EMACT DASH Award Nominations, 2016-2017
AFD is proud to announce we earned 16 nominations. Congratulations to our talented teams!!

• BEST PRODUCTION (MUSICAL):  The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
• BEST LEAD ACTRESS (MUSICAL): Janet Ferreri, Sunset Boulevard
• BEST ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE (MUSICAL): The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
• BEST DIRECTION (MUSICAL): Kevin Mark Kline, Sunset Boulevard
  Justin McCoubry, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
• BEST MUSICAL DIRECTION (MUSICAL): Steven Bergman, Sunset Boulevard
• BEST CHOREOGRAPHY (MUSICAL): Justin McCoubry, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
• BEST STAGE MANAGEMENT (MUSICAL): Robin D. Liberty, Sunset Boulevard
• BEST SET DRESSING (MUSICAL): Douglas Cooper, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
• BEST LIGHTING DESIGN (MUSICAL): Iain Bason, Sunset Boulevard
• BEST SOUND DESIGN (MUSICAL): Bob Pascucci, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
• BEST COSTUME DESIGN (PLAY): Linda Burtt, An Inspector Calls
• BEST COSTUME DESIGN (MUSICAL): Lindsay Hurley, Sunset Boulevard
• BEST MAKE-UP & HAIR DESIGN (MUSICAL): Jake Egan, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
• BEST MAKE-UP & HAIR DESIGN (PLAY): Marc Capizzi & Dorothy Santos, An Inspector Calls
• BEST PROP COORDINATION (MUSICAL): Judy Weinberg, Sunset Boulevard

The EMACT DASH Gala takes place on Saturday August 26th at Carey Hall in Lexington, MA.
Contact EMACT for ticket information.

“The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holiday”

Audition Dates: September 7, 9, 2017

Production Dates: December 8-17, 2017

​By Ken Ludwig    |   Stage Director, J. Deschene

It’s December 1936, and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his role as Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. The danger and hilarity are nonstop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays.​

Dramatis Personae

WILLIAM GILLETTE, Male, early to mid-50s. A dashing leading man and ardent lover of all that the glorious game of life has to offer. Passionate about his interests, which include the theatrical arts, mystery, and of course Sherlock Holmes. Described by Ludwig as, “a strikingly handsome man…good humored, full of irony and life. A sort of modern-day Ulysses.” Transatlantic accent preferred.

MARTHA GILLETTE, Female, mid-70s. Gillette’s mother. Nouveau riche, which is to say that she lives a lavish and glamorous lifestyle, but lacks the class normally associated therewith. Described by Ludwig as, “somewhat vague and dithering.” New York or New England accent may be appropriate.

FELIX GEISEL, Male, early 40s. A devoted character actor who relishes his craft, but is not immune to the occasional bout of jealousy. Described by Ludwig as, “histrionic and arch in a Lionel Barrymore/Sir Toby Belch sort of way.” Transatlantic accent preferred.

MADGE GEISEL, Female, early 40s. A witty and energetic character actress. She has an edge to her, and a sharp tongue, but her affection is absolutely genuine. Described by Ludwig as, “flamboyant and wry in a Rosalind Russell smart-mouthed-gal-about-town sort of way.” Transatlantic accent preferred.

SIMON BRIGHT, Male, 25. A witty jokester who finds humor in nearly everything. Described by Ludwig as, “sweet and enthusiastic.” Transatlantic accent preferred. Ability to play an instrument is a plus.

AGGIE WHEELER, Female, 25. A genuine and sensitive young actress who is often swept away by the goings on around her. Described by Ludwig as, “a real product of her age…beautiful, bright-eyed, and full of spunk.” Transatlantic accent preferred.

INSPECTOR HARRIET GORING, Female, 40s. A police inspector who once dreamed of being an actress, and who is still an avid theatre fan. Described by Ludwig as, “British, eccentric, and one of a kind. One minute, she seems wry and clever, the next minute she’s off into a world of her own. She gets things wrong without even knowing it, yet she also seems just the sort of person who can find out when you’re lying. That makes her formidable.” British accent required.

DARIA CHASE, Female, mid-30s to early 40s. A theatre critic with a dangerous penchant for snooping around. Very self-confident and aware of her own power and charm. Described by Ludwig as, “one of those people you can’t take your eyes off of; and despite all her showbiz cattiness, you can’t help liking her – or at least admiring her. She has a sense of humor and has invented herself from the ground up, which is no mean feet.” Transatlantic, New York, or even high-class Southern accents may be appropriate.

Please review the Games Sides for the auditions.

Please print out the Games Afoot Audition Form. Fill it in, and bring it to the audition WITH A PHOTO. (Professional headshot NOT necessary.)

Auditions

Thursday, September 7

• 7PM

• 8PM

• 9PM

Saturday, September 9

• 1PM

• 2PM

• 3PM

Hey Friends:

“The Light in the Piazza”

Audition Dates: August 17 and 19, 2017

Production Dates: October 13-29, 2017​

Book by Craig Lucas, Music & Lyrics by Adam Guettel

Stage Director, Ryan Began   |    Musical Director, John Eldridge

Italy, summer of 1953: Margaret Johnson, an elegant and strong willed Southern woman, is touring the Tuscan countryside with her daughter Clara, beautiful and surprisingly childish. When a sudden gust of wind sends Clara’s hat sailing to the feet of Fabrizio Naccarelli, a handsome Florentine, an immediate and intense romance is sparked. As the action unfolds, Margaret attempts to keep the young lovers apart – and is forced to reconsider not only Clara’s future, but her own hopes as well.​

For full information about the roles and audition requirements, and to sign up, please refer to AFD on Signup Genius.

​​

“The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holiday”

Audition Dates: September 7, 9, 2017

Production Dates: December 8-17, 2017

​By Ken Ludwig    |   Stage Director, J. Deschene

It’s December 1936, and Broadway star William Gillette, admired the world over for his role as Sherlock Holmes, has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. The danger and hilarity are nonstop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays.​

Auditions

September 7

• 7PM

• 8PM

• 9PM

September 9

• 1PM

• 2PM

• 3PM

Audition Dates
August 17th, Thursday beginning at 7PM
August 19th, Saturday beginning at 12PM
Call backs Sunday, August 20th, at 4PM

PRODUCTION DATES
Fridays, October 13th, 20th, 27th @ 8PM
Saturdays, October 14th, 21st, 28th @ 8PM
Sundays, October 15th, 22nd, 29th @ 4PM

Italy, summer of 1953: Margaret Johnson, an elegant and strong willed Southern woman, is touring the Tuscan countryside with her daughter Clara, beautiful and surprisingly childish. When a sudden gust of wind sends Clara’s hat sailing to the feet of Fabrizio Naccarelli, a handsome Florentine, an immediate and intense romance is sparked. As the action unfolds, Margaret attempts to keep the young lovers apart – and is forced to reconsider not only Clara’s future, but her own hopes as well.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

MARGARET JOHNSON: an elegant and strong willed Southern woman. Warm and appealing with a dry and self- deprecating sense of humor. Mid to late 40’s. Vocal Range: G – Ab (soprano)

CLARA JOHNSON: Margaret’s 26 year old daughter. Young and naïve for her age with a youthful simplicity and exuberance. Mid to late 20’s.  Vocal Range: A – A (soprano)

FABRIZIO NACCARELLI: A 20 year old, handsome and charming Florentine. Youthful and passionate energy. Early 20’s. Speaks Italian, and speaks sings English with an Italian accent.  Vocal Range: Bb – B (lyric tenor)

GIUSEPPE NACCARELLI: Fabrizio’s older brother. A lady’s man. Very Italian. Late 20’s to mid 30’s. The most physical character in the show. Speaks Italian. Vocal Range: Ab – G (baritone)

FRANCA NACCARELLI: Guiseppe’s wife. Very passionate and strong. Unhappy in her marriage but in love with her husband. Late 20’s to mid 30’s. Speaks Italian, and speaks and sings English with an Italian accent.  Vocal Range: Bb – B (mezzo or darker soprano)

SIGNOR NACCARELLI: Fabrizio’s father. Very charming, charismatic and insightful. Loves his family. 40’s to 50’s.  Speaks Italian, and speaks sings English with an Italian accent.  Vocal Range: A – G (Baritone)

SIGNORA NACCARELLI: Fabrizio’s mother. Cunning and intelligent. The foundation of her family. Late 30’s to 50’s. Speaks in Italian, but sings in English, no accent. Vocal Range: C – C (soprano)

ROY JOHNSON: Margaret’s husband, an executive with a tobacco company. Emotionally unavailable and cool. 40’s to 50’s. No singing. Role may be doubled.

ENSEMBLE: Various roles for both men and women ages 20’s to 50’s.  Vocal Ranges E -D

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

To sign up for a specific time slot, please refer to AFD Signup Genius.

Please prepare a short monologue that highlights your range and ability to create a character and highlights your acting ability.

Additionally, please prepare 32 measures of a song in the style of the show, either two contrasting 16 bar excerpts or 32 bars from a single piece.  Selections do not have to be from musical theater but please do NOT sing songs from the show.  An accompanist will be provided.  Please bring all your own sheet music in the correct key.  No a cappella auditions will be permitted. 

Bring your resume, recent photo, and a copy of the completed audition form (available here). All will be required to sing and dance at auditions, with possible readings from the script.  Dress comfortably.  Time slots will be available in one hour segments.

Rehearsals will begin late in August:  Sunday afternoons, Monday, Thursday and Friday evenings. Occasional Tues and/or Wed. evenings cast members will work with Costume Designers.  Times will be arranged not to conflict with rehearsals.  October 12 at 7:30 will be a full dress, full production rehearsal for seniors and high school students.

Dominic Berger and Meghan Hornblower

Kate Bossi and Jennifer Wilson

Catherine Christie and Lis Adams

David Makransky and Emily Murgo

Our short plays 2017

​Take the Words from Out of my Mouth by Christopher Lockheardt

Director, Joe Stallone

Michael Isn’t Yours by Peter Floyd

Director, Vivian Liu-Somers

They Glisten by Susan Leonard

Director, Margaret Umbsen

Life Could Be A Dream by Taylor Beidler

Director, Amy BennettZendzian

The Inquisition by Carol Koffinke

Director, Michael Trabucco

Breathe In by Nick Gregoretti

Director, David Dooks

Healing the Heart by Ray Arsenault

Director, Ray Arsenault

“He Said…” She Said by Christopher Lockheardt
Director, Joe Stallone

Just Remember, Darling by Mary Babic
Director, Mary Mark Hummon

Huge congrats and warm hugs to all our friends who worked so tirelessly this past season to mount four wonderful productions.

Hope you were lucky enough to catch:

• The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
  Very funny, with beautiful singing and choreography, and a touching end.
• An Inspector Calls
  Beautiful costumes, fascinating set, great acting and directing all added up to a compelling and timely play.
• Sunset Boulevard
  Featuring bravura performances and stunning stagecraft, the production earned raves from happy audiences.
• The Graduate
  Innovative set design, solid comedic acting, fun costumes — it was an audience pleaser.

Plus, we had a film festival, a holiday performance from a guest artist, and we’re still planning our short play festival! What a year.

Please join us for the next season, which promises to keep going on our track record of community theater at its best.

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Every opening night ends with our lively champagne reception, and we did it again Friday evening. Audience was packed, and loving the performances.

Congrats to everyone for a great show! Four last chances to catch it.

Director Joe Stallone (l)

Mr Braddock (Tom Formicola) (l)

Mary Mark Hummon (l)

You will, too. No performance today, in honor of the Mrs’s in the play and elsewhere.

But join us this coming Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon.

Happy Mrs Robinson Day!

Dominic Berger as Benjamin and Karen Fanale as Mrs Robinson

Lou Fuoco as several characters, Dom and Karen

Dom and Miranda Reilly as Elaine

Tom Formicola as Mr Braddock and Dom

We are amused

Lighting by Greg MaThe Graduatencusi Ungaro

The Graduate

AFD is all hands deck in the run up to opening night of “The Graduate” on May 12! It’s getting electric in the theater as all the pieces fall into place: costumes, lighting, set, and acting!

Join us for a steamy and funny evening. And remember: In honor of Mrs. Robinson, no performance on Mother’s Day, Sunday. Instead, join us next Thursday.

Dominic Berger and Karen Fanale steam it up on stage…

Dominic and Karen

Dominic and Tom Formicola

Great lighting from our designer Greg Mancusi Ungaro