Tim Parker, Joshua Everett Johnson & Adam Brick checking out the view at the Munk’s home. The trio is set to appear there in a pair of performances to benefit the theatre.

We’re holding this years fund raiser at the Munk’s, a home in La Jolla with a beautiful amphitheater in the backyard that overlooks a lush canyon that leads to the sparkling sea. Sound divine? That’s because it is.

We’ll be doing two nights of The Complete Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) here in September and so went to check out the venue and shoot some of the guys doing the show: Tim Parker, Adam Brick & Joshua Everett Johnson. Click on the photo above to take you to the Flickr site with all the shots!

Carlsbad, CA. New Village Arts Theatre is pleased to announce our summer fling with Shakespeare with The CompletE Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) in rep with Sailor’s Song on our resident stage in Carlsbad Village. Sailor’s Song will open as scheduled on Saturday, August 2^nd at 8pm while The Complete Works... will open on Sunday, August 10^th at 7pm and run for only eleven performances on the main stage with an additional two performances to be performed as a fundraiser at another location. Performances of The Complete Works… will be free to subscribers and will be Pay-What-You-Can for everyone else. Ticket prices and location for the fundraiser performances will be announced at another time. Reservations can be made by calling NVA’s box office at 760/433.3245 or visiting www.NewVillageArts.org.

The Complete Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) will replace the scheduled outdoor production of The Tempest.

“We love the idea of performing free Shakespeare in the park but for the last two seasons, that simply hasn’t been in the cards,” remarked Interim Managing Director Elaine Gingery. “With the economy as it is, raising money for a large, outdoor production has been challenging as people divert their charitable giving to disaster relief. Choice locations have been demanding a higher price for performance space as well. Since we were unable to come up with a reasonable location to give away great theatre, we decided to just have some fun, move Shakespeare back to our resident stage and produce an exciting event that everyone can enjoy.”

The Complete Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) will star Artistic Associate Joshua Everett Johnson, Tim Parker who recently appeared with NVA in PRELUDE TO A KISS and Ensemble Member Adam Brick. The production will be directed by Rob Salas, a recent Harvard grad who was previously scheduled to direct The Tempest for NVA.

Artistic Associate Joshua Everett Johnson, who brought the idea of The Complete Works… to the table, remarked that,” The Complete Works… is such a fun script, like a summer fling with Shakespeare! Not to mention the fact that the audience gets involved every night; it’s going to be impossible not to have a good time!”

Performances of The Complete Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) will take place at NVA’s beautiful new theatre space in Carlsbad Village August 10^th – 31^st, 2008, Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7pm through the 24^th as well as, August 28^th at 8pm, Friday the 29^th at 8pm, Saturday the 30^th at 8pm and Sunday the 31^st at 2pm. General admission tickets are all Pay-What-You-Can. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 760/433.3245 or visiting www.NewVillageArts.org where $5 & $10 donation prices are offered. Audience members who’d like to pay a different amount may simply make a reservation over the phone and pay with cash at the door. No credit cards will be accepted at the door but can be used online.

ABOUT THE PLAY:

The Complete Works of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) was written by the Reduced Shakespeare Company, and first performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1987. Within the span of the evening every single Shakespeare play is covered as well as a nod given to the sonnets. It is notable for holding the (self-proclaimed) world record for the shortest-ever performance of HAMLET, clocking in at 43 seconds. We’re thinking we can beat the record.

CALENDAR (SS = Sailor’s Song; CW = Complete Works…)

Thank you to everyone for an excellent run of Dancing at Lughnasa with one of the best attended dramas in NVA history. We closed on Sunday with a sold out show and an enthusiastic audience, many who wished we’d play for just one more weekend so they could bring friends and family to see this heart wrenching play about love, loss and the strength of family. A very grateful THANK YOU to all involved in this production and to those of you who came and supported the work we do here at New Village Arts.

Prelude to a Kiss is now on sale with Opening Night on Saturday, April 18th at 8pm. We’re offering up the two preview nights (April 17th & 18th at 8pm) as Pay-What-You-Can performances, so don’t worry about how empty your wallet is, just come make a donation and enjoy the show. We suggest a $5 donation, but seriously, just come; we want you to see the show no matter what financial situation you’re currently experiencing. If you book your tickets online the default is currently set to $5 for both the 17th and 18th but we’re looking into putting a donation button there so you can set the price. Otherwise, just bring cash the night of the show and we’ll shoehorn you in. Pay-What-You-Can’s often sell out so make your reservation online now or call us at 760.433.3245 to snag your seat.

We look forward to seeing you at the theatre!

First read through for Prelude to a Kiss. And yes, our stage manager really does move that fast. March 24, 2008. Photo © Elaine Gingery.

The artists creating Prelude to a Kiss got together last night to read through the play, talk about design concepts with scenic designer Esther Emery and meet everyone involved. There’s nothing that brings the anticipation of a new production to the forefront than to hear the text spoken and to plant the seed of the design concepts. Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, our director for this production, talked about her own concepts for where the text will bring us, setting the stage for a production I know we’ll be deeply proud to present.

We also snapped a few shots from the evening. Click on the photo below of (L-R) Stage Manager Missy Bradstreet, Director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg and playing Rita, Kristianne Kurner for the Prelude to a Kiss photo set:

We are about to embark on week two of DANCING AT LUGHNASA. Ticket sales are going great and word-0f-mouth is very positive. We already have people coming back to see the show a second time. Some of the reviews were a bit mixed, but that is to be expected. Opening night (when most of the critics were there) was a bit rough - by Sunday, the show was working wonderfully. The cast and crew are an amazing group of people - everyone is working so hard and committed to also having a great time.

It should be fun to do the show on St. Patty’s weekend.

We have now cast a number of the roles in PRELUDE TO A KISS! Joshua Johnson and I are playing Peter & Rita, with Kathryn Herbruck as my mom, Tim Parker as Peter’s best friend, Li-Anne Rowswell as Aunt Dorothy and Leah and Don Evans as Tom and the Minister. We are still casting Dr Boyle and Uncle Fred. Delicia Turner-Sonnenberg is directing, with Esther Emery doing the set design. It’s such a beautiful play - a romantic comedy that isn’t too “precious” or “sweet”. Rehearsals start next week - no rest for us! Check out the great photo for the show, styled by Amanda Sitton and taken by Adam Brick.

The new offices are coming along nicely. Elaine Gingery (our new Managing Director) is fabulous - and everything is beginning to get put into its proper places. It’s so nice not to be working out of my garage any more!

Hope you all enjoy the new blog - please share your thoughts with us as well!

See you at the theatre (New Village Arts Theatre, of course)…

Kristianne

We had an incredible night here at New Village Arts with the Opening of Dancing at Lughnasa. The band Skibbereen lent a decidedly Irish tone to the evening, opening up the house with the lilt of a flute and the atmosphere of an pub. With the sold out house and the kind of audience artists dream of, the show went brilliantly. Afterwards we celebrated the evening with Jack Missett’s famous corned beef, a table full of Guinness and a mashed potato martini bar; the crowd ate, drank and had all of us up way past our bedtime.

Here’s a couple shots of the audience and one of the band. We hope all of you who joined us had a lovely night and we look forward to seeing you here again!

House left:

House right (and our fantastic stage manager peaking through the booth window):

And Skibbereen:

Highly regarded San Diego-based Esther Emery directs

Carlsbad, CA. The award-winning New Village Arts Theatre is pleased to announce the opening of DANCING AT LUGHNASA, running March 8 - 30, 2008 at NVA’s new theatrical home at 2787 State Street in Carlsbad Village. Esther Emery, recipient of the first Jack O’Brien Excellence in Direction Award from the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle, will direct the production. Reservations can be made by calling NVA’s box office at (760)433-3245 or visiting www.NewVillageArts.org.

The cast of DANCING AT LUGHNASA includes NVA’s Executive Director Kristianne Kurner as Kate, NVA Ensemble members Joshua Everett Johnson (Michael), Amanda Sitton (Christina), Amanda Morrow (Agnes) and Manny Fernandes (Gerry), and San Diego favorites Charlie Riendeau (Father Jack), Grace Delaney (Maggie) and PJ Anbey (Rose).

Performances of DANCING AT LUGHNASA will take place at NVA’s beautiful new theatre space in Carlsbad Village March 8 - 30, 2008, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 3 PM and 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. General admission tickets are $26, senior/student/military are $22 and groups of six or more are $20. San Diego residents are encouraged to take advantage of Coaster train service to and from the Saturday 3 PM matinées. There are also two $15 previews on Thursday, March 6th at 8 PM and Friday, March 7th at 8 PM. Reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling (760) 433-3245 or visiting www.NewVillageArts.org.

Irish playwright Brian Friel’s Tony and Olivier Award-winning DANCING AT LUGHNASA has captured the hearts of audiences since its debut. A fascinating reflection on the joys and pains of family, DANCING follows five sisters from a poor, rural county in Ireland as they awaken long buried desires dancing to the music of a Marconi radio.

DANCING AT LUGHNASA is New Village Arts’ second Brian Friel production. In February 2007, NVA produced Friel’s adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s THREE SISTERS, which was awarded a Patte Award for Outstanding Ensemble.

New Village Arts has put together some of the most highly regarded artists in San Diego to bring DANCING AT LUGHNASA to life. The production is led by Esther Emery, considered one of the finest directors in San Diego, with a resume and an award list to back it up. NVA Ensemble member Joshua Everett Johnson is performing the role of the narrator Michael. Mr. Johnson has received an Outstanding Actor award from the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle for the past three years, most recently for his performance in the La Jolla Playhouse production of THE ADDING MACHINE. Cast members Kristianne Kurner, Amanda Sitton, Amanda Morrow and Manny Fernandes have all been awarded for their excellent ensemble work in the past year. And incredibly talented set designer (and Emery’s husband) Nick Fouch is designing the rural Irish home where DANCING AT LUGHNASA takes place.

Opening Night is Saturday, March 8 at 8 PM and includes a post-show reception that will turn NVA’s lobby into an Irish Pub! Featuring the music of Bill Bradbury’s Irish band and Jack Missett’s famous corned beef, this will be an event that you won’t want to miss!

FACT SHEET:

WHAT: Brian Friel’s DANCING AT LUGHNASA
WHEN: March 8 - 30, 2008; Thursdays & Fridays at 8 PM; Saturdays at 3 PM & 8 PM; Sundays at 2 PM
WHERE: New Village Arts Theatre; 2787 B State Street, Carlsbad Village
TICKETS: General Admission: $26; Senior/Student/Military: $22; Groups of 6 or more: $20

For Reservations and More information: (760) 433-3245 www.NewVillageArts.org

Directed by Esther Emery
Costume Design: Mary Larson
Scenic Design: Nick Fouch
Light Design: Ashley Jinks
Sound Design: Joshua Everett Johnson
Properties: PJ Anbey & Pat Hansen
Stage Manager: Alex Scollon

CAST

Michael: Joshua Everett Johnson*
Kate: Kristianne Kurner*
Maggie: Grace Delaney
Agnes: Amanda Morrow*
Rose: PJ Anbey
Christina: Amanda Sitton*
Father Jack: Charlie Riendeau
Gerry Evans: Manny Fernandes*

*Member of NVA’s Ensemble

PHOTO CREDIT: ADAM BRICK
Pictured: Terry Scheidt (Luke), Sandra Ellis-Troy (Virginia), Charlie Riendeau (Dick), Francis Gercke (Joel), Jack Missett (Jim) and Amanda Morrow (Donna) in New Village Arts’ production of Amy Chini and Tom Zohar’s OFF THE GROUND.

Carlsbad, CA. The award-winning New Village Arts Theatre is pleased to announce the opening of its first World Premiere production: Amy Chini and Tom Zohar’s OFF THE GROUND, running December 1 - December 23, 2007 at NVA’s new theatrical home at 2787 State Street in Carlsbad Village. Joshua Everett Johnson, Ensemble member of New Village Arts, will direct the production. Reservations can be made by calling NVA’s box office at (760) 433-3245 or visiting www.NewVillageArts.org.

The cast of OFF THE GROUND includes NVA’s Artistic Director Francis Gercke as Joel, NVA Ensemble members Sandra Ellis-Troy (Virginia), Jack Missett (Jim), Amanda Morrow (Donna) and Wendy Waddell (Susan), and San Diego favorites Charlie Riendeau (Dick) and Terry Scheidt (Luke).

Performances of OFF THE GROUND will take place at NVA’s beautiful new theatre space in Carlsbad Village December 1 - 23, 2007, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 3 PM and 8 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. General admission tickets are $26, senior/student/military are $22 and groups of six or more are $20. San Diego residents are encouraged to take advantage of Coaster train service to and from the Saturday 3 PM matinees. There are also two $15 previews on Thursday, November 29th at 8 PM and Friday, November 30th at 8 PM. Reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling (760) 433-3245 or visiting www.NewVillageArts.org.

The holidays are a time for family and friends to come together….as if life weren’t hard enough already! Through the tinsel and glowing lights of Christmas, a family emerges in this compelling new play by local playwrights Amy Chini and Tom Zohar. Full of love and fights and plenty of laughter, Off The Ground reminds us of our need to connect, and how the holidays, when the best and worse in each of us come screaming to the surface, provide the opportunity to do just that.

Off the Ground is New Village Arts’ first commissioned play.

Joshua Everett Johnson is directing OFF THE GROUND. Mr. Johnson last appeared onstage in San Diego as an actor in the La Jolla Playhouse production of THE ADDING MACHINE. He previously directed the award-winning NOCTURNE for NVA and will next appear onstage at NVA as Dennis in THIS IS OUR YOUTH, before heading to New York to pursue his career.

FACT SHEET:

WHAT: New Village Arts’ World Premiere Holiday Play Amy Chini and Tom Zohar’s OFF THE GROUND
WHEN: December 1-23, 2007; Thursdays & Fridays at 8 PM; Saturdays at 3 PM & 8 PM; Sundays at 2 PM
WHERE: New Village Arts Theatre
2787 B State Street, Carlsbad Village
TICKETS: General Admission: $26; Senior/Student/Military: $22; Groups of 6 or more: $20

For Reservations and More information: (760) 433-324 www.NewVillageArts.org

Directed by Joshua Everett Johnson
Costume & Scenic Design: Kristianne Kurner
Light Design: Ashley Jinks
Sound Design: Adam Brick
Properties: PJ Anbey & Avalon Hernandez

CAST

Dick: Charlie Riendeau
Joel: Francis Gercke^
Susan: Wendy Waddell^
Luke: Terry Scheidt
Virginia: Sandra Ellis-Troy^
Jim: Jack Missett^
Donna: Amanda Morrow^

^Member of NVA’s Ensemble