Theater blog for ACT. Check out the current season of shows, audition notices, galleries from past shows and more.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
You Can Be A Hero - ACT Today We Are Almost There! We Are Counting On You!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
ACT Andover Theater Company - March 2012 - Getting ready for Summer Theater Camp in Andover
March 2012 Andover, MA It'e been a busy season here at ACT. This fall we wrapped up our production of Annie at The Rogers Center for the Arts and even performed on a float in the Andover Santa Parade. In january we ran The Great American Trailer Park Musical and are now in production for Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific with ACTjr opening in April and the blockbuster musical 42nd St with ACT which opens in May. Coming up is our annual summer dinner cabaret and our summer theater camp program in Andover, MA.
Last year our summer theater camp produced the acclaimed Les Miserables! By request this year we have 2 camps one for our jr members and a new camp for younger performers. This summer ACTjr will be producing How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and ACTkids will put on Aladdin jr. Don't miss these great summer theater camp programs which feature classes in acting, dance, and music as well as technical theater with our talented staff or professionals Charles Gracy, Mark Mercer, Amy Wilkins Blanchette, Kim Cook, & Jamie Cook. Details and registration information at www.actandover.com Class size is limited so register today! Don't miss out!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Come and meet those dancing feet - 42nd Street at The Rogers Center for the Arts North Andover May 11-13th 2012
Join us for a spectacular performance of the musical and dance extravaganza of "42nd Street!" Don't miss this amazing show. Tickets are on sale now. Seating is reserved, so get your tickets early. Don't miss this song and dance block buster musical while it's here!
For more information visit the ACT website
or visit the event on Facebook
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking the BOX OFFICE LINK here
ACT Andover Presents 42nd Street May 11-13, 2012 at The Rogers Center for the Arts in North Andover
Thursday, February 9, 2012
42nd Street has been cast. Set to hit the stage at The Rogers Center for the Art in May. Congrats to the cast
Congratulations to the incredibly talented cast of 42nd Street Tickets on sale now at THE ACT BOX OFFICE
Peggy Sawyer - Amy Wilkins-Blanchette
Billy Lawlor-James Sims
Maggie Jones-Abbie Sawyer
Andi Lee-Brenda Pothier
Bert Berry-Timothy Sipsey
Abner Dillon-Tom Aylward
Pat Denning-Stan Swieck
Dorothy Brock-Susan Hawes
Julian Marsh-Scott Ippolito
Anytime Annie - Wende Donahue
Winnie - Elise Boland
Diane - Jen Bertolino
Ethel - Amy Danzinger
Phyllis - Amy McCarthy
Gladys - Deana Varitimos
Lorraine - Jennifer Armstrong
Mac- Steve Knepper
Dance Ensemble:
Courtney Plati
Melissa Kramer
Linda Lee
Christina Norton
Kim Dowell
Emily Lin
Tasha Smutney
Ensemble:
Lauren McCarron
Julie Day
Brenda Ernst
Kelcey Salois
Alyssa Jean
Mimi Pare
Melissa Belliard
Heidi Knepper
Robert Moylan
Michael Staffieri
Lisa Jones
Peter Anton
Leanne Merrill
Friday, January 27, 2012
There is a lot happening at ACT this month!
There is a lot happening back stage at ACT this week. On Jan 30th Tap Classes with Amy McCarthy begin. You can register online at the act website www.actandover.com under the classes tab. In February (just a few days away) we have Dance Fit with Amy Wilkins Blanchette Here is a little more info about Dance Fit (The class will consist of warms up, across the floor and/or center aerobics, and various styles of choreography. Warm ups will be plies, a lot of stretching, laterals, and isolations followed by sit ups, push-ups and triceps dips. The choreography section will be the most challenging for non-dancers. The warm up section will not be hard in terms of dance ability, but may be physically challenging.) And then we have auditions for 42nd Street! Feb 7th and 8th
Auditions for the musical 42nd Street with book by Michael Stewart and MarkBramble, lyrics by Al Dubin, and music by Harry Warren. Auditioning for allroles. 42nd Street 42nd Street tells the story of a humble, naïve youngactress named Peggy Sawyer who has come to audition for a new Broadway musicalDirected by Julian Marsh and starring Dorothy Brock. In a twist of fate theyoung actress Peggy has 36 hours to learn the show to take over for the starthat just broke her ankle. Directed by Charles Gracy, Choreographer BethKennedy, Music Director Mark Mercer. For more information visitwww.actandover.com or email charlesgracy@actandover.com 978-476-1138MORE INFO: http://www.actandover.com E-MAIL TO: theater@actandover.com Don't miss out of all the exciting things happening at ACT this month!
Friday, January 13, 2012
ACt Announces Cast for ACTjr's South Pacific
South Pacific Cast
Nellie Forbush- Emily Wivell
Emile de Becque- Bobby Hawes
Ngana- Iris Choo
Jerome- Alex Shih
Henry- Sam Krapels
Bloody Mary- Madelyn Broullard
Liat- Maci Letsky
Luther Billis- James Conley
Stewpot- Michael Hanscom
Professor- Conor Meehan
Lt. Joseph Cable- Nick Kalantzakos Jr.
Capt. George Brackett- Theo Kalantzakos
Cmdr. William Habison- Alex Hanscom
Lt Buzz Adams- Andrew Seifer
Yeoman Herbert Quale- Max Currie
Radio Operator Bob McCaffrey-Eric Bouchard
Seabee- Alex Hanscom
Sailor- Armando Bellard
Tom O’Brien- Daniel Webber
Marine- Carter Letsky
Shore Patrol Man- Alex Hanscom
Ensign Dinah Murphy- Alison McCarron
Ensign Janet MacGregor- Emilee Clapp
Lead Nurse- Elizabeth Day
Tired Nurse- Stephi Knepper
Nurse-Rachel Harris
Nurse 2- Erin Hanrahan
Nurse 3- Lily Daigle
Nurse 4- Summer Erickson
Featured Dancers:
TBD
Ensemble:
Sheryl Ehleck, Alexandria Russo, Lauren Wanthal, Emma Saltsman, Carla Jane McDonough, Taylor Day
South Pacific Production Team:
Charles Gracy- Director
Mark Mercer- Music Director
Brenda Pothier- Choreographer
Cara Kennedy- Producer
Music by Rodgers, Richard | Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II | Book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan | Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning novel "Tales of the South Pacific" by James A. Michener
Set in an island paradise during World War II, two parallel love stories are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. Nellie, a spunky nurse from Arkansas, falls in love with a mature French planter, Emile. Nellie learns that the mother of his children was an island native and, unable to turn her back on the prejudices with which she was raised, refuses Emile's proposal of marriage. Meanwhile, the strapping Lt. Joe Cable denies himself the fulfillment of a future with an innocent Tonkinese girl with whom he's fallen in love out of the same fears that haunt Nellie. When Emile is recruited to accompany Joe on a dangerous mission that claims Joe's life, Nellie realizes that life is too short not to seize her own chance for happiness, thus confronting and conquering her prejudices. Performed by special arrangement with Rogers & Hammerstein
This production will hit the stage this spring 2012 - Tickets on sale soon!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Seasons Greetings from The Trailer Park
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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
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.
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.
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, October 14, 2010
Cinderella Comes to Andover MA Oct 29th - 31st
Andover, MA Cinderella the Musical by Rogers and Hammerstein comes to Andover. ACT Andover presents Cinderella October 29-31. Tickets are on sale now. Order on-line at the ACT Andover website or call 978-276-9568. Tickets are going fast. Don't miss out on this great show! The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance. Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers & Hammerstein's CINDERELLA was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium. Its recreation in 1965 starring Lesley Ann Warren was no less successful in transporting a new generation to the miraculous kingdom of dreams-come-true, and so was a second remake in 1997, which starred Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother. As adapted for the stage, with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, the hearts of children and adults alike still soar when the slipper fits. This Enchanted Edition is based on the 1997 teleplay.
Directed by Charles Gracy, Music Direction by Peg DiGrazia and Choreography by Amy Wilkins-Blanchette
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
West Middle School Drama Club Andover presents HONK Jr.
Come and support our ACT Andover kids, including: Maddie Brouillard, Emma Curley, Samara Dowe, Jessica Ferronetti, Stephi Knepper, Emily Lin, Sasha Sorterup-Kaminsky.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Andover MA South Cooperative Theater presents Wonka Jr Mar 12 -14th

Andover, MA Theater - South Cooperative Theater presents Willy Wonka Jr. Don't miss out on this great, fun, family event. You saw the movies now see Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory come to life.
Friday, March 12th – 7:00 pm Saturday, March 13th – 7:00 pm Sunday, March 147h – 1:00 pm West Middle School Auditorium, Andover, MA
Tickets $8.00
available in advance at Bella Beads, Learning Express or at the door Please make checks payable to: South School Activities Fund
