Heritage Theatre Presents “Blithe Spirit” – Opening July 17

In this classic comedy by Nöel Coward, a famous author participates in a seance as part of research for a new book, and finds his new marriage haunted – quite literally – by the ghost of his late first wife.

For more information, check out Heritage Theatre’s Facebook event for Blithe Spirit and go to www.heritagetheatregr.org to reserve your tickets.

Blithe Spirit is directed by Walt Riegler. Performs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm at GRCC’s Spectrum Theater (160 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503).

Cast:

Charles Condomine – Kevin Raleigh
Ruth Condomine – Laura Johnson
Elvira Condomine – Meghan R Bortle
Madame Arcati – Margi Derks Peterson
Dr. Bradman – Mark Moran
Mrs. Bradman – Brenda VanderArk
Edith – Paige Bourne

“Blithe Spirit” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

 

Audition Notice: “Blythe Spirit”

From Heritage Theatre Group:

We are pleased to announce that our next production will be the classic comedy Blithe Spirit, by Nöel Coward, in which a famous author participates in a seance as part of research for a new book, and finds his new marriage haunted – quite literally – by the ghost of his late first wife.

The show will be performed at GRCC’s Spectrum Theatre in downtown Grand Rapids from July 17th to August 2nd. (Early bird tickets available.)

Walt Riegler directs.

Auditions will be held on Saturday May 31 (1 – 5 pm) and Sunday June 1 (2 – 3:30 pm) at St. John’s UCC (1934 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504) to fill the following roles:

EDITH – a maid
RUTH – Charles’ current wife
CHARLES – husband to Ruth and, before her passing, to Elvira
DR. BRADMAN
MRS. BRADMAN
MADAME ARCATI – a medium
ELVIRA – Charles’ late wife

Callbacks will be held Sunday June 1 (5 – 6 pm).

“Blithe Spirit” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

Children’s Theatre at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and Combat Workshops by Heritage Theatre

Children’s Theatre at GRCT:

Fun times are coming to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre this month:

JUNIE B. JONES: JINGLE BELLS & BATMAN SMELLS

April 18-27, 2014
Children’s Musical

Adapted by Allison Gregory
Based on the book series by Barbara Park

Celebrate the holidays all year long! First grader Junie B. Jones is having a tough Christmas – when she draws a name for Secret Santa it ends up being her enemy! Junie B. will steal your heart, and brighten your spirits in this laugh-out-loud production.

For more information or to order your tickets, go to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre website.

For older kids – or the kid in you!  Combat Workshops by Heritage Theatre:

When:
Saturday April 12 (ages college thru adult)
Saturday April 26 (ages high school thru college)

Where:
Aquinas College Theatre Annex

Schedule:
8:45-9:00 Check in
9:00-9:15 Introductions. Break up into groups.
9:15-12:15 Sessions A and/or B, including a 15 minute break
12:15-1:00 Lunch
1:00-4:00 Sessions A and/or B, including a 15 minute break
4:00-4:30 Final thoughts and full group discussion 

Session A – Use the Force… of words! 
Guest Instructor: Katherine Mayberry, Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company
This session introduces participants to the verbal and vocal elements of storytelling, including such topics as the language and style of Shakespearean verse, particularly in its use of iambic pentameter. We will apply these principals to the text of Ian Doescher’s Star Wars: Verily A New Hope, exploring both the use of traditionally Shakespearean themes and how to create the sounds and rhythm needed to bring characters like R2D2 and Chewbacca to life. This session will conclude with useful and practical advice for audition techniques for classical plays, including cold readings, improvised scene movement, and taking risks.

Session B – Fighting with the Force and Character Movement
Lead Instructor: Matt McKay 
This session focuses on the physical elements of storytelling, teaching some very basic concepts of stage combat (partnering and eye contact, casting energy, targeting) and using it to create fantastical light saber battles. We will also explore character movement and its impact on a character’s ability to sit, stand, and walk as well as experience how character movement impacts other elements of the character’s life, like gestures, speaking, and powers of perception.

Cost for this 1-day workshop: $20 per participant, includes a pizza lunch.

More information can be found on the Heritage Theatre website.

Opening Tonight, “American Buffalo” by Heritage Theatre Group

American Buffalo
by David Mamet
Performances: August 1-3 and 8-10 in the Black Box at GRCC’s Spectrum Theater

As described by the Geffen Playhouse, “One of Pulitzer Prize winner David Mamet’s defining works, American Buffalo was instantly hailed as a new American classic when it opened on Broadway in 1977.”  Heritage Theatre Group invites you to “take a fresh look at these misguided misfits who are a little out of luck and way out of their league as they plot the theft of a rare coin collection. As the time of the heist approaches, tension and anticipation build revealing loyalties and testing friendships. Negotiating explosive humor, frenetic energy and surprising tenderness, this play … promises a mesmerizing night whether seeing it for the first time or rediscovering this groundbreaking work.”

Director: Jared DeBacker.  Cast: Steven J. Anderson (Teach), Michael Dodge (Don), and Chris Kotcher (Bobby).

Click here to reserve your tickets on the Heritage Theatre website.

Also, click over to www.mlive.com to read a great article about the upcoming production.

Catch Great Theatre in July!

Circle Theatre Grand Rapids

The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps & Gowns
Jukebox Musical Comedy

The Sequal to the Smash Off-Broadway Hit Musical
Created by Roger Bean
July 11-13, 17-20, 24-27 at 7:30PM
July 21 at 5:00pm

We’re back in 1958, and it’s time for The Marvelous Wonderettes to graduate in this long-awaited sequel to the smash Off-Broadway hit! Join Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy as they sing about their final year in high school, celebrate with their fellow classmates and teachers, and prepare for their next step toward a bright future. Act Two zooms ahead to 1968, where the girls perform as bride and bridesmaids to celebrate Missy’s marriage to Mr. Lee! Featuring “Rock Around the Clock,” “At the Hop,” “Dancing in the Street,” “River Deep, Mountain High,” and 25 more hits, The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps & Gowns will have you cheering for more!

Go to the Circle Theatre Grand Rapids website to learn more and order tickets.

Heritage Theatre

Comedy – The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield
July 11-13 and 18-20 at GRCC’s Spectrum Theater

From the playwrights: “All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes! Now revised for 2013 with the same recycled jokes – just put in a different order. An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) was London’s longest-running comedy having clocked a very palpable nine years in London’s West End at the Criterion Theatre! Join these madcap men in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter.”

Go to the Heritage Theatre Group website to learn more and order tickets.

Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids

The Beauty Queen Of Leenane
by Martin McDonagh
July 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26 & 27 – 8pm
July 21 & 28 – 3pm
Dog Story Theater, 7 Jefferson Avenue SE, Grand Rapids

Maureen Folan is plain.  Maureen Folan is lonely.  Maureen Folan’s sisters have moved on to marriage and children while she remains as the caretaker for her manipulative, aging, and harshly critical mother Mag.  When Mag interferes with Maureen’s first and possibly final chance for a love of her own, their already awful relationship takes an even sharper turn for the worse.

Equal parts hilarious, chilling and tragic, The Beauty Queen of Leenane is a dark Irish comedy by one of the masters of the genre.  Author of The Lieutenant of Inishmore, A Skull in Connemara and The Pillowman, among others, Part One of McDonagh’s “Leenane Trilogy” is the Tony Award-winning play that will have you leaving the theatre aghast and abuzz.

Go to the Actors’ Theatre website to learn more and order your tickets.