Doctor Faustus is Playing at The Rep

A World Premiere Adaptation of Marlowe's Classic

Experience the fantastical world of "Medieval punk" (think Steampunk, but Medieval instead of Victorian) in this re-imagined adaptation of The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus.

This world premiere adaptation of Marlowe's Faust conjures a darkly bawdy, delightfully mischievous world using stylized, state-of-the art stagecraft, and leading-edge light and sound gadgetry to spirit the viewer right out of this world – projections, shadow puppets, life-size cage puppets, and actors playing multiple roles, sometimes simultaneously. All of the normally hidden aspects of a play will take place on stage – you'll see the stagehands and wardrobe folks, costumes changed, and props provided, making this not just the telling of a great story, but of how the story is told. If you love theatre that tells bvc a great story while pushing boundaries and demonstrating how theatrical theatre can be, this is one you will want to see.

Bold, ambitious, and stirring... Brandt has become a disciplined and inventive theatrical storyteller. -- San Diego Union-Tribune

Click here for tickets.

Two New Cinderella Shows

Playful People Productions is showing two different versions of Cinderella at the Historic Hoover Theater across the street from the Egyptian Museum. For more information, just keep reading or check out their website over here.



Playful People Productions Presents:
Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella

In the classic story of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, she is the strong heroine of a tale of true love with a twist! The Prince does not like being a Prince, and Cinderella is not sure she wants to go to a stuffy old ball, but wants to show her mean and cruel stepmother and stepsisters that she deserves to go.With the help of an unusual Godmother who happens to be a Faerie, she manages to go to the palace and see a familiar face. There is still a glass slipper and a pumpkin or two, and true love does conquer all!

All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Ave  San Jose, CA 95126

Teen Cast Show times:
Friday, April 12th  7:00pm
Saturday, April 13th 2:00pm
Sunday, April 14th 1:00pm

Adult Cast Show Times
Saturday, April 13th 7:00pm

Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net
$10 adults, $6 children 16 and under


Disney's Cinderella Kids

The timeless fairy tale of Cinderella meets the magic of Disney in this adaptation of the treasured animated film.  Poor Cinderella is endlessly mistreated by her wicked Stepmother and Stepsisters, and denied the chance to go to the Royal Ball.  With a little help from her mice friends, and a lot of help from her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella goes to the ball, and discovers that dreams really can come true!

All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Ave  San Jose, CA 95126

Show Times:
Friday, April 19th  7:00pm
Saturday, April 20th 10:00am,  2:00pm and 6:00pm
Sunday, April 21st 10:00am and 2:00pm

Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net
$10 adults, $6 children 16 and under

For questions: (408) 497-9983


Playful People Productions provides a quality, caring environment in which children, youth & their families have positive theatre experiences, while being involved in many aspects of on-stage/ back-stage theatre. Our company fills a need of providing beginning through advanced theatre for the whole family to the community. The founders have expanded the program to include classes & summer camps

Playful People Productions is run by mother-daughter team, Barbara Galiotto & Katie D' Arcey, who between them have approx 50 years experience in the musical theatre world. Both are Positive Discipline trained & worked as early Childhood Educators as well as in theatre. Both have worked as professional directors with children's theatre for many years.

For each production we employ professional designers, artists, choreographers and directors to guide our students. We also hire experienced college & high school students to do jobs in the production such as directors, stage managers, lighting, make-up, & set designers, choreographers and assistants. This allows students to gain work experiences in all aspects of theatre. The goals of Playful People Productions are to provide the community with a variety of performing opportunities for children, youth & families to experience. Playful People Productions will challenge young people in the community, provide a safe, caring environment, & involve parents in a wholesome, well-rounded activity. We believe that a good theatre experience will greatly improve the lives of the children, youth and families in our community.

Persuasion Playing at The Stage

San Jose Stage Company Presents

 

Jane Austen’s World Premiere

 

Persuasion

 

Adapted by Jennifer Le Blanc from the Novel

 

 

San Jose, CA --- March 18, 2013 – San Jose Stage Company is producing the World Premiere of Persuasion, Jane Austen’s final novel, adapted by local Bay Area playwright, Jennifer Le Blanc. 

 

The Threepenny Opera, originally slated for this time frame, has been rescheduled to be part of The Stage’s 2013-14 Season.

 

“The Stage Company is excited to embrace the opportunity to produce the world premiere of Jane Austen's final novel Persuasion,” said Randall King, Artistic Director of the San Jose Stage Company. “The intimate setting of The Stage venue is the perfect environment to revel in Miss Austen's characters, who must negotiate a complex code of conduct in order to survive, much less achieve their ends. The story is indicative of Austen's great talent, razor sharp, laced with irony and wit, and remarkably phrased.”

 

Persuasion was Jane Austen’s last finished novel, of only six total, and she is considered the greatest of English women novelists. There are numerous contemporary movies based upon her novels, and she has become a book club staple.  

 

“Miss Austen directed her pen to give voice to a woman finding strength to be persuaded by her own heart. Her final novel is said to be a 'Present to herself,’” added King. “The Stage was founded upon the mission of new works and local talent, and now The Stage offers the gift of Persuasion to the Bay area.”

 

Persuasion was first published posthumously by her family, along with Northanger Abbey, in December 1817. While the characters reflect Austen’s own maturity, the book is filled with satire and is perceptive of people and their relationships, especially love.

 

“Persuasion is one of Austen’s lesser-known novels, and the characters are old, more mature and have known heartache,” says Jennifer Le Blanc, the author of this world premiere and Bay Area native. She adds that she was drawn to this works because the main character Anne has “developed her own voice.” Ms. Le Blanc continues, “I admire Anne greatly; she is selfless, intelligent, practical and a strong woman to have around in a crisis.”

 

Persuasion was presented as a staged reading at Portland’s Cerimon House in March of 2012, with Ms. Le Blanc performing the lead role of Anne. This is the twelfth world premiere presented by San Jose Stage Company.

 

Persuasion begins preview on April 3 and opens April 6. Performances are on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Persuasion runs through April 28.

 

Tickets range from $20 – $45 and are available at www.thestage.org or by calling the box office at 408.283.7142. Visa and MasterCard are accepted, and discounts are available for groups, students and seniors. The theatre is handicapped accessible.

 

The Stage is located at 490 South First Street at William Street in downtown San Jose’s South First (SoFA) area.

 

# # # 

 

 

The Cast of Persuasion:

 

Maryssa Wanlass (Anne Elliot) is making her debut at The Stage. She has appeared locally Theatre Rhinoceros, The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, PlayGround, TheatreFirst and Center REPertory Company.

 

Paul Myrvold* (Sir Walter Elliot, Admiral Crofts) returns to San Jose Stage Company, where he has appeared in Urinetown, The Musical and the World Premiere of Tenders in the Fog. He has appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-off Broadway, as well as working as guest artist in colleges and universities across the country.

 

Allison F. Rich* (Elizabeth Elliot, Henrietta Musgrove) returns to The Stage, where she was last seen in the Regional Premiere of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Cabaret, Carly in the Regional Premiere of Reasons To Be Pretty and The Great American Trailer Park Musical. She has also appeared at PCPA Theatrefest, Capital Stage Company and 42nd Street Moon. She is an Associate Artist at The Stage.

 

Will Springhorn Jr.* (Frederick Wentworth) returns to The Stage, where he was last seen inReckless, the Regional Premiere of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Every Christmas Story Ever Told, Cabaret and the Regional Premiere of Reasons To Be Pretty. He recently appear at Ashby Stage in The Fourth Messenger, an original musical by Tanya Shaffer and Vienna Teng. He has appeared with TheatreWorks, The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, Magic Theatre, Marin Theatre Company, SF Playhouse and Theatre Rhinoceros.

 

Halsey Varady* (Mary Musgrove, Mrs. Smith) returns to San Jose Stage Company, where she played Rachel in Reckless, Rachel Jackson in the Regional Premiere of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Kate Monster in Avenue Q and Steph in the Regional Premiere of Reasons To Be Pretty. She has also appeared locally at Bus Barn Stage Company, The Spare Stage Company, Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company, City Lights Theater Company, Palo Alto Players, Foothill College Saratoga Drama Group. In Washington D.C., she appeared at Ford’s Theatre and Spooky Action Theater. She is an Associate Artist at The Stage.

 

William J. Brown III (Charles, Benwick) returns to San Jose Stage Company, where he was seen in On The Waterfront.

 

Donna Federico (Mrs. Musgrove, Lady Diarymaple) is making her debut at The Stage.

 

Susan Gundunas (Lady Russell, Mrs. Crofts) is making her first appearance at San Jose Stage Company. She was recently seen as Elaine Novazio in Last of the Red Hot Lovers at Novato Theatre Company as Helen Hart in the Retro Dome’s Game Show Show.

 

Juliet Heller (Mrs. Clay, Louisa Musgrove) returns to The Stage, where she was seen in Rock ‘n’ Roll. She has appeared locally with Berkeley Playhouse, Willows Theatre Company, Shotgun Players, 42nd Street Moon, Pacific Repertory Theatre and Broadway By the Bay.

 

Paul Stout (Mr. Shepard, Captain Harville, Mr. Elliot) is making his debut at San Jose Stage Company. He has appeared locally with Marin Shakespeare Company, Custom Made Theatre, The Western Stage and Boxcar Theatre.

 

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association

 

Kenneth Kelleher (Director) has directed over twenty performances for The Stage, including John Logan’s Red, Craig Lucas’ Reckless, Sam Shepard’s Buried Child, the Regional Premiere ofOn The Waterfront and Tom Stoppard’s  Rock ‘n’ Roll. He is currently the Artistic Director of Pacific Repertory Theatre and Resident Director of The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. He has also directed for San Jose Repertory Theatre, TheatreWorks, California Shakespeare Festival, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Sacramento Theatre Company and B Street Theatre.

 

Giulio Perrone (Set Designer) returns to San Jose Stage Company, where his previous set designs include Buried Child and the World Premiere of Lolita Roadtrip.

 

Jean Cardinale (Costume Designer) returns to The Stage, where her designs were seen inRed, Reckless, Race, Avenue Q and the Regional Premiere of Reasons To Be Pretty.

 

David Gotlieb (Light Designer) is making his design debut for San Jose Stage Company.

 

John Koss (Sound Designer) returns to The Stage, where he designed the sound for Rd, Reckless and Race.

 

Attn: Media and Calendar Editors:  San Jose Stage Company holds the press opening on Saturday, April 6 at 8:00 PM, with previews beginning Wednesday and Thursday, April 3 and 4 at 7:30 PM and Friday, April 5 at 8:00 PM.

Production photos are available upon request. Visit www.thestage.org

 

   # # # 

 

 

About San Jose Stage Company:

 

Now in its 30th season, San Jose Stage Company is recognized as The Bay Area's Premiere Off-Broadway Theatre. The Stage is known for its devotion to new and cutting-edge work and for its commitment to showcasing high-quality local talent.

 

Ranked 3rd largest theatre and 9th largest performance arts organization in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal (May 2012), San Jose Stage Company is a vital force in the community. The Stage has earned a reputation for artistic excellence by providing high-quality, edgy theatrical experiences that engage, educate and provoke audiences. The Stage has produced 143 productions, 44 new works and 13 world premieres.

 

The Stage also offers five core educational and outreach programs, including National High School Top Honors Awards, and has housed over 200 independent performance groups in its theatre. The Stage is located at 490 South First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. For more information: www.thestage.org   Box Office: 408.283.7142

San Jose Stage Company Presents John Logan’s Tony Award Winner: Red

San Jose, CA --- January 14, 2013 – The color red conjures up emotions of passion, love, lust, anger, and creativity.  The Stage production of John Logan’s Red has all that and more. “What do you see?” is the opening line that lays the philosophical foundation for the evening.

 

The intimate Stage theatre serves as the studio of artist Mark Rothko during the late-1950’s as he was commissioned to paint a series of murals for the snazzy Four Seasons restaurant in New York City. Along with his new assistant, this bio-drama investigates the relationships of life, art, and each other. Red opens February 6.

 

“John Logan's Red is an incredible exploration into the genius and soul of a revolutionary artist that truly reflects the struggles and ambitions of all artists and art forms,” says Artistic Director Randall King.

  

Set to a soundtrack of symphonic classical scores, Red allows the audience to peer into the soul of the artist as well as his work.

 

Performances are on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Red runs through March 3.

 

Tickets range from $20 – $45 and are available at www.thestage.org or by calling the box office at 408.283.7142. Visa and MasterCard are accepted, and discounts are available for groups, students and seniors. The theatre is handicapped accessible.

 

The Stage is located at 490 South First Street at William Street in downtown San Jose’s South First (SoFA) area.

 

# # # 

 

The Cast of Red:

 

Randall King* (Mark Rothko) is the co-founder and Artistic Director of San Jose Stage Company. He was most recently seen as Jack Lawson in Race, Dodge in Buried Child, Johnny Friendly in On The Waterfront, The Waiter in Rock ‘n’ Roll, Sharky in The Seafarer, Ariel in The Pillowman and Richard Roma in Glengarry Glen Ross.

 

Aaron Wilton* (Ken) returns to San Jose Stage Company, where he played James Monroe and Red Eagle in the Regional Premiere of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and Katurian in The Pillowman. His regional credits include performances at Regional credits include George Street Playhouse, San Jose Repertory Theatre, Aurora Theatre Company, Theatre Rhinoceros, Capital Stage and Sacramento Theatre Company.

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association

 

Kenneth Kelleher (Director) has directed over twenty performances for The Stage, includingReckless, Buried Child, On The Waterfront and Rock ‘n’ Roll. He is currently the Artistic Director of Pacific Repertory Theatre and Resident Director of The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. He has also directed for San Jose Repertory Theatre, TheatreWorks, California Shakespeare Festival, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Sacramento Theatre Company and B Street Theatre.

 

The other members of the show’s creative team include designers Richard C. Ortenblad(set), Jean Cardinale (costumes), Michael Palumbo (lighting) and John Koss (sound).

  

   # # # 

 

 

About San Jose Stage Company:

 

Now in its 30th season, San Jose Stage Company is recognized as The Bay Area's Premiere Off-Broadway Theatre. The Stage is known for its devotion to new and cutting-edge work and for its commitment to showcasing high-quality local talent.

 

Ranked 3rd largest theatre and 9th largest performance arts organization in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal (May 2012), San Jose Stage Company is a vital force in the community. The Stage has earned a reputation for artistic excellence by providing high-quality, edgy theatrical experiences that engage, educate and provoke audiences. The Stage has produced 143 productions, 44 new works and 11 world premieres.

 

The Stage also offers five core educational and outreach programs, including National High School Top Honors Awards, and has housed over 200 independent performance groups in its theatre. The Stage is located at 490 South First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. For more information: www.thestage.org   Box Office: 408.283.7142

Win a Pair of Tickets to Menopause The Musical!

The off-Broadway sensation Menopause The Musical is coming to San Jose for 17 performances at the Montgomery Theater between Feb. 6th and 23rd. We are giving away not one, but two pairs of tickets to the opening night performance on February 6th! Ticket prices are ranging between $35-$65.

Entering the contest is simple. Just scroll down to the bottom of the page and use the Punchtab widget (just like our Sharks giveaway). You can get bonus entries for liking us on Facebook, following on Twitter, etc. Again, we are giving away two pairs of tickets and they are for the February 6th performance. The contest only runs until this Friday.

Here is a description of the show: "Set in a department store, where four women with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra meet by chance at a lingerie sale. The all-female cast makes fun of their woeful hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and more!  The laughter-filled 90-minute production includes parodies from the classics of the ‘60s and ‘70s and ‘80s."

For more information on the show click here, and to buy tickets head over here.

Reckless is Coming to the San Jose Stage Theater

San Jose, CA (November 14, 2012) – San Jose Stage Company continues its 30th season by presenting Reckless by Craig Lucas. Just in time for the holidays, this surreal comedy begins with a Christmas Eve event that propels the characters on a wild journey of revelation and surprise.

 

The Stage offers a twist on traditional holiday fare. Reckless, from gifted playwright Craig Lucas (The Light in the Piazza, Prelude to a Kiss), is a comic fable of a modern-day Alice in a perilous winter wonderland. This surreal comedy follows the fate of Rachel, whose blissful life gets turned upside down after one fateful Christmas Eve, when her husband reveals (spoiler alert!) he has taken a contract out on her life. She flees her home and embarks on a series of misadventures that challenges her preconceptions concerning family, love and the wonders of life. Reckless is a timeless story of whirlwind lunacy, triumph and transformation – perfect for the holidays. Reckless opens November 28.

 

Author, director and actor Craig Lucas received a Drama Desk nomination Outstanding New Play for Reckless. Lucas has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play for Prelude to a Kiss, and he has also received a Tony Award Nomination for The Light in the Piazza (Best Book of a Musical). He has won two OBIE Awards for Best New American Play (Small Tragedy and Prelude to a Kiss). His diverse body of work has been seen on Broadway three times. His many plays include The Dying Gaul, Prayer for My Enemy, The Singing Forest, Blue Window and God’s Heart. He has written the screenplays Longtime Companion, Prelude to a Kiss, Reckless and The Secret Lives of Dentists.

 

“Craig Lucas has a very decided and personal kinship with lost souls adrift in the world and in Reckless, we collide with them at every turn,” explains Kenneth Kelleher, director of Reckless. “And as we meet them, eccentric and fragile, we begin, with Rachel’s help, to understand the innocence in all of us.”

 

Kenneth Kelleher returns to direct Reckless for The Stage, where he has helmed over twenty productions, including Buried Child, On The Waterfront, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Wit, Biedermann and the Firebugs, Bariona, The Living and Six Characters in Search of an Author.

 

Kelleher invites everyone to “take a drive with Rachel through the snowy Christmases of her imagination and perhaps her salvation. And to all a good night!”

 

Performances are on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Reckless runs through December 16.

 

Tickets range from $20 - $45 and are available at www.thestage.org or by calling the box office at 408.283.7142. Visa and MasterCard are accepted, and discounts are available for groups, students and seniors. The theatre is handicapped accessible.

 

The Stage is located at 490 South First Street at William Street in downtown San Jose’s South First (SoFA) area.

# # # 

 

The Cast of Reckless: 

 

Halsey Varady* (Rachel Fitzsimmons) returns to San Jose Stage Company, where she played Rachel Jackson in the Regional Premiere of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Kate Monster in Avenue Q and Steph in the Regional Premiere of Reasons To Be Pretty. She has also appeared locally at Bus Barn Stage Company, The Spare Stage Company, Shady Shakespeare Theatre Company, City Lights Theater Company, Palo Alto Players, Foothill College Saratoga Drama Group. In Washington D.C., she appeared at Ford’s Theatre and Spooky Action Theater. She is an Associate Artist at The Stage.

 

Will Springhorn Jr.* (Tom Fitzsimmons) returns to The Stage, where he was last seen in the Regional Premiere of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Every Christmas Story Ever Told, Cabaret and the Regional Premiere of Reasons To Be Pretty. He is a Bay Area actor, teacher and designer and has appeared with TheatreWorks, The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, Magic Theatre, Marin Theatre Company, SF Playhouse and Theatre Rhinoceros

 

Michael Navarra* (Lloyd Bophtelophti) returns to The Stage, where he appeared in Buried Child. He has played leading roles with TheatreWorks, B Street Theatre, Traveling Jewish Theatre, Word for Word, The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, Pacific Repertory Theatre, Sierra Repertory Theatre and Central Works.

 

Dena Martinez* (Doctors) returns to The Stage, where she was last seen in the California Premiere of Octavio Solis’ Gibraltar, a co-production with Thick Description. She has also appeared at American Conservatory Theater, Shotgun Players, San Jose Repertory Theatre, Marin Theatre Company, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Magic Theatre, TheatreWorks and Campo Santo. She is currently the Casting Director at Bay Area Playwrights Foundation.

 

Judith Miller (Trish Hammers) returns to San Jose Stage Company, where she was last seen in Buried Child, Cabaret, Dirty Blonde and reprising the title role in Always…Patsy Cline. She has also performed numerous roles with San Jose Repertory Theatre, Woodminster Theatre, Marin Theatre Company and California Actors Theatre.

 

Katie O’Bryon (Pooty) is making her debut at The Stage. She was recently seen as Varya in The Cherry Orchard at The Pear Avenue Theatre and as Smitty in How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at Foothill Music Theatre. She is the School of Performing Arts Director and Resident Choreographer at Peninsula Youth Theatre.

 

Jay Steele (Roy/Tim Timko) is making his San Jose Stage Company debut. His local credits include City Lights Theater Company, South Bay Musical Theatre Lyric Theatre of San Jose. He’s also performed with the Lamplighters and West Valley Light Opera. He is chairperson of the board at South Bay Musical Theatre, where he regularly produces and performs.

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association

 

Kenneth Kelleher (Director) has directed over twenty performances for The Stage, including Buried Child, On The Waterfront and Rock ‘n’ Roll. He is currently the Artistic Director of Pacific Repertory Theatre and Resident Director of The San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. He has also directed for San Jose Repertory Theatre, TheatreWorks, California Shakespeare Festival, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Sacramento Theatre Company and B Street Theatre.

 

The other members of the show’s creative team include designers Richard C. Ortenblad (set), Jean Cardinale (costumes), Michael Palumbo(lighting) and John Koss (sound).

 

Attn: Media and Calendar Editors:  San Jose Stage Company holds the press opening on Saturday, December 1 at 8:00 PM, with previews beginning Wednesday and Thursday, November 28 and 29 at 7:30 PM and Friday, November 30 at 8:00 PM.

Production photos are available upon request. Visit www.thestage.org

   # # # 

 

About San Jose Stage Company:

 

Now in its 30th season, San Jose Stage Company is recognized as The Bay Area's Premiere Off-Broadway Theatre. The Stage is known for its devotion to new and cutting-edge work and for its commitment to showcasing high-quality local talent.

 

Ranked 3rd largest theatre and 9th largest performance arts organization in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal (May 2012), San Jose Stage Company is a vital force in the community. The Stage has earned a reputation for artistic excellence by providing high-quality, edgy theatrical experiences that engage, educate and provoke audiences. The Stage has produced 143 productions, 44 new works and 11 world premieres.

 

The Stage also offers five core educational and outreach programs, including National High School Top Honors Awards, and has housed over 200 independent performance groups in its theatre. The Stage is located at 490 South First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. For more information:www.thestage.org   Box Office: 408.283.7142

FOR CALENDAR EDITORS

 

San Jose Stage Company presents Reckless. Reckless, from gifted playwright Craig Lucas (The Light in the Piazza, Prelude to a Kiss), is a comic tale of a modern-day Alice in a perilous winter wonderland. This surreal comedy follows the fate of Rachel, whose blissful life gets turned upside down after one fateful Christmas Eve, when her husband reveals he has taken a contract out on her life. She flees her home and embarks on a series of misadventures that challenges her preconceptions concerning family, love and the wonders of life.

 

Reckless is a timeless story of whirlwind lunacy, triumph and transformation – perfect for the holidays!

 

Run Dates:     November 28– December 16, 2012

Previews:       November 28 – 30, 2012

Opening:        December 1, 2012

Shows:            Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 pm

Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm

Sunday at 2:00 pm

Location:         The Stage, 490 South First Street, San Jose, CA

Tickets:           $20 - $45 with discounts for seniors, students and groups

Box Office:      408.283.7142 or www.thestage.org

 

Author:           Craig Lucas

Director:         Kenneth Kelleher

Featuring:      Halsey Varady*, Will Springhorn Jr.*, Michael Navarra*, Dena Martinez*,

Judith Miler, Katie O’Bryon and Jay Steele

Halloween version of ANNIE Tomorrow

A special Halloween version of ANNIE is going to be performed live tomorrow at the Historic Hoover Theater. All the info is below:

---

Leapin' Lizards! One of the world's best-loved musicals comes to Hoover Theatre!

With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan ANNIE charms everyone's hearts, despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. 

With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, ANNIE escapes to the wondrous and magical world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, ANNIE foils Miss Hannigan and befriends President Roosevelt. She finds a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

$10 Adults   

$7 Children (16 and Under)

$5 children (10 and under - floor seating)

Historic Hoover Theater

1635 Park Ave, San Jose, CA

Cast Performance Schedule:

TIMES SQUARE CAST (kids):

10/26- 7:00 PM

10/27- 2:00 PM

11/3- 10:00 AM

CENTRAL PARK CAST (kids):

10/27- 10:00 AM

10/28- 2:00 PM

11/2- 7:00 PM

RADIO CITY CAST (family):

10/27- 7:00 PM

10/28- 10:00 AM

10/28- 6:00 PM

HALLOWEEN EVENT 

Saturday, Nov 3, 6:00p

a dark interpretation of the original play featuring Vampires, zombies and cyborgs... set in a terror strewn landscape of an alternate New York. 

$15 tickets

This show is not recommended for children under the age of 10.

Playful People productions is a unique theater experience for each project we employ professional designers, artists, choreographers & directors to guide our students. We hire experienced college and high school students to do jobs in the production such as directors, stage managers, lighting, make-up, set designers, choreographers and assistants. This allows students to gain important work experiences in all aspects of production in theatre. The goals of Playful People Productions are to provide the communities of the San Jose bay area with a variety of performing opportunities for children, youth & families to experience. Playful People Productions will challenge young people in the community, provide a safe, caring environment, and involve parents in a wholesome, well-rounded activity.

San Jose Stage Company Opens Season 30 with David Mamet’s Race, America’s most controversial topic

San Jose, CA (September 25, 2012) – San Jose Stage Company opens its 30th season with Race by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer David Mamet. This crime mystery tackles America’s most controversial topic in a provocative tale of sex, guilt and bold accusations. Race opens at The Stage October 3, and runs through October 28.

Race is the central theme, but the issues are more than skin deep as the red-hot debate delves into questions of sex, gender equality and social class. This black-and-white courtroom drama never reaches the courtroom, and while not so black-and-white, it is a comic debate where the laughs may arrive well after the joke. 

Artistic Director, Randall King believes Race is perfect not only to open The Stage’s Season 30 but also for the election season. “In our lifetimes, the Civil Rights movement had led the Baby Boomers to believe that this social problem was addressed.  The appointment of Barack Obama to the White House as our 44th president has shown us that many are still uncomfortable with the subject of race, and it has polarized our society in a way that has been politely hidden for decades. David Mamet's Race will in this heated presidential election season create a fervent and important dialogue, because the answer to the racial problem is not something that a creed, law or affirmative action can readily resolve, instead it lies in the knowledge that our individual allegiances ‘lies only in the imperfect, and the mutually unacceptable result of their interaction’. “ *   (*Race, Mamet)

The significance of opening Season 30 with David Mamet’s Race not only exemplifies the company’s artistic mission but also represents The Stage’s roots in the early 1980s. The collective of artists who founded this company were premiering the work of new American playwrights. The Stage has produced Mamet’s American Buffalo (1985), Speed-the-Plow (1993), and Glengarry Glen Ross (1988 and 2008).

Tony Kelly returns to direct Race for The Stage, where he helmed the productions of Oliver Mayer’s Blade to the Heat, Octavio Solis’ Gibraltar, Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts and David Mamet’s adaptation of Anton Chekov’s Uncle Vanya.

“The politics of Race weigh heavily on its characters, making them speak and act with sharp, barbed edges. Race is perhaps not about race, or sex, or power, or justice, but the sheer impossibility of humans living together without suspicion, mistrust, and shame,” states Director Tony Kelly. “That’s a truth both comic and dark, and it makes this particular play cut deeper, more often, than almost anything this legendary contemporary playwright has written.”

Performances are on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM. Race runs through October 28, 2012.

Tickets range from $20 - $45 and are available at www.thestage.org or by calling the box office at 408.283.7142. Visa and MasterCard are accepted, and discounts are available for groups, students and seniors. The theatre is handicapped accessible.

The Stage is located at 490 South First Street at William Street in downtown San Jose’s South First (SoFA) area.

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The Cast of Race: 

David Arrow* (Charles Strickland) returns to The Stage, having appeared in last season’s World Premiere of Buffalo’ed and On The Waterfront. His other Bay Area appearances include American Conservatory Theater, Magic Theatre, Aurora Theatre and Shakespeare Santa Cruz.

L. Peter Callender* (Henry Brown) returns to The Stage, where he was last seen in Blade to the Heat. Most recent appearances include at James in Circle Mirror Transformations at Marin Theatre Company and Skyes in Spunk at California Shakespeare Theatre. He is the artistic director of African-American Shakespeare Company in San Francisco and has appeared in all major theatres in the Bay Area.

Randall King* (Jack Lawson) is the co-founder and Artistic Director of San Jose Stage Company. He was most recently seen as Dodge in Buried Child, Johnny Friendly in On The Waterfront, The Waiter in Rock ‘n’ Roll, Sharky in The Seafarer, Ariel in The Pillowman and Richard Roma in Glengarry Glen Ross.

ZZ Moor (Susan) is making her Bay Area debut at The Stage. She has worked at the Denver Center and recently played Lady Anne in Richard III at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. She was the winner of the Denver Post Ovation Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her role in For Colored Girls… in 2010.
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association

Tony Kelly (Director) most recently directed the New York premiere of Colman Domingo's A Boy and His Soul at the Vineyard Theatre, where it won the 2010 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo Show in New York City and a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Broadway/Off-Broadway production. He is a founding member of Thick Description in San Francisco, where he directed 43 productions over 21 years.

The show’s designers include Michael Palumbo (set and lighting), Jean Cardinale (costumes) and John Koss (sound).

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About San Jose Stage Company:

Now in its 30th season, San Jose Stage Company is recognized as The Bay Area's Premiere Off-Broadway Theatre. The Stage is known for its devotion to new and cutting-edge work and for its commitment to showcasing high-quality local talent.

Ranked 3rd largest theatre and 9th largest performance arts organization in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal Survey (May 2012), San Jose Stage Company is a vital force in the community. The Stage has earned a reputation for artistic excellence by providing high-quality, edgy theatrical experiences that engage, educate and provoke audiences. The Stage has produced 143 productions, 44 new works and 11 world premieres.

The Stage also offers five core educational and outreach programs, including National High School Top Honors Awards and has housed over 200 independent performance groups in its theatre. The Stage is located at 490 South First Street, San Jose, CA 95113.

For more information www.thestage.org            Box Office: 408.283.7142

San Jose Taiko presents Rhythm Spirit 2012: Taiko+Technology

San José, CA --- September 10, 2012 --- San Jose Taiko (SJT) is to perform Rhythm Spirit 2012: Taiko+Technology September 21 and 22. The company will be at an exciting new venue this year: the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza.  SJT has partnered with the ZERO1 Biennial to explore the art form of taiko through the medium of digital expression.

Also included in this year’s Rhythm Spirit performance will be a preview of next year’s 40th Anniversary Rhythm Spirit 2013. While it seems like a long way off, the 40th anniversary is a milestone for San Jose Taiko, one of the oldest taiko groups in North America.

There are three performances of Rhythm Spirit 2012: Friday, September 21 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, September 22 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. All shows will be held at the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose, CA 95116.

San Jose Taiko will be sharing this journey of taiko and technology on its website at www.taiko.org and through its social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr).

Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors if purchased in advance ($30/$25 at the door).  All seats are reserved, and group rates are available. Ticket information is available by visiting www.taiko.org or by calling 408-293-9344.

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About San Jose Taiko:

San Jose Taiko, with a deep respect of cultural traditions and a commitment to artistic excellence, is dedicated to the advancement of the taiko art form through the development of its world-class Performing Ensemble and the San Jose Taiko Conservatory. Located in the heart of Japantown of San Jose, the company performs throughout the Bay Area, the United States and abroad.

From its beginnings in 1973, SJT endeavored to create a contemporary musical style while respecting taiko’s Japanese roots.  Representative of the backgrounds and influences of its membership, SJT’s style joins the traditional rhythms of Japan with other world rhythms, including African, Brazilian, Filipino, Latin, and jazz percussion. All of SJT’s performances are fully choreographed, theatrically lit extravaganzas, bridging many styles while still resonating with the Asian soul in America.

Enrich the human spirit. Connect people beyond cultural and demographic boundaries.

San Jose Taiko, 565 North 5th Street, San Jose, CA 95112    408 293 9344      taiko.org

The Screwtape Letters Comes to San Jose

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Chicago, IL -THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS, the provocative and wickedly funny theatrical adaptation of the C.S. Lewis novel about spiritual warfare from a demon’s point of view, comes to San Jose for two performances only.  The production will run at the San Jose Performing Arts Center, 255 Almaden Boulevard, Saturday, September 22 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The National Tour ofTHE SCREWTAPE LETTERS kicked off after a hit nine-month run at the Westside Theatre in New York City where it entertained 50,000 theatergoers.  Prior to that,THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS was a sold out hit in Chicago and Washington D. C. where it ran for a combined eight months.

Now in its second smash year,THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS’ National Tour has delighted capacity audiences in 50 major cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Boston, Salt Lake City, Orlando, Seattle, Dallas and Houston.   Over 200,000 have seen this production on tour, which continues to attract a national following.

Associated Press callsTHE SCREWTAPE LETTERS “Devilishly funny!” The Chicago Sun-Times hails the productionas “Smart, sizzling entertainment!;” The Boston Globe raves that it is“Engrossing and Entertaining!” andThe Chicago Tribune says THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS is “Very smart...richly rewarding...exuberant theatricality!”

THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS creates a topsy-turvy morally inverted universe set in an eerily stylish office in hell, where God is called the “Enemy” and the devil is referred to as “Our Father below.”  The play follows His Abysmal Sublimity Screwtape, Satan’s top psychiatrist (due to his profound understanding of human nature), and his slavish creature-demon Toadpipe, as they train an apprentice demon, Wormwood, on how to ruin the life and damn the soul of an unsuspecting human on earth.  Screwtape is played by award-winning actor Max McLean.

Along withThe Chronicles of Narnia (includingThe Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe),The Great Divorce andMere Christianity, THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS is still one of Lewis’ most popular and influential works.  The book's piercing insight into human nature and the lucid and humorous way Lewis makes his readers squirm in self-recognition made it an immediate success.  When first published in 1942 it brought worldwide fame to this little-known Oxford don including the cover ofTime Magazine.

The idea for Screwtapefirst came to Lewis after listening to Hitler’s Reichstag Speech on July 19, 1940, while it was simultaneously translated on BBC Radio.  Lewis wrote“I don’t know if I’m weaker than other people, but it is a positive revelation to me how while the speech lasts it is impossible not to waver just a little… Statements which I know to be untrue all but convince me…if only the man says them unflinchingly.”

Lewisdedicated it to his close friend J. R. R. Tolkien who had expressed to Lewis that delving too deeply into the craft of evil would have consequences.  Lewis admitted as much when he wrote “Though I had never written anything more easily, I never wrote with less enjoyment . . . though it was easy to twist one’s mind into the diabolical attitude, it was not fun, or not for long. The work into which I had to project myself while I spoke through Screwtape was all dust, grit, thirst, and itch. Every trace of beauty, freshness, and geniality had to be excluded.”

THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS is produced by New York City based Fellowship for the Performing Arts. Max McLean serves as Artistic Director.  Executive Producer and General Manager is Ken Denison of Aruba Productions. Scenic Design is by Cameron Anderson, Costumes by Michael Bevins, Lighting Design by Jesse Klug, and Original Music and Sound Design by John Gromada.

The performance schedule forTHE SCREWTAPE LETTERS is Saturday, September 22 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.  Tickets are available in the following price tiers: $59, $49 and $39.  There are a limited number of premium seats available for $89 and student seats for $25 (student ID required).  For groups of 10 or more (including student groups) call 866.476.8707.

To purchase tickets, visitwww.ScrewtapeonStage.com,call 408.792.4111 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p,m,or visit the box office at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, 150 W San Carlos St., San Jose (in advance) or theSan Jose Performing Arts Center box office, 255 Almaden Boulevard, San Jose (day of).