the little mermaid | The Sleepless Critic

REVIEW: Dive under the sea with Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s magical ‘The Little Mermaid’

Posted on August 3 by The Sleepless Critic

Sebastian is right.

Life under the sea is better than anything we have up here especially if it is Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston’s lively and family-friendly production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Having witnessed Disney’s 1989 classic The Little Mermaid several times, one of the many reasons to see Reagle Music Theatre’s stage version is it contains additional songs and scenes while still delivering all the beloved dialogue, music, and costumes from the 1989 film. It was refreshing to see that The Little Mermaid has so much more to say.

Directed and choreographed exuberantly by Taavon Gamble with buoyant music direction by David Coleman, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid through Sunday, August 6 live and in person at the Robinson Theatre in Waltham, Massachusetts. This production is 130 minutes with a fifteen minute intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Ariel (Kayla Shimizu) and Sebastian (Davron and ensemble perform ‘Under the Sea’ in Reagle Music Theatre’s Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Photo by Herb Philpott

Less than 35 years after the release of Disney’s 1989 classic film and not too long after the release of Disney’s live action remake The Little Mermaid this year, Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston has chosen a grand time to bring this land and sea classic to life onstage. Some will recognize the set pieces and settings from the 1989 film, but Reagle’s production also boasts a great deal of originality as well.

From shimmering fins to uniquely- shaped, brilliantly colored costumes adorned with carefully structured headdresses, Emerald City Theatrical delivers Caribbean charm in all of its animated splendor. Tony Ferrieri’s layered aquatic scenic design combined with Franklin Meissner Jr’s impressive lighting enhances the complexion and depth of the production’s kaleidoscopic waves, transforming from welcoming to at times threatening along a backdrop steeped in puffy clouds.

King Triton’s Kingdom Disney’s The Little Mermaid presented by Reagle Music Theatre thru August 6 in Waltham Photo by Herb Philpott.

Based on the Hans Christian Anderson tale and the Disney film, The Little Mermaid is about a curious mermaid princess named Ariel, depicted with vibrant charm and soaring vocals by Kayla Shimizu, who falls in love with not only a human prince, but the world on land. She is offered a way to escape the sea, but will she take it?

Ariel (Kayla Shimizu) singing Part of Your World in Reagle Music Theatre’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ through August 6. Photo by Herb Philpott

The Little Mermaid boasts a completely lovable cast led by Ariel, portrayed with enthusiastic, wide eyed wonder by Kayla Shimizu. Shimizu’s compelling performance and powerful vocals are remarkably reminiscent of Jodi Benson, the actress who voiced Ariel in the 1989 film. Shimizu shines with splendid renditions of Part of Your World, The World Above and If Only. Shimizu shares captivating moments with Ray Robinson as amiable and refined Prince Eric, sweet camaraderie with endearing Kenny Lee as shy, friendly and adorable Flounder and brave, streetwise, and frank Jack Mullen as seagull Scuttle. Having depicted Will Parker in Reagle’s previous musical, Oklahoma, Mullen again demonstrates his sharp comic wit and jubilant dance moves in a hilarious rendition of Positoovity.

Positoovity from Disney’s The Little Mermaid presented by Reagle Music Theatre in Waltham. Photo Herb Philpott.

A vision in deep, sparkling red, Davron S. Munroe is exemplary as strict and critical crab Sebastian who assists King Triton, portrayed with wise regality by Cristhian Mancinas-Garcia. In a display of bursting color and enchanting merriment, Munroe’s calypso-infused rendition of Under the Sea is stupendous and Kiss the Girl not only has tender charm, but delivers a humorous and delightful depiction of twilight, especially as frogs look on.

Sibling rivalry has never been more fun as showcased through Ariel’s mersisters consisting of Kindred Moore, Aimee Coleman, Joy Clark, Ellie Lauter, Aubrie-Mai Rubel and Olivia Foght. They are gorgeous beauty queens who gossip, laugh and try to upstage each other. They perform a catchy, 50s style rendition of She’s in Love with Flounder where even the fishy puns are cute.

Kenny Lee as Flounder and the Mersisters perform ‘She’s in Love’ from Disney’s The Little Mermaid presented by Reagle Music Theatre in Waltham. Photo Herb Philpott.

Rich Allegretto as Grimsby is also impressive as Prince Eric’s traditional yet sympathetic advisor and Teddy Edgar as deranged and passionate Chef Louis is hilarious even in a brief appearance for a marvelous rendition of Les Poissons. Edgar’s menacing eyes and passion for food make every moment count!

Katherine Pecevich as Ursula and Eels in Reagle Music Theatre’s Disney’s The Little Mermaid thru August 6. Photo by Herb Philpott.

A trio of dastardly proportions takes shape in Katherine Pecevich as Ursula and Ursula’s two lurking and smirking neon electric eel henchmen portrayed by Miki Grubic as Flotsam and Alan Cid as Jetsam. With wild hair and a black and purple glittering gown, Pecevich’s slippery manipulations and brash, yet shrewd machinations match whatever Cid and Grubic have in their co-conspiring minds. Even though Ursula is the main attraction, Cid and Grubic’s functioning and eye catching costumes do a bit of their own scene stealing. However, Pecevich’s charisma shines in a devious rendition of Poor Unfortunate Souls, her husky vocals only second to her maniacal laughter.

An avid fan of all things Disney, Sarah Kelly discusses being cast as Disney princess Ariel in Company Theatre’s ‘The Little Mermaid’

Posted on July 20, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

To Sarah Kelly, award-winning Company Theatre actress, Plymouth State University student, and ardent fan of anything Disney, becoming a Disney princess is another dream come true. Sarah spent last summer on the Company Theatre stage as sunny Elle Woods in the frothy musical, Legally Blonde the Musical, calling it the best summer of her life. She spends this summer under the sea as Disney Princess Ariel in Company Theatre’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid from July 28 to August 20 at The Company Theatre in Norwell, Massachusetts. Whether portraying California fashionista turned Harvard law student or a love struck, fish out of water fork enthusiast, what Sarah shares with all of them is her ceaseless optimism.

Sarah Kelly as Ariel Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

Sarah Kelly as Ariel and Chet R. Davino as Eric Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

Sarah Kelly as Ariel and Colin SanGiacomo under the sea Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

Sarah Kelly talks about her returning to the Company Theatre, her new sidekicks, future plans, and her unconventional audition. Click here for further information and for tickets to Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Sleepless Critic: You seem to fit right into your role of Ariel in The Little Mermaid just a smoothly as you did as Elle in Company Theatre’s Legally Blonde last summer, a role you won an award for. What it was like to win for your first lead role?

Sarah Kelly: Whenever I talk about being a part of Legally Blonde with Company Theatre, I always say it was the gift that kept on giving. It gave me the opportunity to experience leading a show as Elle Woods, work with some of the most incredible and genuine people I’ve ever met, and yes, so blessed to receive ‘Best Actress in a Musical’ from Broadway World Boston. Receiving this award was an absolute cherry on top of the best summer of my life because I didn’t expect to be nominated at all. To be considered was prize enough and winning is one of the most amazing things that has ever happened to me. That official validation meant so much to me.

SC: What interested you in returning to the Company Theatre as Ariel this summer?

SK: Last year in our interview for Legally Blonde, I talked about how Company Theatre’s family vibe and atmosphere immediately stole my heart. I saw a couple of different shows that were put up this past school year. When I returned, I was welcomed back with open arms and felt so at home again. Company Theatre is so much fun and I treasure each day. When I heard they were doing The Little Mermaid, I had to audition because it’s one of my favorite Disney movies and I adore Alan Menken’s work.

SC: How was the audition process for Ariel different from last year’s and how did you prepare?

SK: My audition was extremely different for this role because I did a video audition as opposed to last year where I attended the actual audition at Company Theatre. Unfortunately, I was away at school and auditions for Plymouth State University’s fall season were the exact same days as The Little Mermaid’s auditions and callbacks. It’s easier to show your truest colors at an “in person” audition. Showing what you have as a human being that will make that character you’re trying for special and real is the most important part of an audition. However, I did my best, memorized the sides that were sent to me, and the song I was asked to sing for my callback. I guess it really paid off.

Colin SanGiacomo as Flounder with cast Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

SC: It sure did. Rather than Bruiser from Legally Blonde, you now have a couple of new sidekicks in Flounder and Sebastian. Please tell me what it is like to work on a Disney musical. Is this your first one? The Company Theatre recently completed The Lion King Jr earlier this year.

SK: Yes, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to see their production of The Lion King Jr, but I heard wonderful things and saw some of the gorgeous costumes. Aside from playing Kaa the Snake in The Jungle Book Jr in fourth grade, this is my first Disney show and I am living for it. I grew up purely on Disney movies and music, so to be a part of this kind of process and play a Disney princess is a dream come true. The show is so bright, alive, and magical and the direction this specific production is going does the show itself absolute justice.

SC: I’m sure it must feel a little different to work with a cast who are playing animated characters and creatures. Such a beautiful set!

SK: Yes, we have some of the most passionate humans working on this show. The ever so dedicated James Valentin works extremely hard alongside our own personal superman, Ryan Barrow, who is also known as the hot UPS guy from Legally Blonde last summer. They go above and beyond creating, building, and painting sets. Ryan is one of the many Disney fan girls in our little family and literally will not sleep until everything is perfect. So many talented hands are helping to interpret the movie’s magic and that magic is right onstage. It’s so beautiful. I don’t know how they do it because these two guys are also a part of the cast. I can’t forget the spectacular Bri Plummer, who brings her unique costume designs to life perfectly.

Colin SanGiacomo as Flounder, James Valentin as Grimsby, and Sarah Kelly as Ariel Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

Our absolutely brilliant choreographer, Sally Forrest, has such an incredible vision for this show that people need to see to really understand. She wants the audience to believe they are watching the original Disney movie and trains us to think and be animated characters, which is a lot of fun. The extremely specific motivation and movement direction she gives creates this beautiful and nostalgic picture both children and parents are going to be mesmerized by.

Ronald Vorce as Ursula Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

SC: Have there been any surprises in portraying Ariel? Unexpected challenges? It’s such a fun role.

SK: Ariel is so much fun to portray. I don’t support all of her life choices considering she gives up her gift of a voice for a legs and a man, but that doesn’t mean she’s not a blast to play on stage. She’s sweet, spunky, lovely, and lively. A challenge that I knew I was bound to run into with her is letting Elle from Legally Blonde pop in and out. With Elle, I had much more liberty in character choices and playing up my ‘Sarah-isms.’ Ariel is such an iconic animated figure, not to mention princess, so I really wanted to bring her to life in an organic way while staying true to the original cartoon.

Company Theatre Ariel's Royal Princess Celebration

Photo courtesy of Zoe Bradford/Company Theatre

SC: You’ll be a part of the Company Theatre fundraiser, Ariel’s Royal Princess Celebration on Saturday, August 5 in full Disney princess mode. I’m sure that will be exciting for you.

SK: I’m very excited to be a part of the Princess Celebration! I love working with kids as a day job. Even when I was in the Hingham Parade on July 4, seeing those beautiful little faces looking up at me like I was an actual Disney princess, made me want it to last forever. I look forward to creating some real magic for the kids right here in Norwell on August 5.

Company Theatre 'The Little Mermaid' Hingham Parade

Sarah Kelly as Ariel with Flounder at the Hingham Parade on Independence Day

SC: What are your future plans? Do you have new acting projects in the works after this?

SK: My university is putting on Merrily We Roll Along this fall and I was cast as ‘Gussie.’ I’m looking forward to it. I love a good Sondheim show and I’m portraying a super awful character, but also fun and flirty. Gussie is definitely on the crazy side, which is always a blast! It’s also directed by one of my favorite people, Beth Daily, and assistant directed by my best friend, Val Umbro, a dynamic duo for sure. I’m also grateful to be assistant directing The Trial with Paul Mroczka in the fall. It’ll be such a great challenge and growing experience for me.

Click here to learn more about Ariel’s Royal Princess Celebration fundraiser on August 5. Click here or call the box office at 781-871-2787 for tickets to Company Theatre’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid from Friday, July 28 through Sunday, August 20 at The Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts. Follow Company Theatre on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates and more.

The Academy of the Company Theatre Teen Conservatory presents the dark comedy, ‘Heathers the Musical’

Posted on June 27, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

What does it take to be popular? Long before Glinda sang about it in the hit musical, Wicked, or queen bee Regina George and the Plastics ruled the school in the satirical teen comedy film, Mean Girls, the Heathers dominated Westerberg High in the dark cult comedy film, Heathers. Heathers takes a bitingly funny and satirical look at teen life and all the drama that comes with it. Directed by Steve Shannon with musical direction by Melissa Carubia with the Academy of the Company Theatre’s summer workshop program, The Academy of the Company Theatre Teen Conservatory proudly presents Heathers the Musical (High School Edition) on Thursday, July 13 and Friday, July 14 at The Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts at 7 p.m. This show contains mature themes. Click here for tickets and here for more information on the Academy of the Company Theatre.

Heathers the Musical is based on the 1988 film adaptation that stars Winona Ryder, Shannen Doherty, and Christian Slater. A television adaptation is also currently in development. Taking a look at the ruthless side of high school, clever Veronica Sawyer finds her way into the Heathers, Westerberg High’s ultimate, cruel clique, just as she encounters mysterious new boy at school, J.D. In a wild scheme, Veronica plans to show the world life is so much more than popularity.

Performances for the Academy of the Company Theatre’s Teen Conservatory of Heathers the Musical (High School Edition) take place at the Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts on July 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. Click here for tickets or call the box office at 781-871-2787. Click here for more on the Company Theatre and its extensive upcoming productions like Disney’s The Little Mermaid and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Academy of the Company Theatre Teen Conservatory will hold auditions for dark comedy, ‘Heathers the Musical’

Posted on May 8, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

No avoiding a mean girl. Long before queen bee Regina George and the Plastics ruled the school in the satirical teen comedy film, Mean Girls, the Heathers dominated Westerberg High in the dark cult comedy film, Heathers. The Academy of the Company Theatre Teen Conservatory (T.C.T.) will hold auditions for Heathers the Musical (High School Edition) on Monday, June 6 with callbacks on Tuesday, June 7 at the Company Theatre in Norwell, Massachusetts at 6 p.m. Teen actors from age 13 through college age are invited to audition. Click here and check back for further details on auditions.

Heathers the Musical is based on the 1988 film adaptation that stars Winona Ryder, Shannen Doherty, and Christian Slater. A television adaptation is also in development. Taking a look at the ruthless side of high school, clever Veronica finds her way into the Heathers, Westerberg High’s ultimate, cruel clique, just as she encounters mysterious new guy, J.D. In a wild scheme, Veronica plans to show the world life is so much more than popularity.

Audition candidates should be prepared to sing 16 to 24 bars of a song from the show or similar musical style. A headshot or snapshot and a resume is preferred at the audition, but not required. Audition candidates may bring their own sheet music, but the score will be available with accompaniment. Audition candidates will be charged a non-refundable $10 audition fee. Click here for further details on the A.C.T. Summer Workshop and to the emergency form to be completed prior to the audition.

Performances for the Academy of the Company Theatre’s Teen Conservatory of Heathers the Musical (High School Edition) will be held at the Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts on July 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. For further information about the auditions, email ACT@companytheatre.com, or call the box office at 1-781-871-2787. Click here for more information about the Company Theatre’s fabulous 2017 season and follow them on Facebook.

The Company Theatre will hold auditions for Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’

Posted on April 23, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

While the award-winning Company Theatre continues their sold-out run of Academy of the Company Theatre’s (A.C.T.) musical production of Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. through Sunday, April 30, another Disney production will soon be in the works. The Company Theatre is going under the sea for the adult version of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, with auditions will soon be held on Wednesday, May 3 and callbacks on Thursday, May 4. Both dates take place at Company Theatre in Norwell, Massachusetts at 6:30 p.m. Click here for further information.

Company Theatre presents Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ this summer. Courtesy of the Company Theatre

Based on the beloved Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale of the same name, The Little Mermaid follows the adventures of Ariel, the mermaid daughter of the mighty king of the sea, King Triton. Accompanied by a crab named Sebastian and a cute little fish named Flounder, Ariel gets a glimpse of a world above the sea and longs to take on that great adventure with unforeseen consequences. Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl, and Part of Your World are just a few of the unforgettable songs composed by Alan Menken from Disney’s The Little Mermaid, a heartwarming story for the entire family.

Directed by Zoe Bradford and Jordie Saucerman, choreography by Sally Forrest, and musical direction by Steve Bass, all roles are open for casting and will take place at the Company Theatre Center for the Arts, 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts. Audition candidates should be strong singers and be prepared to sing a song from the show in the show’s key or a song in a similar musical style. A headshot or snapshot and a resume is preferred at the audition, but not required. Audition candidates may bring their own sheet music, but the music score will be available with accompaniment. Please dress appropriately to learn and practice a dance combination.

If unable to attend auditions and are located out of state, the Company Theatre is also accepting video submissions at sally@companytheatre.com. All submissions must be sent by Tuesday, May 2.

Performances for Disney’s The Little Mermaid will be held from Friday, July 28 through Sunday, July 30 and continuing Wednesdays through Sundays through Sunday, August 20. Click here for tickets and for further information about the auditions, email sally@companytheatre.com, or call 1-781-871-2787. Family and Friends Friday offers limited amount of discounted tickets for four or more. Click here for more information about the Company Theatre’s fabulous 2017 season and follow them on Facebook.

Company Theatre proudly presents the uplifting musical comedy, ‘Sister Act the Musical’

Posted on March 14, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

With an incredible lineup of catchy, uplifting songs by Academy award-winning composer Alan Menken, Company Theatre proudly presents the hilarious musical comedy, Sister Act the Musical from Friday, March 17 through Sunday, April 9 at the Company Theatre in Norwell, Massachusetts. Based on the 1992 smash hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act the Musical is a humorous, inspiring story about loyalty, friendship, and discovering what is really important. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Set in Philadelphia, lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier finds herself in a terrible predicament and needs protection. She finds it in a convent with a group of dutiful nuns led by rigid Mother Superior, but she has never felt more out of place until the power of music steps in. Featuring a cast that will bring audiences joyfully to their feet, see Sister Act the Musical from Friday, March 17 through Sunday, March 19 then Wednesdays through Sundays through April 9.

‘Sister Act the Musical’ cast Photo courtesy of Michelle McGrath/Company Theatre

Sister Act the Musical is part of Company Theatre’s stellar 2017 season which includes Disney’s The Little Mermaid with an adult cast this summer. Auditions will be held on May 3. Click here for audition details.

Company Theatre MermaidAuditions-300x174

Company Theatre presents Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ this summer. Courtesy of the Company Theatre

Other highlights of the season include the psychological thriller, Lizzie Borden in October and the holiday family musical comedy, Company for the Holidays in December. All performances take place at the Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive in Norwell, Massachusetts. Get discount tickets on Family & Friends Fridays. Click here, call the box office at 781-871-2787 for tickets or email sally@companytheatre.com for more information. Follow the Company Theatre on Facebook.

‘Steel Magnolias’ and ‘Children of Eden’ part of the exciting premiere season of South Shore Theatre Works

Posted on January 23, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

From Sondheim’s enchanting fall musical, Into the Woods to the upcoming beloved spring musical, Children of Eden, South Shore Theatre Works (SSTW) in Holbrook, Massachusetts, is having a stellar premiere season. With a group of dedicated volunteers and Board of Directors, Executive Director and President Richard Bento is thrilled about South Shore Theatre Works’ promising future. In a “sink or swim” sort of industry, Benton says South Shore Theatre Works is “Michael Phelps-ing” it. Click here for more information on auditions, how to support and becoming a member of South Shore Theatre Works, and more on upcoming performances.

Jeanne Denizard: Your first musical was Sondheim’s Into the Woods. For a first show, that must have been quite an undertaking. I understand you had a very good turnout though.

Richard Bento: Yes, we had about 64 people from across Massachusetts and Rhode Island that came and auditioned. Into the Woods is a very difficult show acting-wise because it’s about relationships. It’s about relationships between mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, children and their grandparents, brothers, and new found love. It’s a very challenging piece, not just vocally, but we wanted to do a production that shows people we’re really out to play. We want to be on the map as one of the best community theaters in the area, and doing a show like Into the Woods really put us out there. You know, it’s one of those “sink or swim” shows and we didn’t just float. We definitely Michael Phelps-ed it and we swam successfully.

The cast of ‘Into the Woods’ Photo courtesy of Rachel Nope Beasley

JD: To start the New Year, you presented the musical comedy, The Big Bad Musical. Please tell me about that.

RB: The Big Bad Musical is part of our junior production season for young performers under the age of 19. It was a great production. I think it really piggybacked on the production of Into the Woods with some of the characters, like Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, and brought it to a different world. It had a lighter side that Into the Woods does not necessarily have and brought a sense of humor to the fairy tale stories. It introduced other characters like The Boy Who Cried Wolf and the Three Little Pigs. The Big Bad Musical was an exciting adventure to work with young children and see how they grow. It’s amazing how they step up to the plate. With an adult who is performing in community theatre, you expect to have a certain level of professionalism and respect for the craft, but to see these kids who are young adults doing a show unknown to most people, doing music that people don’t know, and having to do a show that has so much dialogue, and really putting it on themselves, is something great to be a part of. I’m honored to be a part of it.

Rehearsal for the musical comedy, ‘The Big Bad Musical’ Photo courtesy of Rachel Nope Beasley

JD: Please tell me how can someone participate in these educational workshops?

RB: Our Junior Workshop programs are for anyone under the age of 19 who want to participate in a youth production. We not only teach them about the acting side of dramas and musicality of musicals depending on the show, but also what it is like to put on a show and be involved from beginning to end. We are very fortunate for our summer junior workshop. This summer, we’ll be performing Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. Keep a lookout on our website, and join our email list for updates. Auditions would be in the late spring for this August production. It’s open to anyone under the age of 19 who wants to participate, have some fun, learn, and improve their skills.

South Shore Theatre Works dress rehearsal for youth production, ‘The Big Bad Musical’ Photo courtesy of Rachel Nope Beasley

JD: Now, South Shore Theatre Works is producing the lauded play, Steel Magnolias, a classic story featuring a much smaller cast. When does that show kick off?

RB: We had auditions for that show right after Into the Woods in November and we’ve been rehearsing throughout the holiday season. We’re really focusing on it now that it is the New Year. It’s a great, well-known show, not just for the play, but also for the movie. They’re very similar to one another, but also extremely different because the play only takes place at Truvy’s Hair Salon. It really involves the six actresses on stage connecting with the audience on a different level that they would be if it was a different type of show. The show is about emotion, the interaction between friendships, and also the interaction between all different kinds of relationships. I think the motif of South Shore Theatre Works 2016-2017 season has been about relationships.

‘Steel Magnolias’ from Friday, February 17 through Sunday, February 19

JD: South Shore Theatre Works runs fundraising campaigns, most recently with the restaurant, Not Your Average Joes. In what ways can people support South Shore Theatre Works?

RB: We partner up with local restaurants and local businesses throughout the year. We’re very fortunate to have the support of The Chateau in Stoughton, who held a fundraiser for us last year. Uno’s Chicago Bar and Grill helped us out as well. We had our good friends at Five Below on the Stoughton/Brockton line continually help us out with our endeavors by holding numerous fundraisers for us, which is greatly appreciated. Not Your Average Joe’s, the last one we just did in the month of December, was a great way for people to be able to go out to eat like you normally would and support a great cause. We’ll be continuing to do this with other restaurants in the area. Another one is scheduled for February in Holbrook. It is a great way to get some extra revenue in and for people to participate without having to do lot of work while you are putting on a full season.

sstw-board-of-directors-including-richard-bento

South Shore Theatre Works Play Reading Committee led by Richard Bento Photo courtesy of Kelly Webber

We here at SSTW are very ambitious! We technically have been putting on a main stage and junior season, two seasons simultaneously. To be able to do that financially, we need the support of the community. Not just by supporting us on these fundraising events, but helping us with sponsorships and ads. If there’s someone in the community who would like to support the arts and see it continue in their community, check out our website to see how they can assist us, whether it’s a program ad or a sponsorship. Someone once told me it takes a village to raise a child. It’s the same thing with a community theater. It takes the town and the surrounding communities to raise and bring up a successful community theater.

Volunteers are always needed, whether you can sew, help with the box office, hang up or design a flyer or a poster, or with media. Volunteer your talents, whatever that talent may be. You can start off assisting a stage manager or helping on a crew and by the next show, you can get more and more involved. We would greatly appreciate it.

South Shore Theatre Works present the beloved musical, ‘Children of Eden’ Photo courtesy of South Shore Theatre Works

Click here to get involved with South Shore Theatre Works, join their mailing list, and learn about their upcoming productions. South Shore Theatre Works is also on Facebook.