The 2012 summer season of the Saint Michael’s Playhouse, including four block-busters--NUNSENSE, UNNECESSARY FARCE, OVER THE PUB, and FOREVER PLAID—is already off to strong start. December-gift ticket sales soared to a 25% percent increase over sales at the same period last year, and this at a time when arts organizations are struggling nationwide.
The Saint Michael’s Playhouse will be on stage at the McCarthy Arts Center on the campus of Saint Michael’s College, June 19 to August 11, 2012.
"I attribute the increase to the recognized high quality productions at the Playhouse, Greater Burlington’s Actors’ Equity professional theater, and to the four dynamic shows we will produce this summer," said Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Chuck Tobin. The benefit for the Playhouse, "Broadway Holiday," held in December, also did extremely well—selling out just two hours after the box office opened.
Tobin has named three accomplished directors for the 2012 summer season, Keith Andrews, Greg Ramos and Kathryn Markey, who will select cast members with Tobin through New York City auditions.
"The auditions are like the kick-off for the game," Tobin said. His team will see more than 500 professional New York City actors during the next two months with open calls for union actors beginning Feb. 8 at the Actor’s Equity Audition Studios in Times Square.
Saint Michael's Playhouse, now in its 65th season, has been named "One of the best regional theater companies in America" by the NYC Drama League and hailed by Yankee Magazine as "The Best of New England."
The 2012 Saint Michael’s Playhouse summer season is as follows:
The Off-Broadway habit-forming musical, NUNSENSE, June 19 - 30, directed by Keith Andrews
Sister Julia, Child of God, the convent cook, has accidentally poisoned 52 of her fellow sisters at the Little Sisters of Hoboken convent. In dire need of funds to bury their last four dearly departed sisters, the five surviving sisters showcase their hilarious hidden talents. Featuring star turns, tap dancing nuns, an audience quiz and comic surprises, this talent show is truly heaven sent! Winner of four Outer Critics Circle Awards including Best Off-Broadway Musical.
A new American madcap comedy, UNNECESSARY FARCE, July 5 - 14, 2012, Directed by Greg Ramos
Two cops. Three crooks, Eight doors. Go. In a cheap motel room, an embezzling mayor is supposed to meet with his female accountant, while in the room next-door, two undercover cops wait to catch the meeting on video-tape. But there's some confusion as to who's in which room, who's being videotaped, who's taken the money, who's hired a hit man, and what the heck is that Scotsman saying? This zany comedy has more twists than a bag full of Twizzlers.
An inspiring and hilarious Irish comedy, OVER THE PUB, July 18 - 28, directed by Kathryn Markey
The Murphy's have a lot going on in their cramped household above the family pub in Ireland. With her hot-headed husband, Ellen has her hands full. The youngest, Tommy, is a smart, wise-cracking kid who is starting to question their family values. When he announces that instead of being confirmed he'd rather shop around for a more fun religion, all hell breaks loose. A warm, loving look at Ireland, family, and growing up.
The blockbuster Off-Broadway musical event, FOREVER PLAID, August 1-11, directed by Keith Andrews
One of the most popular musicals in recent history, this charming Off-Broadway smash hit will take you on a trip to the fabulous fifties with the harmonious and heavenly tones of four loveable guys, Sparky, Jinx, Smudge, and Frankie. Forever Plaid is the story of The Plaids, a 1950s boy band, miraculously brought back to earth from the great beyond for the chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the concert they never got to do while they were living!
Season subscriptions will go on sale May 1 at the McCarthy Arts Center box office, where additional staff will be located. Single tickets will not be available until June 1.
Playhouse Junior
The children’s theater program at Saint Michael’s Playhouse will produce
You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and
Pinkalicious.
Theater Camp for Kids
Direct from New York City, Broadway Workshop, directed by Marc Tumminelli, returns to Saint Michael’s Playhouse for its fifth summer July 9 - 13. Camp Vermont is a five- day Musical Theater Camp. Area youngsters learn from Broadway Workshop’s acclaimed staff from New York City, as well as Playhouse stars who have worked on Broadway and at theaters across the country. To register, visit the website www.broadwayworkshop.com
Playhouse background
From its beginnings in 1947, Saint Michael’s Playhouse has blossomed into an award-winning, highly-regarded equity theater company. The Playhouse features talent from Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theaters nationwide, presented right here in Vermont. Housed in the Saint Michael’s College McCarthy Arts Center, one of the finest theater facilities in the state, the Playhouse attracts approximately 16,000 theatergoers each season.
Saint Michael’s Playhouse, a professional theater company, operates as an auxiliary enterprise of Saint Michael’s College. The Playhouse is Greater Burlington’s only actors’ equity resident theater company and as such operates under contract with Actors' Equity Association in New York City. At the same time, Saint Michael’s College students have the opportunity to learn from the pros through internships in technical theater, costuming, lighting, set construction, and publicity.udition Studios in New York City.