AUDITION: "The Drowsy Chaperone" at the Naples Players

The Naples Players will hold auditions for spring musical "The Drowsy Chaperone" at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 and 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Auditions, at Sugden Community Theatre, are by appointment only. This show calls for seven principal men, ages 25-60, one principal man, (speaking role) age 30-60, and five principal women, ages 25-60. Rehearsal begins January 13. Performance dates are March 5 through April 5, 2014.  The show will be directed by Dallas Dunnagan, with choreography by Dawn Lebrecht Fornara and musical direction by Charles Fornara.

For an audition appointment or additional information, call 434-7340, ext. 10.

TheatreZone adds two matinees to accomodate ticket demand

TheatreZone opens Season 9 with
"Whistle Down the Wind,"
which runs Jan. 9-19 2014.

TheatreZone announced last week that it had added performances of "Whistle Down the Wind" and "High Society" to meet the strong demand from patrons for its upcoming season.

Both shows have already sold out multiple performances, TheatreZone's artistic director Mark Danni said in a news release. (Seriously, don't wait to get tickets - grab them now!)

"Whistle Down the Wind" adds a matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. "High Society" adds a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, February 15.

To purchase tickets, call 1-888-ZONE-FLA (1-888-966-3352); visit the onsite Box Office Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - noon or review seating chart and purchase tickets online at theatrezone-florida.com. 

TheatreZone also has numerous volunteer usher opportunities available throughout its season. Contact Rita Albaugh if you're interested in volunteering at TheatreZone.

 Complete press release below.

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Raoul Bhaneja finds something rotten in the state of Denmark as "Hamlet {solo}" opens Nov. 30

Raoul Bhaneja as Hamlet. Photo Credit: Andrew Kenneth Martin.

BIG ARTS always brings in some interesting acts.  They previously brought in ""A Couple of Blaguards" and actress Miriam Margolyes. This year, it is Canadian actor Raoul Bhaneja getting to the bottom of what, exactly, is rotten in the state of Denmark, in "Hamlet {solo}."

The show runs Nov. 30 - Dec. 5. Here's a line from the press release - but it actually nails the essence of the show: "'Hamlet {solo}' focuses on three most essential elements of theatre: the actor, the text and the audience."

Tickets to "Hamlet {solo}" are $35. Tickets for children under 17 and students with valid ID are just $5. Group discounts and various subscription packages available. Purchase online at BIGARTS.org, call the BIG ARTS Marks Box Office at 239-395-0900, the Herb Strauss Theater Box Office at (239) 472-6862 and at BIG ARTS, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel.

Complete press release below.

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Let's Put On A Show Productions announces cast for "Seminar"

Here's the cast for the Let's Put On A Show Productions play "Seminar."

In alphabetical order:

Brandon Anderson - Martin
Joel Brink - Leonard
Ty Landers - Douglas
Laura Lorusso - Izzy
Jessica Walck - Kate

"Seminar" runs at 8 p.m. Thursday - Saturday from Feb. 7 - 22. There's one 3 p.m. matinée on Sunday, Feb. 16. Let's Put On A Show performs at the Joan Jenks Auditorium at the Golden Gate Community Center, located at 4701 Golden Parkway. Doors open one-half hour before showtime. Tickets ($18) are available via letputonashowproductions.com or at the door. For more information, call 239-398-9192.

Complete press release below.

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Cast lists, directors announced for ETC "Evening of New Plays" on Dec. 6 & 7

Here's the cast lists and directors for the Naples Players’ ETC…Readers’ Theatre "Evening of New Plays."

Public readings of the four finalists' plays will be 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7 at Sugden Community Theatre. A reception follows the Friday show. For tickets ($10), call 239-263-7990 or contact the box office.

Complete press release below.

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AUDITION: "An Evening of Radio Theater" at BIG ARTS Community Players

The BIG ARTS Community Players will hold open auditions for "An Evening of Radio Theater" at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 and 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5.

Auditions will be held in Schein Performance Hall in the BIG ARTS complex, located at 900 Dunlop Road on Sanibel. Actors should bring a headshot, resume and be prepared to do a cold reading from the script.

"An Evening of Radio Theater" will stage selections from "The Bickersons" and "Dragnet." Radio jingles and songs from the Andrews Sisters will also feature.

For more information, or to inquire about directing or volunteer positions, contact Shirley Jewell at srjewell@embarqmail.com.

Complete press release below.

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Review: DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE at Edison College

Marcus Colon (Gordon) and
Jesenia Rodriguez (Jean)
in "Dead Man's Cell Phone."

Ring. Ring. Ring. That's Edison College calling. Students act, design, costume and produce "Dead Man's Cell Phone." You should answer. Smart, well-acted, intelligent and just $10. And yes, certainly rough in spots. It's a college show. But consider: does that little slab of glass and circuits in your pocket bring you closer to other people? Or does it allow you to create your own little bubble of reality? Standout performances from Elliott Ashton as "Hermia" and Meghan Carrasquillo as "The Other Woman."

"Dead Man's Cell Phone" rings through Nov. 28. Shows are 8 p.m. Thursday - Saturday, (2 p.m. matinées Nov. 16 & 23) in the Edison Black Box (L119-B). Tickets ($10, $5 students) at the door or http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/470702.


Read the full review here: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/nov/15/review-edison-college-dead-mans-cell-phone-ruhl/

Bonus:
Read my review of the December 2010 Theatre Conspiracy production of "Dead Man's Cell Phone"