CTC News
Check out what the critics have said about CTC’s smash sixteenth season.
Tom Butler of the News Journal writes “This is a brilliant chamber musical, perfectly suited to the intimacy of the black box stage at OperaDelaware Studios. Michael Gray gets fine performances from his small ensemble.”
For the full News Journal review, click here
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100516/LIFE/5160332
Margaret Darby for Delaware Arts Info blogs “an amazingly talented cast, creating a touching performance that focuses on the beauty and tragedy of all types of love and family, and director Michael Gray does so without sending an overly political or moral message. His interpretation of the characters is humorous, heartrending and real.”
For the full DAI review, click here
http://deartsinfo.blogspot.com/2010/05/ctc-end-season-on-high-note-with.html
Laugh, cry, kvetch already, Falsettos is here at last!
Runs May 7-22 at CTC.
Tickets are available NOW at www.city-theater.org
For Immediate Release: May 1, 2010
Media Contact: Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Arts in Media LLC, 302-377-3156 or mfitzgerald@artsinmedia.com
Falsettos, the Tony Award-winning musical, marches into OperaDelaware Studios May 7-22 as City Theater Company partners with AIDS Delaware to close out a successful 2009-2010 season. The original production’s music and lyrics are by William Finn, with a book by William Finn and James Lapine. Falsettoland was produced Off-Broadway by Maurice Rosenfield and Lois Rosenfield, Inc. with Steve Suskin. The National Tour was originally produced by The Old Globe Theatre, with Artistic Director Jack O’Brien and Managing Director Tom Hall. Falsettos was originally produced on Broadway by Barry and Fran Weissler.
The two-act tale celebrates the modern family and all its glorious idiosyncrasies with both humor and heart. A man named Marvin leaves his wife and adolescent son for his gay lover. Visits to the shrink (who ends up marrying the ex-wife) and from the self-described lesbians-from-next-door ensue through songs like “Four Jews in a Room Bitching,” “Marvin at the Psychiatrist (A Three-Part Mini-Opera),” and “Everyone Hates His Parents.” It all leads up to a bar mitzvah no one thought would happen—and answers some questions about how we live, die, and love.
Producing Artistic Director Michael Gray directs. He chose the piece partly in response to the current partisan climate; in his opinion Falsettos does not take a moral or political stance as it tackles hot-button issues. According to Gray, “It’s the story of a family, not about sexual orientation or politics or morals–it is about relationships. How we hurt those we love, how we come to terms with the choices made by those we love, how we ‘love’ those we love—less ‘we’re here, we’re queer, get used to it’ and more ‘we’re here, and some of us our queer, and we’re not quite sure how to get used to it.’” Ebbie Alfree of AIDS Delaware echoes the sentiment: “We are proud to partner with City Theater Company to present Falsettos—this piece was written nearly 30 years ago but its message of equality continues to resonate, and not just within the LGBT community. It’s a show all people can relate to.”
CTC’s Falsettos features a four-piece orchestra conducted by Music Director Michele M. Ferdinand. Choreography is by Dawn Morningstar. Set and lighting design are by Wayne Romanowski.
On May 7, opening night, join Falsettos stars Jim Burns, Maggie Cogswell, Jameson May, Dana Michael, Karen Murdock, Patrick O’Hara, and Jason Stockdale at the official after-party downtown at Wilmington’s Public House. Enjoy drink specials and private seating at the local hotspot. Falsettos runs for three weekends, ending Saturday, May 22. One matinee performance will be offered on Sunday, May 16 at 2:00 p.m. All other shows have 8:00 p.m. curtain times.
TICKET DETAILS: General admission $25. VIP admission $40 and includes early seating, complimentary snacks/drinks, and CTC swag. Thursday nights feature general admission $15.
All shows at OperaDelaware studios, 4 S. Poplar Street, on the Wilmington waterfront. Tickets available now at www.city-theater.org. Cash/check ONLY at door.
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By George!, a collection of new one-acts by George Tietze, splashes into OperaDelaware Studios for two weekends only, March 12 – March 20. We can never tell a lie and so believe us when we say, this is one damn funny evening. Read the reviews below and buy your tickets now from our secure Tickets link above.
Here ye, here ye what the critics have to say about By George!
News Journal critic Tom Butler says “…exciting theater…good production values and decent acting…very entertaining.”
For the full News Journal review, click here
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100315/ENTERTAINMENT08/100312045/1124/-By-George-elicits-edgy-laughter?GID=rcJFFLYx42tZAiQ+AWD1spLI/NR+w+Ursew5kvFexrE%3D
Jessica Graae of Delaware Arts Info blogs “Tietze’s short plays are billed as comedies, though some of the material is distinctly dark. He doesn’t shy away from difficult or squirm-worthy subjects…both comical and heart-wrenching.”
For the full DAI review, click here
http://deartsinfo.blogspot.com/2010/03/going-local-going-original.html
By George! crosses the Delaware – March 12 – 20, 2010.Tickets are available NOW at www.city-theater.org For Immediate Release: March 1, 2010Media Contact: Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Arts in Media LLC, 302-377-3156 or mfitzgerald@artsinmedia.comBy George!, a program of one-act comedies by Delaware playwright George Tietze, sails into OperaDelaware Studios March 12-20 as part of City Theater Company’s popular Community Series.Now in its third year, the CTC Community Series offers up-and-coming playwrights the opportunity to develop their works in a low-stress, artist-friendly environment. CTC provides the space, covers the cost of promotion and advertising, and offers technical support. The sense of community is enhanced by the use of different directors and actors, creating a theatrical learning experience for CTC newbies and veterans alike. Last year’s series, featuring works by award-winning playwright Matt Casarino, sold out nightly.By George! brings to life the darkly comic, often unsettling, and compellingly honest style of playwright Tietze. He is grateful for the opportunity. “Writing a play almost seems a pointless exercise unless someone is going to perform it,” says Tietze. “Without the hard work of actors and directors, a play is just marks on a page, unread and unloved and unrealized. It is a pleasure to see these pieces being produced with the involvement of the many talented people at CTC.”In Voodoo Barbie 1 and 2, the devastation of divorce to a family is treated with scathing hilarity. Improv games bring estranged couples to a dubious intimacy in the wickedly funny A to Z and Pick a Letter. The GW Sketch imagines what really went on at Valley Forge with Washington’s men to entertaining effect. And the titular play By George! is a poignant autobiographical piece that is as twisted as it is humorous.The By George! ensemble of actors and directors includes Anthony Bosco, Kate Brennan, Brendan Carr, Brian Couch, Melissa Dammeyer, Samantha Doe, Jason Fawcett, Heather Ferrell, Todd Holtsberry, James Kassees, Mary Catherine Kelley, Katherine Mask, Kevin Regan, Suzanne Stein, George Tietze, Greg Tigani, Dan Tucker, Brian Turner, and Coco Zymmers.By George! opens Friday, March 12 and runs for four performances, ending Saturday March 20. All shows have 8:00 p.m. curtain times.
TICKET DETAILS: General admission $20. VIP admission $30 and includes early seating, complimentary snacks/drinks, and CTC swag.
All shows at OperaDelaware studios, 4 S. Poplar Street, on the Wilmington waterfront. Tickets available now at www.city-theater.org. Cash/check ONLY at door.
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Critics sing the praises of Sweeney Todd:
Philadephia Broad Street Review critic Julius Ferraro writes “I’ve seen this play in five other incarnations, and the ingenuity of Gray’s team offered me all the excitement of my first viewing.”
For the full BSR review, click here
http://www.broadstreetreview.com/index.php/main/article/sweeney_todd_in_wilmington/
News Journal critic Tom Butler says “Inventive theater…Director Michael Gray has the 10-member cast performing in the aisles and on elevated platforms along side the audience as well as on the tiny stage…the effect is quite successful in the intimate space…block out some time for this production.”
For the full News Journal review, click here
Jessica Graae of Delaware Arts Info blogs “A bloody good time…Michael Gray’s punk-inspired Sweeney Todd does justice to the show’s dark drama and masterful score…the orchestra, conducted by JA Kawarsky, handles Sondheim’s contrapuntal and rhythmically challenging music with panache.“
For the full DAI review, click here
http://deartsinfo.blogspot.com/2009/12/sweeney-todd-bloody-good-time.html
Greer Firestone of Community News writes “Razor sharp…Michael Gray’s City Theater Company casts are talented far above the norm for Delaware theater…Dale Martin is maniacally superb as the wronged barber…TS Baynes a beguiling and light-hearted Mrs. Lovett…quality theater on the cutting-edge.”
For the full Community News review, click here
http://www.communitypub.com/arts/x987136143/City-Theatre-is-razor-sharp-with-Sweeney-Todd
Sweeney Todd docks on the Wilmington waterfront December 4 – 19, 2009.
Tickets are available NOW at www.city-theater.org
For Immediate Release: December 1, 2009
Media Contact: Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Arts in Media LLC, 302-377-3156 or mfitzgerald@artsinmedia.com
Sweeney Todd, the Tony Award-winning musical, sails into OperaDelaware Studios December 4-19 as City Theater Company’s opening production for the 2009-2010 season. Based on a version of Sweeney Todd by Christopher Bond, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Hugh Wheeler, it’s a tragicomic tale of murder, mayhem, and meat pies.
City Theater Company is known for twisted takes on classics in their intimate black box theater. Directed by Producing Artistic Director Michael Gray, the CTC production of Sweeney Todd showcases a talented cast of ten playing multiple roles to the sounds of a ten-piece orchestra conducted by Music Director JA Kawarski. A Pollack-meets-punk set design by Wayne Romanowski enhances the creepy-cool factor that Gray and his crew have created. According to Gray, “Our approach to Sweeney will lay the play, not at the feet of the audience, but in their lap and maybe leave some blood on their shirt. We will take no prisoners and pull no punches.”
Sweeney Todd stars local actors Dale Martin, Jr. in the title role and TS Baynes as sexy sidekick Mrs. Lovett. The cast also includes Steven Weatherman, Brendan Sheehan, Lauren Cupples, Michael Jahlil, Brian Couch, Aileen Goldberg, Tyler Hoffman, and Maggie Coswell.
Sweeney Todd opens Friday, December 4 with a special online-only ticket deal: buy one ticket at $25, get a second for $15. Patrons should enter code “HALFTIX” at checkout. An official after party hosted by the cast will be celebrated at the newly opened Public House on Market Street.
The show runs for three weeks, ending Saturday, December 19. One matinee performance will be offered on Sunday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m. All other shows have 8:00 p.m. curtain times.
TICKET DETAILS: General admission $25. VIP admission $35 and includes early seating (30 minutes prior to curtain), complimentary snacks/drinks, and CTC swag. Thursday shows offer general admission $15 and VIP $35.
All shows at OperaDelaware studios, 4 S. Poplar Street, on the Wilmington waterfront. Tickets available now at www.city-theater.org. Cash/check ONLY at door.
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Celebrate 16 years of City Theater Company in 2009-2010!
Season tickets are available NOW at www.city-theater.org
For Immediate Release: October 1, 2009
Media Contact: Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Arts in Media LLC, 302-377-3156 or mfitzgerald@artsinmedia.com
City Theater Company, Delaware’s only Off-Broadway troupe, celebrates its super-sweet sixteen with a 2009-2010 season that rocks: the annual Prom Night! benefit, musicals Sweeney Todd and Falsettos, and By George, a program of new works. Producing Artistic Director Michael Gray, one of CTC’s founding fathers, is energized by the troupe’s choices: “I think of the season as three very cool pieces for the theatre-pieces that define what CTC is all about, pieces that will engage and shock our audience.”
In October CTC parties like it’s 2009 with Prom Night!, an annual benefit extravaganza back by popular demand. Guests are encouraged to dress to the nines and relive (or improve upon) their high school days with the students of The Thomas Shade Charter School for the Creatively Impaired. The evening offers dinner, drinks, and dancing sandwiched between some CTC-style surprises-think catfights, dance-offs, break-ups and make-ups. This year’s Prom Night! takes place at the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts. Board President Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald is excited about the event, now in its second year. “We wanted to create an experience that was signature CTC-accessible, affordable, and one hell of a time,” says Kramer-Fitzgerald. “It’s a ‘let your hair down’ type of arts benefit. We encourage people to dress for fun, and we mean it. Last year, people embraced the theme: showing up in vintage dresses from the ‘70s and ‘80s, ruffled-shirt tuxes, jeans with leather jackets and feather boas. We want to see a lot of that again this year. There is truly no event around that has the same feel as Prom Night! It’s big on fun, easy on the pocket.” All proceeds benefit City Theater Company.
Sweeney Todd, the macabre musical by CTC’s self-appointed godfather Stephen Sondheim, sails into OperaDelaware Studios in December. Director Gray promises a CTC spin on this classic tale, in the same vein as the group’s inventive and critically acclaimed past productions of Hair and Cabaret, where the star is a murderous barber obsessed with revenge. According to Gray, “Our approach to Sweeney will lay the play, not at the feet of the audience, but in their lap and maybe leave some blood on their shirt. We will take no prisoners and pull no punches.”
In March, CTC presents By George, an evening of one-act comedies by Delaware playwright George Tietze. The program is part of CTC’s Community Series. Now in its third year, this best-selling series offers up-and-coming playwrights the opportunity to develop their works in a low-stress, artist-friendly environment. CTC provides the space, covers the cost of promotion and advertising, and offers technical support. The sense of community is enhanced by the use of different directors and actors, creating a theatrical learning experience for CTC newbies and veterans alike. Last year’s series sold out nightly.
The season concludes in May with William Finn’s Tony Award-winning Falsettos. A wildly funny musical comedy, Falsettos is a modern masterpiece on family values. The unorthodox urban family at its heart hilariously mixes up divorce, remarriage and rites of passage with sexual preference, baseball, and the perils of psychiatry. Lauded as one of the most original and entertaining works of the last century, Falsettos pushes the envelope in true CTC fashion.
Prom Night! takes place at DCCA on Saturday, October 24, 2009. Sweeney Todd runs December 4-19, 2009 at OperaDelaware Studios. By George runs March 12-20, 2010 at OperaDelaware Studios. Falsettos runs May 7-22, 2010 at OperaDelaware Studios.
The DCCA (Prom Night!) is located at 200 S. Madison Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. OperaDelaware Studios (Sweeney Todd, By George! and Falsettos) is located at 4 S. Poplar Street on the Wilmington waterfront.
Tickets and information for all productions are available now at www.city-theater.org.
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Praise for CTC’s 2008-2009 Season
The Beard of Avon
“A bright comedy that raises a very basic question: Who actually wrote those plays and poems? Jim Burns gives Will an earnest and enthusiastic portrayal, and the solid supporting cast adds depth and color to the production. Zach Kanner is always persuasive…Mary Catherine Kelley as Queen Elizabeth is hilarious…fine acting by Burns, Brian Couch and Daryan Borys. This production tends to use bawdy comedy to underscore Freed’s freewheeling wordplay…an entertaining piece of theater.” Tom Butler, for The News Journal
http://delawareonline.com
Hear Jim Burns, star of THE BEARD OF AVON, chat about the play here: http://www.artsdel.org/
Cabaret
“City Theater Company rarely offers conventional material, and its current production of the 1966 Kander and Ebb musical “Cabaret” provides some stimulating entertainment…Director Michael Gray has framed a dark, frightening interpretation of the play using the small black box theater at the OperaDelaware studios to full effect. The action takes place within a few feet of the audience. In fact, some of the action even takes place on top of some audience members…This is an excellent production and well worth seeing.” Tom Butler, for The News Journal http://www.delawareonline.com
“As America and the world descends into economic chaos, CTC’s present production of Cabaret gives us an evening that anatomizes the soul of a society in collapse. Like this Berlin in the ’20s of the last century, our own era is beset by job loss, growing civil discontent and fear. All of this is reflected in this brilliant musical where women in underwear sing the glories of money and conmen are transformed into Nazis. The star of the show, Kerry Kristine McElrone, plays Sally Bowles, a character with a big heart who believes in nothing and turns her life over to casual acquaintance and sex. Today we have Britney Spears and all those other bright young creatures who drag in and out of drug rehab. For a glimpse into the heart of a society shredded by greed and growing intolerance Cabaret provides a clear lens and, at the same time, manages to entertain and make us laugh. That Michael Gray has managed somehow to put together and direct this large cast on a shoe string is astonishing.”
Drury Pifer, Playwright
“City Theater Company’s choice of Cabaret was an appropriate one to their mission: cutting-edge and experimental. Michael Gray is a minimalist director who incorporates action in every conceivable space. Seating 80, CTC shows are penultimate live theatre, with the audience directly on top of the action. One can literally reach out and be engaged.” Greer Firestone, for www.communitypub.com/arts
Media Contact: Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Arts in Media LLC, 302-377-3156 or mfitzgerald@artsinmedia.com
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http://delawareonline.com
Drury Pifer, Playwright