We're in reboot mode. Sit Tight.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

From everyone at TAL - we hope that your 2014 is bright, productive, and inspiring.

And check back soon as we announce details for our 2014 TAL Auditions...

DARE TO CARE?

The Theatre Alliance of Louisville is participating in a Dare To Care drive during the months of November and December.  We all know that need is great, made greater for some by the shutdown of the government, especially during these two months with so many festive holidays.

If you bring a non-perishable food item to any; Looking for Lilith, Pandora Productions, or Theatre [502] performance now through December 31st, you will receive either a dollar credit for the show you're seeing, or a dollar coupon off your next performance with the same company.

Details vary by company.  Please visit their websites for their specific offer.

Happy Holidays!

The Alley Theater Presents Original Adaptation of Franz Kafka's "Metamorphosis"

Officially kicking off our fall season, The Alley Theater returns to a show that helped to start it all. We proudly present one of the first shows ever produced at the Alley, 20 years ago: Franz Kafka's "Metamorphosis," live on stage.

Based on the classic short story, "Metamorphosis" is a comic tale of one man whose understanding of his place in his family and society is upended when he wakes up one day to discover he is a giant insect. Using a new script adapted by the cast and incorporating actors from the Alley's own Clint Vaught Young Actors Workshop, this is a new angle on an old story, enjoying the absurdity of life through a more experimental lens.

Tickets are available now at www.thealleytheater.org or 713-6178. For more information or media inquiries, please contact Todd Zeigler at todd@thealleytheater.org

Metamorphososis

Directed by Martin French

Adapted by the cast from the short story by Franz Kafka

September 13-14, 20-21, 27-28

Special INDUSTRY NIGHT Monday, September 16

All shows at 7:30 pm

Tickets $15 advance, $17 at the door

Industry Night Tickets: Pay what you can (minimum $5)

NEW: Student Rush tickets for ALL SHOWS $8 w/ Valid ID

LFL's Season Opener - Crowd Favorite "Class of '70"

Looking for Lilth Theatre Company kicks off their season with a revival of
one of their oft-requested original shows, Class of '70, which hasn’t been
seen in Louisville since its premiere in 2004. Class of '70 is a powerful,
fun, challenging play that celebrates the living history of women who came
of age on college campuses during the second wave of feminism in the late
60's, based on the words of the women who lived it.    During this time, a
spirit of liberation gripped the youth of America, and movements such as
the Civil Rights Movement and the protest of the war in Vietnam were
flourishing.  Women were very involved in these political movements, and
through fighting to liberate others, women began to seek liberation for
themselves. Inspired by the consciousness-raising groups of that time, who
believed in the power of sharing stories, LFL collected stories about the
exciting personal, social and political changes these women experienced.
Audiences described the show as important, awesome, excellent and
tremendous and in New York City and in Louisville they nodded their heads,
laughed so hard they almost fell out of their chairs, shook their heads
with sorrow, tapped their toes to the music and jumped to their feet at
the end! Class of '70 is once again relevant as political and social
dynamics clash with those freedoms and advances for which our mothers,
aunts, and friends stood up. Dates and location:

CLASS OF '70 by Looking for Lilith Theatre Company
Lincoln Performing Arts School
930 E. Main Street
Nov 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 at 7:30p
Nov 16 at 2:00p
Community Night - Discounted Tickets! - November 17 at 5:00p
Post-show talk-back details TBA

Directed by Shannon Woolley Allison, the cast includes Laura Ellis,Trina
Fischer, Ebony Jordan, Jennifer Thalman Kepler, Karole Spangler, and
Chelsea Skalski. This production is staged managed by Ben Unwin and
designed by Nathan Roberts (sound), Typh Hainer Merwarth (costumes), Holly
Stone (graphics), John Newman (lights). The original script was created by
an LFL devising team including Cecily Agbay, Liz Albertson, Lindsey
Blackhurst , Trina Fischer, Kerry Huang, Caroline Price, Franny Silverman,
Shannon Woolley, Robert Quinlan and Amy Attaway  with additional creative
input from Kelly Welsh-McNerney, Shannon Lynch, Ginger Legon, Camille
Burford, Roshell McKevie, and Laura Morton.  Dozens of women were
interviewed and numerous books and articles read in the research done for
this show preceding its devising in 2004.  This research, and the creation
of this show, were funded in part by the Steinberg Foundation.

Pandora Productions Seeks Technical Director

Pandora is in need of a Technical Director/Set Designer-Builder. 

Job description is below.  Feel free to share this.  Interviews are being held ASAP.

Candidates should contact:

Michael J. Drury

Producing Artistic Director

artisticdirector@pandoraprods.org 

Position Available for 2013-2014 Season -- Technical Director & Set Designer/Builder
Pandora Productions has established itself as a mainstay in the Louisville Arts community.  Pandora is Louisville's only theatre company devoted exclusively to telling the stories of the LGBTQ community but definitely has a broader constituency than just that community.  We produce a 5 show mainstage season and usually several extras, one large and one smaller more experimental.
The following is a snapshot of how the position of TD/Set Designer has grown since 2007, we certainly expect that this position will grow with the company and new TD.  We look forward to new ideas from the Technical Director and collaboration with Pandora's Producing Artistic Director.
Duties Include (but not limited to):

• Must be able to collaborate with producer, directors and other designers on an established, well oiled team as well as in some cases actors.
• With the assistance of Company Manager, coordinate concept and production meetings with the design team and Producer.
• Develop scenic design for the season productions working closely with other designers and honoring the director's concept.
• Lead the construction of scenery in a safe and effective manner.
• Insure that the final design product is an accurate reflection of the director's intentions.
• Building space is scarce and typically pieces are built/painted in borrowed spaces or home shops and brought to the theatre for load in.
• Insures that scenery is constructed within budgetary limits and appropriate time frame.
• Manage production budgets for scenery, lights, costumes and props and ensure budgets are not exceeded. Report to PAD when it is clear that budget will be exceeded.
• Steward the Henry Clay Theatre space as if it belonged to Pandora and helps ensure that we leave it better than we found it.
• Provide and maintain scene shop equipment, orders materials needed for productions.
• Alert management of power tool needs for budgeting into season.  (Our past TD supplied power drills and screwdrivers).
• Coordinate and manage load in, strike and load out, coordinating with the various department designers to plan and coordinate space usage to insure that all technical aspects are ready for opening (our firm date by which all artistic elements are in place is Wed before opening on Thursday to insure that actors are able to rehearse one final time with a complete product).

• Guides volunteers through scenic construction/strike in keeping with standards in the professional theatre.  Must have the ability to train and run production and performance crews.

• Assess number of volunteers needed to accomplish all tasks and request that number from the volunteer coordinator or arrange personally.

• Must have knowledge of stage systems, lighting/fly and techniques of assembly and rigging of all types of scenery.  A knowledge of lighting is helpful but not required. Must be able to lift and carry heavy materials and no fear of heights or ladders.

• Must be able to supervise others.

Other Requirements & Notes:

• Successful candidate will have and maintain a positive attitude and enjoy the collaborative and creative process.  We pride ourselves on creating an atmosphere where all ideas are welcome and it is the personal belief of the PAD that it is impossible to create a cohesive artistic product in an atmosphere of tension.  Therefore patience and calm is demanded even in the most stressful situation.  To that end each member of the team monitors the rest and a request for a break is made before tensions rise to an unrecoverable level.
• Weekend and evening work is required. Pandora typically loads in on a Sunday (not always guaranteed) and openson Thursday.  Long days and nights are part of the tech week. 

$1500 per mainstage production and between $250 - $500 per extra production has been approved for this position. Total for 2013-2014 Season beginning with the first production in August 2013 and ending with the closing production in June 2014 is $8,750.00.  This can be paid out with each production or averaged out per month.  

DRAMA CLUB INSTRUCTOR - Drama by George

DRAMA CLUB INSTRUCTOR

If you’re energetic, love drama, and enjoy working with kids, then we may have just the job for you!

Drama by George is a Louisville-based educational theatre provider. Since 2007, we’ve presented live performances, drama workshops, and after-school drama clubs to tens of thousands of students across Kentuckiana. (Drama by George is owned by CITA member George Halitzka.)

As a Drama Club Instructor, you’ll help kids discover the joy of performing as you teach one or more after-school drama clubs onsite at elementary schools in the Louisville area.

Generally, our drama clubs run once a week for eight weeks during each semester (fall and spring). They always culminate in the performance of a short play. Instructors may teach one or several clubs each week. We provide an in-depth orientation, lesson plans, play scripts, props, and all of the other resources you need to successfully put on a play with children. You provide the energy, talent, and enthusiasm for theatre that will empower your students to succeed!

 

Your Qualifications

·         You love theatre and kids, and have experience working with both.

·         You have reliable transportation, including the capability to transport props and costumes to schools.

·         You are available during the after-school hours (generally, you must arrive onsite by 2:40 pmor 3:40 pm, depending on the school) at least two days per week, Monday-Thursday, during the upcoming academic semester.

·         You can lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

·         If you have directing, stage management, and/ or formal teaching experience, that’s a bonus (but it’s not required).

 

What We Provide

·         Competitive compensation for your skills as a teaching artist.

·         Paid orientation time and meetings.

·         Financial incentives if you make your drama club grow from semester to semester.

·         The joy of seeing kids learn and grow as you share your passion for the arts!

 

To apply

·         Please fill out our mini-application at http://www.dramabygeorge.com/about-us/jobs/drama-club-apply/.

Visit Drama by George Online

Scripts for Educational & Church Theatre - Drama Clubs & Workshops - Guest Directing

http://www.dramabygeorge.com/

TAL welcomes our newest Member Theatres!!  Rush Trowel Entertainment and Cisco Montgomery Inc.


Here's is the latest from RUSH TROWEL:

American Jukebox: Retro Edition

1950s, 1960s, 1970s & 1980s 

May 24, 2013 at 7:00PM 

Ursuline Arts Center, 3105 Lexington Road

Reserved Seating: $17.00 and $22.00

Box Office: 502.414.4225 or www.rushtrowel.com

Rush Trowel Entertainment (RTE), a Louisville-based production company, will premier American Jukebox: Retro Edition a musical revue highlighting Top 40 music from the 50s, 60s, 70, and 80’s with Broadway, Country, Swing and Patriotic features. American Jukebox will premiere on Friday, May 24

Ursuline Arts Center in Louisville, KY.

Featuring Louisville-based singers and musicians, American Jukebox: Retro Edition is the
brainchild of Producing Artistic Director Rush Trowel. “I want to see if a show like American
Jukebox:  Retro Edition is something the Louisville Community is looking for and will support” says
Trowel, “I truly believe this production is a dynamic asset to our community, providing opportunities for current community members to: celebrate the diversity of our City, collaborate with Local Artist, and provide a new entertainment outlet for the Louisville community.”


RTE is happy to host Orlando Supersinger Gladys Justiniano for American Jukebox: Retro Edition.
Gladys was hailed Orlando’s Supersinger in 2006 and is currently lead vocalist of SIMULCAST. SIMULCAST is a Central Florida based band that covers top 40 music in the rock, pop, & R&B genres. This is Gladys third time singing Louisville, she was previously featured in RTE’s Natural Women Live and Give My Regards to Broadway.



The Artistic team is lead by Rush Trowel, with Emily Gorman as show choreographer.
The production also stars many local favorites; Featured Vocalists: Troy Bell, Evan Boswell, Trent Evert Byers, Anna Cullen, Dona Isreal, Jaime Sutton with Paige Allen, Stephanie Ford, Lyric Hill, Nick Johnson and RoDijett Jones; Dancers: Charity Gardner, Kevin Hawkins, Tiffany Jones,  Josh Lawson, Maggie Patton, and Rhoy Soriano; Musicians: J. Copeland Davis(Lead Guitar), Jon Driver(Tenor Saxophone), Rob Edwards(Drums), Dana Fisher(First Trumpet), Andrew Hall(Electric Bass), Angie Hopperton(Piano), Chris Robinson(Trumpet II) and Mike Smith (Trombone).

Photos, videos, and additional information please visit www.rushtrowel.com

24 auditions in 60 seconds - GO!

Actors!  Bring another headshot to the TAL Unified Auditions this Saturday!  We just added Rush Trowel Entertainment into the mix!

ACTORS!!  The TAL Unified Auditions are May 11th in The Health Sciences Building on the JCTC Downtown Campus!!  Registration is from 8:15 - 10:00am on a first come, first served basis.

 Be sure to bring a MINIMUM of 26 headshots for the following companies:  

Actors Choice,  Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Alley Theatre, Alix Adams Agency, The Bard’s Town, Brand New Gay Productions (Film Company), Bullitt County Theatre, Cisco Montgomery, Inc., Coffeecup Theatre, Drama by George, Eve Theatre Company, Hardin County School’s Performing Arts Center, Heyman Talent Agency, Kathi E.B. Ellis, Keller Creative, The Little Colonel Playhouse, Looking For Lilith, Louisville Repertory Company, Pandora Productions, Savage Rose Theatre Company, Steven Rahe, Theatre [502], and Whodunnit Mystery Theatre.

Break legs!!!

TAL Audition Prep Class - Thursday, May 9th @ The Vault!!!

TAL Audition Prep Class

with Amy Attaway, Co-Artistic Director of Theatre [502]

May 9, 6pm - 9pm

Vault1031

$20 for the class

Sign up for this monologue audition class, just in time for the TAL auditions!  This low rate is offered ONE TIME ONLY, specifically for TAL auditioners.  

Amy Attaway spent five years as the Associate Director of Actors Theatre's Apprentice/Intern company.  As a part of that job, she saw hundreds of auditions a year, and trained some of the best young actors in the country to go on to successful careers.  This class will focus on performing a monologue as well as how to handle the etiquette and outcome of large auditions.

Email amyattaway@gmail.com for more details.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS

COFFEE CUP THEATRE ENDS THE 2012 – 2013 WITH A STAGING OF STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Coffee Cup Theatre Company (CCTC) will stage Robert Harling’s award-winning play Steel Magnolias. Under the direction of CCTC’s Artistic Director Dan Welch, the production will perform June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15 at the Rudyard Kipling, located at 422 West Oak Street. Tickets are now on sale and reservations can be made by calling (502) 299-8501, e-mailingcoffeecuptheatre@gmail.com, or visit us online at www.coffeecuptheatrecompany,org. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students/ seniors.  All show times are 7:30pm.

Stephen Dolginoff's THRILL ME

Pandora Productions presents Thrill Me, a musical drama that proves some romantic relationships are indeed murder.  It’s the chilling true story of the notorious Leopold-Loeb duo, the 1920s “thrill killers” responsible for one of the most infamous crimes of the 20th Century, and the backdrop for a tale that will take audiences on a gripping journey to discover the secrets that made this so-called ‘perfect crime’ stunningly unravel.

With book, music, and lyrics by Stephen Dolginoff, Thrill Me will be presented May 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, at 7:30 p.m.; May 12 & 19 at 5:30 p.m.; & May 18 at 2:00 p.m. at The Henry Clay Theatre, 604 South Third Street, 3rd Floor, Downtown Louisville. Tickets are on sale now and available for $18 online at http://www.PandoraProds.org, or via phone at 502.216.5502.

Note: Prior to each performance, Pandora Producing Artistic Director Michael Drury will announce the details for the upcoming 2013-14 season, an exciting lineup of live theatrical entertainment guaranteed to deliver Kentuckiana audiences with powerful, provocative theatre.

Theatre Alliance of Louisville presents 2013 Unified Auditions!!

Theatre Alliance of Louisville presents its seventh annual unified auditions on May 11^th, 2013 at the Health Sciences Building of the Jefferson Community College Campus, 110 West Chestnut.  Entrance is on the North side of the Student Parking Lot on Broadway and 2^nd Streets.

            

The unified auditions offer local actors a unique opportunity to audition for 16 theatres and organizations casting for multiple shows on the same day.

This year’s participating companies, to date, include (in alphabetical order, to date):

Actors Theatre of Louisville, Alix Adams Agency, The Bard’s Town, Brand New Gay Productions (Film Company), Bullitt County Theatre, Coffeecup Theatre, Drama by George, Eve Theatre Company, Hardin County School’s Performing Arts Center, Heyman Talent Agency, Kathi E.B. Ellis, The Little Colonel Playhouse, Looking For Lilith, Pandora Productions, Theatre [502], and Whodunnit Mystery Theatre

 The day’s schedule will run as follows:

8:15AM:         Actor Registration opens in the main lobby of The Health Sciences  Building

8:45AM:            Mandatory Actor Orientation Meeting

                        Mandatory Company Representatives Meeting

9:00AM:        Monologue and Song (optional) Session begins

(Actors are presented to a room of representatives from each theater. Actor must perform either two 60 second contrasting monologues or one 60 second monologue and 16 measures of a song; accompanist will be provided) *

10:00AM:      Actor Registration ends

10:30AM:            Break

10:40AM:            Monologue and Song Session resumes

1:00PM:          Monologue and Song Session ends

1:30PM:          Movement Session begins

(This is movement for non-dancers with representatives from most theatres present)

2:00PM:          Movement Session ends

2:15PM:          Dance Session begins

(This is for actors who dance with representatives primarily from theatres which produce musicals.  Companies will note on callback forms that they wish to see certain auditionees at dance session)

2:45PM:           Dance Session ends

3:00PM:           Individual Company Meetings/Call back Session begins

(Some companies will post a call back sheet after the Monologue session requesting an additional meeting/audition with specific actors)

5:00PM:           Individual Company Meetings/Call back Session ends

*Actors will be given a number and presented to room of representatives in     groups of 10.

   

All actors are encouraged but not required to participate in each Session (Monologue and Song; Movement; Dance) of the day.  Actors participating in any session throughout the day must register from 8:15-10:00AM and registration is on a first come first served basis. The MINIMUM age to audition is 18 (or enrolled in senior year of high school).

All actors should bring a minimum of 18 copies of their photograph (8X10 preferred) and resume. Updates about additional companies attending will be posted to TAL’s Facebook page and to theatreallianceoflouisville.blogspot.com.

Parking - big flat lot at Broadway and Second (student lot not faculty lot). Health Sciences Building is directly North.  Entrance is next to the Library.

For more information, please email questions to theatreallianceoflouisville@gmail.com

Coffee Cup Theatre Company - STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Coffee Cup Theatre Company is in search of two actress for its upcoming production of STEEL MAGNOLIAS. Looking for actresses between the age of 35 to 60. For more information please contact Dan Welch at coffeecuptheatre@gmail.com

Opening on Mother's Day Weekend! Becoming Mothers is Looking for Lilith's newest original play. This delightful moving play, sponsored in large part by Norton Women's Care, is a mosaic of stories of women's journeys to motherhood. This exploration will span the process from trying to conceive/planning through the early days of motherhood - the fourth trimester, as many call it. Victor Jory Theatre at Actors Theatre of Louisville May 9-11 & 16-18 at 7:30 PM, and at 2:00PM on May 12 and 18 Adult tickets- $18. Student and senior tickets- $15. For the Special Matinee on Mother's Day at 2:00 pm, tickets price will be 2 for $25! Bring your Mom and celebrate Motherhood together! Call ATL at 502-584-1205 for tickets, or purchase tickets in person to avoid ticketing fees. Be sure to mention Mother's Day Matinee pricing to ensure correct pricing.

Drama by George - Children and Teen Drama Camps

ANNOUNCING 2013 SUMMER DRAMA CAMPS 

drama by george 


1236 Lexington Rd. # 102 • Louisville, KY 40204-1164 

Voice: (502) 718-5090 • Fax: (502) 473-6559 

george@dramabygeorge.com • www.dramabygeorge.com 


FOR CHILDREN & TEENS 

Camps for Kids (Rising 3rd-7th Graders) 

. NEW: Drama + Visual Art Camp. Explore visual art in the mornings and drama in the afternoons 
with this full-day camp for creative kids! At the Clifton Center, 2117 Payne St. in Louisville. June 17-21 
OR July 8-12, 2013, 9:00 am-4:00 pm daily. For students completing grades 3-5: $220 tuition. Offered in 
partnership with the Louisville Visual Art Association. Visual art classes taught by Janet Britt. 
. Center Stage Drama Camp. Want to be in the spotlight? Learn basic acting skills and perform a 
short play in just one week! At St. James School, 1818 Edenside Ave. in the Highlands of Louisville. July 
15-19, 2013, 9:00 am-12:00 pm daily. For rising 3rd-7th graders: $155 tuition. 
. NEW: MovieMakers Filmmaking Camp. Here’s a unique opportunity to act and work behind the 
scenes on a short digital film! At St. James School, 1818 Edenside Ave. in the Highlands of Louisville. July 
29-August 2, 2013, 9:00 am-12:00 pm daily. For rising 3rd-7th graders: $165 tuition. 


Camps for Teens (Rising 7th-11th Graders) 

. Mystery at the Mansion. Perform a classic “whodunnit” mystery in an actual mansion. Come 
create a murder with us! At the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, 1402 St. James Ct. in Old Louisville. 
June 24-28, 2013, 9:00 am-12:30 pm daily. For rising 7th-11th graders: $145 tuition. 
. Comedy Improv Camp. Learn the basics of comedic acting without a script. We’ll show you the 
funny at Comedy Improv Camp! At St. James School, 1818 Edenside Ave. in the Highlands of Louisville. 
July 22-26, 2013, 9:00 am-12:00 pm daily. For rising 7th-11th graders: $155 tuition. 


 Instructor George Halitzka is a professional director and theatre educator with over ten years 
of experience creating theatre with young people. Member - Theatre Alliance of Louisville

Company Registration Open for 2013 TAL Auditions

ATTENTION THEATRE COMPANIES OF LOUISVILLE, registration is now open for the 2013 TAL Unified Auditions.

Click here to learn more about registration and to register for the auditions.

Actors, don't fret.  More information will be available in the coming weeks regarding your registration!

Member News

A VERY TIMELY STAGED READING FOR OUR TIMES: PANDORA PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS “8"

Limited 3-Day Run begins this Thursday, January 3 at The Henry Clay Theatre

LOUISVILLE, KY – January 2, 2013 – Just 6 weeks after the Supreme Court’s landmark decision to hear arguments regarding California’s Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) Pandora Productions proudly presents “8”, an unprecedented account of the Federal District Court trial in Perry v. Schwarzenegger (now known as Perry v. Brown).

The story for “8”, by Dustin Lance Black who penned the Academy Award-winning feature film Milk, is all about the case filed by the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) to overturn Proposition 8, which stripped gay and lesbian Californians of the fundamental freedom to marry.  Black based his work on actual words of the trial transcripts, first-hand observations of the courtroom drama and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families; it is framed by the trial’s historic closing arguments in June 2010 and features the best arguments and testimony from both sides.

“Our first production of the New Year clearly reinforces Pandora’s mission of powerful, provocative, theatre,” states Michael J. Drury, Pandora Productions Producing Artistic Director. “Not only is “8” topical, it is a reminder to our core constituents that the 'fight' is not over for equality on all levels, least of all marriage equality.  And as this issue becomes more and more prominent in the national discourse, the public can expect to see more plays being written about it, with Pandora being the first to produce them for our audiences.”

This limited-run production premiers Thursday evening, January 3, at 7:30 p.m., with performances continuing on Friday, January 4, and Saturday, January 5, both at 7:30 p.m. at The Henry Clay Theatre, 604 South Third Street, 3rd Floor, Downtown Louisville; each performance will be followed by a discussion on Marriage Equality.  Tickets are now available for $18 online at http://www.PandoraProds.org or by phone at 502.216.5502. A portion of the production’s proceeds will go to the American Foundation for Equal Rights.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Pandora Productions: Michael J. Drury, 502.592.6009, pandora.productions@insightbb.com

Press & Media: Craig Harden, 502.299.9088, walterc_5@hotmail.com

Coffee Cup Theatre News

COFFEE CUP THEATRE COMPANY BRINGS SISTER MARY IGNATIUS EXPLAINS IT ALL FOR YOU & FOR WHOM THE SOUTHERN BELLE TOLLS TO THE STAGE

Coffee Cup Theatre Company (CCTC) is staging Sister Mary Ignatius Explains it All for You andFor Whom the Southern Belle Tolls by Christopher Durang. The production will be performed on January 24, 25, 26, 31, February 1, 2 at The Rudyard Kipling, located at 422 West Oak Street

Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You revolves around a nun, Sister Mary Ignatius, explaining to the audience the basic tenets of Catholicism. She is assisted by her favorite student, seven-year-old Thomas. From time to time, she asks him catechism questions and gives him a cookie for every right answer. Half-way into her speech, some of her former students, now grown up, enter to perform a mock Christmas pageant from their childhood days and reveal to Sister Mary the deep psychological trauma her teachings left on them. Sister Mary's unwavering dogma combined with the absurdist nature of the play add elements of a biting comedy.

For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls is a parody of The Glass Menagerie. The fading Southern Belle, Amanda tries to prepare her hypersensitive son Lawrence for the “feminine caller”. Terrified of people Lawrence just wants to play with his cocktail stirrers and brother Tom just wants to go to the movies where he meets sailors who need to be put up in his room. Amanda tries to face everything with “charm and vivacity” but sometimes she just wants to hit somebody.

Under the direction of Coffee Cup Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Dan Welch the cast includes Lance Flint, Lillian Goban, Zach Gombosky, Nick Johnson, Lydia Kennebrew, Allison Moore, Jamie Shannon, and Cate Willard

Tickets are now on sale and reservations can be made by calling (502) 299-8501 or e-mailing coffeecuptheatre@gmail.com. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors (Cash & Checks only).

ACTOR’S CHOICE PRESENTS           

TOPDOG/UNDERDOG                             

JANUARY 10 – 20 AT HENRY CLAY THEATRE

Louisville, KY, December 9, 2012 – Actor’s Choice will start the new year with a production of Kentucky’s own Suzan-Lori Parks’ highly celebrated and Pulitzer prize-winning play,Topdog/Underdog. The play depicts the adult lives of two African-American brothers, Lincoln and Booth, as they cope with women, work, poverty, gambling, racism, and their troubled upbringings.

Topdog/Underdog debuted at the Public Theatre in 2001 starring Don Cheadle and Jeffrey Wright.

It enjoyed an extended run on Broadway in 2002 with Mos Def joining Wright in one of the two roles.

It has been characterized as a deconstruction of this country’s uneasy relationship with race and history

through the relationship of two brothers who were abandoned by both of their parents while they were

still in their teens. Veering from dark comedy to bittersweet familial dynamics, the play takes its

audience on an hilarious and heartbreaking journey.

According to Ben Brantley in the New York Times, “The play vibrates with the clamor of

big ideas, audaciously and exuberantly expressed. Like Invisible Man, Ralph Ellison's landmark

novel of 1952, 'Topdog/Underdog' considers nothing less than the existential traps of being

African-American and male in the United States, the masks that wear the men as well as vice versa.

Director Mike Seely, “especially during the time when our community will be celebrating the birthday

of famed civil rights leader Martin Luther King. This play helps to demonstrate the need for vigilance

and the fact that some jobs are never done.”

Under the direction of Kathi E. B. Ellis, the Actor’s Choice production of Topdog/Underdog

features Keith McGill and Brian Lee West as the brothers.  Said Ellis, “I’ve loved ‘Topdog/Underdog’

since its Broadway production and have wanted to direct it ever since. It’s been worthwhile

waiting for the right combination of actors to do this script.”

Performances are January 10,11,12,13,17,18,19 and 20 at the Henry Clay Theatre,

604 South Third Street. Thursday through Saturday performances are at 7:30 pm and Sunday

matinees are at 2:30 pm. Tickets are  $20 general admission and  $17 for students and seniors. Tickets available by calling 502-495-8358.