On May 12th and 13th at 7pm at Hovey Players, we will be holding general auditions for this year’s Hovey Summer Shorts. The show goes up the 12th, 13th, 19th, and 20th of July. Rehearsal schedule is flexible (worked out on individual basis with directors of each piece). No need to prepare anything, directors will have sides for you to read. A headshot would be appreciated, but not a necessity.

There are 10 male roles and 13 female roles, however, some may be double cast.

Ages range from teenage (female) to actors who can play 40s/50s (though specific choices will be based on individual directors).

We have 5 quirky comedies and 5 dramatic pieces. We hope to see you there!

If you have not been to Hovey before, you can find us at 9 Spring Street in Waltham, across Spring Street from the Library. There is parking available behind the building, and the entrance to the theater is on the side closest to Main Street (under a black awning).

His funny manner suggests the type of guy who spent a lot of time in high school making people laugh as opposed to making them sit in a theater paralyzed by what they are watching unravel in front of them.  And although Boncoddo loves to perform himself and is drawn more to farcical and comedic scripts, he emphasizes that his feelings on the play’s subject matter were attractive to him because “It was so well written and relatable — with themes of redemption,” he said in a very matter-of-fact manner.  ”We all have things that we regret from the past that come back to haunt us.  I really think the piece is about people trying to make peace with their lives and that was reflected so well in the writing, the common speak dialogue and the depths of each character. The minute I read it, I loved it and felt it could be done somewhere that had an audience that would embrace this type of theater — that is why I went to Hovey with it.”

Boncoddo said the production is bound to make an impact on the audience because of the nature of the material.  But give this director credit as he took no chances and enlisted the help of a therapist to consult on the show.  ”He had expertise in this area and had done quite a bit of work with these sorts of issues,” Boncoddo notes.  ”I asked him if he was willing to consult with the cast because I knew there were feelings that would come up for the actors as we really delved into this.  It was important for me to help them get to a new level of comfort, and to support my actors so they could get over their fears and just focus on the performances.”

In The Woodsman, Kevin Brown plays Walter, who lives quietly on across the street from an elementary school. Having completed a prison sentence for child molestation, he works at a furniture warehouse, kindles a tentative romance with a co-worker played by Shira Cahn-Lipman, and visits his court ordered therapist portrayed by Mark Mason, all the while haunted by images of a young girl who is played so organically by young actress Emily Sheeran.  This directorial debut may be Boncoddo’s first—but he looks forward to more of it in his future.  ”I would recommend directing to every actor who is interested,” he emphasized.  ”You think you know what goes into it, but you don’t.  There is so much more there.  You see angles that you just don’t see when you are up there performing. It exhausts you actually,” he says with a little laugh, “but it’s my baby.”

The Woodsman is running until March 30 at Hovey Players and also stars Webb Tilney and Gordon Ellis who give fabulous and thought provoking performances in their supporting roles.

By Kristen Dattoli

The story of Enchanted April follows four women from post-WWI England as they are changed by the age-old beauty of the Italian coast.  Brought together by a newspaper ad, these women from different backgrounds seek more than just relaxation at San Salvatore.  They have all been dealing with loss in their own way while in England, but in Italy, they begin healing with help from each other and the magic of a beautiful country.  This is a warm-hearted play that although filled with humor, is primarily a character-driven story about people who have lost their way (and each other), and find their way back while on vacation.

Auditions will be held on Mar 17, 18, at 7pm with callbacks on Mar 20, at 7pm.  Auditioners can either prepare a 1-to-2 minute monologue (anything from early 20^th century to contemporary comedies) or they can do cold readings from sides provided at the auditions.

All characters require a British accent, except for Costanza, who speaks in Italian.  Ages of all characters other than Mrs. Graves & Costanza are in the 25-50 range, they need only be consistent with each other. 

Lotty Wilton, a Hampstead housewife: Lotty is a dutiful wife, who has been feeling unsatisfied for a long time and dreams of a vacation in Italy to restore herself.  She is quirky, loving, soulful & open (in heart & mind).

Mellersh Wilton, Lotty’s husband, a solicitor: Mellersh is a self-involved, mostly unimaginative stolid man.  He is old-fashioned and strong-willed.  He is used to running his household with no complaints.  He is cautious, conservative, & socially adept.

Rose Arnott, a Hampstead housewife: Rose has locked her feelings up and she survives her loss by being religious and responsible.  She is estranged emotionally from everyone, and especially her husband.  She is lovely, but doesn’t know it.  She is conservative and cool, with previously-untapped wells of emotion.

Frederick Arnott, Rose’s husband, a writer: Frederick has gained some notoriety for his lurid histories of infamous figures, using a nom de plume.  He is artistic and yearns for a more open and understanding relationship with his wife.  Until then, he’s satisfied with party-hopping and hobnobbing with the rich.

Lady Caroline Bramble, a socialite: Caroline is lost, unhappy, and bored with the wild social scene in London.  She’s a beautiful woman who is tired of getting by on her looks alone and is seeking a life that matters.  She is pretty good with Italian.

Mrs. Graves, a London matron: Mrs. Graves has been living alone, with her “ghosts” for a long time.  She has expectations on how things are to be, and they give her comfort.  She is strict, disciplined & very old-fashioned.  She is not unkind, just afraid of moving outside her comfort zone.   She is good with “classical Italian”.

Antony Wilding, an artist: Anthony is the owner of San Salvatore, the castle that the women rent.  He is very attracted to Rose, and is not very subtle about it, although he remains polite.  He is warm & open, but still a little sad.   He is very good with Italian (since he’s lived in Italy off-and-on his whole life).

Costanza, an Italian housekeeper:  Costanza is boisterous, honest, opinionated, open-hearted & patient (at least relative to the British).  She speaks almost completely in Italian.

Auditions will be at the Abbott Memorial Theater, Joel’s Way, 9 Spring Street in Waltham, next to the Waltham Public Library right off of Main Street/Route 20.  Parking is available behind the theater building.

Performance dates for Enchanted April are May 10, 11, 17, 18, 23, 24 & 25, at 8pm and May 19 at 2pm, 2013.

On Friday, February 1, 2013 at 8pm, all actors, directors, and writers are invited to meet for a brand new collaboration. Once paired, the clock starts ticking….each group will have exactly 24 hours to write a brand new ten minute play, learn the lines, rehearse the blocking, tech the show, and put it on stage. Performances will begin on Saturday, February 2nd at 8pm sharp.

How will the shows turn out? Will the actors be able to remember all their lines and blocking in just 24 hours? It’s live theatre to the extreme. So if you are looking for a unique theatrical experience come on down to Hovey Players, 9 Spring Street, Waltham. You can join us as an Artist on Friday night or come Saturday night to be part of our audience!

Artists:  To participate, you must sign up by emailing the producer, Kristine@HoveyPlayers.com. Space is limited. The deadline to sign up is Sunday, January 27, 2013. We welcome writers, directors, and actors, but also box office and tech volunteers for only just a few hours. Due to its time-sensitive nature, production on Friday will begin promptly at 8pm. The writers will have 12 hours to come up with a script, which will be passed off to the cast early the next morning. Each group will rehearse all morning, returning to Hovey in the late afternoon for a short tech rehearsal before the house opens.

Audiences:  Tickets are only $10 General Admission!  One-time performances of these brand new works will be on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 8pm.  Call (781) 893-9171 or email Reservations@hoveyplayers.com.

Questions and details about the production can be emailed to Kristine@HoveyPlayers.com. Produced by Mike Haddad and Kristine Mackin.

Walter is a quiet man trying to live a quiet life.  Recently paroled after serving twelve years in the state penitentiary for an unspeakable act, he is forced to wrestle with the sins of his past and the uncertainty of his future.  As Walter delves deeper into his own mind and desires with the help of his therapist, his brother-in-law, and a tough-talking woman from work he must confront his demons and the idea of normalcy: what is “normal”?  Can he have it?  Does he want it?  The Woodsman gives the audience an unflinching glimpse into one man’s struggle for redemption and humanity in a world where some crimes are unforgivable.

There are roles for four men and two women.  One of the women is in her early teens.

Please note that this production addresses sensitive subject matter and adult themes.

We plan to coordinate with a trained therapist during the rehearsal process to consult with the actors and director on this challenging subject.  It is important to Hovey that everyone involved feel safe at all times.

Auditions will be held January 13th and 14th at 7pm. If necessary, callbacks will be held January 16th at 7pm.  Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.

Character Descriptions:

Walter (30s-40s) – Quiet, haunted, and locked in a constant struggle with his own demons.  On parole after serving a stint for child molestation, Walter is looking to regain some sense of a normal life…if he can figure out what “normal” is. 

Dr. Ira Rosen (40s-60s) – Walter’s court-appointed therapist. Unsure of his abilities.  Genuinely cares for Walter’s well-being but is suffering an identity crisis of his own.

Nikki (early 30s-early 40s) – Walter’s co-worker; a tough talker. Not afraid to make the first move. Her rough exterior hides insecurity and a desire to move on from past transgressions.

Carlos (30s-40s) – Walter’s brother-in-law and the only friend he has left. He feels a debt to Walter for the life he’s made for himself and his family. He is sympathetic to Walter’s struggle; he struggles with his own views on women and sex.

Sgt. Lucas (Late 30s-60s) – Walter’s parole officer. He’s seen it all. Not interested in Walter’s supposed “rehabilitation”. It’s only a matter of time until Walter strikes again; they all do. The world would be better if people like Walter never saw the light of day.

The Girl/Robin (11-13) – The Girl is a vision just out of Walter’s line of sight; a constant reminder of his demons.  Robin is a bright and friendly kid with a passion for bird-watching. A chance encounter with Walter in the park leads to a revelation about her and a moment of truth for him. Both roles will be played by the same actress.

NOTE: for the part of Girl/Robin, consent will be required from at least one parent or guardian in order to audition and again to be cast.  Parents/guardians are welcome to attend rehearsals provided they do not distract the actors and artistic staff.

Auditions will be at the Abbott Memorial Theater, Joel’s Way, 9 Spring Street in Waltham, next to the Waltham Public Library right off of Main Street/Route 20.  Parking is available behind the theater building.

Questions?  Email the director at boncoddo@gmail.com

[UPDATE] The deadline for submissions has been pushed to February 15th.

Hovey Players is currently accepting submissions for the 2013 Hovey Summer Shorts Festival, which takes place this coming July.  We are looking for local playwrights to submit plays that are approximately ten minutes in length.  Limit of 2 submissions per author.  Playwright must be a current Massachusetts resident or has resided in Massachusetts.  Please include author name, telephone number(s), but most importantly, the author’s email address on the cover sheet of the script.  There is no specific topic or theme as we do a blend of comedy, tragedy, and other.  However, we are looking for shows with no more than 4 characters (2-3 is ideal), minimal set pieces, and a reasonable amount of props. We accept both new and previously produced pieces. 

Deadline for submissions is  by midnight on Saturday, February 2, 2013.   

Please send all questions and submissions to shorts@hoveyplayers.com

Performance Dates:  January 11, 12, 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26 at 8pm and January 20 at 2pm.

Tickets:  $20 General Admission / $18 Students & Seniors (Subscribe for savings!)

Reservations: (781) 893-9171 or email reservations@hoveyplayers.com

“Falsettos” is the story of one family of quirky, sometimes loveable New Yorkers and their experience with the beginning of the AIDS crisis.  It is the story of a “found family” coming together and fighting with, and for, each other. We’re asked what we do when life spins out of control.  Do we give up or hold on tighter? On a social level, “Falsettos” reminds us we can never get complacent about AIDS and can never forget the way our government failed us in the 1980s by dragging their feet in terms of research and prevention.  The ways in which we marginalize each other are always pertinent for examination.

 The Cast:

Gabriel Clark as Jason, Nick Howe as Marvin, Kevin Hanley as Whizzer, Steven Kosakow as Mendel, Katie Pickett as Trina, Grace Sumner as Dr. Charlotte, and Julia Atwood as Cordelia (Photo by Tom  Powers).

After you’re gone, how will you be remembered? Jean is just trying to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee in a café, when a cell phone belonging to the man at the next table starts to ring.  And ring.  And ring. Jean realizes the man isn’t answering it…because he’s dead. Out of confusion, annoyance and the tiniest bit of sick curiosity, she answers his phone. So begins Dead Man’s Cell Phone, a wildly imaginative new comedy by playwright Sarah Ruhl. A funny and often times otherworldly play about how we memorialize the dead – and how that remembering changes us – Dead Man’s Cell Phone is the lyrical odyssey of a woman forced to confront her own assumptions about morality, redemption, and the need to connect in a technologically obsessed world.

There are roles for four women and two men.

Auditions will be held September 9 and 10 at 7pm. If necessary, callbacks will be held September 13 at 7pm.  Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.  

Character Descriptions:

 Jean:  30s-40s – Quirky, curious, emotional, and good hearted. Starts out shy, comes out of her shell and is transformed through her adventures with Gordon’s Cell Phone. 

Gordon:  40s-50s – The mysterious dead man…who comes to life in Act II. Great monologue.

Mrs. Gottlieb:  50s-70s – Gordon’s mother. Self confident, elegant, has STANDARDS. Don’t disappoint her. Loved Gordon Dearly.

Dwight:  30s-40s – Gordon’s younger brother. Quiet, a little desperate, overshadowed in his family’s eyes by Gordon – and well aware of it.

Hermia:  30s-40s Gordon’s widow. Unassuming, and cedes her power and place to her mother-in-law – but with some hidden depths.  

The Other Woman:  Late 20s-40s A femme fatale… alluring, mysterious, and dangerous. Facile with accents.

Auditions will be at the Abbott Memorial Theater, Joel’s Way, 9 Spring Street in Waltham, next to the Waltham Public Library right off of Main Street/Route 20.  

 Questions?  Email the director at hughes@hoveyplayers.com

We have added a performance on Sunday, May 27th at 8pm.  We have many seats available that evening. 

This weekend’s Friday, May 25th’s show is fully reserved.  The shows on Thursday and Saturday, May 24 & 26 have some seats available (Saturday is almost full).  

Waiting lists have been started, but we encourage you to reserve on Sunday, May 27th.  Call or email now to get in on this opportunity to catch the show.

Directed by David Fisher
Produced by Kristin Hughes

Tickets:  $18 General Admission / $15 Seniors & Students

Call  781-893-9171 or Email  Reservations@hoveyplayers.com

The Cast:

Lucas Brickman:  Patrick Mularski
Milt Fields:  Glenn Wakeley
Val Skolsky:  Andrew Boncoddo
Brian Doyle:  Gordon Ellis
Kenny Franks:  Mark Mason
Carol Wyman:  Allison McCann
Max Prince:  Bill Stambaugh
Ira Stone:  Jason Rutledge
Helen:  Rebecca Mae Davis

Hovey Players will be holding auditions for “The Porch,” a comedy by local playwright and director, Jack Neary.  Neary creates a funny, heart-touching ensemble piece, with its all too familiar characters; they banter and argue like relatives at a New England family reunion!  Gert, Alma, Marjorie, Leo and Pat are life-long neighbors and best friends from the North Shore, who gossip, bicker, and heal old wounds while readying for Labor Day. 

Directed by Bill Doscher, produced by Michelle Aguillon and Kristin Hughes

Auditions:

Sunday, July 15 at 7pm

Monday, July 16 at 7pm

 Wednesday, July 18 at 7pm (Call backs)

 Auditions will be cold readings from the script.  Sides will be available. 

ROLES:

Gert – a woman around 70; brash, blunt; opinionated

Alma – also around 70; naive, curious, a little hard of hearing

Marjorie – again, around 70; stable, educated, a calming influence

Leo – around 70, Gert’s husband; bantamlike, edgy

Pat – around 70, Marjorie’s husband, grounded, a bit lethargic

 SETTING:

Alma’s front porch in an urban neighborhood north of Boston, Labor Day, 2002.

Actors of all “mature” age ranges are encouraged to audition who can approximate ages 70’s-80s.  Auditions will take place at the D’Angio Building, downstairs in the Abbott Memorial Theater, Joel’s Way, 9 Spring Way, across the street from the Waltham Public Library in Waltham, MA.  Free parking available on the streets surrounding the theater, and in the D’Angio Building parking lot (behind building).    

 Performance dates are Sept 7, 8, 14, 15, 20-21, 8pm and Sunday, Sept 16, 2pm

 Scripts can be purchased at http://www.jacknearyonline.com/PAYPAL

 Questions?  Contact theater@hoveyplayers.com.