Filed under: Merrimack Repertory Theatre | Tags: Lowell, Merrimack Rep, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, michael chiklis, MRT
Michael Chiklis, Lowell-born actor and star of The Shield, recently sat down with the Improper Bostoninan for an interview. Check out what he recommends when asked for a reason to visit Lowell, Click here to read the article!
Filed under: Merrimack Repertory Theatre | Tags: Lowell, MRT, theatre, worcester
MRT PRESENTS RED AT THE HANOVER THEATRE
FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
MARCH 15-17, 2013
Lowell, MA – Merrimack Repertory Theatre and the Friends of Professional Theatre in Worcester announced today the beginning of the return of professional, resident theatre to New England’s second largest city. Following a four-week run in Lowell, MRT will present its production of John Logan’s Tony Award-winning play Red at Worcester’s historic The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts from March 15-17. This showcase of Red, an incredibly popular contemporary American drama, will be the perfect introduction for Worcester audiences to MRT’s work, and lay the foundation for MRT’s evolution into a two-city theatre company serving both Lowell and Worcester. A 240 seat black box theatre will be created on The Hanover Theatre’s stage, allowing for an intimate audience experience. Performance times and ticketing information for Red at The Hanover Theatre will be announced at a later date.
After Worcester’s Foothills Theatre closed in 2009, MRT Artistic Director Charles Towers consulted with Worcester’s Cultural Development Director Erin Williams and Hanover Theatre Executive Director Troy Siebels. They explored various scenarios for the development of a new non-profit, resident professional theatre company to serve the city. Over time, it became clear that a two-city civic partnership where one professional theatre company served two metropolitan areas made eminent sense. By producing work for audiences in Lowell and Worcester, it will be possible to sustain a theatre company at a level neither city could individually, allowing for the creation of stage productions of greater size and scope.
In 2011, MRT continued these discussions with Worcester’s cultural and civic leaders, and added area theatre lovers to the conversation. This lead to the formation of the Friends of Professional Theatre in Worcester to help develop the ideas proposed in these original meetings as well as the concept of MRT as a two-city theatre company serving audiences in Worcester and Lowell.
“I got to know the city of Worcester as long ago as 1971 when my father was transferred from New York with Hanover Insurance,” recalled Towers. “It’s the only major city in New England without a fully-professional theatre company and it deserves one. I think the idea that is circulating through the community about one theatre company serving two cities is smart, and the best way in this economic climate to quickly bring high-caliber theatre to downtown Worcester. I’ve been impressed and inspired by the civic, business and cultural leaders I have met so far, and look forward to having Worcester take its rightful place as home to first-rate professional theatre.”
“A city the size of Worcester needs a resident theatre company,” stated The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts Executive Director Troy Siebels. “We’re proud of what we do at The Hanover Theatre, but it should be just a piece of a broad and diverse theatrical scene. We’re invested in making Worcester a world-class cultural destination, and this is a key piece to that puzzle – we’ll do whatever we can do to make it a reality.”
Josephine Truesdell of the Friends group said “We are very excited about the prospect of bringing professional theater back to Worcester and especially so through MRT. The quality and range of shows they produce is outstanding! We have traveled to Lowell to see a number of productions and have been very impressed. Worcester certainly deserves to have professional theater and MRT has the energy and enthusiasm to make it happen!”
The Friends of Professional Theatre in Worcester will be holding events to build support for the return of live theatre to Worcester and help raise funds in support of the production of Red, as well as additional shows in seasons to come. Their next meeting will be May 3rd in Worcester and if you would like to become involved, please email WorcesterTheater@gmail.com.
“The Board of MRT is absolutely thrilled to explore the possibility of sharing the art we create from the ground up with a vibrant sister city such as Worcester,” said MRT Board President Debra Grossman. “This opportunity would permit us to expand our presence, in addition to and beyond our loyal subscribers and patrons here in Greater Lowell. This exciting opportunity will allow us to enhance both the magnitude and quality of the art we present.” MRT Board Chair Nancy Donahue added, “As one of the founders of Merrimack Repertory Theatre it makes me tremendously proud to know that we have grown from a small professional theater in Lowell to a nationally recognized theater that will soon share our marvelous productions with the second largest city in Massachusetts”.
MRT 2011-2012 season is sponsored by Lowell Bank. MRT is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
For more information, bios, interviews, or photos, please contact Dan Berube at 978-654-7595 or Daniel.Berube@MerrimackRep.org.
Filed under: Merrimack Repertory Theatre | Tags: behind the scenes, cast, dinner, director, Lowell, Merrimack Rep, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, MRT, producers, The Voice of the Turtle, theatre
VOICE OF THE TURTLE PRODUCER’S CIRCLE
Last night we held the Producer’s Circle for The Voice of the Turtle here at MRT. The cast and director mingled with patrons as we had wonderful catered food from Centro.
After dinner, director Carl Forsman spoke a little about the origins of The Voice of the Turtle and why it is held so close to his heart, followed by the cast giving a brief but fabulous glimpse into the play with a reading and talk back.
Want in on the action?
Are you interested in learning more about Producer’s Circles? Check out MerrimackRep.org to find out more about how you can join us.
Filed under: Merrimack Repertory Theatre, This Verse Business | Tags: Lowell, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, MRT, photography, robert frost, This Verse Business
IMPRESSIONS LEFT BY THIS VERSE BUSINESS
On the surface This Verse Business is, as Anthony Geehan from NE Theatre Geek notes, “very simple.” The set for most of the play is nothing more than a curtain. However it’s when you dive deeper that you notice nothing about what Frost is saying is simplistic. Much as how the set opens into an intricate compilation of past homes and a subtle moonscape, Frost’s words ignite the imaginations of his listeners.
Recently in our offices we have been discussing the impact that the play has had on us. We realized that some were quite profound, so we’ve put together some stories to share with you. “Every show that is presented here compels me go online to learn more.” Laurie Seluk, our Patron Services Manager explains “After seeing MRT’s production, I went online to learn more about his family.” This is a common reaction in the office. Alison Crane, Box Office Manager says that she once memorized poetry when she was younger. As she grew older she slowly neglected poetry, but seeing Gordon perform has actually inspired her to begin memorizing it again.
For some staff, hearing Frost speak has driven them to try writing. Marketing Associate Ryan Axford gave poetry a shot again after having not written for nearly a decade. After seeing the show, Ryan wrote “Shatter Proof.” “I remember in college we would listen to our professor read poetry before we began writing prose. I haven’t written any poetry since early in high school, but hearing it from who sincerely feels like Frost himself has peaked my interest again.” For Ryan, poetry has kindled a new interest in design, not only of word construction, but artistic design utilizing text. You can see exactly what he means by following the link on the side.
Some were more inspired to read than to write. Media Manager Mallory Johnston has found herself at the library checking out Frost’s works. She wrote a longer piece that we will be posting tomorrow, but she says that along with running with the compulsion to read more, she has also been fighting the desire to become part of the play. “I frequently fought the urge to ask Frost questions during the show, and more importantly, the urge crawl up on the stage, sit on the porch swing beside him and stare at the stars.” You can read more of Mallory’s reaction to the play tomorrow.
Over the coming days we will be posting stories from our staff on the impressions left with them. We hope that upon reading these that you will join us for a magical night of listening to Frost, and if you have already seen the show, you can post a comment here, or send them to us at Ryan.Axford@MerrimackRep.org. If it’s alright with you we will post them on our blog for others to read.
Filed under: Merrimack Repertory Theatre, YAAP | Tags: Lowell, Merrimack Rep, musicial theatre, theater camp, theatre camp, YAAP
2011 YOUNG ARTISTS AT PLAY SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS
Merrimack Repertory Theatre is proud to announce the program schedule for the 14th season of Young Artists At Play (YAAP), a successful summer theatre program that includes theatre camps, performance seminars and musical theatre workshops. This summer between July 5 and August 12, YAAP will offer 8 theatre workshops ranging from one to three weeks for students entering grades 1-12. All programs are age appropriate and are led by professionals in the theater with strong education backgrounds. Workshops include Musical Theatre, Improvisational Theatre, Performance Seminars and The Young Company, a 3-week program for high school students culminating in a fully-staged production on MRT’s Liberty Hall stage. Each class will culminate with a performance by students for their parents and other invited guests. Tuition ranges from $350-$950, and registration is limited to 20 students per class. For additional enrollment information, please call Michael LaChance, YAAP Registration Coordinator at 978.654.7550 or view our online brochure.
About YAAP: Begun in 1998, the mission of YAAP 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.
YAAP Scholarship Fund: The progressive rise in tuition cost over the years led to the development of the YAAP Scholarship Fund for children from low- to moderate-income families in the Greater Boston, Southern New Hampshire and Merrimack Valley area. The YAAP 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.
2011 YAAP SUMMER PROGRAMS
One Week Theatre Camp
Students Entering Grade 1-3
August 1- 5, 9:00am – 3:00pm
It’s theatre camp – so let’s have fun! Children are never too young to discover the magic of theatre! We’ll play games together, act out stories, sing, dance, and do theatre arts and crafts. 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!
Two-Week Performance Seminar
Students Entering Grades 4-5
August 8-19, 9:00am – 3:00pm
We do it all in two weeks! The YAAP staff has designed a really fun program where participants will help create an original play, either based on a known play of their own idea, rehearse it and then perform on August 19th on Merrimack Rep’s Mainstage for family and friends! Activities include singing, movement and dance, acting, rehearsal, play creation and art and crafts in order to make sets and costumes! Sign up and join the fun!
Improvisational Theatre Week
Students Entering Grades 6-8
July 5-8, 9:00am – 4:00pm
A week of playing improvisational theatre games! We’ll explore the basics of improve – thinking on your feet, working together, audience participation and of course having fun! Students will learn by doing – so come ready to play and play! At the end of the week, family and friends are invited to our Improv Show, which will be co-hosted by the 9-12th grade Improve Group!
Two-Week Performance Seminar
Students Entering Grades 6-8
July 11-22, 9:00am – 4:00pm
The play’s the thing! During this 2-week performance program, participants will create an original play with the help of the YAAP staff. This play will be designed to emphasize ensemble work and the strengths of each participant. Creative movement, dance, singing, acting and improve, set and costume creation, and group work will all be a part of the experience. On Friday, July 15th, the students will present their own cabaret – a chance to perform something of their choosing. Then for the big event, on Friday, July 22nd, they will perform their original play on the Merrimack Rep Mainstage – family and friends are invited of course!
Musical Theatre Week
Students Entering Grades 6-8
August 8-12, 9:00am – 3:00pm
This week-long seminar, led by our professional musical director and choreographer, will focus on the skills needed to perform musical theatre. Students will work on warm-ups, cool-downs, audition technique and group musical numbers – singing and dancing. Students will rehearse these musical pieces along with short scenes created by the instructors and students. At the end of the week, participants will perform their musical theatre extravaganza!
Improvisational Theatre Week
Students Entering Grades 9-12
July 5-8, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Improvisational theatre is challenging – there are no scripts! But it is also fun because there are no scripts! It is a theatre world of surprises and discoveries that push actors to be creative, think on their feet and work as a team. This week will be dedicated to learning the art of improvisational theatre. On Friday, July 8th, we will join together with the 6-8th grade Improv week group to present our very own, original IMPROV SHOW!
The Young Company
Students Entering Grades 9-12
July 11-29, 9:00am – 5:00pm
YOCO is an intensive experience of every aspect of the process of performance. Each day includes training in techniques of acting and improvisation, movement and voice. Exercises build individual mastery of each performer’s instrument, while creating a strong ensemble. All actors are encouraged to not only explore their existing strengths, but to stretch into unfamiliar territory. The first two Fridays the actors will perform for family and friends in their own cabaret, an informal presentation where everyone can show off their talents of try out new skills developed during the week. The ensemble creates a safe space to grow and experiment, and together the group will create its own performance piece, under the guidance of the professional YAAP staff. Not only do our actors create amazing pieces of theatre, they build lasting relationships and have an unforgettably fun time together! The whole experience culminates on Friday, July 29 with YOCO’s original, never-seen-before play performed for the public on Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s Mainstage.
Musical Theatre Week
Students Entering Grades 9-12
August 1-5, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Want to be a triple threat? Singer, Dancer, Actor! Bring your singing voice and dancing shoes and join us for a week of Musical Theatre. Students will work on solo and group numbers, led by our professional music director and choreographer. Then you will get a chance to show off your skills for family and friends on Friday, August 5th during our Musical Theatre Spectacular.
For more information on YAAP, the YAAP Scholarship Fund, or for an application, please call Michael LaChance, YAAP Registration Coordinator, at 978.654.7550.
Visit Merrimack Repertory Theatre Online
Filed under: Beasley's Christmas Party, Merrimack Repertory Theatre | Tags: 2010-2011 Season, Beasley's Christmas Party, Imaginary Friends, Lowell, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Psychology, theatre
Joey Collins and Crystal Finn in Beasley's Christmas Party. Photo by Meghan Moore.
Hamilton Swift Junior’s imagination concocts an array of larger than life, but realistic characters upon his arrival to Beasley’s home. His fantasy world is revealed slowly during the course of the play, beginning with a dog and a few friends, and later acquiring a large family. A group of bears also make a temporary appearance in Beasley’s home.In the past, having imaginary friends were seen as a common practice of young children who had experienced great pain and loneliness. They were thought to treat loneliness, boredom, or another part of life that was lacking. A child will often envision an imaginary friend with superior skills to compensate for his or her own perceived weaknesses or flaws. Hamilton Swift Junior has a friend named Bill Hammersley, who is his age and “very big and strong; he has very rosy cheeks, and can do more in athletics than a whole college track team.” This makes sense because Hamilton Swift Jr. is a very sickly boy who looks up to someone who is very brawny and athletic, something he will never be. Another one of Hamilton’s friends, Mr. Corley Linbridge, is a very distinguished, retired mountain climber. He falls into the same sort of category as Bill Hammersley. Hamilton Swift Junior cannot do very much physically; he cannot even walk around, but has his friends to do that for him. The Hunchberg family stems from Hamilton’s loss of family after his parents passed away.
Today, imaginary friends are seen as a very important part of developing social skills. By giving kids extra time to play, they are given what they need to create their own fantasy worlds. This creative time is hugely beneficial for their brain development and academic achievement. Kids who talk to their imaginary friends tend to have a more advanced sentence structure and a more extensive vocabulary.
Children who have had time to use their imaginations tend to perform better in school. Imaginary friends are products of the limitless creativity of a curious child’s mind as he or she experiences the complicated world around them. Kids use this imagination to practice for the real life relationships they will have in the future. Utilizing an imaginary friend allows a child to take on different sides in conversation and begin to think abstractly. One day Hamilton has to discipline Simpledoria for chasing a cat. He demonstrates this example of authority to exercise his knowledge of right from wrong.
Joey Collins, Crystal Finn and Tony Ward in Beasley's Christmas Party. Photo by Meghan Moore.
Normally, parents are encouraged to acknowledge the imaginary friend. Saying hello and setting an extra place at the table are nice ways to support the child’s role playing. Beasley does an excellent job of fostering Hamilton’s imagination. Each day, he asks Hamilton, “Who’s with us today?” He pets Simpledoria, plays games with Bill Hammersley, and converses often with the Hunchberg family. He even speaks loudly for Aunt Cooley, who Hamilton says is a bit deaf. House guests also play their parts when visiting Beasley. Booth and Dowden always greet the imaginary characters and treat them as real people. At the end of the play, Booth, Dowden, Miss Apperthwaite, and a few others all find Beasley hosting a lavish Christmas party for Hamilton and his friends. He even makes a speech to the invisible guests and dances with them. Beasley’s efforts, although outlandish, were very thoughtful and loving because they made a lonely little boy feel special on the most cherished holiday of the year, Christmas.
Visit Merrimack Repertory Theatre Online
Filed under: Beasley's Christmas Party, Merrimack Repertory Theatre | Tags: 2010-2011 Season, Beasley's Christmas Party, Christmas, History, Holidays, Lowell, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, theatre
CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA
This following article appears in the Beasley’s Christmas Party student study guide.
Photo by Tara Bradford
In colonial Massachusetts, the Puritans were as strict in their interpretation of the holiday as they were in all other things – even going as far as making the observation of the day illegal in 1659. South of New England, however other British colonies were enjoying the beginnings of what would later become the American Christmas spirit.
The Christmas tree is an iconic symbol of Christmas but the tradition was borrowed from the wave of German immigrants who settled throughout the sprawling young nation. Beginning in the 16th century, the tradition allegedly descended from leader of the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther, when he lit candles on a tree in his home to show his children the wonder of God. Today, millions of American households have these trees as a quintessential element of the holiday, where people gather around together as a family to open and receive gifts. Even though it is a religious celebration the United States recognizes Christmas as a national holiday because of its mass influence on culture and society as a whole.
The current depiction of Santa Claus as a lovable jolly old man who travels on a sleigh pulled by reindeers to deliver presents around the world, is derived from earlier myths of the Dutch Sinter Klaas and the German Saint Nicholas.
Combined with the growing prevalence of minorities, Christmas has combined with two other winter holidays, Hanukah and Kwanza, to create an economical and cultural holiday season that begins after Thanksgiving and ends at the start of the New Year. During this time, not only are people inclined to share in the prevalent commercialism but also in the greater social theme of kindness and charity that is echoed in numerous beloved Christmas films, programs and songs.
Visit Merrimack Repertory Theatre Online
Filed under: Beasley's Christmas Party, Merrimack Repertory Theatre | Tags: 2010-2011 Season, Beasley's Christmas Party, Early America, History, Literature, Lowell, Mark Twain, Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Model T, The Gilded Age, theatre, Theodore Roosevelt
EARLY 20TH CENTURY AMERICA
The following article appears in the Beasley’s Christmas Party student study guide.
The Gilded Era - This is an era of capital accumulation and concentration - an era in which expansion west and the abundance of resources result in tremendous growth.
Before the industrial revolution, people attended little if any school because life centered on subsistence farming. With the growth of major cities and the rise of industry, education was reformed and became more commonplace during this new century. Massive immigration, urbanization and greater equality helped to increase the number of children enrolled in school. At the dawn of the 20th century, Americans were better educated than ever before as the country evolved from the struggling agricultural republic into a powerful industrial power.
American industry expanded greatly as the nation assumed a higher income and faster rate of production comparable only to Great Britain. During this time, labor unions were only in their infant stage of development, therefore working conditions were extremely dangerous. While industry boomed, the remaining farmers found themselves in
Child Labor in Industry – In 1907, Legislature set the maximum hours of labor for children to 55 a week and adopted a list of dangerous occupations prohibited to children under 16.
Almost every aspect of life and culture, such as education, literature, fashion, and technology all evolved to create a society that was more sophisticated than ever before. The nation became industrialized and education became much more important. Even the fashion and transportation of the day can be seen as a precursor for what was to come in the later 1900s.
Henry Ford invented the Model T in 1908.
At the turn of the century, there were new items that children could enjoy. One of them was the teddy bear, inspired by iconic President Teddy Roosevelt. This toy was based off of the bear from Roosevelt’s “Letter’s to His Children.” A year later crayons were invented by Edward Binney and Harold Smith. A bowl of cereal in the morning became a staple after 1906, when Kellogg Cornflakes first hit store shelves.
Clothing during this new century was a preview of what was to come in the roaring 1920s. Women wore very fancy, elegant clothes and men dressed in a very proper manner. With automobiles making their debut, women’s skirts were cut a bit shorter to make stepping in and out of cars easier. Men’s fashion was also affected by the new ways of getting around, and it became common for them to wear a cap and goggles, which were considered to be the typical driving attire. Women also began to sport shorter haircuts and wear hats.
"The Jungle" (1906)
Many of the finest books published during this time reflected the great changes happening in American society. One important work of literature was The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. In his novel, Sinclair describes the horrible conditions that immigrants worked in and exposed the disgusting practices of the food industry. Other authors like Jack London, Edith Wharton, W.E.B. DuBois and Mark Twain published work during this first decade of the 1900s. Wharton’s novel, The House of Mirth, came out in 1905. In 1903, The Souls of Black Folk by DuBois was published, and three years later Twain published What is Man? Many of these works became essential to the American canon of literature because they boldly questioned the establishment and were purposely intended to reform the lingering dysfunctions of American society.
Visit Merrimack Repertory Theatre Online
Filed under: Four Places, Merrimack Repertory Theatre | Tags: Carole Monferdini, Charles Towers, east coast premier, Four Places, Joel Drake Johnson, John Wodja, Kate Udall, Laura Latreille, Lowell
FOUR PLACES
The powerful new family drama Four Places by Joel Drake Johnson receives its East Coast Premiere at Merrimack Repertory Theatre, October 14 – November 7, 2010, stage direction by Charles Towers. Two middle-aged siblings take their mother out to lunch where the conversation turns from routine banter to life-changing revelation. The indelible characters are both marvelously funny and devastatingly human as they lead one another to a place where forgiveness and understanding are tested, but love is still possible. Subscriptions and individual tickets are available online at www.MerrimackRep.org or by calling 978.654.4MRT.
“Funny and heart-wrenching” — Backstage (Critic’s Pick)
The all-Equity cast of Four Places features Carole Monferdini, Kate Udall, John Wojda and Laura Latreille. Kate Udall and John Wojda return to Merrimack Rep after previously appearing in A Moon of the Misbegotten and The Pursuit of Happiness, respectively. Carole Monferdini, who has appeared on Broadway in The Misanthrope and Waltz of the Toreadors, and Elliot Norton Award-winner Laura Latreille, who has recently appeared at Huntington Theatre and Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theatre, make their MRT debuts.
“I love Joel Drake Johnson’s Four Places” says Merrimack Rep Artistic Director Charles Towers. “Like many great American plays, it is about family; about the unbreakable bonds that sometimes break. It is also about love. I find his writing to be utterly honest and true, shot through with a great sense of humor that rises not out of jokes, but out of our real recognition of family relationships. So many of us fall into one of the two categories so profoundly rendered here by Johnson: adult children with aging parents, or older parents with adult children. Many of us are navigating these relationships from one side of the fence or the other. Plus, any play that addresses the role denial plays in family life is a play that also has its eye toward the larger role denial plays in American politics and the shaping of the American character. Four Places is at once funny, shocking and heartbreaking in the best theatrical way.”
Joel Drake Johnson is one of the newest members of Chicago’s Victory Gardens Theater Playwrights Ensemble. The critically acclaimed, Jeff Award-nominated Four Places was produced by Victory Gardens in the spring of 2008. His earlier works at Victory Gardens Theater, Before My Eyes and The End of the Tour, were also Jeff-nominated for Best New Play and all three plays were directed by Sandy Shinner, Victory Gardens’ Associate Artistic Director. Four Places was subsequently produced in Los Angeles by The Rogue Machine Theatre where, under the direction of Robin Larsen, it garnered more critical acclaim.
Johnson has won three Illinois Arts Council grants including one for A Blue Moon, which was first produced at Chicago Dramatists and also Jeff-nominated for best new work. He got his start as a writer at Chicago’s critically acclaimed Econo-Art Theater, which (under the leadership of Lynn Baber, Barb Reeder and Marc Silvia) produced such plays as Beautiful Dreamer. His other plays include As the Beaver, first produced by Zebra Crossing, and The Fall to Earth (Rick Snyder, dir.) which premiered at Steppenwolf Theatre and featured Tony Award-winner Rondi Reed. It was subsequently produced at The Penguin Rep, directed by Joe Brancato and featuring Tony Award-winner, Michelle Pawk. Steppenwolf later produced A Blameless Life (Anna Shapiro, dir.) and Tranquility Woods (Sandy Shinner, dir.) as part of their 2005 and 2007 First Look Repertory.
He has taught playwriting at Northwestern University, DePaul University and Adlai Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire. He lives in Chicago and New Buffalo, Michigan where he is working on three new plays: The First Grade which was produced by the Aurora Theatre Company in the winter of 2010; A Guide for the Perplexed which was produced by Victory Gardens in the summer of 2010 and starred Kevin Anderson and Fran Guinan; and The Boys Room, a part of Northlight Theatre’s Interplay and Steppenwolf Theatre’s First Look reading series and now a part of Victory Gardens’ 2010-11 season. Johnson is a member of PEN AMERICA and the Dramatists Guild.
The production staff for Four Places features Charles Towers (director), Bill Clarke (scenic design), Deb Newhall (costume design) and Jeff Adelberg (lighting design). IRNE-winner Bill Clarke’s scenic design work has previously been seen on the Liberty Hall stage in A Delicate Balance, The Seafarer, The Homecoming and many more. Deb Newhall has previously designed for Black Pearl Sings!, Fabuloso and The Seafarer. Lighting Designer Jeff Adelberg makes his MRT debut.
This production of Four Places is sponsored by Lowell General Hospital, with additional support by WBUR. Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s 2010-2011 season is sponsored by Lowell Cooperative Bank. Merrimack Repertory Theatre is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
CAST BIOS
Carol Monferdini
CAROLE MONFERDINI (Peggy) Merrimack Repertory Theatre: debut Broadway: The Misanthrope, National Theatre of G. Britain; Waltz of the Toreadors, National Tour. Off-Broadway: Full Gallop, Westside Arts Theater; The Club, Circle in the Square; Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, Provincetown Playhouse. New England: The Nibroc Trilogy, Chester Theatre Company. Regional: Pride and Prejudice, Geva Theatre Center; Medea, The Subject Was Roses, Pittsburgh Public Theater; The Retreat from Moscow, Delaware Theatre Company; A Christmas Story, Cleveland Play House, All’s Well That Ends Well, Lettice and Lovage, Alabama Shakespeare Festival. Film: Next Stop, Greenwich Village, The Bell Jar, The Brass Ring.
Kate Udall
John Wodja
Laura Latreille
Visit Merrimack Repertory Theatre Online
Filed under: Merrimack Repertory Theatre | Tags: auction, Friends of MRT, Jeff Prescott, Lowell, Merrimack Rep, susan wornick, UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center
FRIENDS OF MRT AUCTION
The Friends of MRT will host their bi-annual Live and Silent Auction, “Experience the Magic,” at the UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center on May 20, 2010. Over 40,000 people experience the power and magic of Merrimack Repertory Theatre each season, so this year’s magical theme seemed a fitting tribute to the work of the non-profit theatre company. The evening, which begins with cocktails and a silent auction at 6pm, will include great company, dinner, entertainment and a fun-filled auction. The featured guest auctioneer is WCVB-TV Channel 5 Midday anchor Susan Wornick. Historically, the auction is host to more than 300 guests, as well as over 150 silent and live auction items. Tickets are $60 each and proceeds benefit Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s productions and education programs. Table sponsorships begin at $1,000. Tickets may be purchased online at www.MerrimackRep.org or by contacting Jeff Prescott, Development Associate at 978.654.7552 or development@merrimackrep.org.
Guest auctioneer Susan Wornick has been an anchor of WCVB-TV’s Midday newscast since 1989. In January 2006, Wornick was named a member of Team 5 Investigates, WCVB’s investigative unit. Wornick has won many awards while at WCVB. In 2005, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences recognized her with the Silver Circle Award for twenty-five years of service to WCVB and the community. She has also received two regional Emmy awards for her break-through journalism.
The Friends of MRT is an auxiliary fundraising group that hosts special events, social functions and fund drives. This essential group plays a pivotal role in strengthening Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s base of support by introducing more people to MRT and making events like this possible. Members of the Friends of MRT enjoy a fun, social environment, the opportunity to network with other theatre lovers and supporters, and the valuable sense of accomplishment that accompanies volunteer work.
Visit Merrimack Repertory Theatre Online
Merrimack Repertory Theatre Blog 