The Play's the Thing Theatre Troupe: October 2010

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Beginning in Earnest

Nick Bombicino has returned to us from his sojourn to Ithica, following his heart to spend time with his love. He's back, and now we begin rehearsal in earnest this week.

With input from Shakespearean scholar David Vann from the Birmingham School of Acting, we have developed our concept further and feel terrific about the clarity and efficacy of the stories we are telling. When all is said and done, Romeo & Juliet is about love, and now our concept fits nicely into that - it will be a double love story, a play within a play. But stop my fingers! This will not be a website full of spoilers...

We are proud and thankful to announce the sponsor for our kick-off production on November 26-28: Chroma Technology Corporation - producing the finest optical filters.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Preview Photos!

Here are some pictures from our rehearsal and our performance of the Balcony Scene on 10/1 at New England Youth Theatre!

Photos by Laura Bliss

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Preview Reviews

Peter Gould - Writer, Actor, Director, Teacher: "It was really lovely. I was surprised by how fresh Jay and Jess made the balcony scene. I've seen it so many times, and its hard to make it new, but it was really great-it just sped right by!"

Genna Nethercott - Playwright, Actress: "They were great in the Cabaret. Jay and Jess were so adorable."

Raphi Shamas - High School student: "It was definitely my favorite piece all night. The acting was awesome."

Shows to Book for the 2010-2011 Season

Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare
Adapted and Performed by Nick Bombicino, Jessica Callahan, and James Gelter

As the three “techies” put the set together and set levels, they find out that the “actor’s” van from the touring theatre troupe has been waylaid on the highway. Pulled over for speeding then detained for transporting dangerous weapons – foils and rapiers – the actors will not be showing up for the performance. It is up to the three theatre techies to pull together the entire production of Romeo and Juliet by themselves. With a basic set, ladders, screw guns, brooms, mops, windex, and a box of costumes and hangers, the three techies reveal their hidden passion, and talent, for acting by performing the entire play without the actors or their rapiers.

Same War
Written and performed by Jessica Callahan

Three teenage girls are swept away in the dramatic change that comes during World War II. This play weaves the stories of Nina Lugovskya from Russia, Sheila (Nee) Allan from China, and Anne Frank from Germany. These three young women, whose fates are twisted up with the outcome of the world’s
greatest war, face unimaginable challenges with pride, sensitivity, and passion. One actress transforms to play all the roles, as she follows their stories from normalcy through the upheaval that WWII brings to them.

Magic in the World
Written and performed by Jessica Callahan and Abby Hadden

This show is a feast of world folktales based around themes of conflict resolution and social justice. Abby and Jess take world folk tales and weave them into an epic performance using theatre, dance, puppets, interactive play, and song. It is a performance that will stimulate the imagination, tickle your funny bone, and warm your heart!

Bios of our Artists

Nick Bombicino graduated recently from Ithica College, after studying in London and upstate New York, with a double major in Theatre and Music. He has taught for many years at New England Youth Theatre’s summer programs.

Jessica Callahan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from Boston University’s Theatre Conservatory program. A writer, director, “techie,” musician, and actress, she has taught for several years in many different venues including Boston University, Northeastern University, Apolonaire Theatre, Sea Glass Performing Arts, Camp Allegro, and New England
Youth Theatre.

James Gelter is an actor, playwright, and director from Brattleboro, VT. He is an active participant in Vermont Theatre Company productions and serves on their Board. He is currently teaching at New England Youth Theatre during their Season of Restorative Justice classes and productions.

Abby Hadden is an actress, originally from Vermont. She is professionally trained in theatre and currently works with the Theatre Adventure Program in Brattleboro, VT, which serves students with disabilities and their typically-developing peers. She also works as a para-educator in the public school system in Vermont.