2010 Season Auditions Rescheduled

Murphys Creek Theatre has rescheduled its 2010 season auditions on account of the snowstorm. The auditions will start at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, at the Black Bart Playhouse, 580 S. Algiers St., Murphys.
Men and women ages 16 and up are needed for the troupe’s 2010 productions of “Tally’s Folly,” “Flights of Fancy,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (performed under the stars at the Stevenot Winery Amphitheatre,” “Into the Woods” (also performed at the amphitheatre), “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” and “The Gifts of the Magi: A Christmas Musical.”
Actors should bring a resume, current headshot and prepared monologue to the auditions. Actors interested in “Into the Woods” should have a song prepared. Appointments are required and can be made by calling Artistic Director Graham Green at 728-8422 or e-mailing ad@murphyscreektheatre.org.
Murphys Creek Theatre is a small, professionally oriented theater company located in Murphys. Founded in 1994, the company produces the annual “Theatre Under the Stars” outdoor summer theater festival at the Cornelia B. Stevenot Performing Arts Center at Stevenot Winery. For more information visit murphyscreektheatre.org.

Murphys Creek Theatre presents noel nonsense

Break out the tinsel, dust off the ornaments, wrap up those Thanksgiving leftovers and head to the Black Bart Playhouse Nov. 27 to see “Every Christmas Story Ever Told,” a holiday journey through, well, every holiday tale you can imagine.
Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ BHC (Beloved Holiday Classic) for the umpteenth time, three Murphys Creek Theatre actors (Sean M. Lewis, Allison Blackwell and Stephen Daily) decide to present a complete collection of Christmas classics – abridged. The madcap romp includes hilarious renditions of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” along with Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times and topical pop culture … and of course, every carol ever sung.
Join Allison, Sean and Stephen as they explore Christmas – from ridiculous and over-the-top commercialism to the true meaning of the holiday spirit – starting Friday, Nov. 27. Curtain rises at 8 p.m. and the show plays at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 19, with 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays through Dec. 20. The theater is at 580 Algiers St., Murphys.
The Murphys Creek Theatre troupe invites you to give the gift of theater this year, as ticket prices have been lowered for this special holiday season. Tickets to “Every Christmas Story Ever Told” cost $7 children 12 and under and $12 for seniors 60 and older. Adult tickets cost $15 each. To purchase tickets, visit murphyscreektheatre.org or call 728-8422. Tickets are also available at the door.

"Faithful" Postponed

Due to a cast injury, the opening of Murphys Creek Theatre's "Faithful" at the Black Bart Playhouse has been postponed for one week. The show will open at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, and will play at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 15 at the Black Bart Playhouse, 580 S. Algiers St., Murphys. Tickets cost $15 and are available at murphyscreektheatre.org, the box office or by calling 728-8422.

Don't Miss "Faithful!"

"Faithful" opens Oct. 23 at the Black Bart Playhouse! This sexy thriller stars Cyndie Menard, Bruce Cole and Tom Vannucci. We hope to see you there! Get your tickets here.

Here are some publicity stills of the stellar cast:

'Faithful' Comes to Murphys

“Faithful is when you’ve got more to lose than gain.” – Chazz Palminteri, “Faithful”

How far would you go to find out if your lover is being true? Murphys Creek Theatre’s explores one such story starting Oct. 23 at the Black Bart Playhouse with “Faithful,” a play by Chazz Palminteri.
This comedy thriller revolves around a hitman and his target. Tony, the cool killer, has his world turned upside-down by Maggie, who planned to commit suicide on the night she was to be his victim. Distraught over her failing marriage to Jack, who she suspects is having an affair, Maggie learned that Jack hired Tony to kill her because he thinks she is unfaithful.
Tony’s presence awakens Maggie’s desire to live, and she begins to fight for her life, coming at Tony from all angles – physically and mentally. A strange symbiotic relationship develops that propels the story through a series of violent and comical twists, with Jack’s arrival pushing the tension up a notch. Roles and allegiances shift. Who hired whom? Is Tony a hitman? Is Jack a cold-blooded killer or a betrayed husband? Are Tony and Maggie conspiring? And, ultimately, who will die?
“Faithful” opens at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, and then plays at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 15 at the Black Bart Playhouse, 580 S. Algiers St., Murphys. Tickets cost $15 and are available at murphyscreektheatre.org, the box office or by calling 728-8422.

MCT holds auditions for new thriller

Murphys Creek Theatre Company will hold auditions for its upcoming drama, “Faithful,” from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at the Black Bart Playhouse, 580 S. Algiers St., Murphys.
This comedy thriller revolves around a hit man and his target. Tony, the cool killer, has his world turned upside-down by Maggie, who planned to commit suicide on the night she was to be his victim. Distraught over her failing marriage to Jack, whom she suspects is having an affair, Maggie learns that Jack hired Tony to kill her because he thinks she is unfaithful. A strange symbiotic relationship develops that propels the story through a series of violent and comical twists.
Director Graham Green is seeking men in their 20s to late 30s to audition for the role of Tony, an Italian thug. Interested actors should bring a current headshot and resume for the audition, which will consist of a cold reading from the scrip.
“Faithful” opens Oct. 23 and plays at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 15. For more information call 728-8422 or visit murphyscreektheatre.org. “Faithful” is rated R.

Closing Weekend!

We are sad to see "A Skull in Connemara" come to an end at MCT. This has been a wonderfully moving show featuring a talented cast skilled in the timing and delivery of dark, powerful humor. The reviews have been outstanding, and MCT could not be prouder. Please don't miss "A Skull in Connemara," playing at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a final performance matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets available here.
It's a been a great run and we'll see you next time for "Faithful!"

Rummage Sale!!

Murphys Creek Theatre will host a fundraiser rummage sale Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20, at the troupe’s new year-round venue, the Black Bart Playhouse in Murphys.
Props and set pieces will be for sale, including kitchenware and vintage items. Also, the MCT crew has cleaned out the costume loft and will have a variety of vintage, handmade and contemporary costumes on sale. This is an opportunity not only to find some cool treasures, but also to support nonprofit theatre in your community!
The rummage sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 19 and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sept 20 in the lobby and in front of the theater, 580 S. Algiers St., Murphys. Murphys Creek is also seeking donations for the rummage sale. Any small to medium-sized household items or clothing in good condition that you want to get rid of, we’ll take off your hands! You can drop it off at the theater between noon and 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, or call 728-8422 and we’ll come get it for you!
Donations are tax-deductible. All proceeds benefit Murphys Creek Theatre, a nonprofit community theater offering plays year-round at the Black Bart Playhouse and Under the Stars at the Stevenot Winery Amphitheatre. MCT also offers a variety of educational programs, including Afternoon Arts and the Mirror Project, an intensive conservatory to teach young people the works of Shakespeare.
For more information about the rummage sale, or any of Murphys Creek Theatre’s programs, call 728-8422 or visit murphyscreektheatre.org.

Skull reviews are in!!

From the Union Democrat


And from Sierra Lodestar

Good job, cast and crew!!

Afternoon Arts Comes to MCT

As part of its efforts to engage area children in the performing arts, Murphys Creek Theatre has announced the inception of its Afternoon Arts program, an opportunity for children to learn various aspects of the arts after school.
“The mission of the afternoon arts program is to provide a broad-based theater arts educational experience to elementary- and high school-aged children in our community, aimed at the development of skills for creative expression, reading, writing, critical thinking, social development and aesthetic appreciation,” said Artistic Director Graham Scott Green.
One of the goals of the program is to assist the Calaveras County Office of Education in achieving a high-quality, standards-based arts education.
“A natural product of a quality after-school arts program is the reinforcement of the other essential areas of our California state schools curriculum,” Green said. “To be a well-rounded artist or arts organization, one must be continually learning about the state of the arts, playing the craft and passing the craft to the next generation. To that end, MCT is very interested in working with the schools in the county to maximize resources to deliver a high-quality, standards-based art instruction.”
Students will receive training in singing, acting and filmmaking, with each session taught by a professional in the field. Classes will begin Sept. 9 and will run through Nov. 4 at the Black Bart Playhouse, 580 S. Algiers St., Murphys. Cost per student is $300, and according to board member Gloria Zweers, the fee breaks down to about $6 per hour. Classes will be held as follows:
• Introduction to Performance: 3 to 5 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday; ages 7 to 12. This program is designed for young students interested in learning about acting and singing. The program will be geared toward beginning performers and will focus on fundamental skills and vocabulary.
• Introduction to Singing: 3 to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; offered as part of the Introduction to Performance category, this class is designed to cover the fundamentals of vocal production and basic music theory such as tempo, rhythm and melody. Singers will begin to develop a basic repertoire of vocal music and lyrics while becoming aware of the positive powers of their voice.
• Introduction to Acting: 4 to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; offered as part of the Introduction to Performance category, this class is designed to give beginning students a basic understanding of the craft of acting. Topics to be covered will include theater vocabulary, sound and vocal intonation, movement, body language, props, sets, theatrical gestures, improvisational games and fundamental performing skills. Students are encouraged to explore their imaginations and learn to communicate ideas while learning to be comfortable with themselves and develop confidence.
• Introduction to Filmmaking: 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; ages 13 to 17. This program is geared toward students with some experience in theater. It will explore the differences between acting for the state and for the camera, as well as the process of making a film from inception through storyboard to post-production and presentation. This is an immersion-based program in which students will participate in the creation of an original short film. Josh Steck, director of photography and a film producer, will teach the technical aspects of filmmaking while Green will work with students on developing a screenplay.
About the instructors
• Gloria Zweers (Introduction to Singing): Zweers is the director of the MCT signers from the Afternoon Arts program. She has been a credentialed classroom music teacher for the state of California for more than 30 years. She was a director of youth choirs and youth and adult musical productions for schools districts and many community organizations before her recent move to Murphys.
• Cyndie Menard (Introduction to Acting): Menard is a certified para-educator who works with children with special educational and physical needs. She has taught students, both as a junior high language arts teacher and through her tutoring services, since 1996. She currently works as a media specialist at Jenny Lind Elementary School. Menard first worked with Murphys Creek Theatre in 1995. Since then, she has performed with Kiley’s Dinner Theatre in Lodi, as well as numerous theaters in the Central Valley and Bay Area. She has been recognized by Smiler’s Comedy Playhouse, where she received a People’s Choice Award for Best Supporting Actress, and by the Sacramento Regional Theatrical Alliance with an Elly nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Dramatic Role. Menard has directed numerous children’s shows for schools and theater groups.
• Josh Steck (Introduction to Filmmaking): Steck is a director of photography by trade. He was worked on several films, including “Hemmet” and “Ambassadors Day.” He was an early staff member of the Idyllwild School for the Arts.
• Graham Green (Screenplay): Green has been involved in every aspect of theater for the past 20 years. In 2000, he started the Mirror Project, and advanced acting conservatory focusing on teaching children Shakespeare’s plays as scripts. Prior to that, he taught drama workshops at Mountain Oaks School and the Columbia Actors Repertory’s young people’s conservatory. Green is one of the founding members of MCT and remains its producing artistic director. He has directed numerous plays and has written several interactive murder mysteries for his company, Mysteries Made.
According to its mission statement, Murphys Creek Theatre is a regional arts organization whose mission seeks to create outstanding performances, engagement with its audiences and leadership within the community. Its board of directors endeavors to create a diverse body of work that reflects that highest artistic standards and seeks to maintain an environment in which talented artists can do their best work. The company strives to engage audiences in an ongoing dialogue of ideas and encourage lifelong learning as a core community value through productions, outreach and education.
Founded in 1994, MCT has produced productions outdoors at Stevenot Winery since 1998. In 2000, MCT began the highly acclaimed Mirror Project, an advanced conservatory experience for students aged 9 to 16. Since then, hundreds of children in the community have learned about William Shakespeare the way his plays were presented – as scripts, not literature. Many of the alumni of the program are now studying drama at universities or are performing professionally.
For more information about the Afternoon Arts program, or to register, call 728-3991 or e-mail info@murphyscreektheatre.org.

Murphys Creek gets down to bare bones with ‘Skull’

When the past is buried it is forgotten, forever. Or is it? Suspend your thoughts and watch as Mick Dowd learns that some secrets have no choice but to resurface...
Murphys Creek Theatre takes us to the Emerald Isle starting Aug. 14 to present “A Skull in Connemara,” playing at the Black Bart Playhouse.
For one week each autumn, Mick Dowd is hired to disinter the bones in certain sections of his local cemetery to make room for new arrivals. As the time approaches for him to dig up the bones of his own late wife, strange rumors start to circulate in the small community regarding Mick’s involvement in her sudden death seven years ago.
The third MCT performance at the Black Bart Playhouse since January, “Skull” is written by Martin McDonough and directed by Graham Scott Green. It stars Tom Vannucci, Sheila Doyle, Robert Zellers and Sean M. Lewis.
The show opens Aug. 14 and plays at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 6.
Tickets cost $15 and are available at 728-8422, murphyscreektheatre.org or at the door. The Black Bart Playhouse is at 580 S. Algiers St., Murphys.