Theatre Arts and Drama Club Students to Present ‘Recent Tragic Events’

Montgomery County Community College’s Drama club and Theatre Arts program will present Craig Wright’s “Recent Tragic Events” April 25, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m., and April 27 and 28 at 2 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre, lower level of the Science Center, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for seniors and students.

The story of “Recent Tragic Events” unfolds the night after Sept. 11, 2001. In Minneapolis, Waverly and Andrew meet for a blind date, and in the shadow of the recent tragic events, they struggle to maintain normalcy. With so much outside of their control, they wonder whether they have the free will to change the courses of their lives or if they are simply bound by fate. The play contains adult themes and language.

“Recent Tragic Events” is directed by Theater Instructor Timothy Gallagher, assisted by Camila Romero, Dos Santos and Stage Manager Mackenzie Walters. Theater students created and built all aspects of the production. The cast includes Sara Davis, Sarah Davis, Colin O’ Gorman, Khalil Lewis, and Julia McIntyre.

The production staff includes Camila Romero, Dos Santos, Mackenzie Walters, Steven Buck, Tim Odom, Ken Hayse, Khayir Lewis, Alexander Reynolds, Sharii Nelson, Jacquelyn Dotts, Rokena Edwards, Carolyn Dixon, Katie Schnaath, Bruno Alves, Patrick Carlino, Brian Shim, Scott Macneill, Steph Giudice, Cassie West, Khalil Lewis, Zach Sellet, Liz Hunsberger, Daniel Nguyen, and Peyton DeSanta.

Michael Whistler serves as the advisor of the Drama Club, and the Theatre Production Workshop is under the direction of Tim Gallagher.

For information and tickets, visit www.mc3.edu/livelyarts or call 215-641-6518.

Students rehearse for “Recent Tragic Events” in the Black Box Theater. Photo by Matt Carlin

Tickets Sill Available for Student Production of ‘The Day They Shot John Lennon’

Theatre Arts, Drama Club Students to Present James McLure’s ‘The Day They Shot John Lennon’

The Montgomery County Community College Theatre Arts and Drama Club students will present James McLure’s “The Day They Shot John Lennon” on April 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m., and on April 21 and 22 at 2 p.m. in the Black Box Theater, lower level of the Science Center, Central Campus, Blue Bell.

“The Day They Shot John Lennon” is a comedy that follows nine strangers who come together just outside the spot where Lennon died on Dec. 8, 1980. Their lives collide, and they find they are not alone in opening their eyes to “imagine all the people” whom they otherwise might have missed. This play contains adult language and themes.

The cast includes Marissa Gerhart, Khadijah Graves, Vince Fittipaldi, Colin O’Gorman, Khalil Lewis, Micah Nihart, Kevin Akins, David Robbins, and Mike Robinson; the production staff incudes Martin Gentry, Nathan Prellwitz, Lauren Garvey, Jonathan Holness, Serina DeMello, Kevin Blankenship, and  Annie Grabenstein.  Theater Assistant Professor Michael Whistler serves as the advisor of the Drama Club; Theatre Production Workshop is under the direction of Theater Instructor Tim Gallagher.

Whistler, assisted by Eliasaf Addison, directs the play, and Theater Production Workshop students created and built all elements of the production.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. For information and tickets, visit www.mc3.edu/livelyarts or call 215-641-6518.

Students Mike Robinson and Marissa Gerhart will perform as characters Brian and Fran, respectively, in the upcoming production of James McLure’s “The Day They Shot John Lennon." Photo by Tori Brown

Students Collaborate Theatre Horizon to Present ‘Pretty Fire’

Barrymore Award winning actress Cathy Simpson

As part of its 25th Anniversary Lively Arts season, the Montgomery County Community College, together with Theatre Horizon of Norristown, will present two performances of “Pretty Fire.”

The first performance will be presented on Friday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. in the South Hall Community Room, West Campus, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. The second performance will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 8 p.m. in the Blackbox Theatre, Science Center Lower Level, Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell.

Tickets may be purchased on line at http://www.mc3.edu/livelyarts. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students and $10 for children under 12 years.

Written by Tony Award nominee, actor and playwright Charlayne Woodard, “Pretty Fire” is a funny, human and moving presentation filled with song, stories, faith and family.

Set during the time of Jim Crow segregation laws, the play provides a window for the audience to view life from the innocent perspective of a child, who somehow sees the beauty of the world as she grows up, despite the hate surrounding her. The performance follows the West African griot storytelling tradition in which one actress plays many roles and ages.

The production features the Barrymore Award winner Cathy Simpson. It is directed by James Ijames and is supported by producers from Theatre Horizon and student designers and technicians, who are a part of the College’s Theatre Production Workshop and Drama Club.

“I’m thrilled for this collaboration,” said College Theatre Arts Coordinator Michael Whistler, “because it allows Theatre Arts students and students in the Drama Club to collaborate with professional artists in the process of creating theatre.”

For more information, contact College Theatre Arts Coordinator Michael Whistler at mwhistle@mc3.edu or 215-990-7971.

Theatre Arts and Drama Club Students Present ‘A Doll’s House’

Cast members Casey Gerhart, in the role of Nora Helmer, and Rachel Walczak, in the role of Kristine Linde, rehearse a scene from Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House.” Photo by Matt Carlin

The Montgomery County Community College Drama Club and Theatre Arts students will present Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House,” on Nov. 10, 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 13, at 2 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre, lower level of Science Center, Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell.

“A Doll’s House” tells the story of a young woman, Nora, who discovers her individuality in the midst of structured Victorian propriety. As conflicts are introduced, Nora attempts to sort out her roles as wife, mother, friend, and human being. As her marriage hangs in the balance of a scandal, she finds herself entangled in a range of emotions. This play contains adult situations.

Marilyn Shanok, assisted by Marissa Gerhart, directs the play. Theatre Production Workshop and Drama Club students created and built all elements of the production.

Cast members incude Casey Gerhart, Aley Addison, AJ Garrigus, John Minanno, Rachel Walczak, Mary Voight, Emilt Pigeon and Vince Fittipald. The production staff includes Kristin Fantry, Martin Gentry, Khadijah Graves, Alison Lima, Max McGinty, Gina Sheared and Nate Prellwitz.

Michael Whistler serves as the advisor of the Drama Club, and Tim Gallagher directs the Theatre Production Workshop.

Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. For information or tickets, call 215-641-6518 or visit www.mc3.edu/livelyarts.

Drama Club Presents Live-Action Adventure at Philly Fringe

by Jerry Collom

JB Ziegler is a cast member in the Drama Club's presentation of "Argo" at the Philly Fringe Festival. Photo by Ian Berg

Relive childhood backyard adventures with the Montgomery County Community College Drama Club as they take theatergoers on a quest for glory with Jason and the Argonauts in conjunction with the 2011 Philly Fringe Festival.  The September show will have the audience sailing the Argo and battling monsters as they seek the Golden Fleece.

The company-developed piece injects new life into the ancient greek myths. Students from the College researched the stories of the Argonauts and its heroes.  Each company member chose a hero and learned as much of their history and lore as possible.  They will interact directly with the audience members as fellow adventures, spinning tales and fighting battles along the way.  The greek heroes were proud and arrogant, contesting among themselves for primacy as much as they battled their foes.

The audience will often need to choose sides, with each theatergoer having a unique experience.

The audience will meet at the Argo’s red banner at the Columbus Memorial on South Columbus Boulevard at Dock Street.  There they will be enlisted and outfitted as Argonauts to begin the journey.  From there they will proceed on foot through the waterfront and old city area to meet their challenges.  Though this is a relatively family friendly adventure, it is fast paced and some of the stories are a bit racy and violent.  The show may at times be frightening and unsuitable for children under ten.

Performances take place at 7:00 PM on September 2, 3 ,4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16 and 17.  Tickets will be available at the Live Arts and Philly Fringe Box Office as well as online at www.livearts-fringe.org.

Drama Club to Host a Night of Original Plays to Benefit Variety Club

by Paul Goraczko

Montgomery County Community College’s Drama Club will hold a one-night performance of “The Panorama Project: A Night of Student and Faculty Written Works” on Friday, May 13 at 8 p.m. in the Black Box Theater, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell.

Tickets cost $5, and all proceeds benefit the Variety Club, located in Worcester, Montgomery County. For information and tickets, email panoramaproducers@gmail.com.

According to Drama Club senator Kathleen Verbo, “the purpose of The Panorama Project is to showcase the talents of the College’s writers, actors, and directors.”

The performance will be composed of nine different works. Student contributions include “Maggie” by Billie Bakhshi, “Loser Island” by Kathleen Verbo, “A Conscience Effort” by Jessica Tanksley, “What Time Is It?” by Jonathan Cramer, and “How to Sit in a Chair” by Evan A. Schafer.

Faculty contributions include “Hot Lead” by JJ Camp, “Banking on Salvation” by P.C. Scheponik, “The Most Natural Thing in the World!” an excerpt from Justin DeForest’s play Transman Crossing, and “Bumbershoot,” an excerpt from Seth Bauer’s The Umbrella Play.

Please note that the performance contains adult themes and language.

————————————————————————————————————

Paul Goraczko will graduate in May 2011 with an associate’s degree in Liberal Studies. 

Don’t Miss Upcoming Theatre Arts/Drama Club Productions

Students Support Community Organizations in November and December

by Alana J. Mauger

During November, students and staff participated in a variety of activities around the theme “Our Current Economy and its Impact on Low Income Families” as part of the College’s annual Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

Many of the College’s student clubs organized activities to support the initiative. At the West Campus, Doug’s Corner staged “Knitting for the Needy,” a service project that taught students how to knit hats and scarves that were then donated to the Pottstown Cluster Outreach. Doug’s Corner also prepared and served food in a local soup kitchen and homeless shelter operated by Ministries on Main in Pottstown. In addition, the club collected 211 pounds of non-perishable food and $200 for Philabundance, which they donated through WMMR’s Camp Out for Hunger.

Members of Doug's Corner are pictured with the crew from the Preston & Steve Morning Show at WMMR's Camp Out for Hunger. Photo by Alana J. Mauger

At the Central Campus, the Mustangs basketball teams collected canned goods through the month of November, which they presented Manna on Main Street during half-time of a game.  The Thrive Club sponsored a “TRIVEOUT” concert that collected more than 500 food items for Philabundance and was attended by approximately 350 students and community residents. And, Theatre Arts and Drama Club students donated a portion of tickets sales from the four performances of the play “Buried Child.”

Mustangs Basketball team members present food donations to Manna on Main Street Executive Director Tom Allebach. Photo by Alana J. Mauger

The Student Government Associations at both campuses kicked off their “Giving Tree” initiative, benefitting the Salvation Army, and the Medical Assisting Clubs collected a total of 182 gently used winter coats for the Pottstown Cluster Outreach.

Students’ community efforts continued into December, when West Campus Radiography program students filled 25 “Stockings for Kids,” an initiative sponsored by the Salvation Army and B101. In addition, the Student Nurses Club presented $400 in grocery and retail gift cards to the North Penn School District for distribution to homeless families during the during the holiday season.

The Student Nurses Club presents a gift card tree to NPSD administrators. Pictured (from left) are Jenna Rufo, Manager of Special Education and Liaison for Homelessness, NPSD; Christine Dunigan, Assistant Professor of Nursing; Steve Duft, Home and School Visitor, NPSD, Barbara Harvey, Nursing program sophomore; Donna Gresh, Registrar, NPSD; Denise Davidson, Assistant Professor of Nursing; Steve Christman, Home and School Visitor, NPSD; and Linda Abram, Family and Community Engagement Specialist, NPSD. Photo by Alana J. Mauger

Theatre Arts and Drama Club Students Present ‘Buried Child’

The College Theatre Arts/Drama Club students will present Sam Shepard’s Pulitzer-Prize winning drama, “Buried Child,” on Nov. 18, 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. and on Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. in the Black Box Theater, lower level of Science Center, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell.

Dramatic and funny, yet poetic and chilling: “Buried Child” looks at one family’s disintegration behind the veil of the American dream.  A young man returns home with bright expectations and finds surprises, childish paranoia, and secrets unearthed. The play contains adult language and situations.

“I want the audience to be immersed in the story of this family,” said Director Marilyn Shanok. “As layers are exposed, I hope they will recognize familiar behaviors and contradictions we live with each day.  In reality, we are a product of our history and secrets, as well as our potential and hopes.”

Students involved include:  AJ Garrigus, assistant director; Jess Destefano, stage manager; Kathleen Verbo, assistant stage manager;  Matt Keene, production manager; Jessica Tanksley, costume designer; Alison Lima, costumer; Amber Peterson hair and make-up designer; Colin O’Gorman as Father Dewis/set designer; Matt Signorelli, master carpenter; Romeo Capriotti, carpenter; Cortney Cantwell, carpenter/props assistant; Stefanie Roberto, lighting designer; Kyle Hanahan, electrician; Aley Addison, marketing director; Bethany Sketchley, dramaturg;  Christoph Bell as Dodge; Morgan Doman as Halie; Jeremy Beitler as Tilden; Jeff Spangler as Bradley; Alex Lavelle as Vince/sound designer; Casey Gerhart as Shelly/props master.

Michael Whistler serves as the advisor of the Drama Club, and the Theatre Production Workshop is under the direction of Tim Gallagher.

Tickets cost $10 for general admission, $8 for students and seniors. A portion of the proceeds from this production will be donated to “Manna on Main Street,” the food pantry of Lansdale, as a part of the College’s Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Parking is available in front of the building in the College Hall/Science Center parking lot.

For information and tickets, visit www.mc3.edu/livelyarts or call 215-641-6518.

Pictured (from left) are Christoph Bell as Dodge, Morgan Doman as Halie, and Jeremy Beitler as Tilden during a rehearsal for “Buried Child” by Sam Shepard. Photo by Dennis Verbo