2007-2008 Season

A Thousand Clowns

On October 5th, The Dorset Players kicked off their 80th anniversary season of quality community theatre with Herb Gardner’s 1962 comedy, "A Thousand Clowns."

Set in New York City, the play tells the tale of Murray Burns, a likeable eccentric who is raising his nephew, Nick, a thirteen-year old genius. Murray considers himself a Renaissance man, and wishes to pass that on to his charge, even if that means skipping school to attend movies. This eventually puts Murray in hot water with the Bureau of Child Welfare, and Murray is faced with changing his ways to become what would more commonly be viewed as a fit guardian. The appreciative audiences enjoyed plenty of laughs, and experienced many poignant moments, too.

Tom Melcher, who has appeared as the Jester in the Players’ 2005 production of "Once Upon a Mattress" and more recently in a myriad of roles in "The Dining Room", played the role of ex-TV writer Murray. Jamie Abrams, who appeared in Oldcastle Theatre Company’s production of "On Golden Pond" this summer, portrayed his gifted nephew and ward, Nick.

Rounding out the cast were Paul Schreiber as social worker Albert Amundson; Christy Vogel as Dr. Sandra Markowitz, the young psychologist who becomes Murray’s love interest; Bob Fry as Murray’s more down-to-earth brother and agent; and Charlie Schubert as Chuckles the Chipmunk, a hilarious television character who once employed Murray as a writer. This wonderful production brought back memories for Charlie, who in 1974, played Murray in the Players’ previous production of this marvelous play.

Director Steve Sinding wishes to thank everyone involved for pulling together and making the production such a success.

The Velveteen Rabbit

In December, the Players reprised an old favorite, "The Velveteen Rabbit", a delightful musical adaptation of the classic children’s book by Margery Williams. Performances were held on December 7 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and on December 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 2:00 p.m.

For those not familiar with the story, "The Velveteen Rabbit" follows the travails of a Velveteen Rabbit that, after the holidays, finds itself in the toy cupboard with the other toys. Through the Skin Horse, it learns that a toy that is really loved can become real. Scoffed at by most of the other toys, the Rabbit feels equally out of place when it is plopped down among the live animals of the forest until it learns just what love is.

Director Kevin O’Toole, who directed last season’s holiday production, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", together with Musical Director Joanne Beck, marshaled a wonderful cast of 29 children and adults from seven area towns. The cast included James Moore III, who appeared last May in the children’s chorus as part of the Players’ production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", as the Boy.

The cast also starred Elizabeth Serafen as the Velveteen Rabbit. Elizabeth played an "Oompa-Loompa" in last December’s production of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

The young cast featured Sydney Beck as an officious fire truck, as well as Aaryn Vaughan, Lauren Keyes, Melissa Oliva, Harrison Downey, Frances Yackel, Kya Davis, Martha Degnon, and Eliza Breed as some rather haughty wooden soldiers. Martha and Eliza also portray Muggsy and Buggsy, two wild rabbits who greet their velveteen counterpart with hilarious skepticism.

Among the adults in the company, John Faraci, who caused many a guffaw as Mr. Salt in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," tackled the challenging role of the sage-like Skin Horse. Susan Altoft, who played the Queen in the Players’ 2005 production of "Once Upon A Mattress," put her personal stamp on the pivotal role of a tough-as-nails Nana.

Kevin and Joanne thank all of the marvelous cast and crew, particularly Costume Maven Suzi Dorgeloh and her sewing minions, Mary Manzi, Jen Shaw, Terry Downey, and Stephanie Breed. Once again, ‘twas a gas!

Cinderella

The Missoula Children’s Theatre returned in late January to produce two performances of "Cinderella," an original adaptation of the classic fairy tale which offered area children and their parents an additional opportunity to experience the magic of theatre on-stage and in area schools.

A pumpkin coach, Prince Charming, a glass slipper and a dream come true were woven together by the magic of a Fairy Godmother in this enchanting musical. When Cinderella’s stepsisters tried to keep Cinderella from attending the ball, the Fairy Godmother enlisted the help of the Mice and the Pumpkins and was able to transform Cinderella just in time for the big event. Also featured in the production were Cleo the Cat, Fido the Dog, the Lords and Ladies, the Town Criers, the King and the Beggars.

A fun time was had by a cast of over 50 area children in this unique twist on the beloved story.

Amadeus

The Dorset Players continued their 80th anniversary season with "Amadeus", Peter Shaffer’s celebrated play of a mediocre 18th century composer, Antonio Salieri, who is haunted by his lone recognition of the genius of his contemporary, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Brilliantly meshing historical truth with considerable dramatic license, the play, skillfully directed by Janet Groom, reintroduced audiences to the sheer beauty of "The Magic Flute", "The Marriage of Figaro" and "Don Giovanni" as it painted Mozart as an immature, obscene brat.

Performances of "Amadeus" were held at the Dorset Playhouse on Cheney Road in Dorset, Vermont on March 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 8:00 p.m. There were matinee performances at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 9 and Sunday, March 16.

The talented cast was led by Peter Langstaff as Salieri, Chris Restino as Mozart and Christy Vogel as his playful wife and partner, Constanze. The ensemble also included Tom Melcher and Kevin O’Toole, as the Venticelli, a sort of 18th century version of "Page Six" tabloid gossip mongers, as well as Paul Schreiber as Emperor Franz Joseph and Errol Hill, Ron Nagle, and Todd Houston as his officious courtier and musical mavens.

Rounding out the cast as Katerina Cavelieri, Mrs. Salieri, Saleri’s cook and valet, were Justine Cook, Becky Nawrath, Bob Bushnell, and Jim Anderson, respectively. An assemblage of citizens were portrayed by Steve Trout, Molly Nawrath, and Pam Johnston.

At the performance of "Amadeus" on Saturday, March 16th, something remarkable happened. Christy Vogel, who had shined in her portrayal of Mozart’s young wife, Constanze, fell ill and was unable to perform that evening. Danielle Boudreau, who had been acting as assistant stage manager in the wings, stepped into Christy’s shoes, as well as her dress and wig, and the performance went off without so much as a hitch. What a trouper!

5th Annual One-Act Play Festival

The Dorset Players’ Fifth Annual One-Act Play Festival was held at the Dorset Playhouse on Cheney Road in Dorset, Vermont on Friday, April 4 and on Saturday, April 5.

Each season, the One-Act Play Festival affords fledgling directors and actors an opportunity to spread their wings in a shorter format. This year, the line-up included a set of three short pieces by acclaimed playwright David Mamet: "Two Scenes," "Yes But So What," and "Two Conversations." Directed by Mark Vaughan, the casts included Chris Restino, Todd Houston, and Christy Vogel, who portrayed Mozart, Count Von Swieten, and Constanze, respectively, in the Dorset Players’ recent production of "Amadeus." Tyros Anastasia Satterwaite and Amber Rae Mitchinson made their on-stage debut with the Players.

Danielle Boudreau, who last Spring directed Burr & Burton Academy’s production of Woody Allen’s one-act play "God," and most recently, appeared as Constanze in the final two performances of "Amadeus," directed several scenes from "True West" by playwright Sam Shepard. Seasoned performers Tom Melcher and Ron Nagle, who appeared as Venticelli 1 and as Count Orsini-Rosenberg in "Amadeus, respectively, offered visceral portrayals of two brothers in the drama. Debbie Goldman, who was featured in one of last season’s one-act plays, "The Twelve- Pound Look," played the siblings’ mother.

Dom Degnon, who has taught acting elsewhere and appeared as the Baker and one of Joseph’s eleven brothers in the Players’ 2007 production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," directed "Out to Sea" by Slawomir Mrozek, a somewhat flippant take on the choices faced by survivors left adrift on a raft. The cast included Paul Schreiber, who appeared as Emperor Joseph in "Amadeus," as well as Claude Delucia, Elizabeth Karet, and Adrian Eberth. Kevin O’Toole made a cameo appearance as a dutiful butler.

The Dorset Players highlighted their 80th anniversary season with "Celebrating the Past: A Musical Revue Featuring Performers From Past Productions." The one-time concert performance was held at the Dorset Playhouse on Cheney Road in Dorset, Vermont on Friday, April 25th. Board member Joanne Beck volunteered her considerable talents as accompanist. Board member Kevin O’Toole emceed.

Among the thirty-one thespians performing twenty-two numbers from sixteen past productions were Charlie Schubert of Middletown Springs, who reprised his 1980 turn as Nicely Nicely by singing the title number in "Guys and Dolls," as well as cooing Og the Leprechaun’s lament of "When I’m Not Near The Girl I Love" from the 1981 Players’ production of "Finian’s Rainbow."

There was a simply loverly rendition of "I Could Have Danced All Night" by Danielle Wilson of Whitehall, New York, who in 2004 played Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady." As then, Danielle was aided by maids Kathleen Wilson of Whitehall, Lynne Worth and Julie Citron of Dorset, and Becky Nawrath as Mrs. Pearce.

The evening also featured Errol Hill of Manchester, who in 1994 portrayed the lovelorn Charlie Dalyrimple, rendering his interpretation of "Come to Me, Bend to Me." Anne D’Olivo of Londonderry, who charmed audiences as Anna in 2002's production of "The King and I," will revisit "Hello Young Lovers." Peter Langstaff of Dorset and Mary Kate Marcellus of Londonderry, who romanced as King Arthur and Guenevere in 1998's "Camelot," pondered "What Do the Simple Folk Do?"

Two separate versions of the character of Nellie Forbush from "South Pacific" appeared on-stage as Jane Davis, who played the cock-eyed, optimistic nurse in 1982, performed "Honey Bun" with wag Fred LaTorella as sailor Luther Billis. Barbara Ax, who charmed audiences as Nellie in 2000, reprised her performance of "I’m In Love With A Wonderful Guy."

Jane Davis and Fred LaTorella also revisited their portrayals of Miss Adelaide and her reluctant fiancee, Nathan Detroit, performing "Sue Me" from 1980's "Guys and Dolls." Ax, who delighted audiences in 1996 as Carrie in "Carousel," also sang "When The Children Are Asleep" with Kevin O’Toole, who stepped in as the ambitious Mr. Snow.

Willie Ferrone and Susie Reiss, who in 1993 portrayed Curly and Laurie in "Oklahoma," sang the duet, "People Will Say We’re In Love." The night also featured Reiss’s revisiting "Goodnight My Someone", from her 1995 role as Marion the librarian in "The Music Man," as well as Ferrone’s memorable rendition of "If Ever I Would Leave You" from 1998's Players’ production of "Camelot."

Lyric soprano Julie Citron sang the prologue from 2007's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." From that show, Ramsay Gourd (Levi), together with Bob Bushnell (Jacob), Cody Garay (Benjamin), Errol Hill (Napthali), Kevin O’Toole (Simeon), Jack Alosa (Zebulun) Riggs Alosa (Gad) Denny Rogers (Dan), Dom Degnon (Issachar), Joseph Steller (Reuben) & Martha Degnon (choir angel), warbled "One More Angel in Heaven."

Mark McChesney, who audiences heard, but never saw as the man-eating plant Audrey II in 2006's "Little Shop of Horrors," performed the rocker "Feed Me" with a game Peter Langstaff, standing in as Seymour.

All ticket proceeds from the evening were earmarked to defray costs to repair significant damage to the Playhouse rehearsal room and other basement areas caused by recent flooding. If your means allow, you can make a monetary contribution to the flood fund by mailing a check to The Dorset Players, Inc., P.O. Box 521, Dorset, VT 05251. Write "flood" on the check so that it will be earmarked properly.

Gypsy

The Dorset Players will bring down the curtain on their 80th anniversary season with "Gypsy", considered one of the finest musicals in Broadway history. Proudly sponsored by Mettowee Mill Nursery, Casella Waste Management and Battenkill Real Estate, performances will be at the Dorset Playhouse on Cheney Road in Dorset, Vermont at 8:00 p.m. on May 15-17 and May 22-24. In addition, there will be matinees on May 18 and 25 at 2:00 p.m.

With music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by Arthur Laurents, the show, which took Broadway by storm when it opened in 1959, depicts the early life of the one-time undisputed queen of burlesque and the most famous stripper in America, Gypsy Rose Lee, and her strong-voiced, strong-willed mother, Rose.

Over the past three months, Director Suzi Dorgeloh and Musical Director Linda Hueckel have marshaled a large and talented cast to ensure that "everything is coming up roses." Newcomer Linda Crepeau of Manchester takes the lead in the musically demanding role of Mama Rose, created as a vehicle for the great Ethel Merman and played over the years by the likes of Bernadette Peters, Tyne Daly and now Patti Lapone on Broadway. Winning the title role of Gypsy Rose Lee is Danielle Wilson of nearby Whitehall, New York, who received rave reviews for her performance as Eliza Doolittle in the Players’ 2004 production of "My Fair Lady."

Balancing those two powerful female stars, the ever-versatile Mark McChesney, well known to Dorset Playhouse audiences for his roles in "My Fair Lady" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," will play Mama Rose’s agent and love interest, Herbie.

The roles of Baby June and Dainty June will be played by Bailey Ring of Manchester and Hannah Thorn of Dorset respectively. The role of Baby Louise--Gypsy Rose Lee as a child, will be played by Frances Yackel of Pawlet. Bumping and grinding along as the three show-stopping strippers, Tessie Tura, Electra and Mazeppa, will be Claire North and Heidi Johnson of Manchester, as well as Margaret McChesney, of Pawlet.

Devin Johnson, Heidi Johnson’s son, will display his tap-dancing talents in the role of Tulsa, Gypsy’s young romantic interest and member of the dance team that backs up the Let Me Entertain You - Dainty June numbers. Other dance team members include Margaret McChesney, (who also plays several other roles), Adrian Eberth, of West Pawlet, Jack McChesney of Pawlet, and Cody Garay of East Dorset. Back-up singers and dancers include Martha Degnon of Danby, Hannah Phelps of Sandgate, and Gina-Marie Falso of Whitehall, N.Y., Laura Amatruto of Manchester and Izzy Kratzer of North Bennington.

Playing other children are Anna Foster and Olivia McChesney, both of Pawlet; Sam Kratzer of North Bennington, Kya Davis and Pitor Sowulewska of Manchester; and Owen Barclay of Sunderland. Rounding out the cast are Annette and Garry Sharon of Peru, Dom Degnon and Bob Bushnell of Pawlet, Denny Rogers and Basia Sowulewska of Manchester, Todd Houston of Arlington, and Bill Wightman of Dorset. Appearing in cameo as Mr. Goldstone will be East Dorset resident Bob Davidson.

The box office for "Gypsy" will be open daily from 2:00 p.m., beginning May 9. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for those under 19. For tickets, call (802) 867-5777 beginning May 9. To reserve tickets early, call the Dorset Players office at 867-5570.