Blithe Spirit

by Noel Coward

directed by paula worley | produced by maureen holloway

Synopsis

The classic comedy by Noel Coward was first presented in London, 1941. Socialite and novelist Charles Condomine invites clairvoyant, Madame Arcati, to his house to conduct a séance as research for his next novel. Disruption reigns after she accidentally raises the ghost of Charles’s temperamental first wife, Elvira, who then continuously attempts to disrupt Charles's marriage to his second wife, Ruth.

Cast

CHARLES CONDOMINE: 40’s
An intelligent and urbane English novelist. Charles is the husband of Ruth Condomine and deceased first wife, Elvira.

RUTH CONDOMINE: Mid 30’s
Current (and second) wife of Charles. Jealous about Charles's relationship with his first wife. Very proper, well-mannered, conservative.

ELVIRA: 
Charles's deceased first wife that appears as a ghost. Carefree, outlandish, outspoken, mischievous.

GEORGE BRADMAN: 40’s-50’s
A friend of the Condomines. Sceptical and traditional.

MRS. VIOLET BRADMAN: 40’s
Wife of Dr. Bradman. Sweet, but simple natured.

MADAME ARCATI: 40-70’s
An eccentric psychic who hosts the Comdomine’s seances, and attempts to rid them of their blithe spirit!

EDITH: 20’s-30’s
The Condomine's maid. Always in a hurry, naive and nervous.

Audition Information

Audition Dates

Sunday, June 16 & Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 7:00p,

Audition Location

Firehall Theatre, 2nd floor Blair Room, 213 Second St., Cobourg

Requirements/Preparation

Fill out an audition form and bring it to the audition.

Performances

Performances will be weekends, opening September 20, 2019 until October 6, 2019.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals will be held Sundays and Tuesdays, 7:00 -9:30 p.m. starting in July.

More Information

For more information, email the producer, Maureen Holloway.

Stage Kiss

By Sarah Ruhl

Directed by Kim Brouwer | Produced by Kaye Torrie

Synopsis

Two actors with a “history” are cast together as romantic leads in a forgotten 1930’s melodrama. They quickly lose touch with reality as the story onstage follows them offstage. Stage Kiss is a charming tale about what happens when lovers share a stage kiss or when actors share a real one. A romantic comedy and backstage farce by one of the most awarded contemporary writers.

Cast

“She” also plays the role of “Ada Wilcox”   A woman in her mid 40’s (plays mid 40’s) who hasn’t been on the stage in over 10 years.  Some singing, Brooklyn accent.

“He” also plays the role of “Johnny Lowell”  A man in his mid 40’s (plays mid 40’s) currently an actor who lives in the East Village of NYC.   Some singing, Irish accent.

“A Director” Adrian Schwalbach  Small time theatre director runs his own company in New Haven.

“Kevin” Adrian’s gay protégée who is a reading partner, understudy, as well as a doctor and the butler.

“An actor” and husband in his 40’s or 50’s.  Some singing.

“Millie / Maid / Angela”   A young actress in early 20’s (plays early 20’s) who can also convincingly play a teenager (plays teenager)

“Millicent / Laurie”  An actress in her late 20’s or early 30’s (plays late 20’s, early 30’s)

“The Accompanist”  Will play piano on stage as well as function as this production’s Musical Director.  Non-speaking role.

Audition Information

Audition Dates

Thursday, June 20, 2019 at 7:00pm
Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 1:00pm

Callback Dates

Monday, June 24, 2019 at 7:00pm

Audition/Callball Location

Firehall Theatre, 2nd floor Blair Room, 213 Second St., Cobourg

Requirements/Preparation

Group auditions, please arrive 15 minutes early.

Fill out an audition form and bring it to the audition.

Please prepare 1 short comedic monologue, and be prepared to sing. Although not a "musical", there is some singing throughout for the lead characters.

Performances

Dinner Theatre at Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Conference Centre

October 18, 19, 20;  25, 26, 27; November 1,2, and 3, 2019.

Rehearsals

We will finalize casting by Friday June 28 and have a day of table reading and character discussion.  There will then be a SUMMER BREAK until August 12 when you are expected to have your lines learned.

Rehearsals will be held at the Firehall Theatre, 3^rd floor Halligan Room:  Mondays and Wednesdays  6:30 -9:30 pm and Saturdays 1:00 – 4:00 pm

More Information

For questions please contact Kaye Torrie at torrie@boostforkids.org or 289-251-1949

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley

By Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon

Directed by Valerie Russell | Produced by Linda Cardie

Synopsis

Two years after Pride and Prejudice, the story is continued with the Bennet family gathering at the Darcy estate to celebrate Christmas. Mary, the middle Bennet sister, is growing tired of her role of dutiful sister in the family, especially amongst her sisters’ romantic escapades. An unexpected guest for Christmas dinner starts a series of events that give Mary hope for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love.

Cast

• 4 females - 20’s
• 1 female - late teens
• 3 males - 25-30

Mary Bennet – 20-year-old middle Bennet Sister. She intelligent and lively and longs to break out of the role of spinster that her family has given her. It’s time to start to live a life of adventure.

Arthur de Bourgh – 25. An only child who is shy, nervous around women and a loner. He recently inherited the large neighbouring estate and is lost as to what to do next.

Elizabeth Darcy – 22. Now happily married to Mr. Darcy she is charming, witty, fun and loves being the lady of the house.

Fitzwilliam Darcy – 30. Mr. Darcy…handsome, generous, loving, compassionate, slightly stiff. He sees things others might miss.

Jane Bingley – 24. The eldest Bennet sister. Pregnant with her first child. She is sweet and loving and has the kindest heart of the 4 sisters.

Charles Bingley – 25. Happily devoted to Jane. Good friend to Mr. Darcy and always ready with a smile.

Lydia Wickham – 17. The youngest Bennet sister. She married young and is not happy although she will not admit it to anyone. She is high energy and unstoppable. She brings joy to any situation.

Anne de Bourgh – 20ish. Only daughter of the neighbouring family. Has been given everything she has ever wanted. She is judgemental and impatient and tries to control situations around her.

Audition Information

Audition Dates

Tuesday September 10, 2019 at 7:00pm 

Callback Dates

Thursday September 12, 2019

Audition/Callball Location

Firehall Theatre, 2^ndFloor Blair Room, 213 Second Street, Cobourg

Requirements/Preparation

Please come with a prepared monologue in the genre of this play. This monologue should be no more than 1-2 minutes in length

Performances

November 29, 30, December 1, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 2019

Rehearsals

Tuesday and Thursday evening starting September 17, 2019

More Information

Contact Linda Cardie at lindacardie@yahoo.ca for any additional information.

A Christmas Carol

By John Jakes
Based on the novel by Charles Dickens

Directed by Carlotta Rutledge | Produced by Marley Soutter

Synopsis

Our Youth Theatre production of A Christmas Carol will put everyone in the holiday spirit and is a perfect choice for a school trip or family theatre experience.

This A Christmas Carol goes beyond other adaptations by providing a unique dramatic concept: At the opening curtain, Charles Dickens himself is introduced to the audience and proceeds to present one of the famed readings of his stories, A Christmas Carol. While he does so, the story unfolds behind him, and soon Dickens is weaving in and out of the action.

Cast

All ages. Some vocals, traditional Christmas carols, choreography for Fezzywigs Ball.

Audition Information

Audition Dates

• 10:00 am - 1:00 pm  Children 7-12 yrs
• 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm  Teenagers 13-18 yrs
• 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm adults

Performances

Rehearsals

The start date for Rehearsals is Saturday, August 17th, 10:00-12:30 pm with read-through of the play. All cast required at this rehearsal.

Breakdown rehearsal schedule will be given on this day, I will take into account holidays, so please fill this out on your Audition sheet.

More Information

For more information, contact Carlotta Rutledge by email at carlottarutledge@gmail.com

The Sunshine Boys

By Neil Simon

Directed by Robert Bailey | Produced by Kaye Torrie

Synopsis

Al and Willie as “Lewis and Clark” were top-billed vaudevillians for over forty years. Now they aren’t even speaking. When CBS requests them for a “History of Comedy” retrospective, a grudging reunion brings the two back together, along with a flood of memories, miseries, and laughs. Besides reworking their sketch, the two men have numerous issues to work out before they are ready to return to the public eye. One of Neil Simon’s best comedies!

Cast

• WILLIE CLARK – 60s to 70s male (one member of a famous retired vaudeville comedy team; 69pp dialogue)
• BEN(JI) SILVERMAN – 30s to 40s male/female (Willie’s nephew/niece; 42pp dialogue)
• AL LEWIS – 60s to 70s male (one member of a famous retired vaudeville comedy team; 32pp dialogue)
• DIRECTOR – 40s to 60s male (voice only during TV comedy sketch; 3pp dialogue)
• EDDIE – 20s or 30s male/female (Assistant Director of TV comedy sketch; 2pp dialogue)
• PATIENT – adult male/female (bedraggled chacter in TV comedy sketch; 1p dialogue)
• TV NURSE – 20s or 30s female (sexy nurse in TV comedy sketch; 2pp dialogue)
• TV ANNOUNCER – 30s to 50s male (voice only during TV comedy sketch; 1p dialogue)
• REGISTERED NURSE – 30s to 50s female (real nurse to Willie at home; 6pp dialogue)

Audition Information

Audition Dates

Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 7-10pm
Sunday, September 22, 2019, 5-8pm

Callback Dates

Tuesday, September 24, 2019, 7-9pm

Audition/Callball Location

Firehall Theatre, 2nd Floor Blair Room, 213 Second St., Cobourg, ON

Requirements/Preparation

Memorize a two-minute monologue not from Sunshine Boys

Booking

Please contact Kaye Torrie (torrie@boostforkids.org or 289-251-1949) for an audition slot.

Performances

Jan 17 - Feb 2, 2020

Rehearsals

We will finalize casting by Wednesday September 25th and have a meeting for table reading and character discussion in October.

You are expected to have your lines learned by the start of rehearsals in November.

Rehearsals: Firehall Theatre 3rd floor Sundays 6-9pm and Thursdays 7-9:30pm

More Information

Kaye Torrie (torrie@boostforkids.org or 289-251-1949)

Chicago

Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, Script Adaptation by David Thompson

Directed by Jack Boyagian | Produced by Leslee Argue
Conductor: Bruce Tonkin | Musical Director: Marie Anderson | Choreographer: Alina Adjemian

Synopsis

In roaring twenties in Chicago, Roxie and another “Merry Murderess,” Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of fame, fortune. Based loosely on a true story, Fosse, Kander & Ebb’s legendary and award-winning Jazz musical is the longest running musical on Broadway. This sharp-edged satire features a newly conceived show with a dazzling score played by a live orchestra, sparkling choreography and period costumes. Like the 2002 movie of the same name, Chicago is one of the sexiest and entertaining shows in Broadway history.

Audition Information

Must be 18 years or older

Audition Dates

ADDITIONAL AUDITIONS ADDED: Male ensemble; Sunday, September 29, 10:30am at the Firehall Theatre

Dance: Please study this video and come dressed to dance. (If the video does not play in your web browser, right-click the link and choose "Save as..." or similar to download it)

Vocal: Please bring your music on your phone or an MP3 device (we can plug in or connect to wifi) and be prepared to sing a song from the jazz/musical theatre genre.

Performances

Feb 21 - Mar 1, 2020

Rehearsals

Rehearsals begin October 6, 2019.

• Sundays 1:00 - 6:00pm
• Thursdays 6:30 - 10:00pm

More Information

Contact producer Leslee Argue at leslee.argue@gmail.com

All My Sons

By Arthur Miller

Directed by Bill Walker | Produced by Kaye Torrie

Synopsis

During WWII, Joe Keller and Herbert Deever ran a machine shop which made airplane parts. Deever was sent to prison because the firm turned out defective parts, causing the deaths of many men. Keller went free and made a lot of money. The twin shadows of this catastrophe and the fact that the young Keller son was reported missing during WWII dominate the action. A script with unbearable power, the conclusion of the play is one of the most electrifying in theatre.

Cast

Joe Keller — Joe, 60, was exonerated after being charged with knowingly shipping damaged aircraft engine cylinder heads (for Curtiss P-40 Warhawks) from his factory to the military during World War II, causing the deaths of 21 pilots. For over three years he has placed the blame on his partner and former neighbor, Steve Deever, although he himself committed the crime. When the truth comes out, Joe justifies his actions by claiming that he did it for his family.

Kate Keller (Mother) — Kate knows that Joe is guilty but lives in denial while mourning for her older son Larry, who has been MIA for three years. She refuses to believe that Larry is dead and maintains that Ann Deever — who returns for a visit at the request of Larry's brother Chris — is still "Larry's girl" and also believes that he is coming back.

Chris Keller — Chris, 32, returned home from World War II two years before the play begins, disturbed by the realization that the world was continuing as if nothing had happened. He has summoned Ann Deever to the Keller house in order to ask her hand in marriage, but they're faced with the obstacle of Kate's unreasonable conviction that Larry will someday return. Chris idolizes his father, not knowing initially what he has done.

Ann Deever — Ann, 26, arrives at the Keller home having shunned her "guilty" father since his imprisonment. Throughout the play, Ann is often referred to as pretty, beautiful, and intelligent-looking and as "Annie". She had a relationship with Larry Keller before his disappearance, and has since moved on because she knows the truth of his fate. She hopes that the Keller’s will consent to her marriage to Larry's brother, Chris, with whom she has corresponded by mail for two years. Ann is the truth-bearer in the play.

George Deever — George, 31, is Ann's older brother: a successful New York lawyer and WWII veteran, and a childhood friend of Chris's. He initially believed in his father's guilt, but upon visiting Steve in jail, realizes his innocence and becomes enraged at the Keller’s for deceiving him. He returns to save his sister from her marriage to Chris, creating the catalyzing final events.

Dr. Jim Bayliss — Jim is a successful doctor, but is frustrated with the stifling domesticity of his life. He wants to become a medical researcher, but continues in his job as it pays the bills. He is a close friend to the Keller family and spends a lot of time in their backyard.

Sue Bayliss — Sue is Jim's wife: needling and dangerous but affectionate, she too is a friend of the Keller family, but is secretly resentful of what she sees as Chris's bad idealistic influence on Jim. Sue confronts Ann about her resentment of Chris in a particularly volatile scene.

Frank Lubey — Frank, 33, was always one year ahead of the draft, so he never served in World War II, instead staying home to marry George's former sweetheart, Lydia. He draws up Larry's horoscope and tells Kate that Larry must still be alive, because the day he died was meant to be his "favorable day". This strengthens Kate's faith and makes it much harder for Ann to move on.

Lydia Lubey — Lydia, 27, was George's love interest before the war; after he went away, she married Frank and they soon had three children. She is a model of peaceful domesticity and lends a much-needed cheerful air to several moments of the play.

Bert — Bert is a little boy who lives in the neighborhood; he is friends with the Bayliss' son Tommy and frequently visits the Keller’s' yard to play "jail" with Joe. He appears only twice in the play: the first time, his part seems relatively unimportant, but the second time his character is more important as he sparks a verbal attack from mother when mentioning "jail," which highlights Joe's secret.

Audition Information

Audition Dates

Sun December 8, 2019    6:30-9:30 pm  (Group Audition pls arrive 15 mins early)
Mon Dec 9, 2019    6:30-9:30 pm  (Group Audition pls arrive 15 mins early)

Callback Dates

Sun December 15, 2019      6:30-9:30 pm

Audition/Callball Location

Firehall Theatre, 2nd floor Blair Room, 213 Second St., Cobourg

Requirements/Preparation

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. A copy of the script can be found at https://frielingretc.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/all-my-sons-script.pdf

Performances

Mar 20 - Apr 5, 2020

Rehearsals

We will finalize casting by Monday December 16th and have a day of table reading and character discussion. 

Actors will be expected to arrive in January off-book in order to not interfere with the Christmas break. (Books allowed for blocking purposes)

Rehearsals will be held at the Firehall Theatre 3^rdfloor:

Sundays 2:30 -5:00 pm

Mondays 7:30 -9:30 pm

Thursdays 7:30 – 9:30 pm 

More Information

For questions please contact Kaye Torrie - torrie@boostforkids.org or 289-251-1949

The Honky Tonk Angels: A Musical Comedy

by Ted Swindley

Directed by Valerie Russell | Produced by Doreen Page
Vocal Directors: Denise Ferguson and Andy Thompson | Band: Tom Hall

Synopsis

The Honky Tonk Angels is a foot-stompin’ musical about three women from diverse backgrounds who follow their dreams and meet on a Greyhound bus bound for Nashville, where they form a country girl group — Tammy Wynette’s “Stand by Your Man,” Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” are just some of the hits threaded into this story. Complete with country band this show is going to take the Best Western by storm!

Cast

Angela - A Texas housewife in her mid thirties.  She has a great sense of humor and a fiercely independent streak.  She identifies with “Roseanne,” an earth-mother comedienne.

Darlene - A young woman from the deep South in her late teens to early twenties. She is pretty, sweet and simple.  A young woman who grew up in a coal mining town in West Virginia and the Mississippi Delta.  She plays simple guitar.  She also clogs (the mountain version of “tap dancing”).

Sue Ellen - A Los Angeles career woman in her thirties. She is a “citified” country girl in her mid-thirties.  Smart, very attractive, sexy and frustrated she dances, roller skates and twirls baton (if possible). She also clogs.  Some dance required.

Audition Information

Audition Dates

Monday, December 16, 2019, 7:00pm

Audition/Callback Location

Firehall Theatre, 2nd floor Blair Room, 213 Second St., Cobourg

Requirements/Preparation

Please come prepared to sing a country song of your choosing. There will be a cold read from the script.

Performances

Show dates:  April 24, 25, 26, May 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 2020

Dinner Theatre at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre, Cobourg.

Rehearsals

TBD.

More Information

Perusal script available by contacting timvalrussell@gmail.com

You Will Remember Me

by François Archambault, translated by Bobby Theodore

Directed by Brenda Worsnop | Produced by Laura Garton and Marg Hilborn

Synopsis

Memory and family are central themes in this moving drama by one of Quebec’s most dynamic voices, Governor General’s Award-winning playwright François Archambault. The play portrays a family whose aging patriarch – a university professor, long-time sovereigntist and intellectual force – is in the early stages of dementia. With humour, love, and compassion, each family member reacts in their own way to the challenges of creating room in their lives for his care. A powerful drama that raises broader questions of the role memory plays in all our lives.

Cast

Ages are approximate.

• EDOUARD Beauchemin – late 60s to 70s; A historian whose memory is beginning to fail.
• MADELEINE, Edouard’s wife – mid to late 60s; Devoted wife for many years but ready for a change in her life.
• ISABELLE, Edouard and Madeleine’s daughter – 40s; Professional / intelligent but always felt ignored by her father.
• PATRICK, Isabelle’s new boyfriend – mid 40s to 50; Amiable and out of work.
• BERENICE, Patrick’s daughter – late teens to early 20s.

Audition Information

Audition Dates

Tuesday, January 7, 2020 – 7:00 pm
Thursday, January 9, 2020 – 7:00 pm

Callback Dates

Sunday, January 12, 2020 – 2:00 pm

Audition/Callball Location

Firehall Theatre, 2nd floor Blair Room, 213 Second St., Cobourg

Requirements/Preparation

Auditions will be conducted in a group setting with readings from “sides”. Please be prepared to do some improvisation as directed and bring a theatre resume and/or history.

Performances

Show performance dates: May 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 30, 31, June 4, 5, 6, 7 
Matinees on all Sundays and Saturday May 30.

Rehearsals

First Reading: February 4 – 7:30 pm

Table Work: February 6, 11, 13, 18, 20 - 7:30 pm

Regular Rehearsals begin February 23, 2020 and will be on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7:30 – 10:00 pm.

March Break week – March 15 to March 21 will not have scheduled rehearsals.

More Information

If you have questions, please contact Brenda Worsnop at bworsnop@cogeco.ca