Newsletter of Town & Gown Players, Athens, Georgia

Celebrating Over 50 Continuous Years of Community Theater

March-June 2006 (Double Issue)

In This Issue

2006-7 Mainstage Season Announced	How to Get Your Story in the Envoy
Calendar of T&G Events	On Second Stage: A Night in the Theatre
On the Mainstage: Private Lives	Old News: The Devil's Disciple
T&G Seeks Directors	Old News: The Man, the Myth, the Bandanna
Audition Call: How I Learned to Drive	2006 Meeting Schedule
Our Friends Announce Their Seasons	Who's Serving on the Board
Help Urgently Wanted	Get in Touch with the Envoy

Visit the Town & Gown home page!

Reservations (706) 208-TOWN (8696) · Lobby/Backstage (706) 548-3854

Mainstage slate for 2006-7 set

Classic romance, classic drama, classic comedy: Town & Gown is excited to announce a 2006-7 Mainstage season ideal for the Classic City.

We get off to a turbulent start with The Tempest, William Shakespeare's play of treachery, sorcery and (of course) young love. Steven Carroll directs. Auditions take place July 10 and 11, and performance dates are Sept. 22-Oct. 1.

Elissa Hadley helms Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? to complete the fall part of the season. Woolf will have special appeal to anyone with an academic in their peer group. Auditions are scheduled for Sept. 25-26, with performances Nov. 10-19.

No Seasonal Affective Disorder for Town & Gowners: Lady Windermere's Fan features Oscar Wilde's wit and the mysterious past of the titular Lady. The show runs Feb. 16-25, 2007, with auditions Nov. 13-14. This show is seeking a director.

Woody Allen brings us the fast-paced comedy Play It Again, Sam next. A shlemiel from the 1960s, when "shlemiel" really meant something, finds his inner Humphrey Bogart. The show requires the better part of a dozen women and two or three men. Auditions come up Feb. 19-20, 2007; performances Apr. 13-22. This show is seeking a director.

We close with Horton Foote's acclaimed drama The Trip to Bountiful. Mrs. Watts can, in fact, go home again . . . and the changes in Bountiful help her accept the changes in store for her. Marie Bruce has signed on as director. The show runs June 22 to July 1, 2007; auditions are set for Apr. 16-17.

Town & Gown event calendar

May 2006
12-13	Private Lives on the Mainstage Curtain time 8:00 p.m., post-show reception on opening night Read the story
14	Private Lives matinee Curtain time 2:00 p.m.
15-16	Auditions for How I Learned to Drive 7:00 p.m. Read the story
18-20	Private Lives Curtain time 8:00 p.m.
21	Private Lives matinee Curtain time 2:00 p.m.
June 2006
1-30	In rehearsal: How I Learned to Drive
July 2006
7-8	How I Learned to Drive on the Mainstage Curtain time 8:00 p.m., post-show reception on opening night
9	How I Learned to Drive matinee Curtain time 2:00 p.m.
10-11	Auditions for The Tempest 7:00 p.m. See your next Envoy for more details
13-15	How I Learned to Drive Curtain time 8:00 p.m.
16	How I Learned to Drive matinee Curtain time 2:00 p.m.
21-22	Second Stage presents A Night in the Theatre Curtain time 8:00 p.m., post-show reception on opening night Read the story
23	A Night in the Theatre matinee Curtain time 2:00 p.m.
August 2006
11-13	Athens Little Playhouse presents (title TBA) at Athens Community Theater
TBA	T&G's annual awards banquet See your next Envoy for details
September 2006
22	The Tempest opens the 2006-7 Mainstage season

On the Mainstage:

Private Lifestyles of the Rich and Angry

Prepare to enjoy the timeless comedy of Noël Coward as one of his most enduring works, Private Lives, opens May 12 at the Athens Community Theater.

Coward wrote the play as a project for himself and his close friend, the legendary stage actress Gertrude Lawrence. they debuted the piece (which also featured a then little-known Laurence Olivier) at the Phoenix Theatre, London, on September 24, 1930. It has since become a favorite of both Broadway and regional theater audiences. Most recently, a 2002 revival starring Alan Rickman and Lindsay Duncan won both the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Revival of a Play.

The play centers on former flames Elyot and Amanda. Once briefly (and disastrously) married to each other, they're now each on their respective honeymoons with new, far more sensible spouses. Little did they expect they'd end up at the same French resort--or that their passion for each other would be so easily rediscovered.

According to director Amy Miller, the play's allure lies in its sharp wit and immense sex appeal. "It's a remarkably modern piece, considering it was written over 80 years ago," she said. "The characters get up to the sorts of things you'd expect from nighttime television--the kind that airs after 9 p.m. Plus, the jokes are still incredibly smart and funny.

The cast features Town & Gown veterans Brad Blythe, Anna Whiteside and Julia Wilson, as well as newcomers Stacie Blythe and David Weber.

Private Lives has performances scheduled at 8:00 p.m. on May 12-13 and 18-20 and 2:00 p.m. on May 14 and 21. The theater is located on Grady Avenue behind the Taylor-Grady House. Town & Gown suggests making reservations by calling 706-208-8696 Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For more information on the play, visit the Town & Gown web site.

Wanted: Skilled, Motivated Directors

Town & Gown seeks directors for two productions in the 2006-7 Mainstage Season.

Lady Windermere's Fan combines the wit of Oscar Wilde with the mysterious backstory of an English aristo. The comedy has performances scheduled for Feb. 16-25, 2007; auditions will take place Nov. 13-14, 2006.

Woody Allen's comedy Play It Again, Sam brings 1960s New York to twitchy, hilarious life. Performance dates are Apr. 13-22, 2007, with auditions Feb. 19-20, 2007.

To get a directing gig at T&G, you have to be a member in good standing. You need at least three credits with our company, including at least one credit as assistant director on a Mainstage production. The board has some discretion to consider other experience, for example directing with other companies.

The person to consult is Vice-President Terrell Austin, who can steer you to a copy of the script and forward your application to the board. Terrell has not set a deadline for applications, but the earlier the better, so don't dawdle!

Audition Call:

How I Learned to Drive

Audition dates: May 15-16
At the theater
7:00 p.m.

Paula Vogel's How I Learned to Drive is a wildly funny, surprising and devastating tale of survival. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play tells the story of a woman who learns the rules of the road and life from behind the wheel.

Long-time Town & Gowner Allen Rowell directs.

The cast calls for two men and three women. Auditions will consist of cold readings. Callbacks and individually scheduled auditions will be held Tuesday night, May 16. If you would like to audition and cannot come on Monday, May 15, please contact the director to set up a private audition.

For more information, visit the Town & Gown web site.

Those interested in being part of the production team should email the director.

Elsewhere:

Local Companies Announce Productions

Athens Little Playhouse (ALPS) will be Town & Gown's guest in August, putting up their summer show Aug. 11-13. To be honest, the ALPS web site doesn't make the title clear, but very possibly it is You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

The University Theater has announced its 2006-7 season:

• Balm in Gilead, by Lanford Wilson
  Cellar Theater
  Sept. 21-22, 24 and 27-30 and Oct. 1, 2006
• Exonerated, by Jessica Blank and Eric Jensen
  Studio Series--Seney-Stovall Chapel
  Oct. 12-13 and 15
• The Man Who Came to Dinner, by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart
  Fine Arts Theater
  Nov. 9-11 and 15-19
• Tartuffe, by Molière
  Seney-Stovall Chapel
  Jan. 25-27 and 31 and Feb. 1-4, 2007
• Hamletmachine, by Heiner Müller
  Cellar Theater
  Feb. 22-25 and 28 and March 1-4, 2007
• Trojan Women, by Euripides
  Studio Series--Seney-Stovall Chapel
  March 21-25, 2007
• Joe Turner's Come and Gone, by August Wilson
  Fine Arts Theater
  Apr. 12-14 and 18-22, 2007

Athens Creative Theater also has its 2006-7 titles on its web site:

• South Pacific in concert
  Oct. 13, 14, 20, 21 and 22, 2006
• Hands of the Spirit
  March 23, 24, 30 and 31 and Apr. 1, 2007
• Doctor Dolittle (Second Stage)
  Apr. 13, 14, 20, 21 and 22, 2007
• Wait until Dark
  June 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 and 17, 2007

Growing Demand

Wanted: Town & Gown Treasurer. Must be organized, dedicated and preferably good with numbers. If interested, please contact President Andy Garrison.

Always meant to be an F&B manager? We are looking for the perfect person to organize our annual awards banquet at the end of the summer. For more information or to apply, get in touch with any member of the board. (You'll find a roster further down this page.)

What Do You Know That We Don't?

You can get your news in the paper too! Whether it's the inside line on your next production, your psychic encounter with George Bernard Shaw or the ever-popular baby announcement, get your story to the beneficent Envoy editor, Brooke Hatfield.

Second Stage Presents:

A Night in the Theatre

Miss the glory that is a Second Stage show at Town & Gown? It may be a couple more months before you can get your fix.

A Night in the Theatre, written by Lawrence Casler and directed by Pam Mitchell, runs July 21-23.

Margaret and Stanley Locker and their friends, Donna and Walter Pace, are at the theater for their weekly dose of culture. This week's ordeal is Hamlet.

After they seat themselves (with some confusion), the play consists of their incessant and hilarious chatter about themselves, their children, a dead friend, and even occasionally Shakespeare's play.

Secrets emerge and friendships unravel amid the audience's laughter.

You may even recognize these rude playgoers as the obnoxious people who sometimes sit behind you.

(Description by courtesy of playdatabase.com)

Delayed Mainstage Bulletin:

"Devil" in the Details for Upcoming Shaw Adaptation

Playgoers will be blown away by George Bernard Shaw's The Devil's Disciple, opening March 24. From the magnificent costume and set design to the inspiring performances of the actors, director Catherine Clayton has put together a production worthy of a professional stage.

The only play by Shaw set in the United States, The Devil's Disciple is an adventure story set during the American Revolution. Richard, a free-thinking man, clashes with the moral code of puritan New England and swears allegiance to the devil. Shaw plays with the timeless themes of patriotism, faith and virtue in this funny and suspenseful melodrama.

Clayton has assembled a working cast and crew of over 70 people. Each element of the production is spearheaded by a professional, making this staging quite a sight to see. Masterfully designed, the set consists of two immense turntable which allow Clayton to showcase the five settings of the play realistically. Contributing to the show are dramaturge Dr. Fran Teague of the UGA English Department, costumer Dr. Leara Rhodes of UGA's Journalism Department, and set designer B. Don Massey of UGA's Department of Theater and Film Studies. Also offering assistance to the production team is Foley artist Steve Wildey, who will create all sound effects live for each performance.

Beyond the stunning visual and auditory effects, the cast (whose members' ages range from 10 to over 60) does an excellent job of capturing the spirit and emotion of the classic piece.

"Watching the individual talents of each person come together into one production is exhilarating," Clayton said.

Clayton, who last appeared on stage in T&G productions of Sylvia and Rumors, was script supervisor for the film Somebodies, which premiered at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival.

The enthusiasm for The Devil's Disciple has overflowed into the surrounding community. Several local and national businesses have come forward, donating everything from set dressings, props, and reception catering. "I am so grateful for the assistance from so many good people. It's very exciting to have such support within our community," Clayton said.

The Devil's Disciple will run March 24-26 and March 30-April 2. Curtain rises at 8:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Athens Community Theater off Prince Avenue, behind the historic Taylor-Grady House. Ticket prices range from $5 to $12. To make reservations call 208-TOWN (208-8696). Following the opening night performance, the company will host a reception. More information on the play and on Town & Gown's upcoming season is available on the T&G web site.

Ben Teague: The Man, the Myth, the Bandanna

The Devil's Disciple marks Ben Teague's 100th show at Town & Gown.
And believe us, Chuck Norris has nothing on this guy.

(From the March-April issue of the paper Envoy)

• Ben Teague's tea tastes like coffee, his coffee tastes like tea and his wrath tastes like justice.
• Ben Teague's bandanna aggressively markets its own brand of aftershave. Ben eschews it for the blood of the innocent.
• Ben Teague shot JFK.
• Ben Teague was the inspiration for "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" by Paul Simon. He was also the inspiration for Mrs. Robinson.
• Ben Teague never asked Fran to marry him. He merely accosted William Shakespeare while the Bard was on a date with young Fran and absconded with her. When you get right down to it, Ben just wanted to stick it to Billy Shakes.
• Bob Vila has two fears--Ben Teague stealing his show and Ben Teague stealing his wife.
• Most people buy Girl Scout cookies outside of grocery stores. Ben Teague just roughs up some Girl Scouts.
• Ben Teague was both Gentlemen of Verona.
• Ben Teague isn't a cat or a dog person. He's an Asian infant person.
• Ben Teague's self-titled debut rap album was "The Notorious B.E.N."
• Ben's mother was a harpsichord and his father was a fire hydrant. He no longer attends family reunions.
• Ben Teague was the sixth star at Five Star Day Café. He walked when the stuffed meatloaf got top billing.
• Kanye West wants Jesus to walk with him. Jesus wants Ben Teague to walk with him.
• Ben Teague and Godzilla went to grade school together. They both hated Mothra.
• Before Cat Stevens changed his name to Yusef Islam, he changed it to Ben Teague. The subsequent beating inspired "Wild World."
• Ben Teague and Jack London once had a fight to the death. Ben Teague is still alive, and Jack London cried like a woman near the end.

Board and Membership Meeting Schedule 2006

The board of directors meets on the third Tuesday of each month at the Old Athens Jail on Meigs Street. Any member of Town & Gown may attend board meetings. For times and other details, send an email to President Andy Garrison.

The Annual Meeting of Town & Gown members will take place in October 2006.

Board Members and Other Department Heads

President	Andy Garrison	president@townandgownplayers.org
Vice-President	Terrell Austin	vicepresident@townandgownplayers.org
Secretary	Alison Hooper	secretary@townandgownplayers.org
Treasurer	(momentarily vacant)	treasurer@townandgownplayers.org
Membership	Kris Tanner	membership@townandgownplayers.org
Envoy Editor	Brooke Hatfield	envoy@townandgownplayers.org
Friends of Town & Gown/Development	Amy Miller	development@townandgownplayers.org
Facilities	Allen Rowell	facilities@townandgownplayers.org
Front of House	Kelly McGlaun Fields Amy Wildey	house@townandgownplayers.org
Second Stage	Steven Carroll	secondstage@townandgownplayers.org
Publicity	Julie Ramsey	publicity@townandgownplayers.org
Season Tickets	Marie Bruce	seasontickets@townandgownplayers.org
Webmaster	Eric Wagoner	webmaster@townandgownplayers.org

Town & Gown Players is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Your gifts are tax-deductible.

Town & Gown Players
P.O. Box 565
Athens, Georgia 30603
Lobby and backstage phone: (706) 548-3854
Reservations service: (706) 208-TOWN (208-8696) · Please call during regular business hours

Our website includes great links, a form to place your name on our e-mailing list, a map, photographs, history, features about our upcoming shows, and lots of other information. There's even a page where you can sign up to work as an usher, sell tickets, etc.

Comments, suggestions, or questions regarding the newsletter or Town & Gown membership? Contact Membership Chair Kris Tanner or Envoy Editor Brooke Hatfield.

Brooke Hatfield edits and publishes the Envoy six times a year, more or less. Webmaster Eric Wagoner and Ben Teague designed the online version.

© Town & Gown Players 2006