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.

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!"

Skull reviews are in!!

From the Union Democrat


And from Sierra Lodestar

Good job, cast and crew!!

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.

Review!

A link to Lisa Millegan's Modesto Bee review of "Merchant."

Under director Graham Green's guidance, it all works and doesn't seem intrusive or gimmicky. It might help some younger audience members better enjoy the Bard's work.

Opening Weekend

What a whirlwind this has been! We are preparing to open on Friday, with a preview sponsored by the American Association of University Women Thursday night. Please come see the show, we are really proud of it and have been working very hard! See you at the amphitheatre!

Classic Shakespeare with a Wall-Street Twist

Come July, the Stevenot Winery Amphitheatre will be transformed into present-day Wall Street as Murphys Creek Theatre puts its modern twist on William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice.”
Proving that the Bard is, in fact, timeless, director Graham Scott Green leads his players in telling this story of greed, deceit, racial tension, friendship and enduring love. “Merchant” tells the tale of Shylock, a greedy moneylender who loans money to our merchant, Antonio, on behalf of his friend Bassanio, on the promise that, if the debt is not repaid, the lender will cut a pound of flesh from Antonio. Amused by Shylock’s request, Antonio gladly accepts the lender’s proposition. Fate turns against him, however, and Shylock comes to claim his due. Unable to intervene on Antonio’s behalf, the distraught Bassanio, finds an advocate in his love, Portia, but is she skilled enough to sway the Venetian council and spare Antonio’s life?
Playing in the picturesque amphitheatre at 2690 San Domingo Road, Murphys, “The Merchant of Venice” opens July 2 and plays Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 8. Curtain is at 8 p.m. Bring a picnic dinner and wine, or purchase some from the box office. Tickets cost $15 and are available at murphyscreektheatre.org or at the door. For more information call 728-8422.
After only 20 hours of rehearsal, the students of the MCT Mirror Project will present their version of “Merchant” in the same location on Aug. 2 and 3.
The Mirror Project is an intensive Shakespearean training and performance experience for students ages 9 to 16. Core classes include acting, text analysis, voice and movement and audition techniques, with additional specialty classes offered in stage combat, dance, acting with masks, acting for the camera and technical theater. Classes are taught by company actors performing in MCT’s summer repertory productions and by various guest artists, giving students an opportunity to work closely with a variety of professional theater artists. The final product of the conservatory will be a full-length public student production of “The Merchant of Venice” by William Shakespeare at the Cornelia B. Stevenot Performing Arts Center at Stevenot Winery.
The Mirror Project runs weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., from Wednesday, July 6, through Tuesday, Aug. 3, with some weekend rehearsals as well as two public performances on Sunday and Monday, Aug. 2 and 3.
There are still openings available for students interested in learning about Shakespeare and the theater arts. The cost for participation in the Mirror Project is $350. For more information, or to register for an audition, contact Murphys Creek Theatre at 728-8422 or education@murphyscreektheatre.org.

Poster!

Come see the show!



Poster by Tasha Unninayar, Illustrator Goddess.

Behind the Scenes with the Cast

A sweet interview on ThePineTree.net with the cast of "Laundry and Bourbon/Lone Star":

Meet Your Cast and Crew!!

From left: Cyndie Menard, Thom Heath, Lara Ford, Robert Zellers and Susannah Allatt.

We are so excited to present "Laundry and Bourbon/Lone Star," opening April 24 at the Black Bart Playhouse, 580 S. Algiers St., Murphys. For more information visit www.murphyscreektheatre.org.

Here is some vital information about the cast and crew:
Lara Ford (Elizabeth Caulder) – Lara is happy to be working at the Black Bart Playhouse for the first time! She appeared most recently at MCT as Gwendolyn in “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Other MCT shows include Rosalind in “As You Like It,” Rosie Pye in “Humble Boy” and Lady Olivia in “Twelfth Night.” She has also worked locally with Stage 3, SRT, MAC and CAR. Her favorite roles from Humboldt State University include Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet” and Frankie in “Voice of the Prairie.” She also co-wrote and appeared as Etty Hillisum in “An Interrupted Life, The Diaries of Etty Hillisum” while obtaining her geography degree at HSU. You may see her looking at your power lines some time soon as she works locally as a forester for ACRT. She would like to extend her deepest thanks to her family and tribe for their continued support, to Graham for all the fabulous roles that he has let her have fun with, to Susannah for all of her brilliant ideas over the years and to Matt for everything he does.

Cyndie Menard (Amy Lee Fullernoy) – Cyndie was born and raised here in the Calaveras Foothills, where she still resides today. Her theatrical career began in 1995 with the Metropolitan Players, when she appeared onstage for the first time since high school in “Guys & Dolls.” After being bitten by the theater bug, she would continue to be seen on foothill stages in such productions as “Bus Stop” and with Murphys Creek Theatre in “Crimes of the Heart,” “Tom Jones” and “A Servant of Two Masters.” During a brief move to the valley in the late ’90s, she accepted the role of lead vocalist of a rock ’n’ roll cover band for three years. In 1999 she formed Bombshell Entertainment, performing all over the foothills and the valley as Marilyn Monroe. In 2001, Cyndie discovered Kiley’s Dinner Theatre, where she has been seen in four Elly nominated plays: “Funny Money,” “Yorick & Company,” one of the singing Andrews sisters in “A Tribute to Abbott and Costello” and “Nearly Departed.” Other Kiley’s performances Cyndie has appeared in are “California Suite” and as the director of “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and “Flights of Fancy.” Some Foothill theatrical endeavors include Stage 3 productions “All Grown Up” and “Flights of Fancy.” Cyndie appeared in the original comedy “Southern Exposure” by Tom Amo at Smiler’s Comedy Playhouse in Stockton, a role for which she received a People’s Choice award for best supporting actress. In winter 2003, she directed the children’s Christmas musical “A Star Is Born” for the Shining Stars Drama Team in San Andreas. In February 2004, Cyndie appeared in the Shoe String Co-op production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” which she not only directed but appeared in as well, taking on the role of Audrey while rehearsing for Stockton Civic Theatre’s “Sugar,” in which she played the title role. Later in 2004 she appeared in “Laundry and Bourbon” as Hattie and “Nearly Departed” as Janice at Kiley’s Dinner Theatre. Cyndie started 2005 out at Kiley’s with “Flights of Fancy,” which she proudly directed. Later that year she appeared at the Empire Theatre in Tom Amo and Rob Chase’s “A Night Without Pants.” In 2006, Cyndie had the honor of performing in the San Francisco Fringe Festival in a revival of Rob Chase’s “Yorick and Co.” The rest of 2006 was devoted to working with youth, beginning with the Calaveras High School production of “Beauty and the Creep” followed closely by the Christian Family Learning Center’s Christmas production, “Miracle on Main St.” In 2007, Cyndie appeared in the Rising Phoenix Theatre production of “Early One Evening at the Rainbow Bar and Grill,” for which she received a nomination from the Sacramento Area Theatrical Alliance for best supporting actress in a dramatic role. Last year she was honored to join forces with Calaveras Children’s Repertory Theatre to direct “101 Dalmatians” at the Brett Harte Theater. CCRT will be right here at the Black Bart Playhouse in a production of “Guys & Dolls, Jr.” directed by Cyndie in June. It brings Cyndie great joy to be back on the Black Bart Playhouse stage, where she first worked with Graham Green in “Crimes of the Heart” back in 1995! She wishes to thank her three beautiful children – Pandora, Quinton and Chandler – as well as her loving husband, Louis, for all their love, support and encouragement.

Susannah Allatt (Hattie Dealing) – Susannah was most recently Sandra in “A Thousand Clowns” at Stage 3 Theatre. Also at Stage 3, she was Annelle in “Steel Magnolias” and before that she performed in “Greetings, Anton in Show Business” and “Flights of Fancy.” Prior to that, she performed in “The Last Night of Ballyhoo,” “The Crucible” and “My Fair Lady” at MAC. It has been many years since she did a play for MCT and she is thrilled to be involved with the Black Bart Playhouse.

Thom Heath (Cletis T. Fullernoy) – Thom is no stranger to the Black Bart stage. He has been a Player off and on since 1990, when he appeared in his first speaking part in “On the Bridge at Midnight.” Since than, he has “trod the BBP boards” many times, even going so far as to serve on its board of directors. He is excited to make his debut with Murphys Creek Theatre.

Sean Lewis (Roy Caulder) – Sean last appeared in the 2008 Black Bart Players production of “The White Sheep of the Family.” Before that he was seen in the 2006 BBP production of “Love, Sex and the IRS.” Raised in the Bay Area, Lewis now lives in San Andreas.

Robert Zellers (Ray Caulder) – Robert’s first foray into theatre was in Murphys Creek’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” Since then he has appeared as George Gibbs in Stage 3 Theatre’s production of “Our Town.” Zellers is a biochemistry major at the University of California, Merced, so he is balancing a full load of science classes with a part-time job in the laboratory while staying involved in theater on the weekends.


Graham Scott Green (Director) – Graham started Murphys Creek Theatre in 1994. Back then he and a few friends had an idea to bring a high-quality theater arts program to Murphys. Now, MCT attracts artists and audiences from all over the country and has developed an outstanding acting conservatory program for the children of our community. Green splits his time between the foothills and Sacramento, where he works for the B Street Theatre, Capital Stage, and Sacramento Theatre Company. Green also writes and produces interactive murder mysteries for his company, Mysteries Made.


Krissi Krob (Stage Manager) – Krissi is excited to be behind the scenes of this wonderful production. She is usually seen onstage, having been is such foothill productions as “The White Sheep of the Family,” “Stop the Presses!” and most recently as Wolf Moon Dance in MCT’s “Escanaba in da Moonlight.” Krissi would like to thank Graham for his infectious passion for theater, the cast for teaching her so much about the creative process, Kyle for putting up with her and Eric for just being Eric.


Kyle Eastman (Assistant Stage Manager) – Kyle is a 15-year-old sophomore at Bret Harte High School. This is his second time assistant stage managing at Murphys Creek Theatre. He enjoys working for MCT and can’t wait for the next show!


Joshua Steck (Managing Director, Lights) – Joshua is pleased to be part of the MCT venture. He has worked for MCT for several years doing scenic art and this year has accepted the position of managing director. He is looking forward to collaborating with Graham to achieve the vision of sharing art in the community. A filmmaker by trade, Joshua is organizing the first International Calaveras Film Festival, to take place at the Black Bart Playhouse, and will be teaching filmmaking classes in the educational program.

A Note From Our Artistic Director

Graham Scott Green is the artistic director/theater guru here at Murphys Creek Theatre. He is one of the founders of the company, and coordinates the wildly successful Mirror Project program in addition to direction zillions of plays. Here, Graham gives us some insight into our next play, "Laundry and Bourbon/Lone Star," opening April 24.

After the great success of “Escanaba in da Moonlight,” I didn’t want to return to obscurity for four months, so I had to come up with a show that would fit into the season. I have always loved the two one-act plays “Laundry and Bourbon” and “Lone Star.” Written as companion pieces, together they make up a play called “1959 Pink Thunderbird.” But I prefer the title “Laundry and Bourbon/Lone Star.” The pink Thunderbird figures in the story but is never really a part of the action. Conversely, laundry and bourbon are both prevelant in the first half of the show and Ray and Roy swill plenty of Lone Star in the second.

LBLS is now a period piece. Set in the mid ’70s in Maynard, Texas, Roy Caulder is having trouble getting anything started since coming back from Vietnam. I was concerned that it would seem a little antiquated. But it occurred to me that we are still dealing with those issues. Same issues, different war. Some things never change. And the issues of love and family that Elizabeth wrestles with in the first half are timeless. The question of where our heart decides to take itself and drag us along has been the same since time immemorial.

But what I really love about these plays is the way the playwright, James McLure, has crafted characters of depth and humor. Roy is a foulmouthed, self-absorbed redneck but his loyalty and deep love for his family and friends redeem his profanity. Ray may be a little slow, but his heart is in the right place. Hattie is a neurotic mess but her relationship with Elizabeth is unflappable. I think each of us can identify with at least a part of these characters and the struggles they are going through. That’s what makes this an excellent example of a well-crafted play.
I’ve been having a great time working on these shows. I’m working with fabulous actors and crew. I feel blessed that my job involves laughing a lot. There are times in rehearsal I have to stop for a chuckle break. I hope audiences will find this play as fun as I do.

Mirror Project Returns

Immersion into the theater arts at a young age can help youth gain greater self-esteem, develop critical thinking skills, learn how to express oneself and make new friends, in addition to myriad other benefits.
Murphys Creek Theatre is now accepting entrants into its popular and educational summer Mirror Project program, the culmination of which will be a production of a Shakespeare play performed in the beautiful amphitheatre at Stevenot Winery.
The Mirror Project is an intensive Shakespearean training and performance experience for students ages 9 to 16. Core classes include acting, text analysis, voice and movement and audition techniques, with additional specialty classes offered in stage combat, dance, acting with masks, acting for the camera and technical theater. Classes are taught by company actors performing in MCT's summer repertory productions and by various guest artists, giving students an opportunity to work closely with a variety of professional theater artists. The final product of the conservatory will be a full-length public student production of “The Merchant of Venice” by William Shakespeare at the Cornelia B. Stevenot Performing Arts Center at Stevenot Winery.
The Mirror Project runs weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., from Wednesday, July 6, through Tuesday, Aug. 3, with some weekend rehearsals as well as two public performances on Sunday and Monday, Aug. 2 and 3.
The cost for participation in the Mirror Project is $350. For more information, or to register for an audition, contact Murphys Creek Theatre at 728-8422 or education@murphyscreektheatre.org.

New Play! New Play!

It’s getting’ hot in here! Starting April 24, Murphys Creek Theatre is going to the one-horse town of Maynard, Texas, with its production of “Laundry and Bourbon” and “Lone Star”

Two plays, two hot summer days, lots of laughter at the one and only Black Bart Playhouse, 580 S. Algiers St., Murphys.

“Laundry and Bourbon” is set on the front porch of Roy and Elizabeth’s home in little ol’ Maynard on a hot summer afternoon. Elizabeth and her friend Hattie are enjoying the afternoon sipping on bourbon and Coke, folding laundry, watching TV and gossiping about the “oh so many secrets” to be found in an “oh so small town.” But then, self-righteous Amy Lee reveals a secret that will ... shh ...should I tell?

In “Lone Star,” we find ourselves sitting in the cluttered backyard of a Texas bar. Roy, the brawny, macho type who had once been a local high-school hero, is back in town after a stint serving in Vietnam and is trying to re-establish his position in the community. Joined by his younger brother, Ray (who worships him), Roy, in a comedic drunken stupor, tells Ray tales of military and amorous exploits. But with the arrival of Cletis, the fatuous, newlywed son of the local hardware store owner, the underpinnings of Roy’s world begin to collapse …

“Laundry and Bourbon” and “Lone Star” open at 8 p.m. Friday, April 24, at the Black Bart Playhouse, and then play at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through May 17. Matinees will play at 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets cost $15 and are available at murphyscreektheatre.org or by calling 728-8422.

Encore! Encore!

Eric Owens, left, David Betts and Mike Crich are the Soady clan, returning for a final performance of “Escanaba in da Moonlight” March 29.


Murphys Creek Theatre will present one final production of its spring comedy, “Escanaba in da Moonlight,” at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at the Black Bart Playhouse, 580 S. Algiers St., Murphys. The show opened Feb. 19 and ran through March 8 but, thanks to fantastic reception by audiences, the cast and crew were requested to do one encore performance.
Directed by Graham Green, “Escanaba” tells the story of the Soady family, who reunite for the opening day of deer season at the family’s Upper Peninsula camp. A son, 35-year-old Rueben Soady, brings with him the infamous reputation of being the oldest Soady in the history of the Soadys to never bag a buck. In a hunting story to beat all hunting stories, “Escanaba in da Moonlight” spins a hilarious tale of humor, horror and heart as Rueben goes to any and all lengths to remove himself from the wrong end of the family record book.
For more information call Murphys Creek Theatre at 728-8422 or the Black Bart Players at 728-8842. Tickets cost $15 each and are available at murphyscreektheatre.org.