john lithgow | The Sleepless Critic

Hingham Civic Music Theatre announces ‘Shrek the Musical’ auditions

Posted on June 8, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek is heading to Hingham Civic Music Theatre. Based on William Steig’s imaginative fairy tale, the Dreamworks Animation film adaptation, Shrek was an instant hit in 2001 starring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and John Lithgow. Several sequels followed and was also adapted an innovative, fun-loving musical on Broadway.

Hingham Civic Music Theatre is searching for an all-new, fun-loving cast to join Shrek the Musical as it makes its Hingham debut in October. Auditions for Shrek the Musical will be held at the Sanborn Auditorium at Hingham Town Hall, 210 Central Street in Hingham, Massachusetts on Monday, June 26 and Tuesday, June 27 at 7 p.m. Callbacks will take place on Wednesday, June 28 at 7 p.m. Click here for more information on auditions, cast descriptions, rehearsal schedule, and to download the audition form. These will be closed auditions.

Shrek is a lone, but not lonely, green ogre who lives a quiet swamp life until life as he knows it is threatened, forcing him to embark on a daunting quest and tremendous adventure. Featuring a large cast of beloved fairy tale characters with a few new faces added to the tale, Shrek the Musical is a parody, offering its own fairy tale twist with plenty of witty humor, family fun, and life lessons.

Directed by Lisa Pratt, musically directed by Mark Bono, with choreography by Tara McSweeney Morrison, Hingham Civic Music Theatre presents Shrek the Musical for two weekends from Saturday, October 21 through Sunday, October 29. Follow Hingham Civic Music Theatre on Facebook for upcoming events and more.

The 23rd annual Screen Actors Guild Award winners and New England viewing party at Laugh Boston

Posted on January 30, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Kicking off without a hitch, the 23^rd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards was an evening of political statements, undeniable talent, and surprises on Sunday, January 29 at 8 p.m. To celebrate, SAG-AFTRA’s New England chapter celebrated with their 5^th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards Viewing Party at Laugh Boston. The festive evening included an official red carpet for photos, cash bar, full dinner, cake, raffles, and prizes. Television screens showcased the awards show throughout the venue. Click here to learn more about the New England chapter and where all the viewing parties take place here.

Broadcast on TNT and TBS, The Screen Actors Guild Awards had its share of excitement and surprises. Among the many acceptance speeches that delved into the state of the world, winner Julia-Louis Dreyfus of Veep shared her story of her immigrant father and her love for the United States. Perhaps the most powerful moment of the evening was the surprise win for the popular Sci-Fi Netflix series Stranger Things. Bringing the crowd to its feet, David Harbour, who portrays Chief Jim Hopper, made a metaphorical statement about fighting fear and exclusivity through great acting in a mostly narcissistic culture. He spoke about battling the monsters and bullies of real life, helping to bring unity to the world.

Unfortunately, Jane Fonda could not attend the awards show to complete the 9 to 5 reunion, but Dolly Parton was her usual engaging, humorous self presenting friend, comedian, and actress Lily Tomlin with the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. The Screen Actors Guild Awards also took a moment to acknowledge actors lost in 2016, an especially tough year. Prince, Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher, Mary Tyler Moore, Garry Shandling, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Gene Wilder, and Garry Marshall were among the long list of memorable faces in a tear-jerking tribute.

The Screen Actors Guild Awards are awarded to actors in the film and television industry from fellow actors, some of the big winners of the evening included Denzel Washington and Viola Davis for Fences, Emma Stone for La La Land, the cast of Hidden Figures, as well as Claire Foy and John Lithgow for The Crown, Click here for the full list of recipients.