AUDITIONS: "Fiction" for Serendipity' Players

Serendipity Players announces open auditions for "Fiction" by Steven Dietz, April 6, 6-8 p.m. and April 7, 7-9 p.m. at the Vancouver Eagles Lodge, 107 E. 7th Street.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. No prepared pieces are needed. Please bring headshots and resumes if possible. If you can't make one of these dates, please contact the director and an alternate appointment may be made. It is not necessary to attend both days.

Performance dates are weekends June 13-June 29. All performances, rehearsals and auditions will take place at 107 E. 7th Street, Vancouver, Wash.

Both open roles are available to actors of any ethnicity. Actors from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to audition. The ages stated are guidelines only.

The roles:

Linda- mid 40's, a writer and teacher, a woman who isn't afraid of much
Abby- mid 30's, a woman from Linda and Michael's past; more than meets the eye.

The role of Michael has been cast. This is a volunteer, non-equity production. 

ABOUT FICTION BY STEVEN DIETZ

Linda and Michael, successful writers who happen to be married to each other, thrive on the give-and-take of their unusually honest relationship. But when they decide to share their diaries, the boundaries between past and present, fact and fiction, trust and betrayal begin to break down. No life, it turns out, is an open book.

Michael and Linda Waterman have been married for twenty years. Michael is a successful author whose books have been made into blockbuster films. Linda is a professor of writing whose first book, At The Cape, earned her nationwide critical acclaim. Together, they form a feisty partnership that thrives on intellectual banter and subtle competition. All works well in the world of the Watermans until Linda is unexpectedly diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. The doctors give her only three weeks to live.

Faced with this news, Linda offers Michael her diaries as a dying gift, asking him to read them after she is dead. In return, she asks Michael if she may read his. Although her dying wish makes Michael uncomfortable, he cannot deny her.

For questions, please email Director Dan Hobbs: deebledd@hotmail.com or call 503-330-4576

For a Review of Serendipity's "When Pigs Fly," reviewed by Dennis Sparks, click here.

Pork Out with Dinner and a Show with Serendipity Players' "When Pigs Fly"

AUDITION NOTICE: "When Pigs Fly" with Serendipity Players

Serendipity Players will hold auditions for the musical "When Pigs Fly" by Howard Crabtree, to be directed by Maury Evans, January 12-14. This is a non-paying gig. [I believe this is their first musical!]

When: Sunday, January 12, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Monday, January 13, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 14, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. CALLBACKS ONLY

Needed: Both Actors and Actresses, plus stagehands.

Where: The Eagles Lodge, 107 E 7th St.,Vancouver, Wash.

What you need for the audition: **1 1/2 minutes of song from a musical (must have sheet music marked for the pianist. NO accompaniment tracks or acapella). **Something loose to wear for dance.

YOU MUST CALL OR EMAIL FOR AN AUDITION TIME SLOT: 503-816-9121 OR email maury97211@yahoo.com

Performance dates: March 28, 29, 30 and April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13.

"A Christmas Carol" and "Christmas Comes to Us Indians..." with Serendipity at VOCA

You need a Christmas Dickens fix? 

Serendipity's got it and more. Check out their reader's theater shows coming Dec. 20 and 21. All the information is here.

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/
event/517743

Two Servings of One-Act Dinner Theater

Serendipity Players to have its first foray into dinner theater with, not one, but two one-act comedies. 

The two plays will be served up along with a plate of Mexican fare at El Presidente Restaurant near the Academy on C and Evergreen.

“Check Please” is a fast paced farce about modern dating, and “Coffee With God” is about one man’s humorous attempts to get God to explain the nature of the world.

Both plays open November 1.

“We’ve had a lot of requests from audience members for dinner theater,” reports artistic director Tony Broom. “Now that we’re going to be in venues out in our community, we are finding like-minded people who want to collaborate. We are very fortunate to work with El Presidente Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, one of Vancouver's landmark businesses, as our first host. Joni Moore and Brian Reed, our directors, are great with comedy, and the two casts are outstanding. I’m really looking forward to this."

Performances

Opening night is November 1 at 7:00 PM. The performance dates are November 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 16 at 7:00 PM and November 3, 10, and 17 at 1:00 PM. All performances take place at El Presidente Restaurant, 312 E. Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98660. Serendipity Players no longer operates its own theater venue in downtown Vancouver.

Tickets

Tickets are $25 which includes both dinner and a show (alcoholic beverages extra) and may be purchased online at www.serendipityplayers.org, or reservations can be made by calling 360-834-3588. Tickets are also available at the door. Reservations are strongly encouraged as we expect to sell out.

Doors open 90 minutes before plays start, and no one will be admitted after 30 minutes prior to plays starting to allow for food and beverage service. Note that this is an over-21 venue. We are working on permission to open to younger theater-goers during Sunday matinees, but this is not permitted as of this writing.

About the Plays and Cast

"Coffee With God" and "Check Please" are contemporary one-act comedies. They feature actors Jessica Wisniewski, Don Smith, Lizzy Swanson, Cindy Swager, Jamie Montgomery, Lyn Mullen, Aaron Filyaw, Jordan Mui, and Jan Rosenthal.

Help Serendipity Get a Van by Voting on Faceboook

The 2013 Toyota Sienna 

CONGRATS!

Serendipity Players Is One of 250 Finalists for Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Program.

Serendipity Players is proud to announce they’ve been selected as a finalist in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Program.

Now they need YOUR support! 

Vote for Serendipity Players at https://apps.facebook.com/carsforgood/ on November 17, 2013. We will remind you again as the date draws near.

With the Toyota Sienna Mobility vehicle, Serendipity Players will extend access to theater by providing transport for house-bound or nursing home residents to attend performances. In addition, costumes, set pieces and props will fit nicely in the generous cargo space, making Serendipity Players more mobile. This will allow the company to produce plays in churches, nursing homes, cafes, parks and community centers, broadening the reach and involvement in theater arts by taking theater to the people.

Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program will award 100 vehicles over the course of 50 days to 100 deserving nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public. Winning organizations will use the Toyota vehicles to help expand their reach and missions within their communities.

GO TO https://apps.facebook.com/carsforgood NOW and register to VOTE for Serendipity.

It's Official: News from Serendipity Players

We knew about this possibility a month ago. It is, in a way, very sad, but they endeavor to go on (and that's good). Here is the announce-ment from Serendipity Playhouse:

We're taking this show on the road!

After nearly two years in our space at 500 Washington Street, we've decided that a return to our roots, so to speak, is in order.

During the next year, we're going to be performing in various locations in the greater Vancouver area. We'll do our best to match the location to the play that we're performing.

Our decision to become more nomadic comes as the result of much discussion, and both expert and patron advice. We want to stay true to our mission and produce excellent plays. We are better able to accomplish this goal while immersed in our community.

This is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in the story of Serendipity Players. In addition to our new play offerings, we have more directors, cast and crew joining us in the upcoming year. Beginning with Dinner Theater at El Presidente Cantina this November, Joni Moore and Brian Reed will be taking the director reins for “Coffee With God” by Kal Wagenheim and “Check Please” by Jonathan Rand, respectively.

For our planned 2014 Season, Jaime Montgomery will be making his directorial debut with Serendipity Players in February, with the Lynn Nottage play “Crumbs from the Table of Joy”. In June, Daniel Hobbs will return to direct “Fiction” by Steven Dietz. 

And Maury Evans will direct our summer collaboration with Cark College, the musical “I Do, I Do” by Tom Jones with music by Harvey Schmidt. [Good news!] We’re currently selecting our final play for next Season.

Please watch for us; you never know where we might turn up next!

P.S. Our permitted and engineer planned seating risers are available.

AUDITIONS: Two Dinner Theater Plays

Serendipity Players is holding auditions for all roles in our first
dinner theater one act show to be held at El Presidente in Vancouver.

We’re seeking men and women of various ages and ethnicities. Please
see character descriptions and synopsis below. Auditions will be held
September 14th and 15th, 5:00-7:00 PM at Serendipity Playhouse, 500
Washington Street, Vancouver, WA 98660

Rehearsals will begin September 23rd, scheduling dependent upon availability.
Performances will be November 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 at 7:00, 3, 10, 17 at
1:00. All performances to be held at El Presidente restaurant,
Vancouver, WA

The two plays:

Coffee With God directed by Joni Moore

Kal is at a loss in regards to the state of his life. He’s a bit
surprised (and skeptical) to find God in the next seat. There are
answers to Kal’s questions, just not the ones he was expecting.

Kal- 30-60, at loose ends
God- any age, affable, maybe a bit beleaguered


Check Please directed by Brian Reed

Two people (Guy and Gal) are shown having several disastrous first
dates in the same restaurant. Will romance bloom or just laughs?

Gal- 20+ trying to be a good sport, a good foil for the odd
collection of dates
Guy- 20+ ditto

Dates- 20+ bad dates of various description, it would be good to get
at least 3 men and 3 women, there will likely be doubling.

Readings will be held for both plays at the auditions. You only need
to attend Saturday or Sunday. Headshots and resumes are not required
but will be accepted. Auditions will consist of cold readings from
the scripts.

Serendipity Players is committed to diversity in all casting.
Serendipity Playhouse and El Presidente are wheelchair accessible on
stage and off.

If you have any questions, please contact Joni or Brian. Joni at
actor@get2yourbest.com Brian at rapierfool@gmail.com

-

Great Theater Includes Everybody!
Serendipity Playhouse
500 Washington Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
www.serendipityplayers.org

Great Opportunity to Read Scripts for the Columbia Gorge International Film Festival

CALL FOR ACTORS

The film festival starts next week and they're going to be doing events at the Serendipity Playhouse. One of the things they'll be doing is screenplay workshops and the writers really liked having them read by actors last year. They're looking for actors again this year. 

The schedule: Thursday 10:00 and 12:30, Friday 10:00 and 12:30 and Saturday 10:00 If you'd like to attend, please let Artist Director Tony Broom know.

Serendipity's "The Laramie Project" Tells of Tragic Reaction/Treatment to/of Gays

The Laramie Project is being presented by Serendipity Players in downtown Vancouver. This Obie award-winning play is written by Moises Kaufman and directed by Tony Broom and Kate Flanagan at the Serendipity Players location on Washington and 5th. It runs through August 17th. For more information go to their website at www.serendipityplayers.org or call 360-834-3588 for tickets.

This is event is part of the Gay Pride month in Vancouver. The horrific incident happened in Laramie, Wyoming in the Fall of 1998. The author and the Tectonic Theater Project descended for 18 months on this small town conducting over 200 interviews. This play is the result of that endeavor.

Aaron Filyaw, Maury Evans and Jordan Mui

The facts, simply put, were that two drunken young men, residents of Laramie,
kidnapped Matthew Shepard, a gay student from the University, and took him to a secluded location, robbed him, tied him to a fence post, beat and tortured him and left him to die. And for one reason only. He was Gay. The ultimate hate crime.

But that is only part of the story. The other part deals with the townsfolk and their reactions to Gays, as well as a breeding ground for the two thugs that murdered him. You hear from the religious factions, the college, the long-time residents, his friends and family, as well as the killers and their people. What is surprising is that, in the end, it is pretty much a typical American town. Divided, yes, with rednecks and ultra religious conservative on one side and the students and the more progressive thinkers on the other. As I said, typical American town.

The Production and Players

The production is done more like a Reader’s Theatre than a conventional presentation. It is performed by ten individuals, dressed in black, with occasional accessories to identify characters, playing a variety of roles. They are all seated onstage during the entire show, standing and conversing when the situation suggests it. This might sound tedious but the material is so rich in actual testimonies from the real people that it becomes riveting most of the time.

Andres Houseman

Some of the story focuses in on the various religious factions. The most zealot condemning him for sinning against God’s Word (but it’s all right to torture and murder him?! I don’t think so). Some of it narrows in on the family and friends of both parties, being very articulate on how this incident has affected their lives. The most moving being from Matthew’s father (Maury Evans) in a painful recall on his son’s thinking in his final hours. And, of course, the painful growth that has taken shape in this country for the Gay Movement, triggered, in part, by this event.

I admire actors that can take on the mantle of several characters relying, almost exclusively, on their own abilities. For the most part, they do well. Some seemed to be struggling with lines at times and the pacing should be picked up in places, especially in Act II. But, by in large, they did very well with some difficult material.

Mimi Wilaki, Aaron Filyaw, Mara McGreevey, Mason Hall,
and Rebecca Rowland Hines

Especially effective were Mara McGreevey as the Muslim woman, Rebecca Rowland Hines as various townspeople and Aaron Filyaw as the student who defies his parents by performing in Angels In America at the school.

Outstanding were Maury Evans as a long-time Gay resident, a Catholic priest, an examining policeman
and, as mention, powerful as Matthew’s father. Also impressive is Gene Biby (head of Clark’s drama dept.) in various roles. He brings an ease and inevitability in approaching his characters. He was extremely effective as George in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and the director of Rent, both at Clark College. A talent I hope we’ll see involved in many more productions.

Ia Solis "is captivating."

And Ia Solis, as various characters, is amazing. She owns the stage when she speaks! She is articulate, concise and totally captivating. She is a talent to be reckoned with and I hope to see more of her “on the boards.”

Broom (Serendipity’s Artistic Director and co-founder) and Flanagan’s direction is quite compelling, letting the dialogue and characters dominate the stage. They have assembled a fine cast to tell a difficult and complex story. As mentioned, all it requires is to be tightened up in places. A brave choice that needs to be seen.

I recommend this play as it is both educational and engrossing. But it is about very adult situations so may not be for everyone. If you do go, please tell them Dennis sent you.

Tickets are $15 general admission and may be purchased online at www.serendipityplayers.org, or reservations can be made by calling 360-834-3588. Tickets are also available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before the performance.

By Dennis Sparks, Guest Reviewer
www.dennissparksreviews.blogspot.com

All photos provided

"Fuddy Meers" Opens Friday at Serendipity

Serendipity Playhouse presents the off-beat comedy "Fuddy Meers" by David Lindsay-Abaire, now through June 23.

A raucous comedy featuring the amnesiac Claire, her high strung husband Richard, and a mysterious savior with a limp, a lisp, and “plans.” Add in Claire’s take charge mother, her rebellious son, a foul mouthed puppet and a nervous cop and it’s no wonder Claire is confused.

“I’ve wanted to do this play for a long time,” reports artistic director Tony Broom.

“Fuddy [Meers] was on our

Mac Alexander, Tory Mitchell, and Cecilia Harper.
All photographs by Christopher Paradee, provided.

short list before we ever opened the doors. I saw it several years ago and it’s even funnier than I remembered. It’s also been great reuniting with actors I’ve worked with before and welcoming some talented new people to the company.”

WARNING: This play is not for everyone as it contains raw language and humorous references to substance use.

About the Play and Cast

“Fuddy Meers” is a contemporary comedy in two acts. “Fuddy Meers” features Alicia Marie Turvin, Tory Mitchell, Mac Alexander, Brian Reed, Jan Rosenthal, Gary Romans and Cecelia Harper. “Fuddy Meers” is directed by Tony Broom and Joni Moore.

Performances

Alicia Marie Turvin and Brian Reed.

Opening night is May 31 at 8:00 PM. The production run includes performances at 8 PM on June 1, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, with Sunday matinee performances at 2:00 PM on June 9, 16, and 23. Thursday, June 6th at 8 PM is a "Pay What You Will" performance. All performances take place at The Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington St, Vancouver WA

Gary Romans with his
foul mouthed puppet.

Tickets

Tickets are $15 general admission and may be purchased online at www.serendipityplayers.org, or reservations can be made by calling 360-834-3588. Tickets are also available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before the performance.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Look for our opening night REVIEW by Dennis Sparks by noon Sat., June 1.

AUDITIONS: For "The Laramie Project" at Serendipity Playhouse

In October 1998 Matthew Shepard was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die, tied to a fence on the outskirts of Laramie, Wyoming. 

Five weeks later, Moisés Kaufman and fellow members of the Tectonic Theater Project went to Laramie, and over the course of the next year, conducted more than 200 interviews with people of the town. From these interviews they wrote the play which chronicles the life of the town of Laramie in the year after the murder.

Serendipity Players is holding open auditions for men and women of all ages and ethnicities for The Laramie Project. Auditions will be held 1 p.m. May 18 and 19 at the Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington St., Vancouver, Wash. 

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script, no prepared pieces are required. Headshots and resumes will be accepted but are not required. Upon being cast, actors should be prepared to perform 8-10 roles. Rehearsals will begin 7 p.m. June 3. Performance dates are weekends July 26 - August 18.

If you have any questions, please contact the director, Tony Broom at 971-563-3661 or at serendipityplayers@yahoo.com

May Commotion Fundraiser Celebration at Serendipity Playhouse

Join Serendipity Players May 17, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. for their first annual May Commotion, a celebration dinner for their volunteers and donors who made their first season so successful!

Serendipity Players will provide a casual dinner and entertainment for FREE. Though they hope that you will be inspired to contribute financial and people-power to make their 2013 Season as great as the last one.

AUDITIONS: David Lindsey-Abaire's "Fuddy Meers" at Serendipity

Serendipity Players is holding open auditions for all roles in "Fuddy Meers" by David Lindsay-Abaire from 6 to 8 p.m. on April 1 and 2. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

No prepared pieces are needed. Headshots and resumes are welcome, but not required. If you can’t make one of these dates, please contact the director and an alternate appointment may be made. It is not necessary to attend both days.

Performance dates are weekends beginning on May 31 through June 23, with one Thursday, June 6. All performances, rehearsals and auditions will take place at 500 Washington St., Vancouver, Wash.

All parts are available to actors of any ethnicity. Everyone is encouraged to audition. The ages stated are guidelines only.

The Roles:

Claire- 40, generally sunny woman with amnesia
Richard- 40, cheery, friendly, sometimes nervous
Kenny- 17, a troubled teen
Limping Man- 40, lisping, limping, half-blind, half-deaf man with secrets
Gertie- 60’s, clear headed woman who’s had a stroke and can’t speak properly
Millet- 30’s or 40’s, an odd man with a puppet
Heidi- 30’s or 40’s, a tough woman in uniform

This is a dark comedy with a bizarre collection of characters. Rehearsals begin the week of April 8. This is a volunteer, non-equity production. There should be a small stipend to cover some expenses.

If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to serendipityplayers@yahoo.com or call Tony Broom at 971-563-3661.

REVIEW: Serendipity Players Give us "Proof"

This play has some resemblance to the award-winning film, A Beautiful Mind. The tortured souls of people with extraordinary minds, unable to deal with the everyday, common world and, in this case, trapped in their own obsessive world of numbers.

Is it life, if only lived in the mind? Or, is it madness?

 The Math Path

The story takes place on the back porch of a suburban home in Chicago between 2008 and 2012. It concerns the daughter, Catherine (Valerie Martinka Davis) of a brilliant mathematician, who is not only dealing with her father's, [Robert (David Hudkins)] death, but must come to terms with the legacy he’s left behind. He was, in his final years, obsessed with numbers and may have been slowly going insane.

And she has been his only caregiver, sacrificing her human needs to administer to his. She has also followed in his footsteps, becoming absorbed in mathematical equations herself and may be cutting herself off, too, from the everyday world, as he did.

Has she inherited, not only his genius for numbers, but also his obsession with them? Will she also tumble down that slippery slope to madness? Is this her legacy and, if so, will she embrace it, or will it consume her, too?

Her lifelines to the “real” world are in the form of one of his students, Hal (Michael Lissman), who seems to have found a happy balance between Math and the more common aspects of life. As he becomes immersed in the notes of his dead tutor, her father, they find a more human-like entanglement with each other. And her sister, Claire (Sarah DeGrave) arrives to “rescue” her from a mind-filled but perhaps mind-less life. Being a genius may not be all its “cracked” up to be. If one cannot find a balance, then one may have to choose. “And, therein, lies a tale.”

The story does not concentrate on finding the ultimate proof in a math theory, but more on the purpose of life and the dynamics in relationships. Wisely, Alicia Maria Turvin, the Director, has chosen to find the truth within the characters themselves and how they relate to one another. Finding truth in the role you’re playing and convincing an audience of that truth, is the ultimate “proof” on the stage. And she has exceeded here well, with all four of her cast members.

The Talent

Davis, as the lead, is extremely expressive in showing the inner turmoil and complexities of her character. She seethes with passion, both in her obsessions with math, but also with her feelings for Hal. She is totally believable, playing a very human woman, dealing with the anguish of loss, the cost of being a genius and the need for human warmth. I hope we see more of this talented lady onstage.

 Actors Valerie Martinka Davis (Catherine) and David Hudkins (Robert).

Photo courtesy of Christopher Paradee.

Hudkins, as her father, equals her every step of the way. The different levels he must play in this story, are an actor’s dream. He must act, at the beginning, as his daughter’s conscience; in flashbacks, as a man trying to be a good father, and then slipping uncontrollably into obsession and madness. An acting tour-de-force.

The young man could have been a throwaway role. But Lissman gives it depth, allowing us to see his own struggles with math, the real world and love. And the romantic scenes between he and Davis do touch the heart and have a fire within them.

DeGrave is likewise convincing as the sister of Catherine. In lesser hands she could have come off as the villain, interfering and trying to dominate her sister’s life. But DeGrave shows us also a caring human being, trying to save her loved one from the same fate their father encountered. She, too, is someone to watch in future roles.

The Setting

It is obvious that the director has spent a great deal of time exploring the depths of these characters with her actors. And the porch setting and lighting are nicely done. But, being such a small stage, everything is noticed, therefore, should have purpose.

For instance, there is a lawnmower leaning against the house which is never used, so probably, doesn’t need to be there. Also, the interior of the house is brightly lit but has nothing on the walls, like pictures, to indicate the life within. And, at one point, a party is talked about going on in the home, but no subtle hum of activity is present. Small observations, maybe, and none of this really interferes with the success of the show, but it would have been nice to stretch the reality of it a little further.

I would highly recommend the show, especially for the acting and directing. The opening night show was sparsely attended and deserves a larger audience. If you do go, please tell them Dennis sent you.

"Proof" is written by David Auburn and directed by Alicia Maria Turvin.

Performances

The production run includes performances at 8 p.m. on March 9, 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30, with Sunday matinee performances at 2 p.m. on March 10, 17, 24, 31. Thursday, March 14 at 8 p.m. is a "Pay What You Will" performance. All performances take place at The Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington St., Vancouver, Wash. Reservations are strongly recommended for all performances, and unclaimed seats will be sold five minutes before start of each show.

WARNING: This play has strong language which some people may find offensive. Although not gratuitous, the f-bomb is part of speech for these characters. The play is not recommend for children.

Tickets

Tickets are $15 general admission and may be purchased online at www.serendipityplayers.org, or reservations can be made by calling 360-834-3588. Tickets are also available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before the performance.

Serendipity Players is a non-equity, semi-professional theater company.


Review by Dennis Sparks, Guest Reviewer 
www.dennissparksreviews.blogspot.com

Play "In White America" Draws Media Attention

How did Serendipity Playhouse manage to get The Columbian out to cover local theater? Scott Hewitt doesn't cover the arts!  Honey, they done sent out a photographer an' averathang!

So what gives?

It's all about spin, my friends. You put the right spin on things; push the right buttons at the right time and you get some column inches, baby. (Hewett does cover social issues.)

This is bigger than mere entertainment! 

You see, February is Black History Month and this Drama Desk Award-winning play is about black history in America.

The play covers slavery, the Civil Rights movement, the Civil War, the abolitionist movements, the era of Reconstruction, and early twentieth century racism and segregation. The performance is also slated to include storytelling by the following members of the local community: Belva Jean Griffin, Huarleen Bane, Kenneth Smith, Charles L. Simmons, Deena Pierott, Dolly England, and Reverend Marva J. Edwards.

John Robertson and Ron Munsey -
Photo courtesy of Christopher Paradee

AND the play, of course, features people of color which is something you just don't see much of in Vancouver's homogeneous artsy crowd. But Serendipity wants to change that; they wish to embrace people of all creeds and colors, the young and the old, the disabled and of all sexual persuasions.

And that, my friends, is newsworthy. (Of course, I happen to believe the Arts are culturally relevant and newsworthy at all times.) None-the-less, kudos to Serendipity!

See The Columbian's story here.

"In White America" opens at the Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington St., Vancouver, Wash. 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 15 and plays through the 24th . Showtimes are 2 p.m. Sundays; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturdays; February 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24. Special showing 2 p.m. Sunday, February 17 is “Pay What You Will.” A “Meet the Players” Q&A event will take place after the February 24 matinee.
Tickets, $15, available at the door only, but reservations are recommended; leave info at 360-834-3588.

See our review by Dennis Sparks at noon, Saturday, February 16.

By Gregory E. Zschomler

Serendipity Celebrates Black History Month with Drama Desk Award-Winner "In White America"

"This is powerful theater for the simple reason that it taps into a powerful and moving history."                  ~chicagoreader.com

Serendipity Players is proud to bring a special production of “In White America” by Martin Duberman to their stage in celebration of Black History Month. 

The play is divided into two periods – the century prior to the American Civil War and the century that followed the war’s end. In epic style, it depicts the struggles of pre-Civil War abolitionist movements, the era of Reconstruction, early twentieth century racism and segregation, and the Civil Rights movement. 

Drawn from historical records by a professor at Princeton, this absorbing history of Blacks in America won the Off Broadway Drama Desk Award. From a letter revealing the heart and soul of a runaway slave to portraits of Sojourner Truth and Father Divine, each scene has enduring emotional power. 

Tickets: $15 – also available at the door 30 minutes before the performance. Reservations recommended. Leave information at 360.834.3588. For more information see Serendipity's website.

Dates: February 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24

Times: 2 p.m. Sundays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; the 2 p.m., the theater is small and reservations recommended. The Sunday, February 24 show is “Pay What You Will” and tickets will only be available at the door. A “Meet the Players” Q&A event will take place after the February 24 matinee.

The performance is slated to include storytelling by members of Clark County’s founding African American families. Do you know any Black actors or people with roots in this community who might want to develop a story to tell at the end of this show? 

Oops, Audition date is in the past, BUT...

Serendipity Playhouse says: "We DO still need an African American male actor for one of the key parts for 'In White America'."

Know anyone who would like to audition? Please spread he word.

Interested parties should contact the director, Bridgette Fahnbulleh directly at (360) 993-9556 or bfahnbulleh@vhausa.com or through her Assistant Director, Maima Fahnbulleh at maima_acting@hotmail.com and (360) 694-7936.

Serendipity's Hilarious Holiday Show Will Ring Your "Christmas Belles"

“Christmas Belles” by Hope, Jones, and Wooten at Serendipity Playhouse is...

 HILARIOUS! 

You simply MUST see it. I haven't laughed so much for I don't know how long. I laughed so hard I cried. And I wasn't the only one--the packed house roared with merriment as well.

“I’ve been wanting to do this play for a couple of years,” Tony Broom, artistic director, said. “It’s funny and it has some sweet moments. It’s a good show for this time of year.”

No, Tony, it's an EXCELLENT show for this time of year, sure to take the edge off holiday stress and touch the heart as well.

The Situation(s): 

It's Christmas-time in the small town of Fayro, Texas, and the Futrelle Sisters—Frankie, Twink and Honey Raye—are not exactly in a festive mood. A cranky Frankie is weeks overdue with her surprise twins. Her husband, Dub, is trying to make ends meet playing Santa while passing a kidney stone. Twink, recently jilted and bitter about it, is in jail for inadvertently burning down half the town while seeking revenge on her two-timing lover. And hot-flash-suffering Honey Raye is desperately trying to keep the Tabernacle of the Lamb's Christmas Program from spiraling into chaos. But things are not looking too promising.

Much of the cast of "Christmas Belles" at Serendipity Playhouse.

About the Play:

“Christmas Belles” is a contemporary theatrical comedy in two acts. The script is an absolute genius farce, and for this reason needs a great cast to pull it off.

"A farce is a comedy which aims at entertaining the audience by means of unlikely, extravagant, and improbable situations, disguise and mistaken identity, verbal humor of varying degrees of sophistication, which may include word play, and a fast-paced plot whose speed usually increases...[and] is also characterized by physical humor, the use of deliberate absurdity or nonsense, and broadly stylized performances." Source: Wikipedia

The characters are indeed broadly stylized and yet they are people you know or are in situations you can relate to. That's what makes this play so funny and warm. Trust me, you will relate to someone in this play.

About the Cast:

Adam Lau Kunze as Santa's helper.
Santa played by Brian Reed.

 

“Christmas Belles” features Cindy Swager, Joni Moore, Stephanie Carlson, Patrick Roth, Debra Hudkins, Brian Reed, Courtney Maxwell-Shey, Lyn Mullen, Adam Kunze, David Hudkins, and Rebecca Rowland Hines. All gave winning performances.

Joni Moore, as the on-the-edge, hot-flash-suffering, too-much-on-the-plate Honey Raye, gave a good performance. She gets to the point where you just know she's going to lose it, but manages to hold it all together (with a little help). Her facial expressions and physicality are great, but having seen her in a couple shows now and she seems to always play the same type of character.

Patrick Roth is a hoot as not only Sheriff John Curtis, but in an alter ego role as well. Debra Hudkins as Twink, his almost psycho prisoner and Stephanie Carlson as Gina Jo, the true-hearted daughter are both delightful. They play their roles with just the right quality, though neither really gets the limelight in this show.

But four performers top the tree: Brian Reed as Dub, Courtney Maxwell-Shey as Frankie, Adam Lau Kunze as Justin and David Hudkins as Raynerd.

Courtney Maxwell-Shey, left, as Frankie and Brian Reed
as her husband Dub.

Reed is a gas. (Now there's an old term.) Oh, he made me laugh. He is just so very good. I do not know how to explain it except to say, I have passed a kidney stone, I know how it feels. He embodies that and it's not funny, but it is. Great physicality and vocal delivery.

Maxwell-Shey also captured her "condition." As an emotional pregnant roller-coaster she rocks or, ah, rolls, whatever the case may be. While she has some physical comedy, movement is limited by her pregnancy appliance, so most of her comedy is played on her face or the way she delivers the lines.

Adam Lau Kunze

 Kunze is probably the best at everything. His physicality, his gestures, his facial expressions, his vocal intonations, his sense of comic timing, all combine to develop a perfect character and superb performance.

Kunze may very well be a rare acting genius. He intends to pursue an acting career in Hollywood, and I think he can do it.

David Hudkins

And David Hudkins as the the slow-witted Raynerd was wonderful. Tactfully and genuinely played, he could give Dustin "Rainman" Hoffman a run for his money. A very heartwarming, funny, but sensitive performance.

One final thought on the cast: Maybe a few too many "imports from over the river." Artist Director Tony Broom, has built a few friends over the years from that neck of the woods. We have talent in SW Washington, too.

About the Technical:

The show was masterfully directed and designed (except as noted below) by Alicia Marie Turvin. Jack Wells--as Turvin's right-hand-woman, managed the backstage, served as stage manager, properties mistress, costumer and soundboard operator--kept everything running smoothly.

Joni Moore, from left, as Honey Raye, Patrick Roth as
John Curtis and Debra Hudkins as Twink.

Serendipity Playhouse is a small theater with a small budget, but they do big things with what they have. An all new lighting rig (design revamp required by the city) was used well. The show's lighting design, by Turvin, was well executed and the actors well lit. Which is something considering the low trim height and that the instruments are all PAR 56's.

I liked how she often lit one scene on one side of the stage while the other side, unlit, was changed for the next scene. It kept the show moving, however, there were a couple of scenes that would have benefited from a house curtain, but they made it work.

The playhouse has never yet had a great set. (Which is possible in a small theater, I see it all the time). They build walls that contain the right number of entries, throw in the minimal dressings and that's about it. There isn't the attention to period or detail there could be.

Performances:

The show is not only funny, it is touching and speaks truth. I believe it will warm your heart and make you glad your Christmas stress isn't like this.

From left: Rebecca Rowland, Stephanie Carlson, Joni Moore, Debra Hudkins,
Courtney Maxwell-Shey, Lyn Mullen, and Cindy Swager in "Christmas Belles."

The production run includes further performances at 8 p.m. on December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22, with Sunday matinee performances at 2 p.m. on December 2, 9, 16, and 23. Thursday, December 6 at 8 p.m. is a "Pay What You Will" performance. All performances take place at The Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington St., Vancouver, Wash.

PERFORMANCES ARE SELLING OUT, GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Tickets:

Tickets are $15 general admission and may be purchased online at www.serendipityplayers.org, or reservations can be made by calling 360-834-3588. Tickets may also be available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before the performance.

 

Review by Gregory E. Zschomler
Photographs and videos by Ruth Zschomler.

Christmas Belles" Opens November 30 at Vancouver's Serendipity Playhouse

Vancouver, Wash. Serendipity Players is proud to present their final production of the 2012 season, “Christmas Belles” by Hope, Jones, and Wooten from November 30 through December 23rd at Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington Street, Vancouver.

Plot:

A church Christmas program spins hilariously out of control in this southern farce about squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, and a reluctant Elvis impersonator.

“I’ve been wanting to do this play for a couple of years,” Tony Broom, artistic director, said. “It’s funny and it has some sweet moments. It’s a good show for this time of year. I’m also happy to have turned the directing reins over to Alicia Marie Turvin. We’re lucky to have her.”

Performances: 

Opening night is November 30 at 8 p.m. The production run includes performances at 8 p.m. on December 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22, with Sunday matinee performances at 2 p.m. on December 2, 9, 16, and 23. Thursday, December 6 at 8 p.m. is a "Pay What You Will" performance. All performances take place at The Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington St, Vancouver WA

Tickets: 

Tickets are $15 general admission and may be purchased online at www.serendipityplayers.org, or reservations can be made by calling 360-834-3588. Tickets are also available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before the performance.

About the Play and Cast:

“Christmas Belles” is a contemporary comedy in two acts. “Christmas Belles” features Cindy Swager, Joni Moore, Stephanie Carlson, Patrick Roth, Debra Hudkins, Brian Reed, Courtney Maxwell-Shey, Lyn Mullen, Adam Kunze, David Hudkins, and Rebecca Rowland Hines. Directed by Alicia Marie Turvin.

Serendipity Players is a non-equity, semi-professional theater company.

See our review here December 1.