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Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Seasons Greetings from The Trailer Park
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
ACT moves to a new and bigger space!
ACT Andover The final big move to the new ACT space is going to be this Saturday, from 10-3. We really need help! We know some of you have been several times and we are very thankful. Please let us know if you can be there to help, even for a few hours. Every set of hands is going to make a difference. Please message us at theater@actandover.com if you can make it on Saturday so that we can plan appropriately.
Thanks in advance for looking at your schedules and considering!
Mark Gracy
Executive Producer ACT
Thursday, November 10, 2011
ACT Announces the cast and production team for The Great American Trailer Park Musical
Andover, MA November 10, 2011
ACT Announces the cast and production team for The Great American Trailer Park Musical
Show dates January 27, 28, 29 2012
The Great American Trailer Park Musical Music & Lyrics by David Nehls Book by Betsy Kelso
Director: Charles Gracy Music Director: Mark Mercer Choreographer: Beth Kennedy
Tickets on sale at www.ACTandover.com
There’s a new tenant at Armadillo Acres – and she’s wreaking havoc all over North Florida’s most exclusive trailer park. When Pippi, the stripper on the run, comes between the Dr. Phil-loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband – the storms begin to brew.
NOTE: This play contains adult themes and language and is not suitable for persons under 18 years of age.
Here are some quotes about the production -
“Adultery, strippers, murderous ex-boyfriends, Costco, and the Ice Capades. Undeniable fun.” - The New York Post
“South Park meets Desperate Housewives in this big-hearted musical comedy with a cheeky script and an infectious score. Trailer Park sparkles with treasure. - The New York Sun
“Joyful and unashamedly vulgar, this comic fable about women in a Florida trailer park and their no-account men is more fun than a chair-throwing episode of Jerry Springer set to music. - The New Yorker
The Cast
JEANNIE GARSTECKI.............................LINDA LEE SCALI
NORBERT GARSTECKI...........................MARK GRACY
PIPPI.........................................................JAMIE COOK
DUKE........................................................NICK KALANTZAKOS JR.
BETTY.......................................................SUSAN HAWES
LINOLEUM “LIN".....................................CARA MARIE KENNEDY
DONNA "PICKLES"..................................CAITLIN HAWES
Audition Notice for The Great American Trailer Park Musical
Audition Notice
WHAT: The Great American Trailer Park Musical
WHEN: Thursday, November 10 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm
WHERE: ACT Rehearsal Space
250 Canal Street Lawrence MA 4th Floor
This is an extremely funny and irreverent adult show. The MUSIC is extremely difficult, if you are not a strong parts singer this is not the show for you.
There are 7 parts in total. The roles of Betty, Lin and Pippi have already been cast, all other roles remain open.
Check out the official web site: http://www.trailerparkmusical.com/
Questions? Email Charles Gracy, Director charlesgracy@actandover.com or call 978-476-1138
A musical written by David Nehls and Betsy Kelso.
There’s a new tenant at Armadillo Acres – and she’s wreaking havoc all over North Florida’s most exclusive trailer park. When Pippi, the stripper on the run, comes between the Dr. Phil-loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband – the storms begin to brew.
NOTE: This play contains adult themes and language and is not suitable for persons under 18 years of age.
“Adultery, strippers, murderous ex-boyfriends, Costco, and the Ice Capades. Undeniable fun.”
- The New York Post
“South Park meets Desperate Housewives in this big-hearted musical comedy with a cheeky script and an infectious score. Trailer Park sparkles with treasure.”
- The New York Sun
“Joyful and unashamedly vulgar, this comic fable about women in a Florida trailer park and their no-account men is more fun than a chair-throwing episode of Jerry Springer set to music.”
- The New Yorker
CHARACTERS
THE LOVE TRIANGLE and THE VILLAIN
JEANNIE GARSTECKI (Brenda Brunston) Jeannie has lived in a trailer at Armadillo Acres for 20 years with her husband and high-school sweetheart, Norbert. A faded beauty, she was 17 when she married, 18 when her son was born and 23 when he got kidnapped. That, coupled with a really bad perm, has turned her into an agoraphobic. She hasn’t left her trailer in all these years, and the man she loves is drifting further and further away and she’s determined to get him back ... that is if she could manage to get out of the trailer to do it…
NORBERT GARSTECKI (Joshua Robertson) Jeannie's husband Norbert collects tolls for a living and tries to be as good a husband as one can be to an agoraphobic. A former high-school football star, he has rugged good looks marred by fatigue and the stress of his difficult marriage. He is a simple man who desperately wishes his wife could get out of the trailer, but he's not equipped with the emotional or intellectual tools to help her do it. He has never loved or slept with a woman other than Jeannie. That is until he meets...
PIPPI . Pippi is a striking beauty with a great body and a taste for clothing that shows it off. Up to this point, Pippi's life has been about surviving. She is a professional stripper who has gotten by on her looks and talents for dancing and petty theft. She means no harm and is ready to stop making bad choices and start making changes, but first she has to get lost in a hick-town trailer park in North Florida so she won’t be found by her last bad choice...
DUKE Duke is Pippi’s obsessive, possessive and excessive Magic Marker-sniffing boyfriend; “ex”-boyfriend according to Pippi. Not so, according to Duke. Not the brightest guy south of the Mason-Dixon Line, Duke leaves a trail of disaster in his wake wherever he goes. His road trip to Starke is no exception and his arrival at the trailer park is full of surprises - even for a group of people who have had their share of excitement…
“THE GIRLS"
BETTY Betty attended high school with Norbert and Jeannie Garstecki and has lived at Armadillo Acres for just as long. She now runs the leasing office and makes it her business to know everything about everybody who passes through the trailer park. Though a self-proclaimed "bad-ass," Betty is really a mother hen to the denizens of the trailer park. Of all "The Girls," Betty is the most grounded, earthy and dry.
LINOLEUM “LIN" So-named because her mother gave birth to her on the kitchen floor, Linoleum has a husband on death row at the Florida State Prison. His fate is an electric chair that doesn’t work properly unless most of the town’s electricity is turned off, so Lin watches everyone's lights and appliances very closely in the hopes that she can keep the chair on the fritz. Sometimes self-absorbed and sometimes just a smart-ass, she hints at a wild, rock-and-roll past and is the fieriest of "The Girls."
DONNA "PICKLES" A newlywed, Donna is called "Pickles" because she is perpetually hysterically pregnant - that is, she's so convinced she should be pregnant that she's exhibiting symptoms. Her husband is a lot fancier than she is, as he is from the big city of Jacksonville. His parents haven’t been very supportive of his marital choice, so Pickles is desperate to give her husband a family of his even if she has to fake it. The dimmest of "The Girls," Pickles is airy, sweet and blissfully ignorant.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Audition Notice for The Great American Trailer Park Musical
WHAT: The Great American Trailer Park Musical
WHEN: Thursday, November 10 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm
WHERE: ACT Rehearsal Space
250 Canal Street Lawrence MA 4th Floor
This is an extremely funny and irreverent adult show. The MUSIC is extremely difficult, if you are not a strong parts singer this is not the show for you.
There are 7 parts in total. The roles of Betty, Lin and Pippi have already been cast, all other roles remain open.
Check out the official web site: http://www.trailerparkmusical.com/
Questions? Email Charles Gracy, Director charlesgracy@actandover.com
Sun comes out in North Andover with 'Annie'
Monday, October 17, 2011
ACT Andover Presents ANNIE, The Musical
ACT Andover Presents ANNIE, The Musical
October 28-30 at Merrimack’s Rogers Center for the Arts
October 17, 2011 -- Later this month, ACT Andover will present its largest cast ever on the stage of the Rogers Center at Merrimack College. Nearly 80 cast members, ranging in age from six to sixty will assure audiences that “the sun’ll come out tomorrow”!
The cast includes 46 children, 30 adults and one charming canine. Maggie Budzyna of Newburyport and Mia Campbell of Burlington share the leading role of Annie. The show also features eleven family groups from the Andovers and surrounding areas, including triplets playing The Young Boylan Sisters, Elizabeth, Taylor and Kristina Day, and their mom Julie in the ensemble. The Knepper family of Andover has mom Heidi, dad Steve and son Dylan all in the cast, and Peter Anton of Dracut shares the stage with daughters Emily and Yelaina. Full cast list and town specific performers available upon request and is available on the ACT website at www.ACTandover.com
“This cast is very unique – we are lucky to have not only amazing individual talent, but also mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, sisters and brothers all lighting up our Annie stage”, says Co-Director Mark Gracy. “We’ve never had a cast this family-oriented and it couldn’t be more appropriate for the heart-warming story of Little Orphan Annie.”
The adventures of Annie, her dog Sandy, the orphans and Daddy Warbucks have been beloved by children and adults alike for more than 85 years. Started as a comic strip by Harold Gray in 1924, Little Orphan Annie later inspired a radio show, film adaptations and a Broadway musical, which celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2012. Despite decades of fame, the rags-to-riches story and memorable music of Annie continue to captivate audiences everywhere.
ACT Andover’s Annie is Co-Directed by Charles and Mark Gracy and choreographed by Beth Kennedy. Music Director is Mark Mercer. Shows are: October 28 at 7pm, October 29 at 2pm and 7pm, and October 30 at 2pm at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College in North Andover.
Tickets are $18 for seniors and students, $20 for adults. Available in advance through the Box Office: (978) 276-9568 or online at http://www.ticketpeak.com/act. Tickets to Annie are general admission seating and patrons need to be sure to print out their e-tickets after ordering.
Founded in 2008, ACT Andover provides quality live theater to the Andovers and surrounding communities. ACT Andover is a non-profit theater company striving to provide an outlet for seasoned performers and new talent. The theater company recently added its new "ACT Jr." program for 7th-12th graders, which performed "Les Miserables" to rave reviews after an intensive four week program. This Spring, ACT will offer another Jr. production in addition to "42nd Street." For more information visit www.actandover.com.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Announcing ACT's newest venture a join venture with The Center for the Performing Arts in North Andover
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Saturday, October 1, 2011
ACT Theater Company Has Expanded It's Season for 2011 - 2012 Check it Out!
ANDOVER, MA ACT has a busy year planned. Currently in production is the musical ANNIE which hits the stage at The Rogers Center for the Arts at the end of October. Tickets are on sale now!
Up next is The Great American Trailer Park Musical - You don't want to miss this hysterical, irreverant comedy in January. In March ACTjr adds a new production to our annual season and fills the void left my the departure of MJT (Merrimack Junior Theater) this past year. Watch for audition and show announcements for this show coming soon! In May, ACT is back to the Rogers Center for the Arts for our next spectacular production of the award winning showstopper 42nd Street followed by our Summer Dinner Cabaret at The Andover Country Club. Students don't miss out on this summer's ACTjr Summer Theater Arts Camp which promises to be even bigger than last year's Les Miserables! Check the ACT website for updates on auditions, our online box office and more. For additional information or questions email theater@actandover.com.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Annie at The Rogers Center for The Arts Oct 28 - 30 Tickets on Sale Now
Leapin' lizards! Have you bought your tickets yet? Visitwww.actandover.com to purchase your tickets to this beloved musical today!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Supporting the Boston Brain Tumor Walk
Please join us in supporting this extremely personal and worthwhile cause. Saturday, October 1, 2011 | Castle Island, Boston, MA Boston Brain Tumor Walk
National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) is a leader in the brain tumor community, bringing together the best of research, patient services, and advocacy to be a comprehensive resource for patients, families, caregivers, researchers, and medical professionals.
NBTS invests wisely and strategically across the research spectrum, seeking new therapeutic targets and improving existing treatments, which will ultimately lead to a cure. NBTS provides education and information to help patients, families, and caregivers make informed decisions and develop strong support systems during every stage of the journey.
Your support ensures this important work will continue.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
ACT Vault is live - Archived shows from past seasons
Andover MA - Andover Theater Company - The ACT Vault is live and contains photos and videos of shows from past seasons. Check it out at http://web.me.com/markgracy/The_ACT_Vault_-_Past_Shows/Welcome.html or by visiting the ACT Vault at our main website www.actandover.com.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Announcing the cast of ANNIE
ACT Announces the talented cast of ANNIE - Congratulations everyone!
Join us in October at The Rogers Center for the Arts for this show! Tickets on sale this week at http://www.actandover.com or by calling 978-276-9568
THE CAST OF ANNIE
Annie – Maggie Budzyna & Mia Campbell
Rooster – Michael Buckhout
Lily – Jen Armstrong
Hannigan – Linda Lee & Cara Marie Kennedy
Bundles – Tom Aylward
Lt. Ward – Stan Swieck
Warbucks – Mark Gracy
Grace – Kimberly Hall
Drake – Armando Belliard
Mrs. Pugh – Sue Hawes
Mrs. Greer – Brenda Pothier
Annette – Kelsey Salois
Cecille - Deena Varitimos
Cabinet
FDR – Tom Aylward
Cordell Hull – Peter Anton
Frances Perkins – Abbie Sawyer
Harold Ickes – Stan Swieck
Henry Morganthau – Steve Knepper
Kalternborn – Mimi Pare
Louis Howe – Nick Kalantzakos Sr.
Radio Show
Bert Healy – Peter Anton
Wacky – Louis DePalma
Radio Announcer – Mark Mercer
Sound Effects Person – Jennifer Streck
Jimmy Johnson, Masked Radio – Armando Belliard
Fred McCracken – Stan Swieck
Wacky – Louie DePalma
Producer – Tom Aylward
Boylan Sisters – Sue Hawes, Brenda Pothier, Abbie Sawyer
Hooverville People
Eddie – Robb Moylan
Sophie – Abbie Sawyer
Kim Cook
Laura Dike
Jennifer Streck
Tom Aylward
Lisa Jones
Peter Anton
Melissa Belliard
Apple Seller – Francis Young
NYC People
Star to Be – Gabrielle Corsino
Usherette – Alyssa Jean
Kid – Adam Lavoie
Cop – Robb Moylan
Justice Brandeis – Steve Knepper
Speaking Orphans
July - Julianne Teichert & Hannah Carroll
Duffy - Sasha Dubinsky & Cecilia Cipullo
Pepper - Julia Talbot & Emilee Clapp
Kate - Dierdre O’Rourke & Lilly Armstrong
Tessie - Sophia Barbato & Yelaina Anton
Holly - Emma Harris & Talia Cutulle
Senior Orphans
Young Boylan Sisters - Kristina Day, Elizabeth Day, Taylor Day
Young Bert Healey - Max Currie & Patrick Creedon
Dylan Knepper
Kira Lavoie
Adam Lavoie
Emily Anton
Andrew Jones
Grace Nowak
Kaleigh Stuart
Abigail Daggett
Theresa Zannoni
Kellie Herbert
Courtney Campbell
Julianne Mercado
Hannah Leinbach
Sarah Leinbach
Junior Orphans
Molly - Brita Martin, Sophia Wulsin, Catherine Armstrong & Cassidy Sodowski
Louie DePalma
Ellie Nowak
Allie Columbus
Innana Shannon
Tessa Barcelo
Farrah Sousa
Sarah Leinbach Jessie Miller
Katie Morris
Adult Ensemble
Allie Reed
Heidi Knepper
Lauren Page
Jenna Beauchesne
Hannah Byron
Alina Chatsman
Stephie Knepper
Friday, August 12, 2011
Letter: Good theater can be found here in the Valley
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Les Miserables - SE at the Rogers Center AUG 4-7
Can you hear the people sing? Boublil & Schönberg's legendary musical, LES MISÉRABLES comes to the Andovers August 4-7th at The Rogers Center for The Arts. This Cameron Macintosh musical Based on Victor Hugo's 1862 novel of the same name is set in early 19th-century France. The plot follows the stories of many characters as they struggle for redemption and revolution. LES MISÉRABLES is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the classic songs "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," "Stars," "Bring Him Home," "Do You Hear the People Sing?," "One Day More," "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," "Master Of The House" The students have been in rehearsal at the ACTjr Theatrical Summer Camp for 3 weeks. Each morning the student rotate through classes in music and vocal training, dance and drama training and in the afternoon rehearse the musical LES MISÉRABLES Student Edition. This fourth week is tech week at the Rogers Center for the Arts where they rehearse in full costume, with the set and lights and special effects and a full orchestra at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College. They will be performing LES MISÉRABLES Student Edition this weekend Thursday 7pm Saturday 2pm and 7pm and Sunday at 2pm at the Rogers Center for the Arts. The 40 children in the program range from grades 6-12. Most of the students are Andover and North Andover residents with a few camp participants from surrounding areas. Camp teachers are Charles Gracy - Artistic Director for ACT Andover and drama teacher at Brooks School in North Andover, Mark Mercer - Music Director and music teacher for Andover Public Schools, Brenda Pothier - Choreographer, Cara Kennedy - Producer and long time Andover resident. ACT Executive Producer - Mark Gracy - Andover real estate agent.
This is a phenomenally talented cast and the show will be unforgettable. Don't miss out! Tickets are on sale now at www.ACTandover.com and will also be available at the door of the Rogers Center for the Arts 1 hour before show times.
Andover Residents in the cast
Madelyn Brouillard, Rebecca Cheng, Iris Choo, Emilee Clapp, Graham Cook, Kiley Corcoran, Maria Cortner, Max Currie, Lilly Daigle, Conner Dwyer, Suzanne Egertson, Summer Erickson, Erin Hanrahan, Alex Hanscom, Bobby Hawes, Caitlyn Hawes, Emma Johnson, Nick Kalentzakos Jr, Theo Kalentzakos, Stephanie Knepper, Carter Letsky, Maci Letsky, Emily Lin, Michelle Lin, Alison McCarron, Coner Meehan, Erica Nork, Eileen O’Farrell, Tiernan O’Rourke, Lydia Ouelette, Evan Pantely, Sam Pond, Nicholas Renton, Nicholas Solomini, Daniele Webber, and Emily Wivell.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Andover Summer Theater Arts Education Program to perform Les Miserables
A list of the talented students participating in the program can be found on the theater company website.
Les Miserables
Student Edition
at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College
August 4th thru August 7th
LES MISERABLES SCHOOL EDITION
A musical by ALAIN BOUBLIN and CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHONBERG
Based on a novel by VICTOR HUGO
Music by CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHONBERG
Lyrics by HERBERT KRETZMER
Original French text by ALAIN BOUBLIL and JEAN-MARC NATEL
Additional material by JAMES FENTON
Orchestrations by JOHN CAMERON
Original London production produced by
CAMERON MACINTOSH and THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
School Edition specially adapted and licensed by
MUSIC THEATER INTERNATIONAL and CAMERON MACKINTOSH
Director - Charles Gracy
Music Director - Mark Mercer
Choreographer - Brenda Pothier
Producer - Cara Kennedy
ACT Artistic Director: Charles Gracy ACT Executive Producer: Mark Gracy
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
DIVAS dinner theater at the Indian Ridge Country Club
DIVAS is a summer dinner cabaret produced every year by ACT Andover Theater Company. This summers show features musical arrangements inspired by the DIVAS of stage, screen, radio and television. Come join the talented cast of DIVAS for an evening of dinner and fabulous entertainment. Tickets are $45 and include a 3 course dinner and the show! Call today (978) 276-9568 or visit the ACT Theater Website
Tickets are not available at the door and there are only a few tables left. Call or visit the website today.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Annie Auditions
Adults and Children needed for this great cast. This is a great show for the whole family. ACT Visit The ACT Theater Website
Audition Dates: Children Sunday August 14th 2-6 pm at the Center for Performing Arts 1820 Turnpike Street N Andover
Adults Auditions Monday August 15-16 7-10pm The ACT Space 250 Canal Street Lawrence MA
Rehearsals Start Thursday August 18th (read thru)
Rehearsals will be Sunday 2-7pm and Tues and Thurs 7-930pm
You will be called for specific rehearsal times (not every rehearsal)
Here is a list of some of the available roles:
Character Breakdown
ANNETTE- A French Maid
ANNIE- Spunky, friendly, big-voiced, street-wise urchin--one of the orphans 11 years old Mezzo-Soprano: A - high F
BERT HEALY - Radio Personality
BOYLAN Sisters: Bonnie, Connie, Ronnie - Singing sisters, perform on "Oxydent's Hour of Smiles" radio program
BUNDLES McCLOSKEY- The Laundryman
CECILLE,- A French Maid
CORDELL HULL-Male Cabinet member
DRAKE-Warbucks's English Butler
DUFFY-The biggest orphan 13 years old
FDR, the President Baritone (C-flat - E-sharp)
FRANCIS PERKINS-Female Cabinet member
FRED McCRACKEN-Radio Personality
GRACE FARRELL-Faithful Assistant to Warbucks Soprano: A - high G
HAROLD ICKES-Male Cabinet member
HENRY MONRGENTHAU-Male Cabinet member
JULY-The quietest orphan 13 years old
KATE-The next to littlest orphan 7 years old
LILY-Rooster's floozy girlfriend Soprano: D - high G
LOUIS HOWE-Associate to Roosevelt
MISS HANNIGAN-Cantankerous and mean old orphanage director Mezzo-Soprano: A - A flat
MOLLY-The littlest orphan 6 years old
MRS. GREER-The Housekeeper
MRS. PUGH-The Cook
OLIVER WARBUCKS-Warm-hearted, stiff-collared host to Annie for 2 weeks at Christmas Baritone: C - high F
PEPPER-The toughest orphan 12 years old
ROOSEVELT CABINET MEMBERS-Francis Perkins, Cordell Hull, Harold Ickes, Henry Morganthau
ROOSTER-Miss Hannigan's no-good brother Baritone: B - high G
TESSIE-The cry baby orphan 10 years old
WACKY- Radio Personality
Questions?
Call 978-476-1138 or email charlesgracy@actandover.com
Director: Charles Gracy Choreographer: Beth Kennedy Music Director: Mark Mercer
Performed by license with MTI at The Rogers Center for Arts North Andover
Saturday, July 2, 2011
July 5th ACT Day at Not Your Average Joe's Methuen
ACT Andover
Not Your Average Joe's
The Loop - Methuen, MA
DIVAS
Ticket Price: $45 per person (include 3 course dinner and show)
A cash bar will be available.
In addition to the show, the evening will feature a silent auction. Attendees will be able to bid on fantastic items throughout the evening.
Seating is limited and is assigned on a first come first serve basis. You will be contacted by the Box Office Manager, Rhonda Pare to finalize your seating for the show you select. Tickets can be purchased online at www.actandover.com, through a cast member, or by emailing/calling the box office at boxoffice@actandover.com or (978) 276-9568.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
ACT Annual Awards June 28, 2011
ACT Andover's Annual Awards Dinner June 2011
mjgracy's photostream on Flickr.
Photos from the awards dinner at the Tuscan Kitchen
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
DIVAS - Summer Dinner Cabaret - Andover MA
The BOX OFFICE for DIVAS is now open! Tickets are on sale for the dinner cabaret which includes a fabulous 3 course meal and the cabaret featuring the music of DIVAS of stage, screen, radio. The show is performed at the fabulous Indian Ridge Country Club in Andover, MA
Seating is limited and first come first serve.
Visit the ACT WEBSITE or the link for DIVAS below
BOX OFFICE FOR DIVAS
Monday, May 2, 2011
DIVAS auditions tonight!
EVENT LINK ON FACEBOOK
AUDITIONS FOR DIVAS - Summer Dinner Cabaret at the Indian Ridge Country Club in Andover, MA
ACT Andover Space
250 Canal Street, 4th Floor
Lawrence, MA
Questions? Call 978-476-1138 Charles Gracy Artistic Director ACT for more information visit our website ACT
Arts in Education Program
With a recent budget victory, high visibility on Capitol Hill, and three new arts education reports being released, arts education advocates are gathering momentum to impact education policy nationally.
On April 15, Congress and the president approved the FY 2011 appropriations bill which included restoration of the federal Arts In Education program – the only education program to be restored from being cut or terminated earlier in the year. This is a huge victory! This was directly following a successful grassroots advocacy campaign by 550 advocates from across the country who joined actors Alec Baldwin, Hill Harper, Kerry Washington, and Kevin Spacey during the national Arts Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill to support the arts and arts education.
Last week, Americans for the Arts published its National Arts Policy Roundtable final report which captures the recommendations from an event co-convened at the Sundance Preserve by President and CEO of Americans for the Arts Robert L. Lynch, and Robert Redford, founder of the Sundance Institute. Officials from both the U.S. Department of Education and the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities participated in the National Arts Policy Roundtable. The report identifies four key recommendations, including the need for increased research, strong public policy support, and better casemaking efforts from the field.
These recommendations arrive at an important time. The chairmen of the House and Senate education committees in Congress have promised action soon on the reauthorization of the Elementary & Secondary Education Act (also known as No Child Left Behind). Most immediately, the need for increased federal research cited in the National Arts Policy Roundtable recommendations will be answered, in part, by two new federal studies being released this week:
Today, the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics is releasing the preview of a study on the national status and condition of arts education -- it has been almost a decade since the last one was published! The full study is scheduled to be released by the end of 2011 and will be a key measurement of access to arts education.
Later this week, the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities is set to release their study “Reinvesting in Arts Education: Winning America’s Future Through Creative Schools” which will promote successful arts education models and best practices as identified by this committee appointed by President Obama and chaired by the First Lady.
The momentum that has been built by recent advocacy on Capitol Hill and the boost from these national studies will serve the arts education field well as Congress considers education reforms later this year. Americans for the Arts will keep you informed on policy developments and call on advocates to take action when needed.
Thank you for your support of the arts and arts education!
Help us continue this important work by becoming an official member of the Arts Action Fund. If you are not already a member play your part by joining the Arts Action Fund today -- it's free and simple.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Guys and Dolls on the radio today
Andover, MA North Andover MA
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
ACT Andover Guys and Dolls and Les Miserables come to Andover
Also up this month are auditions for Les Miserables (student edition) - ACT's summer theatre program. Students in the program will have classes in acting, music and dance during the morning and will work specifically on the musical Les Miserables in the afternoon. Registration for the program which runs through July with performances of Les Miserables at the Rogers Center for the Arts early August. Registration is limited visit the ACT website (ACTjr Les Miserables Summer Program) for more detail and registration information. The summer program will be taught by Charles Gracy - Artistic Director for ACT and Mark Mercer, Music Director.
ACT Andover Theatre Company - We Look forward to entertaining you
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Music Program to be cut in Andover MA! Just say NO!
Andover prides itself and enjoys the luxury or higher real estate values as a result of the perceived quality of it's public education. This action will have a major negative impact on that positive perception.
If you are an Andover resident or student and feel this cost cutting measure is a mistake please take action tonight and attend the school board meeting. Make your opinion know and let them know we will not accept this detrimental cut in the the children's education in Andover.
Please let the decision makers know this is not acceptable today!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
"Thoroughly Modern Millie" choreographed by Brenda Pothier
Tickets are $6 advance sales and $8 at the door. Advance tix can be purchased here at the Poet’s Inn.
Show times are:
Friday, March 18 - 7pm
Saturday, March 19 - 7pm
Sunda, March 20th - 2pm
Whittier Tech Website
ACTs very own Beth Kennedy and Mulan Jr - check it out!
Three performances will be held - Friday, March 11th at 7:00 pm, Saturday, March 12th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 13th at 1:00p.m. at West Middle School Auditorium. Tickets will be sold at the door for $8.00 per person. Tickets are also available at Bella Beads and Learning Express. Refreshments will be available at intermission. For further information, call 978-623-8833 x1420.
Friday, March 4, 2011
ACT Jr Announces Les Miserables for Summer 2011
ACT JR SUMMER 2011
ACT JR. Summer Program
For our first production we are thrilled to announce:
Les Miserables- School Edition
When: July 11th, 2011 with performances the first weekend in August.
How Much: Cost will be $300 a week for a total of $1200. An early payment and registration discount is available, if payment is received by April 1st, 2011, then the total cost is $1000. Please make checks payable to ACT Andover. We will accept credit card payments for the program and the link to it will be on the web page. There is a connivence charge to use a credit card.
Who: We are taking children going into the 7th grade through High School. A few exceptions will be made for children younger then 7th grade if they are motivated and serious about theatre.
Where: We will be rehearsing at: The Center of Performing Arts In North Andover from 9-3 Monday thru Friday. Please pack a lunch and 2 snacks for the children. (Extended after program hours are available for parents who need it at an additional charge.)
There is limited availability for this program so get your registrations in ASAP. Registration will be available online at www.ActAndover.com under the Act Jr. tab. To register you must fill out the form and are required to provide a $300 non-refundable deposit.
Program Director: Charles Gracy Music Director: Mark Mercer
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Auditions for Guys and Dolls. ACT Andover Theater Company
ACT Andover Theater Company
Mark Gracy markgracy@Actandover.com.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods comes to Andover MA
January 21, 22, 23
Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College North Andover
INTO THE WOODS music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine
Tickets still available at http://www.ACTAndover.com or BOXOFFICE LINK
An ambivalent Cinderella? A blood-thirsty Little Red Ridinghood? A Prince Charming with a roving eye? A Witch...who raps? They’re all among the cockeyed characters in James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s fractured fairy tale. When a Baker and his Wife learn they’ve been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell, swindling, lying to and stealing from Cinderella, Little Red, Rapunzel and Jack (the one who climbed the beanstalk). Everyone’s wish is granted at the end of Act One, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later, with disastrous results. What begins a lively irreverent fantasy in the style of ”The Princess Bride” becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children.
Into the Woods is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. It debuted in San Diego at the Old Globe Theater in 1986, and premiered on Broadway inn 1987. Bernadette Peters' performance as the Witch and Joanna Gleason's portrayal of the Baker's Wife brought acclaim to the production during its original Broadway run. Into the Woods won several Tony Awards. This production of Into the Woods is performed by special arrangement with MTI.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Auditions for ACT's production of GUYS and DOLLS!
Come one, Come all . . .
Auditions are set for the ACT Andover's spring show!!
January 24th or 25th 2011, auditions will be held for "Guys & Dolls". At our NEW space, 250 Canal St Lawrence, MA Show Dates: April 1-2 at the Rogers Center for the Arts
Please prepared to sing 32 measures of a song in the style of the show. You must have sheet music, no a cappella please. Following the singing audition we will have a general movement audition, so please dress appropriately.
If you are a veteran performer or novice to the stage, not to worry!! ACT welcomes everyone to audition. Not interested in performing on stage? We are always looking for people to help with set, crew and other areas of production. We are a family oriented company and we are always looking for new family members to join our fun group!!

Rehearsal for Guys and Dolls start Thursday January 27th. Rehearsals are Tuesdays and Thursday from 7-10 and Sundays from 1-6.
Director: Mark Gracy
Choreographer: Beth Kennedy
Music Driector: Mark Jacobs

250 Canal Street
Lawrence, MA
Our NEW rehearsal space is an old mill building. To access the space go over the bridge and into the tunnel. Take a left and our building is on the left. You will see a sign at the front door; someone will be there to direct you to the space on the 4th Floor.

Main Characters
Nathan Detroit (D to high F)
Adelaide - Mezzo (A to D)
Sky Masterson - Baritone (B to E)
Sarah Brown - Soprano (B to high A)
Nicely-Nicely Johnson - Tenor (D to high B)
Arvide Abernathy - Baritone (D to high F)
Big Jule
Lt Brannigan
General Cartwright
There are many ensemble rolls including the Hot Box Club Dancers, Sava A Soul Mission Folk and lot’s of gambling gangsters.
"Guys and Dolls" is a comic morality tale set to a hot jazz score. It is a New York love story filled with memorable songs and punctuated by razor-sharp dialogue.