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Acting

Catch an Arc Stages Production of Merrily We Roll Along

November 12, 2021 by Inside Press

Also, Explore Community Theatre Opportunities at ARC STAGES

DO see if you can still catch an Arc Stages November production of Merrily We Roll Along for their Community Stage. The Community Stage is the second wing of a company that also includes a thriving Educational Stage and a professional stage, the Next Stage.

Performances are being held at Arc Stages, from November 12 to Sunday, November 21.  The theatre is located at 147 Wheeler Avenue in Pleasantville. Tickets are $28 for adults, $22 for Students and Seniors. To purchase tickets, please visit www.arcstages.org or call 914-747-6206.

Merrily We Roll Along will be directed by Ann-Ngaire Martin, with Musical Direction by Marcus Baker. Featuring: Reid Aronson, William Benson, Nancy Jane Blake, Rena Gavigan, Oliver Ipri, Hannah Kluger, Luz Montez, Liz Nolan, Luís Quintero Jr., Joey Sanzaro, Leander Tanner, Arnie Toback, and Claude Tusk. The authors of the landmark Company reunite to turn the traditional showbiz musical on its head in this thrilling and compelling Broadway fable about friendship, compromise, and the high price of success. Stephen Sondheim and George Furth expertly blend the excitement and energy of a backstage musical with a poignant and emotional contemporary story about the importance of staying true to one’s ideals.

Arc Stages is a multifaceted arts organization in Pleasantville, New York, which is composed of three theatre companies under one roof. The Next Stage is a professional theatre company that produces innovative, contemporary theatre as well as new works, cabaret, workshops and staged readings.

The Community Stage is a community theatre company for actors, singers and technicians from all walks of life that offers the best in American musicals and dramas.

The Educational Stage is an educational theatre company where students of all ages (youth and adult) can explore the world of theatre through a professional rehearsal process, master classes, outreach and intensive ensemble work. These three theatres, all under one roof, strive to better serve the community and its artistic needs.

Filed Under: Gotta Have Arts Tagged With: Acting, Actors, Arc Stages, Community Stage, community theater, Merrily We Roll Along

The Show Must Go On

March 4, 2015 by The Inside Press

Young actors from the Lighthouse Youth Theatre in a production of Armonk’s Standing Ovation Studios
Young actors from the Lighthouse Youth Theatre in a production of Armonk’s
Standing Ovation Studios

By Michall Jeffers

Look closely at the lively theatre scene in our community. In every group, you’ll find shining stars making everything possible.

“I love working with kids!”- John Fanelli’s enthusiasm is catching. He’s more than just the Founder and Artistic Director of Standing Ovation Studios; he’s a man on a mission. “We change lives one show at a time. What we do is all about building self-confidence. We are proud to be Educational Theatre.” While John’s programs are filled with talented youngsters, his goal isn’t to groom future Broadway stars, but rather to teach kids. He tells them, “Trust your talent. You don’t have to be great at singing, dancing, or acting.” And he adds, “Everyone is welcomed with open arms; we insist on it.” But for those who are thinking of a career in theatre, this is also the place to hone the necessary skills. Fanelli provides practical guidance; an audition workshop is vital to learning the business of acting. Another benefit to students is John’s knowledge of what’s going on in New York theatre. He recommends shows on- and Off-Broadway, urging students to see professional theatre work at its finest.

John Fanelli of Standing Ovation Studios. John Warner Photo
John Fanelli of Standing Ovation Studios. John Warner Photo

Theatre is a family affair for the Fanellis. Wife Nannette is Executive Producer; kids Jackson, 16, Ryan, 14, and Grace, 9, are all involved. John understands the pressure to get into the right school, and has become an expert at recommending “theatre rich” colleges. He easily reels off the names of prestigious schools his students attend. He also tracks the progress of former students, including American Idol’s Adam Lambert. John is refreshingly free of ego for a man of his accomplishments. He’s directed, taught and created programs for young people in the arts for 20 years. Lighthouse Youth Theatre, the performance arm of the program, was formed in 2006. In 2013, Fanelli raised money to build his new state-of-the-art musical theatre space called Standing Ovation Studios, in Armonk. This was a giant leap forward. “We always had the teaching skills and now we have the facilities to take our students to the next level.” The space is massive, but fills up quickly with creative energy.

In planning his line-up, John not only confers with his staff, he also appreciates feedback from students and parents. Youngsters come to study “because they hear from friends that we have a program that fosters a positive environment where students can explore their own creativity. All of my teachers and technical staff are theatre professionals who have a passion for teaching the craft.  A large majority of our audience is friends and family of the students, but we’re now getting many people who come to our shows with no connection to the cast because you can see a terrific show with talent and excellent production value for a great price. I truly believe that good youth theatre is the new community theatre,” enthuses John. Spring and summer programs include acting and dance classes for all ages and skill levels.

From The Small Town Theatre Company’s 2013 production of The Shadow Box. Sam Morell Photo
From The Small Town Theatre Company’s 2013 production of The Shadow Box. Sam Morell Photo

Performance is at a fever pitch during spring and summer with several age groups participating: Lollipops (Ages 5-9), Spotlight (Ages 5-12), Main-stage (Ages 8-18) and Protege (audition-only group for serious actors ages 13-18). In addition, there are one week programs using the hottest Musical Theatre shows to teach musical theatre technique, and summer workshops at Standing Ovation Studios in Armonk and at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Connecticut.

“I’m very lucky; I like what I do,” smiles John Fanelli. Students and parents feel lucky, too. For further information: standingovationstudios.org or office@lytshows.org

Sam Morell is a font of knowledge about Armonk; he goes to town meetings, supports candidates, and can suggest the best restaurants in the area. His affection for the town led him to form The Small Town Theatre Company. He and co-founder Donna Garr were out walking one day in 2008. Garr reminisced about the way things used to be, when the village was smaller and cultural events were shared and appreciated by the tight-knit community. “We could do that now,” Sam realized. The Hergenhan Center would be ideal. The idea became a reality with the help of many others who shared the vision. Participants come from various walks of life, and numerous types of entertainment are involved. Sam asserts, “The common denominator is that it has to be quality.”

Sam Morell of The Small Town Theatre Company.  John Warner Photo
Sam Morell of The Small Town Theatre Company. John Warner Photo

The mission is “to work with highly creative, talented, and dedicated people to produce high quality cultural events in the Westchester area.  These include theatrical plays, summer concerts, play readings, variety showcases, as well as theatre and film festivals.” In October, 2010, the group produced its first annual Theatre Festival of short plays, including both comedies and dramas; in the spring of 2011, the first annual Film Festival was organized.

Morell, a highly intelligent chemical engineer and entrepreneur with a curious mind, has learned a great deal from the experience. His work has been helped by his avocation. His acting/directing involvement allows him to balance his “left-brain” engineering activities with a “right-brain” theatrical experience. He “was forced to learn and make use of creative tools (video, photography, motion graphics, audio, editing, etc.) to help promote The Small Town Theatre Company…I now appreciate how to deploy these creative tools on highly technical subjects which makes our technical presentations more interesting.” In return, he’s helped more creative types to successfully market themselves.

From Armonk Players’ 2008 production of Lend Me A Tenor. Pia Haas Photo
From Armonk Players’ 2008 production of Lend Me A Tenor. Pia Haas Photo

The more serious you are about the work, the more important it is to keep a sense of humor. Sam recalls “one time we were doing a mini concert titled, “Three Sopranos and a Piano,” and the pianist forgot to turn off his mobile phone.  One of his family members unexpectedly called him and the loud phone ringing was amplified and broadcasted via his lapel mike to our audience. To lighten up the embarrassing interruption, the pianist blurted out to the caller, ‘I thought I told you to not call me at work!!!’  Naturally, it took some time for the laughter and giggling to stop by both the performers and our audience. I would say it took about a good five minutes before decorum was restored.”

Quality is always at the forefront of Sam’s mind. “You must ask yourself if you feel satisfied that you’re doing justice to your art. You should be your own best critic. All aspects of production are your canvas. Are you proud of your work?” In the case of Sam Morell, the answer must be a resounding ‘Yes!’ Upcoming productions include: Orphans by Lyle Kessler on April 17, 18, 24, 25 and I Am My Own Wife on June 12, 13, 19, 20. For further information: smalltowntheatre.com or info@smalltowntheatre.com

Barbara Simonetti has had a lifelong interest in theatre. Even in Tokyo, she was active in the Tokyo International Players and Tokyo Theatre for Children. So it was only natural that when she, Hal Simonetti, and Susan Geffen were sitting around a kitchen table discussing the new Whippoorwill Hall Theatre at the North Castle Public Library, they got the idea to put on a show.

In Susan’s words: “We started with a reading of Love Letters in 1996… and the idea for a theatre group took seed.  In 1997, we put on 84 Charring Cross Road and The Armonk Players was up and running.” This community theatre is supported by The Friends of the North Castle Library. Talent comes from Rockland County and New York, as well as Westchester.

Hal adds, “When we started the Armonk Players, there was one big risk–we had no idea how much interest we would find; theatrical talent/interest and behind-the-scene workers willing to come in. But, from the start, they came from all directions–people pursuing unrelated careers by day, but loving theatre, and wanting to actually do it as well as see it. They found a ready outlet for their creative energies through the Players. Not to be too dramatic about it, (and no one could see it when this thing began), but a door was opened to enriching the lives of many people with friendship and creative work–quite a few of them in from the start, years ago, still going.”

Barbara recalls, “As our reputation for ‘really good’ community theatre grew, we began to find eager talent from all over Westchester, and soon we had a board. At first, we did comedies and dramas; later, we added musicals to our season. Readings, labelled ‘Simply Theatre,’ were also a great way to feature newer talent and plays. The audience grew from locals to larger as word of mouth and reputation spread.” The Board decides on the presentations; upcoming programs include a Reading in April, and a show, June 4-7.

One of the most exciting aspects of live theatre is that anything can happen–and does. The story that Susan tells provides insight as to how resourceful those brave enough to put on a show must be. “Given that the show must go on…in 2000, we were about to raise the curtain on Octette Bridge Club when the electricity went out in town. We asked the audience to go to their cars and get flashlights. We put on the show by the lights the audience provided. It was a big success and fun for all involved after we got over the shock of the dark theatre.”

Hal is justly proud of what’s been accomplished. “What distinguishes the Armonk Players from other similar groups is that, in addition to bringing outstanding theatre into the community–quality plays, musicals and readings–we offer our members the full theatre experience as well. Anyone from Armonk or the surrounding communities wishing to act, sing, direct, design sets, build and paint them, find props, do lighting and sound, sell tickets or count cash–can come on board, exercise their interests, and have fun and friendship at the same time.”

All this from three crazy kids who simply got together and said, ‘Let’s 
put on a show!’ For further information: armonkplayers.org or inquiries@armonkplayers.org

Michall Jeffers and her husband, photographer John Warner, are long-time residents of Northern Westchester. As a voting member of Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle, Michall is a card-carrying professional theatre critic.

Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: Acting, performance, Standing Ovation Studios, Theatre

So Entirely Natural

March 4, 2015 by The Inside Press

Grace Bennett
Grace Bennett

Forgive me but I’m going to state the obvious: the same roads that divide us bring us together. Our communities are so close by that it’s no surprise that the synergy between us feels so entirely natural. That is, in fact, a point that our Executive Editor Beth Besen noted so well with our launch edition, “It’s Hip to Be Square,” (in celebration of a true downtown revitalization) and I would like to offer that message again.

Here’s why: That same synergy is very much at work as we work hard producing our two Inside Press publications: Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk. There are stories in Inside Chappaqua that may appear to be “more Chappaqua,” but in fact, can easily appeal to Armonk, or any Westchester community (or “beyond,” for that matter). One such story is the formation of the Northern Westchester Artists Guild, “If you Guild it…” That story was originally slated to run in Inside Chappaqua only, but I am delighted to have “found the space” to include it here too. While it may have been spearheaded by one terrific Chappaqua mom, Leslie Weissman, it is still, at its heart, a story that could appeal to anyone, anywhere with a passion for the arts.

And if I’ve learned nothing else about Armonk, I know North Castle boasts a thriving arts community with volunteers dedicated to offering and promoting the arts as well…proof positive of that being the annual and spectacular Armonk Art Show that we proudly featured in our second edition.

Your incredible arts passion is also reflected in a story in this issue about the amazing community theatres that have their grass roots on North Castle soil. I am so impressed to know that just ten minutes from my own home there are so many options for adults possessing a genuine yen to act, the talent and skills to do so, and/or contribute to theatre efforts behind the scenes. I’m impressed…and intrigued for my own personal reasons.

This past fall, I have been positively overtaken by an acting bug. It’s been a recurring phenomenon in my life, I must admit, and I address it as best I can, considering time constraints, alas. It all started when I had the lead role of “Mama” in an 8th grade production of “I Remember Mama.” A standing ovation in an auditorium filled with family and friends created a moment of pure adolescent glory that’s fun to remember and reignite by engaging in new efforts. While my career of course took a difference turn (as I sit here writing a publisher’s letter in a magazine to you all!), over the years, I attended a New York City acting school (the Lee Strasberg Institute), took acting and improvisation classes in the various neighborhoods I’ve lived in–pre marriage, post marriage and post divorce. I took two workshops at one point in Pleasantville with Howard Meyer’s Acting Studio, and I can vouch for the professionalism of its instructors and stellar performances of the Axial Theatre. I’ve enjoyed several productions of The Armonk Players too, and I have worked directly with the wonderful John Finelli, the founder of Standing Ovation Studios. John directed me in a lead role I had as the Wicked Witch in a production of Music in Chappaqua and the Saw Mill Summer Theatre Group at Tarrytown Music Hall.

Finally, having incorporated a great deal of Sam Morell’s beautiful photography into this edition, I’m aware of his talents, and now entirely curious to attend a production of his Small Town Theatre Company one day too!

But I digress from the synergy discussion I led with. Ah well. Changing topics? Entirely natural for me too!

If you allow me one final topic change/confession too: I sit here 
writing this with a good dose of the winter blues. It’s been an unusually frigid February, and I’m thrilled that I can at least focus on spring themes in my work. It sends my imagination soaring to hope for new possibilities, not only in my “acting life,” but on an even more personal note, in my love life as well!

I hope to continue sharing “my story” with you all from time to time. I would LOVE to hear from many of you too…with your own stories–your thoughts, essays, and general ideas about Armonk living. Beth and I wish nothing less than to continue to embrace and understand your community as much as possible and reflect that understanding in these pages. Feel free to write me anytime at editor@insidearmonk.com. In the meantime, here’s to waking up to spring, which brrrr…cannot come soon enough!

Filed Under: Armonk Just Between Us Tagged With: Acting, arts community, improvisation, Theatres

An Opportunity to Learn From the Best

March 4, 2015 by The Inside Press

Howard Meyer of Axial Theatre
Howard Meyer of Axial Theatre

Axial Theatre is strictly professional. The actors are paid, and many belong to the Equity union. So how does a “civilian” benefit from participating in the teaching arm of the organization, Howard Meyer’s Acting Program? Meyer, a longtime theatre professional who greatly values the opportunity to provide instruction to those interested in putting in the necessary time and effort, explains: “Acting isn’t therapy, but it’s therapeutic. People become more comfortable in their own skin. I have a very particular aesthetic. It has to do with people bringing a deep sense of truth to the stage. You really have to put it on the line. That’s the basis of our training. Plays are composed of highly dramatic events. You have to be able to access very strong emotions from your own life. To succeed at acting, we all have to learn to face our inner fears; that’s a brave thing to do.” To aid in the task, Howard carefully chooses New York trained teachers recognized as some of the finest in the business.

Together, these two branches of the association provide a unique opportunity for Northern Westchester. Audiences can, at a reasonable price, see the highest quality shows and performers here in our own backyard. And classes are available–both for those who want to benefit from what the faculty has to teach for personal improvement, as well as for those serious about pursuing a career in show business.

Meyer remains in touch with the best New York theatre has to offer. In addition to being mentored by Athol Fugard and Kevin Spacey, Howard has enjoyed having celebrities like Art Garfunkel in the audience. Paul Simon has donated money, and TV news broadcaster Roz Abrams was so impressed with her acting class, she went on to join the board.

Success hasn’t changed Howard. His mission remains “to develop new plays.” Playwrights meet twice a month; admission to this unit is a cherished honor. While remaining committed to the ensemble concept of creating exceptional theatre, Meyer always finds room for new people; many a career has started by joining the group. Truth, hard work, and the joy of theatre are the pillars of Howard Meyer’s work with both professionals and students. Who could ask for anything more?

We can look forward to: An April annual benefit at Captain Lawrence Brewery in Hawthorne; Playwright Sarah Ruhl’s Dead Man’s Cell Phone May 1-17; a reading of Howard Meyer’s new play Maybe Never Fell, part of ArtsWestchester’s 50th year anniversary celebration; a student workshop presentation of new Axial one act plays in late August. As always, there are weekly acting classes and workshops for adults and teens, including scene study and improvisation. For further information: axialtheatre.org, HMActing.org, axialtheatre@gmail.com

–Michall Jeffers

Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: Acting, Axial Theatre, Theatre

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