tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36056417493818606912024-03-13T08:26:39.689-07:00BFT BlogBirmingham Festival TheatreBFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-54527777978411898512012-01-05T17:22:00.000-08:002012-01-05T17:24:22.860-08:00Sex, Secrets, and Lies--It's All in the Family with Birmingham Festival Theatre's production of Becky Shaw.<em>Mel Christian directs the third show of BFT's 40th Anniversary Season</em><br /> <br />BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Jan 2, 2011 - Smart, sordid comedy takes the stage at Birmingham Festival Theatre for the third production of their landmark 40th anniversary season. Becky Shaw is a standout in this season: every other play on the 2011-2012 slate has been chosen to honor and celebrate their prior productions during BFT's 40-year history, but this production of Gina Gionfriddo's comedy marks another local premiere, fulfilling BFT's mission to bring new theatrical works to the Birmingham audiences.<br /><br />The setting is contemporary, the writing is sharp, and the characters are richly comic, dynamic, and dysfunctional. There's Suzanna, the mid-thirties psych student who embraces denial; Max, her financially brilliant but emotionally inept adoptive brother--with boundary issues; Andrew, Suzanna's impetuously-chosen husband, a would-be author with a savior complex; Susan, the domineering matriarch with multiple sclerosis and a decades-younger boyfriend; and the enigmatic, eponymous Becky Shaw, the friendless, family-less, moneyless office temp who extracts exactly what she wants from each of them in turn. Director Mel Christian calls the play "a deftly-plotted comedy of bad manners that promises to entertain, even if you're not exactly certain who to root for!"<br /><br />Commissioned by the renowned regional Actors Theatre of Louisville, the play had its world premiere at their 2008 Humana Festival of New Plays before receiving a Pulitzer Prize nomination and enjoying a smash Off-Broadway run. Christian has put together a strong cast to bring Becky Shaw to life, including BFT veterans Holly Croney Dikeman (Quilters) in the title role, Annalisa Keuler Crews (Talking With...) as Suzanna, Pam Elder (Tobacco Road) as Susan, and Hal Word (The Great Wrong Way) as Max; Criss Moriss, no stranger to the Birmingham-area stage, makes his BFT debut in the role of Andrew.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Birmingham Festival Theatre </strong>prides itself on being the oldest continually-operating community theatre in the metro area. Come celebrate the newest contribution to BFT's legacy when Becky Shaw opens on Thursday, January 12, with a special opening night reception following the performance. The show will run for three weekends on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 8 pm through January 28, with one matinee performance on Sunday, January 22 at 2 pm. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students or groups of ten or more, except for BFT's Pay What You Can Afford night on January 19 with a $7 minimum. <br /><br />Tickets may be reserved by phone at (205) 933-2383. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.bftonline.org">http://www.bftonline.org</a>.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-31742396372205488132011-11-22T12:53:00.000-08:002011-11-22T12:57:20.239-08:00Auditions for BFT’s production of Noel Coward’s Hay Fever<p>Noel Coward's Hay Fever directed by Ellise Mayor runs April 19 - May 5, 2012, at Birmingham Festival Theatre. <br /><br />Auditions will be held on Saturday December 3, 2011, from 10 am until noon at the theatre.<br /><br />Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. This production is a stylized piece and calls for British dialects. No preparation is required. <br /><br />We are looking for male and female actors with a strong British dialect. <br /><br />Actors of both sexes, ages 20-65 are needed. <br /><br />Rehearsals will begin in March 2012. <br /><br />If you would like to audition but cannot attend the December 3 session, please contact the director at <a href="mailto:LCprivitt@gmail.com">LCprivitt@gmail.com</a>.</p>Lee Grinerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15224804428730679041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-881220228589023812011-11-22T07:44:00.000-08:002011-11-22T08:08:27.326-08:00Holiday shopping made easyNeed a gift that really does keep on giving? Give the Gift of Live Theatre! BFT offers four tickets for the price of three—that's an $80 value for $60. The tickets are good in any combination for the remaining shows in the 2011-2012 season:<br /><UL><br /><LI>Becky Shaw (January 12–28, 2012)<br /><LI>Holy Ghosts (March 1-17)<br /><LI>Hay Fever (April 19–May 5)<br /><LI>The Last Hotel for Women (June 14–30)<br /></ul><br /><br />Visit <a href="http://www.bftonline.org">www.bftonline.org</a> to buy online or download an order form!BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-45371528805260999822011-06-22T14:45:00.000-07:002011-07-08T13:58:13.857-07:00Our 40th Anniversary Season is Packed with Entertainment!Five favorites from seasons past, and one show that's new to BFT. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.bftonline.org/tickets.html">SEASON TICKETS</a> are still a great bargain at $99, and now you can buy online!<br /><a href="http://www.bftonline.org/auditions.html">SEASON AUDITIONS</a> are the way to go if you want to be on stage!<br /><br />September 15-October 1, 2011<br />THAT CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON<br />Written by Jason Miller<br />Directed by Jonathan Goldstein <br /><br />Five men who won the Pennsylvania state high school basketball championship 20 years ago get together for a reunion at the coach's house. It begins as a happy occasion, but the tensions among them have grown over time. What's happened to the "dream team" after all these years? Who's to blame for the way their lives have turned out? Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play in 1973, this play was originally brought to the BFT stage in 1979 to great acclaim.<br /><br /><br />November 3–19, 2011<br />QUILTERS<br />Written by Molly Newman and Barbara Damashek, <br />lyrics and music by Barbara Damashek<br />Directed by Sandra Taylor <br /><br />A series of short tales matched with musical numbers, the stories in Quilters present aspects of womanhood in frontier life—girlhood, marriage, childbirth, spinsterhood, twisters, fire, illness, and death. Each woman’s story unfolds, literally, from a piece of quilting work whose design reflects her experiences. By the play’s end, these story panels combine to make one huge quilt that the characters raise high as the flag of pioneer womanhood. Nominated for six Tony Awards in 1984, this production was first performed at BFT in 1987, directed by Sandra Taylor.<br /><br /><br />January 12–28, 2012<br />BECKY SHAW<br />Written by Gina Gionfriddo<br />Directed by Mel Christian <br /><br />In Becky Shaw, a newlywed couple fixes up two romantically challenged people: wife's best friend, meet husband's sexy and strange new co-worker. When an evening calculated to bring happiness takes a dark turn, crisis and comedy ensue. Gina Gionfriddo’s comedy of bad manners, a tangled tale of love, sex and ethics among a quartet of men and women in their 30s, is as engrossing as it is ferociously funny, like a big box of fireworks fizzing and crackling across the stage from its first moments to its last. Penned by one of the writers for TV’s Law and Order, Becky Shaw is a Pulitzer Prize-nominated new play, in keeping with our continuing effort to bring new theatre to Birmingham!<br /><br /><br />March 1-17, 2012<br />HOLY GHOSTS<br />Written by Romulus Linney <br />Directed by Bethe Ensey <br /><br />Romulus Linney writes a moving and funny account of unsophisticated people in moral and emotional crisis in the Deep South. Nancy Shedman, in an effort to escape the drunken attentions of her husband Coleman, has moved in with a band of Pentecostal snake handlers and fallen in love with their leader, Rev. Obediah Buckhorn. The play blends humor and poignancy as it probes into the circumstances and stories of the various cult members. What happens when Coleman comes to claim his wife? In 1976, BFT was one of the first theatres in the country to stage the play. The Birmingham press hailed Linney as an author to be reckoned with "by every imaginable measuring stick” and the play as "an American gem cut out of the spirit of the mountain people—funny and deeply moving." <br /><br />April 19–May 5, 2012 <br />HAY FEVER<br />Written by Noel Coward <br />Directed by Ellise Mayor <br /><br />No Anniversary Season would be complete without a good old-fashioned comedy! And Hay Fever fits the bill. Set in an English country house in the 1920s, the play features the four eccentric members of the Bliss family. Real Housewives of New Jersey has nothing on the over the top antics of the Bliss family and their weekend guests. This early Coward comedy is nothing to sneeze at! "It does not date… it is in the highest mood of fantastic comedy, it is deliciously heartless and therefore deliciously alive and fresh" -The Times. This play was first performed at BFT in 1980.<br /><br /><br />June 14–30, 2012<br />THE LAST HOTEL FOR WOMEN <br />Written by Randy Marsh <br />Directed by Edward C. Miller <br /><br />The novel by Vicki Covington was adapted for the stage by her brother Randy Marsh, a playwright and founding member of BFT. Set in Birmingham in 1961, when Freedom Riders were passing through the Deep South, the production centers around a hotel run by Dinah Fraley and her husband. They are visited frequently by the Birmingham Commissioner of Public Safety, Sheriff Bull Connor, a known racist and bigot. Racial tensions run high in this powerful drama that was originally staged in 1996, and closes out our 40th Anniversary Season.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-75956930983941667492011-06-14T09:30:00.000-07:002011-06-14T09:31:38.490-07:002011-2012 Season AuditionsBirmingham Festival Theatre (BFT) announces its combined audition for the 2011-2012 season. Adult and teen-aged actors of all ages and ethnicities are encouraged to attend.<br /><br />Actors will have up to 3 minutes to offer a single or 2 contrasting monologues. An additional few minutes will be available for directors' questions. Please bring 6 copies of your resume and a head shot (if available).<br /><br />This is a great opportunity to be seen by 6 different directors and audition for 6 shows at the same time. You may be called back at another time to read again for one or more specific shows. BFT´s intention for these auditions is to reach further into our community to find the talent we need for our exciting new 40th Anniversary season. You will have an opportunity to let us know which shows you are interested in specifically, but you will be considered for everything that is appropriate for you. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come – even if we´ve seen you before!<br /><br />When: Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26, 2011<br />Saturday: Sign in from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM<br />Sunday: Sign in from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM<br />Actors will audition in the order in which they sign in. Everyone signed in by the end of the sign-in period will have the opportunity to audition.<br /><br />Place: Birmingham Festival Theatre, 1901½ 11th Avenue South (above the Golden Temple in 5 Points South)<br /><br />Questions: edward[at]bftonline.org<br /><br />BFT 2011-2012 Season<br /><br />That Championship Season <br />Cast: 5 men<br />Production Dates: Sept 15 – Oct 1, 2011<br />The role of the coach is cast; remaining 4 men should be in their 30s or 40s<br /><br />Quilters*<br />7 women<br />Nov 3 – 19, 2011<br />*For those auditioning for our musical, Quilters, please be prepared to sing a cappella a minimum of 16 bars of a song that is more of a folk song than a Broadway-style show tune. <br /><br />Becky Shaw<br />2 men, 3 women<br />Jan 12 – 28, 2012<br />The roles of Becky, Suzanne, and Max are cast; remaining roles are one man 20s–30s, one woman 50s–60s. <br /><br />Holy Ghosts<br />10 men, 5 women<br />Mar 1 – 17, 2012<br /><br />Hay Fever<br />4 men, 5 women<br />Apr 19 – May 5, 2012<br /><br />The Last Hotel for Women<br />4 men, 3 women, 1 male teenager, 1 female teenager<br />June 14 – 30 , 2012BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-53907212792217606222011-06-02T06:16:00.000-07:002011-06-02T06:19:59.769-07:00Batter Up! Baseball Great Ty Cobb Comes to the Stage in Cobb<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qm2wkdlH9M4/TeeNhmNCi1I/AAAAAAAAADk/Ih3hWixta34/s1600/cobb-promotional-photo-medium.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qm2wkdlH9M4/TeeNhmNCi1I/AAAAAAAAADk/Ih3hWixta34/s320/cobb-promotional-photo-medium.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613611068871052114" /></a><br /><h3>Birmingham Festival Theatre Will Host the Good and the Bad of Ty Cobb</h3><br /><br />BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – June 2, 2011 – In order to grasp the full picture of a man, you should experience him at different stages of his life. That´s what Lee Blessing has done in <i>Cobb</i>, beginning June 9, 2011 at <a href="http://www.bftonline.org">Birmingham Festival Theatre</a>. Three actors will help bring the one persona of Ty Cobb to the stage, in one uninterrupted 90-minute stage production. <br /><br />Don Sandley is directing <i>Cobb</i>, and brings his love of the game to the BFT stage. “Ty Cobb played the game like it was a barroom brawl. It could be argued that Cobb played with such ferocity that he took all the leisure out of the game. What cannot be argued is that he changed the game forever. He made it a truly professional sport. I hope you enjoy getting to know one of the most iconic sports figures our country has ever produced. I suspect you will agree, that not so much has changed after all. Heroes have always been flawed.’<br /><br />Actors bringing Cobb to life are: James Kitchens (young Ty Cobb “The Peach’), James Ward (mid-life Ty Cobb “Ty’), and John Falkenberry (elder Ty Cobb “Mr. Cobb’). Brandon McCray will play the role of Oscar Charleston, a fellow ballplayer. <br /><br />Cobb runs each Thursday, Friday and Saturday for three weeks at 8:00 p.m. beginning on June 9, 2011 with a matinee on Sunday, June 19, at 2:30 p.m. The show closes on June 25, 2011. Tickets are $20, $15 for students. For reservations, call the theatre at (205) 933-2383.<br /><br />Pictured in attached photo are (from L to R): James Kitchens, John Falkenberry and Brandon McCray. <br /><br /><B>About Birmingham Festival Theatre</b><br />BFT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. For almost 40 years, BFT has been bringing local audiences theatrical experiences that touch the heart and stir the mind. Our all-volunteer Board of Directors works to involve the community´s many talented directors, actors, designers and techies to produce the best in contemporary and classic theatre. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.bftonline.org">www.bftonline.org</a>.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-20806148711777127572011-04-13T10:48:00.000-07:002011-04-13T10:53:07.765-07:00"Cobb" cast announcedCast: <br />The Peach - James Kitchens<br />Ty - James Ward<br />Mr. Cobb - John Falkenberry<br />Oscar - Branden McCray<br /><br />COBB, by Lee Blessing<br /><a href="http://www.bftonline.org">BFT</a> production directed by Don Sandley<br />June 9-25, 2011 — Thursday-Saturday @8PM and Sunday, June 19 @2:30PM<br /><br />Blessing brings the legendary Ty Cobb to life as record-breaking statistics, infamous temper, fierce competitiveness, and personal triumphs are portrayed in flashback memories of the aging and (to hear him tell it) unappreciated superstar. "They" say we need heroes, and likely we do. But come see what one of those heroes has to say about "them."BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-12102631303625231982011-04-05T07:02:00.000-07:002011-04-05T07:06:39.604-07:00Anna in the Tropics Brings Cuban Heat to the Stage<a href="http://www.bftonline.org/archive/2010-2011/annaposter-500.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 500px;" src="http://www.bftonline.org/archive/2010-2011/annaposter-500.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br /> <br />Contact: Edward Miller, (205) 933-2383<br /> <br /><strong>Sultry, Seductive Production Comes to Birmingham Festival Theatre</strong><br /> <br /> <br /><strong>BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – April 4, 2011</strong> – You might want to brush up on your Spanish before coming to see <em>Anna in the Tropics</em> at Birmingham Festival Theatre beginning April 21, 2011. The opening of the Pulitzer Prize winning play, by Nilo Cruz, will be entirely in Spanish. ¿Entiendes?<br /> <br />Set in Tampa, Fla. in the 1920’s, the play depicts how life changes for a family of Cuban immigrants working in a cigar factory, when a stranger arrives on the scene. The owner’s wife has hired a Lector, a well-spoken, well-dressed man to read classic novels to the workers as they roll cigars. The novel chosen is Tolstoy’s <em>Anna Karenina</em>, a story of love, lust and betrayal. The characters and situations in the novel come to life for the family as the story unfolds. <br /> <br />“The play is about love: lost love, forgotten love, forbidden love. The strength of the piece is the poetic beauty of the language layered with the power of the sensuality contained in the work,” says Edward Miller, who is directing the play at BFT. “The climax provides a gripping and shocking finality to Cruz’s vision.” <br /> <br />Actors Don Cano (<em>Lobby Hero</em>), Chalo Gurmendi, Michelle Griffo, Beth Kitchin (<em>Season’s Greetings</em>), Jessica Knight, Sigfredo Rubio (<em>Spinning into Butter</em>) and David Seale make up the cast. <br /> <br /><em>Anna in the Tropics</em> runs each Thursday, Friday and Saturday for three weeks at 8:00 p.m. beginning on April 21, with a matinee on Sunday, May 1, at 2:30 p.m. The show closes on May 7, 2011. Tickets are $20, $15 for students. For reservations, call the theatre at (205) 933-2383.<br /> <br /> <br /><strong>About Birmingham Festival Theatre</strong><br />BFT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. For almost 40 years, BFT has been bringing local audiences theatrical experiences that touch the heart and stir the mind. Our all-volunteer Board of Directors works to involve the community’s many talented directors, actors, designers and techies to produce the best in contemporary and classic theatre. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.bftonline.org">www.bftonline.org</a>.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-49993499587205124012011-03-10T09:31:00.000-08:002011-03-14T08:13:42.209-07:00Shawn Reese (Actor 5) - Around the World in 80 Days<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOdApoq5imo/TXkLZz-oWYI/AAAAAAAAADc/exXtdjPknkI/s1600/shawnblog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 193px; height: 270px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOdApoq5imo/TXkLZz-oWYI/AAAAAAAAADc/exXtdjPknkI/s320/shawnblog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582505751179975042" /></a><br />Shawn Reese (Actor 5) is a stage veteran of both Birmingham and New York, having appeared in numerous plays and musicals in almost two decades of performing. He was most recently seen this past December as Bob Cratchit in the <a href="http://alysstephens.uab.edu/" target="_blank">Alys Stephens Center</a>'s production of <i>A Vest Pocket Christmas Carol</i>, and before that as the Sherriff in <a href="http://www.redmountaintheatre.org/" target="_blank">Red Mountain Theatre Company</a>'s <i>13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey </i>. While in New York, he was on the board of <a href="http://www.breakalegproductions.com/" target="_blank">Break-A-Leg Productions</a> and <a href="http://galleryplayers.com/" target="_blank">The Gallery Players</a>, one of the city’s premier Off-Off Broadway production companies, where he produced <i>Cloud Nine </i>and <i>The School for Scandal</i>. He also appeared in numerous NYC productions including <i>Holiday, Life on Death Row,</i> and <i>The Mousetrap</i>, and directed several shows for the East Side Theatre Group. Notable roles include Tony (<i>West Side Story</i>), Joseph (<i>Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat</i>), Hines (<i>The Pajama Game</i>), Benjy (<i>My Favorite Year</i>), William Roper (<i>A Man for All Seasons</i>), Pablo Picasso (<i>Picasso at the Lapine Agile</i>), Will Parker (<i>Oklahoma</i>), and James Wilson (<i>1776</i>). Awards include the 2006 Irving Stern Award for Performer of the Year (<a href="http://www.bhamjcc.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=Theatre_LJCC&category=Adult%20%26%20Senior" target="_blank">Levite Jewish Community Center</a>).BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-73281892567356393942011-03-09T07:26:00.000-08:002011-03-09T07:34:57.952-08:00Holly Croney Dikeman (Actor 4) - Around the World in 80 Days<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQUNzLarLJc/TXeeD6OlRXI/AAAAAAAAADU/j5qY5XFm04s/s1600/hollyblog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 159px; height: 197px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQUNzLarLJc/TXeeD6OlRXI/AAAAAAAAADU/j5qY5XFm04s/s320/hollyblog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582104053156234610" /></a><br />Holly Croney Dikeman (Actor 4) was last seen on the <a href="http://www.bftonline.org" target="_blank">BFT</a> stage as the Snake Handler in <i>Talking With...</i> and as Cherie in <i>Bus Stop</i> prior to that. Previous BFT credits also include <i>The Great Wrong Way</i> and <i>Miss Witherspoon</i>. She was most recently in <i>A Vest Pocket Christmas Carol</i> at <a href="http://www.alysstephens.uab.edu/" target="_blank">Alys Stephens Center (ASC)</a> and in <a href="http://www.redmountaintheatre.org/" target="_blank">Red Mountain Theatre Company</a>'s <i>13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey</i> . Favorite roles include Betty in <i>The Will Rogers Follies</i>; Effie in <i>The Spitfire Grill</i>; Alice in <i>Alice’s Even Bigger Tea Party </i>at ASC; Missy in <i>Winter Wonderettes</i> and Maria in <i>El Grande de Coca Cola</i>, both at the <a href="http://www.terrificnewtheatre.com" target="_blank">Terrific New Theatre</a>; and Cinderella’s stepsister, which she played once in <i>Cinderella</i>, and once in <i>Into the Woods</i>, both at <a href="http://www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org/" target="_blank">Virginia Samford Theatre</a>.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-63636952026833074962011-03-08T12:59:00.000-08:002011-03-08T13:07:34.960-08:00Chuck Evans (Actor 3) - Around the World in 80 Days<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RysKadCD96Q/TXaadWYLgLI/AAAAAAAAADM/Fw2B0Tmd1zE/s1600/chuckblog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 172px; height: 264px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RysKadCD96Q/TXaadWYLgLI/AAAAAAAAADM/Fw2B0Tmd1zE/s320/chuckblog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581818617186189490" /></a><br />Chuck Evans (Actor 3) is delighted to appear in his third production with <a href="http://www.bftonline.org" target="_blank">Birmingham Festival Theatre</a>. He previously performed in <i>The Great Wrong Way </i>and <i>Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens</i>. Chuck has worked with many other theater companies in the Birmingham area, including <a href="http://www.terrificnewtheatre.com" target="_blank">Terrific New Theatre</a>, <a href="http://www.theatredowntown.org" target="_blank">Theatre Downtown</a>, <a href="http://www.bhamjcc.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=Theatre_LJCC&category=Adult%20%26%20Senior" target="_blank">Theatre LJCC</a>, <a href="http://www.bhamparkplayers.com/" target="_blank">Park Players</a>, <a href="http://www.leedsartscouncil.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=56&Itemid=84" target="_blank">Leeds Arts Council</a>, <a href="http://www.southcitytheatre.com/" target="_blank">South City Theatre</a> and <a href="http://www.centerstage-productions.org/" target="_blank">CenterStage Productions</a>. He also has been a member of the <a href="http://www.operabirmingham.org/" target="_blank">Opera Birmingham </a>Chorus for the past five seasons.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-49340417838289257242011-03-07T08:01:00.000-08:002011-03-07T08:03:36.126-08:00Kevin Van Hyning (Actor 2) - Around the World in 80 Days<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ZOD0NSH8w/TXUBzYn-dAI/AAAAAAAAAC8/XEnQPyatMc4/s1600/kevinblog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 273px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ZOD0NSH8w/TXUBzYn-dAI/AAAAAAAAAC8/XEnQPyatMc4/s320/kevinblog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581369295490675714" /></a><br />Kevin Van Hyning (Actor 2) is returning to the <a href="http://www.bftonline.org" target="_blank">Birmingham Festival Theatre</a> stage after making his debut as Dwight, in last year's <i>Dead Man's Cell Phone</i>. Luckily, as a member of the regional comedy team, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BrainFreezeComedy" target="_blank">BrainFreeze</a>, Kevin is well versed in the world of improv and sketch comedy, so juggling nine different characters in one show (not to mention a potpourri of bad wigs) isn't too great of a stretch, albeit it's still rather challenging. Kevin has performed around town in a variety of plays, including <a href="http://www.theatredowntown.org" target="_blank">Theatre Downtown</a>'s <i>After School Special</i> and <a href="http://www.actatheater.com/" target="_blank">ACTA</a>'s <i>The Foreigner</i>.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-62739173628520086092011-03-04T11:26:00.001-08:002011-03-07T08:05:28.253-08:00M. Bates Redwine (Actor 1) - Around the World in 80 Days<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4lAKyOaXhzY/TXUCP1i12kI/AAAAAAAAADE/ORsm_anY7Xk/s1600/batesblog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 202px; height: 256px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4lAKyOaXhzY/TXUCP1i12kI/AAAAAAAAADE/ORsm_anY7Xk/s320/batesblog.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581369784290105922" /></a><br />M. Bates Redwine (Actor 1) has been on stage previously at <a href="http://www.bftonline.org" target="_blank">BFT</a> in <i>The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940</i> and <i>Tobacco Road</i>. You may have also seen him as Captain Beatty in <i>Fahrenheit 451 </i>and as Dr. Grimes in <i>Night of the Living Dead </i>at <a href="http://www.theatredowntown.org/" target="_blank">Theatre Downtown</a>, as Balthasar in <i>Much Ado About Nothing</i> with <a href="http://www.bhamparkplayers.com/" target="_blank">Park Players</a>, and in <i>The Who’s Tommy</i> and <i>Broken Glass</i> at <a href="http://www.bhamjcc.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=Theatre_LJCC&category=Adult%20%26%20Senior" target="_blank">Theatre LJCC</a>. Other favorite past roles include Baylor in <i>A Lie of the Mind</i>, Touchstone in <i>As You Like It</i>, Moon in <i>The Real Inspector Hound</i>, and Rev. Parris in <i>The Crucible</i>. He is also a member and former officer of <a href="http://www.alphapsiomega.org/" target="_blank">Alpha Psi Omega</a>, the national theatrical honor society.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-10457898195707373842011-03-03T08:43:00.000-08:002011-03-03T08:45:53.992-08:00A World of Roles for 5 Actors in "Around the World in 80 Days"How will they do it?! <br /><strong>Call 933-2383 for reservations to see!</strong><br /><br /><strong>M. Bates Redwine</strong> - Gauthier Ralph, British Consul, Director of Police, priest, Sir Francis, Judge Obadiah, Chinese broker, ship clerk, Bunsby, Proctor, engineer, Mudge, clerk, Speedy, ship engineer, train clerk<br /><br /><strong>Kevin Van Hyning </strong>- Andrew Stuart, Detective Fix, priest, Indian conductor, elephant owner, young Parsi, Oysterpuff, U.S. conductor, Reverend Wilson’s servant<br /><br /><strong>Chuck Evans</strong> - Passepartout, John Sullivan<br /><br /><strong>Holly Croney Dikeman</strong> - James Forster, newspaperman, priest, Aouda<br /><strong><br />Shawn Reese</strong> - Phileas FoggBFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-2868567243861060622011-02-23T06:25:00.000-08:002011-02-23T06:37:16.206-08:00ALL ABOARD! Around the World in 80 Days Makes at Stop at BFT<b>Birmingham Festival Theatre Brings Adaptation of Jules Verne Classic Tale</b><br /><br />BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – February 22, 2011 – Known for his many exciting adventure tales including <i>20 Thousand Leagues Under the Sea</i> and <i>A Journey to the Interior of the Earth</i>, Jules Verne is regarded by many as the father of science fiction. His tales of fantasy entertain audiences both young and old. That’s why Mark Brown’s adaptation of the classic <i>Around the World in 80 Days</i> is sure to delight Birmingham audiences of all ages. The show begins Thursday March 3, 2011. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nlW46u80Rrs/TWUaPpjpoLI/AAAAAAAAAC0/Knh_1unIuxo/s1600/ATW%2Bblog%2B20110221-IMG_8687.jpg"><img style="float:center; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nlW46u80Rrs/TWUaPpjpoLI/AAAAAAAAAC0/Knh_1unIuxo/s320/ATW%2Bblog%2B20110221-IMG_8687.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576892569723969714" /></a><br />Everyone is familiar with this timeless classic story. Phileas Fogg (played by Shawn Reese) enters into a wager with his colleagues in London that he cannot travel around the world, by boat, train, or any means necessary, in a timeframe of 80 days. He is joined by his loyal servant Passepartout (played by Chuck Evans) and a cast of characters they meet along the way. <br /> <br />“This is a tongue-in-cheek adaptation of the Jules Verne classic that captures the flavor of Fogg’s madcap dash around the globe,” says Janelle Cochrane, who is directing the play at BFT. “With five actors playing 39 characters, it’s a bit of Monty Python and <i>The 39 Steps</i>, as we follow Fogg and Passepartout on their adventures by rail, steamer, elephant and shoe leather across India, Asia and America.”<br /> <br />Local actors Holly Croney Dikeman, Chuck Evans, M. Bates Redwine, Shawn Reese and Kevin Van Hyning provide the audience with a passport to a world gone by, with the possibility of adventure or romance around every corner. <br /> <br /><i>Around the World in 80 Days</i> runs each Thursday, Friday and Saturday for three weeks at 8:00 p.m. beginning on March 3, with a matinee on Sunday, March 13, at 2:30 p.m. The show closes on March 19, 2011. Tickets are $20, $15 for students. For reservations, call the theatre at (205) 933-2383.<br /> <br /><b>About Birmingham Festival Theatre</b><br />BFT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. For almost 40 years, BFT has been bringing local audiences theatrical experiences that touch the heart and stir the mind. Our all-volunteer Board of Directors works to involve the community’s many talented directors, actors, designers and techies to produce the best in contemporary and classic theatre. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.bftonline.org">www.bftonline.org</a>. <br /><br />Pictured in photo: (Left to right) Shawn Reese, Holly Croney Dikeman, Chuck Evans, M. Bates Redwine, Kevin Van Hyning. More photos available at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/bftonline">www.flickr.com/bftonline</a>.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-75697624597200184182011-01-31T10:24:00.000-08:002011-01-31T10:34:40.760-08:00Around the World in 80 Days, by Mark Brown<a href="http://www.bftonline.org">Birmingham Festival Theatre</a>'s production of this classic Jules Verne adventure tale runs March 3-19, 2011. Call (205) 933-2383for reservations. <br /><br />Mark Brown is an award-winning writer and actor. His plays include <em>Around the World in 80 Days</em>; <em>The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge</em> (produced at BFT in 2005); <em>China, The Whole Enchilada</em>; <em>Poe: Deep Into That Darkness Peering</em> (co-written with Mark Rector); and <em>The Little Prince </em>(co-written with Paul Kiernen). As an actor, he has appeared on stage, screen and TV and worked with such people as Tom Hanks, George Clooney, Dick Van Dyke, Jeff Goldblum and the Rally Monkey. Brown lives in New York City with his wife, daughter, and dog and dreams of living in a chateau in France.<br /><br />Dramatic Publishing describes <em>Around the World in 80 Days</em>: Stampeding elephants! Raging typhoons! Runaway trains! Unabashedly slapstick! Hold onto your seats for the original amazing race! Join fearless adventurer Phileas Fogg and his faithful manservant as they race to beat the clock! Phileas Fogg has agreed to an outrageous wager that puts his fortune and his life at risk. With his resourceful servant Passepartout, Fogg sets out to circle the globe in an unheard-of 80 days. But his every step is dogged by a detective who thinks he's a robber on the run. Danger, romance, and comic surprises abound in this whirlwind of a show as five actors portraying 39 characters traverse seven continents in Mark Brown's new [2007] adaptation of one of the great adventures of all time.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-43187102916432560542011-01-23T18:51:00.000-08:002011-01-23T18:52:49.991-08:00Loot: Mel Christian (Director)Mel (Melissa) Christian (Director) is Program Manager for <a href="http://theatre.hum.uab.edu/" target="_blank">Theatre UAB</a>, where she is in charge of grants, special events and their statewide touring program. She is a native of Northport, AL and holds an MFA in <a href="http://ftca.uno.edu/" target="_blank">Drama and Communications</a> from the <a href="http://www.uno.edu/" target="_blank">University of New Orleans</a>. Past directing projects include <i>Twelve Angry Men, The Shawl, A Little Princess, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, On Golden Pond, Little Women, Marvin’s Room, Burn This</i> and her own adaptations of <i>The Three Musketeers </i>and <i>Alice In Wonderland</i>. Joe Orton’s <i>Loot </i>has been on her directing “Bucket List” for almost 20 years. Mel also acts a little, and for <a href="http://www.bftonline.org" target="_blank">BFT</a> was last seen as Sister Bessie in <a href="http://www.bftonline.org/archive/2009-2010/2009-2010.html#tobaccoroad" target="_blank"><i>Tobacco Road</i></a>, Grace in <a href="http://www.bftonline.org/archive/2009-2010/2009-2010.html#busstop" target="_blank"><i>Bus Stop</i></a> and Evelyn in <a href="http://www.bftonline.org/archive/2008-2009/2008-2009.html#kindertransport" target="_blank"><I>Kindertransport</i></a>. She recently received <a href="http://www.theatredowntown.org" target="_blank">Theatre Downtown</a>’s Audience Choice Award as Best Lead Actress for Dora Strang in <i>Equus</i>.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-17862508829218075652011-01-21T10:54:00.000-08:002011-01-21T13:46:17.268-08:00Loot: William Brisky (Meadows/Stage Manager)<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RHWzy89UoC8/TTnW0wj3NmI/AAAAAAAAACo/dncOTEfa1js/s1600/brisky-head5330730484_d81c2e8f74.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RHWzy89UoC8/TTnW0wj3NmI/AAAAAAAAACo/dncOTEfa1js/s320/brisky-head5330730484_d81c2e8f74.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564715016469821026" /></a><br />William Brisky (Meadows/Stage Manager) enjoys both acting and working behind the scenes. With over 10 years experience in the theatre, he is happy to tell everyone that theatre keeps him sane. He was last seen on stage in <a href="http://www.bftonline.org/archive/2009-2010/2009-2010.html#tobaccoroad" target="_blank"><i>Tobacco Road</i></a> as Henry Peabody and last seen back stage as stage manager of <a href="http://www.bftonline.org/archive/2010-2011/2010-2011.html#lobbyhero" target="_blank"><i>Lobby Hero</i></a>. William also stage managed <a href="http://www.bftonline.org/archive/2009-2010/2009-2010.html#deadmanscellphone" target="_blank"><i>Dead Man's Cell Phone</i></a>, <a href="http://www.bftonline.org/archive/2010-2011/2010-2011.html#talkingwith" target="_blank"><i>Talking With...</i></a>, and <a href="http://www.bftonline.org/archive/2009-2010/2009-2010.html#almostmaine" target="_blank"><i>Almost, Maine</i></a>, all at <a href="http://www.bftonline.org/index.html" target="_blank">BFT</a>.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-64742936599559344602011-01-20T03:43:00.000-08:002011-01-21T13:46:55.521-08:00Loot: Edwin Booth (Truscott)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RHWzy89UoC8/TTggQsr0B5I/AAAAAAAAACg/gHL-YktRsbE/s1600/booth-head-5330121009_2927de460f.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 167px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RHWzy89UoC8/TTggQsr0B5I/AAAAAAAAACg/gHL-YktRsbE/s320/booth-head-5330121009_2927de460f.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564232810861168530" /></a><br />Edwin Booth (Truscott) is pleased to be in his third show at <a href="http://www.bftonline.org" target="_blank">BFT</a>, having appeared previously in <a href="http://www.bftonline.org/archive/2007-2008/2007-2008.html#mm" target="_blank"><i>Moonlight and Magnolias</i></a> and <a href="http://www.bftonline.org/archive/2008-2009/2008-2009.html#sunset" target="_blank"><i>The Sunset Limited</i></a>. Professionally, he has played Scrooge for <a href="http://www.bct123.org/" target="_blank">Birmingham Children’s Theatre</a> and also played roles in <a href="http://www.cityequitytheatre.com/" target="_blank">City Equity</a>’s <i>True West, God of Hell</i>, and will appear for them in February 2011 in <i>Spring Awakening</i>. Other local credits include Gaston in <i>Picasso at the Lapin Agile</i>, and Common Man in <i>A Man for All Seasons</i>. Other roles include Oberon, Vershinin, Sir Anthony Absolute, Torvald, Malvolio, Johnnypateenmike, Bill Sykes, Jean Paul Marat, Elwood P. Dowd, Kreon, Gaev, Baptista, Krapp, Otto Frank, and the Duke of Venice. (Name the plays for extra credit!) One of his favorite roles was the Professor in <i>The Lesson</i>. Edwin enjoys sailing and reading about adventures on the sea.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-60581265641546879102011-01-18T07:26:00.001-08:002011-01-18T07:27:20.520-08:00Loot: Christoph Hooks (Dennis)<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RHWzy89UoC8/TTWxSk3y-gI/AAAAAAAAACY/ol8oo_rkSxU/s1600/hooks-hed-5330121107_ab1637a0fa.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 167px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RHWzy89UoC8/TTWxSk3y-gI/AAAAAAAAACY/ol8oo_rkSxU/s320/hooks-hed-5330121107_ab1637a0fa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563547847379581442" /></a><br />Christoph Hooks (Dennis) has previously been in <i>Night of the Living Dead, After School Special, Equus, Ordinary People,</i> and <i>13th Friday</i> with <a href="http://www.theatredowntown.org" target="_blank">Theatre Downtown</a>. He assistant-directed <i>12 Angry Men</i> and <i>Shakespeare's R&J</i>, and co-wrote the music to <i>We Three Queens</i>, also at Theatre Downtown. He was also in <a href="http://www.bftonline.org/archive/2007-2008/2007-2008.html#elegies" target="_blank">Elegies for Angels, Punks, and Raging Queens</a> at <a href="http://www.bftonline.org" target="_blank">BFT</a>.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-2197289607885221522011-01-17T07:30:00.001-08:002011-01-17T07:33:28.804-08:00Loot: Victoria Ward (Fay)<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RHWzy89UoC8/TTRgvwqU_fI/AAAAAAAAACQ/9DhZY4K1DLw/s1600/victoria-headshot-5330120911_0c04ec2480_m.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 224px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RHWzy89UoC8/TTRgvwqU_fI/AAAAAAAAACQ/9DhZY4K1DLw/s320/victoria-headshot-5330120911_0c04ec2480_m.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563177813341961714" /></a><br />Victoria Ward (Fay) is currently a senior at <a href="http://www.uab.edu/" target="_blank">UAB</a> studying <a href="http://www.uab.edu/communication/" target="_blank">Broadcasting Communications</a> and <a href="http://theatre.hum.uab.edu/" target="_blank">Theatre</a>. She aspires to enter the radio media field upon graduation and someday set her mark as "The Voice" of some major city. Though this is her first <a href="http://www.bftonline.org" target="_blank">BFT</a> performance, she has played 'La Merluche' in Moliere's <a href="http://theatre.hum.uab.edu/shows/09-10/miser.htm" target="_blank">The Miser</a> as well as other minor roles in UAB Theatre's 10 Minute Festival of Plays and church productions. Victoria also works at <a href="http://www.publix.com/" target="_blank">Publix</a> and lives in <a href="http://www.cityofcalera.org/" target="_blank">Calera</a> with her boyfriend and two dogs.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-32442425882394402072011-01-14T08:59:00.001-08:002011-01-14T09:01:48.759-08:00Loot: Ward Haarbauer (McLeavy)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RHWzy89UoC8/TTCBQIgKyUI/AAAAAAAAACI/FeuhXSY-oJs/s1600/ward-headshot-20110104-IMG_8510.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_RHWzy89UoC8/TTCBQIgKyUI/AAAAAAAAACI/FeuhXSY-oJs/s320/ward-headshot-20110104-IMG_8510.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562087653962860866" /></a><br />Ward Haarbauer (McLeavy) founded the <a href="http://theatre.hum.uab.edu/" target="_blank">Department of Theatre at UAB</a> and spent 40 years there, directing over 70 productions in the Birmingham area. In his retirement year, he played Prospero in Shakespeare’s <em>The Tempest</em>. Since retiring in 2007, he has twice played Don Juan in Shaw’s <em>Don Juan in Hell</em> for <a href="http://www.seasonedperformers.org/" target="_blank">The Seasoned Performers</a> Salon Readers and last year directed <a href="http://www.bftonline.org/archive/2009-2010/2009-2010.html#busstop" target="_blank"><em>Bus Stop</em></a> for <a href="http://www.bftonline.org/index.html" target="_blank">BFT</a>.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-87103873905008666912011-01-13T08:59:00.000-08:002011-01-13T09:14:05.430-08:00Loot: Richard Taylor Campbell (Hal)<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RHWzy89UoC8/TS8yy8nB1BI/AAAAAAAAACA/gONn5Fh0b3g/s1600/hal-headshot-20110104-IMG_8548.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_RHWzy89UoC8/TS8yy8nB1BI/AAAAAAAAACA/gONn5Fh0b3g/s320/hal-headshot-20110104-IMG_8548.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561719915670524946" /></a><br />Richard Taylor Campbell (Hal), of Hoover, is originally from Arab, Alabama. He is a recent graduate of <a href="http://www.uab.edu" target="_blank">The University of Alabama at Birmingham</a> with a <a href="http://theatre.hum.uab.edu/" target="_blank">Bachelor of Arts in Theatre</a>. He is also a graduate of <a href="http://www.nacc.edu/" target="_blank">Northeast Alabama Community College</a> with an <a href="http://www.nacc.edu/nacctheatre/default.htm" target="_blank">Associate in Arts degree in Theatre</a>. His theatre credits include working as cast, crew, scene design assistant, and assistant director in various productions such as <i><a href="http://www.nacc.edu/nacctheatre/Little%20Women%20Wayne/index.htm" target="_blank">Little Women</a></i>, <i><a href="http://www.nacc.edu/nacctheatre/photoswss.htm" target="_blank">West Side Story</a></i>, <a href="http://www.nacc.edu/nacctheatre/oliver%20slideshow/index.htm" target="_blank">Oliver!</a>, <i><a href="http://theatre.hum.uab.edu/shows/10-11/venus.htm" target="_blank">Venus</a></i>, <i>Mud</i>, and <i>The Rivals</i>, to name a few. <I>Loot</i> director Mel Christian also directed a play he wrote, <I>Darcie</i>, for <a href="http://theatre.hum.uab.edu/shows/09-10/tmp2009.htm" target="_blank">UAB’s Festival of Ten Minute Plays</a>. This is his first production at Birmingham Festival Theatre.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-9065873835606126682011-01-06T07:06:00.000-08:002011-01-07T08:50:03.005-08:00British Comedy Comes to Birmingham Festival Theatre with LOOTEnglish Playwright Joe Orton's Comedy Opens January 13, 2011<br /> <br />BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - January 6, 2011 - Joe Orton was an English playwright whose farcical comedies are noted for their cynical dark humor. By the late 1960s, works displaying the humor characteristic of Orton began to be described as "Ortonesque.". Birmingham audiences are in for a special treat when LOOT opens next week. <br /> <br />The plot is a set-up for visual amusement as well. As a completely unethical detective closes in on a crime, charming young reprobates Hal and Dennis frantically attempt to hide the money they have stolen from a local bank. Meanwhile, Hal's deceased mother lies in state. The solution? Move the corpse and stash the ill-gotten loot in the coffin. What could possibly go wrong?<br /> <br />"LOOT was Orton's first farce, a theatrical device that suited him like a supple pair of leather pants," says Mel Christian, who is directing the play at BFT. "Farce operates under Murphy's Law where if things can go wrong, they will again and again! LOOT is a raucous, brilliantly contrived comedy, witty and incisive, subversive yet deliciously palatable. There's a reason Orton was heralded as the Oscar Wilde of his age."<br /> <br />Local actors Ward Haarbauer, Victoria Ward, Richard Taylor Campbell, Christoph Hooks, Edwin Booth and William Brisky make up the ensemble cast. <br /> <br />LOOT runs each Thursday, Friday and Saturday for three weeks at 8:00 p.m. beginning on January 13, with a matinee on Sunday, January 23, at 2:30 p.m. The show closes on January 29, 2011. Tickets are $20, $15 for students. For reservations, call the theatre at (205) 933-2383. <br /> <br /> <br /><em>About Birmingham Festival Theatre</em><br />BFT is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. For almost 40 years, BFT has been bringing local audiences theatrical experiences that touch the heart and stir the mind. Our all-volunteer Board of Directors works to involve the community's many talented directors, actors, designers and techies to produce the best in contemporary and classic theatre. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.bftonline.org">http://www.bftonline.org</a>.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3605641749381860691.post-7688597718694460882010-11-21T05:53:00.000-08:002010-11-21T06:12:05.338-08:00Thanksgiving Weekend at BFT<B>Family, shopping, football, and... Vulcan's Underpants!</b><br /><br />Advance Admission is NOW AVAILABLE for<br /><I>Project Codename: VULCAN'S UNDERPANTS</i><br />November 26 & 27, 2010 at 7:00 and 9:00 each night!<br /><br />ETC Bham has SLASHED PRICES - JUST FOR YOU!<br />Advance Admission: <B>$8*</b> (regularly $12)<br />Walk-Up Admission: <B>$10</b> (cash/check only) at the door (regularly $15)<br />No discounts on Walk-Up Admission - Buy in advance and $AVE!<br />Purchase from the ETC Bham <a href="http://www.extemporaneoustheatre.com/BoxOffice.asp">online Box Office</a> or<br />call (205) 687-5233.<br /><br />*plus 75¢ online processing fee <br /><br />Visit the <a href="http://www.etcbham.com">ETC Bham web site</a> for details and tickets.BFThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05902498041698734051noreply@blogger.com0