"Your Theatre" Blog

M&D Tackles Bullying in "GOD OF CARNAGE"

2011-06-21T14:11:00.000-05:00

JULY 7, 8, 9,14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23rd
Ticket prices vary from FREE to $25
CALL 603-662-7591

SYNOPSIS:
The play begins, two 11-year-old children, Ferdinand Reille and Bruno Vallon, get involved in argument because Bruno refuses to let Ferdinand join his 'group'. Ferdinand knocks out two of Bruno's teeth with a stick. That night, the parents of both children meet to discuss the matter. Ferdinand's father, Alan (played by Rob Clark), is a lawyer who is never off his mobile phone. Ferdinand's mother, Annette (played by Elaine Kondrat) is in "wealth management", and consistently wears good shoes. Bruno's father, Michael (David Freedman), is a self-made wholesaler with an unwell mother. Bruno's mother, Veronica (being played by Christine Thompson), is writing a book about Darfur.

As the evening starts, the meeting between these two couple, while well intended; doesn't seem to go as planned. One of the central dramatic moments of the play occurs when Annette vomits onstage, all over the coffee table and books. "This show truly depicts the nature of how parents can react to situations when their loving children are involved, says Ken Martin, Artistic Director. “ Yasmina Reza, has deliberately written this play so that it leaves the audience to reflect on what they would do in the same situation. This is why it was chosen to be part of our 2010 Season.”

CHECK OUT THIS STORY ON GMA TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/ny-league-mother-arrested-alleged-threats-son-failed/story?id=13885751

IS PUKING ON A CANVAS ART?

2011-06-21T14:05:00.000-05:00

Would really love to hear whether or not your consider this ART?
http://tosh.comedycentral.com/blog/2011/06/21/the-art-of-puking/?xrs=synd_facebook

ASK YOURSELF.....

2011-06-10T13:28:00.000-05:00

WHAT KIND OF MORALES DO YOU HAVE?

Part of the great tradition of live theatre is a moral code by which every person (whether community volunteer or paid professional) on any legitimate stage house should adhere to. This code, while tacit, has been observed throughout the centuries and will continue long after us. It is neither superstitious, nor dogma, nor a status forced by law. It is a collaborative attitude toward craftsmanship, a respect for associates, those trying to hone their craft, and a dedication toward the audience. This code outlines a self-discipline which, far from robbing one of individuality, increases personal esteem and dignity through cooperation and common purpose. The result is perfection, which encompasses all that is meant by "Great Theater." It is this concept that separates "Mediocre Theatre" from "Great Theater."
It's this dedication to these principles that separate the 'theater hobbyist' from those who have found something outside themselves that which they want to share. More than an a mere ego of 'look at me on stage" but a profound satisfaction with connecting to the not only every learning process, but surrounding yourself with like minded individuals who see past the moment of 'its about me."

These principles are:

• To always strive to learn from every situation, director, actor, audience member, stagehand and designer you come in contact with.

• The playwright is the only person, to which you should be pleasing.

• The performance isn't about you.

• Your ego is left outside the stage door.

• It's not solely about the process, it's more about the product.

• Commitment to the entire show process is a bond to be respected.

• You must be honest with your limitation but always strive to better yourself.

• You give of yourself freely for others to enjoy.

• You will direct all efforts to your craft so that the theatre it will stand as a greater institution for you having labored there.

It's these principles that M&D Productions holds dearer than any other community theater we have ever seen. While other community theaters merely care about filling seats or taking your money, we will never waiver from these and we will strive to always give the audience more, do our best work, and respect everyone who comes through these doors to witness the magic of live theater. Which theater concept would you rather be part of?
Thought?

TALLEY'S FOLLEY- A GREAT PIECE OF THEATER!

2011-06-10T10:54:00.000-05:00

Theater Review: Two actors, one act, completely entertaining
By Alec Kerr

M&D Productions is presenting the third show of their 2011 Mainstage Season with “Talley's Folly” at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday for the next three weeks at Your Theatre in North Conway. (LISA DUFAULT PHOTO)

M&D Productions latest show is the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Talley's Folly,” a simple two-person, one-act romantic comedy set in Lebanon, Mo. in the 1940s. It is a direct, charming piece of theater.
“Talley's Folly,” written by Lanford Wilson, who passed away in March, is told in about 90 minutes in real time and focuses on Matt Friedman (Ken Martin), a German-accented man who travels from St. Louis to ask for Sally Talley's (Heather Elsie Hamilton) hand in marriage. A year earlier they had a romantic week together. He's written every day since with no encouragement, but he knows they are meant to be together.
The show, which opened Thursday and is running at Your Theatre in North Conway Thursday through Saturday for the next three weeks, begins with Matt giving a fourth-wall-breaking monologue explaining that if everything goes to plan the evening will be a waltz. It is a fabulous introduction that is well performed by Martin. It is key in getting the audience on Matt's side. We almost instantly like him and want him to get the girl.
Matt is a wonderful character. He is given an amusing quirk of over-analyzing the English language, a nice touch for someone who has English as a second language. He notes that bees have a life expectancy of 20 days, but then wonders if expectancy is the right word, after all what does a bee expect out of life.
Everything takes place in the decaying boathouse (or Folly) on the Talley property. The Talleys were once a wealthy family that fell on hard times during the depression. The boathouse is yet another astounding bit of set design by Deborah Jasien. The stage is entirely transformed complete with vegetation and flora. The authenticity of the set makes it easy to disappear into this story for 90 minutes.
The tone of the show isn't wild farce or screwball comedy. The bantering dialogue of the show is a delicate mixture of humor and poignancy as each character reveals tragic aspects of their past. It is ultimately these darker elements of their past that show the way to a brighter future together.
Challenged with an accent that could potentially sink his whole performance, Martin overcomes this would-be shortcoming and gives a solid performance. He makes Matt awkward, a bit goofy, but completely sincere and lovable. It is hard to stay mad at him though Sally certainly tries to.
Hamilton makes for a good romantic foil. She keeps up a strong front that keeps being pulled down only to be put back up. She does a good job of balancing her frustrations with a suitor she is trying not to want with her apparent affectionate feelings towards him. Martin and Hamilton have a nice, light chemistry together that isn't forced.
And really that's all that needs to be said. Under the assured hand of director Richard Russo these two actors perform this wonderfully written show beautifully. It isn't elaborate or big theater, but its simple pleasures are hard to beat.
For more information or tickets call the box office at 662-7591.

"VAGINA MONOLOGUES"

2010-02-07T16:02:00.006-05:00

and other women related stories
FEBRUARY 14th & 15th

You may remember, back in October of last year, there was a call for the submission of original manuscripts of "women-centered" stories to be acted out with the original The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler. Well, V-Day is just around the corner, as M and D productions presents The Vagina Monologues and Other Women-Centered Stories this Valentines Day and President's Day, February 14th and 15th at 7:30pm with a matinee at 2pm on the 14th.

Director, Stacy Sand chose six original monologues from the submissions to be used in this production. Most of the authors are local. Linda Stetson writes about the role of toilet paper in women's lives, while Kathy Bennett explores the world of computer dating. Columnist, Suze Hargrave tackles Body Image, while columnist Susan Bruce takes us to the frontlines of Iraq. There were even a couple of submissions from male authors, with the one chosen exploring the reaction of adult students to a showing of The Vagina Monologues.

There are ten actresses portraying the different stories that are told in this production, with some familiar names to theatre goers, and some who are new to our local stage. In order of appearance will be Mandy Ferriman, Virginia Moore, Rebekah Bushey, Chrissy Howe, Elizabeth Rhymer, Brenda Bailey, Paula Sullivan Jones, Heather Letarte, Debbie Cross, and Amanda Edgerly.

If you've never seen The Vagina Monologues, here's your opportunity to finally go. And if you have seen it, come again to experience a whole new take on things with these original submissions.

So if you have an questions or want to make your reservations call 603-662-7591 or email us at info@yourtheatre.com

DINNER PACKAGES WITH BELLINIS

2010-02-07T15:41:00.003-05:00

M&D PRODUCTIONS & VITO MARCELLO'S ITALIAN BISTRO

are proud to announce

"AN ELEGANT DINNER-THEATRE PACKAGE"

Why not come experience a truly elegant evening of fine Italian cuisine and an award winning play? Well, Vito Marcello's Italian Bistro and your friends at M&D Productions have created an evening with just you in mind. And it's all in one location. You deserve the best don't you? Here it is!

* Your evening starts with Dinner *

Choice of an Appetizer for the table:

-Stuffed Portobello Mushroom

-Toasted Ravioli

-Fried Calamari

House Salad

Choice of an Entree':

-Entree of the Day

-Rigatoni, Broccoli and Chicken

-Chicken Marsala

-Veal Parmigiana

-Eggplant Parmigiana

Dessert

Mini Cannoli's

Coffee/Tea
(This menu does not include alcohol, tax or gratuity.)

________________

Then after your beautifully crafted meal, you will take just a few short steps up to "YourTheatre" where M&D Productions will wow you with their intimate award winning 100 seat blackbox theater. Experience the difference.

2 tickets at M&D Productions for

"One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest"

$90.00 per couple

Show starts promptly at 7:30pm

For Dinner and Theater Reservations

call

603-662-7591

What's up with your high ticket prices?

2010-02-07T15:21:00.004-05:00

Do you enjoy great theater?

Do you enjoy the shows from M&D Productions?

Think our tickets prices are just a tad too high?

Well, we have a solution for you. M&D Productions understand that money is tight and the choices for your entertainment dollars are increasingly difficult. We want to make your choices easier by providing you these incentives to continue choosing us over all others.
Starting immediately, we have decided to implement the following discounts.

    • “Friends Sneak Peek Gala”- It a FREE dress rehearsals to the public & VIP’s
    • “Opening Night Premiere” – It is our way or saying thank you by having a catered party, red carpet, free food and wine all included in the ticket price.
    • “Stimulus Night” – This is our “pay what you can” night. It will always fall on Friday night of opening weekend.
    • $10 Tickets – If you purchase a 2010 Season pass, your can get tickets for as low as $10 a show.

So how does that sound? Let’s hear what you think. Also spread the word and let others know of these unique offers.

"One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest"

2010-02-07T14:16:00.004-05:00

FEBRUARY 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27

"One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest" has been made into a movie, book and finally a screenplay. This classic has hit so many records that it is hard to keep track. Come see your favorite local actors take the stage and bring these inmates to life.

Randle P. McMurphy - Kevin O'Neil
(winner of the 2009 NHTA for "Best Actor")
Chief Bromden - Dan Tetreault
Aide Williams - Ezra Timberlake
Aide Warren - Jim Kelly
Nurse Ratched - Sarah Charles
Nurse Flinn - Christina Howe
Dale Harding - Tom O'Reilly
Billy Bibbitt - Eric Jordan
Charles Cheswick - Scott Hayman
Frank Scanlon - Gary Wilkinson
Anthony Martini - Dan Phelps
Ruckly - Chris Kennedy
Dr, Spivey - Ken Martin
Aide Turkle - Rob Owen
Sandra - Janette Kondrat
Candy - Amy Smullen

I think you will agree this star studded cast under the direction of Dennis O'Neil will be one you won't quickly forget. Make your reservations now before it's too late.

Ticket Prices
$18 Members
$25 Non-Members

So call now to guarentee a reservation. 603-662-7591

**DRESS REHEARSAL IS ALREADY SOLD OUT***

Doors open at 7:00pm
Show starts at 7:30pm

Pre-Casting in Community Theater, Right or Wrong?

2009-12-28T10:22:00.000-05:00

Pre-Casting: the act of assigning actors/actresses to roles in a production before the actual auditions occur.

Many professional theaters pre-cast roles. Using big name celebtities to promote their big ticket admission prices and to cover high production costs. But does this practice make sense in the smaller arena of community theater? A local theater group has announced auditions for an upcoming two-person show, but only has auditions for one of the two roles. Meaning that they have pre-cast the lead role. While I understand that we all like to work with a known talent, someone whose abilities, strenghths and weaknesses we are already aware of, doesn't this send the wrong message to anyone who might have tried out for that role? Like don't bother?

M&D has always had an open audition policy. Which means every role in a production is up for grabs. Yes, we encourage known local to talent to audition for certain roles, but we do not pre-cast. You never know what undiscovered talent is just waiting for that juicy lead role they have always dreamt of playing.

What does everyone here think? Should pre-casting be done at the community theater level? If so, why? If not, why? Talk amongst yourselves....

HURRY! GET YOUR LAST MINUTE GIFT HERE!

2009-12-18T14:56:00.002-05:00

2010 MEMBEHIP CARDS ARE READY JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
You enjoy the shows, so why not take advantage of this great offer. With tickets as low as $10.00 this makes it the best holiday gift ever!
Your 2010 Membership card gets you:
(depending on what level you purchase)

1. FREE Amdission to all the Galas and V.I.P. Parties
2. Perferred Seating
3. Discounted tuition to any of our workshps and classes
4. Free Food and Drink at concessions
5. Participation in our "Play Reading Committee"

Want to see the savings? Here you go! The more you prebuy... the cheaper they are.

ARCHANGEL $180.00
(18 shows at only $10.00 each )

ANGELS $150.00
(12 shows at only $12.50 each)

SPONSOR $100.00
(7 shows at $only 15 each + $25 savings)

PREFERRED $70.00
(5 shows at only $15 each + $5 savings)

REGULAR $36.00
(2 shows at $18 each)

INDIVIDUAL $18.00
(1 show at $18)

NON-MEMBERS $25.00
The general price of admission.
CALL NOW BEFORE SUPPLIES RUN OUT!

**ALSO**
All those who order now before Dec 25th will get a FREE Christmas CD of some of the best local singers in MWV.
SO CALL NOW! 603-662-7591

"DOG SEES GOD: Confessions Of A Teenage Blockhead."

2009-10-19T09:15:00.001-05:00

by Burt V Royal

"Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead" is NOT your typical Charles Schultz "Peanuts." They are all grown up now. Set approximately ten years after the events in the fifty-year-running comic strip, Dog Sees God begins with Snoopy's death, and things for the introspective "CB" and the gang follows these typical teenagers with a direct reflection of todays society and all it's social givings; all seen through the eyes of modern teenagers.
Still trying to understand life's darker meanings, still plagued with his endless identity crisis, CB talks to his gang of friends to find answers to his many questions. Of course, this gives us the chance to laugh at seeing what became of these well-loved and recognizable characters. Doe "CB" get the answers he is looking for in the final scene of the play in a touching letter from Charles Schultz (CS)? Come and see Lucy, Linus, Schodar, Pig Pen, Marcy, and the reat of the gang in M&D Productions last "studio show" of 2009.
This touching heartfelt drama, Dog Sees God garnered the coveted Excellence Award for Best Overall Production, TheaterMania's Best Play of 2004, and the GLAAD media award for best Off-Off-Broadway Production.

**NOTE** This show has strong language and adult themes and is not reccommended for children under 12 years old.
Ticket prices
$25 NonMembers
$18 Members

Reservations and info call 603-662-7591

LET'S HEAR YOUR STORY!

2009-10-16T14:38:00.001-05:00

OPEN CALL FOR ORIGINAL DRAMATIC PIECES

On Valentine’s Weekend 2010, M&D Productions Theatre of North Conway will be presenting The Vagina Monologues and Other Women Centered Stories, newly original monologues.

M&D Productions and the show’s director, Stacy Sand invite you to submit an original monologue for possible inclusion in the show. Your monologue should run 2 to 8 minutes when read aloud and can be funny or serious, a personal experience or any women centered experience. For examples of style, please refer to Eve Ensler’s original The Vagina Monologues.

If your monologue is chosen for the February performance, you will receive a pair of complementary tickets (value $50) to one of the performances. Actors for all monologues will be chosen at an Open Audition in December.

Please send your monologue to M&D Productions, attn. Stacy Sand; PO Box 1147; Conway, NH 03818 or e-mail Stacy at info@yourtheatre.com.

Lend Me A Tenor - The Review is in!

2009-10-09T07:13:00.000-05:00

‘Tenor’ offers up a night of light comedyKevin O’Neil and Mary Bastoni-Rebmann as the bickering Italian couple Tito and Maria Merelli in M&D Productions’ peoduction of the ensemble comedy “Lend Me a Tenor,” which is currently at Your Theatre in North Conway. (LISA DUFAULT PHOTO)THEATER REVIEW BY ALEC KERR THE CONWAY DAILY SUN

CONWAY — As with its recent pro-duction of “How the Other Half Loves,” M&D Productions has decided to go for a bit of light comedy with “Lend Me a Tenor,” an effervescent throw-back to the screwball comedy.

“Lend Me a Tenor,” which opened at Your Theatre in Willow Common in North Conway last night, centers on the complications involving a performance in Cleveland by Tito Merelli (Kevin O’Neil), a famous Italian opera singer.

Because of a string of misunder-standings, Max (Andrew Brosnan), the assistant to the opera company’s general manager (Paula Jones) must impersonate Tito, which only results in an increasingly more convoluted series of mistaken identities.

Playwright Ken Ludwig’s script, which fi rst appeared in London in 1986 before moving to Broadway in 1989, is very much in the tradition of the screwball comedy and is even set in the decade in which they fl ourished: the 1930s. Screwball comedy is often used interchangeably with slapstick, but slapstick is just one of the ingredi-ents of a successful screwball comedy.

The screwball comedy as it emerged in the 1930s was infl uenced by the farcical comedies of Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde. Misunderstandings, double entendres, innuendoes and rapid-fire dialogue are mixed with Chopspratfalls and a progressively more anarchic tone. All of these elements are on display in “Lend Me a Tenor.”

There’s a misconception that drama is diffi cult and comedy is easy, but an exceptionally well-timed comedy is not a simple feat. As with tragedy, the tone, pacing and delivery have to be just right, especially when dealing in the fast-paced screwball genre.

Ludwig’s script ably re-creates the feel of the genre, and director Ken Martin and his cast and crew have mounted a worthy production that is laugh-out-loud funny, especially in the second act where, as is so often the case in this genre, things escalate to a whirlwind of hilarity.

The impressive set, designed by Mark DeLancey, re-creates a lavish luxury hotel and features plenty of doors for slamming as characters run around during the mounting confusion.O’Neil as Tito and Mary Bastoni-Rebmann as Tito’s wife have a lot of fun with thick, comically over-the-top Italian accents. Bastoni-Rebmann in particular runs with the boisterous Italian stereotype to great effect, and her fi ghts with O’Neil score some of the best laughs in the production. Brosnan, in his fi rst time on stage, fi nds his stride when the show kicks into high gear. As a man who finds himself by pretending to be someone else, Brosnan makes a congenial focal point for the insanity.

Karen Gustafson as a woman with a crush on Tito that’s so big it blinds her to the sweet and kind Max truly embraces the rat-a-tat-tat nature of her dialogue. At times she spits her dialogue out so fast it is a wonder she doesn’t pass out.Carrie Engfer clearly relishes getting to play a vampy actress who seduces a very confused Tito in hopes of getting ahead in show business. In one of the productions best scenes the double entendres are piled on thick and Engfer and O’Neil play it just right.Paula Jones, in a role traditionally played by a man, has a nice edge to her delivery as the tough and cynical com-pany manager. Eric Jordan and Karen O’Neil add even more well-timed humor to the production as two more fans des-perate to get face time with Tito.

If the show has any fl aw it is that in places the repartee could be delivered even faster, but, chances are, as the run of the show progresses the pace will be picked up in those rare places it does slack.For more information visit www.yourtheatre.com or call 662-7591.

2010 Mainstage Season

2009-10-05T07:39:00.000-05:00

Here you go! this is the 10th Anniversary Season
I think you will agree that it is a great diverse season and wait till you see what is in store for the rest of the year. We promise to be the theater company that cares about it's community. We care and we listen to you. So, one oof the changes we have decided to impliment this year is our "Mainstage Season" and our "Studio Season".

Here is the difference.
Mainstage Season- While we LOVE to do edgier shows and want to engage as many people as possible, we spoke with many of you and heard your concerns for a more mainstream season with more familiar plays and maybe even a musical or new work. So this is our promise that we will create a more family friendly mainstage season while reserving our more edgier shows for our "Studio Season."

Studio Season- This will be our edgier or more provocative type of shows. These will generally be only 2 weeks in length and of a greater social impact. This is a large part of our mission statement and we have no desire to stop engaging our community and affecting a positve change.

So without any further wait, Here is the 2010 Mainstage Season.

One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
February 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27

Doubt: A Parable.
April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24

A Streetcar Named Desire
June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19

California Suite
July 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24
Fat Pig
August 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28

The Pitch (an Original Musical)
October 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23

WE WANT YOUR EXPERIENCE!

2008-08-23T14:04:00.003-05:00

Do you have experience and can't seem to get others to notice? Do you have some free time and want to inspire others? Want to be part of a growing family who needs you? Well call me at 603-662-7591 or email me at info@yourtheatre.com and tell what you would like to do. THE TIME TO GET IN is NOW!

We are looking for:

Volunteers
Bookeeper
Accountant
Business Leaders
Designers
Carpenters
Electricians
Painters
Organizers
Community minded People
Other who just appreciate the arts.

We want you to have a voice in this.

After all it is "YOURTHEATRE.COM"

A HUGE "THANK YOU" PARTY! ON SEPT 27th

2008-08-21T15:14:00.007-05:00

Yourtheatre (M&D Productions) wants to say "Thank You" to all our supporters; and we couldn't think of a better way to say it than to throw a party. There will be food, guest speakers, beverages and even a wine samples from Vintner's Cellar. So come meet all your old friends, make new ones and see what BIG things are coming up with "your theatre." While this event is FREE, donations are gladly accepted. Even find out the new 2010 season. RSVP at info@yourtheatre.com

Trust me, you wont be disappointed. So now that we have a new home, what do you think the other news is? Let's hear your thoughts.

OUR FIRST MEMBERSHIP DRIVE!

2008-08-20T17:05:00.004-05:00

M&D Productions will start it's first ever membership drive. It will start this October and last for about 10 days. So if you have seen any of our shows, (and I know who you are) you just may get a call from one of our agents and they will ask you if you will want to take advantage of our new membership rates. You will also be issued your very own M&D Members card as well. Just show us this at the door and glide right past the rest of the crowd.

We will have several different levels for you to choose from. Pick one that best suits your current theater habit. Our general admission rate hasn't changed from last year and will be $25.00 for nonmembers per show. So, I encourage EVERYONE to sign up now before the prices goes up.

Here are the 2009 Membership levels:
INDIVIDUAL-1 show- $18.00
REGULAR-2 shows- $36.00
PERFERRED-4 shows-$70.00
SPONSOR-6 shows-$100.00
ANGEL-10 shows-$150.00
ARCHANGEL-16 shows-$250.00

Don't worry! There will still be a student/senior rate. We will just give you a cash refund at the night of the show. I hope you will take advantage of this great offer and I look forward to seeing you at the show.

Mark DeLancey
Managing Director

EVERYONE IS A CRITIC!

2008-08-20T16:32:00.005-05:00

Your opinion matters to us. I want to know what you think of our choice for this fall. "Rabbit Hole" is a touching drama that will reach anyone who has a young child. So, let's hear it! Don't be shy.

GENERAL DISCUSSION GROUP

2006-06-13T08:40:00.000-05:00

Have something to say? Doesn't fit under any of the other "topics" listed? So put it here and have a good discussion, debate and be prepared for feedback.

WELCOME EVERYONE!

2006-05-19T14:26:00.002-05:00

Welcome to "yourtheatre" new blog page. I hope you enjoy this feature and post often. There are some rules for this site.

1. NO MEAN OR HATEFUL COMMENTS WILL BE TOLERATED.
2. NO PROFANITY AT ANY TIME.
3. NO OBSCENE PICS OR ATTACHMENTS
4. ANY INTELLIGENT COMMENTS WILL BE POSTED. (So please keep it at a 6th grade level at least)
5. IF YOU ARE WARNED MORE THAN 2 TIMES ABOUT YOUR CONTENT, YOU WILL BE BANNED
6. POST OFTEN
7. HAVE FUN