Opening Night: "First Impressions"

Tonight is opening night for "First Impressions" written and performed by comic tour-de-force Tony Braithwaite.

In this original production, Tony is the "First Jokester" doing impersonations of our nation's Commanders-in-Chief. See "press conferences you wish had happened, while learning some fun factoids about our Presidents." [Quoted from Act II website]

Here is a sample:


I've worked with Tony on three occasions at Montgomery Theater. But I've yet to see any of his original works. Well, that losing streak end tonight: I'm going with a friend to attend opening night. Will I see you there?

First Impressions:
Tony's Historical and Hysterical Take on The Presidents

Written and Performed by Tony Braithwaite
Jan. 6 - 17, 2010

Running time: 70 minutes

Ticket prices:

• $25 Wednesday and Thursday
• $30 Friday through Sunday
• All tickets are $20 for Act II Subscribers!

Scheduled Performances

Buy Tickets

Read the BroadwayWorld.com Feature on First Impressions

Town and Country presents SEUSSICAL

Have I ever told you how lucky you are?
Well my dears, we have exciting news.
For coming this summer is the magical world of the fantabulous Dr. Seuss.
From Horton to Mayzie to the Who's down in Whoville to Jojo to Gertrude McFuzz,
No one can ensure a splendiforous time like the Cat in the Hat can and does.
So gather your one fish, your red fish, your blue fish, and bid all you Grinches good bye,
For you'll never know all the thinks you can think up if only you'd bother to try!

The Theater Lackey's dear friend, Stephanie Zimmerman, has informed me that the Town and Country Players are putting on a production of .... Seussical the Musical

Stephanie is playing the role of Ms Gertrude McFuzz.

Performance Dates/Times:
July 25, 26 (matinee and evening)
August 1, 2 (matinee and evening)
August 3 (matinee)
August 8, 9 (matinee and evening)

Friday and Saturday evening performances are at 8:00 pm.
Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 3:00 pm.


Ticket information:
Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for children (12 and under).
Children must be accompanied by an adult.

* Please note that this a small theater and shows sell out fast. Please reserve your tickets ASAP and make sure you don't miss out!

Location:
Town and Country Players is located on Rt. 263 ( York Rd) in Buckingham Pa, one mile north of Rt. 313 and one mile south of Rt. 413. Refer to their website: www.townandcountryplayers.org



According to Stephanie:

This is a great production and a great way to intruduce children to both musical theater and the world of Dr. Seuss! I hope to see you all at the barn this summer! Bring a child! Give them the gift of theater!

And I have to agree with her.

Special Offer on Improv Classes (in Cheltenham Township)

Philip Jacobson (mentioned in the previous post) is a member of the GiggleMill Improv Comedy Troupe and offers improv classes in Cheltenham Township (just barely within the Montgomery County area). Go to his site for information about the class.

Now, here is the special offer: Philip informs me that anyone who signs up for the next session before the May 31 deadline and mentions this blog (Confessions of a Serial Theater Lackey), will receive the classes for a discounted price of only $85 (the usual price is $125 for ten classes)!

While you're there, consider joining his free mailing list for notices about upcoming Improv classes, occasional discount offers, and access to Improv articles:

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Click to join Improv_Philadelphia

"Look Mom, I'm Swell!" starring Tony Braithwaite

I received this notice via email ...

PRESS ROOM

2007/08 Press Releases

Arden Theatre Company presents Look Mom, I'm Swell! Starring Tony Braithwaite On the Arcadia Stage April 24 - May 3, 2008

Tony premiered Look Mom, I'm Swell! in April 2007 at the Arden to sold out audiences each night. Due to the demand, the show returns this season with eight raucous and witty performances. Arden's Producing Artistic Director Terrence J. Nolen said, "Tony is beloved by Philadelphia audiences. This show will certainly meet the expectations of those looking for an evening filled with the incomparable wit, charm and spontaneity that is Tony Braithwaite. But Look Mom is more than that. It is also is a surprisingly personal and revealing story about a uniquely talented man and his development as an artist. We are thrilled to present this return engagement."

Braithwaite has appeared in a number of productions at the Arden, most recently as Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Recent television work includes playing himself on MTV's reality show Made. Braithwaite began performing stand-up comedy professionally at age 13 and has since become one of Philadelphia's favorite funnymen.

Look Mom, I'm Swell! isn't just a catchy title; it has real significance for Tony, "My dear mother died in 2005, to mom life was swell. This show is my life through her eyes." "One of Tony's great talents is his ability to respond to the audience and events in the moment, which makes every performance unique," says Nolen. Tony promises that audiences can "expect the unexpected!"

Tony was a recipient of an Independence Foundation Fellowship in the Arts. The Fellowships were created to help individual artists take the next step in their personal artistic growth and development. This fellowship funded the development of Look Mom, I'm Swell!

Performances

Thursday, April 24 at 8pm
Friday, April 25 at 8pm
Saturday, April 26 at 7pm & 9pm
Sunday, April 27 at 7pm
Thursday, May 1 at 8pm * "Prep Night at the Arden" - www.sjprep.org/arden

Friday, May 2 at 8pm
Saturday, May 3 at 8pm

Critical Acclaim–

"One of the area's best comic actors!" –Philadelphia Inquirer

"Tony Braithwaite is a comedy superstar!" –KYW NewsRadio

"An all-purpose, scene stealing talent." - Variety

"Hands down, Philadelphia's finest comic actor." - Philadelphia Weekly

"Braithwaite is a Philadelphia treasure. Tourists should visit him, along with the Liberty Bell and Pat's King of Steaks." - The City Paper

"He's been a mouthy pain-in-the-ass for 36 years." - Tony's Father

Tony really is one of the best I have seen. He kept us all in stitches during rehearsals of Rounding Third at Montgomery Theater last year. His stories, rants, and impressions are too funny.

Rare Bird Show: Three Improv Comedy Shows This Weekend

This weekend, Philly's Rare Bird Show has three shows with Chicago's Bassprov at the Shubin Theater, a block south of South Street & 4th.

Shubin Theater 407 Bainbridge Street Philly, PA 19147 Click here for directions. Friday, Nov. 30th at 8PM Saturday, Dec. 1st at 10PM Sunday, Dec. 2nd at 8PM $15 Click here to buy tickets online or get them at the door.

Bassprov is an improvised fishing trip with Donny and Earl,the alter egos of Mark Sutton and Joe Bill, cofounders of Chicago's Annoynace Theater and teachers at Second City.

"Chicago's Best Comedy Group" | "Nichols & May Award for Comedy Duo of the Year"
Bassprov: solving life's problems, one beer at a time.

Whipsuit Double Header

Whipsuit invites you to see them tomorrow during the First Friday Main Line celebration! Whipsuit will populate your brain with wonder in an ignorant, irrational and violent world. Philly improv vets Rick Horner and Cubby Altobelli perform based on an audience suggestion.

Contact Whipsuit at http://www.myspace.com/whipsuit

A Visit to Urinetown

OK, so I didn't really go to a place called Urinetown. C'mon; it would be impossible to actually set foot in U-town (that's a nod to the folks who are familiar with this show. Did ya get it? ... heh, heh). But I did visit the Forge Theater in Phoenixville, PA, to see "Urinetown, the Musical." My friend, and former crew/cast-mate, Shelli was in the show. And I have not seen her perform in quite a while. So, when I realized how close this place was to my office, I reserved my seat for Thursday, July 27.

The entrance to the theater

I had never been to the Forge before. But it was a nice drive. Fortunately, I chose to take Route 23 through Valley Forge Park to get to Phoenixville. I saw some deer and other critters and pretty much had a lovely, uneventful drive. Other patrons, however, were not so lucky. Apparently, they got tied up in traffic on Route 76 after the Phillies game let out. Although I did not hit that little snarl, I did get to the theater pretty close to curtain and so ended up sitting in the right wing: in one set of the "cheap" seats. But that was OK by me because the Forge is theater in the round (or ... square-ish ... horseshoe ... -ish ... to be more accurate), and the folks in my location were kind of in on the show's action every now and then.

It's pretty late right now (I only got home after midnight), so I won't attempt any kind of review. But I will leave you with a picture of yours truly hanging with Ms. Shelli (and "Officer Lockstock" cut off in the right background):

A "self" portrait -- with Shelli!

Zombieshark Spotted in Narberth!

Er, um, rather, they will be spotted in Narberth according to this latest email from Rick.

Hey Philly! You have been begging for it... well, ok not begging for it. You have asked nicely - Philadelphia improv comedy group ZombieShark is bringing a comedy show back to Narberth! This performance takes place TOMORROW Saturday, May 12th, upstairs at The Yoga Garden, conveniently located at 131 N. Narberth Avenue (above the Narberth Movie Theater). The show starts at 7:30pm and costs only $5 per person!

ZombieShark
WHEN: TOMORROW Saturday, May 12th

WHERE: The Yoga Garden, 131 N. Narberth Avenue, Narberth, PA
TIME: 7:30pm
PRICE: $5

The Yoga Garden

Visit www.phillyimprov.com And yes! We are available for private shows.

For additional information, feel free to contact Rick Horner at ick1019@aol.com / 267.278.5250.

zombiesharkimprov.com

Follow The Fear

ZombieShark improv presents Improv on the Main Line!

I recevied the following press release from my good friend, and improv actor, Rick Horner.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (May 9th, 2007)

Philadelphia, PA -- ZombieShark improv presents Improv on the Main Line! ...a night of improv comedy on Wednesday May 23rd, 2007. This is a night that will showcase improv performances from all around the Philadelphia area, portraying a wide range of topics, genres, and styles.

Improv on the Main Line! will be held at Milkboy Coffee, 2 Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, PA. The performance is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and seating is limited. The performance is FREE, so plan to arrive early.

ZombieShark improv will join up local favorites, including; Rare Bird Show (www.rarebirdshow.com ), MakeOut Clinic (www.myspace.com/makeoutclinic) and ZombieShark (www.zombiesharkimprov.com) ...to bring some needed laughter to Philadelphia. Each group has been amazing audiences with tremendous performances, each with their unique style of improv. Improv relies on audience suggestions to create a show, so there can never be the same show twice. Every show is a unique experience and is shared only among those in attendance!

ZombieShark will be bringing together the community for this one-time performance - these talented performers will help make this a comedic evening that won't soon be forgotten. For additional information about Improv on the Main Line! or ZombieShark improv comedy, please contact Rick Horner at 267.278.5250 or visit www.zombiesharkimprov.com.

For additional information about Rare Bird Show, MakeOut Clinic and ZombieShark, visit www.phillyimprov.com . www.phillyimprov.com, improv by the people for the people, bringing together improv in Philadelphia since 2005.

WHAT: Improv on the Main Line!

WHERE: Milkboy Coffee, 2 Lancaster Ave, Ardmore, PA

WHEN: Wednesday, May 23rd at 7:30 PM

WHO: Rare Bird Show, MakeOut Clinic and Zombie Shark

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Set Designer Needed: Paid Job!

I received this message from my good friend Shelli...

Set Designer/Builder, Langhorne Players
LANGHORNE PLAYERS, a Non-Profit Community Theater located in Bucks County Pa is in search for a Set Designer/ Builder for their upcoming 60th Anniversary 2007 season. Duties include designing and building the sets in our 73 seat theater for our 5 show season. The Designer will also oversee the construction of the sets assisted by members of the cast as well as other theater members. This is a PAID JOB. For more information, please contact Jimmy at Jperry24@comcast.net

Approximate compensation: $1500-$2000 for the season.

Simpatico presents "Angels Fall"

My friend Shelli Pentimall, with whom I have worked on occasion, is in a new production in Philly. Check it out if you can.

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Simpatico Theatre Project presents:

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Angels Fall
by Lanford Wilson
directed by Carol Laratonda

Second Stage at the Adrienne
2030 Sansom Street

March 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 8pm
March 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 2pm

The world could end at any moment.
Do you have faith in the path you've chosen?

Synopsis: The roads are closed. Nobody is getting in or out. A group of strangers, each at a critical turning point in their lives, will test their faith in their careers, in their relationships, and in themselves while stranded at a lonely little church on a remote Navajo reservation. Will they follow along the same path, or will one day change their course forever?

Featuring:

Robert Bauer as Father William Doherty
Mark Cairns as Niles Harris
Molly Casey as Vita Harris
Shelli Pentimall as Marion Clay
Nathaniel Robertson as Savatore (Zappy) Zappala
Christopher Salazar as Don Tabaha

Production/Artistic Staff:

Property Designer: Karen Burk
Stage Manager: Katie Driscoll
Lighting Designer: Peter Escalada-Mastick
Technical Director for Second Stage: Joe Koroly
Sound Designer: Jennifer Pratt
Dramaturg: Daniel Student
Costume/Set Designer: Jacob Walton

Order your tickets online today!

There will be a special pay-what-you-can preview performance on Thursday, March 1 at 8pm.

The performance on Friday, March 16th will be ASL interpreted thanks to Creative Access and our sponsor for the event, Replica.

Contact: stp@simpaticotheatre.org or call 215-423-0254

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Audition Notice: "Stephen Sondheim's Follies" at Town and Country Players

I received the following announcement written by the show's director, Mr. John Zimmerman:

The Town and Country Players announces auditions for the first show of our 60th anniversary season, "Stephen Sondheim's Follies." Follies will be presented the last two weekends of April (4/20, 4/21, 4/28, 4/29, and 4/30) and the first weekend of May (5/6, 5/7) at the Town and Country Player's Barn in Buckingham Township. We are seeking a diverse cast of actors/singers/dancers with a specific need for women ages 45 and older to portray the legendary Wiesmann Girls, all of whom perform a specialty song or dance. All roles are open and newcomers to T and C are welcome.

Auditions will be held on January 20th and 21st with callbacks to be held the following weekend. All planning to audition should prepare 16 bars of a musical theatre song, preferably written by Sondheim, and bring sheet music or CD/Taped accompaniment, and arrive prepared to dance. Headshots and Resumes are suggested, but not required. Auditions will be held at the Newtown Presbyterian Church, (25 North Chancellor Street, Newtown, PA 18940) On Saturday January 20th from 12-5 pm and Sunday January 21st from 2-5. Please E-Mail Director John Zimmerman (Fractal514@aol.com) to schedu le an appointment for a speedier audition process. Visit www.townandcountryplayers.org for more information on the venue and performance schedule.

The following is a rudimentary casting synopsis supplied by Music Theatre International. All ages will be adjusted to fit the needs of our casting and some cast members will be required to use aging making up. If you have any questions about any of the casting, please feel free to e-mail me.

• SALLY DURANT PLUMMER
  - Madly in love with Ben, obsessive, sweet. Vocal Range: Soprano
• PHYLLIS ROGERS STONE
  - Elegant, schooled, polished. Married to Ben. Vocal Range: Alto
• BENJAMIN STONE
  - Worldly, wealthy, suave; Vocal Range: Baritone
• BUDDY PLUMMER
  - Salesman, exhausted, middle-class. Vocal Range: Tenor
• WILLY WHEELER
  - Former acrobat, now portly
• STELLA DEEMS
  - Heavy-set onetime showgirl
• MAX DEEMS
  - Heavy-set husband of Stella
• HEIDI SCHILLER
  - Queenly Soprano, was one of the greats, in 80s
• ROSCOE
  - Former emcee with a glorious tenor voice
• HATTIE WALKER
  - Steely, mid-70s-ish, tough singer
• EMILY WHITMAN
  - Tiny, bright, graceful, in her 70s
• THEODORE WHITMAN
  - Thin, graceful, in his 70s
• VINCENT
  - Elderly tango dancer (with Vanessa)
• VANESSA
  - Vincent's old "Bolero D'Amour" partner
• SOLANGE LA FITTE
  - French, fashionable, and "66"
• CARLOTTA CAMPION
  - Seen-it-all aging movie actress
• DIMITRI WEISSMAN
  - Aging impresario of the Follies (no singing)
• KEVIN
  - A young, care-free waiter with a nice face
• YOUNG PHYLLIS
  - Open, vulnerable, eager
• YOUNG BEN
  - Frustrated, not self-assured
• YOUNG VINCENT
  - Handsome younger self
• YOUNG VANESSA
  - Luscious, intense younger self
• YOUNG BUDDY
  - Youthful, simple, hopeful, trusting.
• YOUNG SALLY
  - Bubbly, pert, a little silly.
• YOUNG HEIDI SCHILLER
  - Lacy, lovely, angelic

Outlaws of Sherwood!

[UPDATE July 8, 2025] – Back in July of 2006, in the original version of this post, I wrote that Outlaws of Sherwood was a meeting place (on MySpace, natch) for various actors/companies who would like to share services, scripts, people etc. Looks like that group, as well as much of MySpace, is defunct. However, if you are into restoration, performance, recording, and/or artistic depiction of classic serials, I'll route you over to Serial Squadron Member Page.