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Victorian Players
Stage “The Heiress”
Stage “The Heiress”
Following their successes with “Block 5” and “Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure,” the Victorian Players will return to their roots for their next production. Long known for their Victorian era productions, they have expanded their horizons over the recent years to include other plays from other time periods. Their next production, however, will take them back to what they have been known for since their beginnings.
“The Heiress,” by Ruth and Augustus Goetz is based on the Henry James novel “Washington Square.” This has become a classic American piece ever since it premiered on the New York stage on September 29, 1947. It tells the story of a shy and plain young girl, Catherine Sloper, who falls desperately in love with a delightful young fortune hunter. Catherine’s lack of worldliness prevents her from realizing that the young man proposing to her is not entirely drawn to her by her charm. Catherine’s father, a successful doctor, sees through the fortune hunter and forbids the marriage, but his daughter proposes an elopement. From there the action takes numerous twists and turns which ultimately ends up quite unpredictably.
Being directed by J.E.Ballantyne, Jr., the production stars Caty Sacui as Catherine with Bill Finley, of East Liverpool, filling the role of Dr. Sloper. Crystal Niemi plays Aunt Penniman, Dan Temelkoff plays the suitor, Morris, Karen Ferguson plays Mrs. Almond with Courtney Nicole Auman playing her daughter, Marian. Others in the cast are Chuck Wilcox as Arthur, Yvonne Andrews as Maria, and Marilyn Higgins as Mrs. Montgomery.
“The Heiress” will open on Friday, April 23 and will run for three weekends through May 9. Evening performances begin at 7:30pm with Sunday matinees starting at 2:00pm. The Victorian is offering a special Mother’s Day promotion since the final performance is on Mother’s Day. Those seeing the show that day can bring their Mom to the show and pay only half price for her ticket. She will also receive a free gift courtesy of Victorian Players.
Reservations are suggested for all performances and may be made by calling 330-746-5455.
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“The Heiress,” by Ruth and Augustus Goetz is based on the Henry James novel “Washington Square.” This has become a classic American piece ever since it premiered on the New York stage on September 29, 1947. It tells the story of a shy and plain young girl, Catherine Sloper, who falls desperately in love with a delightful young fortune hunter. Catherine’s lack of worldliness prevents her from realizing that the young man proposing to her is not entirely drawn to her by her charm. Catherine’s father, a successful doctor, sees through the fortune hunter and forbids the marriage, but his daughter proposes an elopement. From there the action takes numerous twists and turns which ultimately ends up quite unpredictably.
Being directed by J.E.Ballantyne, Jr., the production stars Caty Sacui as Catherine with Bill Finley, of East Liverpool, filling the role of Dr. Sloper. Crystal Niemi plays Aunt Penniman, Dan Temelkoff plays the suitor, Morris, Karen Ferguson plays Mrs. Almond with Courtney Nicole Auman playing her daughter, Marian. Others in the cast are Chuck Wilcox as Arthur, Yvonne Andrews as Maria, and Marilyn Higgins as Mrs. Montgomery.
“The Heiress” will open on Friday, April 23 and will run for three weekends through May 9. Evening performances begin at 7:30pm with Sunday matinees starting at 2:00pm. The Victorian is offering a special Mother’s Day promotion since the final performance is on Mother’s Day. Those seeing the show that day can bring their Mom to the show and pay only half price for her ticket. She will also receive a free gift courtesy of Victorian Players.
Reservations are suggested for all performances and may be made by calling 330-746-5455.
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New Holocaust Exhibit
Available Nationally
Available Nationally
The fact that more than 6,000,000 Jews were murdered by the Nazis during World War II, is only the very tip of the iceberg when it comes to examining the totality of the Holocaust. The fact is, that although the European Jews were targeted by Adolf Hitler and the Nazis, many people do not realize that millions of others who were non-Jews, also met the same fate. The Holocaust remains one of the most talked about events in world history and as we move into a new decade, it is also one of the most debated events in history. As we lose the Holocaust survivors at a rapid rate, we gain more detractors who claim the Holocaust never even happened.
It is those harsh realities which has led to a new Holocaust exhibit being made available by J&B Production Arts Services of northeast Ohio. Entitled, “Mauthausen to Auschwitz - Visions of the Holocaust,” the exhibit is a collection of photos and quotes which take the viewer through a mini-history and tour of both the Mauthausen camp and the notorious Auschwitz camp. The exhibit was first created in 2005 as a supplement to a live theatrical production about the Holocaust, titled, “Block 5.” Written by director/playwright J.E.Ballantyne, Jr., “Block 5” is based on an actual incident which occurred at the Mauthausen camp during November and December of 1943. Seven Jewish prisoners were segregated from the rest of the camp population for unknown reasons. They are soon befriended by a captured British Naval officer who is imprisoned with them. The horrifying reason for their segregation soon becomes known during the course of the play. Ballantyne says that the exhibit was very popular in 2005 and when word went out at the end of 2009 that “Block 5” would be reprised, the suggestion came from many quarters to bring the exhibit back as well.
The exhibit proved to be even more popular in 2010 when it supplemented the revival of “Block 5.” A bit more had been added to it since the premier in 2005 and the decision to add Auschwitz to it added greatly to the public’s interest. The decision to add Auschwitz came from the fact that “Block 5” was being reprised during the 65th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz on January 29. Adding it to the exhibit seemed to be a natural decision. Ballantyne also said that school students were among those that were most effected by the exhibit both in 2005 and 2010. He goes on to say, “This exhibit is a great teaching tool when it comes to teaching kids about the Holocaust. All the talking and reading in the world won’t have the effect that looking at these pictures and reading these quotes will have. This exhibit puts kids on the front line of seeing what the Holocaust was all about.” He said that after one performance an unidentified middle school teacher approached him and said, in referring to both the exhibit and the play, “I am a middle school teacher and I teach the Holocaust. I brought some of my students this evening. I talk about it and I talk about it and I talk about it. They just don’t get it! THEY GOT THIS!”
Ballantyne went on to say that the exhibit is equally as effective and important for adults as it is for kids. Even many adults still do not appreciate the all encompassing totality of the Holocaust. Many are shocked and amazed at exactly what went on in places like Mauthausen and Auschwitz. “This is an exhibit that is perfect for schools, synagogues, churches, theaters, and organizations of all types,” said Ballantyne, “it is a learning experience.”
The exhibit has sparked interest since “Block 5” closed in February and he has received many inquiries about renting the exhibit to various venues. Its first stop since “Block 5” will be in New Castle, Pennsylvania at the Temple Hadar Israel from March 15 through the 21st. He said the rental cost for the exhibit is very low so that it can fit into virtually any budget. It is easily installed and easily and quickly removed.
More information can be acquired about the exhibit, along with rental information, by visiting www.jandbproductionarts.com and clicking on the “Holocaust Exhibit” link. A free, no obligation brochure about the exhibit is also available upon request. For those preferring to make a phone inquiry, information is available by calling 330-799-6176 or 330-402-9273.
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It is those harsh realities which has led to a new Holocaust exhibit being made available by J&B Production Arts Services of northeast Ohio. Entitled, “Mauthausen to Auschwitz - Visions of the Holocaust,” the exhibit is a collection of photos and quotes which take the viewer through a mini-history and tour of both the Mauthausen camp and the notorious Auschwitz camp. The exhibit was first created in 2005 as a supplement to a live theatrical production about the Holocaust, titled, “Block 5.” Written by director/playwright J.E.Ballantyne, Jr., “Block 5” is based on an actual incident which occurred at the Mauthausen camp during November and December of 1943. Seven Jewish prisoners were segregated from the rest of the camp population for unknown reasons. They are soon befriended by a captured British Naval officer who is imprisoned with them. The horrifying reason for their segregation soon becomes known during the course of the play. Ballantyne says that the exhibit was very popular in 2005 and when word went out at the end of 2009 that “Block 5” would be reprised, the suggestion came from many quarters to bring the exhibit back as well.
The exhibit proved to be even more popular in 2010 when it supplemented the revival of “Block 5.” A bit more had been added to it since the premier in 2005 and the decision to add Auschwitz to it added greatly to the public’s interest. The decision to add Auschwitz came from the fact that “Block 5” was being reprised during the 65th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz on January 29. Adding it to the exhibit seemed to be a natural decision. Ballantyne also said that school students were among those that were most effected by the exhibit both in 2005 and 2010. He goes on to say, “This exhibit is a great teaching tool when it comes to teaching kids about the Holocaust. All the talking and reading in the world won’t have the effect that looking at these pictures and reading these quotes will have. This exhibit puts kids on the front line of seeing what the Holocaust was all about.” He said that after one performance an unidentified middle school teacher approached him and said, in referring to both the exhibit and the play, “I am a middle school teacher and I teach the Holocaust. I brought some of my students this evening. I talk about it and I talk about it and I talk about it. They just don’t get it! THEY GOT THIS!”
Ballantyne went on to say that the exhibit is equally as effective and important for adults as it is for kids. Even many adults still do not appreciate the all encompassing totality of the Holocaust. Many are shocked and amazed at exactly what went on in places like Mauthausen and Auschwitz. “This is an exhibit that is perfect for schools, synagogues, churches, theaters, and organizations of all types,” said Ballantyne, “it is a learning experience.”
The exhibit has sparked interest since “Block 5” closed in February and he has received many inquiries about renting the exhibit to various venues. Its first stop since “Block 5” will be in New Castle, Pennsylvania at the Temple Hadar Israel from March 15 through the 21st. He said the rental cost for the exhibit is very low so that it can fit into virtually any budget. It is easily installed and easily and quickly removed.
More information can be acquired about the exhibit, along with rental information, by visiting www.jandbproductionarts.com and clicking on the “Holocaust Exhibit” link. A free, no obligation brochure about the exhibit is also available upon request. For those preferring to make a phone inquiry, information is available by calling 330-799-6176 or 330-402-9273.
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Local Director Hired
for “The Producers”
for “The Producers”
It has been announced by the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, of Chagrin Falls, that local director / producer, J.E.Ballantyne, Jr. will direct their production of the Mel Brooks musical hit, THE PRODUCERS in July of 2010. This will mark the first local production of the hit musical since it was released for community theatre companies. Keith Stiver will serve as Musical Director.
A rousing hit on Broadway, THE PRODUCERS is based on the cult film classic of the same name from the 1960s which starred Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder. In typical Mel Brooks style, the plot follows a down and out Broadway producer who cons his sheepish accountant into helping him with an elaborate scheme to produce a Broadway flop. The accountant discovers, quite by accident, how you could make more money with a flop than with a hit. With the “worst play ever written” well in hand, they launch their plan to riotous results. The original Broadway production starred Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick.
Ballantyne’s theatre career has spanned more than four decades and has ranged from stage management to directing to producing to acting and writing. He has stage managed shows for top celebrities and has worked for both the Civic Light Opera of Pittsburgh and the Kenley Players. For seven years he toured with Chamber Theatre Productions of Boston. His powerful award winning Holocaust drama, BLOCK 5, will be produced by his production company along with the Victorian Players and the Main Street Theater in January of 2010.
Auditions for the show are scheduled at the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre for May 2, 3, 2010. Local actors are urged to consider auditioning for roles since this is an open call with no roles being pre-cast. Audition information may be obtained by calling Ballantyne at 330-799-6176 or by visiting www.jandbproductionarts.com.
The show will open July 23 for a five weekend run.
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The following letter has been submitted as a Letter to the Editor at both the Vindicator anmd the Warren Tribune. The letter appears here in its entirety. The newspaper versions will probably be edited somewhat. Let us know your comments.
EDITOR:
In response to the July 14 article in The Vindicator, “Keeping the Arts in the Picture,” by Ben Donenberg (Los Angeles Times). Mr. Donenberg was apparently told recently, by some no-name philanthropist, that the arts are not an essential part of life.
His above mentioned article is an excellent retort to the stupidity and ignorance of too many people (particularly in government and education), who feel the same as that wayward, misguided philanthropic “do-gooder.”
No, the arts don’t put “points on the board” or Budweisers in your hand (for a small loan at the ballpark), but they do put purpose, integrity, motivation, fulfillment, education, empathy, guidance, dreams, imagination and an all around sense of accomplishment into its participants. And this is not just true of kids but also adults. And although, I am speaking mainly of the performing arts, this is true of every facet of the arts.
The Youngstown / Warren area is blessed to have as many local theatres as it does. Many larger cities cannot boast of more than 16 theatres and performing arts organizations. Everybody raves about the athletic talent in this area but ignores the amount of artistic talent in this area. Yet, with all of this art happening in this relatively small area, the Youngstown Playhouse had to close for nine months. Granted, some of the problems were their own. But many of those problems stemmed from diminished support. Congressman Ryan did not even know that they had closed even though it was all over the news. But he would have been right there had one brick fallen from Stambaugh Stadium with a thumb plugging up the hole until repairs were made.
Government leaders need to “lead” in this area. You’ll find almost all of them glad handing at a Penquins game but very few attending a show at the Oakland Center for the Arts, Victorian Players or Youngstown Playhouse. Why? Because they must know our “friendly philanthropist” from Mr. Donenberg’s article.
Art reflects our lives. Art IS our lives. And the performing arts play out some part of everyone’s life at one time or another. And if the arts are our lives ----- then the arts ARE ESSENTIAL!!! For if we lose the arts, then we lose our lives!
Many things in our society need help right now. But the arts are in drastic need and have been for many years. It is time for the government, as well as the rest of us, to step up and take responsibility for the arts in our community and in so doing, you are taking responsibility for the enrichment of your own life as well as the lives of all of the people in this valley. For who are we without art? Take a look at any third world country. Is that who we want to be?
The new season is about to begin ----- SEE YOU THERE!!
J.E.Ballantyne, Jr.
Youngstown Area Community Theatre Alliance
In response to the July 14 article in The Vindicator, “Keeping the Arts in the Picture,” by Ben Donenberg (Los Angeles Times). Mr. Donenberg was apparently told recently, by some no-name philanthropist, that the arts are not an essential part of life.
His above mentioned article is an excellent retort to the stupidity and ignorance of too many people (particularly in government and education), who feel the same as that wayward, misguided philanthropic “do-gooder.”
No, the arts don’t put “points on the board” or Budweisers in your hand (for a small loan at the ballpark), but they do put purpose, integrity, motivation, fulfillment, education, empathy, guidance, dreams, imagination and an all around sense of accomplishment into its participants. And this is not just true of kids but also adults. And although, I am speaking mainly of the performing arts, this is true of every facet of the arts.
The Youngstown / Warren area is blessed to have as many local theatres as it does. Many larger cities cannot boast of more than 16 theatres and performing arts organizations. Everybody raves about the athletic talent in this area but ignores the amount of artistic talent in this area. Yet, with all of this art happening in this relatively small area, the Youngstown Playhouse had to close for nine months. Granted, some of the problems were their own. But many of those problems stemmed from diminished support. Congressman Ryan did not even know that they had closed even though it was all over the news. But he would have been right there had one brick fallen from Stambaugh Stadium with a thumb plugging up the hole until repairs were made.
Government leaders need to “lead” in this area. You’ll find almost all of them glad handing at a Penquins game but very few attending a show at the Oakland Center for the Arts, Victorian Players or Youngstown Playhouse. Why? Because they must know our “friendly philanthropist” from Mr. Donenberg’s article.
Art reflects our lives. Art IS our lives. And the performing arts play out some part of everyone’s life at one time or another. And if the arts are our lives ----- then the arts ARE ESSENTIAL!!! For if we lose the arts, then we lose our lives!
Many things in our society need help right now. But the arts are in drastic need and have been for many years. It is time for the government, as well as the rest of us, to step up and take responsibility for the arts in our community and in so doing, you are taking responsibility for the enrichment of your own life as well as the lives of all of the people in this valley. For who are we without art? Take a look at any third world country. Is that who we want to be?
The new season is about to begin ----- SEE YOU THERE!!
J.E.Ballantyne, Jr.
Youngstown Area Community Theatre Alliance