Sneak Peek of “November,” by David Mamet

President Charles Smith’s chances for reelection are looking grim. It’s November in an election year, approval ratings are down, Chuck’s money’s running out, and nuclear war might be imminent. Though his staff has thrown in the towel and his wife has begun to prepare for her post-White House life, Chuck isn’t ready to give up just yet. Amidst the biggest fight of his political career, the President has to find time to pardon a couple of turkeys, saving them from the slaughter before Thanksgiving, and this simple PR event inspires Smith to risk it all in an attempt to win back public support. With Mamet’s characteristic no-holds-barred style, November is a scathingly hilarious take on the state of America today and the lengths to which people will go to win. Warning: This play contains strong language and adult content.

Enjoy these photos by Chip Gertzog.

Does Chucky Have a Chance?

November, by David Mamet
Opens this Friday!

I’m Dwight Grackle, chief of the Micmac Nation, leader of a sovereign nation and rightful heir to Nantucket Island based on a treaty signed by my trusted and honored ancestors.  Then, with honeyed words, they stole it from us.  A National Seashore Preserve?  What’s that!?? We are one with the animals.  The Micmac nation is one with the raven, the crab and the tiger beetle.  I only need 25 square miles – roughly half – so, don’t get all worked up!  To build a casino, an adult playground. Only 4,000 beds bringing more people in to see the birds!  Who can have a problem with that?

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Casting Announcement: “November,” by David Mamet

On behalf of Providence Players of Fairfax, Director Jayne L. Victor is pleased to announce the cast of November, by David Mamet.

In this quick-moving comedy and satire, President Charles Smith’s chances for reelection are looking grim. It’s November in an election year, approval ratings are down, Chuck’s money’s running out, and nuclear war might be imminent. Though his staff has thrown in the towel and his wife has begun to prepare for her post-White House life, Chuck isn’t ready to give up just yet. Amidst the biggest fight of his political career, the President has to find time to pardon a couple of turkeys, saving them from the slaughter before Thanksgiving, and this simple PR event inspires Smith to risk it all in an attempt to win back public support. With Mamet’s characteristic no-holds-barred style, November is a scathingly hilarious take on the state of America today and the lengths to which people will go to win. Warning: This play contains strong language and adult content.   Tickets on sale now!

CAST
(* denotes Providence Players debut)

Chuck – Michael Donahue
Archie – Matthew Randall*
Bernstein – Kat Sanchez*
Turkey Guy – David Whitehead
Dwight – Mario Font

The cast of November, by David Mamet.  (L-R) David Whitehead as the Turkey Guy, Matthew Randall as Archer, Michael Donahue as President Charles Smith, Kat Sanchez as Bernstein and Mario Font as Dwight Grackle.

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Announcing Auditions: “Cabaret Takes a Holiday”

A Providence Pop-Up Production
Directed by Deborah Davidson

A night of music and storytelling with a holiday flair. Come join us as a group of talented singers interpret Broadway and jazz standards, classic cabaret music and holiday favorites. This special holiday show will be presented as a PopUp production at The Italian Café, Providence Players’ favorite restaurant. A delightful evening filled with joy, music and laughter. Come sing along!

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 singers for a holiday cabaret, “Cabaret Takes A Holiday.” No roles are precast, and all roles are open. All backgrounds and ethnicities are welcome and encouraged to audition! (Must be 18 or older.)

Download both documents: Audition Announcement and Form (in word and pdf).

All those auditioning for this production, and all those cast or working as part of the production team must be vaccinated.  Please have your vaccine card or photo copy available when you arrive. 

Audition Dates

  • 6:30 – 9:00 PM Tuesday, September 27
  • 6:30 – 9:00 PM Wednesday, September 28

Callbacks are not currently planned.

PLEASE RSVP to info@providenceplayers.org

The director reserves the right to extend the audition period pending initial audition response.

Audition Location

James Lee Community Center
2855 Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA  22042

Auditions will be held in the Urbanites Room. Sign in at the front desk.

Performance Dates and Times

Evening Performances:   Fri., Sat., Sun; December 2-4 and 9-11 at 8:00 pm
Matinee:                            Saturday, December 3 at 3:00 pm

Performance Venue

Italian Cafe
7161 Lee Hwy.
Falls Church, VA

About the Director: Deborah Davidson

An actor and cabaret singer, Deborah is making her debut as a director with this show. Providence Players audiences saw her as Mattie Fae in PP’s production of “August: Osage County.” She has written and performed in the one-woman shows “With A Song in My Heart,” “I’m Still Here” and “A Sorta Cabaret” at the Arts Club of Washington, the Corner Store on Capitol Hill, and the Indigo Room at the Atlas Arts Center. A Yale University Cabaret Fellow, she has appeared in many cabarets, including the Fringe Festival’s “Naked Cabaret,” CHAWbaret, and the D.C. Cabaret Network’s Showcase.

Local theatre appearances include 25 characters in “50 Ways,” another Fringe production; Mme. Renaud in “La Cage aux Folles” (McLean Players); Hattie in “Follies” (Arlington Players); Mrs. Boyle in “Prelude to a Kiss” (Foundry Theatre); Gabrielle and the French Tart in “Dear World” (American Century Theatre) and multiple roles in “The Laramie Project” (Foundry Theatre) as well as lead performing roles in four Hexagon shows.

From the Director, Deborah Davidson

I am thrilled and humbled to be directing Providence Players’ first-ever cabaret show. How appropriate that it’s also my first-ever directing gig! Not to worry; fortunately, Providence Players is blessed with a committed group of seasoned volunteers who will support me – and you – every step of the way. Cabaret means so much to me as a performer; unlike in a scripted show, my personality is my character. I look forward to meeting you and seeing how your personality shines through in your audition—have fun with it!

REHEARSALS: The first group rehearsal will be at James Lee Community Center in early October. You will then sign up for a one-on-one meeting with the director, to discuss song selection and patter, and sign up for individual rehearsals with the accompanist. There will be evening group rehearsals (to be announced) starting November 14, and two final evening rehearsals the week of the show, November 29-30.

Please come to auditions prepared to list any availability conflicts between now and the show. Space is provided on the audition form for this purpose.

About the Show

“Cabaret Takes A Holiday” is a cabaret show, featuring a group of talented storytellers who sing. We will celebrate “HOLIDAYS” however our singers choose to interpret that – in Act 1, we’ll start out with a group opener, then each singer will perform a set of 2-3 songs with the theme: “When I think of holidays, I think of ____.” Then in Act 2 we’ll focus on Christmas and possibly other December holiday songs. We’ll include a singalong of Christmas songs with the audience, and end with another group number.

The Saturday matinee, intended to be a holiday show for families, will be the opening number, plus (most of) the music and singalongs in Act 2. Christmasy stuff like Santa Claus, cocoa, and even more kid-friendly singalong will be added.

PLEASE NOTE this is not a pre-written show! Singers will choose their songs, in consultation with the director, and learn them on their own. (Of course, you are welcome to use songs in your current repertoire that fit with the theme—patter can make a lot of songs work!) You will sign up for individual rehearsals with the accompanist, but that time is to polish the number, not learn it. YouTube and all the other online tools are your friends.

Additional Audition Information

WHAT TO PREPARE: Please prepare 16-32 bars of a holiday song (however you envision “holiday”—see “About the Show”, above) and a brief anecdote or patter segment. Remember that cabaret is storytelling! An accompanist will be provided.

AUDITION FORM:  Please ALSO COMPLETE the attached Providence Audition Form and bring it with you to the audition. Resumes and headshots will be accepted but are not required. We may ask to take a picture of you, but this is for internal use only and will not be shared.

We look forward to seeing you at Auditions!

Announcing Auditions: “November,” by David Mamet

directed by Jayne L. Victor

David Mamet’s Oval Office satire depicts one day in the life of a beleaguered American commander-in-chief. It’s November in a Presidential election year, and incumbent Charles Smith’s chances for reelection are looking grim. Approval ratings are down, his money’s running out, and nuclear war might be imminent. Though his staff has thrown in the towel and his wife has begun to prepare for her post-White House life, Chuck isn’t ready to give up just yet. Amidst the biggest fight of his political career, the President has to find time to pardon a couple of turkeys — saving them from the slaughter before Thanksgiving — and this simple PR event inspires Smith to risk it all in an attempt to win back public support. With Mamet’s characteristic no-holds-barred style, November is a scathingly hilarious take on the state of America today and the lengths to which people will go to win.

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 (gender flexible).  No roles are precast, and all roles are open.  All backgrounds, races and ethnicities welcome and encouraged to audition!

Download all three documents: Audition Announcement, Form (in word and pdf) and November Rehearsal Conflict Schedule.

Audition Dates

  • 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 17
  • 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 18
  • Callbacks may be scheduled, if needed 

PLEASE RSVP to info@providenceplayers.org with the date you plan to attend.

Audition Location

The Italian Café 
7161 Lee Highway
Falls Church, VA 22046

Please do not contact the restaurant to attain audition information.

Performance Dates and Times

Preview:  October 13, Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Evening Performances:  October 14 – 29, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.
Matinee Performances:  October 16 & 23, Sundays 2:00 p.m.

About the Director: Jayne L. Victor

Jayne L. Victor has directed many productions for Providence Players including last year’s PopUp production of The Parking Lot with co-director and spouse, Michael Donahue.  She has directed mainstage productions of Auntie Mame and The Glass Mendacity.   She has been seen on the Providence Players’ stage as Violet Weston in August: Osage County, Sonia in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike and other roles in Red Herring, Calendar Girls, House of Blue Leaves, Dinner With Friends, Shadowbox, and All My Sons (Washington Area Theater Community Honors/WATCH nomination).

About the Play

Place: The Oval Office

Time: Present Day

Character Descriptions

  • CHARLES SMITH – President of the United States
  • ARCHER BROWN – Chief of Staff to the President
  • TURKEY “GUY” – Representative of the Turkey Manufacturers Association
  • CLARICE BERNSTEIN – Press Secretary to the President – a lesbian
  • DWIGHT GRACKLE – a Native American

Ages for the characters from mid 40’s and up.

Additional Audition Information/Instructions:

  • HOW WE WORK: Most Providence auditions have actors up and down to read multiple times in multiple combinations and scenes. Most actors find this fun. As space allows, you will be able to watch the auditions. You may be asked to go outside with audition partners and work a bit on a scene. We will do our best to get you up multiple times reading for parts you are interested in. You will also be asked to read for other parts you may not be auditioning for. 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.
  • AUDITION PROCESS & SIDES: Auditions will consist of readings from the script. No monologue required. Sides for the audition process will be supplied at auditions. There will be a brief movement/improv exercise.
  • AUDITION FORM: Please ALSO COMPLETE the attached Providence Audition Form and bring it with you to the audition. Resumes and headshots will be accepted but are not required. We may ask to take a picture of you, but this is for internal use only and will not be shared.

We look forward to seeing you at Auditions!

Providence Receives Rave Reviews for “Playing Juliet” and “Casting Othello”

DC Theater Arts Critic Bob Ashby and Playwright Caleen Sinnette Jennings give rave reviews of Providence Players’ production of Playing Juliet and Casting Othello.

“I was blown away by your production of my play.”  ~Caleen Sinnette Jennings, Playwright.

“The acting is uniformly first-rate…Beyond consistently good pacing, Eleanore Tapscott’s direction maintains the feel of a rehearsal process…in a way that theater people will recognize as real…”  ~Bob Ashby, DC Theater Arts Critic.

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Playwright praises production of “Playing Juliet” and “Casting Othello”

Following is an open letter from playwright Caleen Sinnette Jennings to the board, cast and crew of Providence Players’ current production of her play, Playing Juliet and Casting Othello.

 

Caleen Sinnette Jennings. Photo Courtesy of American University.

Thank you. I was blown away by your production of my play.

One can tell when a theatre is run by serious people with professional standards.  Everyone involved with PPF has day jobs, including jobs in the performing and visual arts. Most members have families and community responsibilities.  To do the labor-intensive work of theatre, in addition to coping with the ordinary day-to-day challenges of living, requires heart, stamina, passion and commitment.  It’s obvious that PPF members have all the above.  From the efficient way my ticket change was handled, to the moment I was greeted warmly in the lobby with high quality production photos on display, I knew I was in capable hands. Awaiting curtain rise, I overheard the long-time patrons seated around me talking about how much they love to attend PPF shows and how many of them are involved in the company.

Playing Juliet/Casting Othello is a difficult play.  Although written in the mid-90’s, the issues are even more sensitive now.  I was moved by the fact that PPF was courageous enough to step up and produce it.  The direction was meticulous, nuanced, and professional, as were the production values and running of cues.  The actors were superb not only as contemporary characters but as Shakespeare’s characters. It’s astonishing that they are new to your company and, in some cases, relatively new to acting in straight plays.   Perhaps most impressive was the fact that the entire company beautifully realized the intent of the play — that the Shakespeare stories illuminate and reflect the contemporary story — and that, no matter how sensitive the issues, it is theatre’s mission to bring them into the public arena. Read more

Sneak Peek of “Playing Juliet” and “Casting Othello”

It’s two weeks until opening, and the Romeo and Juliet cast is stressed!  A balcony and flats to build, lines to learn, construction pieces to navigate around as the director works to get the best out of her actors, adjust blocking and keep an entire cast speaking to each other!

Enjoy these photos of  a rehearsal of a rehearsal!  All photos by Chip Gertzog.

Casting Announcement: Playing Juliet and Casting Othello

On behalf of Providence Players of Fairfax, Director Eleanore Tapscott is pleased to announce the cast of Playing Juliet and Casting Othello, by Caleen Sinnette Jennings.

The New Vistas Theatre Company sets out to put on Romeo and Juliet and Othello using a multi-racial cast. Wendy, the determined white director, has cast her long-time black friend, Georgia, in the role of Juliet. Tempers flare and friendships are strained when Jimmy, Georgia’s maintenance-man boyfriend, tries to prevent her from playing the role.  In a later production of Othello, Jimmy, now married to the pregnant Georgia, has grown accustomed to being a stand-in for the lead in rehearsals. Despite his lack of training, Wendy thinks Jimmy could perform the role of Othello in front of an audience.  The atmosphere is charged as Georgia vigorously opposes this casting. In these companion one-acts, issues of race, class, gender, politics and nontraditional casting emerge as the Bard brings out surprising fears, animosities, love and laughter in this company of players.  Tickets on sale now!

CAST
(* denotes Providence Players debut)

Georgia – Aja Goode*
Jimmy – Mack Leamon*
Wendy – Dana Gattuso*
Dave – Bruce Alan Rauscher*
Chris – Ali Cheraghpour*
Lorraine – Nina-Sophia Pacheco*
Lorraine/Understudy – Tiffany Morina*

(L-R) Aja Goode as Georgia, Ali Cheraghpour as Chris, Nina-Sophia Pacheco as Lorraine, Mack Leamon as Jimmy and Bruce Alan Rauscher as Dave in Playing Juliet and Casting Othello. Photo by Beth Whitehead.

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Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted for College-Bound Seniors!

Providence Players of Fairfax Scholarship Program
Deadline Extended:  May 15, 2022!

Board Member Janet Bartelmay presents scholarships to two deserving college-bound seniors in 2019. Photo by Chip Gertzog.

As a way of nurturing future theater artists and recognizing the contribution graduating high school seniors have made to the arts community in our region, Providence Players of Fairfax has established a scholarship program that provides scholarships to college-bound students from area high schools. Scholarships are limited each year. This year, we anticipate awarding two scholarships, each of $2,000, to 2022 graduating seniors with a demonstrated commitment to theater arts who have been accepted to a U.S. accredited college or university or conservatory program with an intent to further contribute to theater arts.

Eligible graduating seniors must (1) reside within the school boundaries of Annandale, Fairfax, Falls Church, Meridian, Justice, Marshall, Bishop O’Connell, Trinity Meadow View, Woodson or Yorktown high schools OR (2) have been a member of PPF for at least one year. It is not required that applicants commit to a theater arts major in college, only that they plan on continuing their involvement and contribution to theater arts in the future. Download the 2022 Scholarship Application Form (in Word or .pdf formats)

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