Something for Everyone

Playhouse on Park's latest production, Metamorphoses does indeed have something for everyone, something everyone already loves, such as music, humor, beauty, fine physiques and a pool. Our production of Metamorphoses is a contemporary adaptation of the Greek and Roman transformation, adapted by author and playwright Mary Zimmerman from the works of the Roman poet, Ovid.

On our 32 by 32 foot stage we have constructed a pool, four feet high and 16 by 16 feet wide, surrounded on all sides by a redwood deck.  It is here that a young, attractive, talented and very physical cast of five men and five women move gracefully in and out of the water, telling these ten transformational myths that will mesmerize you and make you laugh. Each transformation is also related in many different ways to the redemptive power of love.

The pool is a part of the stage because the water constantly changes from peaceful and calm to ferocious and violent, just like the play.  The pool represents, among other things, the river Styx, a river of hate that separates the world of the living from the world of the dead. It is said that the river Styx winds around the underworld nine times.

Divine lighting adds more emotion in to these already compelling  stories. For the perfect blend of lighting and humor, with a contemporary theme is the appearance of the sun god Apollo played by David Goldman. Apollo emerges with brilliant sun-like lighting, wearing a gold vest and applying suntan lotion to his face as his son Phaeton played by Harrison Greene, who is seeking guidance from his therapist played by Amelia Campbell, about some typical father/son angst. i.e. wanting to borrow the car, or in this case, his father's chariot.

The greed of King Midas, played by Troy Peckham was granted the "golden touch" everything he touched turned to gold. This reward has an unintended consequence after his daughter jumps in to his arms.

Quinn Warren's movement as the approaching and consuming "hunger" of King Erysichthon played by Eric Whitten is beautifully haunting. She clings to him as he thrashes  around the pool, attempting to satisfy his insatiable appetite.

Metamorphoses is an enthralling mix of drama and comedy, that along with the pool, the lighting, the costumes and sometimes lack of costumes are all accentuated with live music provided by musician and composer Richard Hollman. Mr. Hollman recently appeared in our production of the Mystery of Irma Vep, alongside Sean Harris, who directed  Metamorphoses.

Richard, Rich or Richie, depending on his task, opens the show, humorously taking care of theatrical housekeeping, then adding his own "touch" which you can experience with a donation to Playhouse on Park.

Ashley C. Williams, Melissa Kaufman, Jillian Rorrer, and Justin Sease round out the incredible cast.

In closing, I would like to say that if you are a fan of provocative and daring professional theater staged by a cast and crew with a fervent devotion to their craft, then you owe it to yourself to see Metamorphoses.  There is just one week left to see this amazing piece of theater.

Tickets are available at our box office.  Reserve your seat by calling us at 860-523-5900 x10. Ordering online at www.playhouseonpark.org or visiting us during business hours: Tuesday thru Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday 10:00am to 2:00pm. We have the most affordable ticket in town to the most intimate venue in town.

Discounts are available for students, seniors and Let's Go Arts members. Students can purchase "Student Rush" tickets fifteen minutes prior to curtain for $10.00, cash only with a valid student I.D.. Everyone else can get a $10.00 ticket thanks to our "Lunch Time Special". All you have to do is visit our box office between 12:00 to 1:00pm the day of a performance and get a ticket to that night's show for only $10.00. What a deal!

Up next is the Johnny Burke Musical "Swinging on a Star". Coming soon is the announcement of our fourth season. Stay tuned to this blog for the details on that and many other things happening at Playhouse on Park.

Tickets and Televisions

In our own special way, we're all winners, that trophy you got as a child, even if you lost the game proves it.  While the people listed below didn't win a trophy, they did win some cool stuff.

Perhaps you visited us at our booth at Celebrate West Hartford.  There you'd learn everything we're doing at Playhouse on Park and boy it's a lot.  You could also enter two win two free vouchers for any of Main Stage or Young Audience shows.  Here are the lucky recipients of those vouchers from Celebrate West Hartford. All are West Hartford residents.

Anna Corvaglia

Julia Ekwall

Rena Epstein

Lily Hollertz

Linda Leimberger

If you saw our last production of Golda's Balcony, then you know that six televisions were used to help tell Golda Meir's remarkable story. We held a drawing after each performance, where patrons could enter to win one of the televisions.  Below are the lucky winners:

Melissa Cummings

Nancy Dorchester

Kevin Kickery

Dorene Sikorski

Christina Steinhauser

Fred Tilden

Congratulations to all our winners, enjoy your tickets and televisions. Next time you see us at an event, stop by and find out what's new and enter our drawings, the next winner could be you.

Summer Interns 2012

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, our present crop of interns.

Mackenzie Friedmann is a General Intern from Berlin, CT.  "I basically do many different jobs in different aspects of the theater that need to be done that specific day." she says of her duties here at the playhouse. Mackenzie is attending the University of Hartford where she is studying musical theater. This summer you'll be able to see her on stage dancing in "Swinging on a Star" A rousing musical that will wrap up season three. Her long term goals are to continue performing and making a living in the theater world.

Morgan Grambo is a literary intern from Goshen, CT. A Literary Intern reads and reviews all new submissions that arrive at the playhouse. This fall she will be a junior at Salve Regina studying theater and English Literature. In the future, she hopes to continue  her studies and pursue a career in theater, specifically in the literary/dramaturgical world.  "I am very excited to be working at Playhouse on Park and look forward to learning all the ins and outs of theater."

Chloe Wheeler is a junior at the Hartt School from Southington, CT.  She is a Development Intern, who is responsible for tracking all donations made to the playhouse and will help with fundraising. Chloe is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Performing Arts Management with a minor in Business Administration. Apart from theater, Chloe is also interested in tour management and music production. "I wanted to intern for Playhouse on Park, because I recently became interested in theater, and one of my classmates who works here, referred me." That classmate is Dave Addis, our Company Manager.

Like all of us work at the playhouse, they'll be doing more than there prescribed tasks. When you call the playhouse for tickets, you'll probably be speaking with one of these young ladies, who will answer any questions you may have and find you the perfect seat for Metamorphoses and/or Swinging on a Star, our last two shows in our third season. 

A salute to some of the interns that have come before them:

Donnie Collins

Dan Deutsch

Maha Kemal

Helena Morris

Pennie Scesney

Ramona Sukhraj

and Naomi Bilmes (originator of this blog)

Intern Season 2: The New Philosophy

If you're new to this blog, or you want to reread the original post, I suggest you go back to July 10, 2011.  There you will see "Intern Season" post.

OR

I could just summarize it for you right here. I'm assuming you'll go with the second option. I didn't need to be a soothsayer to foretell your choice. Kudos to me for pulling the word 'soothsayer' out of my cob web-laden cranium.

Anyway, in the first post, I opined about the infestation of wide-eyed idealistic young people converging on institutions for which they someday hope to work, but for now have only studied.  The particular bee in my bonnet was how they swooped in with their unbridled enthusiasm, ruffling the feathers of us 365ers who are practiced in the art of a gradual progression. The reason being, we have a much longer sentence and if we accomplish prescribed tasks in rapid fire succession, then said tasks would become more abundant. What would not become more abundant is our cash flow...that follows its own gradual progression.

So blah blah blah, I continued my rant against the do-gooder interns and complained about having to clean the pool. You're probably asking yourselves 'Clean the pool you say, James whatever do you mean?' It'll all make sense at the end of the 4/2011 post.

Now that you know the crux of the original post, I can introduce my new philosophy.  A philosophy born from the harsh reality of my inability to prevent the interns from dropping anchor at the playhouse. Instead of pissing and moaning about the interns, I have now decided to embrace them, figuratively speaking of course. Instead of complaining about their work ethic, I have decided to exploit it. Their naivete will play right in to my hands. Mwah ah ah.

I'll unearth every fly infested pile of crap I can, top it with whipped cream and a cherry and tell them its a hot fudge sundae. They'll smile, savoring the sweet toppings until the foul aroma of these tasks wafts its way in to their unsuspecting nostrils and cements itself in to their cerebral cortex.

Behind my serious demeanor and the professional verbiage I use to stress the importance of these menial tasks, will be the little boy in me just waiting to laugh and point at their misery. Down boy, wait until after the onslaught of guilt-ridden words I use to feign my disappointment, after sensing their inevitable repulsion for the tasks at hand. 

This is a classic case of the face betrays. I'll see the disdain on their faces and hear the churning of the wheels inside their heads as they formulate reasons to shelve the tasks. Little do they know that I'll conjure up more of the same kind of tasks, this is sure to slow down even the most willing lackey.


This is a philosophy not found in a text book or talked about in a lecture, this type of malevolence is nurtured over the course of many years, years that far exceed those of your typical intern.  It's not personal, I'm sure these junior humans are nice people, I'm a nice person.


It's because I'm such a nice person that I wouldn't even contemplate undertaking such a dastardly deed.  Such evil plots will remain relegated to my brain and the occasional blog post. Boy oh boy, it sure was fun to dream. I'll go on about my business at the playhouse, mixing it up with those lovable, newly pubescent cherubs.


We all have a lot of work to do. Two more shows in our Main Stage Series: Metamorphoses and Swinging on a Star. Not to mention fine tuning our vast assortment of live entertainment for our fourth season. 

My real new philosophy, getting you and everyone you know to come see a show at Playhouse on Park.  All of our productions have been of the utmost quality.  The level of professionalism that graces our stage will astonish you. Our fourth season will be no exception.

Golda's Balcony

Golda's Balcony follows the trajectory of the life of Golda Meir, from Russian immigrant to an American school teacher, to a leader of international politics as the first female Prime Minister of Israel, fourth overall.

Much of this tight-knit story of war and peace focuses on Golda in 1973, on the eve of the Yom Kippur War, when Israel was attacked by Egypt and Syria. According to the script by William Gibson, the bombs were loaded on planes that were awaiting Meir's order to take off and follow through on her threat to wipe out Egypt rather than yield the hard-won Jewish State to its enemies. Confident  Meir would retaliate,  President Richard Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger supplied Israel with the additional aircraft it needed to defend itself with conventional weapons.

The play uses flashbacks as Golda recounts the story of her life. She describes her role as a socialist Zionist, her emigration to Palestine in 1921, the birth of her two children and the break up of her marriage. These details form an intriguing backdrop for a dramatic look at idealism, power and the strength it takes to shape the destiny of a nation.

This fascinating one-woman show stars Kate Alexander, a powerhouse actress portraying Golda. It is directed by an internationally renowned director, Terence Lamude. Kate and Terence collaborated on this play in 2007 at Florida Studio Theatre in Sarasota Florida, it was extended for thirteen weeks.

Incredible projections on television monitors built in to the set and appropriate sound effects combined with the critically acclaimed acting and expert direction bring Golda's life to life before your very eyes.

"Radiant Alexander shines from Golda's Balcony"

- Pelican Press, Sarasota, Florida

"Kate Alexander delivers an impassioned performance from Golda's Balcony. She brings a fierce determination in telling the life story of the former Israeli prime Minister that matches the real woman's zeal in creating and defending the state of Israel as a homeland and haven for Jews."

- Sarasota Herald Tribune

The New York Times calls Golda's Balcony "Enlightening"  The New York Daily News says "Riveting" The New York Post says "Overwhelming" and Newsday raves "powerful"

Come see Golda's Balcony at West Hartford's award winning destination for professional theatre, Playhouse on Park. It's on stage now, through June 3rd. Adult tickets range from $22.50 to $32.50. Discounts for senior citizens, students and Let's Go Arts Members.  Call the Playhouse on Park box office at 860-523-5900 x10 to reserve your seat.

Comedy: Caged and Uncut

This Friday, come to Playhouse on Park to see improv comedians battle to the death inside a steel cage. This Saturday guffaw with ten uncircumcised comedians,  prattling on about life, love and size comparisons.

Pause, covers right ear with one hand and listens to inner voice.

Oh...sorry, my better judgement is telling me - that's not exactly what's actually happening this weekend.

Excuse me, I sit corrected. Please indulge me as I set the record straight.  There will indeed be two improv teams on Friday: Horse Lincoln vs. Sea Tea Improv, on stage, taking audience suggestions and turning them in to side-splitting laughter. Bodies will not hit the floor and apparently the cage is a metaphor. 

Saturday is the Second Annual Connecticut Comics Uncut. Ten comics, genital cleanliness unknown, will regale you with comedic anecdotes that may include the topics of life, love and other observations.  That's the long and short of it.

I would be remiss of course if I did not mention the mavens of mirth responsible for recruiting the talent that will have you gasping for breath this weekend: Claire Zick and Barbara Jurgelas.

Claire Zick, took her first improv class with the "Great Matt Smith at Freehold Theatre in Seattle." She was unemployed at the time and needed an activity to get her out of the house. 

Ms. Zick has an extensive background in improv, beginning with the aforementioned Matt Smith at Unexpected Productions in Seattle. Upon completing their education program,  she was a member of the ensemble there for years. "We did six shows a week back when I was a cast member. I was also the only female member of Sisters of Sal, the team that won the most in the Seattle cage match series." Says Ms. Zick of her experience. "I've performed with a variety of other groups, including  several of my own here in Connecticut and with Ryan Stiles." She adds.

With no real improv in the area, outside of a few groups and her desire to perform, she set out to build a community to support that. "Teaching was a way to help build that community. The more people who know about improv, study it and watch it, the better."  She ran the program under our previous incarnation, the Park Road Playhouse. "Tracy, Darlene and Sean were gracious enough to let me continue doing it when they took over the space."

Ms. Zick teaches improv classes at Playhouse on Park. Visit our website at www.playhouseonpark.org. Find the heading "Classes and Workshops" under the Home tab on the main page of our site. "Listening, focus, trust and an ability to let go of control" are the traits needed to excel at improv according to Ms. Zick. Be sure to come see our Cage Match comedy show this Friday, tickets are just $10.00. Also, if after you see the show you say "I could do that." - then do it. There's no reason why you can't.

Barbara Jurgelas set foot onstage as a stand up comic on an open mike night in 1985 at the now defunct Billy Jack's Cafe of Comedy in Glastonbury. She didn't always want to be a comedian. "I originally wanted to pursue acting. I was lucky enough to work for the Tonight Show from 1981 to 1985." Upon witnessing first-hand how many thousands of other people wanted to be in that business, was a turn off to her. "Also, based on the various plays I had already performed in, I really stink as an actress!"

What she lacks in acting, Ms. Jurgelas more than made up for when she was performing. I had the pleasure of seeing her act at the playhouse and at Jitters in Plainville, a coffee house with a monthly night of stand up comedy. She says that to be a good comedian, you should "Be true to who you are. Unlike acting where you portray someone else, comics should always be themselves, even if they exaggerate their own personality on stage."

Ironically stand up comedy takes us back to the previous proprietors, as did improv. "I had been wanting to bring comedy to the Park Road Playhouse for years, but they weren't interested. Since the Playhouse on Park took over, they contacted me to see if I was interested." Says Ms. Jurgelas of the origin of stand up comedy at the playhouse.

In selecting comedians, there's a method to the madness. "Whenever I put a show together, I always try to select comics based on an energy level." She says. "A comedy show show should 'build' in intensity. You would never hire a high-energy host to bring on a middle and/or headliner with a dead-pan personality." Adds Ms. Jurgelas. In other words, Robin Williams shouldn't open for Steven Wright, for that and other reasons.

Ms. Jurgelas retired from the performing end of the business in 2005. "Who knows, the urge could strike at anytime to get back up there." She says.

So there you have it, much more information than is required in order to attend a weekend of comedy, but you're a better person for knowing it. So this weekend, take off your drama pants and put on your comedy pants, those bell bottom pants tucked away in the dark recesses of your closet should do the trick.

Tickets are available at the door or by calling the Playhouse on Park box office at 860-523-5900 x10. Say hello to Claire and Barbara while your there, and keep an eye out for a sexy man in black strutting around the venue.

Audience Reacts to Showstoppers

Recently I contacted people who attended the opening night of "Showstoppers" at Playhouse on Park and here is what they said:

The best stop/time show yet. Don't miss it. A must for all dancers and wanna be dancers.

Jane Emerson  - Farmington

Showstoppers was a GREAT show...I loved the contrast in performances that lead up to an amazing finale. I was there with five of my girlfriends and we were on our feet at the end!

Kelley O'Shea - Vernon

At times I felt as if I were viewing snippets of a Broadway show. Having been a theater minor, I really got a kick out of the brief references to many Broadway shows.The costumes were so wonderfully bold and truly highlighted by the gorgeous, trim bodies of the dancers. I was impressed with the amount of acts there were this year. Truly a wonderful show that showcased all of the hard work and dedication of these talented dancers. Keep up the good work!

Audrey Saharek - Wethersfield

Great show. We really enjoyed it.

Denese Sullivan - Meriden

Very enthusiastic, my wife and I enjoyed it very much. It was very stimulating and artistic. We recommended  it to our daughter.

Richard Brigham - Windsor

Showstoppers was the perfect balance of dance, song, costume and theater. We were so impressed with the choreography and the blending of vocal numbers with dance. The vocalists and dancers were fabulous. In fact, we enjoyed ourselves so much that we are going to attend another performance this week.

Lynn and Lee Sherman - West Hartford

Fabulous. Very appropriate for older citizens. I thought they did an excellent job, and I didn't even fall asleep.

Bob Cave - West Hartford

I absolutely loved Showstoppers. It was much more than I had been expecting. The level of professionalism was fantastic, the stamina of the cast, absolutely incredible. I would recommend this show to anyone who needs a lift or anyone who wants to feel good, and it's affordable! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Pam Leibow - South Windsor

I can honestly say I was smiling so much during Showstoppers that my lips were quivering. What great choreography, song selections, acting and dancing. This troupe is a jewel and more people should know about them.

Mary deManbey - Manchester

I attended the show with my nine year old granddaughter Sarah and in her words, the show was amazing! I smiled from from the opening number to the finale. The show was upbeat, the costumes were wonderful, and the dancing was non stop. Actually we are calling for more tickets to attend the show again. Kudos to Darlene and her dancers. We did not want the show to end. Thanks for a wonderful evening.

Marge Patefield - Enfield

We loved it. The staging, costumes and dances. The dancers were very talented and dynamic.

Elodie Plan - West Hartford

The performers were in great form and the fifteen costume changes added more pizazz  to their dancing. My foot never stopped tapping and I sang along mentally to all the great selections. Definitely an exhilarating and fun night fun night at Playhouse on Park. Having just moved here from Florida, I ran to the box office and purchased tickets to the next three shows.

Robert Italia - St. Petersberg

Thanks for your comments, keep them coming. Don't miss our next three shows: Golda's Balcony, Metamorphoses and Swinging on a Star. Maybe you'll be sitting next to Robert, you know he's going to be there.