Thought Provoking Exploration of Coming-Of-Age, Sexuality, & Censorship In A Folk-Infused Tony Award Winning Rock Musical

 Opens June 22 on Mill Mountain Theatre’s Waldron Stage

Mill Mountain Theatre will continue its 2018 Waldron Fringe season with Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater’s Spring Awakening, which will preview on June 21 and open on June 22 on Mill Mountain Theatre’s Waldron Stage.

 

Spring Awakening is a rock musical about teenagers caught between the tumult of adolescence and the frustrating lack of experience with sex, pregnancy, abortion and suicide, guilt, innocence and death, all with wailing guitars, driving percussion and tortured young voices. The musical, based on a 19th century German play, won 8 Tony Awards in 2006.

 

Continuing the Waldron Fringe Series goal of providing intimate, thought-provoking, and contemporary work in the Roanoke community, director Travis Kendrick describes Spring Awakening as dealing with topics that are still taboo in many places. “I think in 2018 it’s just as relevant subject matter as in 1890.” The original 1890 German play was banned when it was produced and was censored twice in New York, only adding to the already present themes of censorship and expression in the show. “It’s a tragedy of circumstances. It’s a tragedy of truth-withholding. The heart of the argument in Spring Awakening is that when young people are denied permission to express themselves or be told the truth, crisis rises.” Despite the dark themes in the musical, Kendrick expressed the positive message of this provocative show: “Melchior says, ‘In the end we only have each other—we must build a different world.’ Despite it all, there’s hope.”

 

Mill Mountain Theatre’s production of Spring Awakening will feature the 2018 Summer Apprentice Company of college students as well as local high school students and industry professionals. This diverse cast exemplifies the themes of childhood versus adulthood in the musical. The Apprentice Company can also be seen in A Year With Frog And Toad and Shrek The Musical – TYA Version this season.

 

This production contains mature language and content. Viewer discretion is advised.

 

Spring Awakening will be presented on June 21 (discounted preview performance), 22-23, and 27-30 at 7:30pm, and June 24 at 2:00pm on the Waldron Stage at Mill Mountain Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online at https://millmountain.org/shows/, by calling 540-342-5740, or Tuesday-Saturday from 9:45am-4:45pm and Sunday from 12:45-4:45pm at the Box Office, located in the lobby of Center in the Square. Tickets are $20 or $15 for preview performances.

 

For more information on the 2018 Mill Mountain Theatre season and to purchase season tickets, visit https://millmountain.org/tickets/.

Mill Mountain Theatre 2018 Apprentice Company Tours the Roanoke Valley
Promoting Literacy And Theatre With A Free Production For Young Audiences

Opens June 2 at Heights Community Church

ROANOKE, VA – May 25, 2018 – Mill Mountain Theatre will continue its 2018 Young Audiences season with Robert & Willie Reale’s musical A Year With Frog And Toad – TYA Version, which will open on June 2 at 10am at Heights Community Church and tour around the region offering free performances.
The Mill Mountain Theatre 2018 Summer Apprentice Company will perform this show around the region at schools, libraries, parks and neighborhood venues to delight families. Admission is free, and free books will be distributed to young audience members as part of Mill Mountain Theatre’s initiative connecting theatre to literacy. A Year With Frog And Toad is appropriate for children of all ages.
This charming musical, the first children’s show to reach Broadway, was nominated for three Tony Awards in 2003. A 60 minute one-act play, A Year With Frog And Toad depicts a year in the life of two amphibian friends and a host of other woodland characters. As said by director Christopher Castanho, “though the story features all animal characters, the scenarios and experiences that they go through are relatable for people of all ages: making new friends, facing your fears, taking responsibility…We’ve all had so much fun bringing Frog, Toad, and the other forest creatures to life, and we can’t wait for you to join us!”
A Year With Frog And Toad will be performed on June 2, 6, 8-9, 11, 13-15, 19-21, 23, 26-27, and 29-30. Tickets are free for all ages at the door. For more show information and for a complete show schedule visit https://millmountain.org/production/year-frog-
toad/.
A Year With Frog And Toad will be performed by Mill Mountain Theatre’s 2018 Summer Apprentice Company, which is comprised of five college students studying to pursue a professional career in the arts. The Apprentice Company can also be seen in Spring Awakening and Shrek The Musical – TYA Version this season. For more information on the 2018 Mill Mountain Theatre season and to purchase season tickets, visit https://millmountain.org/tickets/.

Saturday, June 2nd- 10am: Heights Community Church
Wednesday, June 6th- 11am: Downtown Roanoke, Market Square
Friday, June 8th- 10:30am: Williamson Road Library
Saturday, June 9th- 10am: Elmwood Park
Monday, June 11th- 10am: Glenvar Branch Library
Wednesday, June 13th- 11am: Downtown Roanoke, Market Square
Thursday, June 14th- 10am: Hollins Branch Public Library
Friday, June 15th- 10am: Vinton Branch Public Library
Tuesday, June 19th- 10:30am: Gainsboro Branch Library
Wednesday, June 20th- 11am: Downtown Roanoke, Market Square
Thursday, June 21st- 10:30am: Raleigh Court Library
Saturday, June 23rd- 10am: Countryside Park
Tuesday, June 26th- 3pm: South County Library
Wednesday, June 27th- 3pm: Jackson Park Library
Friday, June 29th- 10am: Salem Public Library
Saturday, June 30th- 10am: Heights Community Church

Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory is proud to present their 2018 Summer Camp Series during June 4 – July 12. Camps provide burgeoning artists of all ages the opportunity to hone their creative skills in acting, music theatre, dance, and technical theatre disciplines at the only equity professional theatre in the valley.

 

Camps are weekly sessions with full and half-day options, which offer students a variety of ways to explore their creativity and self-expression. Each camp culminates with a performance for family and friends on the Trinkle MainStage.

 

Learn to perform where the professionals do!

CAMPS:

• ELEMENTARY/K-2 SCIENCE & THEATRE CAMP: “A WRINKLE IN TIME” Half-Day or Full-Day

• ELEMENTARY/K-2 MUSIC THEATRE: “THE GREATEST SHOW!” Half-Day

• PRE-K – 1: FROG & TOAD & FRIENDS THEATRE CAMP! Half-Day

• TEEN & ADULT DANCE: BROADWAY SHOWSTOPPERS Half-Day

• MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC THEATRE: “THOROUGHLY MODERN MUSICAL!” Full-Day

• MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL ACTING: SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY CAMP Half-Day

• TEEN & ADULT TAP CAMP Half-Day

• TECHNICAL THEATRE CAMP Half-Day

 

All classes are taught by working theatre artists. Get a chance to flex your collaboration muscle and put on a show with a variety of different styled courses. Need-based scholarships are available on request: email travis@nullmillmountain.org for more information.

 

For more information, and the weekly schedule visit millmountain.org/class

 

Next up in Mill Mountain Theatre’s Waldron Fringe Series is a staged reading of The Christians. The production of Lucas Hnath’s beloved play will play two nights only May 18th & 19th. Former MMT Staff Member Jay Briggs returns after his production of Constellations, earlier this year, to direct this staged reading with a company of five actors.

 

Pastor Paul approaches the pulpit on the day when his megachurch is celebrating paying off its debt. To the surprise of his congregation, his sermon reveals that the church is taking a new direction theologically. Fractured by a dispute over salvation and damnation, this is a play about religious schism in modern America. This play will be presented as a staged reading. (Actors will have scripts in hand)

 

The cast of The Christians features Sean Hinkcle (Associate Pastor Joshua), Tristan Sample (Jay), Amanda Sox (Elizabeth), Danielle Thorson (Jenny), and Scott Watson (Paul). Production is directed by Jay Briggs and Music Directed by Alicia Varcoe.

 

Be sure to secure your seat to The Christians May 18th & 19th @ 7:30pm on the Waldron Stage at Mill Mountain Theatre. All tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at millmountain.org or by calling 540-342-5740.

Sean Hinckle (Associate Pastor Joshua): Off Broadway: Beneath the Gavel (Stewart, 59E59 Theaters). Off Off Broadway: Hamlet (Hamlet, New York Shakespeare Exchange), Romeo and Juliet (Romeo, Lower East Side Shakespeare Company), Titus Andronicus (Bassianus, New York Shakespeare Exchange), Pushing Daisy (Sketch, Secret Theater). Regional: Playmakers! (Florida Studio Theatre), Oklahoma! (Fred, New Theater Restaurant), Macbeth (Porter, Reduxion Theatre Company). Sean is a resident ensemble member of Bated Breath Theatre Company and works as a teaching artist in New York City. Endless thanks to Mill Mountain Theatre for the opportunity to tackle such an incredible play!

 

Tristan Sample (Jay) is thrilled to be working with Mill Mountain!  His recent NYC credits include: After the End (Paradise Factory) Failure: A Love Story (NSD), Butcher (Stella Adler: Harold Clurman Lab); West Coast credits:  Buyer and Cellar, The Graduate.  When not on stage you can find him at the piano, composing music and writing lyrics.  MFA: New School for Drama.  www.tristansample.com

 

Amanda Sox (Elizabeth) was last seen at Mill Mountain Theatre as Marianne in Constellations, having previously been Ms. Poppenghul in Moonlight and Magnolias. Regional credits include: The Cake (Jen), In The Next Room, or The Vibrator Play (Catherine Givings), Christmas on the Rocks (Cindy Lou Who), Richard III (Lady Anne), and Othello (Desdemona) at The Warehouse Theatre in Greenville, SC; A Christmas Carol at Virginia Stage Company; Night of The Iguana at Berkshire Theatre Festival; Rough Magic at The Hangar Theatre. Up next, Amanda will be playing Gwendolyn in The Importance of Being Earnest at Lean Theater Ensemble in Hilton Head, SC. She graduated from Elon University with a BFA in Acting.

 

 

Danielle Thorsen (Jenny) is absolutely thrilled to be working with Mill Mountain Theatre. She is a Roanoke native and grew up in the theatre communities around the city, with the Mill Mountain Conservatory being a source of training and inspiration to pursue theatre professionally. She attended Wake Forest University, and after graduation, she lived and worked in Atlanta and Chicago, establishing herself in the theatre communities there. She is now back in Roanoke before tackling the (still to be determined) next big adventure.

 

Scott Watson (Pastor Paul) is overjoyed to return to his favorite Virginian home, Mill Mountain Theatre, and collaborate and play again with such passionate and talented folks!  Previous Mill Mountain Credits: A Christmas Story, 25th Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Odd Couple. Off-Broadway: Taming of the Shrew & Henry V (New York Classical Theatre), Drunk Shakespeare (The Lounge), Going Once, Laughing Twice (St Luke’s Theatre) Regional: Hamlet & Two Gentlemen of Verona (Shakespeare on the Sound) Othello & Much Ado About Nothing (Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival), Taming of the Shrew (Roxy Regional) Hamlet & The Winters Tale (Adirondack Shakespeare)  Film: Neighbors, When the Moon was Twice as Big, Zombie Apocalypse TV: A Crime to Remember, The Perfect Murder, Shadow of Doubt, Redrum. BA Grand Valley State University in Michigan. www.scottymwatson.com @scottymwatson. Thank you to Ginger, Alicia, Travis, Christopher, Emma, Jay, Amanda and everyone at MMT for all you do!

This production is supported by Friends of the Fringe, an affinity group of theatre-goers interested in bringing contemporary drama to our stages. To join Friends of the Fringe, please contact John Levin at 540-342-5761 or at development@nullmillmountain.org

Following The Christians in the Waldron Fringe Series is Spring Awakening, a fully produced production of the a contemporary rock musical exploring teenagers caught between the tumult of adolescence and the frustrating lack of experience. This 2006 Tony Award winning musical will feature our summer apprentice company with additional guest artists. Visit millmountain.org or call the box office at 540-342-5740 to reserve your tickets today.

Mill Mountain Theatre presents exciting programming for their Young Audience Series as two productions: Mother Goose Tales and Shakespeare’s The Tempest run in repertory on the Waldron Stage, May 5-12. Audience members of all ages can see both productions on the same day, as the performances are alternating in the same theater space.

 

Mother Goose Tales (May 5th & 12th at 11am & 1pm)

An original play by Christopher Castanho features all of the Nursery Rhyme characters you know and love, perfect for younger audience members and entire families. When siblings Jack & Jill decide they’re too old for bedtime stories, they suddenly are whisked away to a strange land and have to find their way home. On their journey they meet Nursery Rhyme characters: the Itsy Bitsy Spider, Little Bo Peep, Humpty Dumpty and more, who lead them to the Queen: Mother Goose, who will help them get back home! A collection of well-known fairy tales and nursery rhymes will come to life in song and pantomime. Children from MMT’s Conservatory will perform these classic tales for other children, the production is directed by MMT Outreach Coordinator and Teaching Artist: Emma Gwin.

 

The Tempest (May 5th, 6th, 12th @ 3pm and May 9th @ 7pm)

Sorcerers, sprites and spirits meet villains, and monsters, and kings in Shakespeare’s tragicomedy set on a remote island complete with a shipwreck. Romance and a raging storm end in revelations, redemption and marriage as Shakespeare’s plays so often do. MMT’s shortened adaptation of the original script by Travis Kendrick is an excellent introduction to Shakespeare for Middle and High School students, acted by MMT Conservatory students, and directed by Resident Creative & Teaching Artist: Christopher Castanho

 

In conjunction with these productions, Mill Mountain Theatre will distribute free books to student audience members, as part of their initiative connecting theatre to literacy.

 

Sponsors of the 2018 Young Audience Series of performances include: Roanoke Valley Orthodontics, Lanford Brothers Co., Business Solutions, Inc., Davis H.Elliot Company, Woods Rogers, The Rotary Club of Salem, Carilion Clinic, and Kathryn B. McQuade Foundation. Grantors include: City of Roanoke Arts Commission, City of Salem, Friendship Foundation, Star City Reads, Turn the Pages Foundation, Center in the Square, Theatre Communications Group, National Endowment for the Arts, Virginia Commission for the Arts.

The Tempest and Mother Goose Tales open on Saturday, May 5th on MMT’s Waldron Stage (20 Church Ave, SE). Performances of The Tempest: May 5th, 6th, 12th @ 3pm and May 9th @ 7pm. Mother Goose Tales will perform May 5th & 12th at 11am & 1pm. Admission is ‘pay-what-you-can’ at the door. No advance tickets will be sold for the listed performances above. Visit millmountain.org for more information

The cast and creative team of MMT’s A Chorus Line have been hard at work bringing this Pulitzer-Prize and Tony-Award winning musical to life on the Trinkle MainStage April 25th – May 13th. With music by Marvin Hamlisch, Lyrics by Edward Kleban, and a book by James Kirkwood Jr & Nicholas Dante, A Chorus Line tells the personal stories of 17 dancers auditioning for 8 spots in the chorus of a new Broadway musical.

 

Four of those dancers are Patrick Henry High School students Chloe Cannon (Freshman), Nathan Derrico (Senior), Cameron Reynolds (Junior), and Cathleen Turner (Senior). Derrico and Turner hold previous performances on the Mill Mountain stages, meanwhile Cannon and Reynolds are making their exciting Trinkle MainStage debut in the award-winning musical.

The young performers spoke of how much they’ve learned in their first week of rehearsals. “This entire cast is full of professionals, they’re incredible. It’s always such a learning experience working with everyone, seeing how they take it all in.” says PH Senior Cathleen Turner (Tricia/ Val U/S). MMT’s production of A Chorus Line is Patrick Henry Junior Cameron Reynolds’ (Roy) first time working on a professional musical “It’s an opportunity that I’ve never had before, I’m just taking it all in.”

 

Considered a landmark celebration of the American Musical, A Chorus Line follows the lives of 17 Broadway dancers vying for a spot “on the line.” Through epic song and dance, the performers describe the families, jobs, and tough times that shaped their lives and careers. Set on a bare stage, audiences will get a glimpse of what it’s like to be a performer trying to make it on Broadway.

 

PH Senior, Nathan Derrico (Frank) spoke about how the rehearsal process is different than any other projects he’s worked on. “It’s a big learning experience, getting to work with people who know how to do a show like this. It’s a lot faster paced than things I’ve done in the past. It’s fun!” Freshman Chloe Cannon (Vicki) just finished Patrick Henry’s production of Into The Woods as Cinderella, “I’m learning a lot of new things, especially just from watching the professionals in rehearsal.”

 

Chloe Cannon (Lois) is a freshman at Patrick Henry High school. She has been taking ballet since she was three years old and currently trains with Southwest Virginia Ballet. Chloe’s love for theatre has grown so much each year and continues with every show she’s in. She recently played Cinderella in Into the Woods at Patrick Henry High school. Chloe is beyond thankful for being given this opportunity to work with amazing people in such a phenomenal show!

 

 

 

Nathan Derrico (Frank) is excited to join Mill Mountain Theatre in his first main stage production! He is currently a senior at Patrick Henry High School and takes classes through Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory. He is hoping to attend college for musical theatre this fall. He would like to thank his friends, family, and teachers for their loving support on his journey.

 

 

 

Cameron Reynolds (Roy) is a sophomore at Patrick Henry high school. He has enjoyed doing In The Heights, Grease, Heathers, and Little Shop of Horrors. He plays several instruments and has been singing and dancing for most of his life. He wants to thank his family for their time and support and Mill Mountain for such a wonderful opportunity.

 

 

 

 

Cathleen Turner (Tricia/Val US) – Cathleen is excited to be returning to Mill Mountain Theatre for her 8th and last main stage production of high school! Some of her favorites have been 42nd Street, White Christmas, and Children of Eden. Cathleen is a senior at Patrick Henry High School who is eager to graduate and attend college in the fall in hopes of pursuing musical theatre. She enjoys spending her free time with Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory where she has spent a large portion of her childhood growing through all aspects of theatre.

 

Reserve your ticket with a 10% discount- for all four of the Trinkle MainStage productions of A Chorus Line, Shrek The Musical TYA, West Side Story, and The Christmas Cup at: https://millmountain.org/tickets/subscriptions/

The cast of Mill Mountain Theatre’s A Chorus Line features Stevie Bovo (Al), Sam Brackley (Paul), Chloe Cannon (Vicki), Nathan Derrico (Frank), David Foster (Larry), Mary Hannah Garber (Val), Andrew Gleckler (Mark), Kristin Guerin (Sheila), Lawrence Hailes (Richie), Tyler Jimenez (Greg), Guy Mannick* (Mike), Lizzie Markson (Diana / Dance Captain), Caitlin McAvoy (Bebe), Diane Meck (Connie), Niklaus Miller (Bobby), Hamilton Moore (Zach), Caitie Moss (Kristine), Lizz Picini* (Cassie), Lyndsay Ricketson (Maggie), Cameron Reynolds (Roy), Megan Tatum (Judy), Cathleen Turner (Vicki U/S Val), and Richard Westfahl (Don).

The creative team of A Chorus Line features Alicia Varcoe (Director), Kristen Brooks Sandler (Choreographer), Seth Davis (Music Director), Ginger Poole (Producing Artistic Director), Sammy Brown* (Stage Manager), Jimmy Ray Ward (Scenic Designer), William Webb (Lighting Designer), Sera Bourgeau (Costume Designer), Matthew Shields (Props Designer), Ayme Gierchak (Sound Designer), and Jessica Humke (Assistant Stage Manager).

*Sammy Brown, Guy Mannick, and Lizz Picini appear courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.

Get your tickets now to A Chorus Line running April 25 – May 13 on the Trinkle MainStage at Mill Mountain Theatre. Tickets range from $20-38 and can be purchased online at millmountain.org or by calling 540-342-5740.

Mill Mountain Theatre’s production of A Chorus Line is sponsored by BB&T Bank, Catawba Capital Management, Innovative Insurance Group, Howell’s Motor Freight Inc., Avis Construction, Business Solutions, and Elk Hill Advisors Inc. Special grantors for A Chorus Line are Center in the Square, Actors’ Equity Association, Theatre Communications Group, Art Works, and Blue Star Theatres.

 

Production contains mature language

That singular sensation is coming to Roanoke audiences at Mill Mountain Theatre on the Trinkle MainStage April 25th – May 13th. With music by Marvin Hamlisch, Lyrics by Edward Kleban, and a book by James Kirkwood Jr & Nicholas Dante, A Chorus Line tells the personal stories of 17 dancers auditioning for 8 spots in the chorus of a new Broadway musical.

 

Through epic song and dance, the performers describe the families, jobs, and tough times that shaped their lives and careers. Set on a bare stage, audiences will get a glimpse of what it’s like to be a performer trying to make it on Broadway. “The characters portrayed in A Chorus Line are for the most part based on the lives and experiences of Broadway dancers,” says original Broadway producer, Joseph Papp. “This show is dedicated to anyone who has ever danced in a chorus or marched in step anywhere.”

 

Reserve a seat- with a 10% discount- for all four of the Trinkle MainStage productions of A Chorus Line, Shrek The Musical TYA, West Side Story, and The Christmas Cup at: https://millmountain.org/tickets/subscriptions/

 

A Chorus Line made its groundbreaking debut on the great white way in 1975 and Broadway has never been the same. Unlike most commercial theatre at that time, the musical originated at a non-profit theatre company, and then transferred to a record-breaking run of fifteen years and 6,137 performances at the Shubert Theater. The original production was nominated for twelve Tony-Awards, winning nine including Best Musical, and received the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It remains the sixth longest-running Broadway show in history.

 

Director Alicia Varcoe spoke on the excitement of bringing A Chorus Line to Roanoke. “This musical was groundbreaking for its time, and the heart of this piece is completely timeless. Through these characters at this unconventional audition, we are telling the stories of professional dancers everywhere, including the talented performers that will be joining us onstage at MMT,” she says. “Their raw passion and love The storytelling in A Chorus Line is truly one-of-a-kind when it comes to music theatre, and I think our audiences will not only revel in the amazing song and dance, but truly be touched by the stories of the lives of these dancers.”

 

Mill Mountain Theatre’s production of A Chorus Line is sponsored by BB&T Bank, Catawba Capital Management, Innovative Insurance Group, Howell’s Motor Freight Inc., Avis Construction, Business Solutions, and Elk Hill Advisors Inc. Special grantors for A Chorus Line are Center in the Square, Actors’ Equity Association, Theatre Communications Group, Art Works, and Blue Star Theatres.

 

Get your tickets now to A Chorus Line running April 25 – May 13 on the Trinkle MainStage at Mill Mountain Theatre. Tickets range from $20-38 and can be purchased online at millmountain.org or by calling 540-342-5740.
Production contains mature language

Organized in 1989 as a way for young professionals to meet, ‘First Fridays at Five’ have seen two decades of success and in the process they’ve donated well over a million dollars to nonprofit organizations in The Roanoke Valley! If you’re in the mood for some great entertainment, fun, networking or want to support a Mill Mountain Theatre, volunteer to be part of the MMT team!

Mill Mountain Theatre will be one of the participating charities working at the event on May 18th & August 17th. Contact Director of Development, John Levin to volunteer as part of the MMT crew: call 540-342-5761 or at development@nullmillmountain.org

“We are pleased to present our 29th season! Our events are presented by HomeTown Bank! Gates open at 5 p.m. and the event runs to 9 p.m. Events will be held on Franklin Road, SW, between Jefferson Street and Williamson Road.”
~First Fridays Roanoke

For more information about First Fridays, visit: firstfridaysroanoke.com

2017 was Mill Mountain Theatre’s inaugural year of the ‘Waldron Fringe Series’. The series provides an opportunity to produce a collection of groundbreaking contemporary works in the Equity theatre’s more intimate space: the Waldron Stage. The upcoming production of Nick Payne’s 2015 award-winning play: Constellations will be running Feb 22 – Mar 11 with an all star cast and creative team. Come see the show the New Yorker called “A singular astonishment.” Husband and wife duo Jay Briggs (Director) and Amanda Sox (Marianne) return to Mill Mountain Theatre with fellow South Carolina actor Thomas Azar (Roland).

 

Constellations is a spellbinding journey about a simple encounter between a man and a woman that quickly defies the usual boundaries of a relationship, and ends by asking audiences to ponder the differences between choice and destiny. Watch Marianne and Roland’s relationship play out in an infinite number of ways. They meet and go for a drink, or maybe they don’t. Maybe they get married, or maybe their time together will be tragically short. Part science and part romance, this sophisticated love story has been a smash hit across the country and around the world.

Never worry about a show selling out again with your Waldron Fringe Series Subscription, for just $50 you can reserve a seat at all three Waldron productions.

Learn more about ways to save on tickets here:  https://millmountain.org/tickets/subscriptions/

Be sure to secure your seat to Constellations running February 22-March 11 on the Waldron Stage at Mill Mountain Theatre. Tickets range from $15-20 and can be purchased online at millmountain.org or by calling 540-342-5740.

 

Actress Amanda Sox  (Marianne) was last seen on the Trinkle MainStage as Ms. Poppenghul in Mill Mountain’s 2017 production of Moonlight and Magnolias. In addition to being an actress, she is also married to Constellations director Jay Briggs. Having worked all over the country, she was most recently in The Cake at The Warehouse Theatre in Greenville, South Carolina. Other regional credits include Christmas on the Rocks (Cindy Lou Who), Richard III (Lady Anne), and Othello (Desdemona) at The Warehouse Theatre; A Christmas Carol at Virginia Stage Company; Night of The Iguana at Berkshire Theatre Festival; Rough Magic at The Hangar Theatre. Up next, Amanda will be playing Gwendolyn in The Importance of Being Earnest at Lean Theater Ensemble in Hilton Head, SC. Sox is a proud graduate of Elon University with a BFA in Acting.

 

 

Playing opposite Sox is Equity actor Thomas Azar* (Roland). Azar is excited to mark his Mill Mountain Theatre debut, credits include Shakespeare in Love (Alliance Theatre); In the Next Room, Angels in America, Stones in His Pockets (The Warehouse Theatre), Hamlet, Women Beware Women (Shakespeare Theatre/ACA), Yellow Face (TheatreWorks), Romeo & Juliet, Richard III (California Shakespeare Theater). Film: In a Room at the Edge of Infinity, No Ordinary Love. Web: “The First Five Years”. MFA: Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting at the George Washington University. With love to Maegan, Tristan, and Benjamin. www.ThomasAzar.net

 

Following Constellations in the Waldron Fringe Series are The Christians (May 18-19) and Spring Awakening (June 21-30). The Christians will be a staged reading of Luke Hnath’s award winning play detailing the event of Pastor Paul approaching the pulpit on the day when his megachurch is celebrating paying off its debt. To the surprise of his congregation, his sermon reveals that the church is taking a new direction theologically. Fractured by a dispute over salvation and damnation, this is a play about religious schism in modern America. Spring Awakening will be a fully produced production of the a contemporary rock musical exploring teenagers caught between the tumult of adolescence and the frustrating lack of experience. This 2006 Tony Award winning musical will feature our summer apprentice company.

Get your tickets to Constellations now by clicking here or by calling 540-342-5740.  *Thomas Azar appears courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association

 

2017 was the inaugural year for Mill Mountain Theatre’s Waldron Fringe Series, providing intimate, thought-provoking, and contemporary work in their 100 seat Waldron Stage. Last season’s offerings included staged readings of The Mountaintop and The Little Lion, and the fully staged musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. This year, a staged reading of The Christians, a fully staged musical Spring Awakening, and a fully staged play Constellations rounds out the 2018 Waldron Fringe Series.

 

The new and exciting drama Constellations will kick off the Fringe Series, running February 22nd through March 11th. Science and romance collide in this sophisticated but relatable love story. Constellations is a spellbinding journey about a simple encounter between a man and a woman that quickly defies the usual boundaries of a relationship, and ends by asking audiences to ponder the differences between choice and destiny. Attend Mill Mountain’s production of the play the New York Times called  ‘universal in every sense of the word’. Husband and wife duo Jay Briggs (Director) and Amanda Sox (Marianne) return to Mill Mountain Theatre with fellow South Carolina actor Thomas Azar (Roland), to bring you Constellations.

 

A staged reading of The Christians runs May 18th & 19th. Pastor Paul approaches the pulpit on the day when his megachurch is celebrating paying off its debt. To the surprise of his congregation, his sermon reveals that the church is taking a new direction theologically. Fractured by a dispute over salvation and damnation, this is a play about religious schism in modern America.

 

Spring Awakening is a contemporary rock musical running June 21st-30th. Teenagers caught between the tumult of adolescence and the frustrating lack of experience with sex, pregnancy, abortion and suicide, guilt, innocence and death, haunt this Tony Award winning musical. This fully staged production will feature Mill Mountain’s 2018 Summer Apprentice Company alongside local talent and industry professionals.

 

Never worry about a show selling out again with your Waldron Fringe Series Subscription, for just $50 you can reserve a seat at all three Waldron productions. Learn more about ways to save on tickets here:  https://millmountain.org/tickets/subscriptions/

 

Be sure to secure your seat to the upcoming Waldron Fringe production: Constellations running February 22-March 11 on the Waldron Stage at Mill Mountain Theatre. Tickets range from $15-20 and can be purchased online at millmountain.org or by calling 540-342-5740.

 

• Prepare for those youth auditions on Feb 16th & 17th by attending this FREE Audition Masterclass taught by MMT Staff. Want to bring in your audition material and receive feedback? Don’t have material but want to observe and learn audition technique? Join us on February 3rd from 10:30am-12pm in the 3rd Floor Studio.DATE: February 3rd, 2018
  TIME: 10:30am-12pm
  WHERE: 20 Church Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24011 | 3rd Floor Studio
  WHO: Grades K- Adult

  REGISTER: https://millmountain.org/class/audition-masterclass/

  If bringing material:

• If auditioning for Shrek The Musical please prepare a one minute monologue and a 32 bar musical theatre song. Please bring clearly marked sheet music for the accompanist.
  
• If auditioning for A Simple Gift, The Christmas Cup, and/or The Tempest please prepare a one minute monologue.
  
• If auditioning for Mother Goose Tales please prepare a short poem or monologue.

AUDITIONS FOR YOUTH ROLES IN OUR 2018 SEASON will be held on February 16th from 3-7pm and February 17th from 12-5pm. Some may asked to attend callbacks on February 18th.

CASTING: Shrek The Musical TYA, Mother Goose Tales, The Tempest, A Simple Gift, and The Christmas Cup.

LOCATION:  MMT Rehearsal Studio, located at 20 Church Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24011 on the 3rd floor. Free and metered parking is available nearby.

TO REQUEST AN AUDITION TIME: email conservatoryauditions@nullmillmountain.orgwith your preference of audition day and list the shows for which you are interested in auditioning.

*IF AUDITIONING FOR SHREK: you must also attend the dance call on your audition day: Friday February 16th from 4:30-5:15pm or Saturday Feb 17th from 2:00-2:45pm

PLEASE PREPARE:

If auditioning for Shrek The Musical please prepare a one minute monologue and a 32 bar musical theatre song.  Please bring clearly marked sheet music for the accompanist.

If auditioning for A Simple Gift, The Christmas Cup, and/or The Tempest please prepare a one minute monologue.

If auditioning for Mother Goose Tales please prepare a short poem or monologue.

 

Actors of all races and ethnicities are encouraged to audition for all roles.

 

CASTING:

 

MOTHER GOOSE TALES

Play by Christopher Castanho

Directed by Emma Gwin

Rehearses April 17- May 3.

Runs May 5-12

Seeking a company of elementary & middle school performers

 

THE TEMPEST

Play by William Shakespeare

Adapted by Travis Kendrick

Directed by Christopher Castanho

Rehearses April 17- May 3.

Runs May 5-12

Seeking seven middle & high school performers to play multiple parts

 

A SIMPLE GIFT, Special Event

Play by Nancy Ruth Patterson

Directed by Travis Kendrick

Rehearses Nov. 1-8

Runs Nov. 10

 

CARRIE O’CONNOR, ten-year-old aspiring actor from New York

STORM SELLERS, twelve-year-old mountain boy known for failure and troublemaking

LIZA BARRETT, eleven- year- old girl; very snobby

JOHN JEREMY JONES (J.J.), ten-year-old preacher’s son with sense of humor

MATT STAMPER, JR., ten-year-old skateboarder

YONAH WOODS, ten-year-old animal lover; very kin

ROBERT WOODSON, boy at auditions who serves as sound designer; very intelligent

ROSSIE CAMPER, girl at auditions who serves as scenic designer; very artistic

MOLLY SCOTT, girl at auditions who serves as lighting designer; small girl with very big smile

WINNIFRED DRAPER, girl at auditions who serves as costume designer; always dressed very fashionably

 

THE CHRISTMAS CUP

Play by Nancy Ruth Patterson

Directed by Travis Kendrick

Rehearses Nov. 13-Dec. 4

Runs Dec. 5-23

 

LITTLE M- (Also known as Ann Megan McCallie and Megan- a girl of about ten)

CHARLIE (Megan’s older brother)

BRENDA COREY (Twin about twelve/School child/ensemble)

LINDA COREY (Twin about twelve/School child/ensemble)

WILLIS  (Mischievous boy about ten)

RACHEL YODER (young Mennonite girl, about six /child at birthday party/school child)

ISSAC YODER (young Mennonite boy, about ten/child at birthday party/school child)

 

SHREK THE MUSICAL TYA

Music by Jeanine Tesori, Book & Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire

Directed & Choreographed by Travis Kendrick

Music Direction by Seth Davis

Rehearses July. 9-31

 

SHREK: A big, green, terrifying ogre who lives alone on a swamp. Transforms from a grumpy hermit to hero.  (Range: A2 – G#4)

PRINCESS FIONA: Quirky, blunt, and multi-talented, she is not an ordinary princess.  (Range: F3 – G6)

DONKEY: A chatterbox, easily frightened, and pushy, but also an optimistic with heart.  (Range: C3-B4)

LORD FARQUAAD: The comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc. Self-absorbed, lonely, and cruel.   (Range: B2 – D5)

DRAGON: Imposing and flirtatious, eventually falls in love with Donkey.  (Range: F3 – Eb5)

PINOCCHIO: The leader of the fairytale creatures with plenty of sass. An animated puppet whose nose grows every time he lies.  (Range: E3 – F#4)

GINGY: A gingerbread man initially kidnapped by Lord Farquaad; witty and resolute. Puppet.  Female (Range: B3 – C#5)

FAIRYTALE CREATURES: A ragtag band of misfits, including: Wolf, Peter Pan, Three Little Pigs, Wicked Witch, Ugly Duckling, Mama Bear, Papa Bear, Baby Bear, Dwarf, Puss In Boots, Three Blind Mice

MAMA OGRE, PAPA OGRE, TEEN FIONA, YOUNG FIONA, DULOC PERFORMERS, BISHOP, GUARDS, KNIGHTS, etc.

(Some roles may be doubled and or filled by Summer Apprentice Company Members)

AUDITIONS FOR THE 2018 SEASON will be held in New York, NY.

Monday, January 29: Non-Equity BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Tuesday, January 30: Equity Principal Audition

Wednesday, January 31: AM: Additional Appointments. PM: Callbacks, including a dance callback.

 

AEA members: information about the EPA on the 30^th including relevant breakdowns has gone out through AEA.

 

Non-Equity, please read the below carefully on how to submit for an appointment:

We will see Non-Equity members for A Chorus Line, The Christians and West Side StoryONLY. If you are a current college student and interested in the Summer Apprentice Company, please submit a video audition to auditions@nullmillmountain.org, or plan to attend our auditions in Roanoke, VA.

If you are interested in auditioning on the 29^th or 31^st, please email a headshot and resume and any relevant reel footage to auditions@nullmillmountain.org with NYC AUDITIONS in the subject line. In the email submission, please denote if you have local housing (within ~30 miles of Downtown Roanoke) available.

 

PLEASE PREPARE:

If auditioning for A Chorus Line or West Side Story, please prepare 32 bars of music theatre song. We may ask to hear a 1-minute monologue or contrasting 32 bars.

If auditioning for The Christians, please prepare a 1-minute monologue. We may ask you to read sides.

 

Unless specified, actors of all ethnicities are encouraged to audition for all roles.

 

A CHORUS LINE

Rehearsals and Performances April 2 – May 13

All roles listed must be portrayed by exceptional dancers who also sing and act very well.

 

ZACH: Male. 30-45. The director and choreographer of the show. Actor who moves extremely well.

LARRY: Male. 21+ Tenor. Zach’s assistant, authoritative. Accomplished dancer.

AL DELUCA: Male. 21-30. Baritone. From the Bronx. Street tough, macho, and newly married to Kristine.

BEBE BENZENHEIMER: Female. 21-30 to play 22. Mezzo. Natural and unaffected, bit of an “ugly duckling”

BOBBY MILLS: Male. Baritone. Flamboyant, funny, bitchy, and witty. Very sharp tongued. Covers everything over with a joke; had a very hard childhood. From upstate New York.

CASSIE FERGUSON: Female. 30-39. Soprano. Older Dancer. Returning to the chorus after years of being a featured performer. Very strong dancer. Shy and kind hearted. Previously had a relationship with Zach.

CONNIE WONG: Female. 21-34. Asian. Alto. Accomplished dancer who sings. Small in stature- sings about being 4 foot 10.

DIANA MORALES: Female. 21-30. Latina. Athletic dancer with strong mix/belt. Streetwise, a little bit tough, eternal optimist and starry eyed.

DON KERR: Male. 20-29. Baritone. Very sure of himself. Cool, Midwest, married, All-American.

GREGORY GARDENER: Male. 25-39 to play 32. Baritone. Sassy, Jewish gay man with a wicked wit. Very East Side New York.

JUDY TURNER: Female. 21-30. Mezzo. Funny, gawky, nervous. Warm and hopeful. Very awkward except when dancing.

KRISTINE URICH: Female. 21-30. Comedic sensibility and nervous energy. Al’s scatter-brained wife who can’t sing.

MAGGIE WINSLOW: Female. 21-30. Soprano with strong mix/belt. A sweetheart, little sister type. Dreamer. THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST.

MARK ANTHONY: Male. 18-25 to play 20. Tenor. Optimistic; first-timer; naïve but charming. Great dancer and All-American kid. The youngest of the group. THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST.

MIKE COSTA: Male. 21-30. Tenor. Quite aggressive, determined, cocky, sure of himself BUT likeable. Tap dancer. Experienced; flirtatious. THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST.

PAUL SAN MARCO: Male. 21-30. Latino. Baritone. Introverted and slightly insecure but loves performing; only now starting to feel comfortable about being gay and accepted by his parents. Accomplished actor and dancer.

RICHIE WALTERS: Male. 21-32. African-American. Tenor. From Missouri. strong dancer, enthusiastic, cool and very funny. Likeable and laid back. THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST.

SHEILA BRYANT: Female, 27-39. Alto. Oldest dancer on the line. Confident, brassy, sexy, bitchy, and sophisticated. One of the more popular dancers; humorous.

VAL CLARK: Female. 21-32. Alto. Sexy, sassy, funny. A foul-mouthed but excellent dancer who couldn’t get performing jobs because of her looks until she had plastic surgery. A brazen, direct, attention-seeker.

CUT DANCERS: Men and Women ages 20-39 who are accomplished dancers and singers.

 

THE CHRISTIANS

This will be performed as a staged reading. Seeking non-Equity actors ONLY.

Rehearsals and performances May 14 – 19, 2018.

PASTOR PAUL: Male. 40-49. Pastor of a very big church; professorial in demeanor; definitely does not have the stereotypical televangelist vibe.

ELDER JAY: Male. 50-79. Collegial, a long-time friend of Paul’s; the diplomat, trying his best to make all parties happy.

ASSOCIATE PASTOR JOSHUA: Male. 26-34. Younger than Pastor Paul; a bit green, but definitely charismatic and very earnest.

ELIZABETH: Female. 40-49. Pastor Paul’s wife; an important leader of the church; resolute and actually quite angry at Paul; she holds her cards close to her chest until she doesn’t.

CONGREGANT JENNY: Female. 30-39. Single mother; whip-smart and honest; has a lot of questions for Paul and the direction he’s taking the church.

 

WEST SIDE STORY

Rehearsals and Performances Sep 11 – Oct 21, 2018.

TONY: Male. 21-30. Caucasian. A romantic young man and former leader of the Jets. Finds himself violently torn between his friendships and love. Genuinely sweet and sincere. Strong tenor Bb2-Bb4.

MARIA: Female. 21-30. Latina. A romantic young woman.

BERNARDO: Male. 22-32. Latino. A proud, strong, handsome Puerto Rican Man. Maria’s brother and Anita’s boyfriend. Leader of the Sharks. Exceptional dancer. Baritone Bb2-Eb4.

ANITA: Female. 21-32. Latina. Bernardo’s girlfriend and Maria’s friend. Assertive, sassy, flirtacious and a bit of a mother hen to Maria. Extremely strong dancer/singer. Mezzo/belter F3-D5.

CHINO: Male. 21-30. Latino. An angry and, at times, naïve Shark who turns murderous and vengeful. Suitor to Maria and friend of Bernardo’s. Strong dancer. Baritone Bb2-Eb4.

RIFF: Male. 21-30. Caucasian. Tony’s best friend. Intelligent, passionate leader of the Jets. Strong singer/actor/dancer. Tenor.

JETS: Male. 21-32. Caucasian. Strong, athletic singers and dancers to play Action, A-Rab, Baby John, Snowboy, Big Deal, Diesel.

SHARKS: Male. 21-32. Latino. Strong, athletic singers and dancers to play Pepe, Luis, Anxious, Nibbles, and Moose.

ANYBODYS: Female. 18-21. Caucasian. A spunky tomboy who is desperate to become a member of the Jets. Full of energy and heart. Strong dancer.

JET GIRLS: Female. 21-32. Caucasian. Strong singers and dancers, some speaking, to play Graziella, Minnie, and Clarice. (Velma has been cast)

SHARK GIRLS: Female. 21-32. Latina. Strong singers and dancers to play Rosalia, Consuelo, Francisca, and Margarita. (Teresita has been cast)

DET. SCHRANK: Male. 35-50. Caucasian. A local police detective frustrated by ongoing violence between the Jets and Sharks. Blunt, brash, and unapologetic. Doubles with GLAD HAND, the nerdy, overly cheerful and ill-equipped social director at the local gym dance.

DOC: Male. 50-65. Caucasian. The owner of the candy store where the Jets hang out; he tries to guide the Jets youthful angst and provides a safe haven for Tony. Old fashioned and wise in his ways.

OFFICER KRUPKE. Male. 35-50. Caucasian. The local beat cop. He has no patience for the gangs’ conflict and tries to keep tensions from erupting between them. Regularly mocked by the local gangs.

AUDITIONS FOR THE 2018 SEASON will be held on January 26 & 27, 2018 at the MMT Rehearsal Studio, located at 20 Church Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24011 on the 3^rd floor. Free and metered parking is available nearby.

If you are interested in auditioning, please email a headshot and resume to auditions@nullmillmountain.org with ROANOKE AUDITIONS in the subject line. AEA members may contact auditions@nullmillmountain.org to schedule an audition appointment. EMC and non-Equity actors will be seen as time permits at these auditions. Please still submit all materials to auditions@nullmillmountain.org for more information.

Non-Equity only: in the email submission, please denote if you have local housing (within ~30 miles of Downtown Roanoke) available.

 

PLEASE PREPARE:

If auditioning for A Chorus Line, West Side Story, Spring Awakening or the Summer Apprentice Company, please prepare 32 bars of a song in the style of our season. We may ask to hear a 1-minute monologue or contrasting 32 bars.

If auditioning for The Christmas Cup, A Simple Gift, or The Christians, please prepare a 1-minute monologue. We may ask you to read sides.

If auditioning for A Chorus Line, West Side Story, Spring Awakening or the Summer Apprentice Company, please be prepared to attend a dance call from 12 – 1 PM on either Friday or Saturday

 

Unless specified, actors of all ethnicities are encouraged to audition for all roles.

 

CONSTELLATIONS

Rehearsals February 6 – 21

Previews & Performances February 22 – March 11

ROLAND: Male. 25-40. A charming, laid-back beekeeper. Warm and open, with a good sense of humor. Earthy and likeable. THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST.

MARIANNE: Female. Age 25-40. A fiercely intelligent scientist dealing with a terminal illness. A serious professional working in the top of her field. Quirky, dreamy, friendly, warm and quick-witted. THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST.

A CHORUS LINE

Rehearsals April 2 – 25

Previews & Performances April 26 – May 13

All roles listed must be portrayed by exceptional dancers who also sing and act very well.

 

ZACH: Male. 30-45. The director and choreographer of the show. Actor who moves extremely well.

LARRY: Male. 21+ Tenor. Zach’s assistant, authoritative. Accomplished dancer.

AL DELUCA: Male. 21-30. Baritone. From the Bronx. Street tough, macho, and newly married to Kristine.

BEBE BENZENHEIMER: Female. 21-30 to play 22. Mezzo. Natural and unaffected, bit of an “ugly duckling”

BOBBY MILLS: Male. Baritone. Flamboyant, funny, and witty. Very sharp tongued. Covers everything over with a joke; had a very hard childhood. From upstate New York.

CASSIE FERGUSON: Female. 30-39. Soprano. Older Dancer. Returning to the chorus after years of being a featured performer. Very strong dancer. Shy and kind hearted. Previously had a relationship with Zach.

CONNIE WONG: Female. 21-34. Asian. Alto. Accomplished dancer who sings. Small in stature- sings about being 4 foot 10.

DIANA MORALES: Female. 21-30. Latina. Athletic dancer with strong mix/belt. Streetwise, a little bit tough, eternal optimist and starry eyed.

DON KERR: Male. 20-29. Baritone. Very sure of himself. Cool, Midwest, married, All-American.

GREGORY GARDENER: Male. 32. Baritone. Sassy, Jewish gay man with a wicked wit. Very East Side New York.

JUDY TURNER: Female. 21-30. Mezzo. Funny, gawky, nervous. Warm and hopeful. Very awkward except when dancing.

KRISTINE URICH: Female. 21-30. Comedic sensibility and nervous energy. Al’s scatter-brained wife who can’t sing.

MAGGIE WINSLOW: Female. 21-30. Soprano with strong mix/belt. A sweetheart, little sister type. Dreamer. THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST.

MARK ANTHONY: Male. 20. Tenor. Optimistic; first-timer; naïve but charming. Great dancer and All-American kid. The youngest of the group. THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST.

MIKE COSTA: Male. 21-30. Tenor. Quite aggressive, determined, cocky, sure of himself BUT likeable. Tap dancer. Experienced; flirtatious. THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST.

PAUL SAN MARCO: Male. 21-30. Latino. Baritone. Introverted and slightly insecure but loves performing; only now starting to feel comfortable about being gay and accepted by his parents. Accomplished actor and dancer.

RICHIE WALTERS: Male. 21-32. African-American. Tenor. From Missouri. strong dancer, enthusiastic, cool and very funny. Likeable and laid back. THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST.

SHEILA BRYANT: Female, 27-39. Alto. Oldest dancer on the line. Confident, brassy, sexy, bitchy, and sophisticated. One of the more popular dancers; humorous.

VAL CLARK: Female. 21-32. Alto. Sexy, sassy, funny. A foul-mouthed but excellent dancer who couldn’t get performing jobs because of her looks until she had plastic surgery. A brazen, direct, attention-seeker.

CUT DANCERS: Men and Women ages 20-39 who are accomplished dancers and singers.

 

THE CHRISTIANS

This will be performed as a staged reading. Seeking non-Equity actors ONLY.

 

PASTOR PAUL: Male. 40-49. Pastor of a very big church; professorial in demeanor; definitely does not have the stereotypical televangelist vibe.

ELDER JAY: Male. 50-79. Collegial, a long-time friend of Paul’s; the diplomat, trying his best to make all parties happy.

ASSOCIATE PASTOR JOSHUA: Male. 26-34. Younger than Pastor Paul; a bit green, but definitely charismatic and very earnest.

ELIZABETH: Female. 40-49. Pastor Paul’s wife; an important leader of the church; resolute and actually quite angry at Paul; she holds her cards close to her chest until she doesn’t.

CONGREGANT JENNY: Female. 30-39. Single mother; whip-smart and honest; has a lot of questions for Paul and the direction he’s taking the church.

 

A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD – TYA VERSION

Rehearsals: May 21 – June 1

Performances: June 2 – 30

This production will tour the Roanoke Valley and play free performances in libraries, parks and other non-traditional spaces. The company of 5 will be comprised of college-age apprentices, who will also have roles in Spring Awakening. For more information on the Apprentice program, visit millmountain.org/education/apprenticeship

MAN #1 (FROG): Male. 18-22. Caring and loyal, always looking out for his friends, the calmer more zen of both he and Toad, simultaneously adventurous and assured. A6 – A3.

MAN #2 (TOAD): Male. 18-22. A hard worker, but impatient for results. Self-conscious, timid, stubborn, a good friend to Frog. Bari-tenor.

MAN #3: Must possess the blind determination of a nerdy snail and the “cool kid” attitude of a slick lizard. Appears as MAN BIRD, SNAIL, LIZARD, FATHER FROG and MOLE. Wide vocal range- highest note B.

WOMAN #1: Must possess the playful and quirky personality of a lady bird and strong frenetic energy of a squirrel. Appears as LADY BIRD 1, MOUSE, SQUIRREL, YOUNG FROG, and MOLE. Mezzo-soprano.

WOMAN #2: Must possess the playful and quirky personality of a lady bird and strong frenetic energy of a squirrel. Appears as LADY BIRD 2, TURTLE, SQUIRREL, MOTHER FROG, and MOLE. Soprano.

 

SPRING AWAKENING

Seeking non-Equity actors age 16+ for all roles. Some roles will be played by Summer Apprentices. Any actors under the age of 18 will require parent/guardian permission to perform in this production.

Rehearsals: May 21 – June 20

Preview & Performances: June 21 – 30

WENDLA: Female. 16-22 to play high school age. innocent high school student, trapped in her family, but with every passing day, she grows bolder and more curious about the world around her. Both vulnerable and a willing participant in her evolution. Vocal Range: G3 – E5, featured soloist, mezzo mix belt.

MARTHA: Female. 16-21 to play high-school age. high school student who lives with a life-changing secret. Vocal Range: G3 – E5, featured soloist, mezzo mix belt.

ILSE: Female. 18-22. Martha’s sister, lives with a painful secret of her own, has run away from home and now lives in a Parisian artists’ colony. She is Moritz’s last hope. Vocal Range: G3 – E5, featured soloist, mezzo/ mix-belt.

THEA: Female. 16-21 to play high-school age. Wendla’s best friend, a high school student who tries to stay innocent and pure. (Vocal Range A3- E5, featured soloist, mezzo w/ mix-belt.)

ANNA: Female. 16-21 to play high-school age. Martha’s best friend, a high school student, has a difficult time understanding Martha’s burdens. Vocal Range: A3 – C5, featured soloist, alto/ mezzo mix belt.

ADULT WOMAN: Female. 28-64. several important acting roles, including Frau Gabor (Melchior’s mother), Frau Bergman (Wendla’s mother), and Georg’s piano teacher, Fraulein Grossebustenhalter. Ensemble singe, alto.

MELCHIOR: Male. 16-22 to play high school age. smart, independent, headstrong high school student who refuses to bow down to society’s rules. Struggles with his intense feelings for Wendla. Vocal Range: G2 – G4, featured soloist, bari-tenor. THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST.

MORITZ: Male. 16-22 to play high school age. Melchior’s best friend, a troubled high school student who desperately tries to please his father, but always seems to disappoint him. Has haunting dreams. Vocal Range: B2 – A4, featured soloist, bari-tenor. THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST.

GEORG: Male. 16-22 to play high school age. schoolmate of Melchior’s who is overcome with sexual feelings for his piano teacher. Vocal Range: Ab2 – A4, and up to a possible D5 in falsetto, featured soloist, bari-tenor.

HANSCHEN: Male. 16-22 to play high school age. a beautiful, cunning schoolmate of Melchior’s who is disarmingly comfortable with his own sexuality. He uses his good looks and intelligence to manipulate a fellow student. Vocal Range C3 – A4, featured soloist, bari-tenor.

OTTO: Male. 16-22 to play high school age. a classmate of Melchior’s who struggles with sexual feelings he considers inappropriate. Vocal Range: C3 – B4, featured soloist, bari-tenor.

ERNST: Male. 16-22 to play high school age. another beautiful schoolmate of Melchior’s, but naïve and easily manipulated. Unsure of who he is sexually. Vocal Range: C3 – A4, featured soloist, bari-tenor.

ADULT MAN: Male. 28-64. Primarily acting roles, including Herr Stiefel (Moritz’s father), Herr Gabor (Melchior’s Father), and Herr Sonnenstich (the boys’ school teacher). Ensemble singer; bari-tenor.

 

WEST SIDE STORY

Rehearsals and Performances Sep 11 – Oct 21, 2018.

TONY: Male. 21-30. Caucasian. A romantic young man and former leader of the Jets. Finds himself violently torn between his friendships and love. Genuinely sweet and sincere. Strong tenor Bb2-Bb4.

MARIA: Female. 21-30. Latina. A romantic young woman.

BERNARDO: Male. 22-32. Latino. A proud, strong, handsome Puerto Rican Man. Maria’s brother and Anita’s boyfriend. Leader of the Sharks. Exceptional dancer. Baritone Bb2-Eb4.

ANITA: Female. 21-32. Latina. Bernardo’s girlfriend and Maria’s friend. Assertive, sassy, flirtacious and a bit of a mother hen to Maria. Extremely strong dancer/singer. Mezzo/belter F3-D5.

CHINO: Male. 21-30. Latino. An angry and, at times, naïve Shark who turns murderous and vengeful. Suitor to Maria and friend of Bernardo’s. Strong dancer. Baritone Bb2-Eb4.

RIFF: Male. 21-30. Caucasian. Tony’s best friend. Intelligent, passionate leader of the Jets. Strong singer/actor/dancer. Tenor.

JETS: Male. 21-32. Caucasian. Strong, athletic singers and dancers to play Action, A-Rab, Baby John, Snowboy, Big Deal, Diesel.

SHARKS: Male. 21-32. Latino. Strong, athletic singers and dancers to play Pepe, Luis, Anxious, Nibbles, and Moose.

ANYBODYS: Female. 18-21. Caucasian. A spunky tomboy who is desperate to become a member of the Jets. Full of energy and heart. Strong dancer.

JET GIRLS: Female. 21-32. Caucasian. Strong singers and dancers, some speaking, to play Graziella, Minnie, and Clarice. (Velma has been cast)

SHARK GIRLS: Female. 21-32. Latina. Strong singers and dancers to play Rosalia, Consuelo, Francisca, and Margarita. (Teresita has been cast)

DET. SCHRANK: Male. 35-50. Caucasian. A local police detective frustrated by ongoing violence between the Jets and Sharks. Blunt, brash, and unapologetic. Doubles with GLAD HAND, the nerdy, overly cheerful and ill-equipped social director at the local gym dance.

DOC: Male. 50-65. Caucasian. The owner of the candy store where the Jets hang out; he tries to guide the Jets youthful angst and provides a safe haven for Tony. Old fashioned and wise in his ways.

OFFICER KRUPKE. Male. 35-50. Caucasian. The local beat cop. He has no patience for the gangs’ conflict and tries to keep tensions from erupting between them. Regularly mocked by the local gangs.

 

A SIMPLE GIFT

Rehearsals: Nov 5-9

Performance: November 10

THE CHRISTMAS CUP

Rehearsals: Nov 14-Dec 4

Performances: Dec 5-23

OLDER MEGAN: Female. 30-55. Narrator. “Little M” as an adult. THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST.

DUMPHREY: Male. 35-60. The general store owner.

AUCTIONEER: Male. 30-40. A charismatic auctioneer.

NANNIE: Female. 55-75. Megan’s grandmother.

MISS ANNIE: Female. 60-80. Little M’s elderly next door neighbor.

MISS FINNEY: Female. 35-50. Principal of Little M’s school.

MR. BURKHOLDER: Male. An Amish man. (doubles with Mr. Dumphrey)

JOSEPH YODER: Male. 30-40. An Amish man, with a wife and a young family. (doubles with Auctioneer)

ELIZABETH YODER: Female. 25-40. Joseph’s wife.

 

December 25th is right around the corner! Complete your holiday shopping with tickets to see A Christmas Story live on stage at Mill Mountain Theatre. This faithful adaptation is fun for the whole family and runs December 6th-23rd. The cast of 16 is full of Roanoke favorites, local talent, and professional actors: brought all the way from New York City. Tickets are going fast for this classic story, be sure to reserve your spot today.

Broadway meets Roanoke talent in our cast of 12 local children and 4 professional actors, bringing A Christmas Story to life on the Trinkle Main Stage. MMT Director of Education, Travis Kendrick leads the company, having previously directed Willy Wonka JR this past summer. Three of the four adult actors are returning to Roanoke, having performed with MMT before!

 

Broadway Alum, Timothy Booth* plays Ralph, the narrator of A Christmas Story. Having performed in the Broadway and Touring Company of Mamma Mia!, Booth is a Virginia native, and delighted to return to Mill Mountain Theatre after having performed in Jesus Christ Superstar, My Fair Lady, and more 26 years ago. Since his Roanoke days credits include Broadway: Mamma Mia!, Tours: Mamma Mia!, She Loves Me, Disney On Classic with Tokyo Philharmonic, Regional: To Kill A Mockingbird, I Love A Piano, 9to5, Game Show, The Music Man, Noises Off, A Wonderful Life and Camelot, Disney Cruise Lines: Broadway guest artist in Aladdin, Disney’s Believe!, and Villains Tonight!. Television: The TONY Awards, Law & Order SVU, The Guiding Light, As The World Turns, and many commercials.

 

Julia VanderVeen* plays Mother and is thrilled to be joining the cast of A Christmas Story! A NC native, she now lives in NYC with her brand new husband and their two cats. Favorite roles include: Katherine: In the Next Room (NC Stage Company), Honey: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Immediate Theatre Project), Annelle: Steel Magnolias (Flat Rock Playhouse), Weird sister: MacBeth (Shakespeare Dallas). TV: A Crime to Remember (Mrs. Nelson), various commercials.

 

 

Scott Watson, The Old Man, is thrilled to be returning to Mill Mountain Theatre having previously been in this year’s The 25th Putnam County Spelling Bee and 2016’s The Odd Couple. He has been in Off-Broadway productions of Taming of the Shrew & Henry V (New York Classical Theatre), Drunk Shakespeare (The Lounge), Going Once, Laughing Twice (St Luke’s Theatre) Regional: Hamlet & Two Gentlemen of Verona (Shakespeare on the Sound) Othello & Much Ado About Nothing (Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival), Taming of the Shrew (Roxy Regional) Hamlet & The Winters Tale (Adirondack Shakespeare)  Film: Neighbors, When the Moon was Twice as Big, Zombie Apocalypse TV: A Crime to Remember, The Perfect Murder, Shadow of Doubt, Redrum. BA Grand Valley State University in Michigan. www.scottymwatson.com. @scottymwatson.

 

Jorie Janeway, Miss Shields, is thrilled to be in Roanoke for the holidays again this year! She was last seen on the Mill Mountain stage as Martha Watson in White Christmas.  She hails from the west coast and is a proud company member of the Actors Co-op Theatre in Hollywood, CA.  Jorie has had the opportunity to tour nationally and internationally with Hairspray and The Merry Wives of Windsor. Other favorite regional roles include the Chaperone in The Drowsy Chaperone, Maggie Jones in 42nd Street, and Sister Robert Anne in Nunsense.  Check her out at www.joriejaneway.com.

 

Sawyer Mullins plays Ralphie, and is a 7th grader at Read Mountain Middle School. Sawyer is thrilled to be back on MMT’s Trinkle Stage in A Christmas Story. He has previously been seen at MMT in Aesop’s Fables, Into The Woods, Jr., and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. He enjoys playing guitar, piano, saxophone and ukulele.

 

 

 

 

Beckett Socha, Ralphie’s kid brother Randy, is a 5th grader at Blacksburg New School in Blacksburg, VA.  Beckett is excited to be back on the Mill Mountain Stage after previously performing in Beauty and the Beast and Willy Wonka Jr.  This is actually Beckett’s second time appearing in A Christmas Story, but his first time in the role of Randy (the first time he channeled his inner bully as Grover Dill).  In his free time Beckett enjoys playing video games and soccer. He holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and strums a pretty mean ukulele!

 

Jacob Snead, the tongue stuck Flick, makes his debut at Mill Mountain Theatre. Previously performing in Showtimer’s Cheaper by the Dozen in 2016. He enjoys playing piano, lives with his family, their two Shih Tzus and a very special rescue Chihuahua.

 

 

 

 

 

Griffin Shaver plays Schwartz, is in 4th grade at Oak Grove Elementary in Roanoke and this is his second show with MMT. In the spring he played the role of The Boy in The Velveteen Rabbit after taking conservatory classes for several semesters. In addition to acting, Griffin enjoys singing and recently performed as a treble at Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church, where he sang Pie Jesu from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Requiem.

 

 

Helen Weathers is played by, Caroline Moledor, a 7th grade homeschool student who is so excited to be in A Christmas Story! She has most recently been seen in MMT’s production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Katie/Mrs. Van Tassle.) Other MMT credits include Willy Wonka Jr. (Matilda) and The Velveteen Rabbit (Ballerina Doll). She was also seen in RCT’s production of Seussical (Thing 2.) Her hobbies include playwriting, bucket drumming, and playing piano.

 

 

Mariah Eakin, plays the boy crazy Esther Jane, an 8th grader at North Cross School where she studies choral music.  She is a recent member of the All District and All State Middle School Honor Choirs.  She also enjoys dance and playing softball on her 16U Roanoke Blast team.  Mariah is very excited to return to MMT Main Stage in her first play.  She would like to thank her parents for supporting her love of theatre.

 

 

 

Graham Roudebush, Scut Farkas, is excited to be returning to the Mill Mountain stage after his recent portrayal of Grandpa George in Willy Wonka Jr., as well as haunting the Fishburn Mansion as one of the adolescent spectres in Dead Of Night. Premiering in MMT’s The Velveteen Rabbit, he has performed both in church and school talent shows, and has developed a love for classic American film and song.  As a student at Andrew Lewis Middle, he runs track and plays saxophone in both the jazz and concert bands.

 

 

James Moledor, performs in the ensemble understudying Ralphie, Flick, and Schwartz, he is excited to return to MMT after performing in Willy Wonka, Jr. (Mike TeaVee), The Velveteen Rabbit, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow as well as participating in conservatory classes. A 6th grade homeschool student, James has also been seen in RCT’s production of Seussical (JoJo u/s) and Take One Step at Peppercorn Theatre (Winston- Salem), among others.

 

 

Mia Gearhart, ensemble member and understudies Helen & Esther Jane, is 11 years old and attends Glenvar Middle. In October 2014 she was in The Boo Revue at Showtimers Theatre and played in Mill Mountain’s Wizard of Oz. The summer of 2015 she played in Beauty and the Beast Jr. at Mill Mountain Theatre. 2016 Mia was a tapping chimney sweep in Mary Poppins at Attic Productions. Summer 2017 was in Willy Wonka Jr. and recently finished In Dead of the Night for Mill Mountain Theatre. She loves taking her acting classes and spending time with family.

 

The Child Ensemble is rounded out with Parker Addison, Quinn Roudebush, and Madalene Long. Parker Addison is a 4 th grader at Mountain View Elementary School and studies at Miss Mona’s School of Dance & Performing Arts. 
Quinn Roudebush is making her Mill Mountain premiere in A Christmas Story. A veteran of the MMT summer camp experience, Quinn also sings in the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir. Madalene Long is in fifth grade at Crystal Spring Elementary. Having spent most of her life in Florida, she loves playing the trumpet, singing in the children’s choir at St. John’s Episcopal Church, and making everyone laugh.  

 

A Christmas Story runs December 6th-23rd on the Trinkle Main Stage at Mill Mountain Theatre. Tickets range from $20-40 and can be purchased online at millmountain.org or by calling 540-342-5740. Be sure to follow this production by searching the hashtag #LegLamp on social media.

 

Timothy Booth* and Julia VanderVeen* appear courtesy of Actor’s Equity Association.

Kick off your holiday season with the adaptation of the classic Christmas movie we all know and love! Tickets are already going fast to see the classic film A Christmas Story live on stage at Mill Mountain Theatre running December 6-23. Philip Grecian’s faithful theatrical adaptation closely follows the 1983 Turner Entertainment film.

 

“A Christmas Story is one of those movies that families watch every year as a tradition.  This holiday season MMT brings you the staged play that follows the movie very closely – you’ll recognize all your favorite lines and scenes: Red Ryder, Santa’s slide at Higbee’s, a stuck tongue, and a pink bunny suit!” says Director Travis Kendrick.  The only thing better than watching A Christmas Story, is watching it come to life before your eyes in a theatre!”

 

For Christmas, all 9-year-old Ralphie Parker wants is one thing: a genuine Red Ryder BB gun with a compass and this thing that tells time built right into the stock. But mother, teacher, and even the Santa Claus at Higbee’s Department Store tell him the same thing: “You’ll shoot your eye out.” Follow Ralphie’s quest for the gift of his dreams, all while enjoying the favorite elements from the movie.

 

The cast of 16 is full of Roanoke favorites, local talent, and professional actors, brought all the way from New York City. 7th Grader at Read Mountain Middle School, Sawyer Mullins, plays the child character of Ralphie Parker. Mullins was last seen on the Waldron Stage in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Scott Watson, Jorie Janeway, & Timothy Booth* all return to the MMT stage after performing in multiple Mill Mountain productions, with many as recent as this year’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Watson) and last year’s White Christmas (Janeway), to 26 years ago when Timothy Booth* performed classics like Jesus Christ Superstar, My Fair Lady, Me and My Girl and Tomfoolery for Roanoke audiences.

 

Producing Artistic Director, Ginger Poole is ecstatic to bring the classic story of A Christmas Story to life. “This is such a holiday favorite and we cannot wait to bring it to the MMT Stage for the first time!” she says. “I had fans of the movie quoting their favorite lines to me as early as Halloween and now that we are getting closer to the holiday season I am hearing more and more excitement about this show coming to the Roanoke Valley. Ticket sales are already shining bright and folks should not wait to buy their tickets for this one!”

 

A Christmas Story runs December 6th-23rd on the Trinkle Main Stage at Mill Mountain Theatre. Tickets range from $20-40 and can be purchased online at millmountain.org or by calling 540-342-5740. Be sure to follow this production by searching the hashtag #LegLamp on social media.

 

Timothy Booth* appears courtesy of Actor’s Equity Association.

Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory, the onsite, pre-professional training program at Mill Mountain Theatre, is seeking submissions of short plays for Write Stuff!, the second annual festival of new works penned by local students. The playwriting contest will have categories for Middle School and High School playwrights, and winning plays will be selected by a panel of Mill Mountain Theatre professional artists. The deadline for submissions is December 31st, 2017. The chosen plays will be performed as part of a festival of staged-readings on February 10, 2018 on the Waldron Stage. Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory students will act in the staged-readings directed by Mill Mountain Theatre staff.

 

Write Stuff! serves to connect Mill Mountain Theatre’s expanding education programming with its historical and ongoing commitment to new play development. Ginger Poole, Mill Mountain Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director, expressed excitement about the newest addition to Mill Mountain Theatre’s Young Audiences programming. “Beginning with the Norfolk Southern Festival of New Works and continuing through our partnership with the Hollins Playwrights Lab, new work has been an important element of Mill Mountain Theatre’s identity. Expanding that vision to invest in the development of young writers has been a desire of mine for several years, and I am thrilled that our education department now has the capacity to take on this effort.  Our inaugural festival was a success, and I look forward to bringing back the second annual festival and to watch its growth and success happen over the next several years.” she said.

 

The mission to encourage student authors is also in alignment with Mill Mountain Theatre’s pedagogical goals. “Write Stuff is an incredible experience for young artists to work on a new play process.  It isn’t often that young people get to be involved in brand new plays: learning how scripts change, how characters are developed, and how to work with a playwright in the room,” says Travis Kendrick, Mill Mountain Theatre’s Director of Education. “Last year, Mill Mountain Theatre gave this experience to three young playwrights, who got to see their words come to life onstage as other young actors embodied the characters that they had created.  The new plays performed to a full house, and each playwright participated in a talk back discussion with the audience afterwards,” he added.

 

Scripts, 10-15 minutes in length, should be formatted as PDFs and emailed to education@nullmillmountain.org with the subject line “Write Stuff! Submission.” The deadline for script submissions is December 31st, 2017. Winners will be notified by January 15th, 2018. Performance and presentation of winning plays will be February 10th, 2018 on MMT’s Waldron Stage.