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92nd season, Issue 5 February 2015

Winter Greetings

Happy Winter, all; these are the times I wish I was a snowbird! I hope you saw Brighton Beach Memoirs. It was amazing. The cast really appeared to be a family, the set was fantastic, the acting was superb. It takes so many volunteers to put together such a wonderful production, and it is so rewarding to see it come to fruition, isn't it? The feature on WDIV's Live In The D was wonderful. That kind of publicity, not only for the show, but for the theater, was so great! Thanks to Michael Gravame, Diane D'Agostino, Peg McCall, and Antonio Cipriano for participating.

There is always so much going on at VP: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf is in rehearsal, the birthday party is coming in February , the Director's Workshop date has been set (Look for more information in this edition of The Prompter.), Thoroughly Modern Millie will be going to the Village Club on May 14 (more on that later). The play reading committee chair has been chosen and the committee will soon be hard at work choosing our 2016/2017 season! All of this is to say step up, get involved and if you haven't been called, please call out and let us know what you'd like to work on we're sure to find you a place! Have a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

The Prompter

Happy Valentine’s Day Edition

Table of Contents

Page 1 Prez Says

Page 2 The Closing Chapter

Page 3 Movie Premiere

Page 4 Looking Back at VP

Page 5 VP Birthday Party

VP Members on Other Stages

Page 6 VP Birthday Party Flyer

Page 7 Millie Audition Notice

Page 8 Village Youth Theatre News

Director’s Workshop

Page 9 Auditions Elsewhere

PREZ SAYS

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The Closing Chapter by Michael A. Gravame

By the time of this publication our third show of the season, Brighton Beach

Memoirs has come to an end. The last performance was February 1, 2015, during

our first big snow blizzard. But, that did not stop die-hard theatre fans who

braved the elements just to attend the performance. My gratitude to them.

What a wonderful production and experience. I cannot remember when I had

such an incredible theatrical experience such as this. It was definitely a

bittersweet day on Sunday, so many laughs amidst the tears because it was our final performance. Thank you,

Janie, Sal, Cathie, Tony, Katie, Noel and my Eugene Morris Jerome, Antonio. What a rare treat to experience such

theatrical magic and remarkable performances night after night. The Crew truly outdid themselves to help make

my vision come to life. Kudos to Bryan, Sue, Mark, Mike, Coleen, Tania, Frank, Josie, Leo, Carol, Steve, Bert,

Ralph, Sharon, Maggie and the rest of the crew who helped with the set, costumes, painting, etc.

The reviews keep pouring in:

"...an unparalleled and extraordinary theatrical experience..."

"...one of the best community theater performances I have ever witnessed..."

“We laughed, we cried, we cheered for the Jerome Family”

“ This is a first-class, grade A, professional quality presentation. I am certain that Neil Simon himself would be on

his feet in praise of this ensemble. This is live theater - community or otherwise - at it's very best .”

“ Brighton Beach Memoirs is truly a delight and gem of an experience, one to be highly recommended for

Michigan theatre.”

“I truly felt like I was looking through a window into the

life of the Jerome family.”

―The show was fantastic! The entire cast was outstanding!

“

Brighton Beach Memoirs is now Brighton Beach

Memories The show may be over but, for we leave a bit of

theatre history behind and we in turn get laughter, tears,

memories, pictures, hugs and a family forever imprinted

on our hearts.

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GALA "RED CARPET" BENEFIT MOVIE PREMIERE!

We hope you have reserved Saturday, February 21, 2015, at 7:00 PM for the upcoming gala Benefit Movie Premiere

of the original comedy Matzoh Brei at the Village Players. Based on the one-act play of the same name by Playwrights@Work and Village Players member Stephen Sussman, performed on our stage in 2011, this film is directed and produced by Alan Canning of A2 Creative. The plot focuses on the two grown up Jewish daughters who come to visit their divorced college professor father over Passover and meet his latest Italian girlfriend over a brunch of his signature dish of -- you guessed it -- matzoh brei, with some unexpected results. The cast features an outstanding group of talented actors, many of whom have graced the VP stage in past productions. (Language and subject matter are mature and may not be suitable for children.)

This premiere will be a benefit, both for Village Players and Playwrights@Work, and is being co-produced by Diane D'Agostino and Barbara Schmitt. Our last Benefit Premiere was a huge success and we hope for more of the same this time. Refreshments will be provided. So brush off your evening gowns and black ties for this fun and splashy gala! Hope to see you on the red carpet!!

MATZOH BREI - The Movie

Director •Alan Canning • Written by Stephen Sussman Screenplay by Denver Rochon & Alan Canning

Cast Mitch - Paul Lang Extras Talent

Liz - Rachel Biber Kathryn Sussman

Carey - Amy Lauter Jackie and Ron Lorfel

Nicole - Colleen Gentry Maryanna Lauter

Ellen - Kim Cruchon

Doug - Jason Dilly

Son - Caleb Biber

Jonah (VO) - Alan Canning

Victor - Stephen Sussman

The Prompter February 2015

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The Prompter February 2015

Looking Back at Village Players History By Tania Velinsky

For this month’s look at Village Players history, I am reprinting excerpts from an article that appeared in the April 19, 1925, issue of the Detroit News, discussing the founding and the very first public performances put on by The Village Players. It is amazing to me how many of these comments from 90 years ago still apply today!

Review of Activities of Village Players Birmingham Group to Put On Plays for Public First Time on April 24 and 25. The Village Players of Birmingham was founded as a localized treatment for the great American disease of Spectatoritis.

Spectatoritis, as everyone pathologically wise to modern ailments will readily see, is the persistent and chronic disposition to sit still and let other people amuse you. It is seen in both the initial and advanced stages in base ball (sic) grandstands, motion picture theaters, legitimate theaters – everywhere in fact, where the patient can find paid professionals who will put on a show for him.

The Birmingham organization was born from the idea, shared by the dozen or so congenial souls, that it is better to perform, even if one performs badly, in a play than to wear out a cushion seeing other people display their histrionic talents. The little group has grown within the year since it first came together, to 130 men and women. Of these more than 90 take an active part in the production of the one-act plays in which the organization specializes.

The exceeding activity of the members will be signalized next Friday and Saturday evenings, April 24 and 25, when the Village Players will, for the first time, stage performances for more than its own members. Place – the Birmingham Community House; object – to raise money to pay for certain improvements installed by the Community House so that the Players could be more comfortable in staging their plays; ultimate ambition – to arouse so much interest in the work of the Village Players that some day, somehow, a small theater of their very own may be provided.

“This is a part of the nation-wide interest in the Little Theater Movement,” Waldo E. Fellows, President of the organization, tells inquirers. “We are doing our bit in Birmingham to release the creative instinct in men and women. Without some definite artistic channel this instinct is wasted. But provide an outlet for the aesthetic sense and people will think it fun to work harder for nothing than they ever dream of working for pay.

“By far the greater majority of the Village Players actually work on the plays. But not necessarily in the acting of roles. Some prefer to plan the costumes, collect and take charge of the properties, or paint the scenery. Others are interested in problems of lighting. Still others show marked talent for directing and coaching, and some have found their field in providing sandwiches and coffee and cake, so that the players and their friends may be refreshed after the performances.”

“We have attempted no uplift of the American drama,” Mr. Fellows admits. “All we have tried to do Is to stage some interesting plays for our own amusement. For a long time we worked in the Community House under a handicap. Then a partition was removed, a handsome curtain purchased and various other improvements made to facilitate our staging. The public performances are to help pay for these improvements. Ultimately we hope to have a little theater of our own.”

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VP Members on Other Stages

The Twelfth Night Singers, many of whom are Village Players members, will

present a concert at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 100 Romeo Road, Rochester MI.

The concert is on Friday, February 6 at 7:00PM

Marcus Laban is in rehearsal for the Tony Award Winning Musical Spring

Awakening playing Georg on Stagecrafters 2nd Stage. The show runs February 13

through March 1, 2015. STAGECRAFTERS.ORG

Randy Gilchrist sings in the chorus of the University Musical Society’s

performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah on February 14 at 8:00PM. Dr. Jerry

Blackstone conducts in his final concert as music director of the UMS Choral

Union. The Choral Union, the Ann Arbor, and soloists perform this epic oratorio at

Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor. Lovers of choral music will not want to miss this performance. Tickets: http://

tickets.ums.org/single/SYOS.aspx?p=2157

Randy Gilchrist takes the role of Captain Delaunay in the Comic Opera Guild’s production of Erminie. February 28-

March 1 at Washtenaw Community College — Towsley Auditorium. Erminie was a huge hit in its day, eclipsing the

initial run of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado. Tickets: http://comicoperaguild.org/PAGES/UPCOMING-

SHOWS.html

You’re Invited: Happy Birthday, Village Players!

Village Players members, friends, and family are invited to help celebrate the theater’s 92nd birthday at a casual pot luck and games night at the Playhouse on Saturday, February 28. Everyone is invited to bring a favorite board game -- or a deck of cards for euchre or hearts – a dish of their choice to pass, and a beverage (alcoholic or not). Pop, water, and coffee will be provided. The totally free social evening will begin at 6:00 p.m.; the potluck buffet will begin at 6:30. Games will follow immediately after dinner. Ralph Rosati, the event’s organizer, noted that a similar event last year was well-attended. “It’s just for fun, a nice way to get together and get to know each other a little better,” he said. For more information, or to volunteer to help with set-up or clean up, contact Ralph at rosatiralph@yahoo.com or call him at 248-229-0404. See Party Flyer for more specific details on Page 6

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It’s VP’s Birthday!! Come Celebrate with Food, Fun, Cards and Games

Saturday, February 28, 6 p.m. -??

Dinner is at 6:30. Bring a dish of your

choice to pass according to your last

name by the guide below:

A-G—Appetizer

H-M– Salad

N-S—Main Dish

T-Z—Dessert

Also bring the beverage of your choice, and your favorite

board game or a deck of cards

No donation needed: Party is for fun – not profit!

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Audition Notice

Thoroughly Modern Millie

Book by Richard Morris and Dick Scanlan. New Music by Jeanine Tesori. New Lyrics by Dick Scanlan

Auditions: February 21, sign-in at 11:30 am — auditions at 12:00 noon

Auditions: February 22, sign-in at 5:30 pm — auditions at 6:00 pm

Show dates: May 6 (preview), May 8,9,15,16,22,23, - 8pm, 10, 17 & 24 - 2pm

Rehearsal Schedule (tentative) M, W, F (7:00 pm), Sundays (2:00 pm)

Village Players - 34660 Woodward Ave., Birmingham

Director – Kevin Branshaw kevinbranshaw@yahoo.com • Music Director – Dennis Penney

Choreographer – Valerie Mould • Producer – Jude Purcell

Auditions will include a Audition Song from the show (music and practice time will be provided during the audition),

dance (also taught during the audition) and readings from the script. Copies of audition materials will be available

beginning January 27. Materials can be emailed to you, if you send an email to vpofbirmingham@sbcglobal.net Write

TMM audition materials in the subject line and ask for specific character(s). Or call 248-644-9667 during box office

hours if you want to pick up the material at the theater.

(Ages are those of the characters and not necessarily the ages of the actors)

Millie Dillmount – Female, 20s. Our effervescent leading lady. Comes to Manhattan with Big Dreams. She pretends

to be a tough talking modern girl, but is really the girl next door. Audition Song – Gimme, Gimme.

Jimmie Smith – Male, 20s. Millie’s True Love. A bit of a rascal, dating a different girl every night. Pretends to be

just a poor kid when he’s really the heir to a fortune. Audition Song – I Turned The Corner

Trevor Graydon – Male, 30s. Millie’s handsome, but dim, boss. He’s the husband Millie wants to catch, but he treats

her like one of the boys and falls for Dorothy instead. Audition Songs – I’m Falling in Love With Someone,

The Speed Test

Mrs. Meers – Female, Any Age. Our Evil, but Lovable, Villian. Failed Actress pretending to be Chinese (badly).

Kidnaps orphan girls and sells them into White Slavery. Audition Song – They Don’t Know

Miss Dorothy Brown – Female, 20s. Millie’s Innocent Best Friend, a rich girl who wants to see how poor people live.

Pretends to be an orphan, but is really Jimmie’s sister. Audition Song – Falling in Love With Someone

Muzzy Van Hossmere - Female, older. Traditionally African American. Glamorous Star who travels in High

Society. Wise woman who gives Millie good advice. Secretly Jimmie and Dorothy’s mother. Audition Song – Only in New York

Ching Ho & Bun Foo - Males, Any Age. Mrs. Meers’ Chinese henchmen. Saving up to bring their mother from

Hong Kong. Ching Ho falls for Miss Dorothy. They speak in Cantonese, but sing in Mandarin.

Audition Song – Thoroughly Modern Millie

Miss Flannery - Female, Any Age. Head of the Steno Pool. No-nonsense career gal.

Audition Song – Thoroughly Modern Millie

Ensemble – Will play various parts throughout the show, in many scenes. This show keeps the ensemble pretty busy. Audition Song – Thoroughly Modern Millie

Important Note: Everyone trying out must wear comfortable clothing for the dance audition. Bring your tap shoes!

Open Casting: All are invited to audition. Cast members who are not members of Village Players will have the

option of joining the group or paying a one-time rehearsal fee, which will be due at the first rehearsal.

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Village Youth Theater News

Haven't seen many VYT actors around the theater lately? They're busy

preparing for our March 28 auditions for Shrek, Jr. Complete audition

information will be available on our website mid-February, so stay tuned.

Show dates are June 18, 19, and 20 at 7:00PM, with matinees June 20 and 21

at 2:00PM. Tickets will be available soon on the VP website.

Looking Ahead:

The wintry weather may have you shivering, but many youth actors are

staying warm with thoughts of VYT's Summer Theater Arts Camp. Registration opened January 7, and we are already

more than 98% full.

The camp runs June 22 - July 17 and meets Monday through Friday from

9:00AM to 3:00PM. Show dates are July 15 at 7:00PM, and on July 16 at 12

noon and 7:00PM. This year's camp show is Honk, Jr. A camp registration form

is available on VP's website. Tickets may be purchased at the Playhouse during

VYT camp days.

And as summer nights eventually give way to fall and winter, we're excited to

announce that our December 15 show will be Grease, School Version. Get ready

to hand jive and rock n' roll with VYT.

Village Players Offer Directing Workshop

Village Players is pleased to offer a workshop on directing, conducted by retired

WSU Hilberry Theatre Director Tony Schmitt. The workshop will address both

novice and experienced directors, providing basic ―how to‖ information for

potential directors and deeper insights for those with experience. The workshop

takes place on April 11, 2015, 9:00AM to 4:00PM.

Content topics will include: Dissecting the script, creating the floor plan, auditions and casting, blocking, and working

with actors, designers, and stage managers.

Mr. Schmitt has degrees from Xavier University, St. Louis University, and Ohio State University. In his 24 years at

Wayne State University, where he was Associate Director in charge of the Hilberry Graduate Repertory Theatre Acting

Program and Company, Tony directed over 60 productions, including the Best Director and Best Play award-winning

Nicholas Nickleby. He received several Theatre Excellence Award nominations for productions at both the Hilberry

and Attic Theatres. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild, the Screen Actors Guild, and the Society of Stage

Directors and Choreographers.

Register for this workshop by calling or stopping by the Village Players box office. Phone 248.644.2075. Advance

registration is payable by cash, check, or credit/debit card. Walk-in registration on the day of the event is payable by

cash or check only.

VP member registration fee: $15.00

Non-member registration fee: $20.00

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Auditions Elsewhere

Grosse Pointe Players, Grosse Pointe MI

The Producers

Audition dates: February 6, 7:00-10:00PM; February 7, 1:00-5:00PM

Performances: May 10-23

http://www.gpt.org/auditions/

Ridgedale Players, Troy MI

Bus Stop

Audition dates: March 1-2, 6:30PM

Performances: May 1-17

http://www.ridgedaleplayers.com/auditions.html

The Prompter February 2015

This edition of The Prompter was created and compiled by your new newsletter team Randy Gilchrist, Michael A. Gravame & Tania L. Velinsky. Please send all newsworthy articles, pictures and items to anyone in the new team.

Randy—randygilchrist@comcast.net ◊ Michael— littletevye@yahoo.com ◊ Tania—

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Upcoming Events

Prompter deadline February 21, 2015 View the VP online calendar at www.calendar.yahoo.com/vp_calendar

February 2, 7PM - Playwrights a Work meeting Green Room

February 8, 7PM - Board of Directors meeting Green Room

February 11, 6PM - Board of Trustees meeting Green Room

February 16, 7PM - Playwrights @ Work meeting Green Room

February 21-22 - Thoroughly Modern Millie auditions.

February 21, 7PM - Red Carpet Movie Premiere Matzoh Brei

February 28, 6PM - VP Birthday Party

Join the Village Players family as we celebrate our 92nd birthday with a potluck dinner and games

34660 Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009