Not So Common Players

76 Trombones and more! as Music Man comes to life on the Clifton Common Stage July 19-28 at 8 PM

Sally — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:35:14 +0000

Not So Common Players brings to life a production of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man on the Clifton Common Stage-

FREE Musical theatre under the stars thanks to the Town of Clifton Park who has sponsored NSCP’s work for 13 years!

“An affectionate paean to Smalltown, U.S.A. of a bygone era, Meredith Willson’s THE MUSIC MAN follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he vows to organize – this despite the fact he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall.” (Music Theatre International MTI)

Director, Debbie May, a guidance counselor at Scotia Glenville SD and a Clifton Park resident, has directed 5 previous shows for NSCP and was the lead in BINGO, the winning musical at the Library in April and featured in OLIVER! our 2012 production at the Common Stage. “With a cast of 60, managing all the conflicts in actors schedules presents the most difficult challenge in mounting a show of this magnitude”, said Debbie. “However, the end product is always worth the hassle and brings such joy to all involved.”

NSCP is pleased to have Jerry Gretzinger (WRGB News Anchor) in the role of Harold Hill. “I love this role and have wanted to do it for sometime. The added plus in working with NSCP, is that all my children are in the show too! I look forward to a great show with many fond memories to hold onto.”, said Jerry. Heather-Liz Copps, a Shen graduate with a BA from Marymount Manhattan and an MA from Catholic University, will play the role of Marion, the librarian. Both Heather and Jerry are Clifton Park residents.

Come and see what “The Wells Fargo Wagon” brings to River City! oops! that is Clifton Park!

CONTACT: Director, Debbie May dmay@sgcsd.net; 332-6188; Richard Lenehan, Producer: rlenehan@nycap.rr.com; or Sally Burke, co-producer: jburke6@nycap.rr.com 877-5648.

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Not So Common Kids Summer Camp Scholarship

David Rossi — Tue, 07 May 2013 02:41:11 +0000

The Not So Common Kids Summer Camp in Clifton Park has recently been awarded a grant from Stewart’s Holiday Match. This grant has enabled Not So Common Kids to offer 2 scholarships of $200 each to be applied to the camp fee of 2 students. There is an application process that must be followed to be eligible for the scholarship.

Scholarship applications are available at the Clifton Park Town Clerk’s Office, One Town Hall Plaza, Clifton Park NY and can also be found on the Not So Common Players website, http://notsocommonplayers.org/. Deadline for submission is Friday June 7, 2013.

Not So Common Kids Summer Camp runs from July 1 – 20. Students meet Monday through Friday from 9 – 3. While at the camp, students learn about different aspects of theater including acting, singing, costumes, make-up, props, lighting and sound. Additionally, students rehearse and perform a show; this year’s show will be Guys and Dolls Jr. The show is performed at the Clifton Common Stage on July 19 and 20.

Not So Common Kids Summer Camp Scholarship Application Packet (click here and packet will go to your downloads.)

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Not So Common Players Announces Auditions for The Secret Garden( Note Change of time on June 8th)

Sally — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:24:40 +0000

The Secret Garden Auditions

Show Dates: October 25^th – 27^th and 31^st to November 3^rd

Anyone planning on Auditioning must be available for ALL SHOW DATES

Audition Dates: Saturday, June 8^th at 11 am for Children’s roles only
Tuesday, June 11^th and Thursday June 13^th at 7 pm for Adults (some children may be called to read again during adult auditions)

Location: Auditions will be held at the Shenendehowa Adult Community Center located on the Clifton Common off Vischer Ferry Road in Clifton Park.

Please come with music, prepared to sing 16 bars (preferably) from a Broadway show. It is not required that you sing something from The Secret Garden, it is required that you bring sheet music. All auditioning will be asked to read. Some may be asked to learn a short dance combination.

Brief Synopsis:

This enchanting classic of children’s literature is reimagined in brilliant musical style by composer Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman. Orphaned in India, 11 year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald and his invalid son Colin. The estate’s many wonders include a magic garden which beckons the children with haunting melodies and the “Dreamers”, spirits from Mary’s past who guide her through her new life, dramatizing The Secret Garden’s compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal.

Cast of Characters:

LILY – (26-37) Soprano – Mary’s aunt, Mr. Craven’s wife, now dead. Her spirit continues to haunt her late husband, home and heart.
MARY LENNOX – (8-12) Mezzo – a ten year-old girl, who after the death of her parents in India, is sent to live with her uncle in Yorkshire, England. Mary changes drastically over the course of The Secret Garden: she evolves from a spoiled, unloved and unloving creature to a girl who is full of spirit and surrounded by friends.
MRS. MEDLOCK – (30-50) Speaking Role – Mr. Craven’s housekeeper. The head of the servants, Mrs. Medlock is distinguished by her punctilious obedience of all of Master Craven’s odd rules. Beneath her rigid exterior, she, like all the people of Yorkshire, is basically kind.
DR. NEVILLE CRAVEN – (25-40) Baritone – Archibald’s brother and Colin’s uncle, he tends to Colin during the latter’s illness. He is a bit stuffy and officious, and both Colin and Mary laugh at him at every opportunity.
MARTHA – (18 – 30) Mezzo – Mary’s friend and maidservant, Martha is distinguished by her charming frankness and levelheaded approach to all aspects of life. Her simplicity and kindness are a great help to Mary.
ARCHIBALD CRAVEN – (35-45) Tenor – Mary’s uncle and lord of Misselthwaite Manor, who suffers from a crooked spine and general ill health. He has been in a crushing depression ever since the death of his wife.

BEN WEATHERSTAFF – (40-65) Tenor – A gruff elderly gardener who helps the children keep the secret of the garden. Although he is rather rough, Ben’s essential kindness is fundamental to his character.
DICKON – (12-14) Tenor – Two years older than Colin and Mary, has lived on Missel Moor his entire life and has a uniquely intimate relationship with the land. He has a power to tame nature’s creatures which works on both Mary and Colin as well. He is Martha’s brother.
COLIN CRAVEN – (8-12) Soprano – Archibald’s ten year-old son. He was born shortly after the death of his mother, and his father could not bear to look at him because of his resemblance to her. Colin’s childhood has been entirely bedridden, and his servants have been commanded to obey his every whim. As a result, Colin is extremely imperious and gloomy; when we first meet him, he is certain he is going to die. By novel’s end, however, he too will have undergone a transformation: he will have become a vigorous optimist, and will have won his father’s love.
MRS. WINTHROP – (30 – 50) Speaking Role – headmistress of the Aberdeen School for Girls
*ROSE LENNOX – (21-35) Mezzo – Mary’s mother.
*CAPTAIN ALBERT LENNOX (30-45) Tenor – Mary’s father.
*ALICE – (21-35) Soprano – Rose’s friend.
*LIEUTENANT WRIGHT (24-34) Baritone – officer in Mary’s father’s unit.
*LIEUTENANT SHAW (24-34) Tenor- fellow officer.

*MAJOR SHELLEY (18-30) Tenor- officer.
*MRS. SHELLEY (18-30) Alto – Major Shelley’s wife.
*MAJOR HOLMES – (32-48) Bass – officer.
*CLAIRE HOLMES – (30-45) Soprano – Major Holmes’ wife.
*FAKIR (25-40) Tenor
*AYAH – (21-40) Mary’s Indian nanny.

* These characters, referred to collectively as the Dreamers, are people from Mary’s life in India, who haunt her until she finds her new life in the course of the story. They are free to sing directly to us, appearing and disappearing at will.

Please contact Director Corie Rowe with questions regarding auditions (corierowe@yahoo.com)

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NSCP Announces Auditions for The MUSIC MAN

Sally — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 20:46:07 +0000

NOT SO COMMON PLAYERS ANNOUNCES

Auditions for Meredith Willson’s MUSIC MAN

“An affectionate paean to Smalltown, U.S.A. of a bygone era, Meredith Willson’s THE MUSIC MAN follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he vows to organize – this despite the fact he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall.” MTI

Harold Hill and Marion the Librarian have been cast from the March 16th audition. All other roles are available.

WHERE: Not So Common Players storefront,located in Village Plaza between Toys ‘R Us and Joann Fabric, Clifton Country Rd., Clifton Park NY 12065

PLEASE NOTE: TEENS ARE WELCOME AT ADULT AUDITIONS!

WHEN: Audition Dates:

Thursday, May 2^nd @ 6:00 PM (Children 10-12 for Amaryllis & Winthrop)
Adults w/Children (Familes/Townspeople) – Children for the BAND (need 12 children) – ages 10+ would be helpful if child can play an instrument (trombone, horn, trumpet etc.)
All children in the show should be accompanied by an adult in the show.

Adults and TEENS @ 8:00 PM

Friday, May 3^rd @ 6:30 PM – Adults and TEENS

CALLBACKS – if needed—May 6^th @ 7:00 PM

WHERE: Not So Common Players storefront, located in Village Plaza between Toys ‘R Us and Joann Fabric, Clifton Country Rd., Clifton Park NY 12065

Please prepare 16-32 bars of a Broadway Style song. Please choose from the standard Broadway songs. Avoid Sondheim. No a cappella. Bring sheet music. Accompanist will be provided.

Wear comfortable clothing for “movement” and/or dancing. Readings from the Script will be supplied.

CHARACTERS:

Professor Harold Hill	This role has been cast
Marian Paroo	This role has been cast.
Marcellus Washburn	Harold’s old friend, no longer a con man, who now lives in River City
Mayor George Shinn	A pompous local politician; suspicious of Hill
Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn	The mayor’s wife
Mrs. Paroo	Marian’s Irish mother
Winthrop Paroo	Marian’s shy, lisping brother

Character	Description
The School Board (Barbershop Quartet)	Four bickering businessmen united by Hill (Olin Britt, Oliver Hix, Ewart Dunlop and Jacey Squires)
Pickalittle Ladies	Eulalie’s four gossipy friends (Alma Hix, Mrs. Squires, Ethel Toffelmier and Maud Dunlop)
Tommy Djilas	A young man “from the wrong side of town”; secretly seeing Zaneeta Shinn
Zaneeta Shinn	The mayor’s oldest daughter; secretly seeing Tommy Djilas
Charlie Cowell	An anvil salesman who tries to expose Hill as a con man
Constable Locke	The town sheriff
Amaryllis	Marian’s young piano student
Gracie Shinn	The mayor’s youngest daughter

Townspeople and Families will also be cast from the auditions.

WHEN: Performance Dates: July 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 and 28 all at 8:00 PM

WHERE: Clifton Common Stage

CONTACT: Director, Debbie May dmay@sgcsd.net; 332-6188; Richard Lenehan, Producer rlenehan@nycap.rr.com; or call 877-5648 (Sally Burke, co-producer))

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NOT SO COMMON PLAYERS presents BINGO, the winning musical

Sally — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 04:04:25 +0000

Sponsored by the Town of Clifton Park and located the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library, Not So Common Players is proud to announce our spring production of BINGO, the winning musical.

Directed by Rick Reed, with musical direction by Adrienne Sherman and choreographed by Sara Fittizzi, BINGO is a splashy, zippy, outrageously funny musical. Meet Vern, Honey and Patsy: three pals that have driven through a terrible storm in the name of their weekly obsession. In between the number calling, strange rituals and fierce competition, love blossoms and long lost friends reunite!

Performance Dates:
April 19, 20, 26, 27 at 8pm. April 25 at 7:30 PM.
April 21 & 28 at 2pm.
FREE MUSICAL THEATRE
At the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library, Moe Road, , Clifton Park, NY

Bingo is about a group of die-hard bingo players who stop at nothing to miss their weekly game. In between the number calling, strange rituals and fierce competitions, love blossoms and long lost friends reunite. These lovable characters spring to life with a smart, funny script and bouncy, hummable score. Audiences will be laughing in the aisles when they aren’t playing games of bingo along with the cast!

THE CAST: Vern , Debbie May; Patsy, Amy Birchler,; Honey, Melissa Peterson; Sam Wonnietsk, Jeffrey Jene; Frank, John Roose; Minnie Martinelli , Laural Hayes ; Bernice Boodalay , Cori Irwin; Alison Boodalay,Sarah Moran.

Best friends and Bingo pals Vern, Honey and Patsy brave a terrible storm in order to attend the yearly celebration of the birth of Bingo and tribute to its founder, Edwin S. Lowe. As the storm knocks out power at the Bingo Hall, Patsy and Honey remind each other of the ominous night fifteen years ago that began in the same way. In flashback, Honey tells us about the night Vern and her best friend, Bernice, had their falling out. Bernice’s sweet, yet headstrong daughter, Alison, enters the Bingo hall in disguise – Bernice’s health is failing, and Alison is determined, with the help of Bingo, to reunite her mother with her long-lost best friend. (Samuel French)

“Popcorn, friendship, intrigue and a famous five-letter word. Bingo turns Grandma’s favorite form of gambling into fun-loving musical theater.” - The New York Times

Contact: Sally Burke; jburke6@nycap.rr.com; 518-526-5648; patodonnell@ Clifton park.org; 371-6681.

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2013 OFFICERS AND 2013 SEASON

David Rossi — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 04:26:55 +0000

2013 Officers and 2013 Season

NOT SO COMMON PLAYERS announces its 2013 slate of officers. Serving as Chair is David Rossi. He has been a member of the Board since 2011 and was a driving force behind the establishment of Not So Common Kids. Rounding out the slate are Jeremy Noble as Treasurer and Jill Ross as Secretary.

Not So Common Players 2013 season marks its first fully-staged play – The Beast. This world premier written by local play write, Marty Egan, opens on January 25, 2013, and runs through January 27, 2013. Other shows this season include: BINGO, the Winning Musical (April); The Music Man (July) and The Secret Garden (October). Not So Common Kids will perform Guys & Dolls Jr.

Not So Common Players, founded in 2000 and sponsored by the Town of Clifton Park, is a non-profit community theatre group committed to providing high quality productions to the residents of Clifton Park, Saratoga County and the Capital Region. Not So Common Players has produced more than three dozen classic and contemporary musicals, revues, original works by local authors and staged readings. As a part of its educational mission, Not So Common Players also offers Not So Common Kids, a three-week summer theatre camp for children. Adults and children alike have the opportunity to learn and participate in all areas of stagecraft with Not So Common Players.

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Call for Directors

David Rossi — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 03:58:41 +0000

Call for Directors, Musical Directors, Producers, and Production Staff

For 2014 Season

Clifton Park: Not So Common Players (NSCP) calls for directors, musical directors, producers, and production staff for the 2014 Season. The productions, sponsored by the Town of Clifton Park, are FREE theatre. Performances are April/May, July (on the Clifton Common), and October/November. Submissions accepted through April 15^th 2013.

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^th 2013.

NSCP will present 3 musical theatre productions and possibly 1 play and 1staged reading in 2014.
NSCP encourages members of the community to get involved in musical theatre, drama, and staged readings. We seek to provide growth and learning experiences for all with each production and to promote enthusiasm for theatre throughout the community.

For additional information: Pat O’Donnell at 371-6681 or David Rossi 518-779-5061

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A WORLD PREMIERE- THE BEAST – BY MARTY EGAN

Sally — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 22:25:04 +0000

THE BEAST, AN ORIGINAL PLAY WRITTEN BY

MARTY EGAN

PRODUCED BY NOT SO COMMON PLAYERS / DIRECTED BY MONICA CANGERO

OPENS JANUARY 25TH AT THE CLIFTON PARK-HALFMOON LIBRARY

The Story

“The Beast” is a play set in one of the darkest periods of World War II. From mid-1940 till late 1944, most of France was occupied by the German Army, led by Hitler’s Nazis. What remained of the French Army were in prison camps or had escaped to England to join the Allied forces. The French people had to wait and hope for the war to end, while the Nazis rounded up and deported Jews, Gypsies and other “undesirables” to camps in the East. Some of the French formed a Resistance, a loose collection of small groups who caused as much trouble as they could for the German occupiers. For their part, the Germans reacted ruthlessly, and by 1943, when our story takes place, the Resistance has come to a standstill. Also, by then, the German Command, expecting an invasion, increased their forces in northern France, moving into the smaller villages and quartering their officers in local homes.

The Mercier Family is one of those told to expect an officer to be living with them. Gerard Mercier is the town’s banker, a quiet man who only wants to be left alone and wait for the war to be over. He is confident of his ability to handle their new tenant, a major named Kessel. This Major Kessel seems pleasant enough, but things are not always what they appear at first glance. Before he realizes it, Mercier is drawn into the German officer’s plans, little step by little step until it seems there is no hope of finding a way out.

This program received support from The Saratoga Program for Arts Funding, which is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature

THE CAST:

Jimmy Cupp, Stephen Henel,Aaron Holbritter, Sue Katz, Lydia Nightingale, and Brian Toal.

FREE THEATRE AT THE CLIFTON PARK-HALFMOON LIBRARY JANUARY 25, 26, 27.

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Man of La Mancha receives TANYS Awards

Sally — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 22:06:09 +0000

Excellence in Musical Direction to Jonathan Meredith

Meritorious Achievement in Lighting Design and Execution to Jim Mackenzie

Meritorious Achievement in Sound Execution to Maddy Bullock

Excellence in Vocal Performance to Shawn Morgan as Miguel De Cervantes

Excellence in Vocal Performance to Elisa Verb as Aldonza

Excellence in Vocal Performance to Heather-Liz Copps as Antonia

Excellence in Acting to Joel Bramer for his portrayal of the Governor/Guitar Player

Congratulations to everyone involved for an excellent production. NSCP is extremely proud of this show and the entire cast and crew! Thank you so much.

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Man of La Mancha’s “Impossible Dream” a reality!

Sally — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 02:26:27 +0000

Sponsored by the Town of Clifton Park,

Not So Common Players proudly presents:

Man of La Mancha.

Production Dates: October 19, 20 21 and 25, 26, 27, 28

Friday/Saturday 8:00 PM | Sunday 2;00 PM | Thursday 7:30 PM|

Shenendehowa HS East Little Theater (Moe Road Entrance) Free Musical Theatre

Directed by Frank Meredith, with musical direction by Jonathan Meredith and choreographed by Myleah Wisenhimer, the NSCP production of Man of La Mancha boasts of a stellar cast.

Cervantes/Quixote/Quijana–Shawn Morgan, Aldonza–Elisa Verb, Sancho Panza–Norman Eick, Governor–Joel Bramer, Innkeeper–David Bacheldor, Dr. Carrasco–Doug Gladstone, Padre/Juan–Jonathan Meredith, Barber–Dave Marcil, Antonia–Heather-Liz Copps, Captain of the Inquisition–Michael Feit, Housekeeper–Debbie May, Pedro–Jeremy Noble, Maria–Sarah Moran, Fermina–Alysson Kelly, Muleteers and Men of the Inquisition– Mark David, Daniel Heath, William Sanderson.

“This musical version of Don Quixote is framed by an incident allegedly from the life of its author, Miguel de Cervantes. Don Quixote is the mad, aging nobleman who embarrasses his respectable family by his adventures. Backed by his faithful sidekick Sancho Panza, he duels windmills and defends his perfect lady Dulcinea (who is actually a downtrodden whore named Aldonza). Written by Reid Gagle

In the sixteenth century, Miguel de Cervantes, poet, playwright, and part-time actor, has been arrested, together with his manservant, by the Spanish Inquisition. They are accused of presenting an entertainment offensive to the Inquisition. Inside the huge dungeon into which they have been cast, the other prisoners gang up on Cervantes and his manservant, and begin a mock trial, with the intention of stealing or burning his possessions. Cervantes wishes to desperately save a manuscript he carries with him and stages, with costumes, makeup, and the participation of the other prisoners, an unusual defense–the story of Don Quixote.” Written by Albert Sanchez Moreno

For additional information contact: Sally Burke -877-5648; Pat O’Donnell- 371-6681

Photo credit: Shawn Morgan Photography

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Not So Common Players

76 Trombones and more! as Music Man comes to life on the Clifton Common Stage July 19-28 at 8 PM

Not So Common Kids Summer Camp Scholarship

Not So Common Players Announces Auditions for The Secret Garden( Note Change of time on June 8th)

The Secret Garden Auditions

Show Dates: October 25th – 27th and 31st to November 3rd

Audition Dates: Saturday, June 8th at 11 am for Children’s roles only Tuesday, June 11th and Thursday June 13th at 7 pm for Adults (some children may be called to read again during adult auditions)

Location: Auditions will be held at the Shenendehowa Adult Community Center located on the Clifton Common off Vischer Ferry Road in Clifton Park.

NSCP Announces Auditions for The MUSIC MAN

Harold Hill and Marion the Librarian have been cast from the March 16th audition. All other roles are available.

WHERE: Not So Common Players storefront,located in Village Plaza between Toys ‘R Us and Joann Fabric, Clifton Country Rd., Clifton Park NY 12065

PLEASE NOTE: TEENS ARE WELCOME AT ADULT AUDITIONS!

NOT SO COMMON PLAYERS presents BINGO, the winning musical

Performance Dates: April 19, 20, 26, 27 at 8pm. April 25 at 7:30 PM. April 21 & 28 at 2pm. FREE MUSICAL THEATRE At the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library, Moe Road, , Clifton Park, NY

2013 OFFICERS AND 2013 SEASON

Call for Directors

A WORLD PREMIERE- THE BEAST – BY MARTY EGAN

THE BEAST, AN ORIGINAL PLAY WRITTEN BY

MARTY EGAN

The Story

Jimmy Cupp, Stephen Henel,Aaron Holbritter, Sue Katz, Lydia Nightingale, and Brian Toal.

Man of La Mancha receives TANYS Awards

Man of La Mancha’s “Impossible Dream” a reality!

Show Dates: October 25^th – 27^th and 31^st to November 3^rd

Audition Dates: Saturday, June 8^th at 11 am for Children’s roles only
Tuesday, June 11^th and Thursday June 13^th at 7 pm for Adults (some children may be called to read again during adult auditions)

Performance Dates:
April 19, 20, 26, 27 at 8pm. April 25 at 7:30 PM.
April 21 & 28 at 2pm.
FREE MUSICAL THEATRE
At the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library, Moe Road, , Clifton Park, NY