Andrew Wyke:  Mike Donahue
Milo Tindle:  Derek Bradley
Inspector Doppler:  Frank Gilles
Constable Higgs:  Raymond Janer
Det. Sergeant Tarrant:  Michael McGinty

More information about Sleuth can be found at our current season page.  Thanks to all who came out and shared their talent in the audition process.

Beth Whitehead as Mame Dennis in "Auntie Mame"

Washington Area Theatre Community Honors (WATCH) announced nominations for 2011.  PPF received eleven (11) nominations, including not one, but two (2) nominations for Outstanding Play – Auntie Mame and Shadow Box.  We are extremely proud of those nominated and everyone involved in these productions that warranted this type of recognition.

For individual performances, those nominated include:

• Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play – Beth Whitehead as “Auntie Mame Dennis” – Auntie Mame
• Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play – Ruth Neaveill as “Vera Charles” - Auntie Mame

For production team members, those nominated include:

• Outstanding Costume Design in a Play – Robbie Snow & Christian D. Faulkner – Auntie Mame
• Outstanding Hair Design in a Play - Beth Harrison – Auntie Mame
• Outstanding Set Design in a Play – Chip Gertzog & John Coscia – Shadow Box
• Outstanding Set Design in a Play – John Coscia, Patrick David & Ingrid Helvig David – Auntie Mame
• Outstanding Set Decoration in a Play – Ingrid Helvig David – Auntie Mame
• Outstanding Set Construction in a Play – John Coscia & Chip Gertzog – Shadow Box
• Outstanding Set Construction in a Play – John Coscia, Patrick David & Ingrid Helvig David – Auntie Mame

Ruth Neaveill as Vera Charles in "Auntie Mame"

For overall production values, those plays nominated include:

• Outstanding Play – Auntie Mame
• Outstanding Play – Shadow Box

In addition, other PPF members were nominated for their efforts with other community theaters in the region:

• Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play – Robin Zerbe as “Irma Grese” – Angel: A Nightmare in Two Acts at Port City Playhouse
• Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play – Lolita-Marie as “Mattie Cheeks” – No Niggers, No Jews, No Dogs at Port City Playhouse
• Outstanding Cameo in a Play – Robin Zerbe as “Crystal Allen” – The Women at Prince William Little Theatre
• Outstanding Costume Design in a Musical – Mary Ayala-Bush – Frankenstein at Taking Flight Theatre Company

The award ceremony will take place Sunday, March 11, at The Birchmere in Alexandria.   Our congratulations to all the nominees.

To see all of PPF’s previous nominations and awards, please visit our awards page.

Sara Bennett & David James in "The Shadow Box"

"The Shadow Box" Director Barbara Gertzog Accepts the 2010-2011 Ruby Griffith Award for Best Play

This past season’s PPF production of “The Shadow Box” has been honored by the British Players’ Ruby Griffith Awards program with the 2010-2011 award for “Outstanding Achievement in a Play”. The Ruby Griffith Awards, designed to elevate the quality of local amateur theater and reward excellence and outstanding achievement, was established in 1969 and is the DC area’s oldest community theater awards program.

“The Shadow Box” was selected for best play honors from a field of 25 productions offered for adjudication by community theater companies throughout the VA-MD-DC area. Shadow Box Director Barbara Gertzog accepted the award on behalf of PPF at an awards ceremony this past July.

Congratulations the entire cast and crew of “The Shadow Box” for their outstanding achievement in this production!

For more information on The Ruby Griffith Awards visit the awards website.

To see all of PPF’s recent nominations and awards, visit our awards page.

"The Shadow Box Director" Barbara Gertzog and Technical Director Jimmy Gertzog-Ruby Griffith Award For Best Play

Sleuth

By Anthony Shaffer
Directed by Beth Hughes-Brown

Providence Players announces auditions for its final production of the 2011-2012 season.  

Audition Dates
Monday January 9, 7-9:30pm
Tuesday January 10, 7-9:30pm
Call-Backs: Thursday January 12, 7-9:30pm

The Cast of Side Man is:

CLIFFORD – Ari Post
TERRY – Andra Whitt
PATSY – Tina Thronson
GENE – John Coscia
AL – David James
ZIGGY – Craig Geoffrion
JONESY – Bobby Welsh

Side Man opens March 23rd. Rehearsals begin shortly. More information about Side Man Can be found at http://www.providenceplayers.org/upcoming-season/ .

Side Man is not for young audiences. It contains mature themes and graphic language.

WOMEN:

Stephanie Hearne – Mary
Angelena LeBlanc – Rose, Mrs. Hatch
Charlene Sloan – Sadie, Ruth, Mrs. W
Katie Brown – Violet, Matilda

MEN:

David Whitehead – George Bailey
Richard LaValley – Uncle Billy, Gower
Fred Lash – Potter
Stu Fischer – Narator, Ernie, Martini, Harry
Don Neal – Joseph, Bridgekeeper
Joseph LeBlanc -  Clarence, Peter Bailey
Christopher Schwartz – Sam, Nick, townspeople, Bert

CHILDREN:

Blake Phillips – Young George, Tommy,Pete
Mia Goodman – Young Violet, Zuzu, Janie
Elise Welsh – Young Mary, Zuzu, Janie

Thanks to all who came out and shared their talent in the audition process.

Five Men – Two Women – All Roles Open

The Providence Players of Fairfax is a non-profit community theater troupe. All participation is on a volunteer, non-compensated basis.

Printable Audition Announcement

                          (Audition Form, Sides and Production Calendar Must Be Printed Seperately – See Below)

Side Man

By Warren Leight

Directed by Jimmy Gertzog

Side man is not for young audiences. It contains mature themes & graphic language.

Performance Dates and Times

Preview:                              March 22, 2012, 7:00pm Curtain

Evening Performances: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 7:30pm Curtain

                                                March 23, 24, 29, 39, 31, April 5, 6 & 7

Matinees:                             Sundays; 2:00pm curtain

                                                March 25 & April 1

Audition Dates

Director’s Instructions

Auditions will consist of readings composed of selections from the script; no external monologue preparation is necessary. Resumes will be gratefully accepted but are hardly required. Forms will be provided that you might indicate your character preferences, availability during the rehearsal period, and other valuable information.

My goal will be to provide you with a comfortable, low-stress atmosphere so that we might all enjoy our time together sampling sections of this wonderful play. There are not a very large number of roles in the play, but a number of intricate relationships between the characters.  Be prepared to read several times and for a couple different characters – the more interactions that I see, the better. You are welcome and encouraged to attend both primary audition dates (10/31 and 11/2) if you are able. I will try and use your time as wisely as possible. Please note that we allow all auditioners to watch the full process. Auditioners may be asked to do a little preparation with their scene partners prior to taking the stage. You may be asked to read for roles that you are not auditioning for.

When noting your availability, keep in mind that I will want to have several read-throughs and informal workshops with the script of Side Man. There’s a lot to chew on in this play, and I plan to make the most of the time between now and March 2012.

Other Information:

• PRINT: This Side Man Audition Announcement (Sides, Audition Sides and Audition Form must be printed separately.
• AUDITION SIDES: A character summary appears below. Audition Sides can be printed here and will be supplied at auditions. It will be advantageous to review the sides for the character(s) you are interested in, especially for the role of Clifford, where sides include several long speeches. It is not expected that these be committed to memory.
• AUDITION FORM: Resumes and headshots will be accepted, but are not required. Please complete the Side Man Audition Form and bring it with you to the audition.
• PRODUCTION CALENDAR: A Preliminary Production Calendar is available here. This calendar is subject to substantial revision.
• The Providence Players strives to make our productions open to interested and engaged actors & actresses, regardless of their level of experience. We try and make our auditions as relaxing and fun as possible.
• MEMBERSHIP:  The Providence Players of Fairfax is a membership organization. Membership is not required to audition. If cast, actors in addition to production team members will be asked to become members of the Providence Players ($10) for the season.
• RSVP: Please send us an RSVP if you plan to attend to providenceplayers@cox.net (or email us any questions you may have).

Rehearsal Schedule:

A copy of the preliminary rehearsal schedule is available here: Side Man Preliminary Rehearsal Schedule. During December and January, there will be a series of read-throughs, scene studies, and character study sessions. These will be finalized in the week or two following auditions. On-stage rehearsals begin in early February. Unless indicated otherwise, all rehearsals will happen at theJamesLeeCommunity Center. Rehearsals will be held in the evenings roughly from 7:00 to 9:45pm. The first few weeks will have only 2-3 rehearsal per week. Weekend rehearsals will commence 5 weeks prior to opening.

Please come to auditions prepared to list any availability conflicts over this time period.

Side Man – Character Summary (5 men, 2 women)

A Note: this play takes place over the course of 30+ years, from the ‘present time’ where Clifford narrates his story from, all the way back to the 1950s, when Gene and Terry first meet. As such, all characters play a range of ages.

Clifford Glimmer – 29 years old, but plays as young as age 10 in the show. Son to Terry and Gene, glue that holds their marriage together, and narrator of this play. Leight notes that he is “overly responsible, sensitive, and wry.” I would supplement this with Patsy’s line at one point in the play: that when he was 6 years old he looked 30, and he hasn’t changed a bit. Deep respect for the jazz scene and his father’s craft, deeply conflicted over his upbringing.

Gene Glimmer – Late 20s through his late 50s, early 60s. Gene Glimmer is Clifford’s father; nickname is “turtle”. He is a jazz trumpet player, works as a side man his whole life. He tends to be spacey, detached, out-of-sync with the world, except when playing his trumpet.

Al – Late 20s through late 50s/early 60s. Al or “Romeo.” A macho guy, as far as jazz musicians come. Lead trumpet player with big bands, a scoundrel with women, and spends a lot of time with Ziggy on stage trading jabs, jokes, and wives (Patsy).

Ziggy – Late 20s through late 50s/early 60s. Trumpet player, side man with the other guys (excluding Clifford). He is the guy in your group of friends who is always making wisecracks in an effort to be everyone’s buddy and universally liked, for better or for worse. Pronounced speech impediment written into the dialogue, a bilateral lisp.

Jonesy – Late 20s through late 50s/early 60s. Side man, trombone player, one-eyed, oddly prophetic, and a junkie (or ex-junkie by the end of the play). For all of his escapism via the drugs, he seems to be strangely more aware of reality than the other guys.

Terry Glimmer – Mid 20s through mid 50s. Clifford’s mother. Over the course of her life she transforms from a tough yet hopelessly naïve Italian girl fromEast Boston into a hard-drinking, cigarette-smoking, more-than-a-little manic survivor of an unhappy marriage. For all of her bitterness, she still deeply cares for her husband/his music, and especially for her son.

Patsy – Mid 20s through mid 50s. Waitress at the recurring Melody Lounge, has a thing for jazz musicians, is lover or wife to each of the guys, sans Gene, at one point or another. A confidante to Terry, and maybe a bit more in-tune with the realities of the world than she is. She has taken the passage of time more gracefully than any of the others. Has motherly tendencies towards Clifford.

Side Man Audition Sides:

Audition sides are available in PDF: Side Man Audition Sides.  Auditioners will be well-served if they take the opportunity to review the sides prior to auditioning, however committing dialogue to memory is NOT required. Auditioners for the role of Clifford should have a decent working familiarity with his monologue sides.  Actors may be asked to read for roles that are not auditioning for. Additional audition sides may be added later.

#0 – pp 13-14: Clifford and Terry;  Start at Clifford’s line “ And even though there are no clean breaks,” and ends on Clifford’s “I know ma.”

#1 – pp15-16 Patsy, Clifford and Terry ; Start at Patsy’s Line “Clifford is that you?” and ends on Terry’s “…when they sign for their unemployment Check.

#2  pp 16-19: Clifford (primary), Gene, Al, Jonesy (primary),  Ziggy (primary); Starts on Clifford’s line “She can be a little…dark.” Ends on Gene’s line: “The eyes have it.”

#2A  p19 Short bridge sequence (5 lines) if Jimmy decides to connect 2 and 3 during auditions; Clifford, Jonesy, Gene, Ziggy, Al.

#3 pp 20-21: Gene (primary), Clifford (primary), Patsy, Al, Ziggy, Jonesy  Gene’s line “He’s still my boy. Managed to get twenty weeks on the books…” to Patsy “keep em in your pants boys”.

#4 pp 21-22 Clifford’s jazz musicians as ball players monologue.

#5 pp 22-24 Gene & Terry; (Clifford has two line) starts on Gene’s entrance & line “Name that tune”; ends at Gene’s line “It’ll be at the door kid”.

#6 pp 25-27:  All  Starts at Jonesy’s “Nice blowing Genie”  ends at Jonesy’s line “dating Florence Nightingale”

#7  pp 31-33: Al, Terry, Gene (primaries), Ziggy, Jonesy; no Clifford/Patsy; Starts on 31 with Al “Hey Terry, Nice crib.” Ends on Ziggy “we oughtta have a wake: Requiem for a Mother%#CK@#.”

#7A pp33-35 Bridge segment if Jimmy decides to connect 7 and 8 during auditions ALL (total of 36 lines).

#8 pp 35-36: Gene,Terry & Patsy. Starts Terry’s line “Patsy says these doo-wop groups” to Patsy’s line “He’ll get used to it…”

#9 pp 39-40: Patsy (primary) and Clifford; Patsy’s line “Here you go, Clifford”; ends on Patsy’s line “just get the hell out of here.”

#10 pp 43-45 + 46-47: Terry & Gene (primaries), Ziggy. Terry’s line “How come they keep arresting Jonesy?”; ends on top of 45 Ziggy “He probably needsh a fix, poor bashtard”; resumes 46 halfway through Terry’s line “you lied to me” and ends Terry “You have until midnight. If that phone doesn’t ring and you stay in the business, I’ll fucking kill you. And I’ll kill the baby”

#11 pp 60-61: Clifford and Gene; Starts on Clifford’s line “ Couldn’t you tell that she was losing it.” And ends on Clifford’s line “You don’t have a f*&%$ing clue [second time]…”

#12  pp 65. Clifford’s final monologue

Monday October 17, 2011

7 pm to 9 pm – James Lee Community Center Multipurpose Room

 Printable Audition Announcement

The Providence Players are continuing the audition process for “It’s a Wonderful  Life – A Live Radio Play,” which will be performed at the James Lee Community Theatre on Dec 1-4, and again on Dec 8-11.  We are still in the need of men for the supporting roles which require the actors to portray at least 3 characters in the show.  We are also considering women for the supporting roles too.  This show is NOT pre-cast with the same performers from 2010…in fact 4 of the actors from last year are not returning because of conflicts.  We hope you can attend the next round of auditions on Oct 17 (Monday) from 7pm -9pm at the James Lee Center in the Multipurpose Room. Please look for more information at providenceplayers.org…..This is a great show which I know will get you in the mood for the holidays!

                  Brian O’Connor, Director

 It’s a Wonderful Life:  A Live Radio Play

Adapted by Joe Landry
From the screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra, and Jo Swerling

Directed by Brian O’Connor

Turn back the clock to the 1940s and set the dial for a double dose of holiday nostalgia. This version of It’s a Wonderful Life harkens back to the golden age of radio, and is performed as a live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Conceived and drawn directly from Frank Capra’s classic film, a talented ensemble of actors and one clever sound technician tell the story of George Bailey and the night he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. A holiday treat you will want to share with the entire family.

Performance Dates And Times

Preview Performance Thursday Dec. 1
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Evening 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11
Saturday Matinees 2:00 p.m. Dec. 10
Sunday Matinees 2:00 & 5:00 p.m. Dec. 4 & 11
There is a possibility that the show will be held over for two more performances on the 16^th and 17^th if scheduling and attendance permit.

Audition Dates/Process

Additional Audition Date: Monday October 17, 7-9pm

 Location

TheJamesLeeCommunity Center
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church,VA22042
Auditions will be held in the multi-purpose room.

From the director

Please come prepared to read different roles from the play – individual readings and scene (multiple persons) readings as well.  I need to see how the voices blend and work together.  Remember, this is a radio show that you will perform in front of microphones.  The voice and characterizations are critical for the play to work, as are the wonderful sounds effects!!  -Brian O’Connor

 Other helpful information

• Sides for the production will be supplied. 
• Resumes and headshots are not required, but are encouraged and welcomed. Forms will be available at the time of the auditions for personal and contact information.
• The Providence Players welcomes both experienced and inexperienced actors and actresses. We try and make our auditions as relaxing and fun as possible.
• If cast, actors will be asked to become Providence Players Members ($10).
• Email providenceplayers@cox.net with any questions.
• If you are able, please RSVP to providenceplayers@cox.net to let us know you are coming.

 General Rehearsal Schedule

Rehearsals will start in and around November 1 and will be held in the evenings approx 7-10pm.  We will rehearse only during the week for the first two weeks, due to the director’s weekend work schedule.  More on times and rehearsals will be available in October after the show is cast.  We do hope to work over the holiday Thanksgiving weekend IN the theatre, so please note we will probably work on that Sat and possibly Sunday (if available).

 “It’s a Wonderful Life” – Character Summary

 General information – all cast members will be performing their roles and assisting with sound effects (Foley) during the show.  This is what makes this production so unique. 

 Men (7)

George Bailey – family man, dreamer, full of hope and life

Clarence – angel looking to do the right thing to get his wings!

Henry Potter – Scrooge type who wants total control and has no heart towards anything else!

Joseph/Announcer – Lead performer who hosts the radio show and who will be the “chief angel” who assists with Clarence getting his wings.

The other three men will play a variety of roles from the play including:  George’s father, Cop, Bridge keeper, townsfolk, friends, etc. (The performers in these roles will have a real chance to shine!)

Women (4)

Mary – The home town girl always in love with George

Violet – The town beauty who always is a looker!  She really loves…herself!

Rose – George’s mother, confident, family counselor

The final woman cast will have a series of roles from the town, office, and friends of the Baileys……versatility is a must!!

(Some of the other women’s roles will be played by the woman playing primary roles too.)

Children (2-4)

Two children (perhaps split male and female) playing all child roles.  There may be an opportunity to include as many as four children in the production.

Audition Announcement – Providence Players

 Open Auditions for
“It’s a Wonderful Life:  A Live Radio Play”

7 Male, 4 Female and 2-4 Child Roles

All Open

Printable Audition Announcement

 It’s a Wonderful Life:  A Live Radio Play

Adapted by Joe Landry
From the screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra, and Jo Swerling

Directed by Brian O’Connor

Turn back the clock to the 1940s and set the dial for a double dose of holiday nostalgia. This version of It’s a Wonderful Life harkens back to the golden age of radio, and is performed as a live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Conceived and drawn directly from Frank Capra’s classic film, a talented ensemble of actors and one clever sound technician tell the story of George Bailey and the night he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. A holiday treat you will want to share with the entire family.

Performance Dates And Times

Preview Performance Thursday Dec. 1
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Evening 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11
Saturday Matinees 2:00 p.m. Dec. 10
Sunday Matinees 2:00 & 5:00 p.m. Dec. 4 & 11
There is a possibility that the show will be held over for two more performances on the 16^th and 17^th if scheduling and attendance permit.

Audition Dates/Process

Thursday, September 29, 7-9:30pm
Friday, September 30, 7-9:30pm
Call backs: Monday, October 3, 7-9:30pm

 Location

TheJamesLeeCommunity Center
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church,VA22042
Auditions will be held in the multi-purpose room.

From the director

Please come prepared to read different roles from the play – individual readings and scene (multiple persons) readings as well.  I need to see how the voices blend and work together.  Remember, this is a radio show that you will perform in front of microphones.  The voice and characterizations are critical for the play to work, as are the wonderful sounds effects!!  -Brian O’Connor

 Other helpful information

• Sides for the production will be supplied. 
• Resumes and headshots are not required, but are encouraged and welcomed. Forms will be available at the time of the auditions for personal and contact information.
• The Providence Players welcomes both experienced and inexperienced actors and actresses. We try and make our auditions as relaxing and fun as possible.
• If cast, actors will be asked to become Providence Players Members ($10).
• Email providenceplayers@cox.net with any questions.
• If you are able, please RSVP to providenceplayers@cox.net to let us know you are coming.

 General Rehearsal Schedule

Rehearsals will start in and around November 1 and will be held in the evenings approx 7-10pm.  We will rehearse only during the week for the first two weeks, due to the director’s weekend work schedule.  More on times and rehearsals will be available in October after the show is cast.  We do hope to work over the holiday Thanksgiving weekend IN the theatre, so please note we will probably work on that Sat and possibly Sunday (if available).

 “It’s a Wonderful Life” – Character Summary

 General information – all cast members will be performing their roles and assisting with sound effects (Foley) during the show.  This is what makes this production so unique. 

 Men (7)

George Bailey – family man, dreamer, full of hope and life

Clarence – angel looking to do the right thing to get his wings!

Henry Potter – Scrooge type who wants total control and has no heart towards anything else!

Joseph/Announcer – Lead performer who hosts the radio show and who will be the “chief angel” who assists with Clarence getting his wings.

The other three men will play a variety of roles from the play including:  George’s father, Cop, Bridge keeper, townsfolk, friends, etc. (The performers in these roles will have a real chance to shine!)

Women (4)

Mary – The home town girl always in love with George

Violet – The town beauty who always is a looker!  She really loves…herself!

Rose – George’s mother, confident, family counselor

The final woman cast will have a series of roles from the town, office, and friends of the Baileys……versatility is a must!!

(Some of the other women’s roles will be played by the woman playing primary roles too.)

Children (2-4)

Two children (perhaps split male and female) playing all child roles.  There may be an opportunity to include as many as four children in the production.

Norah Muldoon:    Madalaine “Mim” Vander-Linden
Patrick Dennis as a boy:    Michael Ryjik
Ito:    Bobby Welsh
Vera Charles:    Ruth Neaveill
M. Lindsay Woolsey:    Sean Wilson
Auntie Mame Dennis:    Beth Whitehead
Mr. Babcock:    Dell Pendergrast
Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside:   Patrick David
Cousin Jeff:    Will MacLeod
Sally Cato McDougal:    Andra Whitt
Emory McDougal:    Burke Romans – Murray
Mother Burnside:    Smitty Connolly
Patrick Dennis as a young man:    Will MacLeod
Agnes Gooch:    C. Elizabeth Pfeifer
Brian O’ Bannion:    John Wells
Gloria Upson:    Libbey Eads
Doris Upson:    Barbara Gertzog
Claude Upson:    Craig Geoffrion
Pegeen Ryan:    Jessica Silver
Osbert, Ralph Devine, Stage Manager  & Dr. Shurr:    Larry Craven
A Maid, Shopper, Cousin Fan:     Susan Kaplan
Ensemble:    Geoffrey Baskir
(Kirstin Burt, Shan Nan Goto, Terilee Edwards-Hewitt, Raedun Knutsen, Phil Lentz, & Andrea Van Hook)

Thanks to all who came out and shared their talent in the audition process.