Tonight through Sunday is your last chance to see "The Little Dog Laughed"at Genesius Theatre in Reading.  Although this show is not for everyone due to some of its content, including male nudity, it is thought-provoking and funny theater with some dynamic performances.  For a second opinion. check this video:





The Little Dog Laughed” runs through Oct. 30 at Genesis Theatre, located at 10th and Walnut streets in Reading. Remaining performances are Thursday Oct. 27 at 7 p.m., Oct. 28, and 29 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 for all seats at all performances.
The production is rated R and includes adult situations and male nudity.
For tickets and more information visit the Genesius Website at www.genesiustheatre.org or call the Genesius Reservation Hot-Line at 610-373-9500.
Genesius has free parking next to the theater, just off 10th Street and is handicap accessible.

David Bazemore is electrifying as the Leading Player in "Pippin/"

By Cheryl Thornburg

 This is a first for me --  a second review of a show.  After leaving Tri-PAC's  "Pippin" Oct. 13, I was very impressed, but I also felt I might have missed something because there is so much going on in this multi-layered production. So I went back for a second helping of this theatrical treat Sunday Oct. 23 and it was even better.
  Although I was familiar with some of the music from this show, I had never seen it on stage or in film, so had nothing to compare it to. That can be good or bad.
  So this week out of curiosity, I rented the version featuring Tony-award winning Ben Vereen with William Katt as Pippin and Martha Raye as his grandmother, Berthe.  I can now say that Director John Moletress' interpretation of this classic is better. Its unique set and stylish lighting are the perfect backdrop for this vibrant production.
  And I honestly think David Bazemore is a better Leading Player than Ben Vereen,  I know that may be sacrilege, but Bazemore's performance is electrifying. His smooth, seductive delivery has a delightful, sinister quality to it -- absolutely mesmerizing. When he strikes a pose, silhouetted by the back-lighting, it creates an indelible image.
   I also think Ben Fried's over-the-top, show-stopping rendition of "No Time At All" is far more entertaining and memorable than Martha's Ray's version. His was one of two songs that followed me home and still pops into my head.
  The other song is Matt Kiesling's poignant  "Corner of the Sky" that is still lurking in the corner of my mind.
  One other aspect that I failed to comment on fully the first time, is the cohesive quality of the ensemble cast, Ben Fried, Drew Carr, Dane Duncan, Jordan Popky, Pat Rhoads, Kelsey Riker, Jordan Shoemaker, and Carrie Thorwarth. They seamlessly flow from one routine to another, changing characters at will, yet still remaining individuals. Each and every one carves out a character that is truly unique. They also handle the physicality of this show with ease -- whether soaring through the air -- or landing hard on the ground.
  For my first review I sat front row center with the actors at times inches from me, and witnessed some of the most focused performances I have seen in my 20 years of reviewing shows. This time,  I sat higher up in the audience and was captivated by the stylish big picture of this production.  It's truly a masterpiece.
   For those who missed it, my original review that includes ticket information is below.

Review from Friday Oct.14:
  Tri-PAC has done it again -- put on a really big show in a really small space. Its current production, "Pippin" may not be as well known as its contemporaries such as "Godspell" and "Chicago,"  but it is chock-full of great music, clever dialogue and romping good fun.
  For those unfamiliar with the show, the only way I can describe it is Monty Python meets Vaudeville. It is a multi-layered play-within-a-play with so much going on at times it's hard to take it all in. Woven into the plot are some darker moments as the title character Pippin tries to find the meaning in his life.
  Director John Moletress has managed to take this chaotic marvel and people it with talented actors that bring these quirky and memorable characters to life.
  Matt Kiesling plays Pippin the naive and idealistic son of Charlemagne who experiments with lifestyles from warrior to womanizer to power-hungry politician. Kiesling is the perfect Pippin with his youthful exuberance, his talent for physical comedy and a clear tenor that makes "Corner of The Sky," the signature song from this show, quite memorable.
  Perhaps the most intriguing character in the show is the Leading Player, the charming, somewhat seductive head of the theatrical troupe who seems to be controlling the action. David Bazemore's Player is delightful to watch.  He draws the audience into the tale with a gleam in his eye and almost catlike movements as he maneuvers others to do his bidding. The role is both physically and vocally demanding and Bazemore more than meets those demands.
  Donna Dougherty is delightfully wicked as Pippin's manipulative stepmother Fastrada. Dougherty is just plain fun to watch.  She can do it all -- sing, make people laugh, and dance. All of her talents are put to great use in "Spread A Little Sunshine," one of the standout numbers in the show.
  Fastrada's son, Lewis, is played to the hilt by Jason Burke -- which is fitting, since he has lots of sword play in some of his scenes.
  Ben Fried, a member of the ensemble cast, also plays Berthe, Pippin's grandmother, a truly memorable character, who delivers the show-stopping "No Time At All" with its infectious chorus, "It's time to start living," that had the audience singing along.
  Pippin's love interest, Catherine, is played by Carly Fried, who gets to shine in the second act with "Kind of Woman" and  "I Guess I'll Miss The Man."
  Neal Newman plays Charlemagne with pomp and circumstance and tongue firmly implanted in cheek. He's the perfect foil to Pippin's naivete.
  The youngest member of the cast, David Eurillo, plays Catherine's son, Theo, and manages to steal just about every scene he's in.
  The ensemble cast is amazing, juggling vocals, fast-paced choreography, and some of the most physically demanding comedy I've seen on a local stage.  There have got to be some bruises after the show. Hats off to Drew Carr, Dane Duncan, Jordan Popky, Pat Rhoads, Kelsey Riker, Jordan Shoemaker, and Carrie Thorwarth.
  Hats off also to the unseen orchestra that backs up the performers.
  The choreography makes this show special, as is to be expected, since Bob Fosse was at the heart of the original Broadway show. Michelle Wurtz, with help from Donna Dougherty and Kelsey Riker, choreographed complex routines that require great timing and agility and make for a very entertaining evening.
  The set is also a creative masterpiece.There are so many nooks and crannies at different levels that the audience never gets bored. There's always something going on -- even during intermission.
  "Pippin" runs weekends through Oct. 30 at the Tri-County Performing Arts Center, 245 E. High St., in Pottstown.
  Thursday performances are at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays  at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. There is an additional matinee on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 3 p.m.
  Tickets are available online at  http://www.tripac.org  or will be sold at the door if space is available.  Ticket prices range from $13 to $23, with discounts for students and seniors as well as groups of 10 or more. For full information check   http://www.tripac.org or call the theater at 610-970-1199.

For up-to-date info on area theater productions and auditions, follow me on Twitter @MercArtsCheryl

Daphnee McMaster, Michael Contreras, Brandon Kegerize and Tricia Corcoran

By Cheryl Thornburg

  If you are offended by homosexuality, coarse language and male nudity, then Genesius Theatre's current production "The Little Dog Laughed" is not for you. BUT, if witty dialogue, complex and conflicted characters and thought-provoking theater are your idea of a great evening out, then plan to see this Tony-nominated play by Genesius alumnus Douglas Carter Beane.
  The story focuses on Mitchell Green, a movie star who has, as his agent describes, "a slight recurring case of homosexuality" that could be detrimental to his career. His life becomes more complicated when he meets Alex, a young man, a "rent boy," with whom he'd like to have more than a one-night stand.
  Michael Contreras plays Mitchell with a sensitivity that brings out the insecurities of this outwardly egocentric actor. Matching him in the sensitivity department is Brandon Kegerize as Alex, who surprises himself by developing feelings for Mitch -- after all he's not really gay, he has a girlfriend. He just does this for the  money.
  These two are very believable as they dance around the awkward situations as they get to know each other. They bring a depth to their respective characters as they explore what they want in life, and what they will do to get it.
  "The Little Dog Laughed" is basically a love story with lots of twists.
  What takes this play to another level are the two female characters, Diane, Mitchell's agent, and Ellen, Alex's girlfriend.
  Tricia Corcoran is brilliant as Diane, the fast-talking, manipulative agent who sees Mitch as her ticket to the "A" List in Hollywood. Corcoran delivers Beane's staccato, tongue-twisting dialogue with a glib poise that belies the difficulty of this role. She is really the ringmaster, who tries to keep Mitchell's proclivities under wraps for all their sakes.
  Equally talented is Genesius newcomer Daphnee McMaster as Ellen, Alex's bubbly, outgoing and very attractive girlfriend. McMaster has a magnetic stage presence and great comedic timing that could take her far in the theater world.
  Director Kirk Lawrence has taken a risk with this play, which is not for all audiences, but for those of us who appreciate thought-provoking theater that makes you explore the characters' motivations, as well as your own, his risk is our gain.
  This is a well-paced, well-acted production that is well worth the trip to downtown Reading.
  “The Little Dog Laughed” runs through Oct. 30 at Genesis Theatre, located at 10th and Walnut streets in Reading. Remaining performances are Oct. 28, and 29 at 8 p.m., Oct. 30 at 3 p.m., and Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.Tickets are $15 for all seats at all performances.
  The production is rated R and includes adult situations and male nudity.
  For tickets and more information visit the Genesius Website at www.genesiustheatre.org or call the Genesius Reservation Hot-Line at 610-373-9500.
  Genesius has free parking next to the theater, just off 10th Street and is handicap accessible.

For a sneak peek, go to http://youtu.be/NG1fNwZ5dYw


For up-to-date  area theater information, follow me on Twitter @MercArtsCheryl

POLISHED PRODUCTION OF 'PIPPIN'

Tri-Pac's fantastic production of "Pippin" continues  Through Oct. 30 in Pottstown.  It is musically and visually a memorable production.  For my review, check the Oct. 14th entry in this blog.

AREA PREMIER OF 'THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED'

Opening tonight in Reading at Genesius is "The Little Dog Laughed," a comedy about an up-and-coming leading man-type actor who has a "recurring case of homosexuality' that concerns his agent. The show does include  male nudity and is not suitable for young audiences. No one under 18 will be admitted without parental approval. For more information, go to GenesiusTheatre.org or call 610-373-9500. Check back for my review Sunday afternoon.

For a sneak peek, go to http://youtu.be/NG1fNwZ5dYw

  
OTHER AREA PERFORMANCES
 
EPHRATA -- Ephrata Performing Arts Center's Sharadin-Bigler Theater, Cocalico Street, Ephrata (717-733-7966 -- "Evil Dead: The Musical"-- Oct. 20 through Nov. 5
 
PHILADELPHIA --
Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. Second St., Philadelphia (215-922-1122)
"August: Osage County" through Oct. 30

Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St., Philadelphia (215-413-1318)
"Aspects of Love" through Oct. 23

Wilma Theater, 265 S. Broad St., Philadelphia (215-546-7824)
"Our Class" -- Oct. 12 through Nov. 13

For updates on theater happenings in Eastern Pa. Follow me on Twitter @MercArtsCheryl 

 The cast includes Daphnee McMaster,  left, Michael Steven Contreras, Brandon Kegerize,  and Tricia Corcoran

  Next up at Genesius Theatre  is Douglas Carter Beane’s: “The Little Dog Laughed.”

  The play tells the tale of Mitchell Green, a movie star on the rise, and his “slight ... recurring case of homosexuality” which his agent. Diane, desperately attempts to keep in check. When Mitchell finds himself drawn into deeper emotional waters with a “rent boy,” Alex, his life is turned upside down. Will he jeopardize his career for love? Will Alex accept being hidden in plain sight as Mitchell’s personal assistant to make the relationship possible?

  The play was nominated for two Tony Awards in 2007: Best Play and Leading Actress in a Play. Julie White won Leading Actress for her portrayal of Diane. 

  “The Little Dog Laughed” is the first Genesius staging of a play by Genesius alum, Douglas Carter Beane. Beane’s other credits include the plays: “As Bees in Honey Drown,” “The Country Club,” “Advice from a Caterpillar” (play and screenplay), “Lysistrata Jones,” “Xanadu,” and script doctoring for “Sister Act.” For film, he wrote the screenplay for the cult favorite: “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar.”

  The production is rated R and includes adult situations and male nudity.

  The cast includes Tricia Corcoran  (Diane), Michael Steven Contreras (Mitchell Green), Brandon Kegerize (Alex), and Genesius newcomer Daphnee McMaster (Ellen). The show is directed by Kirk Lawrence.

  Performances are Oct. 21, 22, 28, and 29 at 8 p.m., Oct. 23 and 30 at 3 p.m., and Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.Tickets are $15 for all seats at all performances.

  For tickets and more information visit the Genesius Website at www.genesiustheatre.org or call the Genesius Reservation Hot-Line at 610-373-9500.   The theatre is located at 10th and Walnut streets, in Reading.  Genesius has free parking next to the theater, just off 10th Street and is handicap accessible.


For a sneak peek, go to http://youtu.be/NG1fNwZ5dYw

For up-to-date  area theater information, follow me on Twitter @MercArtsCheryl

David Bazemore is the Leading Player in "Pippin" at the Tri-County performing Arts Center in Pottstown.

David Eurillo and Matt Kiesling

By Cheryl Thornburg

Tri-PAC has done it again -- put on a really big show in a really small space. Its current production, "Pippin" may not be as well known as its contemporaries such as "Godspell" and "Chicago,"  but it is chock-full of great music, clever dialogue and romping good fun.
For those unfamiliar with the show, the only way I can describe it is Monty Python meets Vaudeville. It is a multi-layered play-within-a-play with so much going on at times it's hard to take it all in. Woven into the plot are some darker moments as the title character Pippin tries to find the meaning in his life.
Director John Moletress has managed to take this chaotic marvel and people it with talented actors that bring these quirky and memorable characters to life.
Matt Kiesling plays Pippin the naive and idealistic son of Charlemagne who experiments with lifestyles from warrior to womanizer to power-hungry politician. Kiesling is the perfect Pippin with his youthful exuberance, his talent for physical comedy and a clear tenor that makes "Corner of The Sky," the signature song from this show, quite memorable.
Perhaps the most intriguing character in the show is the Leading Player, the charming, somewhat seductive head of the theatrical troupe who seems to be controlling the action. David Bazemore's Player is delightful to watch.  He draws the audience into the tale with a gleam in his eye and almost catlike movements as he maneuvers others to do his bidding. The role is both physically and vocally demanding and Bazemore more than meets those demands. 
Donna Dougherty is delightfully wicked as Pippin's manipulative stepmother Fastrada. Dougherty is just plain fun to watch.  She can do it all -- sing, make people laugh, and dance. All of her talents are put to great use in "Spread A Little Sunshine," one of the standout numbers in the show.
Fastrada's son, Lewis, is played to the hilt by Jason Burke -- which is fitting, since he has lots of sword play in some of his scenes.
Ben Fried, a member of the ensemble cast, also plays Berthe, Pippin's grandmother, a truly memorable character, who delivers the show-stopping "No Time At All" with its infectious chorus, "It's time to start living," that had the audience singing along.
Pippin's love interest, Catherine, is played by Carly Fried, who gets to shine in the second act with "Kind of Woman" and  "I Guess I'll Miss The Man."
Neal Newman plays Charlemagne with pomp and circumstance and tongue firmly implanted in cheek. He's the perfect foil to Pippin's naivete.
The youngest member of the cast, David Eurillo, plays Catherine's son, Theo, and manages to steal just about every scene he's in.
The ensemble cast is amazing, juggling vocals, fast-paced choreography, and some of the most physically demanding comedy I've seen on a local stage.  There have got to be some bruises after the show. Hats off to Drew Carr, Dane Duncan, Jordan Popky, Pat Rhoads, Kelsey Riker, Jordan Shoemaker, and Carrie Thorwarth.
Hats off also to the unseen orchestra that backs up the performers.
The choreography makes this show special, as is to be expected, since Bob Fosse was at the heart of the original Broadway show. Michelle Wurtz, with help from Donna Dougherty and Kelsey Riker, choreographed complex routines that require great timing and agility and make for a very entertaining evening.
The set is also a creative masterpiece.There are so many nooks and crannies at different levels that the audience never gets bored. There's always something going on -- even during intermission.
"Pippin" runs weekends through Oct. 30 at the Tri-County Performing Arts Center, 245 E. High St., in Pottstown.
Thursday performances are at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., and Saturday Oct. 22 and 29 at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. There is no performance Saturday Oct. 15, but there is an additional matinee on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are available online at  http://www.tripac.org  or will be sold at the door if space is available.  Ticket prices range from $13 to $23, with discounts for students and seniors as well as groups of 10 or more. For full information check   http://www.tripac.org or call the theater at 610-970-1199.


For up-to-date info on area theater productions and auditions, follow me on Twitter @MercArtsCheryl

There’s a chance to see a terrific musical, and then study with the director this month at the Tri-County Performing Arts Center, 245 E. High St. in Pottstown. "Pippin" opens  Thursday, Oct. 13 and runs weekends through Oct. 30.   In addition, on Saturday, Oct. 15 there's an opportunity to take a monologue masterclass with award-winning director, John Moletress.

"Pippin" is the tongue-in-cheek, anachronistic fairy tale that captivated Broadway audiences and continues to appeal to the young at heart everywhere. Pippin is a young prince who longs to discover the secret of true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power. In the end, he finds it in the simple pleasures of home and family. The energetic pop-influenced score bursts with one show-stopping number after another, from soaring ballads to infectious dance numbers."Pippin" is by three-time Oscar-winning composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz, the creator of the Broadway hits "Wicked" and "Godspell," and the animated films "Pocahantas," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "The Prince of Egypt."
The cast includes David Bazemore, Matt Kiesling, Carly Fried, Neal Newman, Donna Dougherty, Ben Fried,  Jason Burke, David Eurillo, Drew Carr, Dane Duncan, Jordan Popky, Pat Rhoads, Kelsey Riker, Jordan Shoemaker, and Carrie Thorwarth.

Tickets are available online at  http://www.tripac.org  or will be sold at the door if space is available.  Ticket prices range from $13 to $23, with discounts for students and seniors as well as groups of 10 or more. For full information check   http://www.tripac.org or call the theater at 610-970-1199.

Check back here at Curtain Call Friday afternoon Oct. 14 for a review of the show.

At the masterclass with John Moletress, the director of "Pippin,"  students will be able to perform a prepared monologue and receive feedback and coaching from this award-winning director.  This is a great opportunity for students preparing their college auditions, as well as aspiring actors of any age.   The cost is only $25 for current Tri-PAC students, $30 for others, and only $10 to observe the class.  The class will run from 9:30 a.m. through 3:30 p.m. 

ABOUT VILLAGE PRODUCTIONS

Village Productions (the Tri-County Performing Arts Center) is a dynamic non-profit performing arts organization founded in 2001 to make the arts highly accessible to all in the community. Established and led by dedicated team of performing artists, arts educators, business leaders, and area residents, Village Productions seeks to strengthen community, inspire creative exploration, educate, and entertain, through the presentation of quality performing arts events and educational opportunities geared toward a diverse audience.

Auditions October 16th, 2 p.m. @RCT Rehearsal Hall Front Room

126 N 10th St, Reading PA 19602

Under the direction of Debbi Silas

Show dates are December 16, 17 and 18, 2011.

Reading Civic Theater proudly announces open auditions for NUNSENSE, Dan Goggin’s original seriously funny story of the Little Sister’s of Hoboken.  Auditions will be held at the Rehearsal Hall on Sunday, October 16 at 2:00.  No music preparation necessary.  Please be prepared for a movement audition.  Sisters Hubert, Robert Anne, Amnesia and Leo MUST tap dance.  No tap shoes needed for audition, but footwear to dance is necessary.

Synopsis

Nunsense begins when the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for the burials. The sisters decide that the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show, so they take over the school auditorium, which is currently set up for the eighth grade production of “Grease.” Here we meet Reverend Mother Regina, a former circus performer; Sister Mary Hubert, the Mistress of Novices; a streetwise nun from Brooklyn named Sister Robert Anne; Sister Mary Leo, a novice who is a wannabe ballerina; and the delightfully wacky Sister Mary Amnesia, the nun wholost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head.

Character Descriptions

SISTER MARY REGINA is to the outside world a model Mother Superior-even if she is overweight. But to those who know her, she is an outrageous, quick-witted soul who knows how to get a laugh. She tries to convince you that she is strict, but everyone knows that her “bark is worse than her bite.”She can’t resist the spotlight. Her age 35+, vocal part is mezzo.
SISTER MARY HUBERT is a kind person who always tries to be understanding and diplomatic. She teaches the Novices the ground rules, and is supposed to be dignified. But with the slightest bit of encouragement, she is ready to kick up her heels. Second in command she is always competing with Mother Superior. Her age is 35+, vocal part is alto.
SISTER ROBERT ANNE is a tough streetwise nun who has a heart of gold. All the kids adore her because she speaks their language. And she can hit a baseball “out of the park.” A constant source of aggravation for Mother Superior. Her age is 30+, vocal part is alto belt.
SISTER MARY AMNESIA is the picture of innocence. She lost her memory when a crucifix fell on her head. She can’t remember her past, and so she looks at each day with a childlike joy. Her age is 30+, vocal range is soprano.
SISTER MARY LEO was a professional dancer before she entered the convent, and she is always eager to display her talent. She is also impressionable because she is young and could easily be lead astray. She entered the convent to become the first ballerina nun. Her age range is 21+,vocal range is soprano.