Altarena Playhouse http://www.altarena.org Frederick L. Chacon, Artistic DIrector • 1409 High St. • Alameda, CA 94501 • (510) 523-1553 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:30:13 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Mike Nebeker – R.I.P. Oct. 27, 2009 – we will miss you http://www.altarena.org/2009/11/04/mike-nebeker-r-i-p-oct-27-2009/ http://www.altarena.org/2009/11/04/mike-nebeker-r-i-p-oct-27-2009/#comments Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:29:34 +0000 Armando Fox http://www.altarena.org/?p=478 Cabaret in 2005 may remember Mike as "Max", the owner of the cabaret who greeted the audience from the moment they entered the [...]]]> We were very saddened to learn about the recent sudden passing of Mike Nebeker, a longtime actor and supporter at Altarena Playhouse.  Those of you who came to see our production of Cabaret in 2005 may remember Mike as “Max”, the owner of the cabaret who greeted the audience from the moment they entered the theater pre-show and really “set the atmosphere” for the audience for the whole evening.

Mike also appeared in numerous other Altarena productions and was always a supporter and fan willing to help out wherever he was needed, referring to himself as Altarena’s “utility infielder” in one of his program bios.

We offer our sincere condolences to Mike’s family and we count ourselves lucky to have been part of his life.

The obituary is below for those interested in attending his memorial on November 5.

Michael K. Nebeker Nov. 12, 1968 – Oct. 27, 2009 Resident of Oakland Died suddenly of a stroke on October 27. Survived by grandmother, Mrs. Harlan (Blanche Long) Henderson; father, Albert Nebeker; siblings: Heather, Eileen (Trey) McAlister, Lesli, Jeremy (Rosalie), Bud (Jennifer), David. Mike was predeceased by his mother, Shirley Nebeker; sister, Romi; nieces: Katrina, Rachel. Mike will be remembered as a dedicated grandson, son, brother and uncle, for his passion for cooking and his love for the arts. Mike was involved in Community Theater, performing in such shows as “And It Came to Pass”, “Carnival”, and “Cabaret”. Mike was a co-host for the Geek Tragedy Podcast and a committee member for DunDraCon. Funeral Services Thursday November 5, 10:00am viewing, 11:00am funeral at the LDS Oakland Interstake Center, 4770 Lincoln Ave, Oakland. Internment will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland, CA.

]]> http://www.altarena.org/2009/11/04/mike-nebeker-r-i-p-oct-27-2009/feed/ 0 “Ultimate After-Party” at C’era Una Volta on November 14 http://www.altarena.org/2009/10/24/ultimate-after-party-at-cera-una-volta-on-november-14/ http://www.altarena.org/2009/10/24/ultimate-after-party-at-cera-una-volta-on-november-14/#comments Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:13:19 +0000 Armando Fox http://www.altarena.org/?p=429 On November 14, mingle with our artistic contributors at C’era Una Volta for a benefit party from 6-8 PM! Wine by R&B Cellars, door prizes, theater memorabilia, and more!

]]> Altarena_AfterParty_WebAltarena is hosting a benefit party in downtown Alameda!

Meet and mingle with next season’s directors and with Artistic Director Fred Chacon, win prizes including unrestricted Southwest Airlines tickets, bid on Altarena memorabilia like the painting from ‘Art’, and much more!

Join us from 6-8 PM on November 14 at C’era Una Volta for food provided by Cheryl Principato and Rudy Duran (the owners of C’era) and wine from Alameda’s R&B Cellars.

Tickets for this special benefit event are $100.00 and may be purchased online, or call 510-523-1553, extension 3.  Questions?  Email UltimateAfterParty@altarena.org and we’ll get right back to you.

We look forward to seeing you there, and we thank our partners, including C’era Una Volta, R&B Cellars, Cairdea Design and Marketing, Patrick Tracy Photography, and all the businesses that work with us to make these events a success!

]]> http://www.altarena.org/2009/10/24/ultimate-after-party-at-cera-una-volta-on-november-14/feed/ 0 Brian Copeland’s “Not A Genuine Black Man” returns to Altarena http://www.altarena.org/2009/10/14/brian-copeland-not-a-genuine-black-man/ http://www.altarena.org/2009/10/14/brian-copeland-not-a-genuine-black-man/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:00:49 +0000 Armando Fox http://www.altarena.org/?p=376
Altarena Playhouse and CaroLena Productions present Brian Copeland in the exclusive Alameda performances of hisNot A Genuine Black Man, the longest-running solo show in San Francisco history! Two performances only, December 4 and 5 at 8:00 PM. Sure to sell out, so buy your tickets now!


Subscribers: Purchase by October 1 and get $5 off!

]]> Altarena Playhouse and CaroLena Productions Present

Brian Copeland
in
Not A Genuine Black Man

The longest-running solo show in San Francisco History

Exclusive Alameda appearances: a Benefit for Altarena Playhouse
December 4 & 5 at 8:00 PM

Get Tickets
Subscribers: $5 off if you purchase by October 1!

We’re excited to announce the return of award-winning playwright/performer Brian Copeland to Altarena Playhouse to perform his acclaimed show, Not A Genuine Black Man.

Genuine is the longest-running solo show in San Francisco history—the witty, trenchant, and ultimately ennobling story of Brian’s growing up in San Leandro when that town had some of the highest racial tensions in Bay Area history. Brian’s show, and the companion bestselling book (which he’ll be signing after each performance), have garnered so many accolades that he hardly needs any introduction! We at Altarena are extremely proud to count Brian as a member of our Honorary Board of Directors, and we’re thrilled to remain the exclusive Alameda venue for his performance.

Brian Copeland is generously giving a substantial fraction of the show’s proceeds to benefit Altarena Playhouse. All performances followed by complimentary champagne reception and book signing with the artist.

Brian performed at Altarena in 2006 and sold out in just a few days!
Get your tickets now as these are sure to go fast!


]]> http://www.altarena.org/2009/10/14/brian-copeland-not-a-genuine-black-man/feed/ 0 Auditions: “Bus Stop” & “Man of La Mancha” http://www.altarena.org/2009/09/26/open-auditions-for-bus-stop-nov-9-10/ http://www.altarena.org/2009/09/26/open-auditions-for-bus-stop-nov-9-10/#comments Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:51:46 +0000 Armando Fox http://www.altarena.org/?p=411 Auditions for Bus Stop and Man of La Mancha, the first two productions of our 2010 Season, will be held in early November…have a great time acting in the theater you love!

]]> Bus Stop
a play by William Inge
Directed by Michael Ryken
Auditions November 9 and 10, 7pm.
Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501
Callbacks November 11 at 7pm
Cold reading from the script.  Non-AEA.  All ethnicities are encouraged to audition.
Casting 5 men and 3 women.
Elma Duckworth – a waitress – female, teenager
Grace Hoyland – owner of the restaurant – female, 40+
Will Masters – sheriff – male, 40+
Cherie – a chanteuse – female, 20’s
Dr. Gerald Lyman – a former college professor – male, 50+
Carl – a bus driver – male, 40+
Virgil Blessing – a ranch hand – male, 50+
Bo Decker – young rancher and cowboy – male, 20’s
For info: phone/email

Announcing open auditions for Bus Stop, a play by William Inge, directed by Michael Ryken.

Non-AEA, stipend provided.  All ethnicities are encouraged to audition.

Auditions: November 9 and 10, 7pm.  Callbacks: November 11 at 7pm. Auditioners will be asked to cold-read from the script.

All auditions, rehearsals and performances will take place at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501. Altarena is convenient to public transportation. Rehearsals start November 16, performances Jan 8-Feb 6, every Fri./Sat. 8pm, every Sunday 2pm, and Thurs. Jan. 28 & Feb. 4 at 8pm.
Casting: 5 men and 3 women.
  • Elma Duckworth – a waitress – female, teenager
  • Grace Hoyland – owner of the restaurant – female, 40+
  • Will Masters – sheriff – male, 40+
  • Cherie – a chanteuse – female, 20’s
  • Dr. Gerald Lyman – a former college professor – male, 50+
  • Carl – a bus driver – male, 40+
  • Virgil Blessing – a ranch hand – male, 50+
  • Bo Decker – young rancher and cowboy – male, 20’s

For information or to make an appointment, email busstop-auditions@altarena.org

Auditions for Man of La Mancha

Open Auditions for Man of La Mancha Nov 15 & 16
Altarena Playhouse announces open auditions for their February/April 2010 production of Man of La Mancha, the Broadway classic about hope, the human spirit, and the power of art. Stewart Lyle will direct, with musical direction by Armando Fox and choreography by Christina Lazlo.
The production will feature a reduced cast of 12 (9M and 3W) and an on-stage, costumed, and mobile orchestra of 6 to take advantage of the Altarena space and make the entire show an intimate and immersive audience experience.
AUDITION/CALLBACK INFORMATION:
Non-AEA, Stipend provided. All ethnicities encouraged.
Auditions: November 15 and 16, 7–10pm.
Callbacks: November 22, 2–6pm, November 23, 7–10pm (if needed)
Location: Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High Street, Alameda CA 94501.
Convenient to public transportation!
Appointments and Further Information: lamancha-auditions@altarena.org
Prepare:
We are looking for strong singers! Be prepared to show off your “legit” sound. Bring a song in the style of the show, and have a second ready to go if requested, with at least one of them being up-tempo. Sing your best song or that most appropriate for the part you’re interested in first. Songs from the show are acceptable.
Please also have short dramatic comic monologues prepared and be ready to move.
Production Schedule:
Casting to be completed by November 24th with scripts, scores, and practice CDs in the mail (or other distribution TBD) by November 25th.
There will be a preliminary read-through meeting for cast and crew on December 14th. Costume measurements will be taken at this meeting.
Some musical rehearsals may be scheduled (around the holidays) between December 14th and January 11th
Formal Rehearsals start January 11th and will be Monday through Friday evenings, and Sunday afternoons, but typically four days per week initially. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be created, so people will only be called for the rehearsals as they are needed.
Performs February 26th through April 3rd, 2010, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm, and Thursdays March 25th and April 1st at 8pm.
There is an opening night reception on February 26th, and audience talk backs with the director and cast after Saturday night performances starting March 6th.
Seeking: 8 men and 2 women for the following roles (note that the roles of Aldonza and the Innkeeper have been cast):
Note that while not required, stage combat, martial arts, wrestling, and/or gymnastics training or experience will be a big plus for virtually all the roles.
Cervantes/Don Quixote/Alonso Quijana: Ideally reads about 50, tall and thin, a powerful baritone. The show’s driving force, he creates, tells, and portrays the story of Don Quixote using the prisoners in the dungeon as his players. Sings The Impossible Dream, I Am I, Dulcinea, others.
Manservant/Sancho Panza: Age contemporary to Cervantes, typically (but not necessarily) a shorter round guy with great, honest comic timing. A tenor or high baritone, sings I Like Him, A Little Gossip, others.
Captain/Prisoner/Muleteer/Moor/Mirror Fighter: Powerful, imposing man (either by size, presence, or both), he represents the armed power of the Spanish Inquisition. Sings in virtually all group numbers.
Guard/Prisoner/Anselmo (Muleteer)/Old Prisoner/Moor/Mirror Fighter: A pure beautiful tenor or high baritone, sings Little Bird and in virtually all group numbers.
Guard/Prisoner/Muleteer/Barber/Moor/Mirror Fighter: A comic tenor or high baritone, sings the Barber’s song and in virtually all group numbers.
The Duke/Muleteer/Dr. Carrasco/Knight of the Mirrors: Second in command of the prison, down on his luck noble now a prisoner of the Inquisition. He becomes one of the muleteers and then Dr. Carrasco, who attempts to cure Don Quixote with science. Sings Only Thinking of Him, and some group numbers. Baritone.
Prisoner/Pedro (Muleteer)/Moor/Mirror Fighter: A baritone and the leader and most dangerous of the muleteers, he sings in most of the group numbers.
Prisoner/Muleteer/Padre/Moor: Sensitive and compassionate monk played by a crazy prisoner. Beautiful tenor, sings Only Thinking of Him, To Each His Dulcinea, Requiem, and most group numbers.
Prisoner/Horse Dancer/Fermina/Antonia/Moorish Dancer: Dances/portrays a Horse or Mule in I am I and other scenes portrays the junior servant woman at the inn, plus niece and heir Antonia. Also dances the Moorish seductress. A mezzo/soprano, sings Only Thinking of Him, and most of the group numbers.
Prisoner/Mule Dancer/Inkeeper’s Wife/Housekeeper/Inquisitor: Dances/portrays a Horse or Mule in I am I and other scenes portrays the Innkeeper’s not-so-kindly and slightly unbalanced wife, the Houskeeper, and an Inquisitor. A mezzo/soprano, sings Only Thinking of Him and most of the group numbers.Altarena Playhouse announces open auditions for their February/April 2010 production of Man of La Mancha, the Broadway classic about hope, the human spirit, and the power of art. Stewart Lyle will direct, with musical direction by Armando Fox and choreography by Christina Lazo. Non-AEA, stipend provided, all ethnicities encouraged.The production will feature a reduced cast of 12 (9M and 3W) and an on-stage, costumed small orchestra to take advantage of the Altarena space and make the entire show an intimate and immersive audience experience.

Altarena Playhouse announces open auditions for their February/April 2010 production of Man of La Mancha, the Broadway classic about hope, the human spirit, and the power of art. Stewart Lyle will direct, with musical direction by Armando Fox. Non-AEA, stipend provided, all ethnicities encouraged.

Auditions: November 15 and 16, 7–10pm, by appointment. To make an appointment or if you have questions:
email lamancha-auditions@altarena.org

Callbacks: November 22, 2–6pm, November 23, 7–10pm (if needed)

Location: Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High Street, Alameda CA 94501. Altarena is convenient to public transportation.

Preparation:

We are looking for strong singers! Be prepared to show off your “legit” sound. Bring a song (16-32 bars) in the style of the show and most appropriate to the part(s) you’re intersted in, and have a second song ready to go if requested, with at least one of them being up-tempo. Songs from the show are acceptable. Bring sheet music; accompanist provided.

Please also have short dramatic and comic monologues prepared, and be ready to do so movement.

Production Schedule:

Casting completed and scripts/scores/practice CD’s to be distributed by Nov. 25. Preliminary read-through for cast and crew on December 14. Costume measurements will be taken at this meeting.

Some musical rehearsals may be scheduled (around the holidays) between Dec. 14-Jan. 11 depending on conflicts.

Rehearsals start January 11 and will be Monday through Friday evenings, and Sunday afternoons, but typically four days per week initially. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be created, so people will only be called for the rehearsals as they are needed.

Shows Feb. 26- Apr. 3, 2010, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm, and Thursdays Mar. 25 & Apr. 1 at 8pm. Audience talk backs with the director and cast after Saturday night performances, starting March 6.

Seeking: 8 men and 2 women for the following roles (note that the roles of Aldonza and the Innkeeper have been cast):

Note that while not required, stage combat, martial arts, wrestling, and/or gymnastics training or experience will be a big plus for virtually all the roles.

Cervantes/Don Quixote/Alonso Quijana: Ideally reads about 50, tall and thin, a powerful baritone. The show’s driving force, he creates, tells, and portrays the story of Don Quixote using the prisoners in the dungeon as his players. Sings The Impossible Dream, I Am I, Dulcinea, others.

Manservant/Sancho Panza: Age contemporary to Cervantes, typically (but not necessarily) a shorter round guy with great, honest comic timing. A tenor or high baritone, sings I Like Him, A Little Gossip, others.

Captain/Prisoner/Muleteer/Moor/Mirror Fighter: Powerful, imposing man (either by size, presence, or both), he represents the armed power of the Spanish Inquisition. Sings in virtually all group numbers.

Guard/Prisoner/Anselmo (Muleteer)/Old Prisoner/Moor/Mirror Fighter: A pure beautiful tenor or high baritone, sings Little Bird and in virtually all group numbers.

Guard/Prisoner/Muleteer/Barber/Moor/Mirror Fighter: A comic tenor or high baritone, sings the Barber’s song and in virtually all group numbers.

The Duke/Muleteer/Dr. Carrasco/Knight of the Mirrors: Second in command of the prison, down on his luck noble now a prisoner of the Inquisition. He becomes one of the muleteers and then Dr. Carrasco, who attempts to cure Don Quixote with science. Sings Only Thinking of Him, and some group numbers. Baritone.

Prisoner/Pedro (Muleteer)/Moor/Mirror Fighter: A baritone and the leader and most dangerous of the muleteers, he sings in most of the group numbers.

Prisoner/Muleteer/Padre/Moor: Sensitive and compassionate monk played by a crazy prisoner. Beautiful tenor, sings Only Thinking of Him, To Each His Dulcinea, Requiem, and most group numbers.

Prisoner/Horse Dancer/Fermina/Antonia/Moorish Dancer: Dances/portrays a Horse or Mule in I am I and other scenes; portrays the junior servant woman at the inn, plus niece and heir Antonia. Also dances the Moorish seductress. A mezzo/soprano, sings Only Thinking of Him, and most of the group numbers.

Prisoner/Mule Dancer/Inkeeper’s Wife/Housekeeper/Inquisitor: Dances/portrays a Horse or Mule in I am I and other scenes; portrays the Innkeeper’s not-so-kindly and slightly unbalanced wife, the Housekeeper, and an Inquisitor. A mezzo/soprano, sings Only Thinking of Him and most of the group numbers.

]]> http://www.altarena.org/2009/09/26/open-auditions-for-bus-stop-nov-9-10/feed/ 0 Announcing our 2010 Season! http://www.altarena.org/2009/09/18/announcing-our-2010-season/ http://www.altarena.org/2009/09/18/announcing-our-2010-season/#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:00:38 +0000 Armando Fox http://www.altarena.org/?p=342 Announcing our 2010 Season! In addition to our Spring production of “Man of La Mancha”, we’re proud to feature the classic play “Steel Magnolias”, the hilarious “Sylvia”, the drama/comedy “Bus Stop”, and finally a witty musical look at relationships, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”.

]]> It’s that time of year…when Altarena announces its upcoming season!

ManOfLaManchaWe’re really excited about the five great shows we have lined up for 2010, including the timeless musical Man of La Mancha!  If Gypsy and Chicago were any indication, Man of La Mancha will sell out fast, but as a Subscriber you can reserve early and even get the best seats!

Our season will open with the drama/comedy Bus Stop, and we’ll also feature the classic play Steel Magnolias and the hilarious Sylvia. Rounding out the season is the longest-running off-Broadway musical, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, a wry and witty look at relationships that’s so popular it’s played the world over in 13 languages!

Read more about our 2010 season, or if you’re already sold, buy your subscription now!

]]> http://www.altarena.org/2009/09/18/announcing-our-2010-season/feed/ 0 Community spotlight: Patrick Kenney, Altarena Advisory Board member http://www.altarena.org/2009/09/13/community-spotlight-patrick-kenney-altarena-advisory-board-member/ http://www.altarena.org/2009/09/13/community-spotlight-patrick-kenney-altarena-advisory-board-member/#comments Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:12:34 +0000 Armando Fox http://www.altarena.org/?p=406 Patrick Kenney, Altarena Advisory Board member and founder of Cairdea Design & Marketing, was recognized for starting Hike for the Cure, a Boy Scout hike to raise money for cancer research. As Scoutmaster, Patrick leads Troop 88, which he joined in 1971! We’re proud to partner with local businesses like Cairdea led by community leaders like Patrick Kenney.

]]> The San Jose Mercury News has a great story about the community leadership of Patrick Kenney, an Altarena Advisory Board member, founder of Cairdea Design (one of our many local merchant partners), and Scoutmaster of Alameda Boy Scout Troop 88, of which he’s been a member for over 25 years. In honor of his parents, Patrick started the Hike For The Cure, which has raised thousands of dollars for cancer research. Altarena is proud to partner with businesses like Cairdea Design, exclusive vendor for all of our publicity and marketing materials, and to have community leaders like Patrick on our Advisory Board.

]]> http://www.altarena.org/2009/09/13/community-spotlight-patrick-kenney-altarena-advisory-board-member/feed/ 0 The Nerd: “Crisp & funny”, “lighthearted fun” http://www.altarena.org/2009/09/13/the-nerd-is-crisp-and-funny-lighthearted-fun/ http://www.altarena.org/2009/09/13/the-nerd-is-crisp-and-funny-lighthearted-fun/#comments Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:38:35 +0000 Armando Fox http://www.altarena.org/?p=439 Ken Bullock calls The Nerd “crisp and funny”, and Alice Chalip enjoys its “Lighthearted fun”! Tickets still available for most performances!

]]> “Crisp and funny…
the cast comes through as individuals and ensemble. And it’s a perfect role for comic actor Beagley…”  —Ken Bullock, Berkeley Daily Planet

“Lighthearted fun” —Alice Chalip, Inside Bay Area


Get Your Tickets Now: We’ve already had many sold-out performances! The Nerd runs through October 25, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM, and Sunday Matinees at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $20, or a discounted $17 for students (under 18) and seniors (62+).  You can also call (510) 523-1553, but to ensure your reservation is received, please call well in advance of the desired show date.  Same-day tickets, if available, may be purchased at the theatre box office starting one hour prior to showtime.

]]> http://www.altarena.org/2009/09/13/the-nerd-is-crisp-and-funny-lighthearted-fun/feed/ 0 Alameda Sun: Spitfire is “A wonderfully perfect, endearing treat” http://www.altarena.org/2009/07/16/a-wonderfully-perfect-endearing-treat/ http://www.altarena.org/2009/07/16/a-wonderfully-perfect-endearing-treat/#comments Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:19:07 +0000 Armando Fox http://www.altarena.org/?p=291 Today’s Alameda Sun says of The Spitfire Grill: “By the end of the show you will have fallen in love with every character on stage…there isn’t a weak link” and praises director Fred Chacon’s “invisibly perfect” staging and “most impressive” cast for putting on a show with “the kind of heart that you root and cheer for.”

]]> Today’s Alameda Sun carries a rave review of our production of The Spitfire Grill: “Director Fred Chacon once again shows his penchant and talent for the musical…by the end of the show you will have fallen in love with every character on stage…there isn’t a weak link.”

Alice Chalip, writing in the Alameda Journal, adds: “Audience members leave the theater feeling good about life and about their own place in the world.”

We at Altarena have always taken special pride in our ability to use Altarena’s intimate space to engage the audience in ways that a big theater can’t. And we’re thrilled that the Sun’s theater critic Higgins agrees with us: “…[T]he kind of heart that you root and cheer for. . . the kind of rare emotional connection you can find only in the theater, and in this case, your Altarena Playhouse.”

Some performances are already sold out, and with reviews like this the seats will go fast.

Get your tickets online now (or call 510-764-9718) and don’t miss this “simple musical about small towns, redemption, forgiveness, hope and love.”

]]> http://www.altarena.org/2009/07/16/a-wonderfully-perfect-endearing-treat/feed/ 0 Auditions for “The Nerd” http://www.altarena.org/2009/07/11/auditions-for-the-nerd/ http://www.altarena.org/2009/07/11/auditions-for-the-nerd/#comments Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:45:39 +0000 Armando Fox http://www.altarena.org/?p=265 Altarena is holding open auditions for Larry Shue’s The Nerd (dir. Richard Bunker), our Fall 2009 production. Auditions are July 13 & 14 from 7:00-9:00 PM, with callbacks July 20 at 7:00 PM. More information and audition details here.

]]> Audition details for Larry Shue’s The Nerd (Director: Richard Bunker)

We post all auditions to TBA, but you can be notified personally by signing up for our audition email list!

Auditions:  Monday July 13th and Tuesday July 14th, from 7:00 to 9:00. Please email RichardBunker@hotmail.com to set up an audition time.

Callbacks: Monday July 20 at 7:00

Performances will be Sep 18 – Oct 25, Fri & Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2pm.

Auditions and callbacks are held at the Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda. Actors will do cold readings from the script for auditions.

Play Synopsis:

Willum, an aspiring young architect has often told his friends about the debt he owes to Rick, a fellow ex-GI who he has never met, but who saved his life in Vietnam. Willum is delighted when Rick shows up at his house the night of his 34th birthday party. However, his delight soon fades as it becomes apparent that Rick is a hopeless Nerd with no social sense and even less tact. Willum’s normally placid personality is pushed to its limits, but just as he is about to go over the edge and take drastic measures to rid himself of his maddening house guest, a surprising twist sets things straight.

Character breakdown:

Willum (Mid 30’s)-Architect in Terra Haute, Indiana. Talented but little gumption. A nice, pushover type of guy.

Tansy (20’s-30)-Willum’s female neighbor. Career driven. Interested in Willum but not more than her job as a newscaster. Attractive and quick witted, but grounded.

Axel- (30’s-young 40’s) Willum’s best friend. Theatre critic and meddler of affairs. A razor sharp wit with impeccable comedic timing.

Rick (Mid 30’s)-The nerd.

Warnock Wallgrave-Late (30-50’s) — Willum’s number 1 client. Self made man with little imagination. Gruff and commanding. A man used to being listened to.

Celia Wallgrave (30’s) — Warnock’s wife, whose outward appearance of composure belies an anxiety ridden personality.

Thor Wallgrave -Their 10-year-old son. A strong willed brat of a child.

]]> http://www.altarena.org/2009/07/11/auditions-for-the-nerd/feed/ 0 The Nerd http://www.altarena.org/2009/07/11/the-nerd/ http://www.altarena.org/2009/07/11/the-nerd/#comments Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:34:13 +0000 Armando Fox http://www.altarena.org/?p=276
A Play by Larry Shue
Directed by Richard Robert Bunker

September 18 – October 25

A young architect is visited by the man who saved his life in Vietnam, but the visitor turns out to be completely inept, hopelessly stupid, and seemingly impossible to get rid of. Widely considered one of the funniest plays ever written, The Nerd is directed by Richard Robert Bunker, who directed our sold-out production of Shue’s The Foreigner in 2006. Featuring Timothy Beagley, Judy Beall, Matthew Beall, Noah Han, Misha Madison, Jillian Seagrave, Christopher Ciabattoni.

]]>

A Play by Larry Shue
Directed by Richard Robert Bunker

September 18 – October 25

Widely considered one of the funniest plays ever written, The Nerd centers on the hilarious dilemma of a young architect who is visited by a man he’s never met but who saved his life in Vietnam. The visitor turns out to be a socially inept, hopelessly stupid “nerd” who overstays his welcome with a vengeance. Directed by Richard Robert Bunker, who directed our sold-out production of Shue’s The Foreigner in 2006, The Nerd is sure to be the hysterical highlight of the 2009 season. Get tickets now!

Featuring Timothy Beagley, Judy Beall, Matthew Beall, Noah Han, Misha Madison, Jillian Seagrave, Christopher Ciabattoni

]]> http://www.altarena.org/2009/07/11/the-nerd/feed/ 0