Once Upon a Mattress Delights Crowds on the Clifton Common!

wizard and queen

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.

Summer Production--Once Upon a Mattress

fred with dauntless
Once Upon a Mattress logoPerformances 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

WORKING, the Musical

WorkingLogo

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.

6 TANYS Awards for THE FANTASTICKS

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.

The Not So Common Times

10th Anniv Show 011

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.

April 2010: "The Fantasticks"

Bill Depew, Matt Strifert, Alan Sangiacomo, Tom Heckert, Rick Reed

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!

The FantasticksSponsored by The Town of Clifton Park.

 

NSCP Search for Directors etc for 2011 Season

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.

“The Fantasticks” Cast Announced

Producer Debbie Lummis and Director Debbie May have announced the cast for The Fantasticks:

The FantasticksOld 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

AN UNCOMMON ENCORE CELEBRATION

2009 Cruise Wedding ABBY NSCP 31810th 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!2009 Cruise Wedding ABBY NSCP 313
10 Years… 25 Shows… All Free Musical Theatre!