NEWSLETTER Vol. 17. No.1 tactics Summer 2009/2010 The ACTORS COMPANY THEATRE Scott Alan Evans, Cynthia Harris & Simon Jones, Co-Artisitic Directors What’s Inside: Cocktails & Critics: Sweet 16 GALA ...... 2 TACT's Glittering New Season "Superb!”1 schedule of our celebrated Salon Series our mission and our artists that has in- Reviving SIDNEY to accommodate a very gratifying surge spired this season’s selection of plays. In HOWARD ...... 3 “Delicious”2 in subscribers, and our production our early days, we often longed to have of The Eccentricities of a Nightingale the opportunity to further develop some TACT/QC Alliance...... 3 “One of the landed on The New York Times Top of the work we presented in our Concert Most Important Theatre Picks for 2008! But we’re just Performances and Salon readings. This TACT Season Companies getting started. season we are celebrating our roots by 3 doing just that. Recap ...... 4-5 in New York” Our growth and success is directly re- lated to the support we’ve received from We bring you two remarkable plays that Studio Facelift...... 6 hese are just a few of the many our long-time subscribers and contribu- we’ve explored in the reading format and accolades heaped upon TACT/The tors - and that keeps growing as well. are now, at last, giving them their full due Actors Company Theatre in the 2009/10 T Our loyal audiences have cheered us on on the stages of Theatre Row. First up Salon Series...... 6 three years we’ve been in residence at and spurred us to reach for increasingly in November, Yankee practicality slams Theatre Row. At the risk of tooting our loftier goals, helping TACT to mature against the New York Art World in Sidney own horn, we are bursting with pride. EARLY BIRD into one of New York’s most valued and Howard’s sly 1930’s comedy, The Late SUBSCRIPTION!...... 7 2008/09 was, without question, our most respected not-for-profit theatre compa- Christopher Bean. Come spring you’re successful season to date – and in what nies. Our critically-acclaimed ensemble invited to the brilliant world of T.S. Eliot’s had to be one of the toughest years for of professional theatre artists remains The Cocktail Party, where the traditional the arts. TACT garnered some of the committed to both our supporters and British drawing-room comedy tangles best notices of the theatrical season with the rediscovery of exceptional, though with philosophical discourse on the our productions of both Bedroom Farce rarely seen, plays by great writers. nature of human relations. tact and Incident at Vichy, selling out their 1. takt; 2. taet, n. runs. We also extended the performance It is this commitment to our audience, 1The New Yorker 2The New York Times 3Show Business Weekly dedicated to presenting infrequently-seen plays of literary merit with an Cocktails & Critics emphasis on creating theatre 2009/10 Season* COMPANY NEWS from its essence: the text and the actor’s ability to bring it to the late TACT proudly welcomes two new projects. He also teaches at UCLA. life. members into the fold: MARK ALHADEFF MARY BACON just finished a run christopher bean to our Acting Company and composer Infrequently-seen: adj. phrase. by Sidney Howard of A.R. Gurney’s Children directed by unproduced in a first-class JOSEPH TRAPANESE to our Adjuct John Tillinger at the Westport Country production in NYC within the last November 1 to December 5, 2009 Company. Though we’ve known Mark for Playhouse. The production then traveled 15 years. a while, it was just this past fall when he up to The Williamstown Theater Festival All hell breaks loose when a celebrated was first able to join us in a professional Literary merit: n. laudable painter’s early works are traced to the humble where it opened the Mainstage season. language of particular interest, capacity. Those of you who saw them will home of a country doctor. Both a biting satire certainly remember his vivid portrayals on EVE BIANCO continues her thriving uniqueness; or representative of voiceover career. a specific period or era. on the destructive power of greed and a our Mainstage – last fall as the hilariously touching view of a family in turmoil, this feisty self-centered Trevor in our production of DARYL BORNSTEIN just completed one With original incidental musical Bedroom Farce, by Alan Acykbourn, and recording project as producer/engineer scores commissioned exclusively comedy will have you cheering for the most in the spring as Lebeau, the painter, in with members of the NY Philharmonic for our production through a unlikely of heroines. unique partnership with The Arthur Miller’s Incident at Vichy. Mark also to be released in the Fall on Avie Manhattan School of Music. appeared with us in our Salon productions Records. Three more projects are near the cocktail party of Ladies in Retirement, Edward, My Son completion. Donning professorial robes by T.S. Eliot and The Tavern. Joseph Trapanese came for the first time, Daryl is also teaching March 14 to April 10, 2010 to us initially, as so many of our talented an intensive seminar this summer at NYU composers do, through our partnership titled "The Art And Science Of Sound Our 2009/10 season is made Edward and Lavinia Chamberlayne are with the Manhattan School of Music. Reinforcement." possible with public funds from throwing a party at their fashionable London He first composed the music for our the New York State Council on flat. The guests arrive only to discover that NORA CHESTER appeared in The the Arts, a State agency and Salon production of A Handsome Man in Learned Ladies of Park Avenue at the by an award from the National their hostess is no where to be found and a 2005. He went on to do the scores for Endowment for the Arts Monomoy Theatre in Cape Cod early this rather strange man, who no one knows, seems our Mainstage productions of The Sea, summer. In August she will be heading right at home. Ruthless and compassionate, The Runner Stumbles and, most recently, out to the Pacific Northwest to see family this “Cocktail Party” embodies the day-to-day Incident at Vichy. Joseph now lives in and become acquainted with the newest struggle of domestic life while turning the LA where is working as a composer additions: two great-nieces and two and orchestrator for film and television classic ‘drawing room comedy’ on its head. great-nephews. She will return baby- *Plays subject to change without notice. COMPANY NEWS continues on page 2 2 3 Summer 2009/10 summer 2009/10 COMPANY NEWS Reviving the Late Mainstage continued from page 1 TACT's SUPER drunk and madly in love, no doubt. Gala CYNTHIA DARLOW was a stand-by for the Sidney Howard Gala Contributors Manhattan Theatre Club’s production of Accent 16 on Youth on Broadway, which closed a the THE LATE CHRISTOPHER BEAN Lorraine Abraham Darrie Lawrence end of June. Cynthia, however, continues her Laurie & John Adams Lianne Lazetera & James Aisenberg Sandy Schlesinger Broadway run as she goes on to stand-by for the n October 1923, the playwright Sidney its ugly head. In the original New York Times review, Brooks Atkinson Jayne Atkinson Stephen Lindenmuth sweet role of "Grandma" in Billy Elliot during July. She’s Howard (who at that time was a praised Walter Connolly’s portrayal as the “quintessence of the comic Mary Bacon & Andrew Leynse Kelley Lloyd a delegate at the national AFTRA convention in respected, socially conscious journalist spirit,” metamorphosing from the village doctor into “a hoss-swapper Deirdre & Lawrence Bader Maria-Luisa & Larry Loeb I Chicago in August, and is so proud of husband, Ann & Joel Berson Marilyn Lubell and occasional playwright but not yet a and a huckster in one beautiful Autumn day.” Howard does not aim his Richard Ferrone (see below) for being elected to Eve Bianco Lynford Family Charitable Trust major theatrical force) was sailing home to targets solely at greed, however. He shows us what is lost, namely love William Boswell Kay & Roger Lyons the national and local boards! Linda Brandi Leola & Robert Macdonald New York from Europe when his ship, the and art. At the play’s heart is Abby, the Haggett’s servant and the only SCOTT ALAN EVANS entered the world of dance Diane Brandt & Martin Lewis Jennifer Maufrais Kelly Scythia, collided with another in a dense fog. one who recognized Bean’s talent and believed in him. Originally played Lucy & Donald Brennan Gene McCarthy this past spring when he directed a new work THE Lisa & Tony Castrigno Anne Meara & Jerry Stiller entitled Dance/Speak for the New York Theatre In the ensuing chaos, the passengers were by Pauline Lord, Howard creates in Abby a heroine that elevates the Claudia Catania Cordelia & Carl Menges Ballet company. The play, by Anderson Ferrell, is told to prepare to abandon ship. Howard play from socially conscious satire to a genuine emotional work rooted Nora Chester Susan Michelson & about the life and work of Agnes DeMille and the L ATE returned to his state room and collected the in character. When learning playwriting at Harvard, Howard was told Kay Chester David Manch Annette de Lara & Christine Millen & Bill Pinzler James Prendergast, Cynthia Harris, Angela Lansbury, Ron McClary production featured many of her dances included CHRISTOPHER two most important things he owned, items that truth was the vital component in art. While largely forgotten today, & Jack Koenig. Photo by Jennifer Maufrais Kelly William Cobbs Susan & Joel Mindel several rarely seen and recently reconstructed he would rather follow to a watery grave Howard was a major force in the theater of the 20’s and 30’s, spoken Lisa & Clemente Cohen Rick Miramontez pieces. Two highlights of the project: working with Christina Connelly Carol Mitchell t sixteen most people are learning to drive, but than leave behind. They were a small statue about in the same breath as Eugene O’Neill. He fought theater censorship actress Patricia Connolly, who portrayed DeMille, Judith & Bernard Cornwell Hee-Jung Moon the TACT Empire is well on its way to world of Shakespeare and the manuscript of his when objections were raised to the adultery in the plot of They Knew Brenda Cronin & Tod Morehead & Gary Miller and working again with his wife, the talented BEAN by Donald Glascoff Nancy Nugent Adomination with the official appointment of choreographer and scholar, Liza Gennaro. This new play, They Knew What They Wanted. What They Wanted. He championed young playwrights and served Maia Danziger Steve Picheny Angela Lansbury as Dame of TACT at our "Sweet 16 summer Scott led the TACT troupe once again Sidney Howard Luckily, the ship was able to safely return to as president of the Dramatist’s Guild, negotiating on behalf of writers Cynthia Darlow & Nancy & Martin Polevoy Richard Ferrone Connie Poster Gala" on May 3rd at the historic Hudson Theatre on on its journey to Central Pennslyvania, where the port. This was fortunate, seeing that a year for better contracts. Mere months before a shocking accidental death Ellen David & Martin Zeiger David Rice West 44th Street. company is presenting a musical entertainment, directed by later They Knew What They Wanted would caused by a farm tractor, he helped form the Playwrights’ Producing Georgia & Michael de Havenon Ann & William Roll Foundation On hand to celebrate the esteemed Private Lives Revealed: The Letters of Noel JENN THOMPSON win the Pulitzer Prize. What would have Co. with Robert Sherwood, Elmer Rice, and Maxwell Anderson, an Lore Degenstein Wendy & Nick Rubinstein Coward. Francesca Di Mauro & Susan & Frederic Rubinstein appointment were Broadway performers TONY happened if the manuscript had been lost? organization designed to place production decisions into the hands of Ryan Bowker Jan & Alan Rust Award winner, Faith Prince (The Little Mermaid), In August, RICHARD FERRONE and his wife, At the writers and away from unscrupulous producers. Never quite at home Beverly Dolinsky Nola Safro Perhaps it was a question such as this that Annaleigh Ashford (Wicked, Legally Blonde), TACT actress Cynthia Darlow (see above), will be Beckett Theatre in Hollywood, he nevertheless found success with the screenplay for Philippe Dubois Jo-Ann & Gregory Salata propelled Howard, ten years later in 1932, Patty Dugan William Sampson Catherine Brunell (Mary Poppins, Thoroughly attending the AFTRA National Biennial Convention 410 West 42nd St. Gone With The Wind, which won him a posthumous Academy Award Mark Eberle Barry Satchwell Smith Modern Millie), Mara Davi (A Chorus Line, The which is being held in Chicago this year. Richard NYC to adapt a play by French playwright Rene Regina Elbirt in 1939. Yet through it all, he was committed to writing engaging and Theodore Sayers Drowsy Chaperone), Aaron Lazar (Tale of Two Cities, has recently been elected to the national and Fauchois. For the resulting work, The Late Elizabeth Ely Ruth Schaefer & Morton Brown local boards of the union. Meanwhile, two of the dramatic material to serve the actor, for him the axis around which every Diana Erbsen Vera Schiff Les Miserables, Light in the Piazza), Ken Page Christopher Bean, is about the value of art. books Richard recorded last winter are presently Performances begin other aspect of theater revolved around. Holly Etlin Joan Schlank (Happiness, Cats), and Meredith Paterson (White Christopher Bean, an impoverished and Karen Falk & Michael Goldman Louise & David Schraa on The New York Times Bestseller list: “Wicked November 1, 2009 nd tubercular painter has been dead for ten Interestingly, Howard was the antithesis of Christopher Bean. Bean was Michael Filerman Arlene & Stewart Semaya Christmas, 42 St.), along with TACT company Prey” (unabridged) and “Medusa” (abridged). through Ellen Fiske & Terry Layman Susan & Spencer E. Sherman members Mary Bacon, Cynthia Darlow, Todd Always nice to be in The Times. December 5, 2009 years at the start of the play - his last years unloved while alive but recognized as a genius upon death. Howard, on Martha Fleischman Esther & Bob Silbey Gearhart, Larry Keith, Jack Koenig, Ron McClary, spent living in the barn of a kindly New the other hand, won awards and found success during his lifetime. It is Barbara Fleischman Bob Silver This spring, DELPHI HARRINGTON, after Ruth & Art Fost Nathan Silverstein John Plumpis, and Jenn Thompson. Under the finishing her run in the star-studded revival of England country doctor, Dr. Haggett, and a shame that his carefully crafted and profoundly enjoyable works have Helen Freedman & David Smith guidance of TACT Co-Artistic Director Scott Alan his family. To the Haggetts, Bean’s paintings are worthless – strange, not re-surfaced since his death. Aside from a short Broadway revival of Charlie Bernhaut Jill Spiller Uncle Vanya at CSC, starred in Battle of Wills at Anne Fribourg David Staller Evans and musical director Larry Goldberg, the the Acorn Theatre opposite Marian Seldes and oddly colored, and frightfully ugly. The old canvases used to patch a They Knew What They Wanted in 1976, none of Howard’s twenty-seven Darya Geetter Fred Steinberg musical tribute to Ms. Lansbury included, as is now Frances Sternhagen. She is excited about the leak in the attic and shore up a wall in the chicken coop. When savvy plays has received a major New York production in over fifty years. It Jean Gennaro Sandy Stern tradition, a special induction of the new Dame of the upcoming marriage of her daughter Persephone, art-appreciating New Yorkers discover Bean’s work and begin inquiring was luck that Howard’s career didn’t end up at the bottom of the sea Liza Gennaro Anne & Leon Stone John Gordon, Duane Storms TACT Empire. Ms. Lansbury joins 2008 honoree the biggest star she knows! as to the whereabouts of his other paintings, things take a madcap that October night in 1923, and TACT doesn’t want to see it rotting on USA Corporate Services Ann Sullivan & Hilary Hickok Dame Julie Harris. After Blithe Spirit ends its run on Broadway turn. shelves either. Howard once wrote, explaining the differences between Emily & Bill Gottlieb Jane Susskind Narins The night began with a cocktail reception and in July, SIMON JONES will be performing prose and playwriting, that “the dramatist prefers acting to anything. Rodney Gould Susan Talbot Howard was writing in the dark economic uncertainties of the depression. William Grau Michael Thomas a silent auction where guests bid on priceless items in Quartermaine’s Terms by Simon Gray at The drama does not spring from a literary impulse but from a love of the Linda & Frederic Greenberg Elaine Thomas Williamstown, in a production that’s planned to Audiences responded to his buoyant and energetic brand of comic including autographed scripts by Ms. Lansbury, a brave, ephemeral, beautiful art of acting.” Christopher Bean’s paintings Jean Gerson-Greer Helen Tucker, private party and recital hosted by TACT Co-Artistic move to New York (Theatre Gods willing!). He will farce, making the Broadway production a massive success with 224 Stepanie & Mark Grinis The Gramercy Park Foundation belong on public display in museums, and Howard’s writing belongs also be recording “And Another Thing,” the Sixth performances. Underlying the humor, though, is a serious message Barbara & Clifford Grodd Irene & Norman Vale Director Cynthia Harris, and a one night theatrical on the stage, alive and breathing. TACT is proud to present The Late Bob & Dede Gronlund Jessie Walker event in the TACT studio. Among the special guests, Book in the well-known “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the about the nature of greed and the corruption of otherwise upstanding Susan Halper Nancy Wender & Steven Rand Galaxy” Trilogy. This one, because of the death of Christopher Bean as the inaugural main stage production of our 17th there to celebrate with TACT were Jayne Atkinson, citizens. Dr. Haggett is a good man, but he changes once money rears Delphi & Norman Harrington Elaine & Irving Wolbrom Douglas Adams in 2001, is written by Eoin Colfer, season. Daniel & Madelyn Harris Linda & Paul Wolfowitz Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller, and producer Jeffrey author of the “Artemis Fowle” series, and that is Frances & Matthew Harris Lynn Wright & Scott Gordon Richards. Julie Harris Judith & Stanley Zabar all that can so far be said under the terms of the Richard Hillman Beth Zamiska After dinner came the evening’s entertainment. confidentiality agreement. He could tell you, but Priscilla & Ronald Hoffman Kathryn Zox & Barry Batinkoff Selections from some of Ms. Lansbury’s most then he’d have to sue you. TACT/QC Alliance by Richard Schotter, Professor/Playwright Queens College Ada & Jim Horwich famous Broadway shows, including Gypsy and Blake Hunter Sweet 16 TODD GEARHART will be making his Broadway n the last issue of the Newsletter I had the pleasure of announcing the Yvette’s play—a contemporary, satirical take on Aristophanes’ Lysistrata Anita Jaffe Gala Committee Mame, were given stirring renditions. A highlight debut in the Roundabout's upcoming revival creation of an exciting alliance between TACT and the newly minted in which the wives of former Bush administration officials (Lynn Cheney, Simon Jones of the evening was Ms. Prince’s performance of “If of Bye Bye Birdie. The production goes into Richard Kandel Elaine Wolbrom, Chair; IMFA Program in Playwriting at Queens College, CUNY. I’m delighted Laura Bush, et al.) replace the war-weary women of Greece— have He Walked Into My Life” from composer and lyricist rehearsals this summer. Before that, Todd lent Anne Kaufman Schneider Eve Bianco to report that our maiden voyage together has been a resounding grown enormously as a direct result of the developmental process at Delia Keating his singing voice and his considerable charm to Nora Chester Jerry Herman’s Mame. TACT Co-Artistic Director success. TACT. Word of the success of our MFA/TACT playwriting collaboration Samuel A. Keesal, Jr. Simon Jones, currently starring with Ms. Lansbury TACT’s summer project in PA. Larry Keith Francesca Di Mauro has gotten around. We received more applications for next year’s class in Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit on Broadway, kept During this debut year, four of our MFA students have had scenes from Bette & Joseph Kessler Scott Alan Evans After vacationing in Greece, where, so astonished than ever before. With growing support from the Queens College Jackie & Herb Klein the evening lively as the master of ceremonies, and by the beauty of it all, MARY LOUISE GEIGER their plays-in-progress performed by TACT actors in readings at the Linda Greenberg President’s Office, next year, in addition to our informal, developmental Ronald Klug & John Furst guest Auctioneer, Charles Bailey-Gates, worked his said she had “momentarily forgotten the rest of TACT Studio. These lively, illuminating sessions, and the discussions Lucy Kostelanetz & John Gordon readings, we will present a mini-festival of staged readings of student Stephen Schrader Willian Grau magic with the crowd in the Live Auction. my life," she fortunately remembered in time that that followed — with the actors, fellow MFA students, Queens College plays at the end of the academic year. Jane & Howard Kramer Cynthia Harris The very special gala was an enormous she’s going up to the Berkshire Theatre Festival faculty, TACT staff and guests—have enabled two of our first-year Holly Kulka & Kevin Atteson to design the lights for Prisoner of Second student playwrights, Tyler Rivenbark and Yvette Hyliger, to broaden and This success would not have been possible without the support and Peggy Kuo Stephen Lindenmuth success, proving once again that the curtain never Louise Schraa Avenue. Early this fall, she will be working again expand the scenes they began last Fall into exciting full-length plays. enthusiasm of the gifted actors of TACT and the wisdom, skill, patience Angela Lansbury lowers on the TACT Empire. with Christopher Wheldon and his company, Morphoses, lighting the premiere of a new ballet Both Tyler’s play, The Sins We Commit, a taut, two-character drama and intelligence of Nora Chester, who has been leading the program. about a drifter and a prostitute he picks up in the rural South, and It’s been an exciting maiden voyage. We look forward to the fall. The ACTORS COMPANY THEATRE COMPANY NEWS continues on page 8 www.tactnyc.org The ACTORS COMPANY THEATRE 4 • 5 Summer 2009/10 summer 2009/10 “Good Seeds, Rotten Eggs ” 2008/2009 SEASON RECAP This season’s Salon Series theme revolves around heredity and how one generation so often tries to influence - even • control - the next, usually with disastrous results. “A RIVETING 90 January, 2009 INCIDENT AT VICHY MINUTES….QUIETLY CHILLING.” TACT Spring 2009 The New York Times LADIES IN he Actors Company Theatre finished its 2008/09 season with a critically acclaimed production of “HEARTBREAKING… RETIREMENT Arthur Miller’s Incident at Vichy, hailed by The New STUNNING.” T Timeout NY 2008/2009 By Edward Percy & Reginald Denham York Times as a “riveting 90 minutes.” The play, unseen Lucy Gilham...... MARY BACON+ in New York since the original 1964 production, kept SALON Leonora Fiske...... CYNTHIA HARRIS+ audiences spellbound and on the edge of their seats. “EXCELLENT… Ellen Creed...... CYNTHIA DARLOW+ CurtainUp praised Vichy as a “stirring production” thanks EFFECTIVE IN ITS to “a stellar ensemble cast.” The cast, described by CHILLING DETAILS.” Series Albert Feather...... MARK ALHADEFF+ New York Post Louisa Creed...... FRANCESCA DI MAURO+ BroadwayWorld as “uniformly great,” was able to pull off, in the words of TheaterMania, “Miller’s most harrowing The 2008/09S alon Emily Creed...... DARRIE LAWRENCE + Sister Theresa...... JOAN SHEPARD theater piece” with “clarity and compassion” under the “ABSORBING…FIRST- direction of TACT artistic director Scott Alan Evans. The Series was dedicated to +TACT Company Member RATE…THROWS audience response was evident from the near sold-out Stage Manager: KRISTEN VAPHIDES A SCORCHING Barbara five week run and the stunned gasps every evening at the through her theatrical career. Finally, Jewish Museum SEARCHLIGHT ON Music by AMIR KHOSROWPOUR+ Fleischman play’s powerful conclusion. director Joan Rosenbaum hosted a discussion on the role JEWISH IDENTITY.” Directed by JENN THOMPSON+ Cynthia Darlow and Cynthia Harris in LADIES IN RETIREMENT Due credit must also be given to the gorgeous set of the Holocaust in the arts with actor Harris Yulin, star Backstage by Scott Bradley, who managed to create a theatrical of the 1973 television production of Vichy, and painter APRIL, 2009 space that melded the realistic with expressionist Audrey Flack. Yulin recounted his own experiences acting “EXCELLENT… flourishes. Thanks to the inventive lighting design by in Vichy and seeing the play again for the first time in directed by EDWARD, MY SON Mary Louise Geiger, the sound design by Jill BC Du Boff, many years, and Flack talked about the numerous to her Scott Alan Evans By Noel Langley Arnold Holt...... LARRY KEITH+ and the period costume design by David Toser, TACT controversial Holocaust-themed painting, "World War II." with clarity and & Robert Morley Evelyn Holt...... MAIA DANZIGER+ transported its audiences back into 1942 Vichy, France. Each of the surround events highlighted an aspect of the compassion and Dr. Larry Parker...... CHRISTOPHER BURNS For the finishing touch, Joseph Trapanese contributed show, from Miller’s own personal story to the underlying acted by a first- original music that brought the play’s emotional core to Stage Manager: Harry Soames...... JOHN PLUMPIS+ ethical issues involved in depicting the Holocaust rate troupe ... E. SARA BARNES the forefront, continuing TACT’s ongoing relationship with on stage, and deepened the audience response and Mr. Waxman...... DAVID BISHINS this work is TRULY Pianist: The Manhattan School of Music. understanding of the play. MILLER’S MOST YOUNGWOO YOO Cunningham...... MARK ALHADEFF+ Vichy went a long way to proving how vital live theater As TACT approaches its 17th season, we continue HARROWING THEATER Music by Hanray...... JAMES PRENDERGAST+ is in today’s world, theater that speaks to an audience to enlighten New York audiences and seek out neglected PIECE.” after the curtain call. The entire cast and design crew of WALLY GUNN Elieen Perry...... LYNN WRIGHT+ and rarely seen works deserving of new attention. The TheaterMania Vichy did not see this merely as another production to Directed by Mr. Prothero...... MARK ALHADEFF+ enormous success of the Tony winning Broadway add to their resume. Everyone involved knew that they production of Alan Ayckbourn’s The Norman Conquests HARRIS YULIN Burton...... JAMES PRENDERGAST+ “UNIFORMLY GREAT… were doing something special in bringing Miller’s words is a testament to TACT’s mission. Mere months before, THE ACTORS Summers...... DAVID BISHINS back to life, unheard for so many years. The enthusiasm TACT mounted a highly praised production of Ayckbourn’s COMPANY THEATRE Phyllis Maxwell...... SARAH JADIN of the creative team was evident each and every night, the play Bedroom Farce that had audience members rolling TAKES THE PLAY Betty Fowler...... MARGOT WHITE+ very definition of a working cohesive ensemble. in the aisles, proving that TACT is slightly ahead of the AND DELIVERS ONE To further its mission and belief in the importance of +TACT Company Member curve when it comes to Broadway! Whether delighting OF THEIR USUAL theater, TACT also hosted a number of post-performance with Ayckbourn’s entertaining observations on marital WONDERFUL surround events that shed light on the play and the many relations or rendering an audience breathless with the PRODUCTIONS.” Maia Danziger, Christopher Burns, Larry Keith and John Plumpis in EDWARD, MY SON issues involved. Arthur Miller’s sister, Joan Copeland, force of Arthur Miller, TACT is still committed to its initial BroadwayWorld joined us for a wonderful evening celebrating and reflecting goal – using top-notch performers and design teams to may, 2009 upon her brother’s career. TACT founding member Larry breathe life into often unseen theatrical gems in order to The Keith moderated a touching and powerful night of stories make plays like Vichy, according to Total Theatre, “one of “EXTRAORDINARY…A from Holocaust survivors and their families. Tovah the most exciting theatrical experiences in town.” STIRRING AND Zach...... MATT FRALEY STINGING TAVERN Sally...... EMILY HAGBURG Feldshuh, Broadway star of the hit play Irena’s Vow, took CAST of INCIDENT AT VICHY time to share her experiences as a Jewish actress and her Lebeau...... MARK ALHADEFF PRODUCTION.” By George M. Cohan NYTHEATRE.com Freeman...... TERRY LAYMAN own path to discovering her Judaism and Jewish culture Bayard...... RON McCLARY+ Willum...... JAMIE BENNETT+ Marchand...... JAMES PRENDERGAST+ Vagabond...... MARK ALHADEFF+ Guard...... MICHAEL OBERHOLTZER “A FIRST RATE Stage Manager: ENSEMBLE CAST E. SARA BARNES Violet...... MARGARET NICHOLS+ Monceau...... GREGORY SALATA+ Governor Lamson...... JAMES PRENDERGAST+ Gypsy...... LEIF HUCKMAN THAT HAS YOU Music by SITTING ON THE EDGE Mrs. Lamson...... NORA CHESTER+ Waiter...... RICHARD FERRONE+ AMIR KHOSROWPOUR+ Boy...... RUSSELL KAHN OF YOUR SEAT.” Directed by Virginia...... MARGOT WHITE Major...... JACK KOENIG+ Talk Entertainment.com GREGORY SALATA+ Tom Allen...... STEVE FRENCH Detective...... DAN STOWELL The Sheriff...... JOHN PLUMPIS+ Old Jew...... JOHN FREIMANN “SUBURB AND Ezra...... RICHARD FERRONE+ Leduc...... CHRISTOPHER BURNS CHILLING… Wolf Entertainment Guide Stevens...... RICHARD FERRONE+ Police Captain...... JAMIE BENNETT+ Von Berg...... TODD GEARHART+ +TACT Company Member Professor Hoffman...... JEFFREY C. HAWKINS Ferrand...... DAN STOWELL Mark Alhadeff, as the Vagabond in THE TAVERN. The ACTORS COMPANY THEATRE +TACT Company Member Todd Gearhart and Christopher Burns in INCIDENT AT VICHY. www.tactnyc.org Photos this page by Stephen Kunken The ACTORS COMPANY THEATRE 6 7 Summer 2009/10 summer 2009/10 2009-2010 EARLY BIRD SUBSCRIPTION! THANK YOU SALON SERIES to the following 2009/10 $139 x = $ EARLY BIRD SUBSCRIPTION $139 "ENGLISH ECCENTRICS" • 1 ticket to each Mainstage production patrons who con- In 1933, Edith Sitwell, a distinctly odd bird herself, published English Mainstage (35% discount) tributed to the TACT Eccentrics, a delightful detailing of strange, yet endearing, behavior of a Studio Upgrade: • ALL 4 Salon productions (members only) uniquely Anglo-Saxon kind. Many English playwrights have also found Productions: • All Member Privileges Ann & Joel Berson themselves drawn to quirky, original lifestyles and the motives behind them. For our seventeenth series of TACT salon performances, we strolled the late christopher bean $134 x = $ Diane Brandt & Martin (Nov/Dec) EARLY BIRD SUBSCRIPTION Lewis along some of the stranger shores of these peculiarities and are pleased to present some of the treasures we picked up along the tideline: - PrevIEw Only $134 Patty Dugan the cocktail party (Feb/Mar) • 1 ticket to each Mainstage production (performances prior to Opening only!) Karen Falk & Michael ALL 4 Salon productions (members only) Goldman The Devil Passes (members only): • Salon Series • All Member Privileges Darya Geetter by Benn W. Levy, 1930 The Devil Passes (Sept) October 2-5, 2009 Emily & Bill Gottlieb Waters of the Moon (Dec) $89 x = $ EARLY BIRD MAINSTAGE PLUS $89 What price would you pay to get want you most desired? In the stylish • 1 ticket to each Mainstage production Dede & Robert Gronlund CandLE-Light (Jan) country home of writer D.C. Magnus – egged on by the mysterious (35% discount) Ann Sullivan & Hilary Reverend Nick Lucy – a group of English intellectuals and artists engage The Amazing Doctor Clitterhouse (May) Your choice of 1 Salon production (members only) Hicock • in a little game of Truth or Dare. When asked to reveal what it is they • All Member Privileges *NEW THIS SEASON - Five performances of each Anita Jaffe desire most, the surprises stem not so much from their answers, but how Lisa Korn the charismatic Rev. Lucy proposes to make each of their dreams come Salon! Friday night at 7:30, Saturday at 2:00 and 7:30, $84 x = $ EARLY BIRD MAINSTAGE PLUS Lucy Kostelanetz & Steve true. The original cast included Basil Rathbone, Sybil Thorndike, Diana Sunday at 2:00 and Monday at 7:30. - PrevIEw Only $84 Schrader Wynyard, and Ernest Thesiger. • 1 ticket to each Mainstage production (performances prior to Opening only!) Christine Millen & William Your choice of 1 Salon production (members only) Pinzler TheEARLY BIRD gets the • Waters of the Moon • All Member Privileges Joan Schlank by N. C. Hunter, 1951 December 18 - 21, 2009 BEST SEATS in the house Nathan Silverstein $4 x = $ Mandatory Processing Fee: $4 PER MEMBERSHIP Anne & Leon Stone Just before New Year's Eve, in the English countryside near Dartmoor, the and the BEST DEAL OF WAIVED! Jane Susskind-Narins S t u d i o Lancasters skid their Rolls Royce into a ditch during a severe snowstorm. Contribution = $ They seek shelter nearby in a respectable, though rather run-down, THE SEASON! (optional) Susan Talbot residential hotel. To the hotel’s permanent residents, the sophisticated Sign up now and enjoy tickets to BOTH of our Michael Thomas new arrivals provide an electric shock to their flat-line existence and Mainstage shows at Theatre Row and up to TOTAL = $ Elaine Thomas Upgrade hopes and emotions are raised that had long since been abandoned in FOUR of our exclusive Salon performances at Nancy Wender & Stephen their quiet hum-drum lives. The original production starred Edith Evans, the TACT Studio for ONE LOW PRICE. Rand Name TACT gets a facelift! Sybil Thorndike and Wendy Hiller. PLUS if you subscribe before Labor Elaine & Irving Wolbrom Day (Sept. 7, 2009), we’ll WAIVE the $4 Mailing Address Beth Zamiska Candle-light by Siegfried Geyer, handling fee! Katherine Zox YOU SPOKE AND WE LISTENED! adapted by P.G. Wodehouse, 1927 City State Zip n an effort to boost comfort and functionality, January 22 - 25, 2010 we’re excited to report that the TACT Studio, at In his employer’s absence, Josef, Prince Rudolph’s valet, invites a young MEMBERSHIP PRIVILEGES: E-Mail Address I900 Broadway, is currently undergoing a major woman he knows only as a pretty voice on the telephone to his masters ºº Exclusive access to Salon Series for you renovation. As many of you know, in addition to home and, in order to impress her, disguises himself as his employer. AND your guests Day Phone Evening Phone being home to our celebrated Salon Series, the Wodehouse, best known for creating the characters Jeeves and Wooster, ºº Guest Ticket discounts (save 25%) TACT Studio serves many purposes. turns Geyer’s play into an uproarious satire on class differences and a ºº Priority Seating/Booking - early access to the best PAYMENT METHOD So, we're enclosing our administrative offices delightful variant on the theme of mistaken identities. This gracious 1927 seats in the house Check enclosed, payable to TICKET CENTRAL MasterCard Visa American Express and supplementing our air-cooling system. The new comedy originally starred Leslie Howard and Gertrude Lawrence. ºº Best prices - up to a 35% discount more flexible space is designed to increase our Card Number Expirations Date Verification Code patrons’ enjoyment as well as the company’s ability The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse ºº Unlimited Ticket Exchange - with 24 hours notice to rehearse and book rentals during the workday. by Barré Lyndon, 1937 ºº Post Performance Discussions & Receptions Signature Billing Zip Code Of course, none of this could happen May 14 - 17, 2010 ºº No Transaction Fees for add-on tickets or changes (required) without the generous support of our donors. It is Dr. Clitterhouse has a secret. By day, in his prestigious Harley Street ºº Email Up-Dates and Reminders BUY NOW and save! our hope that these improvements, along with a medical practice, he attends to a wealthy and influential clientele. By ºº Invitation to the TACT Gala reconfiguration of the seating to optimize sightlines night, however, he conducts experiments in studying the criminal mind, ºº Contact TICKET CENTRAL for all services By Mail: TICKET CENTRAL and hearing, will provide our patrons with the best using himself as the guinea pig. The good doctor sees himself as a including: 416 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036 possible atmosphere to take pleasure in our Salon pioneer in medical science, but can even the best intentions justify BY WEB: www.tactnyc.org Series! murder? The original production featured Cedric Hardwicke as the - scheduling your performances dates eponymous Clitterhouse, a role taken over by Edward G. Robinson for the - changing dates BY PHONE: 212/279-4200 (Ticket Central) subsequent film version. - ordering subscriptions BY FAX: 212/268-1218 - purchasing discounted guest tickets The ACTORS COMPANY THEATRE www.tactnyc.org The ACTORS COMPANY THEATRE NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Woodbridge, VA Permit No. 70 The ACTORS COMPANY THEATRE Scott Alan Evans, Cynthia Harris & Simon Jones, Co-Artisitic Directors 900 Broadway, Suite 905 New York, NY 10003 Summer News 2009/2010

ANNOUNCING OUR GLITTERING

NEW SEASON!

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

called called playing playing Green Turned Bread the Day The TACT actress Margaret Nichols. Margaret actress TACT 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

is appearing in a movie movie a in appearing is PRENDERGAST JAMES

visit www.nymf.org. The show will feature feature will show The www.nymf.org. visit info

- Victoria Haynes Victoria - I T C TA n r e t n

Fall. For more more For Fall. this (NYMF) Festival Theater

Festival at the Peter J. Sharp Theatre. Sharp J. Peter the at Festival

- Matt Herzfeld Matt - I D n r e t n l a c i g r u t a m a r

musical musical at The New York Musical Musical York New The at Stars Seeing

in the Samuel French Off-Broadway Short Play Play Short Off-Broadway French Samuel the in

- O&M Co. O&M - R P e v i t a t n e s e r p e s s e r

will be directing the new new the directing be will THOMPSON JENN

“Bellissima!” This summer, Jim will be performing performing be will Jim summer, This “Bellissima!”

- Stephanie Klapper Stephanie - D C r o t c e r i g n i t s a

from three glorious weeks traveling throughout Italy. Italy. throughout traveling weeks glorious three from

July 26th. July

Erin Carney Erin - M D r e g a n a t n e m p o l e v e

and his wife recently returned returned recently wife his and MURTAUGH JIM

the Shaw Festival in Canada on Shaw’s birthday, birthday, Shaw’s on Canada in Festival Shaw the

- Jenn Thompson Jenn - P A r e c u d o r e t a i c o s s

- and will be addressing the Shaw Symposium at at Symposium Shaw the addressing be will and -

by by own Jenn Thompson. Jenn own TACT's Cathy Bencivenga Cathy

Lighthouse International and one at Baruch College College Baruch at one and International Lighthouse

M G New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) directed directed (NYMF) Festival Theatre Musical York New r e g a n a l a r e n e

also continuing two educational programs – one at at one – programs educational two continuing also

September for the new musical musical new the for September in the the in Stars Seeing

Scott Alan Evans Alan Scott

professional theatrical critics. Additionally, David is is David Additionally, critics. theatrical professional

begins rehearsals in in rehearsals begins NICHOLS MARGARET D E

r o t c e r i e v i t u c e x

the writers chosen for this program are all currently currently all are program this for chosen writers the

Nancy Nugent, Louise Schraa, Elaine Wolbrom Wolbrom Elaine Schraa, Louise Nugent, Nancy August. in Center Lincoln

Cuttings: New Plays series. Following Shaw’s lead, lead, Shaw’s Following series. Plays New Cuttings:

Linda Greenberg, Cynthia Harris, Simon Jones, Susan Mindel, Mindel, Susan Jones, Simon Harris, Cynthia Greenberg, Linda new John Guare play called called play Guare John new at at Color of Man Free A

at The Players. GTG is also producing the PRess PRess the producing also is GTG Players. The at

John Adams, George Bunn, Scott Alan Evans, John Gordon, Gordon, John Evans, Alan Scott Bunn, George Adams, John

is doing a workshop of the the of workshop a doing is MCFADDEN GREG

Profession, will take place on Monday July 20th 20th July Monday on place take will

Holly Etlin, Etlin, Holly

Treasurer

The next reading, reading, next The Shaw. Bernard twist! a added that bet Mrs. Warren’s Warren’s Mrs.

Darya Geetter, Geetter, Darya

President

presentations of every play ever written by George George by written ever play every of presentations We We season.” tornado during alley’ ‘tornado in but

Stephen Lindenmuth, Stephen Chairman Chairman

Projectshaw.com) which has been devoted to giving giving to devoted been has which Projectshaw.com) “Also lovely people, lovely play, play, lovely people, lovely “Also . Magnolias Steel

D B

s r o t c e r i f o d r a o

f h fu-er RJC SA sre (www. series SHAW PROJECT four-year the of She then went to Oklahoma City to do Clairee in in Clairee do to City Oklahoma to went then She

David Toser David

Theatrical Group. Now in it’s fourth and final year year final and fourth it’s in Now Group. Theatrical “Lovely people, lovely play, lovely venue.” lovely play, lovely people, “Lovely Park. the

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

Betty Meeks in in Meeks Betty Artistic Director and founder of the Gingold Gingold the of founder and Director Artistic at the Playhouse in in Playhouse the at Foreigner The

Macdonald, Mel McCue, Colin McGrath, Marcus Paus, Yuzuru Yuzuru Paus, Marcus McGrath, Colin McCue, Mel Macdonald,

welcoming spring in Cincinnati while doing old old doing while Cincinnati in spring welcoming , as you probably know, is the the is know, probably you as , STALLER DAVID

Faiman, Mary Louise Geiger, Amir Khosrowpour, David David Khosrowpour, Amir Geiger, Louise Mary Faiman,

spent March and April April and March spent LAWRENCE DARRIE

Daryl Bornstein, Patrick Cecala, Dawn Dunlop, Jonathan Jonathan Dunlop, Dawn Cecala, Patrick Bornstein, Daryl from their lives in Rwanda. in lives their from

C A

y n a p m o t c n u j d bonding with his brother’s family who are home home are who family brother’s his with bonding for its annual summer sojourn to Lewisburg to sojourn summer annual its for

Scott will spend some of the summer re- summer the of some spend will Scott Jones. TACT with well as PA to traveling be he’ll meantime, Scott Schafer, David Staller, Jenn Thompson, Lynn Wright Lynn Thompson, Jenn Staller, David Schafer, Scott

doing doing directed by another another by directed friend, J. Christopher Christopher J. friend, TACT the In Copenhagen. and House Heartbreak Nichols, John Plumpis, James Prendergast, Gregory Salata, Salata, Gregory Prendergast, James Plumpis, John Nichols,

Ron McClary, Greg McFadden, James Murtaugh, Margaret Margaret Murtaugh, James McFadden, Greg McClary, Ron Peterborough, NH for six weeks of summer stock, stock, summer of weeks six for NH Peterborough, trilogy by Alan Ayckbourn, Ayckbourn, Alan by trilogy Conquests Norman The

Kelly Hutchinson, Larry Keith, Jack Koenig, Darrie Lawrence, Lawrence, Darrie Koenig, Jack Keith, Larry Hutchinson, Kelly he returns to the Peterborough Players in in Players Peterborough the to returns he the third play in in play third the Garden, the Round and Round

Mauro, Richard Ferrone, Todd Gearhart, Delphi Harrington, Harrington, Delphi Gearhart, Todd Ferrone, Richard Mauro, went on to The Depot Theatre in Westport, NY for for NY Westport, in Theatre Depot The to on went Pierce. Hyde David for role leading In August, August, In

Eve Bianco, Nora Chester, Cynthia Darlow, Francesca Di Di Francesca Darlow, Cynthia Chester, Nora Bianco, Eve supporter), at PS21 in Chatham, NY. Scott then then Scott NY. Chatham, in PS21 at supporter), production of of production - covering the the covering - Youth, on Accent

Mark Alhadeff, Sean Arbuckle, Mary Bacon, Jamie Bennett, Bennett, Jamie Bacon, Mary Arbuckle, Sean Alhadeff, Mark directed by Bernie Kukoff (a longtime longtime (a Kukoff Bernie by directed TACT MTC the by standing also was KOENIG JACK

C y n a p m o

, , MOMBO of run a finished SCHAFER SCOTT

Film. Film.

Co-Artistic Directors Co-Artistic

of the NYU Department of Design for Stage and and Stage for Design of Department NYU the of SHAW (see below). (see SHAW

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

nothing of the fact that she is also Acting Chair Chair Acting also is she that fact the of nothing did a reading in June for David Staller’s PROJECT PROJECT Staller’s David for June in reading a did

COMPANY THEATRE COMPANY ACTORS The

t h Sde’ Wls har i London. in Theatre Wells Sadler’s the at To say say To THAT not (no, president U.S. the one). He also also He one). tact

COMPANY NEWS COMPANY continued from page 2 page from continued

COMPANY THEATRE COMPANY ACTORS The