August 2021

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Bonnie's Column


 

On a hot summer day, I decided to treat myself with take-out from a local Chinese restaurant. After dinner, I read my fortune cookie: “Live the Life You Love.” I was astounded. How did it know that's what I was thinking about?

The previous evening I watched the documentary, Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened. The show, now available on Netflix, revolves around the 1981 Broadway musical, Merrily We Roll Along. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and direction by Harold Prince, everyone expected the duo to have another surefire hit. It wasn't. The documentary uses footage from the auditions, rehearsals, performances, and current interviews to illustrate how being cast in the show transformed the young performers and how it still influences who they are today.

Their stories and strong love of theatre vaulted me back to my youth growing up on a rural ranch. During my first years of elementary school, I performed in the basement of our house for visiting relatives. My curtain was a tablecloth held up by safety pins. Even a gravel driveway didn't discourage me from wearing my toe shoes.

I identified with the film's performers. Many of them were not that experienced as actors, and this was the first time they were truly part of a theatre community. More importantly, it was also the first time they felt completely accepted. Like them, I thrived after finding my theatre friends, who showered me with kindness, love, and acceptance.

I also was reminded of how theatre is composed of a diversity of art forms. I love the combination of literature, culture, history, and science along with movement, music, and art. With each play, I learn something new, often about what makes humans tick.

I always say that “I didn’t find theatre. Theatre found me.” I am so lucky. Not only am I able to work in the field, I am privileged to help people of all ages "be found" by theatre, too. Neither your age nor your level of acting skills matter. If theatre is your love, I encourage you to “Live the Life You Love!”

Yours in theatre,

Bonnie L. Vorenberg
President, ArtAge Publications

Christmas in August?

So many folks have called us recently to ask for help selecting Holiday shows. We have comedies, musicals, and radio plays.
Click here for all of our Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's plays!

You Could Be Santa!
Visit With Santa is looking for actors to create and deliver delightful five to ten minute online visits with children and their families from all over the US and around the world!
Click Here and let them know you heard about this opportunity through ArtAge and you will receive a special offer.
"This is going to be fun! Ho Ho Ho!" says Chuck Gill, pictured here.

Our Plays are Being Performed!

It's been a busy summer!

• The Naked Truth was a hit in New York.
• Audiences in Florida, Illinois, and North Carolina had fun watching the action-packed comedy That's Not the Problem.
• Mona Lisa's Toe was a huge hit in Minnesota. The actors really loved the script.
• Bagels got rave reviews in North Carolina.
• It's Not About Pot Roast is such a heart-warming comedy! It was performed in Virginia and California. Directors love how easy it is to stage.

A theatre group in California performed Little Bundles of Joy. Thank you M. Jackson for this fun photo!


 

Save $5 on Select E-scripts!

Let's celebrate Theatre and "Living the life you love." These select E-scripts, all relating to Theatre and Performing, are on sale until August 23, 2021.

A Fine Time to Be Lucille
Two, 20 minute comedies, 2 men, 5 women
Two fun comedies that are a play within a play. The first is about the hilarious back stage drama that occurs when actors compete for the lead; the second is about appreciating your life.

Calling Dr. Phil
20 minute comedy, 1 man, 1 woman
Dixie has a unique problem with her husband, but her favorite TV shrink, Dr. Phil, isn't available to help. Such a fun play!

DNN–Definitely NOT the News
25 minute comedy, 9 actors playing 26 characters
The evening newscast is definitely NOT the news at DNN. Don't expect a lot of in depth coverage or serious social commentary! It's simply zany fun.

Maisie Drags Grover to the Theatre
10 minute comedy, 1 man, 1 woman
Maisie and Grover have come to the theatre using anniversary-present tickets from their children. She loves the idea; he hates it.

Mernie’s Little Hoax
70 minute comedy mystery, 6 women, 4 either
Mernie Mayhem is a mischievous millionaire. We've chosen this script for the sale because while she's not on stage, she does put on a show!

Navy Bean Soup
15 minute comedy, 1 man, 1 woman, 1 offstage voice
The broadcast of the sophisticated Madame DuJour Men’s Gourmet Cooking Show is seriously sidetracked by the guest host, a sloppy and overweight retired Navy cook.

Old Hams
2 hour comedy, 4 men, 6 women
The residents of the Ophelia L. Davis Home for Actors, Musicians, and Singers have called it home for 40 years. Now, their performances must save the day.

The Radio Show
10 minute comedy radio play, 1 man, 2 women, 1 either
A live radio broadcast goes haywire when the guest actor and actress go off script. Hilarious!

Silent Movie
15 minute silent comedy, 3 Men, 3 Women
Everyone has had a seating issue at the movies. Watch as these seniors work out their issues without saying a word. So popular--in class and on stage!

Tina Latigo Rides to the Rescue
40-45 minute comedy, 1 man, 12 women, 3 either, many parts doubled
The Old West comes to life as Tina Latigo and her French sidekick, Lisette, work to bring justice to women everywhere. An interactive show–so much fun!

Hurry — the sale ends August 23!
 

Download our catalog:

The largest collection of plays, books, materials, and information for older performers.
 

Contact us at:

PO Box 19955, Portland OR 97280
503-246-3000 or 800-858-4998
bonniev@seniortheatre.com     www.seniortheatre.com

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