Auditions in Round Rock for Romeo and Juliet, adapted from William Shakespeare, Penfold Theatre, October 19, 2013

Hello friends, on Saturday, October 19th, we'll be holding auditions for Romeo & Juliet. You'll find all information below. If you're interested - and I hope you are - you may reply to this email for an audition time. We'd love to see you there! 
Ryan Crowder,  Producing Artistic Director


Shakespeare’s tale of young lovers swept into a catastrophic vortex of misunderstandings, secrets and fate is one of the most beloved stories of all time. In this fresh adaptation for five actors, Romeo and Juliet, the son and daughter of two noble families locked in an old feud, are irresistibly drawn to each other. Defying the hatred and distrust surrounding them, they dare to believe they can, and must, be together. Click here for a full synopsis of the play.

(www.penfoldtheatre.com)

Romeo & Juliet is the fourth production in the “Penfold in the Park” series, an annual offering of free, outdoor summer theatre, made possible by a partnership with the Round Rock Parks & Recreation Dept. Performances take place in the amphitheater of Centennial Plaza, just blocks away from historic downtown Round Rock. Romeo & Juliet is directed by Steven Pounders and runs June 5-28, 2014. For more information, please visit the show's webpage.


Audition Information Saturday, October 19^th at ArtSpace, 221 E. Main Street, Round Rock, TX 78664. (Map it) All roles are paid. Please email Ryan Crowder at rcrowder@penfoldtheatre.org. If you are available only during certain times, please tell us so. We'll send you a confirmation email with your audition time.

Please bring a headshot and resume. You will receive sides from the show after your audition time has been confirmed. You are welcome to memorize your sides but are not required to. It is more important to us that we see how you act truthfully as the character; how you handle Shakespeare's verse; and (in the case of some roles) how you distinguish mentally / physically / vocally between multiple characters. Callbacks are tentatively scheduled for Saturday the 26^th


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Character Assignments

Player 1. (Male) Romeo. Player 2. (Female) Juliet, Benvolio. Player 3. (Male or female) Tybalt, Montague, Lady Capulet, Peter.
Player 4. (Male or female) Capulet, Mercutio, Friar Laurence, Balthasar.
Player 5. (Male or female) Prince, Paris, Nurse.

Red by John Logan, Penfold Theatre at Trinity Street, September 12 - 29, 2013

by Dr. David Glen Robinson


Red is a tragedy, make no mistake, but it is one in love with life, and most especially with the color red. As with the very best plays, Red tells everything plainly to the audience. The promotional material for the play is full of piquant quotations from the script, by way of Mark Rothko, the central character. My favorite, not in any of the cut-lines is: “There is tragedy in every brushstroke.”

Ryan Crowder, Steven Pounder (photo: Kimberley Mead)

And so the tragedy played itself out, revolving around the modernist abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko and set in his warehouse-y lower Manhattan studio. The time of the play was the peak of Rothko’s career, when he was painting his commission for murals for the Four Seasons restaurant in the Seagram building in Manhattan. 

 At the time, it was the most valuable art commission ever, paying $35,000. The commissioner was the architect Philip Johnson through his patron, international modernist architect Mies van der Rohe, perhaps the reigning art god of the twentieth century, who changed history more profoundly even than Picasso. 

 These were heady times, indeed, a few years past Jackson Pollock’s death (which Rothko insisted was suicide) at a point at which a few thinkers like Rothko saw Pop Art coming to replace all the abstract expressionists and knew it would be a painful death.

Penfold Theatre’s production of Red is a major score; they have captured the Austin premiere of this John Logan play, a Tony award winner, first staged in London in 2009. Penfold treats the play very well, staging it on the thrust stage of the Trinity Street Theatre, on the fourth floor of the First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity St., downtown. Steven Pounders plays Rothko, and Ryan Crowder, producing artistic director of Penfold, plays Ken, Rothko’s newly hired studio assistant. Rothko was known for his acerbic statements about the art world, and many of those comments have found their way into Logan’s script. Rothko was no Oscar Wilde for biting irony and sarcasm, but in his rage he came close.

Click to read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

RED by John Logan, Penfold Theatre at Trinity Street, September 12 - 29, 2013

presents

(www.penfoldtheatre.com)

RED


By John Logan
Directed by Nathan Jerkins
Featuring Steven Pounders and Ryan Crowder

September 12-29, 2013
At the Trinity Street Theater, 4th floor of First Baptist Church (901 Trinity Street, Austin, TX 78701) - click for map
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm. Sundays at 5pm.
$25 Opening night, $20 Regular, $18 Students, $18 Seniors (age 60+)
More information available at www.penfoldtheatre.org




Based on a true story. Mark Rothko, the revolutionary twentieth century abstract expressionist, receives the art world’s largest commission: to create a series of murals for The Four Seasons restaurant in the new Seagram building on Park Avenue. Under the watchful gaze of a threatening new generation of artists, Rothko labors to create an iconic work that will stand as a monument to his illustrious career, while doubts and fears of his own relevancy threaten to tear him apart.


RED won the 2010 Drama League, Drama Desk and Tony Awards for best play. After critically hailed runs in both London and New York, the play was lauded by the New York Times as “intense and exciting.” Variety called it “an electrifying play of ideas”, and The Guardian named RED “a totally convincing portrait of the artist as a working visionary.” Since then, the play has swept through the theaters across the country and now finally receives its Austin premiere.


RED, which opens Penfold Theatre Company’s sixth season, cracks open questions about purpose, relevancy, integrity and art by examining with unflinching intimacy the life and work of one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century.

ABOUT PENFOLD THEATRE COMPANY Penfold Theatre Company cultivates a love for live theatre in northern Travis and Williamson Counties by offering first-class, professional theatre performances and education programs. 2013-14 is the company’s sixth season and features a variety of work from cherished classics to regional premieres: RED (September 2013), It’s a Wonderful Life: a live radio show (December 2013), Ordinary Days (March 2014) and Romeo & Juliet (June 2014).


(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

Auditions for Ordinary Days, musical by Adam Gwon, Penfold Theatre, August 10, 2013

Auditions for Ordinary Days, musical by Adam Gwon, Penfold Theatre, August 10, 2013. Directed by Michael McKelvey, running March 20 - April 6, 2014. For more information, visit the show's webpage: http://is.gd/o3YxSg
Ordinary Days debuted at New York’s Roundabout Theatre in 2009. Its composer and lyricist, Adam Gwon, received the Kleban Prize for excellence in writing for musical theatre. This production will continue Penfold's commitment to the "chamber musical" as an important and exciting piece of American theatre.
This production is Ordinary Days' Texas premiere. Interlaced with humor and romance, the story follows four young adults in New York City who are searching for connection and purpose. Each one takes their own path – some neurotically funny and others deeply touching – but they all find ways to let go of what holds them back and embrace the beauty of each “ordinary day.” For a full synopsis of the show, visit http://is.gd/IgIpoz

CHARACTERS: Warren. Male, 20s; Deb. Female, 20s; Jason. Male, 30s; Claire. Female, 30s.

To schedule a time, please email Ryan Crowder at rcrowder@penfoldtheatre.org. If you are available only during certain times, please tell us so. We will send you a confirmation email with your audition time. The date and time for callbacks are TBA.
What should I prepare? Please bring a headshot and resume, along with two songs (one uptempo, one ballad) in the style of the show. Each cut should be no more than 30-40 seconds long (about 32 bars for the uptempo and 16 bars the ballad). You may sing something from the show. Please show your range and ability to handle text.
An accompanist will be provided. Please bring sheet music with cuts marked clearly. No loose sheet music please. The accompanist will not transpose for you. We are looking for actors who sing well. Ability to perform in a "speak-sing" style is a plus. Ordinary Days is a contemporary musical written in "contemporary narrative" style (ex. Mills, Lowdermilk, Goldrick & Heisler).
* NOTE: To receive email notices about Penfold auditions and volunteer opportunities, subscribe to our e-newsletter at http://is.gd/FAcZ5O

RED by John Logan, Penfold Theatre at Trinity Street Theatre, September 12 - 29, 2013

presents
Red
By John Logan
Directed by Nathan Jerkins
Featuring Steven Pounders* and Ryan Crowder

 

At Trinity Street Theatre- 4th floor black box theatre, First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity Street
September 12-29, 2013

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm. Sundays at 5:00pm.
Opening night party following the show on Thursday, September 12th.
$25 Opening night, $20 Regular, $18 Students, $18 Seniors (age 60+).



 
For more information, email us at info@penfoldtheatre.org or dial (512) 850-4849. Box office hours are 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday. On performance days, we are also available by phone from 1pm to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays and the hour before each performance.

How will they remember you? Mark Rothko, the revolutionary twentieth century abstract expressionist, receives the art world’s largest commission: to create a series of murals for The Four Seasons restaurant in the new Seagram building on Park Avenue. Under the watchful gaze of a threatening new generation of artists, Rothko labors to create an iconic work that will stand as a monument to his illustrious career, while doubts and fears of his own relevancy threaten to tear him apart. Red won the 2010 Drama League, Drama Desk and Tony Awards for best play and now receives its Austin premiere.

In the news

"Intense and exciting... a portrait of an angry and brilliant mind that asks you to feel the shape and texture of thoughts... Red captures the dynamic relationship between an artist and his creations."

-New York Times

"John Logan sends American abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko into battle with his demons in this electrifying play of ideas, and the artist's howls are pure music... Rothko is one old lion that will keep roaring until he draws his last breath."

-Variety

"A totally convincing portrait of the artist as a working visionary."       -Guardian (UK)

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

Video: Penfold Theatre's 'Shipwrecked' by Donald Margulies, free at Round Rock Amphitheatre, June 6 - 29, 2013

In a video (6 min.)  by YourLocalColorMovies Ryan Crowder and Nathan Jerkins talk about the production by







of its free outdoor show

Robert Berry, Julie Linnard (photo: Kimberley Mead)

Shipwrecked!

An entertainment: the amazing adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as told by himself)

by Donald Margulies
directed by Ryan Crowder
featuring Robert Berry, Nathan Jerkins and Julie Linnard
June 6 - 29, 2013
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
at the Round Rock Amphitheater (301 W. Bagdad Ave, Round Rock TX 78664) (click for map)
Free admission, donations appreciated
More information available at www.penfoldtheatre.org



Written by the Pulitzer-winning playwright Donald Margulies and based on actual events, Shipwrecked! takes audience members of all ages on a high seas adventure populated by exotic islanders, giant sea turtles and a monstrous man-eating octopus. Louis’ hair-raising tale – told by three actors and an explorer-sized helping of theatrical magic – challenges us to wonder how far we are willing to blur the line between fact and fiction in order to leave our mark on the world.

Shipwrecked! is the third production in the “Penfold in the Park” series, an annual offering of free, outdoor summer theatre, made possible by a partnership with the City of Round Rock Parks & Recreation Department. Previous productions included The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged (2010) and Servant of Two Masters (2011).


No reservations are required. Donations are appreciated. Penfold Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Shipwrecked! concludes Penfold’s fifth anniversary season.
.

2013-2014 Theatre Season of Penfold Theatre, Austin and Round Rock

 







Penfold Theatre Company announces its 2013-14 Season

Red
By John Logan. September 12-29, 2013 at Trinity Street Theatre. Mark Rothko, the revolutionary twentieth century abstract expressionist, receives the art world’s largest commission: to create a series of murals for The Four Seasons restaurant in the new Seagram building on Park Avenue. Under the watchful gaze of a threatening new generation of artists, Rothko labors to create an iconic work that will stand as a monument to his illustrious career, while doubts and fears of his own relevancy threaten to tear him apart. Red won the 2010 Drama League, Drama Desk and Tony Awards for best play and now receives its Austin premiere.

It's a Wonderful Life: a live radio show.
By Joe Landry. December 5-22, 2013 at Rice’s Crossing Store. It's Christmas Eve 1946, and members of the KPNF radio station are coming together for a radio performance of It's a Wonderful Life. You are invited to be their live studio audience! Watch as five actors bring the entire story to life, playing dozens of characters and performing live foley sound effects in the style of A Prairie Home Companion. With this imaginative re-telling, you'll fall in love with George Bailey and his timeless tale of despair, redemption and hope all over again.

Ordinary Days.
By Adam Gwon. March 20 – April 6, 2014 at the Off Center. From one of musical theatre's most exciting new composers comes Ordinary Days in its Texas premiere. A refreshingly honest and funny chamber musical about four young New Yorkers whose lives intersect as they search for fulfillment, happiness, love and taxis. Through a score of vibrant and memorable songs, their experiences ring startlingly true to life. Ordinary Days is a story for anyone who's ever struggled to appreciate the simple things in a complex world.

Romeo & Juliet.
By William Shakespeare. June 5-22, 2014 at the Round Rock Amphitheater. Shakespeare’s tale of young lovers swept into a catastrophic vortex of misunderstandings, secrets and fate is one of the most beloved stories of all time. In this fresh adaptation for five actors, Romeo and Juliet, the son and daughter of two noble families locked in an old feud, are irresistibly drawn to each other. Defying the hatred and distrust surrounding them, they dare to believe they can, and must, be together.

This is Penfold's fifth season. More information is available online at http://www.penfoldtheatre.org/about/14season

SHIPWRECKED! by Donald Margulies, Penfold Theatre at Round Rock Amphitheatre, June 6 - 29, 2013

presents

Robert Berry, Julie Linnard (image: Kimberley Mead)

Shipwrecked!
An entertainment:
the amazing adventures of Louis de Rougemont
(as told by himself)

by Donald Margulies
directed by Ryan Crowder
featuring Robert Berry, Nathan Jerkins and Julie Linnard

June 6 - 29, 2013
At the Round Rock Amphitheater (301 W. Bagdad Ave, Round Rock TX 78664) (click for map)
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Free admission, donations appreciated
More information available at www.penfoldtheatre.org

Gather around! The intrepid Louis de Rougemont invites you to hear his amazing story of bravery, survival and celebrity that left the nineteenth-century world spellbound.


Written by the Pulitzer-winning playwright Donald Margulies and based on actual events, Shipwrecked! takes audience members of all ages on a high seas adventure populated by exotic islanders, giant sea turtles and a monstrous man-eating octopus. Louis’ hair-raising tale – told by three actors and an explorer-sized helping of theatrical magic – challenges us to wonder how far we are willing to blur the line between fact and fiction in order to leave our mark on the world.


Shipwrecked! is the third production in the “Penfold in the Park” series, an annual offering of free, outdoor summer theatre, made possible by a partnership with the City of Round Rock Parks & Recreation Department. Previous productions included The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged (2010) and Servant of Two Masters (2011).


Last summer the series was put on pause while the city renovated the amphitheater and surrounding area into the beautiful new Centennial Plaza. The plaza officially opened April 27th of this year in conjunction with the City’s Centennial Celebration, which commemorated the 100th anniversary of Round Rock’s founding.


Each performance will feature a different special guest who will kick off the evening with a 7:30pm pre-show. Guest artists from past years include the Round Rock Symphony, Ballet Folklorico, Central Texas All-Star Drum Line and many others. Audiences are welcome to arrive early with their own food and drink, or to purchase it from the concessions tent. A list of pre-show artists and food offerings will be posted online later in May.


No reservations are required. Donations are appreciated. Penfold Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Shipwrecked! concludes Penfold’s fifth anniversary season.
.

Julie Linnard, Robert Berry (image: Kimberley Mead)

ABOUT PENFOLD THEATRE COMPANY Penfold Theatre Company cultivates a love for live theatre in northern Travis and Williamson Counties by offering first-class, professional theatre performances and education programs. 2012-13 is the company’s fifth anniversary season and features a variety of work, from old favorites to regional premieres: Moonlight and Magnolias (October 2012), It’s a Wonderful Life: a live radio show (December 2012), A Minister’s Wife (March 2013) and Shipwrecked! (June 2013).



(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

SHIPWRECKED! by Donald Margulies, Penfold Theatre at Round Rock Amphitheatre, June 6 - 29, 2013

 presents

Robert Berry, Julie Linnard (image: Kimberley Mead)

Shipwrecked!

An entertainment:

the amazing adventures of Louis de Rougemont

(as told by himself)

by Donald Margulies
directed by Ryan Crowder
featuring Robert Berry, Nathan Jerkins and Julie Linnard

March 28 - April 14, 2013
At the Round Rock Amphitheater (301 W. Bagdad Ave, Round Rock TX 78664) (click for map)
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Free admission, donations appreciated
More information available at www.penfoldtheatre.org

Gather around! The intrepid Louis de Rougemont invites you to hear his amazing story of bravery, survival and celebrity that left the nineteenth-century world spellbound.


Written by the Pulitzer-winning playwright Donald Margulies and based on actual events, Shipwrecked! takes audience members of all ages on a high seas adventure populated by exotic islanders, giant sea turtles and a monstrous man-eating octopus. Louis’ hair-raising tale – told by three actors and an explorer-sized helping of theatrical magic – challenges us to wonder how far we are willing to blur the line between fact and fiction in order to leave our mark on the world.


Shipwrecked! is the third production in the “Penfold in the Park” series, an annual offering of free, outdoor summer theatre, made possible by a partnership with the City of Round Rock Parks & Recreation Department. Previous productions included The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged (2010) and Servant of Two Masters (2011).


Last summer the series was put on pause while the city renovated the amphitheater and surrounding area into the beautiful new Centennial Plaza. The plaza officially opened April 27th of this year in conjunction with the City’s Centennial Celebration, which commemorated the 100th anniversary of Round Rock’s founding.


Each performance will feature a different special guest who will kick off the evening with a 7:30pm pre-show. Guest artists from past years include the Round Rock Symphony, Ballet Folklorico, Central Texas All-Star Drum Line and many others. Audiences are welcome to arrive early with their own food and drink, or to purchase it from the concessions tent. A list of pre-show artists and food offerings will be posted online later in May.


No reservations are required. Donations are appreciated. Penfold Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Shipwrecked! concludes Penfold’s fifth anniversary season.
.

Julie Linnard, Robert Berry (image: Kimberley Mead)

ABOUT PENFOLD THEATRE COMPANY Penfold Theatre Company cultivates a love for live theatre in northern Travis and Williamson Counties by offering first-class, professional theatre performances and education programs. 2012-13 is the company’s fifth anniversary season and features a variety of work, from old favorites to regional premieres: Moonlight and Magnolias (October 2012), It’s a Wonderful Life: a live radio show (December 2012), A Minister’s Wife (March 2013) and Shipwrecked! (June 2013).



(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

A MARVELOUS PARTY fundraiser, Penfold Theatre, May 19, 2013

Penfold throws A Marvelous Party! in the heart of the Hill Country Third annual fundraising gala features scenic background, gourmet dining and live music by local favorites

Penfold Theatre Company throws its third annual fundraising gala, A Marvelous Party! on May 19th. The grounds of the Kindred Oaks estate provide a beautiful, central Texas backdrop for guests to enjoy an elegant meal while singers from Austin’s vibrant theatre community delight with cabaret-style songs and stories from the musical theatre canon. The evening will also offer a sneak peak at Penfold’s 2013-14 Season with a season announcement and selections from next year’s Texas premiere chamber musical. The night's crooners include artists familiar to Penfold audiences, such as Andrew Cannata (A Minister's Wife, I Love You Because), Sarah Marie Curry (I Love You Because), Stephanie Delk (Singer/songwriter), Robert Faires (Austin Chronicle; Director, Moonlight & Magnolias) Greg Holt (A Minister's Wife), Tyler Jones (I Love You Because), Andrewa Smith (Servant of Two Masters) and Haley Smith (I Love You Because). Proceeds from ticket sales, a silent auction and special “wine pull” will support the nonprofit’s efforts to bring professional theatre performances and education programs to north Travis and Williamson counties. .

FAST FACTS A Marvelous Party! Compiled and directed by Susan Finnigan & Nathan Jerkins Kindred Oaks, 2100 C.R. 176, Georgetown TX 78628 Sunday, May 19th, doors open at 6:30pm and dinner begins at 7:00pm $75 per person or $500 for a table of eight Dinner is catered by Bowties 2 Blue Jeans Reservations may be made at (512) 850-4849 or online at www.penfoldtheatre.org

ON THE MENU For dinner. Stuffed parmigiano lemon chicken, potato gnocchi, asparagus w/ red peppers, arugula salad, rosemary corn scones. For dessert. Assorted chocolate brownie bites (peanut butter, raspberry, chipotle), key lime tartlets, lemon tiramisu, orange pound cake, strawberry bruschetta, cream puffs w/ chocolate ganache. To drink. Orange and unsweet iced tea, cash bar.

ABOUT PENFOLD THEATRE COMPANY

Penfold Theatre Company cultivates a love for live theatre in northern Travis and Williamson Counties by offering first-class, professional theatre performances and education programs. 2012-13 is the company’s fifth anniversary season and features a variety of work, from old favorites to regional premieres: Moonlight and Magnolias (October 2012), It’s a Wonderful Life: a live radio show (December 2012), A Minister’s Wife (March 2013) and Shipwrecked! (June 2013).

Auditions in Round Rock for Shipwrecked!, Penfold Theatre, January 26, 2013

auditions for Shipwrecked! by Donald Magulies ,directed by Ryan Crowder, Saturday, January 26 at ArtSpace (231 E Main St, Round Rock, TX 78664)(click for map), . The date and time for callbacks are TBD.Rehearsals begin at the beginning of May and it runs June 6 - 29. Seeking two actors, one male and one female. All roles are paid.

(image: Actors Theatre of Louisville)

After a sabbatical in 2012, "Penfold in the Park" returns to the Round Rock Amphitheater with Shipwrecked! Made possible through a partnership with the City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department, "Penfold in the Park" is a series of free, outdoor, family-friendly productions offered every summer. Each performance begins with a pre-show by a guest artist or organization, making the production a true community event.

The play itself is by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Donald Magulies and is formally titled Shipwrecked! An entertainment: The amazing adventures of Louis de Rougemont (as told by himself). It is a love letter to the “old-school” tradition of theatrical storytelling. Shipwrecked! takes the audience around the world with little more than three actors and the power of imagination. Barely five years old, this play has delighted audiences of all ages at regional theatres across the country. Click here to read a full synopsis. For more information, visit the show's webpage.
How do I schedule a time? Please email Emily Rankin at emily.rankin@me.com. If you are available onlyduring certain times, please tell us so. We'll send you a confirmation email with your audition time.

What should I prepare? Sides from the play will be attached to your confirmation email. You are welcome to memorize your sides, but you are not required to. We are more concerned with seeing you act truthfully as the character. We also ask that you bring a copy of your headshot and resume.

Character Descriptions

Player #1 (female). Louis' doting mother, crusty old Captain Jensen and Yamba - an Aborigine princess who later marries Louis. Also, herself and about 10 other characters from the story.

Player #2 (male). Louis' loyal dog Bruno, a tribal chief named Gunda and the "alienist" Dr. Leopold. Also, himself and about 14 other characters from the story.

AustinLiveTheatre Review: It's A Wonderful Life, a live radio play by Joe Landry, Penfold Theatre, November 29 - December 15

by Michael Meigs


Frank Capra's film It's A Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart captured the yearning, optimism and nostalgia for small-town U.S.A. in 1946, a time when millions of American men were returning from the war. The film made an unpromising start and was considered something of a failure in its first release, but yearly television showings of this black-and-white tale of redemption and grace set it deeply into our collective consciousness. 

 Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed as his sweetheart, Lionel Barrymore as the wicked, grasping Old Man Potter -- in effect, reprising his role as Scrooge -- well, you've almost certainly seen the film, and if you haven't, then you should.


Stewart had debuted as a naive and gangling youngster in 1930's films but during the War he'd enlisted and eventually flown B-24 missions over Germany; and here he was, in his unassuming way, pretending to be an earnest small town savings-and-loan manager, 4-F because of a deaf ear.


Republic Pictures failed to renew the copyright on the film in the 1970's and had to struggle to re-establish control over the piece. It's not clear to me whether Joe Landry had to pay royalties when he put together this piece in 1996. If not, that clerical error cost Capra's estate and others dear, for this simple staging of the story has become an adored staple of the holiday season.


Penfold Theatre did it last year at Friar Tuck's cafe in downtown Round Rock, and this year they've secured the charming but faux Rice's Crossing Country Store at the Old Settler's Association, a perfectly appropriate setting for this time trip. The Gaslight Baker Theatre also did it for the 2011 holidays, the Bastrop Opera House performed it in 2009 and Austin Playhouse did it in their Larry L. King Theatre in 2008. San Antonio's Classic Theatre performed the show four times last month, and KSTX Texas Public Radio in San Antonio will play a recording of the Classic Theatre version at 8 p.m. this coming Christmas eve.


I brought a friend from Arizona to Penfold's November 29 opening night, and upon his return he discovered that the show was also playing in Tucson.


Joe Landry's website lists 151 productions playing this year, ten of them -- including this one -- in Texas. He must be a very happy man.

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com

Upcoming: It's A Wonderful Life, a live radio show, Penfold Theatre in Round Rock, November 29 - December 23

It's a Wonderful Life
a live radio show

by Joe Landry
directed by Nathan Jerkins
featuring Ryan Crowder, Jenni Finley, Chris Gibson, David R. Jarrott, Claire Ludwig
November 29 – December 23
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm. Sundays at 6:00pm.
Opening night party following the show on Thursday, November 29
$25 Opening night, $20 Regular, $18 Student/senior
Rice’s Crossing Store (3300 Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665) (click for map)
More information available at www.penfoldtheatre.org

Penfold Theatre Company presents It's a Wonderful Life: a live radio show at Rice’s Crossing Store in Round Rock from November 29 to December 23. 

It's Christmas Eve 1946, and members of the KPNF radio station are coming together for a live radio performance of It’s a Wonderful Life. As the live studio audience, guests step back in time while five actors bring the entire story to life with dozens of characterizations and live foley sound effects. In this imaginative re-incarnation of a cherished holiday tradition, audiences of all ages will fall in love with George Bailey and his timeless tale of despair, redemption and hope all over again.

The show takes place at Rice’s Crossing Store, named for Texas war hero James O. Rice and one of the oldest structures in Williamson County. Fully restored and relocated to the historic village at the Old Settlers’ Association, the store is the perfect yesteryear backdrop for a story that spans the first half of the twentieth century.

Guests can enjoy holiday treats as they watch the show, which features mock radio commercials of local businesses and a nightly cameo role for a selected member of the audience. The show returns after a completely sold out run last holiday season, so guests are encouraged to make their reservations early.

ABOUT PENFOLD THEATRE COMPANY Penfold Theatre Company cultivates a love for live theatre in northern Travis and Williamson Counties by offering first-class theatre performances and education programs. 2012-13 is the company’s fifth anniversary season and features a variety of work, from old favorites to regional premieres: Moonlight and Magnolias (October 2012), It’s a Wonderful Life: a live radio show (December 2012), A Minister’s Wife (March 2013) and Shipwrecked! (June 2013).

(Click to return to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

Moonlight and Magnolias, Penfold Theatre at City Theatre, November 4 - 21

by Dr. David Glen Robinson

Moonlight and Magnolias by Ron Hutchinson is a romp and a challenge for comedic actors. Penfold Theatre Company is giving it a go in the City Theatre behind the Shell station on Airport Boulevard, exciting the audience members who actually manage to find the venue.

The play is relatively new, published in 2004, but it is set in Hollywood, 1939, specifically in the the executive office of Producer David O. Selznick (Ryan Crowder). Shooting of Gone With The Wind (GWTW) has started, but Selznick still does not have a filmable screenplay.

Ryan Crowder (image: Kimberley Mead)

In absolute desperation he summons newspaperman/script doctor Ben Hecht, who hasn't even read the novel. In desperation Selznick locks himself, Hecht (Dave Buckman) and director Victor Fleming (Jay Fraley) in his office with an immense, heavy 1930s typewriter and a supply of bananas and peanuts. Selznick and Fleming act out the scenes to an incredulous Hecht. Selznick gives them all five days to produce the screenplay on which the fortunes of the entire studio are riding.

Apparently this scenario is literally true, a verified episode of GWTW lore. Playwright Ron Hutchinson, a Hollywood insider himself, came across this dramatic gem, thought, “Look, a comedy!” and loaded in a play’s worth of Hollywood trivia and gossip and a few heavier social themes. Voila, Moonlight and Magnolias.

Penfold Theatre took full advantage of the play’s comedic potential. The set, props and costumes were period and accurate down to the early twentieth century copy of Life magazine and other magazines on the coffee table. The rear projection image of Tara kept us on-theme throughout, and the video of excerpted scenes from GWTW was a lagniappe.

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Penfold Theatre Seeks Actress for It's A Wonderful Life, October 16

is looking for Sally Applewhite, a radio actress who plays Mary Hatch. Mary is the sweetheart of George Bailey (played by Judd Farris). Audition Saturday, October 13th between 10am and noon. Where: City Theatre (3823 Airport Blvd #D, Austin 78722) Map it. Pay: All roles are paid. How do I schedule a time? Please email Stephanie Delk at stephanie.delk@gmail.com.

It's a Wonderful Life, a live radio show is a cherished holiday tradition for families across America. Playwright Joe Landry has re-imagined the movie and set it in 1946 at fictional radio station KPNF. A cast of radio actors has gathered at Christmastime to give a broadcast of It's a Wonderful Life. The numerous sound effects, which create the mood and add detail to the play, are performed live by the actors. Back by popular demand after a sold out run in 2011, George Bailey's timeless story of hope in the face of economic hardship and disappointment is as uplifting and poignant now as it has ever been. 

This production, directed by Nathan Jerkins, will play at Rice's Crossing Store from November 29th to December 23rd. For more information, please visit the show's webpage. Read a full synopsis of the plot here. If you are only available during certain times, please tell us so. We will send you a confirmation email with your audition time. What should I prepare? Sides from the play will be attached to your confirmation email. You are welcome to memorize your sides, but you are not required to. We are more concerned with seeing you act truthfully as the character. We also ask that you bring a copy of your headshot and resume. When are callbacks? The date and time for callbacks are TBD.

Opportunity: Penfold Seeks 'Film Crew' extras for Moonlight and Magnolias at the Hyde Park Theatre, October 4 - 21

Hello friends, We're looking for two people to help us with choreographed, onstage scene changes for the upcoming production of Moonlight and Magnolias, a comedy about the making of Gone with the Wind. 

They will work closely with the cast, as well as with costume designer Glenda Barnes and director Robert Faires, whose concept for scene changes is a Hollywood film crew prepping actors and set for "the next take."

The show runs Thursdays through Sundays from October 4th to 21st. The "film crew" needs to be present at all performances, as well as for one staging rehearsal and three dress rehearsals. For more information about the show, you may visit our website.

Are you interested? Let us know. We'd love to have you on the team! With many thanks, Ryan Crowder, , Producing Artistic Director,  Penfold Theatre Company

Upcoming: Moonlight and Magnolias by Ron Hutchinson, Penfold Theatre at City Theatre, October 4 - 21

MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS 
by Ron Hutchinson

directed by Robert Faires
Penfold Theatre at Hyde Park Theatre, October 4 - 21

Penfold Theatre Company opens its 2013-13 season with Moonlight and Magnolias, which plays at City Theatre from October 4th to 21st. The script is based on actual events. In 1939, after just three weeks of shooting an adaptation of Margaret Mitchell's best-selling bodice-ripper Gone with the Wind, legendary producer David O. Selznick halts production, fires the director and trashes the screenplay. With his career and a small fortune on the line, Selznick turns to famed director Victor Fleming and reporter-turned-script doctor Ben Hecht. Held hostage in Selznick's office for five straight days, the men re-write the entire film with nothing but bananas, peanuts and passion to keep them going! Ron Hutchinson's hilarious telling proves that truth is stranger than fiction. Moonlight and Magnolias, commissioned by the Goodman Theatre in Chicago in 2004, is a side-splitting, behind-the-scenes peek at the precarious birth of one of the most famous and adored movies of all time. Penfold's production is directed by Austin Chronicle arts editor Robert Faires, who has made use of Austin's own Harry Ransom Center - home of the David O. Selznick collection - to add further detail and texture to the story. The show is the first in Penfold's fifth anniversary season.

FAST FACTS Moonlight and Magnolias, by Ron Hutchinson Directed by Robert Faires Featuring Dave Buckman, Ryan Crowder, Jay Fraley and Aidan Sullivan City Theatre (3823 Airport Blvd #D, Austin TX 78722) Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm. Sundays at 5:00pm. Opening night party following the show on Thursday, October4th $25 Opening night, $20 regular, $18 students / seniors More information available at www.penfoldtheatre.org

ABOUT PENFOLD THEATRE COMPANY Penfold Theatre Company cultivates a love for live theatre in northern Travis and Williamson Counties by offering first-class theatre performances and education programs. 2012-13 is the company's fifth anniversary season and features a variety of work, from old favorites to regional premieres: Moonlight and Magnolias (October 2012), It's a Wonderful Life: a live radio show (December 2012), A Minister's Wife (March 2013) and Shipwrecked! (June 2013).

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

Auditions for Moonlilght and Magnolias, Penfold Theatre, July 7

Moonlight and Magnolias was commissioned by the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, where it premiered in 2004. Then, after a New York debut in 2005, the piece appeared in theatres across the country. Based on the true story of the making of Gone with the Wind, this ruckus farce imagines what happened behind closed doors when David Selznick, Victor Fleming and Ben Hecht wrote the screenplay to the move - in five days! Read a full synopsis of the plot here. This production will play at City Theatre October 4 - 21, 2012. For more information, please visit the show's webpage.

Audition Information: Saturday, July 7th between 10am and 4pm. Dougherty Arts Center (1110 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704) Map it. Pay: All roles are paid. Callbacks will be held Saturday, July 14th during the day.

How do I schedule a time? Please email Lisa Filemyr at lfilemyr@gmail.com. If you are only available during certain hours of the day, please tell us so. We will send you a confirmation email with your audition time.

Sides from the play will be attached to your confirmation email. Please choose one character to read for. (In callbacks, you may be asked to read for a different one.) You are welcome to memorize your sides, but you are not required to. We are more concerned with seeing you act truthfully as the character. We also ask that you bring a copy of your headshot and resume.

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Click to read character descriptions at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .