CNY STAGES

Ted Davenport plays Senex in Auburns version of Forum

2012-01-28T12:58:28-05:00

Retired Skaneateles teacher to star in Auburn Theatre musical

Skaneateles actor Ted Davenport, at right, will play the part of Senex in the Auburn Theatre's upcoming production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." Sharon Dec of Auburn, at left, plays Domina. Credit: Eagle Newspaper staff
Originally printed and published by The Skaneateless Press – January 2012

Auburn — When the curtain opens on the Auburn Players Community Theatre’s winter musical, Skaneateles residents will see a familiar face in one of the leading roles.

Former Skaneateles High School English and drama teacher Ted Davenport will be featured in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” as Senex, the long-suffering husband who becomes infatuated with the courtesan whom he thinks is his new maid.

“I’ve been in this show but never played this part before,” Davenport said. “I’m 74 and going to be singing and dancing on the stage. When I told a friend of mine that she said, ‘You?’”

The musical was the first attempt at a Broadway score by composer Stephen Sondheim, but although most other aspects of the show garnered Tony nominations (and won seven, including Best Musical), Sondheim was mostly ignored. Since its opening in 1962 with Zero Mostel in the role of Pseudolus, the slave who will do anything to win his freedom, the show has enjoyed numerous revivals as well as a 1966 movie starring Mostel, Phil Silvers and Buster Keaton.

Director Barbara Murphy says this is one of her favorite musicals and she is thrilled to have the opportunity to direct the comedy, which is loosely based on the style of the ancient playwright Plautus.

“It’s very rarely done, and hasn’t been done around here in a long, long time. That’s why I chose it,” Murphy said. “I think it will be popular with older people who remember the movie.”

“Forum” is a fast-paced physical comedy that includes outrageous puns, mistaken identities and exhausting chases with actors disguised as one other. While most musicals are written with many individual scenes, “Forum” is a physical test for the cast, with continuous action from start to finish, no scene changes, and the entire cast onstage for the majority of the show.

“It’s a great cast: they get along, they love each other, they work well together — it’s really fun,” Murphy said.

She said that Davenport, who has been with the Auburn Players since the 1970s, bring to the role of Senex a great comedic sense. “His comic timing and facial expressions are great. You’ve got to have the right timing for this production, and my leads all do,” Murphy said.

“It’s a wonderfully exciting, funny, funny, funny show,” Davenport said. “We do have a very good cast.”

Davenport retired in 1995 from Skaneateles High School. He started the drama club there, and directed his first musical, “Dinny and the Witches,” which was followed the next year by “West Side Story.”

He was helped create and was the project manager of the Dickens Christmas for five years, and strolled the streets as Mr. Dickens. However, Davenport is probably best known as the voice of the Friday Night Concerts in the gazebo at which the Skaneateles Community Band performs.

“The last time I played in [Forum] it was at the Skaneateles Playhouse in the late 60s, early 70s,” Davenport said. “

Davenport has been involved in all aspects of theatre for more than 60 years, having done productions in three colleges, four high schools, and 15 community groups, including “Appleseed,” “Theatre '90,” and “Syracuse Morning Musicals.”

He performed as Horace Vandergelder in “Hello, Dolly,” and as Bert in “42nd Street” at Turning Stone Casino, where he was adjudicated by Louis Gosset, Jr., who remarked, “I’d like to come study with you.”

A native of Texas, Davenport portrayed the Governor of Texas in The Auburn Players’ 1985 production of “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” which was also directed by Murphy.

In addition to the play’s acting intricacies, Sondheim’s score is a challenge as well; Lori Rhodes Pettit, who is also well-known to Skaneateles-area musicians, will be a familiar face at the keyboard, and is up to the task of executing Sondheim’s multiple key changes and complex harmonies.

The Players’ production will include actors from across the CNY area, such as Ithaca, Red Creek , Syracuse, Elbridge and Skaneateles.

Auburn attorney Simon Moody in the role of Pseudolus, along with Sharon Dec as Senex’s wife Domina, Jack Sherman as Hysterium, Thad Striffler as Hero, Sarah Bradstreet as Philia, Jeff Rowe as Captain Miles Gloriosus, and Stan Gutelius as Erronius. Players’ veteran Tony Saurini will be featured in his first musical role as Marcus Lycus, a buyer and seller of beautiful women.

“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” is choreographed by Anna Post, with musical direction by Stephen Stomps. Tom Hoey produced with Scenic Design by Novroz Dabu.

The show will be presented at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3 and 4, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, in the Irene A. Bisgrove Theatre at Cayuga Community College. Tickets are $14/General Admission and $12/Student/Senior Citizen, and are available at www.auburnplayers.net, or by calling 702-7832.

Comments

OldTimeLaker 1 week, 1 day ago

Mr. Davenport was bigger than life when I was a student there. He is a Skaneateles treasure! God Bless you Mr. Davenport for your passion for the arts. You have touched us all in a wonderful way! The last time I ran into you, I didn't think you remembered me. Much to my surprise, you gave me a huge hug. You, Coach B. Miss Wickes, Mr. D and Mr. H., and all the wonderful teachers I had at SCS made me the person I am today. Thanks!

College Announces Naming of Lobby in New Performing Arts Theatre

2011-12-22T18:39:53-05:00

Auburn, NY (December 22, 2011) – Cayuga Community College is pleased to announce the naming of
the Joanne Foresman Lobby in the Schwartz Family Performing Arts Center. On December 21, 2011, the
Foresman family unveiled the gift to Joanne Foresman in a private ceremony. The family announced they
had made a gift to the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival to name the lobby to recognize Joanne
Foresman’s many contributions to the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse and the Auburn community.

Joanne first became involved with Auburn Children’s Theater (ACT) in the late 1960s. ACT was the
beginning of what is now the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse Youth Theatre, and Joanne dedicated countless
hours to performing in this program, which brought theatre to children in local schools. She served as the
Secretary for ACT and later as the President of the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse Board of Directors from
1978 to 1980. She co-chaired the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse’s 50th Year Anniversary celebration.

Theater Spotlight: $750,000 for Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival in Auburn, NY

2011-12-12T20:30:07-05:00

Auburn, NY (December 12, 2011) – The Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival in Auburn, NY received a major boost with $751,450 in state funding awarded by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo last week.
The Central New York Regional Economic Development Council (CNY REDC) submitted its five-year strategic plan as part of a competition for $200 million of New York State economic development assistance awarded by the governor’s office, and the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival is a regionally significant project within the winning CNY REDC plan.
“The Central New York region has been tremendously supportive of the Festival, and with this recognition from the state, the Festival will be able to realize one of its new facilities even sooner,” said Ed Sayles, Producing Artistic Director of the Festival.

W.G. Allyn Scenic Production Studio.

$751,450 state economic development grant will be used to double the size of this production facility.
The Festival will use its portion of the state funds toward the expansion of its scenic design and set production facility.
“This is a considerable advancement for the Festival, which relies on the investments of many private donors to support our efforts,” said Michael Chamberlain, Managing Director of the Festival. “The funding will allow us to move from seasonal to year-round production facility, creating full-time skilled production jobs.”

Currently the production facility is used to build the sets and props for Merry-Go-Round Playhouse. This facility will need to double in size to support the shows at the Festival.
The Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival has surpassed the $10 million mark in private and public support. Launching in May 2012, the Festival is projected to draw 150,000 annual visitors, create hundreds of new jobs, and have a regional economic impact of nearly $30 million.

For more information about the history and the future of the Festival, visit the Festival site.

Closed

2011-09-20T12:27:15-04:00

This blog has archived information only. Please go to www.cayugan.com

Auburn, NYHome to the Finger Lakes Music Theatre Festival

2011-05-25T20:11:53-04:00

Narration: Julie Cardia (appearing June 1-22, 2011 in Anything Goes-Merry Go Round Playhouse)

Cast for Auburn New York presentation of Candide at Cayuga Community College is announced

2011-04-28T10:34:48-04:00

AUBURN, NY - The Auburn Players have announced the cast for their upcoming production of Leonard Bernstein's Candide. The comical story of a young man’s adventures as he travels the world in search of his one true love will be performed at Cayuga Community College on June 10^th and 11^th at 8 PM.

Starring in the title role is acclaimed actor Stephen Gamba. Gamba has performed with OnStage Atlanta, Galaxy Productions, and has directed for the Holly Theatre. Local audiences will remember him as Harold Hill in Skaneateles Summer Theatre’s production of Music Man, and the Cornelius Hackl in the Auburn Player’s season finale of Hello Dolly.

Playing his love Conegonde is Karen Barlett-Morse, who has performed locally with Masterworks Chorale, and Syracuse Vocal Ensemble. She has worked with Skaneateles Summer Theater and Salt City Performing Arts Center in Syracuse, and has also performed as a featured soloist with the Auburn Chamber Orchestra and Civic Morning Musicals of Syracuse.

Playing the dual roles of Voltaire and Candide's overly optimistic mentor Dr. Pangloss is Robert Kovak, who has been active in theater and opera in Syracuse, NC, HI, CA and even in Turkey. Popular Geneva pianist Meg Heaton, last seen in the Geneva Theatre Guild’s production of Gypsy appears as the Old Woman. Other Auburn Players’ favorites in the cast include: Ed Beck (Maximilian), Lesley C. Kennedy (Paquette), and Vera Carabajal (The Baroness of Thunder). Playing the denizens of two continents are: Alan Clugston, Emily Short, Dia Carabajal, Michaela Nicpon, Angela Reed, Brenda Kayn, Michaela Oney, Mathew Crawford, Matt Nilsen, Joe Townsend, Simon Moody, and Tony Saurini.

Candide is inspired by Voltaire's wickedly satirical novel. This musical masterpiece includes some of the greatest music ever written, with brilliantly witty lyrics by Richard Wilbur and additional lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, John LaTouche, Dorothy Parker, Lillian Hellman, and Leonard Bernstein himself.

This production is being performed “In Concert,” and is the Season Finale for the Auburn Players 50^th Anniversary Season. The Auburn Players Community Theatre is one of the oldest and most prestigious community theatres in New York State. It has won numerous awards from The Theatre Association of New York State (TANYS), and the Eastern States Theatre Association (ESTA).

To learn more about The Auburn Players’ or our upcoming productions, please visit auburnplayers.net or call the Box Office at (315) 258-8275. Tickets for Candide are $14 General Admission and $12 Senior/Student. Group rates and reservations are available.

WHAT Leonard Bernstein’s CANDIDE (In Concert)

WHEN June 10 & 11 at 8 PM

WHERE Irene Bisgrove Theatre at Cayuga Community College, Auburn, NY

WHO Presented by The Auburn Players (315) 258-8275

Auditions announced for Sam Kennedys, The Curious Savage

2011-02-17T09:30:23-05:00

AUDITIONS!

Auburn Players Community Theatre, Inc.

announces

OPEN AUDITIONS

for

“The Curious Savage”

Weds 2/23 & Fri 2/25, 2011

7pm at Auburn Public Theater

The Curious Savage, written by John Patrick, is a comedic play about Ethel P. Savage, a woman whose husband recently died and left her approximately ten million dollars.

The current residents of a sanatorium, called The Cloisters, function normally, except one small ailment…the arrival of Mrs. Savage and her stepchildren.

Primarily a comedy, the play sets up a contrast between the inmates and Mrs. Savage's stepchildren. By the end of the play, the viewer wonders who the crazy ones really are.

Roles available for 5 men and 6 women, ages 20 to adult.

Be prepared to read from the script.

Performance dates are April 8, 9, 10, 2011.

Please visit www.auburnplayers.net

or Call 258-8275 for more information

APT Music Series continues

2010-11-16T13:52:32-05:00

The Auburn Public Theater Music Series Continues with

Loren Barrigar Dusty Pas'cal Tommy Connors Jeffrey Scott Connor

WHERE: Auburn Public Theater, 8 Exchange Street @ Genesee Auburn, NY 13021

WHAT: A Thanksgiving Concert with Loren Barrigar, Dusty Pas'cal

with openers Tommy Connors and Jeffrey Scott Connor

WHEN: Wednesday, November 24th at 7:30pm

COST: $10 advance/door

Tickets: www.auburnpublictheater.org , (315) 253-6669 Box Office

CONTACT INFORMATION: Angela Daddabbo - Artistic Producing Director 315.253.6669; angela@auburnpublictheater.org

PHOTO & SITE LINKS: APT website Barrigar Pas'cal Connors Connor

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Loren Barrigar is reminiscent of the late Chet Atkins whom he performed the track “Yakety Axe” from at just six years old at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to the delight of country fans, making him the youngest guitarist to perform on that famous stage. Barrigar is known for a relaxed but energetic stage presence which commands the audience’s attention with his easygoing, transitional and fluid movement between old time standards, rock and original tunes. Barrigar won a SAMMY award in 2009 for Best Country CD for his album, “Dance With Me”. Barrigar is also one of the founders of the Syracuse-based Guitar League which helps to benefit amateur musicians. You can listen to Loren Barrigar on his MySpace page by visitinghttp://www.myspace.com/thebarrigarbrothers.

Dusty Pas’cal is a Skaneateles resident who is compared lyrically to acoustic icon John Prine. Highly influenced by his songwriter father, who first put a guitar in Dusty’s hands at age thirteen, Dusty stays grounded about the music business, refusing to let its commercial aspect affect his creativity. “Writing music has never been about the money”, he’s said. He’d rather you hear the inconsistencies like the “pop” of the guitar strings in order to really experience and appreciate the art of music and performance. “I've always just had a real appreciation for the honesty of the music. I like to think of my albums as a sequence of life. So 20 years from now, I can look back at the songs and really know what was happening in my life at the time.” The ability to connect with his audience is a key element of Dusty. You can listen to Dusty athttp://www.dustypascal.com.

_________________________________________________________________

The Auburn Public Theater (APT) is a nonprofit arts center in downtown Auburn which encourages creativity within its community. The theater offers an engaging environment with its variety of activities and events, including films, music and plays, some of which the APT produce themselves. The theater suggests an intimate setting for those who are artistic or enjoy the arts. The APT is located at 8 Exchange Street at Genesee in downtown Auburn, New York 13021 and can be reached by phone at (315) 253-6669 or on the web at www.auburnpublictheater.org

Palpitations 2010

2010-11-14T15:38:51-05:00

Showpeople

Antony Cleopatra AUDITIONS Are Here

2010-11-13T21:05:35-05:00

^{Open Auditions to be in the show will be held}

^{Sun, Nov 14, 2-4 p.m}^{. in Auburn}

^{Sun., Nov 14, Mon., Nov 15 & Tues., Nov 16; 7-9 p.m.}

^{at SU’s Warehouse Theatre in downtown Syracuse.}

Come join us as we continue our journey with Shakespeare around the world to Rome and Alexandria, Egypt and hold open auditions for the first show of our fourth season of Shakespeare-Under-A-Roof, Antony and Cleopatra.

Auditions will be held according to the following schedule:

Sun 11/14 2-4 pm @ 11 Court St., Auburn NY 13021

Sun 11/14 7-9 pm @ SU’s Warehouse Theatre

350 W. Fayette St. Syracuse 13202

Mon 11/15 7-9 pm @ SU’s Warehouse Theatre

Tues 11/16 7-9 pm @ SU’s Warehouse Theatre

Antony and Cleopatra is an epic, historical tragedy whose title characters are larger than life and death. The story was made famous in the early sixties by Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Rex Harrison in the boom and bust movie entitled,Cleopatra. For the second consecutive year our main stage, S-U-A-R show will run in the New Times Theatre @ the NYS Fairgrounds.

Show Dates: Fri & Sat Feb. 11,12,18, 19, 25 & 26 at 7:30 p.m. and

Sun. Feb. 13 & 20 at 2:00 p.m.

For more information about the above program and the work of the Syracuse Shakespeare Festival, please contact: Ronald Bell, Executive Director, (315) 476-1835/414-9911 OR e-mail: bell444@gmail.com OR write us @ 350 W. Fayette St., VPA, Room 001, Syr., NY 13202. syracuseshakespearefestival.org

Benefit Performance of award winning plays are announced for CCCThursday, November 18

2010-11-12T09:13:36-05:00

On November 2nd, The Theatre Association of NY State (TANYS) has invited two shows Bob Frame directed, to perform at their competitive festival the weekend of November 19-21, 2010. These two shows will be part of a field of nine shows chosen from among 57 shows adjudicated at their home sites.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

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An "Open rehearsal/Benefit Performance will be held on Thursday, November 18th at 8pm in the Bisgrove Theatre at Cayuga Community College. We would appreciate you stopping in and supporting our efforts.

The two shows are the Auburn Player's "Two Women and a Chair" by Michael Olsen and CCC's "The Body Washer" by Rosemary Frisino Toohey.

Both shows have received Merit Awards from the adjudicators who saw the show. These awards will be presented at the festival.
"Two Women and a Chair":
Excellence in Ensemble Acting to Alicia Frame and Carole Estabrook
Excellence in Directing to Bob Frame
"The Body Washer"
Excellence in Ensemble Acting to Lauren Maltese, Rachel Bodner and Lizzy Fennessy
Awards also earned by Harlequin Productions for their "We Got Your One-Act, Right Here" evening:
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Alicia Frame for her portrayal of Annie (The Matchmaker's Guide ...)
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Courtney Johnson for her portrayal of Liz (The Matchmaker's Guide...)
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Tarin Bonvino for her portrayal of Pat (Christmas Tuba Festival)
Excellence in Ensemble Acting to the Entire Cast (Christmas Tuba Festival)
Also presented at Festival will be:
Carole Estabrook's Outstanding Acting award from the Auburn Player's "The Importance of being Earnest"
Bob Frame's Outstanding Direction award for Harlequin Production's "Knuckles"
This State level competition is the first step in what could be a national and even international competition/exhibition of the finest work that non-professional theatre can offer.
Robert M. Frame, Producer- Harlequin Productions
C/O Cayuga Community College
197 Franklin St. Auburn, NY 13021-3099
(Direct): 315-294-8640 (Fax): 315-255-2117
(E-mail): framer@cayuga-cc.edu
Presenting New and Original Works of Modern Theatre
Appearing on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=522073478#!/pages/Harlequin-Productions-of-Cayuga-Community-College/116571521708985?ref=sgm

‘Scottsboro Boys,’ via Kander and Ebb, at the Lyceum - Review - NYTimes.com

2010-11-01T14:29:18-04:00

Revisiting an Outrage With Gallows Humor

via theater.nytimes.com

One Acts to TANYS from Auburn

2010-11-01T12:29:28-04:00

Image by showpeople via Flickr

Harlequin Productions of Cayuga Community College is pleased to announce that their production of "The Body Washer" by Rosemary Frisino Toohey has been invited to perform at the annual Theatre Association of NY State Festival. This prestigious state-wide competition will be held Nov. 19-21 in Batavia, NY. "The Body Washer" is part of Harlequin's We Got Your One-Acts, Right Here evening of theatre which continues performances on Nov 4-6 at 8PM at the College's Black Box Theatre.
"The Body Washer" features the talents of CCC students Lauren Maltese, Rachel Bodner and Lizzie Fennessy and tells of how an incident in the Afghanistan war affects the lives of an Islamic Body Washer and two Americans: a National Guard soldier and a journalist.
Also Invited to perform at the TANYS Festival is the Auburn Player's Production of "Two Women and a Chair" by Michael Olsen. CCC freshman Alicia Frame and Alumna Carole Estabrook enact the two roles of actresses showing up for an audition in a room dominated by a strange chair but no director.
Both of these productions are directed by Bob Frame, Director of Theatre Operation at CCC. His work has been featured at the festival many times over his career; in fact he was awarded the J. Richard Mahlstedt Directing Award in 2006. Frame is honored to have one play invited to perform, but it is practically unheard of to have two plays in this competition! These plays were chosen from a field of over 60 production mounted by Community, College and High School Theatre Groups from throughout the State. The TANYS Festival showcases some of the best work found in NY community theatre and is the first step in a theatrical completion that can lead to a national contest and ultimately to an international Festival held in Monaco.

Robert M. Frame, Producer- Harlequin Productions
C/O Cayuga Community College
197 Franklin St. Auburn, NY 13021-3099
(Direct): 315-294-8640
(Fax): 315-255-2117
(E-mail): framer@cayuga-cc.edu

Presenting New and Original Works of Modern Theatre
Appearing on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=522073478#!/pages/Harlequin-Productions-of-Cayuga-Community-College/116571521708985?ref=sgm

THE ORIGINAL Scary 'Mary Poppins' Recut Trailer

2010-10-30T22:04:17-04:00

via www.youtube.com

The greatest horror film ever. Well...sort of. Happy Halloween from CNY Stages.

An Evening of One Acts at CCC

2010-10-30T18:23:42-04:00

We Got Your One-Acts Right Here!
Harlequin Productions of Cayuga Community College is pleased to announce an evening of 4 One-Acts that will be presented in the College's Black Box Theatre Oct. 28-30 and Nov. 4-6. Tickets for the 8PM performances are $1 for students and $5 for general admission and will be available at the door.

This entire evening is under the direction of long time Harlequin Productions advisor, Bob Frame and features new works by four different playwrights. First on the bill is "The Matchmaker's Guide to Controlling the Elements" by John Morogiello; a comic look at the amorous antics of a pair of mismatched office workers. In Tara Meddaugh's "The Scent of Coconut Had Haunted Her for Days" young newlyweds face the uncertainties of pregnancy. How the Middle East war affects three women is the subject of Rosemary Frisino Toohey's "The Body Washer". The final show of the evening, "The Christmas Tuba Festival" by Deborah Finkelstein takes a light-hearted visit to a town where the tuba reigns supreme and no other instruments are allowed. Although the shows don't have a common theme, each one does have characters who speak directly to the audience; "breaking the fourth wall" as they share their story with the audience. 12 CCC students enact all the roles- Sophomores: Courtney Johnston, Christopher Competillo, Kenny Baker, Caryl Frame, Lizzy Fennessy, Tarin Bonvino are assisted by newcomers Alicia Frame, Lauren Maltese, Rachel Bodner, Maria Coleman, Lynsie Ferguson and Nancy Hunt. The company will be assisted by backstage crew: Caryl Frame, Taylor Hildreth, Kelly Berry, Lance Gaines and Joe Campanella.

CCC's Black Box theatre is a limited-seating performance venue which will allow the actor and audience to share an intimate evening of theatre. Working in this space will provide an important educational experience in the lives of these young actors as they must perform within breathing distance of the audience. "Never let 'em see you sweat" will take on a whole new meaning to the cast and crew!

For further information contact Bob Frame at CCC: framer@cayuga-cc.edu , 315-294-8640

2010-10-30T13:25:16-04:00

Showpeople

CNY Theater News-Upcoming productions

2010-10-29T14:00:18-04:00

Church Basement Ladies 2, A Second Helping, Through October 30, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Emerson Park, Owasco Rd. Auburn, 255-1785

The 39 Steps, October 20 through November 7, Syracuse Stage, 820 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, 443-3275

Chicago, October 21 through 30, Ithaca College Drama, Clark Theatre, Dillingham Center, Rte 96B, Ithaca, 607-274-3224

Luther, October 23 through November 6, Appleseed Productions, 116 W. Glen Ave., Syracuse, 492-9766

The Falsetto’s Murder, October 23, Without a Cue, Canale’s Restaurant, 156 W. Utica St., Owsego, 343-3540

Kiss Me Kate,Through October 31, Cortland State Drama, Dowd Fine Arts Theatre, SUNY Cortland, 607-753-2811

Witness For the Prosecution, Through November 7, Baldwinsville Theatre Guild, First Presbyterian Education Center, 64 Oswego Rd., Baldwinsville, 877-4183

The Brothers Size, October 27 through November 7, Kitchen Theatre, 417 W. State / W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, Ithaca, 607-273-4497

MacBeth, October 28 through November 13, RCP’s Shakespeare Players, MuCCC, 142 Atlantic Avenue, Rochester, (585) 234-1254

Tits Fisher with Kitten’s Kiss, October 30, 31, Hangar Theatre, Cass Park, Rte. 89, Ithaca, 607-273-8588

Alice in Wonderland, Through December 18, Magic Circle Children’s Theatre, Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse, 4493823

My Dead Lady, Through November 11, Acme Mystery Company, Spaghetti Warehouse, 689 N. Clinton St., Syracuse, 475-1807

via dramaimp.wordpress.com

New Artistic Director at SSF

2010-10-29T10:39:24-04:00

Syracuse Shakespeare Festival Appoints Jamie Bruno Producing Artistic Director^.

The Syracuse Shakespeare Festival (SSF) has appointed Jamie Bruno producing artistic director effective October 11, 2010. Mr. Bruno replaced Ronnie Bell who was appointed executive director on August 1, 2010.

For the past six seasons, Jamie has been a community theater whirlwind, acting with the Syracuse Shakespeare Festival, Appleseed Productions, Rarely Done Productions and the Auburn Players in such roles as Touchstone in As You Like It, Grumio in The Taming of the Shrew, Peter in Prelude to a Kiss, and Douglas Brantley in Baylin’s Monster. Additionally, he directed The Comedy of Errors and Shakespeare’s Will with SSF and The Tempest, All My Sons, Much Ado About Nothing and Clara with the Auburn Players. Mr. Bruno also energized the Boards of SSF and the Auburn Players where he is currently president. Jamie attended Bard College and is currently working toward a communications degree from the University of Phoenix.

He spends much of his spare time reading and re-reading Shakespeare’s works and traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada to see as many productions and varied interpretations of the Bard’s work as possible. “I’m very excited to be able to work towards putting quality productions of Shakespeare on stage for everyone in Central New York,” Mr. Bruno said. Jamie is directing SSF’s upcoming Shakespeare-Under-A-Roof show, Antony and Cleopatra, at the New Times Theatre, NYS Fairgrounds, in February 2011.

Are you a little Witch?

2010-10-28T10:42:02-04:00

Angela J. Daddabbo - Artistic Producing Director

This weekend, something special this way comes. The original family musical, The Littlest Witch flies into Auburn Public Theater this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Thanks to the inspired work of creator Corinne Aquilina (music director for The Merry-Go-Round Playhouse), producer Brett Smock and the generous support of Wegmans Markets, we are able to present this Broadway-quality show to our patrons and their families for only $5 per ticket!. This is a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to enjoy top professional talent right in your own haunted house. For tickets, click on the link below.

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The Littlest Witch

Friday, Oct. 29 at 7pm

Saturday, Oct. 30 at 1pm & 4pm

Sunday, Oct. 31 at 2pm*(Available at the door only)

"...a charming and delightful show with sensational music that has a Broadway flair to it"- Los Angeles Magazine

Corrine Aquilina (music director for The Merry-Go-Round Playhouse) & Tony Jerris have created a original family musical and are bringing a new production to Auburn Public Theater. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a new show with the whole family. Meet the cast after the performance!!

$5 individuals; *$5 family ticket TICKETS

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The Bill Tiberio Band

& Kevin Dorsey's Series of Tubes

Saturday, November 6th at 8pm

"Tiberio’s sax sings with passionate abandon…”
- Michelle Picardo, Freetime Magazine

“The musical stylings of Kevin Dorsey truly keeps real jazz alive." - J.Otis Williams/KSDS Jazz 88

Bill Tiberio’s music straddles the divide between straight-ahead and pop-oriented jazz styles. He seeks soulful, blues-driven melodies, and his alto sax is a recognizable sound in the Rochester, NY music scene.
In addition to being an accomplished and versatile saxophonist and woodwind player, Bill Tiberio is a music educator. He has 25 years of experience in the field of public music education, and has been at Fairport (NY) high school for 21 years. Bill has performed with Fred Wesley, The Four Tops, the Temptations, Nestor Torres, Lou Gramm, and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and has shared the stage with Chuck Loeb, the Yellowjackets, Eileen Ivers, Jesse Cook, Ken Navarro, the Rippingtons, and Euge Groove. Listen to Bill Tiberio

Kevin Dorsey is an in demand, multi-instrumentalist in the Central New YorkRegion. Kevin has performed with such diverse artists as Noah and Andrew VanNorstrand, modern jazz musicians Phil Woods, Chris Vadala,
Miguel Zenon, Dave Samuels and Steve Slagle, avant-garde musicians Steve Swell, Hamid Drake, Jalil Moondrake and William Parker, opera singer N'Kenge Simpson-Hoffman and the Israeli Ensemble Simply Tsfat. His album, A Collective Christmas won the 2007 SAMMY Award and Gateway won the 2006 SAMMY Award for Best Jazz Recordings and can be heard on over 150 radio stations worldwide. Listen to K. Dorsey

Tickets: $12 advance/door

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Jon Peterson's Songwriters' Night
Friday, November 5th at 7:30
An ongoing series of music evenings featuring up and coming Central New York songwriters. This month's songwriters...
Buffalo native John Schmitt's distinctive sound is a unique blend of soul and acoustic folk, once colorfully described as "Paul Simon meets Motown." John is a 2007 and 2008 ASCAP-PLUS award winner for new artists and is a recurring guest of the New York Songwriters' Circle
in New York City. In addition to writing and performing his own original music, John leads a Motown band and performs traditional Irish music. In July 2009, he performed at Jones Beach Amphitheater in Long Island as?an opening act for Dave Matthews Band. John's beautiful ballad "Ophelia" took 3rd place in the 2008 New York
Songwriter's Circle songwriting contest and is the title song to his forthcoming album to be released next month.
To hear songs from John's soon-to-be-released album, please visit www.myspace.com/johnschmitt

Alec Gross is an accomplished singer/songwriter in the Indie Alternative/Country vein performing and recording original music in New York City and throughout the U.S. Alec's work has been labeled "Cinematic Americana" for the visual qualities of his music and lyrics. Alec sings stories of love, revenge, madness, death, and redemption, all delivered by his hauntingly vulnerable vocal described as being "so perfectly suited to the times" and "superbly bold." To enjoy more of Alec's music visit http://www.myspace.com/alecgross

And Jon Peterson, your host will perform his originals, songs with themes, characters and heart! Jon will be sharing a wide variety of songs from his new CD "Weatherman" Jon's Music
$6 at the door
Cash wine/beer bar with proper I.D.

To participate as a songwriter, please contact Carey at info@auburnpublictheater.org

Partnership For Results Presents

Truth and Tips for a Drug Free Auburn

Monday, November 8 at 5:30pm

See Details

Seward House Museum presents
Author Douglas Egerton

Wednesday, November 10 at 7:00pm

discussing his new book Year of Meteors: Stephen Douglas, Abraham Lincoln, and the Election That Brought on the Civil War

Free

WCNY Presents

A John Lennon Tribute

Monday, November 22nd

Details coming soon!

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What does Auburn Public Theater look like?

Take a tour

You can rent any of our 3 spaces for your own event or show.

Call Janie at 315-253-6669

Babies October 29 & 30

"Joyous and Buoyant" Los Angeles Times
The babies in Babies are four newborns, photographed in their natural habitat in distinctly different parts of the world. Hattie is in San Francisco, Mari's in Tokyo, Baryarjargal lives out in the Mongolian steppes, and Ponijao is born amid the simple straw huts of Namibia. In the course of less than 80 minutes, we're going to follow this quartet through their first year of life, a chronicle that director Thomas Balmes and producer Alain Chabat have likened to a nature documentary that happens to focus on humans. Along the way, we may pause to notice the cultural differences between the locales, as the American baby seems elaborately nurtured (maybe baby yoga classes could wait a year?) and the African baby views a world just as full of wonder and newness as anywhere else, despite the material poverty of the locale. If those differences are colorful, the movie nevertheless suggests that babies are more alike in their development than they are different.
Watch Babies Trailer

Entre Nos November 5 & 6

Coco and Igor November 12 & 13

Please Give November 19 & 20

I am Love November 26 & 27

The Kids Are Alright December 3 & 4

The Last Train Home December 10 &11

Mother and Child Decemer 17 & 18

All Films

Fridays 1pm & 8pm

Saturdays 8pm

(unless otherwise noted)

All tickets $4 advance; $5 door

Film Details & Advance Tickets

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Tom Anzalone

with opener Mike Speirs

Saturday, November 13th at 8:00pm

With a few simple props, guitar and roll of electrical tape (yes, electrical tape), Tom Anzalone produces quick and quirky musical impersonations of Elvis, Elton, Springsteen and countless more. But it is off-key creativity that spawns his usual standing ovation. His Springsteen recites the alphabet (to the tune of "Born In The U.S.A."), his Pinball Wizard (from the rock opera Tommy) is sung, well, opera style. Anzalone consistently hits the right notes for any audience. Anzalone's television appearances include America's Funniest People (ABC) and the Showtime Comedy Club Network. In addition, he has been profiled on radio's All Things Considered (NPR). He has performed at New York City's Laugh Factory, Atlantic City's and Las Vegas' Tropicana Hotels and in more than forty states. In addition, he has entertained passengers on the Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise lines. Anzalone enlisted for Comics on Duty, a series of shows for troops stationed stateside. He has "opened" shows for comedian Bobcat Goldthwait and the musical group Chicago. View Tom Anzalone

Tickets: $12 advance/door

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Disney All-Star Adult/Youth Cabaret
Saturday, November 27th at 7pm
Right after the Thanksgiving Parade
Wear your favorite Disney costume and come march with us!
Auburn Public Theater is once again proud to present our StageRight Cabaret evening, featuring music from all your Disney favorites. Led by talented music teacher, Amy Bellamy, a cast of gifted children and adults brings the Disney songbook to life. It starts right after the Thanksgiving parade and seats are limited. Our last Disney Cabaret was sold out, so We encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance right here!
Tickets: $8 adult; $2 Children under 12________________________________________

The Music Series

Loren Barrigar & Dusty Pas'cal - Nov 24

Christine Lavin - January 29

Aztec Two-Step - February 18

Gandalf Murphy and The Slambovian Circus of Dreams - March 25

Danny D'Imperio and The Bloviators May 7

The Comedy Series

Hiram Kasten - December 4

Scott Blakeman - January 8

Dylan Brody - January 21-23

Moody McCarthy - February 5

The Family Hour Series

Join us the last Sunday of every month at 2pm for an hour of family entertainment.This month...

The Littlest Witch

Sunday, October 31 at 2pm

A family ticket (up to 4) is only $5!

(Sunday tickets available at the door only)

Poetry Night

The last Wednesday of every month features a new evening of poetry reading and discussion.

For info contact, Angela Daddabbo atangela@auburnpublictheater.org

The Tuesday Nightmusic Sessions

Every Tuesday @ 7:30pm

A weekly evening of regional and national talent, and featured acts in an open mic cafe setting. Door prizes, a light snack menu & wine/beer with I.D.

$2 at the door

The NOW, live Kirtan Music
Wednesday, November 10th at 7pm
Join Mark Nanni, Max McKee, Kerri Pickard-DePriest and Annadel Hine for a 2-hour evening of Kirtan (call and response)
$10 suggested donation at the door

Ballroom Dancing Lessons

This Fall, perfect your Tango and Rumba every Thursday at 7pm with instructors Nick Diego and Jeannie Tucker.

For details, call (315) 253-2489

Auburn Public Theater-The Littlest Witch

2010-10-26T19:47:59-04:00

via auburnpublictheater.org

Auburn Public Theater-The Littlest Witch

2010-10-26T19:45:39-04:00

via auburnpublictheater.org

Ted Davenport gives a realistic comic portrayal in Luther

2010-10-24T11:28:35-04:00

“Ted Davenport gives a realistic comic portrayal….”

John Osborne's 1961 play "Luther" is a searching, often thorny piece of theater, and Appleseed Productions' opening night performance of it, with Dan Tursi as director, proved to be searching and satisfying.

"Luther" is an extremely tough play to do, but happily Appleseed has reached a point where it can draw on a deep well of talent.

The set, for example, designed by Navroz Dabu and painted by Anne Fitzgerald, is both simple and sumptuous. Dominated by a large crucifix upstage, it seems to become any one of the numerous sites where the play takes place, from a palace to a market square.

Dan Randall's lighting surrounds the characters with rich lights and shadows so that their actions take on special significance and weight. John Poorman's costumes have plenty of lively variety (though the golden outfit worn by Luther's father seems far too rich for someone said to be a "miner").

Osborne sprang into prominence in 1956 with "Look Back in Anger," a radically innovative play about anti-hero Jimmy Porter, the largely ineffectual "angry young man" who resents everything about established British culture.

Just five years later, Osborne had written "Luther," whose protagonist is also an angry young man, but on a far grander scale -- this one brought about the Protestant Reformation.

"Luther," however, is far from a re-hashing of old doctrinal disputes, and it's equally far from a traditional saint's legend.

Osborne centers the play on Martin Luther's personality. Basically, Osborne presents Luther as a spiritually tormented, driven man who finds in the Roman Catholic Church of his time the perfect target for his sense of the world's injustice.
In 12 scenes, each at a crucial point in Luther's life, Osborne shows Luther traversing the path from religious novice, through key moments of conflict, to the point where, now a married man with children -- and still not free of inner torment -- he leads the reformed church he has shaped.

Tursi trimmed and honed Osborne's script, and for the most part the scenes keep a good pace. The two or three scenes at the end, though, still seem too drawn out and could have been tightened further.

The production is filled with excellent acting.
Nathan Young gives a luminous portrayal of Luther, who as a young monk seems a bit wet-behind-the-ears -- an innocent who literally sickens himself with anguish over his unworthiness, and who desperately needs to know what is true.
Later, mounting the pulpit, Young gives a stunning sermon in which Luther joyously tells of his discovery that faith rather than good works is the key to salvation.

In Luther's later years, Osborne shows him taking on some of the authoritarian ways he denounced in the papacy, simply not aware that he is doing so.

There is comedy, often of a wry kind. One of the funniest (and scariest) scenes opens act two. Tetzel (Bill Molesky), the seller of indulgences, enters balefully, dripping contempt for his audience, selling them "insurance" against being punished for their sins. He even promises that -- for a price -- he can protect them from the consequences of sins they have not yet committed, but intend to.
The absurdity of the latter bit especially is what turns Luther into the foe of indulgences. That doesn't sit well, though, with Pope Leo (Jimmy Curtin), who wants the money for church buildings.

Steven Braddock gives a beguiling, complex performance as Cardinal Cajetan, the papal legate who tries to get Luther to recant. Cajetan actually was a moderate with a lot of sympathy for some of Luther's positions. In Braddock's hands he's a smoothy -- the prep school headmaster who has to dress you down, but gets you on his side: "So you see, my dear son, what a mess we're in." Or maybe the line is "what a mess you're in." Because ultimately, Cajetan will of course side with Pope Leo.

Ted Davenport gives a realistic comic portrayal of Luther's father Hans. Hans hates the fact that his son has become a monk instead of, say, a lawyer. Built along the lines of Henry VIII, and with a similarly commanding air, Hans shows up at the monastery and is the embodiment of the crass, drunk, embarrassing dad. Father and son never did get along, we find out; but it's also clear that they love each other.

Paul Gunderson plays Staupitz, Luther's monastic mentor, as a wise and kindly man who tells the truth directly.
Robert H. Brophy, III, gives a brief but strong portrayal of Weinand, a good-buddy monk who tries to help Luther get over his "over-stimulated conscience."

Well before the show starts, and often during it, there's the faintly audible sound of a church choir. That's hardly out of place in the basement of a church, but in this case it's actually part of William White's sound design for "Luther."

The details:
What: "Luther," presented by Appleseed Productions.
Where: The Atonement Stage, 116 West Glen Avenue, Syracuse.
When: Seen Friday, Oct. 22, 2010 (opening).
Length: Three hours, including two intermissions.
Attendance: About 30.
Performs through: Nov. 6.
Family guide: Probably too long and complex for most kids.
Information: 492-9766.

Sunday's Best Bet: Fright Nights at the Fair

2010-10-24T11:18:36-04:00

Halloween lovers can get their scare on in the Beef Cattle Barn.

The annual “Fright Nights at the Fair” features five haunted houses full of made-up actors ready to lower the boom on visitors. There are plenty of special effects designed to make you scream, too.

There’s also a haunted hayride that winds through darkened fairgrounds buildings. Creepy.

The scary portion of the event is not recommended for children under 9.

Fear not, parents.

For those with younger people in tow, there are children’s amusement rides and food stands.

THE DETAILS
WHAT: ‘Fright Nights at the Fair.’
WHEN: 7 to 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 7 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday.
WHERE: Beef Cattle Barn, state fairgrounds, Geddes.
TICKETS: $20, available at the door.

via blog.syracuse.com

Benefit the Bard

2010-10-23T22:04:05-04:00

Ye Olde Sundae Shop, Live Characters, Tarot,

Your Picture as Shakespeare, MEB Music

Dear Friend of Shakespeare,

Only two weeks left for our only 2010 fun time fundraiser, only $25.

Please see below or attached:

There’s only one place you can get all of these in an evening of fun and that’s at Syracuse Shakespeare Festival’s 2010 fundraising spectacular called An Evening with the BBC. (Bard Booster Club) You can buy tickets in advance, online at our website, by check at the above address for only $25 or at the door. SSF is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and donations are deductible to the extent allowed by law. The Westcott Community Center, 826 Euclid Ave., Syracuse, is the site for this unique event, Sat., Nov. 6th. Don’t miss this truly special, fun-raiser event, 7:30-9:30 p.m. ONE NIGHT ONLY.

You’ll be treated to the smooth sounds of the Mike Estep Band, Anne Dougherty will read your Shakespearean Tarot cards to give you a glimpse into your future and actors dressed as characters from famous Shakespearean plays will play along with you as you enjoy the festivities. You can have your picture taken in our Shakespeare cutout while you’re enjoying delicious Gannon’s Isle Ice Cream with brownies, delightful toppings and smooth café or fermented grape beverages.

Call R. Bell @ 315-476-1835 (The Shakespeare Line) or Will’s cell phone @ 315-414-9911 for more info OR visit us @ syracuseshakespearefestival.org

Comedy at APT

2010-10-21T12:18:23-04:00

The Auburn Public Theater Comedy Series Continues with

Tom Anzalone and opener Mike Speirs

WHERE: Auburn Public Theater, 8 Exchange Street @ Genesee Auburn, NY 13021

WHAT: A night of Stand-up Comedy with Tom Anzalone and Mike Speirs

WHEN: Saturday, November 13th 2010 at 8:00pm

COST: $12 advance/door

Tickets: www.auburnpublictheater.org , (315) 253-6669 Box Office

CONTACT INFORMATION: Angela Daddabbo - Artistic Producing Director 315.253.6669; angela@auburnpublictheater.org

PHOTO & SITE LINKS: APT website Tom Anzalone Mike Speirs

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The Auburn Public Theater is proud to present Comedians Tom Anzalone and opener Mike Speirs as part of our monthly COMEDY SERIES.

TOM ANZALONE:With a few simple props, guitar and roll of electrical tape (yes, electrical tape), Tom Anzalone produces quick and quirky musical impersonations of Elvis, Elton, Springsteen and countless more. But it is off-key creativity that spawns his usual standing ovation. His Springsteen recites the alphabet (to the tune of "Born In The U.S.A."), his Pinball Wizard (from the rock opera Tommy) is sung, well, opera style. Anzalone consistently hits the right notes for any audience. Anzalone's television appearances include America's Funniest People (ABC) and the Showtime Comedy Club Network. In addition, he has been profiled on radio's All Things Considered (NPR). He has performed at New York City's Laugh Factory, Atlantic City's and Las Vegas' Tropicana Hotels and in more than forty states. In addition, he has entertained passengers on the Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise lines. Anzalone enlisted for Comics on Duty, a series of shows for troops stationed stateside. He has "opened" shows for comedian Bobcat Goldthwait and the musical group Chicago.

Mike Speirs is a tremendously funny comedian whose likeability and quick wit

always keeps the crowd engaged and highly entertained. At 31, Mike's life is in

a transition phase. This former party boy now finds his hell raising days to be

more and more of a distant memory while he deals with the increasing realities

and demands of being a full fledged grown up. Mike's act takes a fresh and

honest look at who he is, what he was and what he hopes to become. Whether

he is talking about the joy and pain of being a public school teacher, surviving

open heart surgery, or just reminiscing about striking out with women while

bar-hopping in his former life, one thing is certain...every time Mike takes the

stage audiences are sure to be alive, energized and clamoring for more.

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