The Suffield Players will present a Staged Reading of "Who's On First" by Jack Sharkey at 7 p.m. on Jan. 17 at the Kent Memorial Library.
“We do Staged Readings at the Library to support them, partly, and also because it gives our audiences a view of what we can do in a very different context theatrically,” explained Mary Fernandez-Sierra, publicity director with The Players.
She said the Staged Readings are far less formal than the mainstage shows, and tend to be very creative and spontaneous, read with scripts in hand.
“We often present plays at Kent which are under consideration for performance mainstage at Mapleton Hall during the next season, and this give us a chance to see how they play to an audience, and how the actors feel about the shows as well.”
One of those upcoming mainstage productions is Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” and the players will hold auditions Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. and Jan. at 7 p.m. Performances are set for May. The play calls for an ensemble of 15-20 and lead roles for six men and four women.
Those wishing to audition should prepare a one-minute monologue, be prepared to read from the script and possibly sing. Anyone who wants to help out in any way with the production are welcome, said Fernandez.
“We would be thrilled to see folks who want to work backstage, or who are interested in scenic or costume design at auditions! The Players love and value their techies just as much as their actors!” she said.
Rehearsals are already underway for The Player’s Winter Production of Deathtrap by Ira Levin. Performances are scheduled for Feb. 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 2013 at 8 p.m.; Feb. 17 at 2 p.m.
Directed by Robert Lunde, the Player’s “Deathtrap” is a classic adult thriller sure to keep audience members on the edge of their seats to the very end; perhaps laughing as well, at the witty dialogue and colorful characters who zigzag their way through the dark-and-stormy plot.
The cast features the talents of Steve Wandzy, Christopher Berrien, Larry Chiz, Anna Marie Johansen and Mary Fernandez-Sierra.
Set Design by Konrad Rogowski and Kelly Seip, Lighting Design and Technical Direction by Jerry Zalewski, Costume Design by Dawn McKay, Sound Design by Nicholas Diakostavrionos
Ticket Prices: $17 ($12 Opening Night) For Reservations, call 800-289-6148 or 860-668-0837 or visit www.suffieldplayers.org
The Player’s perform at Mapleton Hall located at 1305 Mapleton in Suffield. For additional information please check out The Player’s website suffieldplayers.org
