Summer Classes AND A Peach Of An Audition Opportunity!

HJT is now accepting enrollment for 2012 classes! AND auditions are coming up soon for "James and the Giant Peach"! 


First of all, come one and all to Harwich Junior Theatre to have a blast, make friends and discover the world of theater! HJT offers a wide range of classes for students of all ages! Whether you are 3 or 103, HJT has a class for you! Wiggle and shake, laugh and sing with our youngest Creative Movement students. Maybe you would enjoy Comedy Improv? Or would you like to learn about sets and lights in a Technical Theater workshop? From Adult Acting to Musical Theatre, we have it all!!


And second of all, auditions for "James and the Giant Peach" will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the HJT Arts Center, 265 Parallel Street in Harwich Center. Many wonderful roles are available for ages 9 through adult. Adapted from Roald Dahl's book and directed by Emily Murray, this tale has it all: a magical peach, a boy imprisoned by zany aunts, insect friends  and an incredible journey! This amazing adventure will fulfill the fantasy of anyone who has ever dreamed of escape.  Performances will be held from June 29  through July 14, 2012.

For more information call 508-432-2002 ext. 12

Buddy Holly Is Back!!

I Love You, Peggy Sue. With a Heart so Rare and True. Guess what? That's right-- Buddy Holly is coming back to HJT. Watch this space for a preview and photo of the amazing new fellow who will bring Buddy back like you just can't believe.

Blogs: 5 Cents! The Blogger Is IN!

Harwich Junior Theatre ROCKS. You know it. 

Hello, HJT BLogville!

So... last time I blogged in earnest, HJT was presenting The Jungle Book. A wonderful show, but soooo long ago that we can hardly remember the hooting monkeys! So I will bring you somewhat up to date, though crushingly I will have to be brief, because a lot of going on NOW which must be blogged about PRONTO. 

After Jungle Book, we had a great production of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, directed by Rob Zapple. I will post a review later. What a great show. 

Courtesy photo by Heather Lannen

Charlie Powicki as Tom Sawyer, and Rose Cronin-Jackman as Becky in Harwich Junior Theatre’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”

In fact, what the heck. Here's a review right now. And I will catch up on the rest of the unblogged season as we go, show by show. Sorry again about the delay, and we'll be up to speed in no time.
Ciao!
Jen the blogger

Troupe captures spirit of Twain's 'Tom'

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Cape Cod Times

By PAUL BABIN

August 13, 2011

HARWICH — Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" gets passed over these days. High school teachers are more likely to assign Twain's superior sequel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" for its themes of race and class. "Tom Sawyer" isn't nearly as ambitious, but it still beautifully captures the day-to-day doings of those scurrilous adolescents Tom and Huck.

Harwich Junior Theatre's production of "Tom Sawyer" conveys the spirit of Twain's novel and takes the liberty of adding a couple of line dances that steal the show. Choreographer Michele Zapple obviously took her time with this young cast, which mostly consists of high school students and a few elementary schoolers in minor roles (kudos to Hayley Troy for making her theatrical debut at just 8 years old!).

My favorite young actor was Nauset Regional High School senior Thomas Walsh, who wears ruddy clothes and crumpled leaves in his hair to look the part of Huck Finn. The kid's got a wallop of a stage presence, as does Nauset sophomore Rose Cronin-Jackman as Becky Thatcher. Becky's head tells her that Tom's the immature class clown, constantly getting his knuckles rapped by Schoolmaster Dobbins, but her heart goes out to him just the same. When Tom (Charlie Powicki) insists they get "engaged" she agrees, lets him kiss her, and all seems right with the world. That is until Tom admits he has been "engaged" before, which sends Becky into a paranoid fit. Like most boys his age, Tom is clueless about the world of women.

No matter. Even without Becky there's still lots of stuff to do, like seeking out a cure for warts, playing with rats and collecting ticks. As long as Huck's around, Tom will always have someone to feed his strange habits. Only one night the two get more than they bargained for when they watch Injun Joe murder Doctor Robinson at the local graveyard. Although they swear a blood oath never to reveal what they have seen, their resolve weakens when Muff Potter, the town drunk, is accused of the crime. Christo Seacord is marvelous as Potter, particularly in those desperate scenes before he's about to be falsely convicted.

But let's be serious. The plot of "Tom Sawyer" has always been secondary to the remarkably vivid characters Twain creates. That's why Tom's classroom high jinks that lead Schoolmaster Dobbins to squash his favorite tick are more engaging than the murder plot, which is more or less predictable. I think director Rob Zapple understands this, as he doesn't shortchange scenes of normal everyday life, such as Tom tricking his friends into painting his fence, in favor of the murder story. Young Josh Cox is particularly funny in his attempts to convince Tom to hand over the paintbrush and let him work.

The Harwich Junior Theatre's production of "Tom Sawyer" is just about what you'd expect. A good young cast, a few laughs, and a story that's still worth retelling after 135 years. I wish some of the actors had developed a more defined Southern accent and the sets were more detailed, but those are minor quibbles about a show that's consistently entertaining and has its heart in the right place.

Sorry For The Looooong Pause...

This Blogger Has Been Temporarily Overwhelmed.

Please excuse my distinctive lack of blogging since "The Jungle Book," which was a marvelous show. Since then, there have been many marvelous shows as well as news, excitement, announcements, great reviews, and other bloggable items! I have been overwhelmed, and I apologize.

I will be out of the country from Sunday. March 18 to Wednesday, March 28, at which time The HJT Blog will have a re-launch, a massive update of shows past, present and future, and an influx of content that will surely boggle the mind. Be there or be square, and we'll get all up to date with our fine selves.

Meanwhile, please visit me at jennifersextonsblog.blogspot.com, where I will be blogging daily as I journey around South America and round cape Horn while shooting the next installment of Through My Eyes, my kid's eye view travel documentary web series, for WGBH.org.

I remain,

Jen

The Blogger who Will Improve.

I Swear.

It's A Jungle Up There! 'The Jungle Book' Roars At HJT

It's a JUNGLE Up There!

by Jennifer Sexton

July 21, 2011

The Cape Cod Chronicle

“The audience is greedy,” director Jay Stewart tells his cast. “They want to know everything there is to know. Every line has to be spoken clearly. Every facial expression has to support what you are thinking. You have to give until you can’t give any more, and then you’ve got to give a little more. Make sure that they are totally caught up in the world you are creating.”

Audience members are guaranteed to get caught up in Harwich Junior Theater’s production of Rudyard Kipling’s classic “The Jungle Book,” opening July 21. With a cast of nearly 30 portraying monkeys, bats, wolves and “Jungle Book”’s beloved Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther and Mowgli the boy raised by wolves, it really will be a jungle up there onstage.

Former Ringling Bros. Boss Clown Stewart makes his directorial debut, injecting plenty of comedy and physicality into the classic tale.
The basic storyline is familiar. Mowgli, the human boy who is raised by wolves, receives instruction on how to live in the jungle and jungle law by Balloo the bear, Bagheera the panther and Kaa the python.
“This is not the Disney movie version of ‘The Jungle Book,’” Stewart explains. “This is an original adaptation of the Kipling story. We added a ton of physical routines and original material, which allowed me to tap into my areas of expertise. It’s a very active show, yet the story itself is very simple. We’ve applied a lot of characterization, physical movement and comedy to make it really move along and be fun. People will get a good laugh out of it and a nice message: stand up to a bully together and everything is going to work out.”
To encourage his cast to fully develop their characters and give them lives of their own, Stewart has given names to every single character in the play. No Monkey #2 or Wolf #5 on this stage. The monkeys are Soupy, Storch, Hackett, Shecky and Callas, played by Fionn Pina-Parker, Noah Dziedzina, Pete Campbell, Jack Kwaak and Zachary Sickles. The wolves are Bogart, McQueen, Bronson, Brando, Eastwood, Cagney and Coburn, played by Olivia Benson, Sophie Friend, Sofia Kurd, Samantha Elliot, Grace Barrett, Ryley McAuliffe and Kyra Brimdyr.
A scan down the cast list reveals a lot of repeating last names: Mowgli is played by Nick Stewart, while Nyra is played by Karen Stewart and Gazelle is played by Kristin Stewart, the son, daughter and wife of the director respectively. The villainous tiger Shere Khan is played by Kajsa Brimdyr, while the characters Coburn, Chitra and Baloo are played by Kyra, Emma and Josh Brimdyr. Connor and Xander McInerney play Bat Boys, while Tim McInerney is Father Wolf. Jenn Pina is Bagheera, and Caliope Pina Parker is Kaa. It’s not a misprint. This production really is a family affair.

“It’s been terrific working with families. The fact that there are families represented in the cast is fantastic for building camaraderie and morale, and most of these families have known each other for years. Some of the moms of the group were Junior Players at HJT when they were teenagers, and now their kids are in the Junior Players and also in our show. It’s reflective of what HJT has done for 60 years — developed this generational feel. Lot of places strive for that, and few make it. I didn’t intentionally cast families together, but I think the lessons that HJT established for the adults about professionalism, work ethic, professional demeanor and commitment have been passed on to their kids. Now we have a stable of talent in our area that has been sort of developed internally.”
Also taking the stage are Diana Milkey as Rikki Tikki Tavi, Deanna Dziedzina as Mother Wolf, Tristan DiVincenzo as Tabaqui andToomai, Caroline Sullivan as Mang, Caroline Clancy as Mor, Rachel Fahlstron as Messua and assistant director/ rehearsal stage manager Adia Vallaccio as Cobra. Lighting and set design are by Jim Byrne, sound design by Alex Eisenberg, and props and scenic painting are by Marybeth Travis.

“Our costume designer Bobbie-Jean Powell is fantastic,” Stewart says. “She is taking a different tack on animal costumes. I didn’t want everyone covered up in furry animal suits, so she’s created a more contemporary look. They are dressed in recognizable human costume pieces with animal accents rather than miles and miles of fake fur. We are getting a lot of help with makeup from cast member Tristan DiVincenzo. We are emphasizing makeup and costume rather than a ton of set pieces, because the open space is what we need for the movement and routines. It’s not a musical, but we do have several group production numbers. Not like ‘A Chorus Line’ with a lot of high kicking, but more jungle movement and a lot of fun.”

Stewart praises the good will generated at HJT by the staff, volunteers, technicians, performers, teachers, audience members and supporters.

“There is a great feeling in that building from the people who are regulars and who support HJT,” he says. “It’s a very embracing environment. The HJT crowd genuinely wants to have a great time. They want the show to be good. It’s not ‘OK, prove to me what you’ve got.’ It’s more like ‘Hey, we’re behind you. Give us all you’ve got.’ That’s a great feeling, and they’ve been doing it for 60 years. They must be doing something right.”

Details:

“The Jungle Book”

At Harwich Junior Theatre

July 21 through Aug. 7

Box office 508-432-2002

www.hjtcapecod.org

Cinderella: Impossible Things Are Happening Every Day At HJT!

June 30, 2011
The Cape Cod Chronicle


The Impossible Becomes Possible At HJT’s ‘Cinderella’

by Amy Tagliaferri

Cinderella glowed, the stepsisters scowled, the prince charmed and the townspeople cheered! The Harwich Junior Theatre’s “Cinderella” has it all and then some!

The Rogers and Hammerstein version of the classic fairy tale has been a crowd pleaser for decades, and with HJT celebrating its sixth decade of stellar productions, it’s the perfect choice to open this special summer season. The Cinderella story with its message of anything is possible, or if you prefer nothing is impossible, made it Betty Bobp’s (HJT’s founder) choice in 1951 as the company’s first play.

HJT director Lisa Canto knows that dreams can come true, for she has gone from Bobp student to an HJT veteran director and choreographer. With the 2011 “Cinderella,” Canto proves her love for HJT and the enrichment it gives to both audiences and participants.

Emily Blodgett radiates as Cinderella. Blodgett is a consummate actor and she shines in the starring role. One would have to imagine some of the rosiness to her cheeks comes from how she manages to make costume changes, and the swift exits and entrances. The woman never misses a step, and she makes the magic real.

Blodgett’s representation of genteel beauty and sweet demeanor is helped along by the outlandish behavior and costumes of her stepfamily. Kedian Keohan (Portia), Meredith Sullivan (Joy) and Suzette Hutchinson (their mother) make the most of these over-the-top roles. It’s scripted for the three to outdo each other, and these ladies squeeze out each and every ounce of opportunity allowed and then some! They very nearly steal the show.

Ryan Barrette is a commanding prince and embraces the role as sincerely as he embraces Cinderella. Stella Wolf is incredibly convincing as the Fairy Godmother. We loved the magical effects, and Wolf carries it off with aplomb. John McFadden as the king with Patricia Ellis as his queen provides super comic relief. The audience loved them.

The ensemble fulfills the tall order of going from village people, to village people in ball finery, to royal servants and back again easily, and make the crowd scenes look, well crowded. They are Nick Carafelli, Ed Coppola, Josh Cox, Karen Dash, James Deal, Caitlin Dolan, Warren Harrington, Haley Kelsey, Jessica Roth and Jasmine Ullman. Hannah McLaughlin was an adorable jester.

Robert Wilder, the show’s musical director (looking pretty fancy, we might add) tickles the ivories and Phil White handles the drums and both sounded great. Bobby Jean Powell’s costumes were magnificent. We haven’t a clue how Cinderella changed from her “rags” to the ball gown. Magic, I guess. The Fairy Godmother’s gown, the stepsisters and their mother’s ball gowns and day-after attire were all spot on.

Jim Byrne’s set and lighting design was, and in the spirit of the play, magical. From the opening moment, the audience knew they were in for something special, and then as the village set turned into Cinderella’s hearth, to the entrance of the ballroom and even a beautiful garden they were awestruck. Kudos to the people behind the scenes for making the enchantment happen: Martha Paquin, stage manager; Mark Vagenas, technical director; Brendan Cloney, light board operator; Kate Anderson, spot light operator; and stage crew Jacob Stacey and Justin Harrington. “Do I love you because you’re beautiful or are you beautiful because I love you?” Methinks it’s a bit of both.

HEY!! Wake UP!

Hello there, Honey! It's now June, and it seems the HJT Blog hasn't been updated since April... This will not stand! I seem to have fallen asleep at my post, but the rooster has officially crowed and The Blog Lives Once More. Welcome to the Grand Relaunch of the HJT Blog, and the official Hooray It's Our 60th Year Celebration Blog Post!!

I just wrote a story for the June 30 edition of The Cape Cod Chronicle about HJT's upcoming 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Gala Celebration and Reunion at The Sea View restaurant in Dennisport on Monday, July 25 from 7 to 11 p.m. The event will feature hors d’oeuvres, cake, a cash bar, live and silent auctions, and entertainment including The Chandler Travis Philharmonic band.

HJT kicked off the festivities at opening night of “Cinderella” on Friday night, a sentimental visit back to the very first play staged by HJT. (see review by the fabulous Amy Tagliaferri, page 36, in the June 30 2011 edition of The Cape Cod Chronicle) I was there Sunday afternoon with my seven year old daughter Ava, Amy and her granddaughter, Riley, age 3. A magical time was had by all. If you haven't seen "Cinderella" yet, please get on that immediately. It's a great show, beautifully done from start to finish, and you can't beat the knowing that you are watching the same story and the same characters that the very first HJT audience ever saw, the same magic that HJT's very first actors and actresses created 60 years ago. I could almost hear that long-ago audience cheering for Emily Blodgett and Ryan Barrette when the glass slipper finally found the proper foot and their eyes met... as well as for Director Lisa Canto, Musical Director Bob Wilder, the entire cast and crew. What a moment!

“Our 60th anniversary gala is a huge tribute to the vision of our founder, Betty Bobp,” says producing artistic director Nina Schuessler. “We remember her with deep love and great reverence, and after 60 years we remain committed to keeping alive the tradition of presenting plays and musicals for audiences of all ages. For 60 years it has been our goal to embrace a world of theater that is interesting, illuminating and accessible to all generations. We thank all the wonderful people who have been a part of this historic theater, and we remember and honor the memory of those who have gone before.”
Both Nina and HJT Lead Teacher and “Cinderella” director Lisa Canto have a greater stake and deeper emotional investment in their place of work than the average person. Both began their theater lives at Harwich Junior Theatre under the tutelage of founder Bobp --- at age six. How many people can say that?

“We have lots planned for the party, including performances from various generations of theater participants, an amazing auction including fabulous trips, Cape Cod holiday extravaganzas, beautiful artwork, jewelry, and many surprises,” says Lisa. “I look forward to seeing so many of my friends who I haven't seen for decades at the gala celebration. I remember attending so many HJT parties as a child, and always there was music, singing, and everyone was welcome. I look forward to the 60th being just like my fondest memories, a huge party where all ages are welcome, with singing, dancing, and memories shared. Wow, the stories that will be told!”

The origins of HJT have a touch of Cinderella’s magic about them. From its humble beginnings in the Exchange Hall in Harwich Center to its current incarnation as a nationally acclaimed year-round source of education and entertainment, HJT has always been more than a list of productions on a playbill. For the many children who learn there and the adults they become, HJT is a theater family.

Founder Bobp, a respected drama teacher at Wheelock College in Boston, came to Harwich in 1951 with the vision of a community theatre where children and adults could work and learn about theater together. Her intent was to provide opportunities for all individuals to experience every aspect of the theatrical experience, from set and costume design to playwriting, prop making, acting, directing, sound and lighting. With nearly three generations of staff, volunteers, alumnae and patrons to its credit, HJT strives to transform that dream into reality.

HJT and its adult resident company Harwich Winter Theatre stage up to 12 full-scale productions each year, attracting audiences of over 20,000 annually, including the popular school matinees which bring the world of theatre to children who otherwise might not have the opportunity to glimpse the magic. Director of Education and Community Outreach Tammy Harper enrolls 600 students each year in classes ranging from creative movement to juggling, playwriting and comedy improv. Thousands more are reached through HJT’s educational outreach programs, which bring Greek mythology, poetry and Shakespeare to area students as well as workshops on bullying prevention. HJT relies on its legions of enthusiastic volunteers to make the whole thing work.

“I would say of all things, HJT has been a place where I have smiled, laughed and enjoyed the company of my peers, and when I say peers I do not put an age on that word,” Lisa explains. “When you are an HJT hard worker, age has nothing to do with it. Everyone who comes is sure to learn something new, be able to share something new, and know they are part of history ongoing with deep roots, thanks to my teacher, my mentor, our founder Betty Bopb.”

Tickets to the 60^th anniversary gala are $60 per person. You do not want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate six decades of magic. Dance! Sing! Get up and do your thing. To purchase tickets or to learn about the summer offerings at HJT, visit www.hjtcapecod.org or call 508-432-2002.