Musical is a sentimental journey for New England Youth Theatre
By Richard Henke/The Commons
BRATTLEBORO
Celebrating the kickoff of the 15th year, the New England Youth Theatre’s artistic director, Stephen Stearns, will direct the return of “Oliver!”
This musical, based on a novel by Charles Dickens, was the last show that NEYT performed seven years ago in its original space in the Latchis complex before the company moved from a former Chinese restaurant to its new theater on Flat Street.
Read the full article at thecommonsnews.org
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Friday, November 1, 2013
QTP's The Script: A Peasant of El Salvador
QTP's The Script: A Peasant of El Salvador: A PEASANT OF EL SALVADOR Written by Peter Gould & Stephen Stearns Directed by Q Performed by Meher Acharia-Dar ...
Friday, October 4, 2013
Monday, September 30, 2013
QTP’s ‘A Peasant Of El Salvador’ Tours Mumbai
Mumbai theatre company QTP is taking their new production, ‘A Peasant Of El Salvador’, off the stage and into alternative venues.
30 Sep, 2013
IndiecisionIndiecision
Staff Who says a play can only be staged in a theatre? All the world’s a stage, remember? With this in mind, the folks at theatre company QTP are taking their newest production, ‘A Peasant Of El Salvador’, on tour around Mumbai. Written by Peter Gould and Stephen Stearns, the play narrates the story of a Central American hill farmer and his family, set against the backdrop of the civil unrest of the late 1970s. The play has traveled to alternative venues in Worli (the Hall of Harmony at the Nehru Centre) and Santacruz (Ave 29), before heading to Bandra this weekend (Temperance on October 6 at 7.30pm) as part of the company’s efforts to discover and cultivate new performance spaces, as well as perform for new audiences.
‘A Peasant Of El Salvador’ uses just three narrators, with its central character Jesus played in turns by Meher Acharia-Dar, Pramod Pathak and Suhaas Ahuja, who also play other characters who pass through the narrative. The play uses a very small setting with minimal props, so it can easily be staged in any venue with ample space. It premiered at Prithvi Theatre, Mumbai, earlier this month and received very appreciative reviews. “We’re looking at alternate venues for many reasons,” says Vivek Rao of QTP. “It’s rather tough to get dates at places like Prithvi Theatre, so other venues make sense. The play just uses three crates and a guitar as props, with a large cross in the background, so it’s a very minimal setup that can be taken around anywhere.” The group has chosen smaller, more intimate venues with a capacity of a little under 100 people. “We’re also hoping to reach out to a wider audience this way, where more and more people look at venues like Ave 29 (in Santa Cruz) and Temperance in Bandra as places where they can go watch plays. More places are now becoming open to the idea of hosting theatre too.”
The company is looking at more alternative spaces to host shows soon, thus making theatre a little more accessible. Check out some stills from the show below.
Photos by Ameet Mallapur
IndiecisionIndiecision
Staff Who says a play can only be staged in a theatre? All the world’s a stage, remember? With this in mind, the folks at theatre company QTP are taking their newest production, ‘A Peasant Of El Salvador’, on tour around Mumbai. Written by Peter Gould and Stephen Stearns, the play narrates the story of a Central American hill farmer and his family, set against the backdrop of the civil unrest of the late 1970s. The play has traveled to alternative venues in Worli (the Hall of Harmony at the Nehru Centre) and Santacruz (Ave 29), before heading to Bandra this weekend (Temperance on October 6 at 7.30pm) as part of the company’s efforts to discover and cultivate new performance spaces, as well as perform for new audiences.
‘A Peasant Of El Salvador’ uses just three narrators, with its central character Jesus played in turns by Meher Acharia-Dar, Pramod Pathak and Suhaas Ahuja, who also play other characters who pass through the narrative. The play uses a very small setting with minimal props, so it can easily be staged in any venue with ample space. It premiered at Prithvi Theatre, Mumbai, earlier this month and received very appreciative reviews. “We’re looking at alternate venues for many reasons,” says Vivek Rao of QTP. “It’s rather tough to get dates at places like Prithvi Theatre, so other venues make sense. The play just uses three crates and a guitar as props, with a large cross in the background, so it’s a very minimal setup that can be taken around anywhere.” The group has chosen smaller, more intimate venues with a capacity of a little under 100 people. “We’re also hoping to reach out to a wider audience this way, where more and more people look at venues like Ave 29 (in Santa Cruz) and Temperance in Bandra as places where they can go watch plays. More places are now becoming open to the idea of hosting theatre too.”
The company is looking at more alternative spaces to host shows soon, thus making theatre a little more accessible. Check out some stills from the show below.
Photos by Ameet Mallapur
Monday, September 23, 2013
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Change is in the hair as NEYT presents hit musical ‘Hairspray’
By JON POTTER / Reformer Staff
Posted:
07/04/2013 03:00:00 AM EDT
Thursday July 4, 2013 BRATTLEBORO
-- Stephen Stearns wants you to get yourself a seat for the New England
Youth Theatre production of the hit musical "Hairspray."
Whether you actually sit in it or not is another story.
The senior company production of Tony Award-winning musical opens Friday and runs through July 13 ... and comes with a bit of a warning.
You may find yourself moved to leave your seat and dance in the aisles.
That’s what happened to Stearns when he went to see the show at the Weston Playhouse in 2007.
"I saw it in Weston, and I went back to see it a second time. We were all on our feet dancing to it. ... I came home and I said ‘We’re going to do it.’"
Then came the big job of making it happen. "Hairspray" requires a large cast, a big, rockin’ band, lots of singing and dancing and a number of roles requiring diversity in the cast.
The popularity of the show, combined with a two-month Facebook audition blitz gave Stearns all the people he needed -- 47 in the cast -- with a nice mix of NEYT veterans and newcomers.
Set in Baltimore in 1962, "Hairspray" features the lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad who has only one desire -- to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her new-found power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network, all without denting her ‘do.
While an upbeat musical about hair and dancing, "Hairspray" also hits on some more serious subjects. The definition of beauty and body image issues are prominent, and it delves into the racial prejudices of the time.
One of two actors cast as Tracy, Christine Reilly, 17, of Wilmington, is a huge fan of the show -- she and her sister have watched the movie a bunch of times. When she heard NEYT was casting for the show, she knew she wanted to audition, but there was just one problem.
"I had to choose between going to France or doing this show," said Reilly.
The fact that that’s even a tough choice should tell you everything you need to know about the show.
When the trip to France fell through, Reilly jumped at the chance.
"There’s not a lot of Broadway roles for chubby women. It’s a lot about image," said Reilly. "It’s really cool to be someone that’s different. ... People say to her ‘You’re too chubby to be in a show.’ But she’s like, ‘Hey, I’m chubby but I’m awesome."
"Awesome" comes up a lot when people talk about "Hairspray." Stearns is directing a big, bold, beautiful cast, Allie Lubin leads a rocking eight-piece band and an eager grew of techies are all pouring every ounce of energy into delivering the show’s relevant messages and oh-so-catchy songs.
"It’s got these great, great songs which are so wonderful," said Stearns. "It’s really the best music that’s been written in the last 30 years. It’s sassy and very cute and very funny."
"Hairspray" features a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman.
Performances will be Fridays, July 5 and 12, Saturdays, July 6 and 13, Tuesday, July 9, Wednesday, July 10, and Thursday, July 11, at 7 p.m. Matinees will be at 2 p.m. on Saturdays, July 6 and 13, and Sunday, July 7. All performances are at NEYT, 100 Flat St.
Tickets for these performances are $11 for students, $13 for seniors and $15 for adults. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.NEYT.org, or at the NEYT Box Office in person, or by phone at 802-246-6398, from noon to 5 p.m., on Wednesdays.
New England Youth Theatre is an accessible theater, with accommodations for wheelchairs, and Assistive Listening Devices for patrons who are hard of hearing.
Sponsors include 1st Advantage Dental and Scissor Masters. New England Youth Theatre is also supported by Foard Panel, the Vermont Children’s Trust Fund, Vermont Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Whether you actually sit in it or not is another story.
The senior company production of Tony Award-winning musical opens Friday and runs through July 13 ... and comes with a bit of a warning.
You may find yourself moved to leave your seat and dance in the aisles.
That’s what happened to Stearns when he went to see the show at the Weston Playhouse in 2007.
"I saw it in Weston, and I went back to see it a second time. We were all on our feet dancing to it. ... I came home and I said ‘We’re going to do it.’"
Then came the big job of making it happen. "Hairspray" requires a large cast, a big, rockin’ band, lots of singing and dancing and a number of roles requiring diversity in the cast.
The popularity of the show, combined with a two-month Facebook audition blitz gave Stearns all the people he needed -- 47 in the cast -- with a nice mix of NEYT veterans and newcomers.
Set in Baltimore in 1962, "Hairspray" features the lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad who has only one desire -- to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her new-found power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network, all without denting her ‘do.
While an upbeat musical about hair and dancing, "Hairspray" also hits on some more serious subjects. The definition of beauty and body image issues are prominent, and it delves into the racial prejudices of the time.
One of two actors cast as Tracy, Christine Reilly, 17, of Wilmington, is a huge fan of the show -- she and her sister have watched the movie a bunch of times. When she heard NEYT was casting for the show, she knew she wanted to audition, but there was just one problem.
"I had to choose between going to France or doing this show," said Reilly.
The fact that that’s even a tough choice should tell you everything you need to know about the show.
When the trip to France fell through, Reilly jumped at the chance.
"There’s not a lot of Broadway roles for chubby women. It’s a lot about image," said Reilly. "It’s really cool to be someone that’s different. ... People say to her ‘You’re too chubby to be in a show.’ But she’s like, ‘Hey, I’m chubby but I’m awesome."
"Awesome" comes up a lot when people talk about "Hairspray." Stearns is directing a big, bold, beautiful cast, Allie Lubin leads a rocking eight-piece band and an eager grew of techies are all pouring every ounce of energy into delivering the show’s relevant messages and oh-so-catchy songs.
"It’s got these great, great songs which are so wonderful," said Stearns. "It’s really the best music that’s been written in the last 30 years. It’s sassy and very cute and very funny."
"Hairspray" features a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman.
Performances will be Fridays, July 5 and 12, Saturdays, July 6 and 13, Tuesday, July 9, Wednesday, July 10, and Thursday, July 11, at 7 p.m. Matinees will be at 2 p.m. on Saturdays, July 6 and 13, and Sunday, July 7. All performances are at NEYT, 100 Flat St.
Tickets for these performances are $11 for students, $13 for seniors and $15 for adults. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.NEYT.org, or at the NEYT Box Office in person, or by phone at 802-246-6398, from noon to 5 p.m., on Wednesdays.
New England Youth Theatre is an accessible theater, with accommodations for wheelchairs, and Assistive Listening Devices for patrons who are hard of hearing.
Sponsors include 1st Advantage Dental and Scissor Masters. New England Youth Theatre is also supported by Foard Panel, the Vermont Children’s Trust Fund, Vermont Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Peter Gould Directs NEYT's production of "Ferdinand the Bull"
Ferdinand the Bull
by Munro Leaf
Adapted & Directed by Peter Gould
With blessings from author Munro Leaf's estate, Peter Gould is creating a new adaptation of a favorite childhood tale, Ferdinand the Bull. This is the classic short story of the Spanish bull who refuses to fight and who just wants to sit quietly and smell the flowers. This adaptation will come to rollicking, dancing, singing new life with the energy of 25 NEYT junior company actors. Come and learn how to dance the paso doble!
Performances: Friday 2/15 at 7pm
Saturday 2/16 at 2pm and 7pm
Sunday 2/17 at 2pm
Friday 2/22 at 4pm and 7pm
Saturday 2/23 at 2pm and 7pm
Tickets:$8 students
$10 seniors
$12 adults
by Munro Leaf
Adapted & Directed by Peter Gould
With blessings from author Munro Leaf's estate, Peter Gould is creating a new adaptation of a favorite childhood tale, Ferdinand the Bull. This is the classic short story of the Spanish bull who refuses to fight and who just wants to sit quietly and smell the flowers. This adaptation will come to rollicking, dancing, singing new life with the energy of 25 NEYT junior company actors. Come and learn how to dance the paso doble!
Performances: Friday 2/15 at 7pm
Saturday 2/16 at 2pm and 7pm
Sunday 2/17 at 2pm
Friday 2/22 at 4pm and 7pm
Saturday 2/23 at 2pm and 7pm
Tickets:$8 students
$10 seniors
$12 adults
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