Defense Attorney Stevens (Daniel Colaner) fight for the truth. In order to get at the truth, they question a large number of witnesses — this explains the large cast. Harriet DeVeto, who plays Magda, is superior as Bjorn’s maid. Magda knows what happened in Bjorn’s household and hates his mistress.A young thug, Regan (Ron Young), storms into the courtroom to declare his love for Karen. But, we have to question whether he was hired to kill Bjorn. When he’s finally called as a witness, he only confuses the issue all the more.Only the jury will make the decision. The jury is composed of nine members of the audience, who are placed in the jury seats, and in the last moments of the play, they announce if the mistress is guilty or innocent. Consequently, the play could have one of two endings — innocent or guilty.Tom Stephan plays Judge Heath and works to control the attorneys, the witnesses and the audience. As usual, Stephan turns in a fine performance.Both of the lawyers, Hopp and Colaner, are fine actors. Their work has been visible in the Akron area dating back several shows.For set construction, the program credits three people — Sue Snyder, Jack Steele and Jim Gremba. The set functioned well on the small stage and helped keep the focus on each witness in his/her turn.The production was successful, in part, because of the fine work of director Brian Westerley. He has directed several shows in Northeast Ohio and is ranked as one of the best directors in our area. He recently received the directing award from the Ohio Community Theater Association (OCTA) for a production of “Other Desert Cities,” produced by the Wolf Creek Players. (My review of this show ran in this publication in December 2014. It can also be accessed at www.akron.com.) The only problem I find with “Night of January 16th” is the length of the script. The cast and director kept the performance moving quickly, but the script, like so many of Rand’s novels, is simply too long.For ticket information, call 330-620-7314. You might get lucky and be called to be a juror. David Ritchey has a Ph.D. in communications and is a professor of communications at The University of Akron. He is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association and the Cleveland Critics Circle.

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Instructor needed!
by via NEohioPAL 17 Sep '15

17 Sep '15

SDA is looking for an experienced jazz, Modern & Contemporary instructor. Great hours & competitive rate. Email us resume & head shot at info(a)shakerdanceacademy.net or call 216-591-2300 Thank You

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