Judson Theatre Company’s GASLIGHT starring Maxwell Caulfield at BPAC’s Owens Auditorium in Pinehurst, was a hit!
Read MoreNext: GASLIGHT at Judson Theatre Company
Since I last wrote, a lot has happened, but in the end it came out great! Our next production at Judson Theatre Company will be Patrick Hamilton’s Gaslight (Angel Street). I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for thrillers, and particularly for this one, as it was the first show I ever saw at the community theatre where I grew up.
The play’s history has become more interesting in the last decade or so, with the denominalization of the title, turning the word “gaslight” into a verb. Supposedly that usage began in the 1950s, yet it has broadly seeped into the English lexicon since 2010.
Of course for a long time, American theatre audiences knew the play from its Broadway title, Angel Street. But the two film versions (one from Britain, one from MGM) plus the rise of use of “gaslight” seem to have put the original title much more forward in the mind of people today.
There are five choice roles in the play, and we’re pleased that Maxwell Caulfield will be Inspector Rough; Matthew Tyler will return to JTC to play Mr. Manningham; Jennifer Hope will also return to play Elizabeth.
Broadway flyer, with the title change from Gaslight to Angel Street.
The deep-dive on this play never ends, as it seems as virtually every first-class vintage actor (as well as plenty of lesser lights) has done the play somewhere. In America, it was Vincent Price on Broadway; and the MGM film has the star quartet of Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten, and Angela Lansbury. There was a Broadway revival with Dina Merrill. And this incredibly well written 1938 one-set psychological thriller is still being produced by theatres large and small all over the world on a constant basis…including at Judson Theatre Company November 16-19!
Broadway revival from 1975 with Dina Merrill and Michael Allinson
Recent UK tour flyer.
3 Sold Out Productions - 2023 Summer Theatre Festival
The response to the second year of Judson Theatre Company’s Summer Theatre Festival was even greater than we had hoped. Once again, we produced six continuous weeks of professional theatre at Bradshaw Performing Arts Center’s intimate McPherson Theater. All three productions enjoyed sold out runs.
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change kicked off the Festival, July 21-30. Performances were added to accommodate the demand.
The cast of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Photo credit: DavidNSinclairPhotography.com)
The second show was one that’s been on the list for a while, but we had to wait until we found the right actor. We did! Linda Purl is amazing on the stage and off. Her phenomenal performance in Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking is something to behold and cherish. JTC was most fortunate to be able to bring Ms. Purl to Pinehurst for this show after her triumphant London engagement earlier this year. Though initially we had concerns about the show’s subject matter being too weighty for a summertime audience, the production sold out every performance, with a combination of returnees and new audience members.
Linda Purl in The Year of Magical Thinking (Photo credit: DavidNSinclairPhotography.com)
The festival concluded with Jason Robert Brown’s The Last Five Years in a production starring two JTC returning favorites, Jacob Pressley and Danielle Standifer (her fourth show at JTC in a year!). It’s a show packed with gorgeous music that makes people examine every romantic relationship they’ve ever had. Again, a challenging show (in some ways) for a summer audience, but sold out performances were the order of the day. (August 18-27)
Jacob Pressley and Danielle Standifer in The Last Five Years, with Kevin Wallace (Musical Director). Photo credit: DavidNSinclairPhotography.com
All in all, a wonderful summer, with very special thanks to both the McPhersons and Bradshaw Performing Arts Center. Watch this space for the announcement of next summer’s shows!
JTC Summer Theatre Festival 2023
It’s that time again! In the first year of the Judson Theatre Company Summer Theatre Festival (2022), two of the shows sold out their runs entirely, and the third almost did…so we’re back for another year! And here it is:
SHOW 1: I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE (musical)
Book & Lyrics by Joe DiPietro / Music by Jimmy Roberts
Opens Fri July 21 - Closes Sun July 30
SHOW #2: Linda Purl in The Year of Magical Thinking
by Joan Didion, adapted from her memoir
Opens: August 4 Closes: August 13
Book, Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Join us in the beautiful, intimate McPherson Theater!
More info at JudsonTheatre.com
Direct ticket link: https://ticketmesandhills.com/organizations/judson-theatre-company
THE STAR-SPANGLED GIRL - Judson Theatre Company April 27-30
What a joy to bring a cast of Judson Theatre Company returnees (and one newbie!) back to Pinehurst for a production of Neil Simon’s The Star-Spangled Girl. This story of people who see the world from opposing ideologies who go from disliking each other, to liking each other, to loving each other and being able to work together certainly speaks to our times. It’s also a play about a trio of young people moving to a big city and making their place in the world, and a wacky meditation on physical attraction vs. intellectual differences in a relationship.
Thanks to SandhillsSentinel.com for the praise. A producer couldn’t ask for a better quote than “The Star-Spangled Girl leaves audiences starstruck!”
Or these kind words from The Pines Times:
“Judson Theatre Company outdid themselves once again as their 10th season continued with Neil Simon’s BOYS-Meet-Girl Romantic Comedy Romp, "The Star-Spangled Girl." Five exhilarating performances took place in the lovely Owens Auditorium of the Bradshaw Performing Arts Center, all with packed houses. Under the expert artistic direction of Daniel Haley and Executive Producer Morgan Sills, the play was a complete delight!
"The Star-Spangled Girl" is a classic romantic comedy that has stood the test of time. First premiering on Broadway in 1966, it has remained a beloved staple in the theatre world.The cast was a dream team of talent with Mari Blake as Sophie Rauschmeyer, Nicholas Talbot playing the role of Andy Hobart and Calvin Noble as Norman Cornell. The three had quite a chemistry. There were plenty of one-liners and witty banter between the characters, with outstanding delivery by the entire cast. Although comedic, the play undoubtedly delivered on emotional depth, romance and thrilling conflict. There was definitely a great balance between seriousness and silliness. The set, designed by Production Designer and Stage Manager TJ Daniels, was detailed and charming. The wardrobe, overseen by Rebecca Smith, was equally impressive. All did a fantastic job bringing the play to life with their outstanding talent and a professional theatre production. It was evident that the audience was enthralled and smiles filled the auditorium.
It was a truly entertaining and funny play. I am sure everyone left feeling lighter and happier after such a night of laughter. Bravo, Judson Theatre Company, for yet another unforgettable performance. Your dedication to delivering exceptional theatrical experiences to our community is greatly appreciated!”
We were a “Best Bet” in The Pilot, too:
