(Allen, TX) Allen’s Community Theatre presents the next production of our season “Spotlight on HER”, all plays starring, written or directed by women, with  LEGALLY BLONDE The Musical, June 22 through July 8, 2018

This fabulously fun song-and-dance sensation follows a sweet sorority sister named Elle, known for her all-pink wardrobe and her chihuahua Bruiser, whose unlikely plan to win back her Ivy League boyfriend involves putting down her credit cards, picking up the books and setting out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. This unlikely academic not only ends up teaching the intellectual elite a thing or two, but she finds true love along the way.

Nominated in 2007 for seven Tony Awards (including Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score), the bright and bubbly Legally Blonde: The Musical is based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the subsequent hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon.  LEGALLY BLONDE The Musical is directed by Gena Graham and features a Young Adult cast ages 13-21.  Music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin. Book by Heather Hach. 

Performances: Allen’s Community Theatre (ACT), 1210 E. Main Street #300, Allen, Texas 75002 (SW corner of Allen Heights and Main Street). The show opens June 22 and runs through July 8, 2018 with performances Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00, and Sundays at 2:00.  Visit www.allenscommunitytheatre.net to make your reservations today

About Allen’s Community Theatre:  Allen’s Community Theatre is a 501c3 non-profit member of the Allen Arts Alliance, Allen-Fairview Chamber of Commerce, Texas Non-profit Theatres and American Association of Community Theater.  Allen's Community Theatre seeks to entertain and enrich the cultural life of the community through a wide variety of challenging and creative theatrical experiences, that welcome all who wish to participate, help, or express themselves through theatre, both on and off stage.  Be part of something dramatic!  Visit www.AllensCommunityTheatre.net for more information.

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ALLEN’S COMMNITY THEATRE PRESENTS Last Round-up of the Guacamole Queens the completion of the Verdeen Cousins saga from the comic playwright trio Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten.

(Allen, TX) Allen’s Community Theatre presents its next production of its 2017-18 season, “Spotlight on HER”, with another gut busting Jones, Hope, Wooten farce Last Round-up of the Guacamole Queens directed by Leigh Moore.

Performances: Allen’s Community Theatre (ACT), 1210 E. Main Street #300, Allen, Texas 75002 (SW corner of Allen Heights and Main Street).” The show opens April 27 and runs through May 13, 2018 with performances Thursdays at 7:30, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00, and Sundays at 3:00.  Visit www.allenscommunitytheatre.net to make your reservations today

     ACT kicked off their first season with the hilarious Red Velvet Cake War which followed the three Verdeen Cousins- Jimmie Wy, Peaches, and Gaynelle through their hilarious trials and tribulations in Sweetgum, Texas. This season, ACT returns to Sweetgum, Texas with Last Round-up of the Guacamole Queens.  We find the Verdeens once again embroiled in trying to save their family name, keep their business (Wide Bride) afloat, throw the ultimate high school reunion and nab the plum job of throwing the Governor’s Birthday Bash all while they deal with their disastrous personal lives and crazy family.  Add to this wild mix a malevolent hand puppet, an explosion, and a desperate battle to be crowned the final Guacamole Queen and you have a nonstop evening of laughter!

About Allen’s Community Theatre:  Allen’s Community Theatre is a 501c3 non-profit member of the Allen Arts Alliance, Allen-Fairview Chamber of Commerce, Texas Non-profit Theatres and American Association of Community Theater.  Allen's Community Theatre seeks to entertain and enrich the cultural life of the community through a wide variety of challenging and creative theatrical experiences, that welcome all who wish to participate, help, or express themselves through theatre, both on and off stage.  Be part of something dramatic!  Visit www.AllensCommunityTheatre.net for more information.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS  by Robert Harling

Allen's Community Theatre

Reviewed Performance: 1/21/2018

Reviewed by Darlene Singleton, Associate Critic for John Garcia's THE COLUMN

Revolving around Truvy's Beauty Parlor in a small parish in Louisiana, STEEL MAGNOLIAS is the story of a close-knit circle of friends whose lives come together there. It is about the bond a group of women share in the small-town Southern community, and how they cope with the death of one of their own. The play originally opened Off-Broadway (with one set and an all-female cast although the voice of a male DJ on the radio is intermittent during the play with all male "characters" referenced only through dialogue) at the WPA Theatre, in New York City, on March 28, 1987. The story is based on Robert Harling's real-life experience of the death of his sister, Susan Harling Robinson, in 1985 due to complications from Type 1 diabetes. He changed his sister's name in the story from Susan to Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie. The play features an all-female cast, portraying characters Harling modeled after his mom's friends as he remembered them from his childhood. "I always thought the women in my community were so witty and clever," he says. "It was like a witty one-upmanship (between them)." He worried that the real-life Ouiser, a character defined by her cranky and brutally honest nature, would recognize herself and take offense, but as women from his hometown began to see the play, "They all said they were Ouiser." The metaphor of "steel magnolia" isn't expounded upon in the play, though Harling says the juxtaposition of strength and fragility is apt for Southern women. "My mother would always say to handle magnolia blossoms carefully because they bruise so easily. You think of this flower that is so delicate and has to be handled with care but is actually made of much stronger stuff."

On a personal note - I have directed this play numerous times - I love, love, love this story - and I admit I went into the theater with my expectations a bit reserved - wondering how this cast would bring the chemistry of these wonderful glorious women to life on the stage. And, to top-off my hesitation I brought a guest who loves the story as much as I do and has played the roles of Clariee and Ouiser in other productions over the past few years.

The action takes place entirely in the 'man-free' beauty parlor where the women gather to laugh, gossip, cry, and offer friendship and support to one another. At one point M'Lynn even jokes that her husband would never enter the shop - it is women's territory and he probably thinks they all run around naked or something.

The shining light of the ensemble of six is Clairee Belcher, played by Sue Goodner, who portrays the cheerful widow of the former mayor of Chinquapin Parrish. I was thoroughly entertained as she searched from head to toe for her recipe cards she wanted to share with Truvy. Her portrayal of a woman who loved each of these women in their own unique way was exceptional.

Annelle Dupuy, played by Adelyn Maruca, has the most transitional growth in the play as she comes to the stage as a scared, insecure beauty school graduate, hired to work at Truvy's home-based beauty salon. Maruca is a pleasure to watch as her character matures on stage before our very eyes - moving from the nervous beauty assistant who reveals her husband has recently left her taking all their money and their car; to the outlandish young woman who goes wild and was drinking, running around, smoking ... until she sees the error of my her ways and realizes she has something to offer and joins the church - finally she is credited with becoming "a true smart-ass'.

Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie is played by Alden Price. When Price comes into the beauty parlor her energy is infectious and she is striking to watch onstage, not to mention the fact that she resembles a young Elizabeth Taylor. Shelby exchanges banters with the ladies in the shop as they ask questions about her soon to be wedding. The tension required to emphasize the complicated relationship between bride-to-be Shelby and her mother, M'Lynn, was extremely well-played. Price's portrayal of a young woman having a diabetic seizure was riveting and she held the audience in her hands until she realizes what has happened and says "I'm sorry Mama" - truly a simply outstanding performance. This play is extremely well written and, as one who knows the dialogue from start to finish, I was a bit distracted by Price's occasional ad-lib.

Kathleen Vaught plays the particularly reserved M'Lynn Eatenton and she leaves no doubt on the stage about her deep maternal love for Shelby and her desire for her daughters' happiness. She brought tears to my eyes as she took charge of Shelby's diabetic episode and once Shelby recovers Vaught hugs her daughter lovingly - holding her tight for just an extra second before returning to her reserved persona of M'Lynn. However, in the final scene where the ladies return to the beauty shop to mourn Shelby's death, Vaught portrays the scene with a more settled approach to the character - it was a less emotional breakdown than I was expecting, or perhaps hoping for.

Truvy Jones is played by Bobbie Keese and in the opening scene I questioned that she was actually old enough to have grown twin sons, but I quickly forgot my early doubts as she portrayed her character with ditzy twists and endearing charm.

Rounding out the cast is Mary Tiner who brings Ouiser Boudreaux to the stage as the short-tempered, grouchy, intimidating woman who arrives in the salon with a heap of pointed questions and numerous complaints.

Director Jennifer Stephens Stubbs gets a two-thumbs-up for her interpretation of these glorious women and the beauty parlor where we watch them evolve.

The Allen's Community Theatre STEEL MAGNOLIAS is well worth seeing. I highly recommend taking a few hours from your schedule and spending it with these formidable ladies of Chinquapin Parrish.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS
at ALLEN'S COMMUNITY THEATRE
1210 E Main St #300, Allen, TX 75002
Phone: 844-822-8849
Through Feb 4, 2018

ALLEN’S COMMUNITY THEATRE PRESENTS The Lion in Winter.

The play that launched two successful movie versions brings to the stage the original game of thrones.

(Allen, Texas) “My what a greedy little trinity you are; king, king, king. Two of you must learn to live with disappointment.” Allen’s Community Theatre presents its next production of its 2017-18 season, “Spotlight on HER”, with the Tony award winning play The Lion in Winter Performances are December 1 - 17, 2017; Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm.  

What family doesn’t have its ups and downs? Come celebrate the holidays medieval style!  Adultery, dungeons, sibling rivalry, and, romance abound in this true game of thrones!  Plus, biting comedy that is royally funny!   Who will be the next King of England and get the girl? The Queen wants Richard, the King wants John.  Does anyone want Geoffrey?  And, what about Alais and the King of France?  So many questions, bedchambers and tapestries, who will win?  Who will be King?  What a way to celebrate the holidays!

The Lion is Winter is written by James Goldman and earned a Tony for Rosemary Harris as Eleanor.  His movie adaptation won Academy Awards and Golden Globes in Multiple categories including Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Writing, and Best Picture.

Performances: Allen’s Community Theatre (ACT), 1210 E. Main Street #300, Allen, Texas 75002 (SW corner of Allen Heights and Main Street)

Performance dates: December 1 - 17, 2017; Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays @ 3pm.

Ticket prices: $22 (general), $19 (age 65+), $17 (under 18).

Purchase tickets in advance at AllensCommunityTheatre.net

Content Advisory: Contains adult language and sexual humor. May not be suitable for all ages.

About Allen’s Community Theatre:  Allen’s Community Theatre is a 501c3 non-profit member of the Allen Arts Alliance, Allen-Fairview Chamber of Commerce, Texas Non-profit Theatres and American Association of Community Theater.  Allen's Community Theatre seeks to entertain and enrich the cultural life of the community through a wide variety of challenging and creative theatrical experiences, that welcome all who wish to participate, help, or express themselves through theatre, both on and off stage.  Be part of something dramatic!  Visit www.AllensCommunityTheatre.net for more information.

ACT ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR

Epic Proportions

By

Larry Coen and David Crane

PERFOMANCE DATES: January 27th-February 12th

Thursdays - 7:30 pm, Fridays & Saturdays - 8 pm, and Sundays - 3 pm

AUDITIONS:  Sunday, December 4th  from 6-9pm

and Monday, December 5th  from 6-9pm

Callbacks IF NEEDED on Tuesday, December 6th from 7pm-8pm

Auditions are open however you can sign up for an appointment via(

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a44aca92babfd0-epic

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.  Headshots and resumes are appreciated but not required.  Please come with your full list of conflicts.  Rehearsals will start Dec 11, 2016 and will be held three days a week - schedule to be determined. 

Synopsis:

Set in the 1930s, EPIC PROPORTIONS tells the story of two brothers, Benny and Phil, who go to the Arizona desert to be extras in the huge Biblical epic Exeunt Omnes. Things move very quickly in this riotous comedy and before you know it, Phil is directing the movie, and Benny is starring in it. To complicate matters further they both fall in love with Louise, the assistant director in charge of the extras. Along the way there are gladiator battles, the Ten Plagues and a cast of thousands portrayed by four other actors.

Characters:

Louise Goldman is in charge of the extras in this epic movie. She divides them up, gives them jobs, and manages their expectations. She has always hoped, however, that she would be on the other side of the camera one day as an actor.

Benny Bennet came to the set to be discovered. He wanted the glory and glamour of the movies in his life and if the director will just notice him for even a second, he is sure he will get his big break. He falls in love with Louise.

Phil Bennet came to talk sense into his star-struck brother. But now that he is here on the set, he has a few ideas for the movie. In fact, he’s pretty sure he could direct this whole thing better than anyone. He falls in love with Louise.

Jack (+ensemble) is Mr. DeWitt’s second in command. If Mr. DeWitt can’t finish this movie than he’ll do it by himself! He will make the decisions for a change!

Shel (+ensemble) is the put-upon technical specialist who can’t live up to Jack’s expectations. He finds hope for his career once Phil is put in charge, but eventually just wants to go home like everyone else.

Other Roles

D.W. DeWitt, Narrator, Conspirators #1-2, Octavium, Slavemaster, Extras, Roman General, Egyptian Dancing Girl, Egyptians #1-3, Queen’s Attendant, Guards #1-2, Executioner, Brady, Gladiators  #1-3

About Allen’s Community Theatre:

Allen’s Community Theatre is a 501c3 non-profit member of the Allen Arts Alliance, Allen-Fairview Chamber of Commerce, Texas Non-profit Theatres and American Association of Community Theater.  Allen's Community Theatre seeks to entertain and enrich the cultural life of the community through a wide variety of challenging and creative theatrical experiences, that welcome all who wish to participate, help, or express themselves through theatre, both on and off stage.  Be part of something dramatic!  Visit www.AllensCommunityTheatre.net for more information.

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