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Benefit Performance of award winning plays are announced for CCC–Thursday, November 18

On November 2nd, The Theatre Association of NY State (TANYS) has invited two shows Bob Frame directed, to perform at their competitive festival the weekend of November 19-21, 2010. These two shows will be part of a field of nine shows chosen from among 57 shows adjudicated at their home sites.

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An "Open rehearsal/Benefit Performance will be held on Thursday, November 18th at 8pm in the Bisgrove Theatre at Cayuga Community College. We would appreciate you stopping in and supporting our efforts.

The two shows are the Auburn Player's "Two Women and a Chair" by Michael Olsen and CCC's "The Body Washer" by Rosemary Frisino Toohey.

Both shows have received Merit Awards from the adjudicators who saw the show. These awards will be presented at the festival.
"Two Women and a Chair":
Excellence in Ensemble Acting to Alicia Frame and Carole Estabrook
Excellence in Directing to Bob Frame
"The Body Washer"
Excellence in Ensemble Acting to Lauren Maltese, Rachel Bodner and Lizzy Fennessy
Awards also earned by Harlequin Productions for their "We Got Your One-Act, Right Here" evening:
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Alicia Frame for her portrayal of Annie (The Matchmaker's Guide ...)
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Courtney Johnson for her portrayal of Liz (The Matchmaker's Guide...)
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Tarin Bonvino for her portrayal of Pat (Christmas Tuba Festival)
Excellence in Ensemble Acting to the Entire Cast (Christmas Tuba Festival)
Also presented at Festival will be:
Carole Estabrook's Outstanding Acting award from the Auburn Player's "The Importance of being Earnest"
Bob Frame's Outstanding Direction award for Harlequin Production's "Knuckles"
This State level competition is the first step in what could be a national and even international competition/exhibition of the finest work that non-professional theatre can offer.
Robert M. Frame, Producer- Harlequin Productions
C/O Cayuga Community College
197 Franklin St. Auburn, NY 13021-3099
(Direct): 315-294-8640 (Fax): 315-255-2117
(E-mail): framer@cayuga-cc.edu
Presenting New and Original Works of Modern Theatre
Appearing on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=522073478#!/pages/Harlequin-Productions-of-Cayuga-Community-College/116571521708985?ref=sgm

The Music Man .. the treats keep coming!

Although it is not always the first title that comes to mind, Meredith Willson's "The Music Man"  remains one of the most beloved and smartest musicals ever to hit the Broadway stage. Full of pep, heart...... the musical treats keep coming and coming.
Music Man is a classic for all generations and quite a few generations were represented at last nights opening performance. Our estimate of the crowd was around 650 eager fans from ages 5 to 95. A really remarkable figure for musical shows in the Finger Lakes area which normally enjoy an audience of 15 to 150. The crowd was wonderfully responsive and they laughed and applauded in all the expected right places. As usual more than half were there to see family members who participated in the cast which numbered around 100.
The Skaneateles Summer Theatre, continues its traditions of giving audiences their money's worth by introducing Music Man to yet another generation. Whimsically and tightly directed with a loving eye by Bob Frame, the show is a nearly three-hour embarrassment of riches.

Harold Hill (Stephen Gamba) is the titular "Music Man;" in truth, he's a con artist, who breezes through town convincing parents that he can instruct their children how to play a musical instrument. After promising them that he will form a band and collecting money from these naive folks for instruments and uniforms, Hill hightails it, on to the next townful of unsuspecting victims. Hill hits a snag when he hits River City, Iowa, in the form of librarian Marian Paroo (Abigal Kilcoyne), an old maid who lives with her decidedly Irish born mother (Janet Kringer) and younger, lisping brother Winthrop (Zachery Driscoll). Against her better judgment, Marian falls for the con man, though she eventually gets wind of his plans.  Harold, too, finds himself in love for the first time as well, creating quite the conundrum for him: Should he stay or should he go?

Michaela Oney Corp and Steve Gamba wait for their turn to rehearse

Hill is one of the great, iconic roles in musical theatre; it made a star of its original portrayer, Robert Preston, winning him a Tony Award and Oscar nomination. Preston earned those accolades the hard way, however, since Hill is also an incredibly demanding role, both physically and vocally. Gamba, too, tries his best to tackle the role with gusto, doing well in particularly difficult numbers like "76 Trombones" and "Trouble."  But the real star of last nights showing, was Abigail Kilcoyne who impressed us with her sterling voice, She shines on such songs as "Goodnight My Someone" and "Til There Was You."  Fun fact #1: "Goodnight My Someone" has the exact same tune as "76 Trombones" but is performed in three-quarter time with a much slower tempo. Fun fact #2: Since Abigail Kilcoyne shares the same name as the Musical Director; Michael Kilcoyne it seems there may be a bit of both trust and nepotism, going on, here.

Auburn Players, Carnytown Productions and APT regulars all get a chance to shine, and shine they do.  Ed Beck gets a few great moments in the spotlight as Marcellus Washburn, a former accomplice of Hill's and gives a well crafted performance that was the equal of his recent appearance in Hello Dolly, for the Auburn Players. Simon Moody as Mayor Shinn and Michaela Corp as his long suffering wife, Eulalie MacKecknie Shin provide just the right touch of comic relief with Moody raging across the stage in one of the best costumes of the night. Michaela Oney Corp and the Grecian Urn Girls broke the audience up and at times threatened to stop the show. Michaela made the most of her few lines with a booming delivery of...well I can't spell it or print it, but, trust me, it was hilarious.
Because "Music Man" has such a huge cast it is impossible to mention everyone that did a great job, but some stand outs included Colgan McNeil as Tommy Djilas who lost his suspender but never a beat, as he danced acrossed the stage and commanded it under the watchful eye of  Choreographers Mark Sidor and Heather McNeil, who, too deserve a special salute for recreating the original dances from the Broadway Show. Others that must be mentioned are Tony Saurini as the Constable, Janet Kringer, who's turn as Amaryllis was startling good. Another standout performance came from Sarah Del Favero who's stage presence is mighty.
Finally the real stars of the evening were the Barbershop Quartet comprised of Mickey Kringer (wow, this is a big family), Steve Condie, Daniel Kringer (they could have just made it Kringer and Company in the program), and Stephen Bellamy who were the most musically entertaining aspect of this very big and complex show.

The sets were brilliantly designed and executed by the award winning Navroz Dabu who is till recovering from his near fatal accident a few months ago and Virginia Fennessy. The surrealistic and open set with pieces moving on and off the stage, noiselessly and smoothly made the show even more entertaining.

It was not all a bed of roses and music. The (I counted) 21 piece Orchestra struggled to keep up with the conductor. One could see that there were many talented people in the pit who were attempting to control some of the less experienced musicians and the end result at time was a bit disconcerting. However the orchestra excelled in the numbers that only required strings and piano and although the Overture could use a bit more rehearsal time, most of the musical pieces came off brilliantly.

Another great star of Man, however, is Wilson's timeless music. One of the jokes of the show is that Hill is a fraud even to himself. So convinced is he that he possesses no musical talent that he does not even realize that rhythm comes naturally to him as he presents himself to others. Nowhere is this more evident than in the early number "Rock Island," in which the conversation of the traveling salesmen onstage parallels the cadences of the train of the train on which they ride. The message is clear: music is everywhere if you know how to look for it. And the salesmen in the Pullman car, found it without question. An opening number is always difficult at best as the audience settles into their seats,  but the Choreographer and Director found the rhythm of the rocking car just as did the actors who pulled off one of the greatest opening numbers of any musical. Special kudos go to Jim Byrne (Charlie Cowell) for his "heavy" performance as the anvil salesman.

Costumes were a bit different and less colorful than many productions we have seen of this show, but they fit the era and the set, perfectly. They were designed by Pam Spear. The show ran quite smoothly and I would guess that was due in a large part to the very experienced Mrs. Ann Frame, the wife of the Director who had the job of Stage Manager and getting the cast of 100 on and off the stage at the right time. Bob as always did a perfect job on the lighting and was helped ably by Gillian Frame. The entire shows sound was under the able hands of Doug Brill (the entire show uses microphones). Stacey Drake was in charge of a big crew that handled publicity (no easy job).

Bob Frame – Director

The cast and crew of this outstanding Summer production is proof yet again that whether you're a smooth talker or a bookish librarian, love is all you need. AND, musicals are still able to bring in big crowds.

Meridith Wilson"s "The Music Man" continues at Skaneateles Hight School; Friday and Saturday, Aug 6 & 7 at 7:30pm and a Matinee on the 7th at 2pm. www.skaneatelessummertheatre.org

Tom Hoey (August 5, 2010)-CNY Stages

Skaneateles Summer Theater presents “The Music Man”

Skaneateles, NY – (July 23^rd, 2010) Skaneateles Summer Theater will present their summertime performance of Meredith Wilson’s “The Music Man” on August 5^th, 6^th and 7^th at 7:30 p.m. at Skaneateles High School.  There will also be a matinee at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 7^th.  With a talented cast of over sixty and a sweet-sounding orchestra, “The Music Man” is sure to strike a chord with its audience.  The plot involves the lovable con man Harold Hill, who poses as a kids' band organizer and sells band instruments and uniforms to naive townsfolk before skipping town with the cash. In River City, Iowa, prim Marian the librarian sees through him, but when Hill helps her younger brother, Marian falls in love with him. The traveling salesman, Harold, get’s his own foot “caught in the door” falling for Marian and risks everything to win her.  This valentine of a musical is set in a simpler time and place and features such memorable tunes as: “Ya Got Trouble”, “Goodnight, My Someone”, “Wells Fargo Wagon”, “Lida Rose” and the show stopping “76 Trombones”.The production features a large cast of talented actors, many of whom are local to this area.
In its 11^th year of operation, Skaneateles Summer Theater is a community-based theater troupe drawing its cast and crew from talented individuals throughout the region. Skaneateles Summer Theater strives to raise the quality of life in the local community by providing top quality, affordable musical theater performances for all ages. The group also offers youth camps for children from kindergarten through high school in an effort to foster an early love for drama.  The theater group is self-funded through ticket sales and supportive patrons. Come out and watch the smooth-talking Harold Hill as he cons his way into the heart of Miss Marian the Librarian. Tickets to this year’s show are $10 for students and seniors and $12 for adults. Call the box office at 685-5278 to reserve your seat.

Further information may be available on the website

Coming up at APT

There's so much going on at APT these days.  Our Summer Children's Program & Performance is filling up fast!  The Academy Award nominated film, Precious screens in our cinema starting Friday at 1:00pm. Two great acoustic concerts are coming up.  This Saturday, we welcome Dusty Pas'cal & Joe Driscoll to the Main Stage.  The following Friday, Rochester guitar legend, Kinloch Nelson is joined by local favorite, Loren Barrigar for what is sure to be a fantastic evening of finger-picking excellence.  Saturday, May 8th brings nationally touring stand-up Comedian, Al Ducharme back to Auburn Public Theater.  Tickets for all our events are affordable and we now serve wine and beer at all our live adult events.  Treat yourself and someone you care about, or even someone you just met earlier in the day, to some mighty fine downtown entertainment!

Dusty Pas'cal & Joe Driscoll

with Mikey Powell

Saturday, April 24th @ 8:00pm

Welcome back Central NY singer/songwriter Dusty Pas'cal.  Dusty returns with his unique blend of roots, folk and pop originals.  Joined by "one man band" Joe Driscoll and opening act, Mikey Powell, it's an evening of great music.

Cash wine/beer bar with proper I.D.

$9.65 advance/door   Tickets

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Kinloch Nelson&Loren Barrigar
Friday, April 30th @ 8:00pm

KINLOCH NELSON, a solo fingerstyle guitarist/singer, creates a synthesis of folk, jazz, classical, American popular music, and original compositions, from J.S. Bach to the blues and may include references to Miles Davis, Schubert, Flatt and Scruggs, The Ventures, and the occasional TV theme.

LOREN BARRIGAR is one of the regions top acoustic guitarists and performer. Playing tunes from country to roots to classic American music, his show is always a crowd pleaser.

$15 advance/door   Learn More

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Summer Children's Theater Workshop & Performance

July 6th through July 31st

Give your aspiring young actor/actress a taste of life behind the scenes--and in the spotlight--of a brand new musical production, “ALMOST ASTRONAUTS, 13 Women Who Dared to Dream”. From creating costumes and scenery to playing major roles on stage, young people from the local community will have the opportunity to spend four weeks this summer pursuing their passion for drama led by the gifted actor/director/producer, Carey Eidel.

Workshop Details and Registration

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Cayuga Community College Comedy Nite

Jay Black/Arvin Mitchell & Rob Little

Friday, April 23rd at 8:00pm

$10 general; $8 student

Spring  Fashion Show

Presented by Elements Salon & Day Spa

Monday, April 26th @ 6:00pm

A benefit for Enviornmental Advocates of  NY

$15 at the door

Take Back The Night: S.A.V.A.R

Self Defense Demonstration

Wednesday, April 28th @ 5:00pm

Free

Carnytown Productions Presents

Neil Simon's The Prisoner of Second Avenue

Fri/Sat, May 15th & 15th @ 7:30pm

Sunday, May 16th @ 2:00pm

$10 adult; $8 student/senior

WCNY Celebrates 40 years of Children’s Programming 
SESAME STREET'S GREATEST HITS!
Saturday, May 23rd at 1:00pm (doors open at Noon)

Roscoe Orman, Sesame Street's Gordon since 1974 performes the show's Greatest hits Live!

$20 advance; $25 at the door
Children 5 and under are FREE.
For pre-sale tickets, call 315.453.2424

For Info about all Community Events, click here

All films only $5 (unless otherwise noted)

($4 if you click here)

Movie Times: Fridays 1:00pm & 8:00pm

                        Saturdays: 8:00pm

PRECIOUS    Fri/Sat April 23-May 1

LIVING DOWNSTREAM        Fri/Sat May 7-8  $10

* Author Sandra Steingraber, Ph.D. will speak on Saturday night

* Filmmaker Chanda Chevannes will "Skype" with the audience for all three screenings

* Presentation by "OWN" Owasco Watershed Network

WHAT THE BLEEP... Fri/Sat/ May 14-15

Hosted by Dr. Robert Kiltz and Bonita Shear

THE GOOD SOLDIER    Fri/Sat May 21-22

A SERIOUS MAN           Fri/Sat May 28-29

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MAKING MOVIES Film Series

Presented by The Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center (Curated by Terry Cuddy)    

Thursdays through April 29th @ 7:30pm

Co-sponsored by New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency, Experimental Television Center and Everett Charitable Trust.

Free   Series Info and Schedule

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Comedian Al Ducharme
Saturday, May 8th @ 8:00pm

Al Ducharme has been entertaining audiences of all ages for over a decade. Al offers a combination of observational humor, comical characters and celebrity impressions. His unique standup act, often enhanced with organic sound effects, packs a powerful punch... Learn More/Tickets

$10 advance/door  cash wine/beer w/proper I.D.

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Tuesday Night Sessions

Every Tuesday at 7:30pm

Live Video Broadcast on April 27th @ 7:30pm

with THE DT's

Get Webcast Access Here

Weekly door prize and a light snack menu.

Wine/Beer with proper ID.

$2 at the door.

The APT Youth Cabaret

Saturday, May 15th @ 7:00pm

Hosted by The Amy Bellamy Vocal Studio

$6 at the door

Jon Peterson's Songwriters' Night Sunday, May 16th @ 7:00pm

An ongoing series of music evenings featuring EDGY FOLK and other up and coming Central New York songwriters

$6 at the door

APT Cabaret - Gershwin

Friday/Saturday, May 21st & 22nd @ 7:00pm

$8 adult; $2 under 12

Mirabai Cieba

Saturday, May 29th at 8:00pm

$20 advance; $25 at the door

Upcoming Event Details and Tickets

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AUBURN PUBLIC THEATER NEWS

Auburn Public Theater is now licensed to sell Wine & Beer at all our live events.

We are now offering a 20% discount to all events for our veterans as part of Cayuga County's RETURN THE FAVOR program!
Tickets for all APT events can be purchased online at www.auburnpublictheater.org (no fee) or at our box office. For hours call (315) 253-6669

Rent any of our 3 spaces at Auburn Public Theater for your creative, social or corporate event. Please contact Janie MicGlire at janie@auburnpublictheater.com
Convenient parking next door in the City Parking Garage

APT announces comedic event

Stand-up comedian Al Ducharme

WHEN: Saturday, May 8th  2010 @ 8:00pm  (Doors open 7:00pm)

WHERE: Auburn Public Theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn, NY

WHO: Al Ducharme

TICKETS: $10 advance at www.auburnpublictheater.org or at the door

INFO: 315.253.6669;  carey@auburnpublictheater.org

 

 

Al Ducharme has been entertaining audiences of all ages for over a decade.
Al offers a combination of observational humor, comical characters and celebrity impressions. His unique stand-up act, often enhanced with organic sound effects, packs a powerful punch. This versatile artist hosted the first season of a show called “Mission: Organization” on HGTV (Home and Garden) and now takes on the hosting duties of a new show called “Comedy Cooks”. He has also starred in several television commercials including Heineken Beer, Papa Gino’s, Ford Motor Co. and GTE. His film work includes the Miramax film “Next Stop Wonderland” and “Original Sin” (CBS). Mr. Ducharme has also been featured on voiceovers for radio, television and animated CD-Rom software. Whether performing at a comedy club, college or suburban country club, he is able to contour his stand-up act to fit each occasion. Al has also delighted the folks at “Morgan Stanley”, “Pfizer” and “Apple Computer” by appearing at private corporate events. He has hosted everything from popular game shows like “The Dating Game” and “Liars Club” to a coast-to-coast Swing Dance tour with “Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy.” His comedic talent has been tested internationally in Europe (Amsterdam, Paris, and Barcelona) and Africa receiving rave reviews- his ability to make people laugh needs no translation in any part of the world.

 

LEARN MORE AT:  http://www.alducharme.com/ADHome.html

 

Info at www.auburnpublictheater.org or call 315-253-6669.

Donna McKechnie, of 'A Chorus Line,' sings in memory of cast mate Thommie Walsh | syracuse.com

Thirty-five years ago, they were the toast of the town. Now, long after the landmark hit, much of the original cast of “A Chorus Line” continues to be close.

Donna McKechnie, as Cassie, the dancer trying to resurrect her career, drew raves for her solo singing and dancing in ’’The Music and the Mirror.” She took home a Tony for her work. Since then, she has toured throughout the U.S. and abroad, in theatrical productions, one-woman shows and numerous cabarets.

Thommie Walsh, the Auburn native who was a member of that “Chorus Line” ensemble, went on to partner with Tommy Tune and win two Tonys. When Walsh died in 2007, McKechnie could not attend the funeral, although Tune and several members of the original “Chorus Line” cast did. She was performing on a cruise ship so far away from the U.S. she could not travel back in time.

The singer-dancer-actress is making up for the miss. She introduces her new cabaret show at the Springside Inn near Auburn at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The two shows will benefit a scholarship fund named for Walsh.

The McKechnie-Walsh friendship blossomed into a three-decade professional collaboration. Walsh staged many of her acts and also choreographed a Cole Porter musical in which she starred at the Pasadena Playhouse in California.

“There was never a time when Thommie didn’t help me,” McKechnie says in a phone interview. “No matter what he was doing, even if he just came and gave me notes, he would be there. I want to honor Thommie.”

McKechnie continues to lead a busy life. In addition to mounting an expanded cabaret act under the direction of Solvay-raised Richard Jay-Alexander, she has published her memoirs, “Time Steps: My Musical Comedy Life,” and traveled the country for performances.

In her book, she writes of her marriage to “Chorus Line” director Michael Bennett. Dubbing it “a choreographed marriage,” she admits she knew the director was gay when they wed. They divorced before he died of AIDS.

Teaching also plays a large part in her life. “Whenever I do my concerts, I try to do master classes or students,” she says. When she is back on home turf in New York, she teaches at the prestigious HB Studio, named for actors Uta Hagen and Herbert Berghof. “I studied with Uta. She was wonderful. I loved him, too,” she says.

McKechnie, 67, also has appeared on Manhattan’s “Encore! Great American Musicals in Concert” series, which revives shows. It was there she linked with Australian singer-theater performer David Campbell. “He played my son in ‘Babes in Arms,’’’ she says with a chuckle.

The relationship landed her a June invitation to perform at the Adelaide, Australia, cabaret festival, where he is artistic director. “We may do some other cities — Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. But the dates haven’t been confirmed. “It will be my first visit to that country, and I am really excited about it.”

Not all of her projects have scored successes. “Inside the Music,” which Walsh directed in 2002, failed to find financing to move beyond workshops. But it did bring McKechnie into contact with director-producer Jay-Alexander, who saw one workshop.

McKechnie knows she always must include “A Chorus Line” in her cabarets. Here, she says, “I do ‘Music and the Mirror’ but not the full dance.”

via blog.syracuse.com

Two Extraordinary Guitarists: Kinloch Nelson and Loren Barrigar

WHEN: Friday, April 30, 2010 8pm  (Doors open 7pm)

WHERE: Auburn Public Theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn, NY

WHO: Kinloch Nelson & Loren Barrigar

TICKETS: $15;  $12 for members of the Rochester Guitar Club and Syracuse Guitar League.

INFO: 315.253.6669;  www.auburnpublictheater.org

 

Auburn Public Theater presents “Two Extraordinary Guitarists” – Kinloch Nelson and Loren Barrigar on Friday, April 30, 2010 at 8:00 pm (doors open 7:00pm). Tickets are available in advance at www.auburnpublictheater.com, at the Auburn Public Theater box office in downtown Auburn, or at the door. Both Nelson and Barrigar are hailed as premier fingerstyle guitarists known for original compositions as well as inventive arrangements of country, Americana, classic rock and blues. Each brings his own unique style and influences, amazing audiences with his skill and master musicianship.

 

Kinloch Nelson, a solo fingerstyle guitarist/singer, creates a synthesis of folk, jazz, classical, American popular music, and original compositions. His programs range from J.S. Bach to the blues and may include references to Miles Davis, Flatt & Scruggs, The Ventures, and the occasional TV theme. Nelson began performing in 1969. His nearly 40-year career has run the gamut from solo classical and folk concerts in coffeehouses and folk festivals to club dates with jazz, country, rockabilly, rock, and rhythm & blues bands. During this time Nelson has played with such notables as Tom Paxton, Amos Garrett, Luther Alison, Buddy Guy, and long-time influence Danny Gatton. From co-founding the Rochester Guitar Society in 1985, to his current work with the Rochester Guitar Club, during 25 years on the faculty of Rochester’s Hochstein School and numerous college residencies, Nelson continues to inspire and share his skills with young and old. (www.kinlochnelson.com)

 

Loren Barrigar’s exceptionally clean technique, reminiscent of the late Chet Atkins, is complemented by sensitive timing and fluid phrasing. On stage, he has a relaxed but energetic presence while moving easily among rock songs, old-time standards and 

original tunes. At six years old, Barrigar played the Chet Atkins hit, "Yakety Axe" in front of thousands of country fans at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, the youngest guitarist to appear on that famous stage. In more recent years, he has performed with some of the best acoustic guitar players including Stephen Bennett, Richard Smith, John Knowles, Muriel Anderson and Loren’s friend and mentor Tommy Emmanuel the Australian guitar sensation. Barrigar’s CD “Dance With Me” won a SAMMY Award in 2009 for best Country CD, and his recent release “Chillaxin” features original songs of his own, Auburn songwriter Austin Gravelding, and Dusty Pas’cal. As one of the founders of the Syracuse-based Guitar League, Loren has been instrumental in bringing the joy of guitar playing to hundreds of amateur musicians. ( http://e2ma.net/go/6641521206/208156403/212125764/1401857/goto:http://www.myspace.com/thebarrigarbrothers )

 

Info at www.auburnpublictheater.org or call 315-253-6669.

 

 

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AUBURN PUBLIC THEATER (APT) is a new, non-profit, professional performing and presenting company currently renovating the former Grant's building located in downtown Auburn, New York as an arts complex.  The building is air-conditioned and free evening and weekend parking is available in the garage directly behind the theater. This is an exciting new cultural center in Central New York.  For any other information,

 call (315) 253-6669 or www.auburnpublictheater.org

Full of Laughs - Baby Seal Club

It's tough to have a laugh, today. The current news is about unemployment, recession and religion.

Well there is good news. You still have a chance to have the "last laugh," because the Baby Seal Club takes all of those serious subjects and turns them on their ear. Almost like the Congressman believes Guam will "tip over."

The Auburn Public Theater, once again presents native talent that excels at entertaining at a modest price.

For several years now, Collin Sullivan and Jason Manning with a crew of very talented performers has presented an evening of sketches. A few are new and some familiar but all in the vein of lampooning the "establishment."

You have one more night this year before this talented group of actors disappears once again to appear in comedies, drama and musicals throughout Onondaga and Cayuga county.

The last performance will be Saturday, April 3, 2010 at 8PM at the Auburn Public Theater, 108 Genesee St. Auburn, NY. Main Stage

It is hard to single out any particular performance since they all were on the mark. But a few of note, starting with Collin Sullivan were extraordinary good. A sketch entitled "Drunken Irish Substitute Kindergarten Teacher" is one of these. The audience, encouraged by the availability of a glass of wine, or two, participated fully in both providing the stimulus to the laughter and, of course, the laughter, itself. Mr. Sullivan, fully in focus and psyched for this character by the influence of a next door neighbor (oh, did I mention he wrote the sketch)...carried it to extremes beyond which you would prefer your five year old to go...and it was downright hilarious.

Jason Manning once again, was complete in control of  his performance in the various sketches and managed to keep the audience focused on the mayhem happening around them.

Performances of note were by Simon Moody, who, surprise; played an Australian character and excelled in his acting and one could tell there was experience on the stage. Carole Estabrook was, as always there when needed and her timing was impeccable. In fact she managed to stop the show at one point with a simple line and a polished off-handed delivery, of same.

Other performers who stood out were Jessica Cantu who wows us every time we see her, Nik Magill, and the RATS (Alraric, Briezy, Kenny, Lance and Chris.) We were once again impressed with a small but vital performance by Tarin Bonvino.
We would like to say more about these performers because they were all important to our evening of laughs, but space does not permit. Needless to say this was an ensemble company.

Be prepared to hear from Jesus and maybe even be a bit offended. That is part of the charm of Great Depression 2: Electric Boogaloo.

Comedy group aims to get a chuckle out of Auburn

Two Auburnians who are serious about being funny will present this weekend the first commercial performance by their sketch comedy group, Baby Seal Club.

Baby Seal Club, a group that relies on serious subject matter for comedy material, performs its act “Great Depression 2: Electric Boogaloo” Friday and Saturday at the Auburn Public Theater.

“We kind of like to start with a basic concept of what's not funny and go from there,” said Jason Manning, one the group's two founders. “We try to combine irreverence with innocence and that usually comes out best.”

Manning founded the group with Collin Sullivan. The pair writes all the group's material. They also do all the organizing, directing and promotion for their shows.

Love of stage came first for both Manning and Sullivan, who were actors before they became writers.

Comedy is a different game than traditional theater, Manning said.

“Comedy requires, I think, a lot more precision,” he said. “Comedy is such a tighter walk.”

They said their experience working at the Sterling Renaissance Festival, where they were largely responsible for creating their own acts, helped them learn about character creation and development of their own material.

The group has been performing for about a year and a half, but this weekend's performance will be their first commercial show, where they're getting paid to show up.

“We started off learning about being comedians by going to open mic night and trying out material on musicians who didn't really want to hear us,” said Sullivan.

This time, there are posters for the group's upcoming show, they will be performing on the theater's stage and people will have to buy a ticket to see them.

And what they will see will be unlike a lot of theater, Sullivan said, who described the show as “having a laugh about all the institutions in our society that have failed us.”

“It's a show where people can really react and be a little rowdier than they're used to being in a theater,” he said.

Audience participation - laughing and cheering as well as booing and hissing - is encouraged.

Sarah Gantz

253-5311 ext. 237

sarah.gantz@lee.net

If you go.

What: Baby Seal Club presents Great Depression 2: Electric Boogaloo

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 2 and 3

Where: Auburn Public Theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn

Cost: $10

Info: Call the APT at 253-6669

via auburnpub.com

This week at Auburn Public Theater

In addition to the Friday and Saturday 8:00pm screenings, all movies at Auburn Public Theater will also screen at 1:00pm on Friday afternoons.  Get a head start on the weekend and see a Friday film!

The 2nd Annual Hospice of The Finger Lakes Benefit Concert

Kevin Dorsey & FORE! and The Barrigar Brothers

Friday, March 26th 8:00pm

Come down to support our local Hospice with an evening of great music!
$10 in advance/at the door  Concert Tickets

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2010 Kids Choice Awards Party

Saturday, March 27th @ 7:00pm

It's a gala event happening at APT!  Enter on the RED CARPET starting at 7pm and munch on pizza, snacks and drinks.  They'll be some live surprise performances before the awards.  Then from 8pm - 9:30pm enjoy the live broadcast of the Kids Choice Awards on our huge cinema screen.  It's a great evening of fun chaparoned by the adult staff of APT.  Parents: feel free to drop off your kids in a safe atmosphere!

$5 at the door ______________________________________

Cabaret Auditions
Saturday, March 27th from 9am - 12pm

Auburn Public Theater is holding auditions for our next Cabaret Performance. Here are the details:
Youth Audition Requirements: Come prepared with 16 bars of any style song to be sung a capella. There will be some simple sight reading. SHOW DATE IS SET FOR MAY 15th.
Adult Audition Requirements: Come prepared with 16 bars of a show tune to be sung a capella. There will be some simple sight reading. You must be able to read music. There will be callbacks if needed. THE SHOW DATES ARE SET FOR May 21st and 22nd.
For any questions or for more information, please contact Amy Bellamy at 224-0691

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All films only $5 ($4 if you click here)

The Stoning of Soraya M     Fri. March 26 only

Julie and Julia Fri/Sat April 2-3

The Hurt Locker Fri/Sat April 9-17

Precious Fri/Sat April 23-May 1

What The Bleep...                Fri/Sat/Sun May 14-16

Movie Times: Fridays 1:00pm & 8:00pm

                      Saturdays: 8:00pm

                      Sundays:   2:00pm

MAKING MOVIES Film Series

Presented by The Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center (Curated by Terry Cuddy)    

Thursdays beginning March 25th @ 7:30pm

Free

Co-sponsored by New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency, Experimental Television Center and Everett Charitable Trust.

Auburn Public Chorus

Sunday, March 28th @ 3:00pm

Please join the 30 members of Auburn Public Chorus as they present their Spring Concert under the direction of Amy Bellamy.  Accompanied by Will Tobin, selections include Bohemian Rhapsody, Come Away With Me, Downtown, You Raise Me Up and Build Me A Buttercup.It's a fun afternoon for the whole family!

$8 General Admission   Advanced Sales

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Great Depression 2: Electric Boogaloo

An Evening of Original Sketch Comedy by Baby Seal Club

Fri/Sat, April 2nd & 3rd at 8:00pm

Join creators Collin Sullivan and Jason Manning as they bring their funny to Auburn Public Theater. Baby Seal Club is: Jessica Cantu, Carole Estabrook. Nik MaGill, Jason Manning, Simon Moody, Collin Sullivan, featuring Alaric Robin …and the RATS

$10 General Admission   Show Tickets

Tuesday Night Sessions

Every Tuesday at 7:30pm

Live Video Broadcast on April 6th @ 7:30pm Get Webcast Access Here

Weekly door prize and a light snack menu.  Wine/Beer with proper ID.

$2 at the door.

Dusty Pas'cal & Joe Driscoll

with Mikey Powell

Saturday, April 24th @ 8:00pm

$9.65 advance or at the door

Guitarists Kinloch Nelson & Loren Barrigar

Friday, April 30th @ 8:00pm

$15 individuals; $12 Syracuse Guitar League members

Stand-up Comedian Al Ducharme
Saturday, May 8th at 8:00pm
$15 adult; $12 student & senior

Mirabai Cieba

Saturday, May 29th at 8:00pm

$20 advance; $25 at the door

Event Details and Tickets

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Auburn City Council Meeting

Focus: parking garage

Wednesday, March 31st @ 6:00pm

The Suess Odyssey

Presented by the AHS Drama Club

Fri/Sat/Sun, April 8th, 9th & 10th @ 8:00pm

$7 adults; $5 students/seniors

Ignite 6th Anniversary Party

Friday, April 9th from 5:30pm  - 7:30pm

$15 at the door

A portion of the proceeds to benefit: CAC (The new Child Advocacy Center a division of Cayuga Counseling opening on April 17th)

Cayuga Community College Comedy Nite

Jay Black/Arvin Mitchell & Rob Little

Friday, April 23rd at 8:00pm

$10 general; $8 student

Ballroom Dancing Class

Every Thursday at 7:00pm
$5 at the door     Contact Jeanne Cramer at 253-2489

Spring  Fashion Show

Presented by Elements Salon & Day Spa

Monday, April 26th @ 6:00pm

$15 at the door

All proceeds go to Enviornmental Advocates of NY

For Info about all Community Events, click here

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AUBURN PUBLIC THEATER NEWS

Auburn Public Theater is now licensed to sell Wine & Beer at all our live events.

We are now offering a 20% discount to all events for our veterans as part of Cayuga County's RETURN THE FAVOR program!

Tickets for all APT events can be purchased online at www.auburnpublictheater.org (no fee) or at our box office Tuesdays 10 - 4 or Tuesday/Friday/Saturday 7:00-10:00pm.
Rent any of our 3 spaces at Auburn Public Theater for your creative, social or corporate event. Please contact Janie MicGlire at janie@auburnpublictheater.com
Convenient parking next door in the City Parking Garage

108 Genesee Street | PO Box 771 | Auburn, New York 13021
info@auburnpublictheater.org | 315-253-6669 | www.auburnpublictheater.org