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Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Stuff Happens, finally the play about Washington is in Washington
Jim Petosa to Continue as Artistic Director
Murder at Olney in The Mousetrap!
BIG RIVER SPLASHES ONTO THE OLNEY STAGE
National Players Heats Up Summer with Musical Favorite
(Olney, MD) Take an adventurous trip down the Mississippi River with the infamous Huckleberry Finn in Big River. This toe-tapping musical is presented by Olney’s National Players and features a deeply American story infused with energetic music inspired by country and bluegrass genres. “It is buoyant, upbeat and funny,” said Director Eve Muson. “It also a story of moral dilemma; not just a boy’s story.”
Big River plays on the Historic Stage July 2-27. Tickets are only $25 with discounts available to groups. Call the Box Office at 301.924.3400 or visit olneytheatre.org for tickets.
Big River is the Tony Award-winning musical adaptation of the Mark Twain’s classic, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. It's the story of Huck's escape from his brutal father and his evolving relationship with Jim, a slave fleeing from even more brutal oppression. As they raft down the Mississippi toward freedom, their comic adventures pit prejudice against hope and courage. “It describes humanity in a full way with nuance and complexity,” Muson said.
Published in 1884, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is widely considered one of the best American novels.The controversial book was once banned from public libraries because of its explicit language description of Southern culture and slavery. This summer musical is presented by the National Players, America’s longest running touring company.
The cast is mainly comprised of young, energetic, and emerging actors who frequently double up on roles. Eve Muson, Director, also serves as the Director of the Olney Theatre Institute, Olney’s education department. Muson directed last year’s summer musical Godspell and Olney’s 2004 production of Venus. She has also directed at Boston Playwrights Theatre, American Stage Festival,and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She received the 2002 Addison Award for Best Direction for the Boston University production of Venus and was twice cited for Outstanding Direction by The Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival for her work on two new plays, Un Tango En La Noche and a musical version of Jack London’s Call of the Wild.
Olney Theatre has enlisted several talented designers to transform the Historic Stage into the rugged Mississippi River landscape. Set Designer Jeremy Foil has designed a set of several panels that will move in and out to evoke a sense of movement down the river and depict the different areas of Huckleberry’s travels. The river thrusts into the orchestra pit and combines nicely with the rustic ambiance of the Historic Stage to produce an alfresco atmosphere. Costume Designer Pei Lee will create costumes reminiscent of the pre-civil war period that are timely but not necessarily accurate. Since the actors will play different characters, the costumes will be an exaggeration of each character’s personality. Musical Director Aaron Broderick will lead the cast and a versitle pit of four musicians in the vibrant American roots score. Other artistic team members include Choreographer Boo Killebrew who returns to Olney after appearing in last year’s Godspell. Lighting Designer Mark Lanks, and Sound Designer Jarrett Pisani.
Leading the cast of Big River is equity actor Isaiah Johnson who will make his Olney debut as Finn’s unlikely traveling companion. Johnson has appeared in several DC theatres including Roundhouse Theatre, Imagination Stage, and the Lincoln Theatre. Sam Ludwig will be playing the rambunctious Huckleberry Finn. Ludwig was just seen on Olney’s stage as The Courier in 1776. Previously, he performed as Barrety in Titanic: the Musical and Jean-Michele in La Cage Aux Folle at Toby’s Dinner Theatre.
The rest of the talented young ensemble cast includes Priscilla Cuellar, whose credits include the world premiere of the Stephen Schwartz Project at MetroStage; Elizabeth Fette, who graduated in 2006 with a B.M. in Musical Theatre from The Catholic University of America; David Frankenberger, who just finished National Players’ Tour 59; Rebecca Herron, who recently starred as Liz in The Matchmaker’s Guide to Controlling the Elements with JT Burian Cinematicals; Nick Lehan, whose recent credits include Buddy: the Buddy Holly Story at Toby’s Dinner Theatre.; Melvin Logan, who is a BFA Musical Theatre Candidate at University of Cincinnati College, Conservatory of Music; Deborah Lubega, who studies Theatre Performance a University of Maryland, College Park; Daniel Townsend, who was most recently seen in University of Maryland Baltimore County’s production of The Threepenny Opera; Greg Twomey and Vishal Vaidya who both return to Olney after last year’s Godspell; Dan Van Why, who recently completed Tour 59 with the National Players; and Jade Wheeler, whose credits include Dorothy in The Wiz at Atlas Theatre.
Stuff Happens
(Olney, MD) Beginning June 18, drop into Olney and drop into The White House just prior to the US Invasion of Iraq. In its Washington-Area professional premiere, David Hare’s compelling political drama, Stuff Happens, gives the audience an insider’s look at the political and diplomatic run-up to the conflict. “The profundity of this production in the current political climate clearly resonate the struggles, deception, and tragic underpinning that are imbued throughout the play,” said Artistic Director Jim Petosa.
Stuff Happens plays in the Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab June 18 – July 20. Tickets are just $25 - $48 with discounts available to groups, seniors, and students. Call the Box Office at 301.924.3400 or visit olneytheatre.org for tickets. In addition, Olney offers several special performances that include sign interpretation, audio description, and post-show discussions.
Be a fly on the wall of the Oval Office and see how the White House ticks. Join George Bush, Donald Rumsfeld, Dick Cheney, Tony Blair, Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell for politics of theatrical proportions. Spiked with dark humor, Stuff Happens is thought-provoking drama that exposes how and why we went to war in Iraq. “This play was originally written as a ‘call to arms,’” said Director Jeremy Skidmore. “But now the theme that permeates this play is the retrospective irony, and yet it brings up issues that are still germane today.” While Stuff Happens is a history play that is shaped mostly by actual transcripts, interviews, and press conferences, some of the script is imagined. “It is hard to recognize what is added since Hare captures the essence of the players so well. The parts of [Stuff Happens] that are the imagination of Hare only add to the examination of the blurry line of truth in politics.” Skidmore said. In casting the play, Skidmore explains that he wasn’t looking for exact physical verisimilitude between the actors and the famous political figures in the play. “I was not looking for mimicry but rather for the essence of these characters.” The cast for Stuff Happens is a carefully selected corps that includes many seasoned DC actors.
Performing the role of George Bush is Rick Foucheux. Foucheux last appeared at Olney as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. He most recently performed the role of Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman at Arena Stage and is a two-time Helen Hayes Award winner. Playing his counterpart across the pond, Tony Blair, is Steve Schmidt. Schmidt appeared at Olney in Saint Joan, Crave, and Secret Garden. He received the Helen Hayes Award for his performance of Lockstock in Urinetown at Signature Theatre. Deirdre LaWan Starnes will perform as Condolezza Rice. Starnes has previously appeared in Doubt: A Parable and A Raisin in the Sun at Olney. Secretary of State Colin Powell will be played by Fred Strother. Strother has been seen as Morgan in The Drawer Boy at Everyman Theatre and Jim Becker in August Wilson’s Jitney at Ford’s Theatre. Leo Erikson returns to the Olney stage as Vice President Dick Cheney. Other Olney credits include In The Mood and Measure for Measure. Jeff Allin also returns to Olney to play Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Allin has been seen locally in Of Mice and Men at Olney and Treasure Island at Round House.
The all-star cast is completed by Barry Abrams (Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz), Carlos Bustamante (French President Jacques Chirac and Politician La Monde); Amir Arinson (Prime Minister of France Dominique de Villepin and others); Meghan Grady (Professor Jessica Stern, Joyce Rumsfeld, Yo-Yo Ma, and others); Naomi Jacobson (First Lady Laura Bush and others); Daniel Ladmirault (British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and others); and Daniel Lyons (Hans Blix, George Tenet, and others).
This is Skidmore’s first OIney production. “I have always wanted to direct at Olney,” Skidmore said. “and I am looking forward to directing this play more than anything I’ve ever done.” Skidmore is the former Artistic Director of Theater Alliance where he produced 22 productions in five years and directed Mary’s Wedding (Helen Hayes Nominations for Outstanding Direction and Outstanding Production) and the world premiere of Painted Alice. Elsewhere in the DC area, he has directed for Signature Theatre, Catalyst Theater Company, and Rorschach Theatre.
Olney has assembled the perfect team to create a thought-provoking atmosphere for this true story to unfold. Scenic Designer James Kronzer (Democracy and Brooklyn Boy) has created a minimalist set with a curved red line set against a black lacquered floor and 24 white chairs. Costume Designer Debra Kim Sivigny, also returns to Olney, where she designed Therese Raquin for National Players. Her clean and concise costumes will accentuate and differentiate the characters with a range power suits and accessories. Dan Covey (The Miser and The Laramie Project), will create a design that includes projections and light to add intensity and texture to the production. The creative team is rounded out with Dialect Coach Jennifer Mendenhall and Sound Designer Jarett C. Pisani.
Playwright Sir David Hare was educated at Cambridge. He co-founded Portable Theatre Company, acting, directing and writing plays. His first play, Slag, was first produced in London in 1970 at the Hampstead Theatre Club. He was Resident Dramatist at the Royal Court Theatre in London in 1970-1971 and Resident Dramatist at the Nottingham Playhouse in 1973. He has been Associate Director of the National Theatre since 1984. He was knighted in 1998 and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Stuff Happens is his latest play. It firstpremiered at the Royal National Theatre in September 2004.
Jim Petosa to Continue as Artistic Director
(Olney, MD) The Olney Theatre Board of Directors is proud to announce that Jim Petosa will continue as Artistic Director for the 70-year old institution. “Jim is one of the most talented Artistic Directors in the country. He is a tremendous artist with great leadership skills and we are delighted that he will be continuing with us,” states George Brown, Olney Board President.
The news comes after a June 2007 announcement that Petosa would finish his 15-year tenure as Artistic Director after the theater’s 2008 Season.
Since that time, a new zeitgeist has swept Olney. Motivated by critical and financial success of the 2008 season and the hiring of new, energetic Managing Director—Amy Marshall, the Board requested that Petosa reconsider his decision to leave at such an exciting time in the theater’s growth.
“I am energized by the Board's unexpected invitation to continue as Artistic Director of Olney Theatre Center and by the growing and excellent partnership with Amy. It is a new chapter in the life of this theater, and I am pleased to serve as its artistic leader for this next phase,” says Petosa.
Marshall is equally thrilled by the news. “I could not be happier about Jim reconsidering his decision to step away. I am delighted that our collaboration will continue; it allows me an opportunity to learn from his experience and wisdom. It is also inspiring to know that our productions will continue to be of the highest quality under Jim’s leadership,” says Marshall.
Petosa’s affiliation with the theater dates back to 1979. He has been Artistic Director since 1994, and he also serves as Artistic Director for National Players. In 2002, he was appointed Director of the School of Theatre at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts. Under
Petosa’s guidance, Olney Theater began a major expansion plan, the largest component of the plan was the New Mainstage (a 429-seat theater), which opened in the summer of 2005.
Petosa is a nationally recognized artist. His many Olney directing credits include
Democracy, Brooklyn Boy, In the Mood, An Enemy of the People, The Elephant Man, The Miracle Worker, Copenhagen, The Laramie Project, and Jacques Brel is Alive and Well & Living in Paris (Helen Hayes Award).
As a guest artist, he has directed at The Kennedy Center, The Studio Theatre, Round House Theatre, Washington Jewish Theatre, and Rep Stage. Petosa has directed for University of Maryland, College Park; The Catholic University of America; The George Washington University; and Middlebury College. He serves as a stage director for Boston University's acclaimed Opera Institute and serves as Executive Producer of the Boston University InCite Arts Festival, an annual event in New York City. His most recent direction of the Tom Stoppard/Andre Previn collaboration Every Good Boy Deserves Favour performed at The Town Hall this past March. He continues his association as one of three artistic directors of Potomac Theatre Project, now in its 21st season, its second in New York City where he will be directing the New York premiere of Neal Bell's Somewhere in the Pacific this July.
Olney Theatre’s 2008 Mainstage Season continues through the end of the calendar year. Tickets are still available by calling 301.924.3400 or visiting www.olneytheatre.org. The 2009 Season, again under Petosa’s leadership, will be announced in late summer ‘08.
MURDER AT OLNEY!
In Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap
(Olney, MD) Once a staple in Olney's season, the summer mystery play makes a comeback after a 25 year hiatus with Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap. “No play or genre has been more requested by Olney patrons than Agatha Christie murder mysteries. In response to that demand, we are happy to return the Olney tradition of the summer thriller,” said Artistic Director Jim Petosa.
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap plays on the New Mainstage June 11 – July 6. Tickets are just $25 - $48 with discounts available to groups, seniors, and students. Call the Box Office at 301.924.3400 or visit olneytheatre.org for tickets. In addition, Olney offers several special performances that include sign interpretation, audio description, and post-show discussions.
Set in a guest house on the English countryside, a pair of newlyweds, a man running from his past, an army major, a spinster, a foreigner, and a policeman find themselves stranded during a snow storm. Unfortunately, a murderer is in their midst and no one is above suspicion. In Dame Christie's classical style, she weaves red herrings, dead-ends, and false leads together to create an excellent mystery. The Mousetrap is in the capable hands of Associate Artistic Director John Going. Incidentally, The Mousetrap was the first show Going ever directed at Olney – 35 years ago. “This play means a lot to me. I have acted as well as directed it, and it has certain nostalgia. It was much newer when I first approached it, but it still works and I think the audience will really enjoy it,” Going said. “It is a terrific plot and no one ever seems to guess who the murder is!” Going has staged over 30 productions at Olney including Doubt: A Parable, 13 Rue de L’Amour, I Am My Own Wife and The Constant Wife. A four-time Helen Hayes Award nominee, Going received the award for Outstanding Direction for his work on The Miser at the Folger Shakespeare Theatre. He recently won the Kevin Kline Award for Best Director for I Am My Own Wife at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis.
The cast for this classic show consists of many Olney regulars. Julie-Ann Elliott returns to the Olney stage as Mollie Ralston, the proprietor of Monkswell Manor. Elliot last appeared as Constance Middleton in The Constant Wife (dir. John Going). Other Olney credits include An Enemy of the People, Hedda Gabler, and The Heiress. Elliot is a graduate of Catholic University’s Drama Department, and a former National Player. MaryBeth Wise also returns to Olney to play the aloof Miss Casewell. Wise has been seen at Olney as Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker (Helen Hayes Award nomination), Jennifer in In the Mood (world premiere), and Julia in The Rivals. Locally she has appeared as Rev. Chasuble in The Importance of Being Earnest at Arena Stage and Sybil in Midwives at Roundhouse Theatre. Wise is a National Player veteran of two tours. The suspicious Christopher Wren will be preformed by Jeffries Thaiss. Thaiss’ credits at Olney include Democracy, 13 Rue de L'Amour (dir. John Going), An Enemy of the People, and Hedda Gabler. His regional credits include shows at Seattle Repertory Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse, and The Kennedy Center. Harry A. Winter returns to Olney to perform the role of the mysterious retired Major Metcalf, having just performed as Ben Franklin in 1776 and Lazar Wolff in last season’s hit Fiddler on the Roof. His local credits include Allegro, 110 in the Shade, The Laramie Project, Pins and Needles, 1776, and Bringing up Amy. Also returning from just performing in 1776 is Michael Bunce. Bunce will play the ‘foreigner’ Mr. Paravicini. His DC-area credits include Meet John Doe at Ford’s Theatre and Urinetown at Signature Theatre. The snooty spinster Mrs. Boyle will be played by Cornelia Hart. Hart’s credits include Bertha in Hedda Gabler here at Olney, Sweet Bird of Youth and Lady Windermere’s Fan at Shakespeare Theatre Company, and Blue Heart at The Studio Theatre. Scott Barrow and Andrew Grusetskie will make their Olney début as Molly’s overprotective husband Giles Ralston and Detective Sergeant Trotter respectively. Barrow’s recent credits include Benedick in Much Ado about Nothing, Hal in Proof, and Father Flynn in Doubt (with the Arkansas Repertory). Grusetskie’s regional credits include The School for Scandal and The Odyssey at the McCarter Theatre.
To make the mystery believable, it is crucial that everything is played with a deadly seriousness. Olney has assembled the perfect team to create a convincing atmosphere for the story to unfold. Scenic Designer James Wolk has created an English guest house that is full of charm, but slightly past its prime. Wolk has worked with Going on ten plays at Olney, most recently Doubt: A Parable, 13 Rue de L’Amour, and The Heiress. Costume Designer Liz Covey, who designed last season’s 13 Rue de L’Amour and The Constant Wife, will accentuate the play with a range 1950’s period designs, ranging from the conservative wool suit to the eccentric multicolored shirts of Christopher Wren. F. Mitchell Dana, the Lighting Designer, will add shadow and light perfect for a whodunit. Dana has designed over 575 productions and previously worked on Cinderella and I Am My Own Wife at Olney. The creative team is rounded out with Dialect Coach Leigh Wilson Smiley, Wig Designer Karlah Hamilton, and Sound Designer Jarett C. Pisani.
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