Merrimack Repertory Theatre Blog

MEET MRT’S SUMMER MARKETING INTERN

Another season has gone by at MRT, which means we are now preparing for our Annual Charity Auction, Annual Meeting, and, of course, the 2013-2014 season. To help us out with all of that, and to get a taste of what it’s like to work for MRT, we have taken on a summer intern, Sonya Santorelli. We asked Sonya to write up a little bio about herself, so she could introduce herself to all of you! Look forward to more blog posts from her this summer, covering what she is working on and learning about. Welcome to the team, Sonya!

Sonya’s Bio

Born and raised in this historical city, I have always been aware of MRT. I grew up attending The Immaculate Conception Church, located right beside the theatre. Every Sunday as a child, I would wonder what goes on behind those stone walls and what kind of “shows” – as my mother had put it – were being held there. “What are they unloading from those big trucks? What are they setting up for? And why am I not invited to the party?” Needless to say, entertaining the thought of a fun and fascinating performance going on next door was more than enough for my little mind to be distracted from the weekly sermons – especially when Sesame Street Live! would pay the Lowell Memorial Auditorium a visit.

Although I spent less time around the theatre as I grew older, I never lost those curious feelings that crept into my every Sunday. Its memories like this that make me even more thrilled and excited to start my summer internship with the Merrimack Repertory Theatre, which is being offered through extended study with the University of Massachusetts Lowell. I’m looking forward to utilizing the writing and communication skills the university has given me thus far and working with the MRT team behind the scenes as we prep for the upcoming shows!

FRIENDS OF MRT TO HOST A CAUSE FOR APPLAUSE CHARITY AUCTION

A CAUSE FOR APPLAUSE

“FRIENDS OF MRT” TO HOST CHARITY AUCTION

June 20, 2013 6pm

PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT MRT’S MAINSTAGE
AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Lowell, MA- The Friends of MRT will host A Cause for Applause Charity Auction on Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 6:00PM at the UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, 50 Warren Street, Lowell. This event will be feature both live and silent auctions with a wide range of items and unique experiences up for bid. Auction items include trips, sports memorabilia, artwork and much more. Dinner will be served, and a cash bar will be available. Tickets are $65 per person, and can be purchased online at MRT.org or by calling 978-654-7552. Free parking is available in the Lower Locks Parking Garage adjacent to the Inn and Conference Center. Proceeds from the event support MRT’s mainstage productions and education programs.

A Cause for Applause will feature Celebrity Auctioneer Susan Wornick. Susan is a famed news anchor for WCVB-TV who has won several awards including three regional Emmy Awards and a Silver Circle Award from The National Academy of Television Arts & Science.

The auction will feature a wide variety of items and price points, including: Gotham Dream Car Tour – Test drive six exotic cars including a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin and more in one unforgettable day! A vacation at the luxurious Fairmont Bermuda resort with airfare included.  Painting, sculptures, quilts and more generously donated by local artists from the Western Avenue Studios and The Brush Art Gallery and Studios.  You can view auction items by visiting http://pinterest.com/merrimackrep/a-cause-for-applause-auction-items.

The Friends of MRT is an auxiliary fundraising group that hosts special events, social functions and fund drives. The group plays a pivotal role in strengthening MRT’s base of support by introducing new people to the theatre and making events like this possible. Members of the Friends of MRT enjoy a fun, social environment and have the opportunity to network with other theatre lovers and supporters.  To join the Friends of MRT or for more information, please contact Michael LaChance, Office Administrator at Michael.LaChance@MRT.org or 978-654-7550.

MRT REVISES 2013-2013 SEASON

MRT REVISES 2013-2014 SEASON

Lowell, MA-Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s (MRT’s) Artistic Director Charles Towers has just announced an updated schedule for the 2013-2014 Season.  Due to rights availability, MRT is pleased to announce next season will now include Lanford Wilson’s classic American love story Talley’s Folley.  An updated schedule of the 2013-2014 Season is included below.  Subscriptions to MRT’s 2013-2014 Season are on sale now.  Discounted season tickets are available in a full 7-play subscription or 3-6 play customizable packages and can be purchased online at MRT.org or at the box office by calling 978-654-4678.

 

2013-2014 Season (All titles subject to change)

 

God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza (Translation by Christopher Hampton)

September 19-October 13, 2013

Two high-strung sets of parents meet for the first time with the intention of settling their sons’ playground dispute like civilized adults. Their encounter frustrates everyone’s best intentions in this viciously funny Olivier Award-winner for Best Comedy and long-running Broadway hit. Adult Language

 

Mrs. Mannerly by Jeffrey Hatcher

October 24-November 17, 2013

In this tart but charming comedy, it is the fall of 1967 and young Jeffrey has just enrolled in a manners class taught by the formidable Helen Anderson Kirk, otherwise known as Mrs. Mannerly.  Although society is rapidly changing, Jeffrey and his rival classmates must decide how far they will go to become the first student to achieve a perfect score on Mrs. Mannerly’s legendary final exam. Adult Language

 

Stella and Lou by Bruce Graham

November 29-December 22, 2013

Lou is just about to close up his bar for the night when Stella, one of his regulars, walks in with a surprising proposal. Lou is a faithful widower and Stella a dedicated nurse.  This romantic comedy asks if a second chance at love is really possible for two people with a lot of miles on them.

 

Equally Divided by Ronald Harwood

January 9-February 2, 2014

Edith has taken care of her bitter, elderly mother and indulged the old woman’s antiquing habit for years. Now that mum has passed away, she just wants what she deserves, except her wealthy, eccentric, good-for-nothing sister Renata wants her half too.  A comedy about a woman in a moral quandary.

 

The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith by Angelo Parra

February 13-March 9, 2014

Ignoring a scheduled performance, Bessie Smith, The Empress of the Blues, finds herself in a “buffet flat” – a private lounge – hanging with her band and in a revealing mood, sings her story of a life filled with tumultuous romances, hard living, and, always, music. Adult Language

 

Talley’s Folly by Lanford Wilson

March 20-April 13, 2014

One year after a brief, secret courtship, Matt Friedman surprises Sally Talley at her family’s home on the Fourth of July, 1944, with the hopes of rekindling their romance in Lanford Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize–winning valentine to unlikely love.

 

The Reduced Shakespeare Company in

The Complete History of Comedy (abridged)

by Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor

April 24-May 18, 2014

The Reduced Shakespeare Company returns with a brand new comedy about…comedy. As only they can, the RSC deconstruct the history of comedy, debate who is the funniest person ever to have lived, and ask if laughter is the best medicine, will it be covered by Obamacare?

 

MRT’s 2013-2014 Season is sponsored by LowellBank.

MRT PRODUCTIONS TAKE HOME 5 IRNE AWARDS

MRT PRODUCTIONS TAKE HOME

5 IRNE AWARDS

Lowell, MA-Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) would like to congratulate winners of the awards in the Large Theater category by the Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE).  It was an exciting evening for everyone who attended, and MRT is proud to announce the following winners in the Large Theater category.  Rebecca Harris won for Best Supporting Actress for Mrs. Whitney, while Megan McGinnis won for Best Actress in a Musical for Daddy Long Legs.  Laura Berquist won Best Musical Director for Daddy Long Legs, and John Caird won for Best Director of a Musical for Daddy Long Legs.  Lastly, Daddy Long Legs took home the award for Best Musical.

 

MRT’s 2012-2013 Season is sponsored by LowellBank. Daddy Long Legs was sponsored by Lowell Five. Mrs. Whitney was sponsored by Wannalancit Mills, an interest of Farley White. Merrimack Repertory Theatre is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

ANNUAL LOCAL EQUITY AUDITIONS FOR 2013-2014 SEASON

Merrimack Repertory Theatre would like to announce Local Equity Auditions for the 2013/14 Season. Details are listed below. MRT is a LORT D theatre in Lowell, MA.

*****************************************************************************************************************

 

2013/14 Season Local Auditions

Date:   Wednesday, May 15^th, 2013

Time:

9:00am – 5:00pm (lunch 12p – 1p)

 

Location:

Merrimack Repertory Theatre

132 Warren St.

Lowell, MA 01852

*Please do not go to our performance venue. Auditions are being held at our rehearsal facility*

Casting Authority in Attendance:

Peter Crewe, Local Casting Director

Audition Requirements:

Actors are asked to prepare one contemporary monologue.

Understudies:

No roles will be understudied

 

To Audition:

To schedule an audition please call or email:

Merrimack Repertory Theatre Casting Office:

978-654-7593 between 10:00am and 4:00pm or email:

Jaime.mcwilliams@mrt.org

 

Stage Management:

Merrimack Repertory Theatre currently has no open stage management positions for the 2013/14 season.

Shows and Available Roles:

 

God of Carnage

By Yasmina Reza

Directed By: Kyle Fabel

Dates:

1^st rehearsal: 8/27/13

1^st preview: 9/19/13

Opening: 9/22/13

Closing: 10/13/13

Roles:

Alan Raleigh: Male, 40’s

Annette Raleigh: female, 40’s

Michael Novak: Male, 40’s

Veronica Novak: female, 40’s

Mrs. Mannerly

By Jeffrey Hatcher

Directed By: Mark Shanahan

In this tart but charming comedy, it is the fall of 1967 and young Jeffrey has just enrolled in a manners class taught by the formidable Helen Anderson Kirk, otherwise known as Mrs. Mannerly. Although society is rapidly changing, Jeffrey and his rival classmates must decide how far they will go to become the first student to achieve a perfect score on Mrs. Mannerly’s legendary final exam.

Dates:

1^st rehearsal:10/1/13

1^st Preview: 10/24/13

Opening: 10/27/13

Closing: 11/17/13

Roles:

Mrs. Mannerly: female, 60’s/70’s

Jeffery: Male or female: 30’s to 50’s *plays ten different characters ranging from middle school aged kids older adults

 

Stella and Lou

By Bruce Graham

Directed by: Charles Towers

No roles available

Equally Divided

By Ronald Harwood

Directed By: Charles Towers

Edith has taken care of her bitter, elderly mother and indulged the old woman’s antiquing habit for years. Now that mum has passed away, she just wants what she deserves, except her wealthy, eccentric, good-for-nothing sister Renata wants her half too. A comedy about a woman in a moral quandary.

Dates:

1^st rehearsal: 12/17/13

1^st preview: 1/9/14

Opening: 1/12/14

Closing: 2/2/14

Roles:

Edith Taylor: female, late 50’s

Renata Taylor: female, early 50’s

Charles Mowbray: male, mid 50’s, slightly scruffy, still handsome

Fabian Hill: male, Fifty or more

Play is set in England RP accent helpful

 

The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith

By Angelo Parra

Directed By: Joe Brancato

No roles available.

Talley’s Folly

By Lanford Wilson

Directed by: Kyle Fabel

Dates:

1^st rehearsal: 2/25/13

1^st Preview: 3/20/13

Opening: 3/23/13

Closing: 4/13/13

Roles:

Matt Friedman: male, 42

Sally Talley: female, 31

The Reduced Shakespeare Company in The Complete History of Comedy (abridged)

By Reed Martin & Austin Tichenor

No roles available.

Non-Traditional Casting:

Merrimack Repertory Theatre does not believe in discrimination based on color, race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, disabilities, gender, or otherwise.  All performers, including those of color, seniors, women, and performers with disabilities, are encouraged to audition and will be given full consideration.

MEET RICKY ROMA…

Get acquainted with Ricky Roma, the top salesman in Glengarry Glen Ross. Take a look inside the mind of a man willing to do whatever it takes to make a sale.

Want to buy tickets? Purchase yours online at MRT.org or call 978-654-4678.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND DISCOUNTED TICKETS FOR GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS

Glengarry Glen Ross has begun its run here at MRT, and with that comes several special events and opportunities to purchase discounted tickets. Check it out below!

Special Events

Cookie Matinee – May 1 at 2PM. Patrons enjoy complimentary cookies and coffee in the lobby before the show, courtesy of Brew’d Awakening Coffeehaus.

Post Show Discussions – May 2, 9, and 16 at 7:30PM. Audiences can stay after the performance to learn the inside scoop and chat with the actors.

Discounted Tickets

Lowell Night – May 1 at 7:30PM. Lowell residents may purchase tickets for $10 at the box office from 4:30PM-7:30PM. Proper ID required, limit 2 per person.

Half-Price Rush Tickets – Stop by or call the box office (978-654-4678) after 5pm on any Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Sunday evening and get 50% off remaining seats for that night’s performance.

To purchase tickets, visit MRT.org or call the box office at 978-654-4678.