What do a quintet of old pro actors, someone who last appeared onstage in Tucson a decade ago (and his loyal sidekick), and a singer and actor husband-and-wife team have in common? Each of these brave groups will debut theater projects this fall, launching new endeavors in the performing arts at a time when even established businesses are struggling to survive, let alone thrive.
Winding Road Theatre Ensemble opens Dorothy Parkers Last Call on Thursday, October 15, at the Cabaret Space at the Temple of Music and Art. Lesley Abrams is the single actor and the playwright. Winding Roads members include Abrams, Terry and Amy Erbe, Glen and Toni Press-Coffman, long-time Tucson theatrical stalwarts who think that this is the perfect time to take a chance on a positive audience response. The group is thrilled to have its own company instead of acting for others and also is perfectly happy (at least Abrams is) to operate out of a suitcase, to choose pieces that dont require massive sets and lots of costumes, to be itinerant, free to concentrate on presenting the material they are attracted to instead of dealing with the responsibilities of building management.
E & A Productions consists of the married couple Elizabeth Cracchiolo and Alex Samaniego; she familiar in local theater as an oft-featured and praised singer/actor, he a sometime stage manager, producer and novice actor. Their new company plans a three-show season, beginning ambitiously with Martin McDonaghs award-winning 2003 The Pillowman playing November 20-December 6, then Spic-o-rama by John Leguizamo, February 4-14, and finally Make me a Song by William Finn in May. They pledge high artistic values and independence hiring outside directors and cast and content to stand aside and produce, with goals to achieve chemistry between actors, engage audiences, and hope to create magical material that resonates with audiences.
Arid Rose Theater is readying its own permanent space in a strip mall on West Grant Road and opens with ART, a play by Yasmina Reza, on October 1. The company is led by John Gunn, who initiated Millennium in 1997 and CityPlayers Experimental Theater that closed in 2001. Hes working with actors who were with him then, Sean Zackson, Jon Benda, Charles Prokopp, plus some new faces. His upcoming season includes Celebration, a sequel to the Fantasticks, and Quills (the sequel to Marat-Sade, which he produced in 1997). Zackman says they hope that, People get more creative during hard times with their free time. All tickets to Arid Rose will be $21 for five years; wine, soda and water will be free. As to the mini-controversy about the similarity between the names Arid Rose and Arizona Rose, it was an accident having to do with a rosebush in someones garden having stunted leaves and therefore, being suited to a desert atmosphere, an arid rose.
Upcoming performance from these companies:
Winding Road Theatre Ensemble Dorothy Parkers Last Call previews on Thursday, October 15 at the Temple of Music and Arts Cabaret Space, 330. S. Scott Ave. The play opens Friday, October 16, with 7:30pm performances on October 17, 22, 24, 29-31, and Sunday 2pm matinees on October 18 and October 25. (Note: A Sunday matinee may be added on November 1, if needed.) Tickets are $15; student and senior discount available for $12, payable by cash or check. Reservations can be made at (520) 749-3800 or dsteeves@dakotacom.net.
E & A Productions. The Pillowman runs November 20 through December 6 at ZUZI Theater, 738 N. 5th Ave. Performance times TBA. Tickets $22. Directed by Eugenia Woods. Tickets available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/82805.
Arid Rose Theater ART runs October 1-25, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays, 3pm. $21. 1859 W. Grant Rd., 520-982-6812. Buy a 6-entry pass for $100. AridRoseTheater.com
