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 Tom Heckert as the Wizard, Janice Walz as Queen Aggravain
The NOT SO COMMON PLAYERS wrapped up a successful summer 2010 production of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS! Although rainy weather played havoc with our schedule, we still managed to put on the majority of our performances. Many thanks to our loyal, devoted audiences — many of whom came back to see the show after being rained out previously!
Directed by Sky Vogel with musical direction by David Rossi, choreography by Kevin McNamara, set design by Peter Kantor and pre-show circus “theatriks” guided by Sean Fagan.
The collaboration of these fine people was supported by a fantastic cast! Christine Verderese as Princess Winifred, and Michael Mensching as Prince Dauntless the Drab, created a charming if unconventional romance. The parents of Dauntless, Queen Aggravain and King Sextimus the Silent, came to life through Janice Walz and Kevin McNamara. Sir Harry and Lady Larken were portrayed by David DiPaolo and Laura Tortorici, along with Rick Reed as the Minstrel, Michael Camelo as the Jester, and Tom Heckert as the Wizard. An additional 25 cast members made up the ensemble of Knights, Gentlemen, and Ladies in Waiting (and waiting, and waiting….)!
Once Upon a Mattress is the farcical, musical telling of the fable “The Princess and the Pea.” It takes place in an enchanted kingdom during a time of damsels, castles, swords, wizards, and other medieval madness. The hilarious twists and turns in this musical favorite had our audiences cheering our princess and prince on to wedded bliss.
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Performances on the Clifton Common
July 16, 17, 18 and 22, 23, 24, 25
Many moons ago, in a far-off place
Lived a handsome prince with a gloomy face
For he did not have a bride
Alas, the prince couldn’t find a lass
Who would suit his mother’s pride.
Once Upon a Mattress is the musical telling of the fable “The Princess and the Pea.” It takes place in an enchanted kingdom during a time of damsels, castles, swords, etc., etc.
As our story begins we learn of the poor prince’s pitiable predicament. And why should it be thus? It seems Her Royal Highness the Queen has rather royal high standards for her heir. What’s more, she has decreed that until there is held a royal wedding there will be no nuptials of any kind! Naturally, the townspeople (certainly the eligible ladies and gents) are rather anxious at this unnatural state of affairs. Or, er, lack of affairs. Seizing the initiative (and an offstage steed), a noble, brave, and yes, handsome knight sets out on a quest to find a worthy woman for woyal wooing.
Thence from another enchanted kingdom arrives a remarkable woman, eager to display her qualifications for the prince’s hand, not to mention the rest of him. She sings! She dances! She does long division in her head! But little does she realize that, in order to succeed, she will have to meet a never-before-met challenge both tall and… small.
http://www.rnhtheatricals.com
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WORKING, THE MUSICAL
Production Dates: October 15, 16, 17 and 21, 22, 23, 24
This critically acclaimed and audience favorite made its Broadway debut in 1978, garnering multiple Tony nominations, including Best Musical. Working is based on the book of the same name by Studs Terkel, and chronicles the daily lives and trials of average Americans, and how their true daily lives may not always reflect the lives they wish they had, with a keen focus on the human essence of aspiration and inspiration.
This is a strong character piece, so actors who can sing is a huge plus for those auditioning. This piece truly touches on human emotion and the daily rollercoaster lives we all lead with a rich score and haunting melodies and song styles.
The book of Working was written by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked/Godspell/Pippin) and Nina Faso, with music by Schwartz and Mary Rodgers, Craig Carnelia, Micki Grant and James Taylor.
Roles cast include such characters as an ironworker, a housewife, a newsboy, a trucker, a waitress, a teacher, a millworker, a UPS delivery man, a supermarker checkout clerk, and many more!
Over twenty actors have been cast in this production.
Thomas Dalton Bambury is Director and Choreographer of this production, with Olga Martinez serving as Musical Director. Marlene Countermine is the show’s Producer.
For further information about production itself, contact Thomas at thomas_bambury@Yahoo.com or 518-436-8295.
For more information, contact: Sally Burke, 518-877-5648 or Pat O’Donnell, 518-371-6681.
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Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Rick Reed for his portrayal of El Gallo
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Alana Sangiacomo for her portrayal of Luisa
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Matt Streifert for his portrayal of Matt
Meritorious Achievement in Direction to Debbie May
Meritorious Achievement in Lighting Design and Execution to Jim Mackenzie
Special Award – For one of the most unique curtain calls in the history of theater
Adjudicator comments: “This production of The Fantasticks was both very creative and entertaining. The actors gave very memorable performances. Director Debbie May did a great job of turning this ‘chestnut’ of a musical into a fresh exciting ‘new’ musical. It was a pleasure to be able to hear both the music and the lyrics of the songs. It was a great evening of theater.”
“Outstanding” - To be issued to the whole or part of the whole of a theatrical event or production of a superlative quality rarely witnessed or experienced by the adjudicator.
“Excellence” – To be issued to the whole or part of the whole of a theatrical event or production considered by the adjudicator to be of exceptional merit surpassing the norm.
“Meritorious Achievement” – To be issued to the whole or part of the whole of a theatrical event or production considered by the adjudicator to be worthy of special recognition.
The Fantasticks was directed by Debbie May with musical direction by Dian Dippold, choreography by Sara Fittizzi and produced by Debbie Lummis.
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Spring 2010 NEWSLETTER NSCP Spring 2010 NEWSLETTER NSCP
Click on the link above and read what’s happening at Not So Common Players as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary Season. Be sure to add yourself as a member so you receive all of our listings down the road.
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The Fantasticks!
Directed by Deborah May
Musical Direction by Dian Dippold
Spring 2010–April 30th to May 9th.
Shen High School East “Little Theater”
(use Moe Road entrance to the High School, turn left after the speed bump and follow the road to the back)
All performances are FREE!
Sponsored by The Town of Clifton Park.
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Not So Common Players
Call for Directors, Musical Directors, Producers and Production Staff
For 2011 Season
Clifton Park: Not So Common Players (NSCP) calls for directors, musical directors, producers and production staff for the 2011 Season. The productions, sponsored by the Town of Clifton Park, are free musical theatre. Performances are April/May, July (on the Clifton Common), and October/November. Submissions accepted through April 15, 2010.
NSCP’s first production was in June 2001, You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow, which has proven true for the group – now in its 10th season! Other shows include: Crazy For You, Queen of Hearts, South Pacific, Rockin’ the Night Away, Annie Get Your Gun, 27 Million, Some Enchanted Evening, Guys and Dolls, Little Shop of Horrors, Two By Two, Into The Woods, National Icon, Little Mary Sunshine, The Pajama Game, Red Hot and Cole, They’re Playing Our Song, Wizard Of Oz, The Spitfire Grill, Godspell, Bye Bye Birdie and Clue, the Musical.
In 2010 NSCP presents: The Fantasticks (April 30 to May 9th), Once Upon a Mattress (July 16 to July 23) and Working (October/November).
Check the web site for more information and latest updates: www.notsocommonplayers.org
Interested Directors, Musical Directors, Producers and Production Staff should mail a resume and show submission requests to: Not So Common Players, P.O. Box 296, Clifton Park, NY 12065, Attention: Pat O’Donnell. Fax: 383-5088; email: patodonnell@cliftonpark.org.
Deadline for submissions is April 15, 2010.
The goals of NSCP are to encourage members of the community to get involved in musical theatre; to provide growth and learning experiences for all with each production; and to promote enthusiasm for musical theatre throughout the community.
For additional information: Sally Burke, 518-877-5648 (h) or Pat O’Donnell at 518-371-6681.
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Producer Debbie Lummis and Director Debbie May have announced the cast for The Fantasticks:
Old Actor – Jack Dowd
The Boy – Matt Streifert
The Boy’s Father – Bill Depew
The Girl – Alana Sangiacomo
The Girl’s Father – Tom Heckert
Mortimer – Mike Camelo
The Mute – Shane Thompson
The Narrator (El Gallo) – Rick Reed
Congratulations to all… and break a leg!
Performances: April 30, May 1,2 and 6, 7, 8, 9 at the Little Theater in Shen HS East.
For more info: Debbie Lummis @dustydj2@nycap.rr.com; Sally Burke 518-877-5648
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10th Anniversary 2010
Musical Direction: Dian Dippold/David Rossi
Stage Direction: Tom Heckert
Written by: Marty Egan
Produced by: Sally Burke
January 22, 23, 24 2010 at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library
Friday & Saturday @ 8 PM; Sunday @ 2 PM
Reception/Donations Accepted/Free Admission.
Beautiful baskets to be auctioned.
In less than 10 years, the NOT SO COMMON PLAYERS have grown by leaps and bounds. From a fledgling theatre troupe that produced one summer show per year, we’ve become an award-winning, sought-after group producing three to four shows year-round. Throughout our history we’ve been fortunate to have the continued support of the Town of Clifton Park.
Come — Help Us Celebrate 10 years!
10 Years… 25 Shows… All Free Musical Theatre!
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