On behalf of Providence Players of Fairfax, Director Tina Hodge Thronson is pleased to announce the cast of Deathtrap, by Ira Levin.
In this well-known mystery thriller, Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway hits, is struggling to overcome a “dry” spell which has resulted in a series of box office flops. A possible break in his fortunes occurs when he receives a remarkable script from a student which Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway juggernaut. Sidney’s plan, which he devises with his wife’s help, is to offer assistance to the student in exchange for co-credit. But is that really his plan? Suspense mounts steadily as the plot begins to twist and turn with devilish cleverness, and with such an abundance of thrills and laughter, that audiences will be held enthralled until the final, startling moments of the play. Tickets on sale now!
CAST
Sidney – Matthew Randall
Clifford – Chuck O’Toole
Myra – Roxanne Waite
Helga – Angela Cannon
Porter – David Ranowsky Read more
Music by Barbara Schelstrate Book and Lyrics by Deborah Davidson
In this world-premier, holiday musical fantasy, reindeer sing and dance, Mrs. Claus has a cooking show, and the elves just might do a Christmas “rap.” This Christmas, Dash decides it’s his turn to lead Santa’s sleigh, and the whole North Pole is transfixed as he challenges Rudy for the honor. A family-friendly, original musical written by Providence Players members Deborah Davidson and Barbara Schelstrate.
Providence Players of Fairfax is:
A non-profit community theater troupe. All participation is on a volunteer basis. No members of the cast or crew are compensated.
A membership organization. Membership is not required to audition. If cast, all actors (and in fact, all volunteers), are required to become members of Providence Players of Fairfax ($25 per individual or $60 per family – three or more) for the season (if not already a member).
Casting Announcement
Providence Players is casting 12 roles (6 female, 6 male). No roles are precast, and all roles are open. All backgrounds, ages, ethnicities welcome and encouraged to audition! Download both documents: Audition Announcement and Audition Form (in word and pdf).
Audition Location:
James Lee Community Center 2855 Annandale Rd
Falls Church, VA 22042
Audition Dates (You only need to come to one):
Wednesday, September 13, 7:00 pm Thursday, September 14, 7:00 pm
Callbacks will be Tuesday, September 19 at 7:00 pm.
DASH, a reindeer better known as Dasher, but he likes “Dash” better
DANCER, a reindeer and Dash’s charming and intelligent wife. Doubles
as DI THE ELF
DONNER, the Team Dash lead reindeer. Doubles as BRICK THE ELF
BLITZEN, a Team Dash henchdeer. Doubles as PABLO THE ELF
SILVIA, the Chief Elf and a Team Dash tagalong—to even up the teams
RUDY, a reindeer better known as Rudolph, but what rhymes with “Rudolph”?
VIXEN, a reindeer and Rudy’s equally charming and intelligent wife.
Doubles as SMYTH, a videographer
PRANCER, the Team Rudy lead reindeer. Doubles as BYTE THE ELF
COMET, a Team Rudy henchdeer. Doubles as SLUGGER THE ELF
CUPID, a Team Rudy reindeer tagalong. Doubles as POSY THE ELF
MRS. C., otherwise known as Mrs. Claus
SANTA CLAUS, no introduction needed
Instructions
Please be prepared to sing 16-32 bars of a song that best showcases your singing ability and vocal range. Bring sheet music; an accompanist will be provided. We’ll also ask you to do a simple dance combination—wear clothes you can move in. You may be asked to read from the script–no prepared monologue is necessary.
Rehearsals
Music rehearsals begin in late September; full script rehearsals start October 30.
In this well-known mystery thriller, Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway hits, is struggling to overcome a “dry” spell which has resulted in a series of box office flops. A possible break in his fortunes occurs when he receives a remarkable script from a student which Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway juggernaut. Sidney’s plan, which he devises with his wife’s help, is to offer assistance to the student in exchange for co-credit. But is that really his plan? Suspense mounts steadily as the plot begins to twist and turn with devilish cleverness, and with such an abundance of thrills and laughter, that audiences will be held enthralled until the final, startling moments of the play. Warning: This play contains moments of violence and gunshots.
Providence Players of Fairfax is:
A non-profit community theater troupe. All participation is on a volunteer basis. No members of the cast or crew are compensated.
A membership organization. Membership is not required to audition. If cast, all actors (and in fact, all volunteers), are required to become members of Providence Players of Fairfax ($25 per individual or $60 per family – three or more) for the season (if not already a member).
Casting Announcement
Providence Players is casting 5 roles (2 Female and 3 Male). No roles are precast, and all roles are open. All backgrounds and ethnicities are welcome and encouraged to audition!
Actors who audition one night may be asked to come back a second night, if available. You are not required to be available multiple evenings to be considered.
The Director reserves the right to extend the audition period pending initial audition response. Callbacks are scheduled but may not be necessary. Read more
In a review of Don’t Dress for Dinner, Maryland Theater Guide critic Fosse Thornton answers the question, “What does it take to create the perfect farce?” The answer is…
“What does it take to create the perfect farce? For starters, a top-notch cast. Secondly, a dynamic set. Above all, the show must be fast-paced. The frenetic energy necessary to keep a farce alive is hard to create and even harder to maintain. Providence Players of Fairfax has hit the mark on all accounts and has gone above and beyond with ‘Don’t Dress for Dinner’ by Marc Camoletti and adapted by Robin Hawdon. The production is nearly flawless.” ~Fosse Thornton, Maryland Theater Guide.
(Read the full review by clicking the banner below)
DC Theater Arts Critic William Powell and opening weekend audiences believe Don’t Dress for Dinner, by Marc Camoletti, is a “smash hit!”
“This convoluted romantic farce is a deliciously funny show….an energetic show that keeps smiles, giggles, and laughter flowing throughout…’Don’t Dress for Dinner’ will gnaw on your funny bone. It is a deliciously funny show that you should consume forthwith!”
Audiences agreed:
“Hilarious!”
“…Best show Providence Players has ever done!”
“…I’m coming back to see it again; it was so fun, and I know I missed some things! So funny!”
“Absolutely wonderful! One of the best shows I’ve seen you all do. Hilarious!”
“…I’m so glad I came. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this!”
(Read the full review by clicking the banner below)
In this raucous farce, Bernard is planning a romantic weekend with his chic mistress in his charming converted farmhouse, whilst his wife, Jacqueline, is away. He has arranged for a cordon bleu cook to prepare gourmet delights, and has invited his best friend, Robert, along too to provide the alibi. It’s foolproof; what could possibly go wrong? Well, suppose Robert turns up not realizing quite why he has been invited. Suppose Robert and Jacqueline are secret lovers, and consequently determined that Jacqueline will not leave for the weekend. Suppose the cook has to pretend to be the mistress and the mistress is unable to cook. Suppose everyone’s alibi gets confused with everyone else’s. An evening of hilarious confusion ensues as Bernard and Robert improvise at breakneck speed. Warning: This play contains suggested sexual situations and adult content. No strong language.
Enjoy these sneak peek photos from Matthew Randall.
(L-R) Ann Brodnax as Suzanne, Jayne L. Victor as Jacqueline, David Wright as Bernard and Bruce Alan Rauscher as Robert in Don’t Dress for Dinner by Marc Camoletti.
Meet the incredible cast of Don’t Dress for Dinner. Opens Friday, June 9! All cast photos by Matthew Randall.
The cast of Don’t Dress for Dinner (L-R, Top-Bottom, David Wright as Bernard, Gene Downing as George, Bruce Allen Rauscher as Robert, Eileen Copas as Suzette, Jayne L. Victor as Jacqueline and Ann Brodnax as Suzanne, Keely Sullivan den Bergh as Suzette not in the photo. Photo by Matthew Randall.)
Ann Brodnax (Suzanne) is delighted to join Providence Players for the first time and is honored to be working with such a talented cast and crew. Ann’s previous stage credits include Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Accomplice, Dinner with Friends, The Smell of the Kill, Wit, The Dinner Party, Taking Leave, The Iceman Cometh, and Clybourne Park. Much gratitude and love to her family, friends, and colleagues for their endless support. Finally, to her husband Jeff who amazes and inspires her every day.
Eileen Copas (Suzette) is very excited to join the cast as Suzette understudy, grab life’s opportunities by the horn, and get back on the the stage. She dabbled in costume design in Providence Players’ Beatle Club and loves helping out behind the stage, especially if headsets are involved. Her stage debut in the LTA’s Rumors was a blast and looks forward to the experiencing he same magic on stage with the cast of Don’t Dress for Dinner. Many thanks to her hot husband and two dynamic daughters for putting up with Mom’s shenanigans. And to her own mom…her we go! Lots of love.
Gene Downing (George) is a native Washingtonian and one of the newest members of Providence Players. Gene is a talented spoken word artist who uses his love for performing poetry to hone his craft as an actor. Though relatively new to theater, Gene has performed in several improv plays such as The Theater Lab: Life Stories Series, Live Garra Theater: Soul II Soul: What Makes A Poet Breathe?, and The Theatrix Company/Live Garra Theater: Soul II Soul 2. Gene loves the challenge of stepping out of improv and poetry and into more scripted roles and growing as an actor.
Bruce Alan Rauscher (Robert) is an accomplished theater artist. He has performed with Signature Theater, WSC Avant Bard, Keegan Theater and The American Century Theater. Favorite roles include Joseph Merrick in The Elephant Man, Alan Strang in Equus, The Bastard in King John, Alan Turing in Breaking the Code, Edgar in King Lear, Gary/Roger in Noises Off, Rev. Hale in The Crucible, Edward III in Edward III and Col. Chipman in The Andersonville Trial, receiving a Helen Hayes nomination for Best Actor. Bruce played David in PPF’s Playing Juliet/Casting Othello. Bruce has been honored with a Mary Goldwater Award for acting by The Theater Lobby.
Keely Sullivan den Bergh (Suzette) is excited to be making her debut with Providence Players and the larger NoVA theater community! You may have last seen her spinning a web of lies as Jean in Nova Nightsky’s Dead Man’s Cell Phone last February. She’s also performed in a number of plays and musicals over the years, some of which include Deathtrap, Legally Blonde, Chicago and 42nd Street. Lots of love to this talented, welcoming community, and a huge thank you to her husband, Jesper Sullivan den Bergh, for pushing her back on stage. Enjoy this kooky, head-spinning show. Merde!
Jayne L. Victor (Jacqueline) is thrilled to be back on the PPF stage where she last appeared in 2019 in August Osage County. Since then, she has produced and directed for the company. Jayne was most recently seen on stage in LTA’s Rumors. Previous directing credits include Auntie Mame, Moon Over Buffalo (11 WATCH Nominations) and Glass Mendacity (PPF). Thank you to family and friends who continue to indulge and constantly support her love of the theatre. Jayne is a member of the PPF Board of Directors.
David Wright (Bernard) was last seen on the PPF stage in California Suite. Recent credits: Unnecessary Farce & Dinner Party (VTC); Red, White & Tuna, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged & Play it Again Sam (LTA); The Great American Trailer Park Musical & November (Dominion). Notable roles: Rabbit Hole (Howie), Glengarry Glenross (Levine), Misery (Paul), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (McMurphy) & A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream (Bottom). Dave is also the creator/moderator of professional improv troupe Last Ham Standing. Most importantly, he would like to thank Angey for her continued support as well as their daughters, Kenzie, Emma & Maddy, for teaching him the true meaning of unconditional love.
Beth & David Whitehead in Providence Players’ 2021 production of Parking Lot.
Beth & David Whitehead (Directors) have been involved with Providence Players since 2003. Having co-directed the 2004 production of The Good Doctor, by Neil Simon, they thought they would try it again!
Beth Whitehead loves being a Providence Players member. She directed All My Sons by Arthur Miller, (which earned the Ruby Griffith Award’s top award, All Round Production Excellence) and To Kill a Mockingbird which earned a WATCH nomination for best play. Most recent acting with Providence has been as Barbara in August, Osage County and Mrs. Graves in Enchanted April. Prior roles have included: Bananas in House of Blue Leaves, Mame in Auntie Mame, Meg in Crimes of the Heart, and Romaine Vole in Witness for the Prosecution. Her favorite role of all time is mother to four and grandmother to four.
David Whitehead is a veteran member of PPF and long-time board member having served as President and Treasurer. He has played many roles with PPF including Antonio Salieri in the Providence production of Amadeus, which earned him a WATCH nomination for outstanding lead actor in a play. He has also been a set and light designer, stage manager, and currently manages PPF’s marketing efforts as well as serving as all around “fetch it” and “get it done” guy. David is honored to be able to work once again with Beth, his love and support.
On behalf of Providence Players of Fairfax, Directors Beth & David Whitehead are pleased to announce the cast of Don’t Dress for Dinner, by Marc Camoletti.
In this raucous farce, Bernard is planning a romantic weekend with his chic mistress in his charming converted farmhouse, whilst his wife, Jacqueline, is away. He has arranged for a cordon bleu cook to prepare gourmet delights, and has invited his best friend, Robert, along too to provide the alibi. It’s foolproof; what could possibly go wrong? Well, suppose Robert turns up not realizing quite why he has been invited. Suppose Robert and Jacqueline are secret lovers, and consequently determined that Jacqueline will not leave for the weekend. Suppose the cook has to pretend to be the mistress and the mistress is unable to cook. Suppose everyone’s alibi gets confused with everyone else’s. An evening of hilarious confusion ensues as Bernard and Robert improvise at breakneck speed. Warning: This play contains suggested sexual situations and adult content. No strong language. Tickets on sale now.
CAST
(* denotes Providence Players debut)
Bernard – David Wright
Jacqueline – Jayne L. Victor
Robert – Bruce Alan Rauscher
Suzette – Keely Sullivan den Bergh*
Suzette – Eileen Copas*
Suzanne – Ann Brodnax*
George – Gene Downing* Read more
DC Theater Arts Critic, Kendall Mostafavi, and opening weekend audiences are inspired by the women scientists of the early 1900s who “had to endure…to find fulfillment and balance in life, love, and ambition.
“Providence Players’ production of ‘Silent Sky’ is a delightful experience bursting with science, the importance of friendship, and the art of finding value in life….The cast does a great job bringing the material to life and keeping the energy flowing.” ~ Kendall Mostafavi
“Gunderson’s writing is incredibly witty and surprisingly funny, which buoys the energy of the show among the many moments of frustration, disappointment, and heartbreak in Henrietta [Leavitt]’s life.” ~ Kendall Mostafavi
A patron agreed:
“Attended the performance last night and it was amazing. The cast were all great and Tina Thronson rocked it as a director. If you have a chance go see this wonderful story of how women played a huge role in Astronomy you should do it.” ~ M.W., Audience Member
(Read the full review by clicking the banner below)
An inspiring and true-life story of Henrietta Leavitt, an astronomer ahead of her time. It is 1900, and Henrietta has the opportunity to work at Harvard University to help map the stars but receives no scientific credit. She is eager to use Harvard’s telescope – the Great Refractor – but is told that she will not be able to access the telescope or do astronomical research. She will only be allowed to log the stars photographed by the men of the department. However, Henrietta will not be dissuaded, and begins the process of recording the changes she identifies in Cepheid stars – a scientific discovery that has profound and lasting impact on the field of astronomy and astrophysics. Silent Sky is the poignant tale of a woman’s dedication to the stars, and the human touch that makes life under the vast sky beautiful and timeless.
Enjoy these sneak peek photos by Chip Gertzog.
Andra Whitt as Henrietta Leavitt. Photo by Chip Gertzog.
Photos include Amanda Ranowsky as Margaret Leavitt, Chris Persil as Peter Shaw, Lesleyanne Kessler as Annie Jump Cannon and Roxanne Waite as Williamina Fleming. All photos by Chip Gertzog.
