NEWSLETTER Vol. 17. No.2 tactics Winter 2009/2010 The ACTORS COMPANY THEATRE Scott Alan Evans, Cynthia Harris & Simon Jones, Co-Artistic Directors What’s T.S. Eliot and his Inside: TSE's Funny PARTY (continued)...... 2 Funny Party (homas) S(terns) Eliot and the the- T.S. Eliot was born September 26, 1888 in Spring Gala ater? Sure, there was the huge run- St. Louis, Missouri. His love of literature Save the Date...... 3 Taway success of , but beyond and learning began at Harvard, where that, what does the brilliant mind behind he graduated with an A.B. in English TACT Season Recap ...... 4-5 have to do with theater? Literature in 1909. He became Surprisingly, few people are even aware the secretary for the Harvard TACT/QC Alliance...... 5 that T.S. Eliot wrote a single play, let alone Advocate, a literary magazine six of them (and the fragment of a sev- and fell in love with writing FAVE Five enth). For those who are aware of Eliot’s poetry. Following Harvard, with Jack Koenig...... 6 dramatic work, the play that comes to he studied in Paris at the PA Program mind most frequently is Murder in the Sorbonne for a year where, What We Did Last Cathedral. While that play is not without after attending lectures by Summer...... 6 its considerable merits, it is rather somber philosopher Henri Bergson, and bears little resemblance to his later Eliot decided to pursue an- MORE BANG for more effervescent work. Eliot’s plays have other degree from Harvard, YOUR BUCKS!...... 7 certainly been overshadowed by his po- this time in philosophy. etry, yet lovers of literature who stop at With a particular interest the page are missing something equally in the philosophical conun- brilliant – Eliot’s dramatic spoken verse, drum of consciousness, a verse so carefully composed that you Eliot’s poetry during his tact might not even realize it is verse. postgraduate years often 1. takt; 2. taet, n. T.S. ELIOT continues on page 2 dedicated to presenting infrequently-seen plays Cocktails & Critics of literary merit with an 2009/10 Season* COMPANY NEWS emphasis on creating TACT welcomes not one but two new as working at various colleges and on “The theatre from its essence: the cocktail Board Members to the company: Mark View.” A recording he produced and the text and the actor’s party by T.S. Eliot Eberle and Michele Geist! Mark is a engineered featuring Judy Leclair, principal ability to bring it to life. 7 March to 10 April, 2010 partner in the law firm Augustine & Eberle, bassoon of the NY Philharmonic, will be LLP and Michele is the Director of Human released in February on AVIE records, Infrequently-seen: adj. phrase. Edward and Lavinia Chamberlayne are Resources for Ernst & Young. Both come coinciding with the NY Phil 2010 European unproduced in a first-class throwing a party at their fashionable to us with a love of the theatre instilled in tour. A recording he produced featuring production in NYC within the last flat. The guests arrive only to them from youth and both have already Robert Langevin, principal flute with NY 15 years. discover that their hostess is no where shown their great energy and enthusiasim Phil, will be released in April, also on AVIE Literary merit: n. laudable to be found and a rather strange man, for their new roles with the company. We (both Judy and Robert, along with three of language of particular interest, who no one knows, seems right at are thrilled to have them both on board! their NY Philharmonic colleagues played uniqueness; or representative of home. Ruthless and compassionate, the recorded music for TACT productions a specific period or era. Mark Alhadeff was the for this “Cocktail Party” embodies the of The Sea and HOME). In March, Daryl With original incidental musical Lovechild at New World Stages and is day-to-day struggle of domestic life will design sound for the Newark Academy scores commissioned exclusively playing Alex MacColbie Gibbs in the while turning the classic ‘drawing room production of How To Succeed... for our production through a upcoming TACT production of The Cocktail unique partnership with The comedy’ on its head. Manhattan School of Music. Party. He’s been multi-tasking his creative Nora Chester recently appeared in TACT’s BUY TICKETS: outlets and has also been shooting and Salon presentation of Waters Of The Moon ONLINE: www.ticketcentral.com editing video for his production company. and is looking forward to the continuation of TACT’s collaboration with the Queens Our 2009/10 season is made IN PERSON: Theatre Row Box Office Daryl Bornstein is consulting on the College MFA Creative Writing program possible with public funds from 410 West 42nd Street (between 9th & 10th) renovation of the sound systems for three over the next semester. She is also busy the New York State Council on theatres in a performing arts complex the Arts, a State agency. BY PHONE: Ticket Central loosening up her pipes in anticipation of in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He’s been 212-279-4200 12noon until 8pm daily playing Golde in Fiddler On The Roof later traveling extensively internationally for in the year… “Oy.” MORE INFO: www.TACTnyc.org work in Brussels and Quebec City as well Tickets $36.25 to $56.25* Price INCLUDES a $1.25 facility fee. COMPANY NEWS continues on page 3 2 WINTER 2009/10 With his intellectual and literary con- formed in Canterbury Cathedral during the Can- nections across London, Eliot began mov- terbury Festival. The resulting verse drama, Mur- ing in high circles. He gained a reputation der in the Cathedral, proved a great success and not only as a poet and critic in his own right, was moved to London, eventually settling at the but as a champion for the works of others, Old Vic. Eliot’s next play, however, were meant to such as James Joyce, whose novel Ulysses was appeal to an even broader audience. With a love serialized in The Egoist. In 1919, Eliot wrote what of Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward, Eliot sought to The many consider his masterpiece, The Waste Land, combine the contemporary social comedy with his a work that was immediately seen as an impor- philosophical and intellectual ideas. Incorporating tant expression of the avant-garde movement, a plot elements of Greek drama, metaphysics, and defining leader in a major literary movement. theology, Eliot worked on refining and perfecting by Despite the international acclaim for his his style throughout the rest of his life. While The poetry, Eliot still found himself wanting Family Reunion (1939) played only five weeks and financially. That was solved in 1925 when fizzled out, Eliot eventually sought and won the T.S. Eliot critical and popular success he desired after WWII he became the literary editor at Faber & Cocktail Faber. This position, which Eliot held until with . his death, enabled Eliot to seek out and fos- The Cocktail Party (1949) and the two plays Directed by ter young talent, putting him at the forefront of that followed it, The Confidential Clerk (1953 SCOTT ALAN EVANS a literary movement and making him a role model - TACT Salon 08/09) and Party for young writers. (1958), redefined Eliot. No longer could he be accused of being a modernist poet absurdly at- with company members: Mark Alhadeff, Somewhat controversially, Eliot joined the Church of England in 1927. A few months later, tempting to become a playwright; he was a suc- Cynthia Harris, Simon Jones, he became a British citizen. His audience for The cessful West End and Broadway dramatist. Jack Koenig and guest artists: Waste Land, many of whom saw in the poem a For the last ten years of his life, Eliot enjoyed Jeremy Beck, Lauren English, voice for the spiritually lost and discontent, felt personal happiness as well as professional suc- the hint of betrayal. For Eliot, religion was some- cess. In 1957, he married his secretary, Valerie Erika Rolfsrud thing intensely personal, which is reflected in his Fletcher, and the two stayed together until Eliot’s Ben Beckley & Celia Smith later poetry and plays. death. When he died in 1965 of emphysema, El- Around the same time as his conversion, iot’s legacy was already long established, not only Production Stage Manager: Meredith Dixon Eliot’s relationship with his wife grew tumultuous in the plays, poems, and essays he wrote, but in Asst. Stage Manager: Kelsey Daye Lutz and the two separated. Eliot began a relationship the countless writers who got their first opportuni- Asst. Director: Andrew Block with in the early 30’s, although for re- ties through Eliot’s work as an editor. Casting by Stephanie Klapper ligious reasons Eliot would not divorce his wife. Eliot’s works are read extensively both in General Manager: Cathy Bencivenga Vivienne Eliot was committed to a mental hospital classrooms and for leisure. His poems and dra- Associate Producer: Jenn Thompson in 1938, where she stayed until her death in 1947. matic works are exciting and lively on the page, Press Representative: O&M Co. She had suffered for many years from depression but at the same time they deserve to be seen in Props by: Lily Fairbanks and mental instabilities, and the separation with full production. Eliot was a firm believer in the im- Production Manager: Joshua Scherr her husband had been damaging. Throughout portance of the dramatic arts, and he designed his Original Music by Joseph Trapanese his personal troubles, Eliot maintained his career, plays to be seen, not read. The verse he included Sound Design by Jill BC Du Boff & Daniel Kluger writing new poetry including the in his drama was intended to find the beauty and Costume Design by David Toser (1943), perhaps his most famous poem outside rhythm in everyday speech, a vision that only truly Lighting design by Aaron Copp of The Waste Land. He also continued to write comes to life in the mouths of live actors. Sadly, Set design by literary criticism and essays on a great variety of while Eliot is read by millions, he is rarely seen, Andrew Lieberman & Laura Jellinek subjects as well as lecture extensively at univer- particularly in the States (discounting Cats). The sities. He was awarded the Nobel Prize "for his last major New York production of The Cocktail T.S. ELIOT & his Funny Party continued from page 1 work as a trail-blazing pioneer of modern poetry" Party was a Broadway revival in 1968. TACT thinks in 1948, and later received the rare and coveted it is time for an audience only accustomed to Eliot dealt with failures to connect to and perceive the British Order of Merit. As celebrated a poet as El- the Poet to learn about Eliot the Dramatist. Please world. Eliot’s studies continued in Germany, but iot was, however, he maintained a great love for join us for The Cocktail Party, a revealing and in- the start of WWI forced him to move to England, the theater. sightful comedy about very serious matters. and there he continued his studies at Merton Col- Eliot’s first foray into drama had been many lege, Oxford. It was in England that Eliot’s life was years earlier, with , a play he changed, both personally and professionally. began in 1923 but never finished. The fragments The Cocktail Party In 1915, Eliot met Vivienne Haigh-Wood, were published and performed during Eliot’s life- and the two quickly fell in love, marrying that sum- time, notably by the Group Theatre in London in Surround Events mer. Due to the war, Eliot and his wife decided to 1934. Quite different from his later plays, Sweeney stay in England, living with philosopher and writer Agonistes has a free-flowing, experimental struc- Join us for a series of lively and provoca- tive discussions about the play and the Bertrand Russell (an that quickly ture akin to jazz improvisation. Many scholars to- playwright with scholars, theologains, ended when Russell and Vivienne engaged in day look upon this as a prime example of early and artists following the Friday evening a brief romantic entanglement). On the profes- experimental theater. The theatrical evolution of performances on March 19th, 26th and sional front, Eliot met who, falling in T.S. Eliot, however, went in another direction. April 2st. For more details visit the love with Eliot’s poetry, provided both encourage- Eliot’s next dramatic writings were an exten- TACT website: ment and monetary help. Eliot became the editor sion of his involvement with the church. Follow- www.tactnyc.org of The Egoist, an avant-garde literary magazine, ing a church pageant in 1934 titled The Rock, and in 1917 published his first book,Prufrock and Eliot was commissioned to write a play to be per- Other Observations. TACT/The ACTORS COMPANY THEATRE www.tactnyc.org 3 WINTER 2009/10 COMPANY NEWS continued from page 1 Cynthia Darlow is off to Chicago to play Grandma have been reading new plays that have come to more time to visit and travel with her dear mother in the first national tour ofBilly Elliot. She’ll be in the us from agents, artists and friends. Four of those who remains remarkably sturdy at 90. We should Windy City at the Oriental Theatre (Ford Performing plays were chosen to received “table readings,” all be so lucky! Arts Center) for a year to a year and a half and then this Fall and Winter. These initial developmental continue on to San Francisco and L.A. She writes: readings have been extremely useful in assessing After the wonderful experience of The Late “It’s a great town and I encourage visitors! I miss the work and determining if TACT should go on Christopher Bean, James Murtaugh tells us he found you all terribly already.” developing the material. Stay tuned for more on himself going through withdrawal, wandering around this soon! She and the artistic triumvirate, as well the apt in his bathrobe, unshaven, replaying BEAN Francesca Di Mauro is up for canonization for as board and company members, have started scenes in his head. The film he did with Robert De sainthood: she is in her SECOND year as Parents’ preparing for the Spring Gala (coming up May 3rd... Niro, Everything’s Fine, which was supposed to get Association President at PS/IS187 (her daughter, save the date!), getting auction items organized him through that period, only stayed in the theatres Chiara’s, school). Needless to say, she is looking and Save The Date cards prepared and mailed. for two weeks, which he states, “only added to my forward to the end of school in June. Waters of Cynthia is also deep into learning her lines for the depression.” His wife finally told him he had to the Moon was great fun for Francesca and she was upcoming production of The Cocktail Party. It is snap out of it and get on with his life so on Feb absolutely wild to have Justine Salata (daughter of a very busy time for the company and all Cynthia 1st he begins rehearsals for The Ensemble Studio fellow founding members Gregory & Jo-Ann Salata) hopes for now is a day with additional hours in it Theatre’s main stage production of a new play titled play her grown up daughter. to get all this accomplished. She looks forward to Lenin’s Embalmers. It opens March 1st. Scott Alan Evans is gearing up for the Spring seeing you all at the theatre and wishes everyone This fall, Margaret Nichols sang and sashayed her production of The Cocktail Party which goes into “HAPPY NEW YEAR. “ way through Seeing Stars at the New York Musical rehearsals in February. This spring he’ll be directing Amir Khosrowpour’s upcoming projects include a Theatre Festival (NYMF), directed by TACT’s own the NYU Graduate Acting program's graduating rock Greek tragedy musical and a zombie musical “genius/Godsend” Jenn Thompson, and shared class in their professional League presentation with playwrights Jonathan Goldberg and Edith the stage with fellow TACTor, the terrific John here in NYC and in LA. He is also looking forward Freni, respectively, with a reading of the former at Plumpis. It was a family affair! The TACT Salon to putting together the show for the Spring Gala the end of January. of Waters Of The Moon rounded out the holiday (don’t forget: Monday, May 3rd). The Honoree, Sam season and the Salon of Candle-Light got the new Waterston, will be TACT’s first “Sir,” following the Jack Koenig spent six weeks out at the Pioneer year off to a great start. past two years “Dames:” Dame Julie (Harris) and Theatre in Salt Lake City, Utah, playing Ralph the Dame Angela (Lansbury). narrator (i.e., the grown-up Ralphie) in their John Plumpis and his wife Celia happily moved into hit production of A Christmas Story. He tells us it their new apartment in Washington Heights in late Richard Ferrone has been recording was loads of fun, and the local children in the show September. At this time John was also rehearsing audiobooks with alarming regularity. Audiofile (all 11 of them!) were all terrific. Next up, of course, Seeing Stars at the NY Musical Theatre Festival – Magazine awarded 2 of his recordings, “Wicked he’s playing Edward Chamberlayne in The Cocktail see above. Immediately following, John began Prey” and “Black Mask Audio Magazine, Vol. Party. rehearsals for Lost in Yonkers. He is playing Eddie 1”, Best Audiobooks of the Year 2009 citations and in a co-production that ran at the Maltz Jupiter another one, “The Sign”, a Best Voices of the Year Darrie Lawrence has been participating in a Theatre in Florida in December. After spending citation. Many congratulations Richard! number of readings and other projects about town. the holidays with family. the show played at the She cites working with Victor Pappas and the rest Cleveland Playhouse for the month of January, Todd Gearhart has been playing the role of Mr. of the TACTors and team on Waters Of The Moon Henckel and understudying John Stamos in the as “pure enjoyment.” She’s grateful to have had Broadway revival of Bye Bye Birdie. Sweet Apple, COMPANY NEWS continues on page 8 Ohio is a long way from Vichy, France. Mary Louise Geiger is designing the lighting for a new Mabou Mines piece - Finn, directed by Sharon Fogarty, with live actors and animation at Skirball Theatre. It opens in March. She’s also doing the lighting for TACT guest director, Victor Pappas’ production of Two By Pinter (Ashes To Ashes and A Kind Of Alaska) at ACT Theatre’s Central Heating Lab in Seattle. As if that’s not enough, she’s also designing for a new ballet with Christopher Wheeldon for the San Francisco Ballet called Ghosts opening 2/9. Delphi Harrington has busied herself for the last two months nursing her husband Norman, who is recovering from open-heart surgery. She is thankful for the support of her friends, her church and most touching of all, her colleagues, who have kept her just busy enough doing readings for CSC, RED BULL, EST and other theatres around town, the highlight of which was Waters of the Moon at TACT. Cynthia Harris after 17 years of reading plays of great merit from the past (that have been neglected), Cynthia finds it interesting to read plays of recent vintage under TACT’S new initiative newTACTics. Scott, Simon, Cynthia and Barry Satchwell Smith www.tactnyc.org TACT/The ACTORS COMPANY THEATRE 2009/2010 SEASON SO FAR 4 WINTER 2009/10 TACT alon Series "ENGLISH ECCENTRICS" S october, 2009 2009/2010 TACT Studio The Devil Passes 900 Broadway, By Benn Levy New York, NY Cast (in speaking order) D. C. Magnus...... JACK KOENIG+* Cosmo Penny ...... HARRY BARANDES* Louis Kisch ...... RICHARD FERRONE+* Rev. Herbert Messiter...... SCOTT SCHAFER+* Rev. Nicholas Lucy...... ROBERT KRAKOVSKI* Paul Robinson...... MacKENZIE MEEHAN* Dorothy Lister ...... MELISSA MILLER* Justine Salata, Matthew Carlson and Francesca Di Mauro in WATERS OF THE MOON. Mrs. Beatrice Messiter.....CYNTHIA DARLOW+* december, 2009 Stage Manager: CHRISTINE MASSOUD Music by david broome Waters of the Directed by SCOTT ALAN EVANS+ Moon By N.C. Hunter Cast (in speaking order) John Daly...... MATTHEW CARLSON* Evelyn Daly (his sister)...MARGARET NICHOLS+* Mrs. Whyte...... DELPHI HARRINGTON+* Colonel Selby ...... SIMON JONES+* Mrs. Daly...... NORA CHESTER+* Mrs. Ashworth...... DARRIE LAWRENCE+* Julius Winterhalter...... GREGORY SALATA+* Helen Lancaster...... FRANCESCA DI MAURO+* Tonetta Landi (her daugher)...... JUSTINE SALATA Robert Lancaster...... RON McCLARY+* Stage Manager: KELSEY DAYE LUTZ Music by AMIR KHOSROWPOUR+

Jack Koenig, Cynthia Darlow, Scott Schafer, Rob Krakovski, Melissa Miller, Harry Barandes Directed by VICTOR PAPPAS & Mackenzie Meehan in THE DEVIL PASSES january, 2010 + TACT Company Member Candle -Light * member Actor’s Equity Association By Siegfried Geyer adapted by P.G. Wodehouse

Cast (in speaking order) Josef...... SCOTT SCHAFER+* Prince Rudolf...... MARK ALHADEFF+* Chauffeur...... RICHARD FERRONE+* Marie ...... MARGARET NICHOLS+* Liserl...... LYNN WRIGHT+* Baron...... RICHARD FERRONE+* Waiter...... RICHARD FERRONE+* Baroness...... LYNN WRIGHT+* Stage Manager: MEL McCUE+ Music by AYANNA WITTER-JOHNSON Directed by GREGORY SALATA+

The Salon Series is made possible through the generous support of our subscribers and contributors and by a grant from Lynn Wright, Margaret Nichols, Mark Alhadeff & Scott Schafer in CANDLE-LIGHT BARBARA fLEISCHMAN. TACT/The ACTORS COMPANY THEATRE www.tactnyc.org 2009/2010 SEASON SO FAR 5 WINTER 2009/10 Going Bonkers for Sidney Howard's the late Christopher Bean! Audiences and critics alike cheered loudly when Sidney Howard’s The Late Chris- topher Bean returned to the New York stage last November more than 75 years after its Broadway debut. Cynthia Darlow, James Murtaugh look on as Kate Middleton, Hunter Canniing and Jessiee Datino listen to Mary Bacon in THE LATE CHRISTOPHER BEAN. Photo by Stephen Kunken With an impressive cast and a script The New York Times said remained “fresh and funny,” TACT’s production earned some of the most enthusiastic critical re- JAMES MURTAUGH*+ Dr. Haggett ...... views of the fall 2009 theater season. Following strong audience demand, an Mrs. Haggett...... CYNTHIA DARLOW*+ additional week of performances was scheduled. This is the first time in TACT’s Susan Haggett...... JESSIEE DATINO history that one of its productions extended its run. Abby...... MARY BACON*+ Ada Haggett...... KATE MIDDLETON* Here’s what the critics had to say about Bean: Warren Creamer...... HUNTER CANNING Tallant...... GREG McFADDEN*+ “FRESH and FUNNY… “A COMEDIC GEM… Rosen...... BOB ARI* The treasure hunters at TACT/ A delicious evening at the Maxwell Davenport...... JAMES PRENDERGAST*+ The Actors Company Theater theatre.” – Backstage Production Stage Manager...... Meredith Dixon* have unearthed another jewel.” Sound design by...... STEPHEN KUNKEN Music by...... MARK BERMAN – The New York Times “TERRIFIC...RUSH TO Costume design by...... MARTHA HALLY THIS EXEMPLARY Lighting design by...... BEN STANTON "SCRumptious...A gem PRODUCTION... Scenic design by...... CHARLIE CORCORAN Directed by...... JENN THOMPSON+ in any era and catnip for a another complete success + TACT Company Member comedic ensemble.” from TACT.” * Member Actor’s Equity Association – The New Yorker – Peter Filichia’s Diary/ TheaterMania “INTELLIGENT, WELL CRAFTED ueens College AND LAUGH-OUT-LOUD “Charming… & TACT: The Story Continues... FUNNY... demonstrates that Touching…PITCH Q there are indeed overlooked PERFECT.” by Nora Chester treasures on the old-play shelf.” – NYTheatre.com nother Semester has begun for professor Richard Schot- – Variety ter and the MFA candidates in Creative Writing at Queens “A GLOWING AND ACollege, and once again the actors of TACT are going back “Hilariously LOVING REVIVAL! TACT has to school with them, sharing the benefit of their experience with pertinent... produced another winner!” aspiring playwrights in special classes at the TACT Studio. Howard’s 1932 comedy is - Talk Entertainment These lively and extremely interesting sessions give the writers the LOADED WITH LAUGHS.” opportunity to hear their works-in-progress read by trained profes- – TheaterMania “A Sparkling sionals, followed by a freewheeling discussion of the material. Each production…filled with two hour class consists of a reading from one script followed by a “Deserves a big exquisitely timed bombshells discussion, a short break and then a reading from a second script round of applause... that continue dropping up until and discussion. A well-acted and handsomelly the very last minute.” The actors share their immediate impressions and ask questions re- staged production." – CurtainUp – Lighting and Sound America garding structure, character and dialogue providing valuable feed- back during the actual writing process. The playwrights receive “FOUR STARS! As fresh as “Excellent from top advice, encouragement and insight into how an actor approaches if it were written this year... to bottom…The cast dramatic material while the participating actors have the distinct IT’S GREAT!” displays the most wonderful pleasure of reading a tremendously varied amount of imaginative and exciting material from a talented group of young writers. It's an – WOR Radio ensemble acting to be seen A+ evening, for all concerned. in New York or anywhere!” – The Epoch Times ED: If you are interested in sitting in on one of these classes, con- tact the TACT office for information. Guests are welcome! www.tactnyc.org TACT/The ACTORS COMPANY THEATRE 6 WINTER 2009/10 My Fave Five: top five favorite TACT roles Jack Koenig Todd Gearhart, Cynthia Harris, Larry Keith, Amy Lee William & Jack Koenig at Bucknell University

hen I was asked to pick the What We Did five favorite roles that I have Wdone with TACT, I thought it Last Summer would be easier than it has turned out TACT's Summer Program in PA to be. Looking back over the 20 parts that I’ve had the privilege of playing for nce again we were delighted to be in the beautiful Susquehanna TACT (well, 19 actually; The Rivals counts Valley for TACT's annual summer visit this past July. For the past ten twice), I often found myself wondering Oyears, TACT has headed out to Central Pennsylvania to run work- “Was I in that? Who the hell did I play?” But after a little consideration, shops for the students of the TRiO Upward Bound program at Bloomsburg the following list just wrote itself. (So blame the list for any typos, not me!) University. Kate Bauman, the Program Director, tells us that not only does the TACT 5.) Boy Meets Girl. A bit of a departure for me, work the actors from do with the students help them find new ways to playing an egotistical movie cowboy star who’s as express themselves through the various exercises, improvisations, and the- dumb as a bag of hammers in this 1930s comedy, atre games we do, it also is an important bonding experience for them. And, TACT but a lot of fun. (And if you’re asking where’s the she tells us, “ is a personal [staff] favorite as we often see student who departure, I reply that I’ve never been a movie have yet to get actively involved in the program find a way to participate TACT cowboy star – so there!) through the group work of … Our return[ing students] look forward to [] on the calendar each and every year!” 4.) The Torchbearers. A sentimental favorite As we continued to build on our highly successful program with the students because this was my very first TACT appearance. there, it is gratifying to know that we are making such an impact. That im- The second act, the play-within-the play, was pact, however, couldn't be achieved without the sustaining generous support possibly the funniest half hour in TACT history. of the Degenstein Foundation. (Note: I did not appear in the second act.) And besides making my TACT debut, I got to play the Jack in Boy Meets Girl - he's the one While in PA, we also presented an original musical evening by Barry Day: in the cowboy hat! sarcastic husband of the stellar Nancy Opel. Not Private Lives Revealed: The Letters of Noel Coward in the lovely Terrace too shabby. Room at Bucknell University. This was our first time at Bucknell, and we were thrilled to be there. TACT's Scott Alan Evans directed the evening with a 3.) The Rivals. I got to play Captain Jack Absolute in Sheridan’s classic comedy. stellar cast: TACT Artistic Director, Cynthia Harris, founding member, Larry Any time you get a chance to play a character named Jack, I say jump at it. And Keith, and company members Todd Gearhart and Jack Koenig were joined I finally was able to use my Winston Churchill impression on stage. by guest artist Amy Lee Williams. David Broome was our musical director. 2.) Look Homeward, Angel. This makes the memorable list for two Special thanks go to our fabulous PA Committee, without whom none of this reasons: it was the first time I worked with the brilliant Jamie Bennett, who was would be possible: Nancy & Sam Craig, Lore Degenstein, Dede & Bob making his TACT debut playing my kid brother (the Thomas Wolfe character). Gronlund, Kay & Roger Lyons, Gayle Pollock, Nancy Rizzo, Sandy & Gary And second, I got to have a death scene and die in Nora Chester’s arms. What Sojka, Connie Timm & Neil Anderson and Janet Weis, and especially to more could anyone want? TACT Board Chair, Stephen Lindenmuth. Undying appreciation also goes to Marsha & Jay Lemons, Ruth & Cliff Melberger, Maryjane & Brian Mitch- Lastly, and firstly: ell and Bill Boswell. We know the words of the master, Mr. Coward, pack 1.) Incident at Vichy. A first-rate production of a wallop with the audience, but it must be noted that this year the weather a first-rate play. It all came together on this one: the was equally dramatic! Certainly the natural pyrotechnics on the night were design elements (lighting, sound, set, costumes); the phenomenal. inspired and expert direction of Scott Alan Evans; the excellent and dedicated cast, a true ensemble; the stage management and running crew, both in front 2009-2010 SALON SERIES Continues... and back of house; and, of course, Mr. Miller’s words. "ENGLISH ECCENTRICS" Our seventeenth season of TACT salon It takes a nurturing and supportive company to really performances, concludes in May with another delightful rarity. bring out an actor’s best, and that’s what TACT in general and this production specifically has done for The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse Jack as the German Captain in me. It was a signal honor and privilege for me to try by Barré Lyndon, 1937 Incident at Vichy to bring the Major to life each evening. May 14 - 17, 2010 Dr. Clitterhouse has a secret. By day, in his prestigious Harley Street ED: Jack will be playing the role of Edward Chamberlayne in TACT's medical practice, he attends to a wealthy and influential clientele. By night, upcoming production of THE COCKTAIL PARTY. however, he conducts experiments in studying the criminal mind, using himself as the guinea pig. The good doctor sees himself as a pioneer in medical science, but can even the best intentions justify murder? TACT/The ACTORS COMPANY THEATRE www.tactnyc.org 7 WINTER 2009/10

“TACT – the best theatrical Photograph of model of the set design by Andrew Lieberman & Laura Jellinek for The Cocktail Party bang for your Buck!” a bang for

uring the recent riotously successful run of The Late Christopher Bean, a well- your BuckS known Broadway producer asked us how much the show had cost to produce. To make a contribution to TACT to support our production DWhen we told him he picked his jaw up off the floor and expressed wonder and of The Cocktail Party, complete and mail in this form, or admiration that we had been able to do so much with so little. visit our website at www.tactnyc.org That’s the explanation for our survival in a chilly climate for the Theatre: we maximize our and click “Get Involved.” resources, so as to give everyone – actors and audience – the best possible value. Every and THANK YOU! dollar donated counts, and your generosity toward TACT enables us to do the best we can - for a lot less. Enclosed is my contribution to TACT in the Our seventeen years have been a continuous collaboration with our faithful subscribers amount of: $ (now at a record number) and our contributors. Because of you we have been able to mount shows that you enjoy in a style that does justice to the play. Please use it towards (check one): We're gearing up for The Cocktail Party and to bring you the best production we can Artist fees/salaries we've put together a brilliant cast and design team. But it does take some planning - and Production expenses a lot of creative thinking - to make it all happen on the budgets we can afford. If you'd like to pitch in and help out, we can certainly use your assistance. Here are just a few Whatever is most needed items that could use some extra teamwork. Remember your contributions are tax-deductiable - and THANKS TO ALL OF YOU Name WHO HAVE RECENTLY DONATED TO TACT! We can't do it without you! We're confident that you will be gratified to see every dollar is stretched to the fullest - and then some! Mailing Address Here are just a FEW of the items WE NEED HELP with: ACTORS SALARIES!: City State Zip As an actors' company, we have increased the compensation our actors receive each and every year. Granted it began ridiculously low, and still isn't up to a real living wage, but we do also provide AEA Pension and Health benefits and that all adds up! Email Address

SET/Production costs: Day Phone Evening Phone As our focus is always on the play and the actor, our set designs reflect that. But often a simple elegant set is more difficult (and expensive) to achieve than a complicated PAYMENT METHOD cluttered one. Here are just a few of the things we need for The Cocktail Party Check enclosed, payable to TACT MasterCard Visa AmEX production: Lumber: $1,500 Lighting Rentals: $600 (per week) Card Number Exp. Date Verif. Code Super Poly Muslin: $665 Lighting Gels : $100 (required) Printed Backdrop: $410 Fabric & notions for 1 dress: $195 Carpeting: $7.99 per tile (there are 10 of them) Signature Billing Zip Code (required) (we need 130) Men's shoes: $85-150 (each pair) Door hinges: $150 My employer: (we need 16) Laundry & dry cleaning:$150 (per week) Furniture Rentals per week: $145 Will match my gift. Sound equipment: $250 My Matching Form is enclosed Edilble Props: $10 (rental per week) (potato crisps and olives, etc.) I have registered my gift with my company etc. etc. etc... For more information call 212/645-TACT (8228) or visit www.tactnyc.org 900 Broadway, Suite 905 NYC 10003 www.tactnyc.org NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Woodbridge, VA Permit No. 70 TACT/The ACTORS COMPANY THEATRE Scott Alan Evans, Cynthia Harris & Simon Jones, Co-Artistic Directors 900 Broadway, Suite 905 New York, NY 10003 Winter News 2009/2010 Next on the MAINSTAGE: The

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7 March - April 10, 2010!

Alliance of Resident Theatres /New York /New Theatres Resident of Alliance

of anyone other than the Four Seasons! Four the than other anyone of TACT is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and a member of the of member a and organization 501(c)(3) non-profit a is TACT

available and looking for work, especially if it’s music music it’s if especially work, for looking and available

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will be back in New York in February February in York New in back be will

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Candle-Light. Candle-Light. Salon, January the in light comic

Cathy Bencivenga Cathy

Arlen Award from the ASCAP Foundation. He He Foundation. ASCAP the from Award Arlen

in February/March after, of course, first shining his his shining first course, of after, February/March in

M G r e g a n a l a r e n e

was awarded the 2009 Harold Harold 2009 the awarded was Joe Trapanese Trapanese Joe

Fantastics The do to Louis St in Rep the to heading Scott Alan Evans Alan Scott

“one amazing trip.” Soon he will be be will he Soon trip.” amazing “one it: deemed D E

r o t c e r i e v i t u c e x daughter, Naomi. daughter,

law, and nieces and nephew who are living here. He He here. living are who nephew and nieces and law, Elaine Wolbrom Wolbrom Elaine Ethiopia to bring home their new adopted baby baby adopted new their home bring to Ethiopia

in Uganda, and hung out with his brother, sister-in- brother, his with out hung and Uganda, in

Simon Jones, Susan Mindel, Nancy Nugent, Louise Schraa, Schraa, Louise Nugent, Nancy Mindel, Susan Jones, Simon designer/husband Stephen Kunken, will travel to to travel will Kunken, Stephen designer/husband

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he and his partner, Doug, trekked up to see the the see to up trekked Doug, partner, his and he

practically practically - Bean Christopher Late The of production

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Treasurer President,

spent the holidays in Rwanda, where where Rwanda, in holidays the spent

Scott Schafer Schafer Scott

and TACT’s celebrated celebrated TACT’s and NYMF) for musical boxing

Stephen Lindenmuth, Stephen Chairman Chairman

(a rousing new new rousing (a Stars Seeing both directed she where

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s r o t c e r i f o d r a o reading in the coming months. coming the in reading

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David Toser David program and will be given a rehearsed staged staged rehearsed a given be will and program

Sadashige, John Slover, Jonathan Smith, Joseph Trapanese, Trapanese, Joseph Smith, Jonathan Slover, John Sadashige,

the of 4 Stage to advance to chosen

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presenting fully mounted productions in NY, of both both of NY, in productions mounted fully presenting

eiger, Amir Khosrowpour, David David Khosrowpour, Amir eiger, G Louise Mary Faiman,

The Sussman Variations, Maddy Heisler, An An Heisler, Maddy Variations, Sussman The date, to

International. GTG is presently preparing to begin begin to preparing presently is GTG International. Daryl Bornstein, Patrick Cecala, Dawn Dunlop, Jonathan Jonathan Dunlop, Dawn Cecala, Patrick Bornstein, Daryl

running. Four new plays have been given readings readings given been have plays new Four running.

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Barry Satchwell Smith Smith Satchwell Barry regory Salata, Scott Schafer, David David Schafer, Scott Salata, regory G Prendergast, James this program are all currently theatre journalists. He He journalists. theatre currently all are program this

McFadden, James Murtaugh, Margaret Nichols, John Plumpis, Plumpis, John Nichols, Margaret Murtaugh, James McFadden,

theatrical career as a critic, the writers chosen for for chosen writers the critic, a as career theatrical

of it. of

Larry Keith, Jack Koenig, Darrie Lawrence, Ron McClary, McClary, Ron Lawrence, Darrie Koenig, Jack Keith, Larry reg reg G

Cuttings: New Plays Series. Since Shaw began his his began Shaw Since Series. Plays New Cuttings:

this fall and enjoyed every minute minute every enjoyed and fall this Bean Christopher

earhart, Delphi Harrington, Harrington, Delphi earhart, G Todd Ferrone, Richard Mauro,

projectshaw.com. GTG is also producing the Press Press the producing also is GTG projectshaw.com.

The Late Late The in performed Eve Bianco, Nora Chester, Cynthia Darlow, Francesca Di Di Francesca Darlow, Cynthia Chester, Nora Bianco, Eve James Prendergast Prendergast James

ever to present every one of Shaw’s 65 plays: www. plays: 65 Shaw’s of one every present to ever Mark Alhadeff, Sean Arbuckle, Mary Bacon, Jamie Bennett, Bennett, Jamie Bacon, Mary Arbuckle, Sean Alhadeff, Mark

George Bernard Shaw, and which is the first group group first the is which and Shaw, Bernard George Party. Cocktail The TACT’s in C y n a p m o

Project Shaw, devoted to presenting plays by by plays presenting to devoted Shaw, Project appearing be will Celia, wife, his that report to happy

Co-Artistic Directors Co-Artistic

of the Gingold Theatrical Group, which produces produces which Group, Theatrical Gingold the of 14. March - 17 February Playhouse John is also also is John

Scott Alan Evans, Cynthia Harris & Simon Jones Jones Simon & Harris Cynthia Evans, Alan Scott

is the artistic director and founder founder and director artistic the is Mill Paper the to home to closer comes then and ai Staller David ACTORS The COMPANY THEATRE COMPANY

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COMPANY NEWS COMPANY continued from page 3 page from continued

COMPANY THEATRE COMPANY ACTORS /The TACT