Sunday, September 30, 2018

FOOD FOR THOUGHT GNAWS AT "DOGS OF RWANDA"

By Chuck Graham, TucsonStage.com

 

photo by Andres Volovsek

Christopher Younggren is David, remembering

the summer he went on a teen church mission to Africa.

Christopher Younggren is so good at creating the character of David Zosia at age 36, recalling events from 20 years earlier, you can get several different interpretations of his story and they will all be correct.

It isn't that the details of this 70-minute one-hander by Sean Christopher Lewis are confusing. They aren't. Everything seems pretty clear – basically.

What's confusing is in deciding who is right and why.

Barclay Goldsmith is directing this independent production, a co-op effort by the Tucson Labyrinth Project in association with Apparent Artists and St. Francis Theatre. The production's three-week run will be presented in a trio of locations: St. Francis Theatre, Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre and Southside Presbyterian Church.

It is a story worth telling all over town. Even though right now all the national media attention is on our own nation's Supreme Court, “Dogs of Rwanda” does remind us how other parts of the world are dealing with essential issues of human survival, often on a more primitive level.

Here's how it goes. Younggren is onstage alone, accompanied by an office desk and a pair of glasses. He is David Zosia, author of a recently published book based on his misadventures 20 years earlier in Rwanda, at the beginning of that troubled nation's 100 days of genocide.

 

Meanwhile, safely sitting around here in the States, looking after our own private lives, how many of us know or care about Rwanda? David wants to provide a reason.

Back in the 16th summer of David's life, he was living in Ohio and going to church every Sunday, happy his parents would let him take part in a summer teen mission to Uganda. Mostly David was happy because Mary, a girl he wanted to know better, was also going on the same trip.

This innocence becomes important because, once in Uganda, David and Mary accidentally get drawn into the brutal conflict in bordering Rwanda, where their sweetness quickly becomes a liability.

Although unseen, Mary seems real enough in Younggren's story telling. So does the equally young but deeply affected Rwandan teen named God's Blessing.

Hardened by his harsh life but devoted to his own culture's uncompromising demands, God's Blessing experienced quite differently what happened when the three young people were caught between the warring tribes of Hutu and Tutsi while searching for a United Nations' camp of Canadian soldiers.

This is the crunch part, where David and God's Blessing have such different reactions to how they narrowly escaped into the bush.

David and Mary did get back home safely from Rwanda as privileged bystanders able to leave the genocide anger that filled the country of God's Blessing.

The second part of this play begins when David's book is published recalling this exciting time, prompting a direct message to David from God's Blessing, insisting that an important incident had been omitted from David's book.

Performances of “Dogs of Rwanda” are scheduled as follows: Saturday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 30, at 3 p.m. in St. Francis Theatre at St. Francis Church, 4625 E. River Road; on Oct. 5-6 at Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre, 738 N. Fifth Avenue (the Historic Y); on Oct. 12-14 at Southside Presbyterian Church, 317 W. 23rd St.

All tickets are $15. For details and reservations to all performances, visit DogsofRwandaTucson.org

 

Saturday, September 29, 2018

Jewish Community Theater of Tucson, Audition - reading of "Under Midwestern Stars"

 

New Jewish community theater issues casting call

The Rose Petal Foundation, in cooperation with the Tucson Jewish Community Center, will present a reading of “Under Midwestern Stars” by local playwright Esther Blumenfeld as the first performance of the Jewish Community Theater of Tucson. Auditions will be held on Sunday, Sept. 30 from 2-6 p.m. in the library at the Tucson J. The performance will be on Sunday, Nov. 11, at 3 p.m., as part of an afternoon of events at the J focused on Kristallnacht, the “Night of Broken Glass” that many historians see as the beginning of the Holocaust.

Based on Blumenfeld’s family history, “Under Midwestern Stars” is the story of Jewish immigrants building a new life in the heartland of America. The family is compelled to flee Nazi Germany in 1938. Through chance, providence and the aid of then-Sen. Harry S. Truman, the father, a young rabbi, is able to obtain a scarce visa and accept a call to become the leader of the only Jewish congregation in Springfield, Missouri.

Blumenfeld, who already had seven books and numerous articles to her credit, began writing plays after her husband’s death in 1998. Her first play, “Here and There,” was produced by the Detroit Repertory Theatre in 2003. “Under Midwestern Stars” debuted at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre in 2007, and her third play, “Father’s Ashes,” was chosen for a staged reading at the 2012 Pandora Festival of New Works, presented by the Arizona Women’s Theatre Company in Scottsdale.

“Under Midwestern Stars” includes three lead roles: father, mother, and daughter. Roles are unpaid. For an audition appointment, email Blumenfeld at ebwrit@aol.com.

Lynn Rae and Buck Lowe established the Rose Petal Foundation to foster community creativity and imagination. The foundation has launched two programs in 2018: the ArtSparks series of community events and the Jewish Community Theater of Tucson.

“The JCT will offer the community a stage where creativity thrives, works of Jewish culture and relevance are performed, and everyone is welcome,” says Lynn Rae Lowe. For more information, contact her at lynnrae@lynnraelowe.com.

 

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Gaslight Music Hall: *2 for 1 Tickets - 50 POUNDS FROM STARDOM - 9/30 @ 2 pm & 6pm

 

From: Gaslight Music Hall <gaslightmusichall@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 29, 2018 11:01 AM
Subject: *2 for 1 Tickets - 50 POUNDS FROM STARDOM - 9/30 @ 2 pm & 6pm

 

Gaslight Music Hall in Oro Valley! 

 

 

*2 for 1 Tickets

 

50 POUNDS FROM STARDOM

 

 

SEPTEMBER, 30th @ 2PM & 6PM

 

 

 

MUST CALL TO BOOK THIS DEAL

520-529-1000

 

 

 

50 POUNDS FROM STARDOM is a contagious, comedy-packed, music-filled show about one singer's attempts to "make it big" in show business, and her niece's lifelong dream to walk in her shoes. Audiences of all shapes and sizes will love the hilarious parody and storytelling, and be captivated by the exceptional vocal talents of these two incredible performers. This show delivers a timely message of triumph over adversity, which will resonate with women everywhere, and have everyone laughing, crying, and feeling 50 pounds lighter! With 50 POUNDS FROM STARDOM, you can't lose!

 

*Offer good for

for

50 POUNDS FROM STARDOM

SEPTEMBER, 30th @ 2PM & 6PM

 ONLY.

Cannot be applied to previously purchased tickets.

Offer cannot be split between performances

While supplies last. Must call to make reservation.

 

 

 COMING SOON! 

To The Gaslight Music Hall

 

 

 

Book right away to reserve your favorite seats!

 

 

Gaslight Music Hall | 13005 N. Oracle Rd., Suite 165, Oro Valley, AZ 85737 (520) 529-1000

 

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Friday, September 28, 2018

Independent Film Arizona meetings and events in October

 

From: Independent Film Arizona <news@independentfilmarizona.com>
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2018 2:24 PM
Subject: IFA Newsletter

 

Independent Film Arizona

Tucson

 

 

 

 

TWO SPECIAL IFA MEETINGS IN OCTOBER:


REGULAR MEETING Oct  2 - AT THE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
and
SPECIAL MEETING AT UA Oct 8th - see info below

Oct. 2 at 7 pm at the JCC:

TEN FATAL FLAWS SCREENWRITERS MAKE
 

As screenplay judges we often see the same ten mistakes over and over, even by experienced screenwriters, they often miss one or more of these important points. 

BEFORE you SUBMIT YOUR SCREENPLAY
take yourself through this game-changing ten-point checklist.


Genie Joseph, PhD, Emmy Winner, has sold seven produced screenplays and is a judge for the prestigious PAGE Screenwriting contest which gets over 6,000 submissions a year.  Come hear about these essential TEN STEPS to improve your screenplay and take it to the next level.  Bring a notebook if you like to take notes.  Four Emmy's for
"Our Desert Farms," Directed by Anna Augustowska.

Tuesday Oct 2, at The Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road (near Dodge) 85718.  Second floor multi-purpose room.

AND... please join us to catupult the indie film industry in Arizona!
 

SPECIAL MEETING
for The Arizona Film Community~
MONDAY OCTOBER 8TH at 7 PM

Developing Independent Film in Arizona

ROOM CHANGE / NEW BUILDING
at
UA CROWDER HALL - MUSIC BUILDING
1017 N. Olive Road 85719



And....
 

SPECIAL EVENT - FILM FEST TUCSON - Oct 11-13

FFT 2018 Tribute Program

Saturday, October 13, 6:30pm Fox Tucson Theatre

Director Catherine Hardwicke
(Thirteen, Twilight, Lords of Dogtown)
Actors: Haley Lu Richardson &
Sophia Mitri Schloss

 

Film Fest Tucson is honored to present our inaugural Tribute program spotlighting career achievement, excellence over a period of time and  remarkable debut performances in the industry. This year we are celebrating the work of Director Catherine Hardwicke, actress Haley Lu Richardson and actress Sophia Mitri Schloss. Our special program will take place at the Fox Tucson Theatre with clips from these remarkable women's work followed by a discussion on stage with festival director Herb Stratford.

 

The Tribute Program includes a FREE "Lords of Dogtown" screening immediately afterwards.

 

*

 

Directing Masterclass with Catherine Hardwicke

Saturday, October 13, 3:00 p.m.

Doors open at 2:30 p.m.,
following Critic vs. Audience panel at 1:30

Scottish Rite – Purple Room

Director Catherine Hardwicke began her storied film career with a few iconic Southern Arizona films where she defined her style as production designer (Tombstone, Tank Girl, Three Kings). She then moved on to direct iconic films such as the first Twilight movie, the Lords of Dogtown and Thirteen. Recently she wrapped the American version of Miss Bala, scheduled to debut in DecemberIn this unique and special program, Hardwicke takes you inside preproduction – from creating a workable shot list to constructing lookbooks, shaping locations and building relationships with cast and crew alike – she offers tips and tricks as well as showcasing her personal work materials.


*
Got a project to PITCH?
$30.
Deadline Sept 21.
https://filmfreeway.com/FIlmFestTucsonDesertPitch

 

 

 

 

 

Learn more about independent film in Arizona and be involved! We offer educational monthly meetings with experts in the film industry - and it's a great opportunity to network with industry professionals.
 

 

 

 

IFA Website

 

 

 

 

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Mamma Mia is COMING (discount offer!)

 

From: lizcracchiolo.com <lizzy@nuhvuh.com>
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2018 2:00 PM
Subject: Mamma Mia is COMING(plus discount offer!)lizcracchiolo.com news.....

 

 

 

liz cracchiolo

actor.singer

 

 

Guess who's playing Donna in Arizona Onstage Productions'

 

Mamma Mia!?????

 

 

 

 

DISCOUNT TICKETS! click here

In honor of Tucson Pride, click on the link and enter promo code PRIDE to receive $10.00 off general admission tickets. *Sale ends Sunday, September 30th

 

 

Music and Lyrics by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson

Book by Catherine Johnson

Artistic Director Kevin Johnson

November 24, 25 & December 1, 2

Berger Performing Arts Center

1200 W. Speedway

 

 

Directed and Choreographed by DEBBIE RUNGE

Music Director JEREMY VEGA



MAMMA MIA! features ABBA's hit songs, many perennial favorites such as Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Chiquitita, The Name of the Game, and Mamma Mia. They help to tell the story of a young woman's search for her birth father. On a sun-splashed Greek island, on the eve of her wedding, young Sophie wants to learn his mysterious identity. She has invited three men from her mother's past back to the island where they loved and left her twenty years ago.

Featuring:

LIZ CRACCHIOLO

DANAE DORAME

KIT RUNGE

DENNIS TAMBLYN

JORDAN SIEBERT

STEPHANIE SIKES

JESSICA ARMISTEAD

MATTHEW MILNE

ERIC ARANDA

DANNY QUINONES

KELLY COATES

PIPER RUNGE

 

Coming in October,

date TBD!

 

Jazz and R&B With the Pete Swan Trio

Sullivan's Steakhouse, 1785 E. River Road

 

Come enjoy live jazz and r&b favorites with Liz and the Pete Swan trio!

Delicious food and cocktails, no cover.

 

 

 

 

 

The Hot Mamas are taking Tucson by STORM! TO book us for your event or to learn more, visit our Facebook page!

 

 

 

Visit me!

 

lizcracchiolo.com

 

 

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Gaslight Music Hall presents 50 POUNDS FROM STARDOM

 

From: The Gaslight Family <thegaslighttheatre@qwestoffice.net>
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2018 2:03 PM
Subject: Gaslight Music Hall: 50 POUNDS FROM STARDOM - 9/30 @ 2PM & 6PM

 

Gaslight Music Hall

13005 N ORACLE RD

presents

 

50 POUNDS FROM STARDOM

SEPTEMBER, 30th @ 2PM & 6PM

CLICK HERE TO BOOK SEATS!

OR CALL

520-529-1000

 

 

 

50 POUNDS FROM STARDOM is a contagious, comedy-packed, music-filled show about one singer's attempts to "make it big" in show business, and her niece's lifelong dream to walk in her shoes. Audiences of all shapes and sizes will love the hilarious parody and storytelling, and be captivated by the exceptional vocal talents of these two incredible performers. This show delivers a timely message of triumph over adversity, which will resonate with women everywhere, and have everyone laughing, crying, and feeling 50 pounds lighter! With 50 POUNDS FROM STARDOM, you can't lose!

 

 

 

CALL NOW !

520-529-1000

 

  COMING SOON! 

To The Gaslight Music Hall

 

 

Book right away to reserve your favorite seats!

 

 

-------------------------------------

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Thursday, September 27, 2018

The Scoundrel and Scamp Theatre: 2018-19 Season

 

From: The Scoundrel and Scamp Theatre <director@scoundrelandscamp.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2018 3:44 PM
Subject: 2018-19 Season Tickets

 

 

 

 

Join us for Season Two! 

The Scoundrel & Scamp is pleased to share with you not one, but two new exciting seasons. In 2018-19 we will journey from Lorca's remote desolations in Spain, to American baseball games of yesteryear, to Hades and back, into Irish pubs, to the edge of the imagination, to death's door and beyond.


2018-19 Season for Scoundrels


The S&S Season for Scoundrels contains immersive, intelligent work that will engage and transform its audiences. .

Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl
My Life in Sports by Bill Epstein
Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan Macmillan
Blood Wedding by Federico Garcia Lorca
Quietly by Owen McCafferty

 

2018-19 Season for Scamps

 

The S&S Season for Scamps captures the imagination of all ages, whether 5 or 105, with works of visual and physical theater by world-renowned artists and playwrights.

Cloud Soup by Wolfe Bowart
This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing by Finegan Kruckmeyer

 

 

BUY TICKETS NOW

 

 


 

 

 

Update - Cloud Soup World Premiere

 

Wolfe Bowart's CLOUD SOUP, coming to our MainStage in December, just had its world premiere in Malaysia at the Kuala Lumpur Int'l Arts Festival. We wanted to share some of the highlights with you.

 

 

Tickets for this magical new production from the luminous mind of Wolfe Bowart are on sale now! 

 

 

 

MORE INFO

 

 


 

 

 

Up Next at The Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre:
EURYDICE

 

"One of the best 25 American plays of the past 25 years."  -New York Times

 

 

The story of Orpheus and Eurydice told through love letters lost between Hell and Earth.

 

Join Director Claire Maire Mannle and Music Director Vicki Brown for what The New York Times described as "Rhapsodically beautiful. A weird and wonderful new play - an inexpressibly moving theatrical fable about love, loss and the pleasures and pains of memory".

 

Featuring Ryuto Adamson, Julia Balestracci, Kathleen Cannon, Adam Denoyer, Bill Epstein, Leah Taylor, and Gretchen Wirges. 

 

Runs Oct 11 through Oct 28, 2018

 

 

MORE INFO

 

 


 

 

 

Want more? 

 

Our friends at the Tucson Labryinth Project, in association with ApparentArtists, are pleased to present a special theatrical event. 

Dogs of Rwanda 

 

A gripping tale of forgiveness framed by the conflict of the Hutus and Tutsi will show at three different locations in Tucson, including the Studio Theater of the S&S on Friday 10/5 and Saturday 10/6 at 7:30pm.

 

 

 

MORE INFO

 

 

 

The Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre

scoundrelandscamp.org

520-448-3300

director@thescoundrelandscamp.org

 

738 North 5th Avenue, Ste 131 Tucson, AZ, 85705

 

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TIM Comedy Theater: Celebrate Pride Weekend with Comedy

 

From: Tucson Improv Movement <justin@tucsonimprov.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2018 7:30 AM
Subject: TIM E-News: Pride

 

TIM Comedy Theater

 

Celebrate Pride Weekend with Comedy

Here at TIM we work hard to provide a diverse array of shows, and to elevate voices not typically seen in comedy.  As an LGBTQ owned business, this weekend we are excited for the Soap Box to celebrate Tucson Pride with a special show.  Six guest monologists who represent a part of the spectrum of the Tucson LGBTQ community, they supply the stories, and we supply the comedy. Start your first night of pride off right!  Enjoy stories from Nathan WadeCole EskridgeKimberly WaigwaCasey Dm StockdaleDonna Gustafson, and Andrea Victoria Friday night at 9 pm.

 

This Week's Show Schedule


Friday Night
7:30 PM - Improv Happy Hour (Shatfan + The Riveters)
9 PM - The Soap Box celebrates Pride
10:30 PM - Beginners and Veterans Stand Up

Saturday Night
7:30 PM - Laugh Tracks + The Game Show Show
9 PM - Best Show Period

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who Run the World (Girls)

It's a female thing! This weekend you have lots of opportunities to support the funniest ladies in the Tucson comedy scene.  Friday night at 7:30pm The Riveters take the stage to headline Improv Happy Hour.  Our OG all female team, the Riveters take your suggestions come up with stories on the spot and turn them into a hilarious show.

Then on Friday night at 9pm, join us as TIM put one what we KNOW is the best show ever. PERIOD! This month we feature local comedian and host of the Estrogen Hour, Nancy Stanley, and welcome an all star duo of improvisers, WoOT! (Women of Outrageous Tendencies), from the Torch Theater in Phoenix.  The finale features an improv mash up of female improvises from TIM!  Don't miss this show, you have to be here, period! 

 

 

 

 

 

The Game Show Show

The Game Show Show pits contestants against each other in this improvised show with fabulous prizes*! This month two local comedians face off for a spot on the Wall of Champions, Dominic DiTolla and Josiah Osego.  Join us for Southern Arizona's only, and best live and improvised game show!

*Prizes not fabulous

 

 

 

 

The TIM Bar opens approximately 45 minutes before show time.  Come hang out in our refreshed and updated lobby with a preshow cocktail.

We serve local beer, ciders, and the newest options in canned wine.

 

 

 

 

This Friday night at 10:30pm, we have stand up comedy!  Check out the newest faces in the Tucson comedy scene along side our veteran comics.

 

 

 

TCAF4 Coming your way this November!

 

 

 

Tucson Improv Movement

414 E 9th Street

Tucson, AZ 85705



 

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