Filed under: Merrimack Repertory Theatre
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.
Filed under: Merrimack Repertory Theatre
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.
Filed under: Merrimack Repertory Theatre
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.
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- Rebecca Harris and Megan McGinnis
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- Rebecca Harris
Filed under: Merrimack Repertory Theatre
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 15th, 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:
1st rehearsal: 8/27/13
1st 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:
1st rehearsal:10/1/13
1st 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:
1st rehearsal: 12/17/13
1st 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:
1st rehearsal: 2/25/13
1st 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.
Filed under: Merrimack Repertory Theatre
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.
Filed under: Merrimack Repertory Theatre
David Adkins, Todd Licea, and Joel Colodner. Photo by Meghan Moore.
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.
Filed under: Merrimack Repertory Theatre
MRT’S YOUNG COMPANY
SUMMER THEATRE PROGRAM
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE
Lowell, MA- Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) will hold open house information sessions for its Young Company Summer Theatre program on May 15 & 16 from 7-8pm. The session on May 15 will be for grades 1-5, and May 16 will focus on grades 6-12. These information sessions will give parents and students the opportunity to meet members of the Young Company staff and learn more about the program. Each session will feature a short introduction about the theatre camps offered and showcase an example activity. Both Young Company open houses will be held at MRT’s rehearsal hall located in Bagshaw Mills at 132 Warren Street, Lowell, MA. For more information, please call Michael LaChance, MRT’s Young Company Administrator at 978-654-7551.
Formerly known as Young Artists At Play (YAAP), MRT’s Young Company is a successful summer theatre camp that offers programs for students entering grades 1-12. Along with a new name, MRT’s Young Company has a new, updated schedule. With the exception of Musical Theatre week, each Theatre Camp will run for two weeks. Each group will create an original theatre piece, rehearse it, and then perform it for family and friends! Theatre Camps will run July 8- August 9. No auditions are required for any MRT Young Company programs. All programs are age appropriate and are led by professionals in the theater with strong education backgrounds. Tuition ranges from $295-$650, and registration is limited to 20 students per class. For additional enrollment information, please visit MRT.org/YoungCompany.html or call Michael LaChance, MRT’s Young Company Administrator at 978-654-7551.
About MRT’s Young Company: Begun in 1998, the mission of MRT’s Young Company is to utilize theatre to teach and reinforce the life skills of teamwork, problem solving, creativity, analysis, and critical thinking while promoting an understanding and appreciation of the theatrical art form. Age-appropriate programs are designed to spark the child’s imagination, encourage their social and listening skills, and build self-confidence. Theatre professionals and guest artists teach the collaborative process of theatre that requires these diverse and important skills. Children broaden their knowledge of theatre through a number of assignments, including reading and analyzing scripts (including content and character development), and working with fellow actors, directors, and designers to produce a cohesive final project. A final presentation for invited guests culminates each workshop.
MRT’s Young Company Scholarship Fund: MRT’s Young Company Scholarship Fund offers scholarships for children from low- to moderate-income families in the Greater Boston, Southern New Hampshire and Merrimack Valley area. The MRT Young Company Scholarship Fund encourages families who would otherwise be unable to afford to participate to enroll their children in these workshops. Scholarship award criteria include financial need, a demonstrable intent to participate and artistic potential. Individuals or businesses may donate to the scholarship fund by contacting Jeff Prescott at 978-654-7552.
2013 MRT YOUNG COMPANY SCHEDULE
Theatre Camp for Grades 1-3
July 8-19 9:00am-3:00pm
Let your rising star discover the magic of the theatre! Your child will experience the exciting world of theatre through games, arts and crafts, acting and other fun activities. We will create our very own short play, based on a story or a completely original idea, and perform it for family and friends on Friday July 19th.
Theatre Camp for Grades 4-5
July 15-July 26 9:00am-3:00pm
Experience it all in two weeks! Activities and workshops will help build the skills needed to create a production from the ground up.
Theatre Camp for Grades 6-8
July 22-August 2 9:00am-4:00pm
This program is designed to emphasize all-things theatre! MRT’s Young Company staff and participants will work to create an original play.
Theatre Camp for Grades 9-12
July 29-August 9 9:00am-5:00pm
A learning experience your die-hard theatre enthusiast will never forget! Daily classes and workshops will encourage participants to hone their strengths, explore new skills, and work as a team in the realm of all aspects of theatre. The ensemble will create an original piece of amazing theater and perform it on Friday, August 9th!
One-Week Musical Theatre Camp for Grades 6-12
July 8-12 9:00am-4:00pm
This week long workshop led by our professional musical director and choreographer will focus solely on musical theatre. Skills that will be covered include: warm-ups, cool-downs, audition technique, and group musical numbers. A great opportunity to learn all about musical theatre!
MRT’s Young Company is sponsored by Eastern Bank.
For more information on MRT’s Young Company, the MRT Young Company Scholarship Fund, or for an application, please call Michael LaChance, MRT’s Young Company Administrator, at 978-654-7551 or visit MRT.org/YoungCompany.html
