Archive for category: Community Theatre

The Branson Regional Arts Council presents their second stage production of the 2024 season. The Learned Ladies is a hilarious adaptation of the 1700’s french comedy by Molière that is translated and adapted by Freyda Thomas. This show provides a unique opportunity for the company to update a timeless classic for a 21st century audience. The production is Directed by Jeremiah Reeve with Assistant Director David Hewitt and Stage Manager Dimitri Tsahiridis.

Director Jeremiah Reeve

This story is one I’ve wanted to tell since I first read it.  Even though it was written in the 1600’s in a different language for a different culture, there is so much in it that rings true today.  I suspect that it will be like that tomorrow –  and a couple hundred years from now, too.

Some things remain the same.  There are always people who get overzealous when new freedoms are released.  There are always people who were already happy with the way things were.  And there are always people willing to do and say anything to access money and power.  The well-meaning get swallowed up by the swindlers; those wanting to learn get led astray by the liars.

It was true in 17th century France, it’s true today, and (unfortunately) it will be true tomorrow.
– Jeremiah Reeve – BRAC Director

It may be a literary classic, but some things do change.  The language of this production has been updated for a modern audience.  The set and costumes point to different eras, and there will be things that the audience never expects to see in a traditional, historical piece. For that matter, the director promises elements that even Molière himself, may not have imagined. However, over everything else, the comedy has not changed.  “Sometimes, the only way to face the truth is to laugh your way through it,” says director Reeve,  “and today’s story is that kind of story.  A comedy that is funny because you see your world (and maybe a little of yourself) in it.  Whether you enjoy change or not, I hope the humor of this timeless story makes you glad you came.”

The cast of The Learned Ladies includes: Abby Reeve (Belise),  Anna Brayman (Henriette),   Dorothie Goode Deornehis (Armande), Joshua McGeough (Lycandre), Claire Denton (Arista), Loran Polson (Martine),  Kyle Denton (Chrysale),  Mindy Law (Philamente), Wyatt Jacobsmeyer (Trissotin), Rachel Sager (Vadius / Emelie), Christian Anthony (Judge) and Brittony Tiger (Amelie).

Performance Dates of The Learned Ladies are Fridays (7pm), Saturdays (7pm) and Sundays (2pm) from March 15 – 24, 2024.

Advance Reserved Tickets are on sale now at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre Box Office at 417-336-4255.

Photo by Marshall Meadows

Molière, born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, was an actor, playwright and director who became one of France’s best-known writers for his work that ranged from simple farces to sophisticated satires. He was born in Paris on January 15, 1622. He was educated at the College de Clermont, a Jesuit institution, and received a law degree in 1642 from the University of Orleans. His father was a member of the bourgeoisie who purchased the title of Court Upholsterer. Moliere would have inherited his father’s title, but the theatre captured his imagination from an early age. While Moliere was regarded as the greatest French comedic writer and by many as the greatest of all French writers; he reestablished comedy to a place of honor in his time.

Branson Regional Arts Council

The Branson Regional Arts Council was founded in 1965 as the “Taney Arts Council,” and officially established 501 (c)(3) non-profit status as “Branson Arts Council, Inc.” in 1993.

Our mission is “to create exceptional artistic, cultural and educational opportunities for our community.”

Financial support  is provided by BRAC members, theatre patrons, private donors, as well as additional grant support from  the Missouri Arts Council and other organizations.

BRAC, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615

BransonArts.org

The Branson Regional Arts Council announces open auditions for our second stage production of the 2024 season. The Learned Ladies is a hilarious adaptation of the 1700’s french comedy by Molière that is translated and adapted by Freyda Thomas. This show provides a unique opportunity for actors to update a timeless classic for a 21st century audience. The production is directed by Jeremiah Reeve.

Auditions will be held at the Historic Owen Theater (205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616) on Saturday, January 6th and Sunday, January 7th starting at 7:00 pm each evening.

PERFORMANCE DATES (actors must be available for all shows)

• Friday, March 15 @ 7:00 pm
• Saturday, March 16 @ 7:00 pm
• Sunday, March 17 @ 2:00 pm
• Friday, March 22@ 7:00 pm
• Saturday, March 23 @ 7:00 pm
• Sunday, March 24 @ 2:00 pm

AUDITION INFORMATION

Auditions will consist of readings from the script. The script is in contemporary English but retains the verse style of the original from the 1600’s. This creates a unique style and feel to the show that is probably unlike anything you’ve done or the audience has seen before. Because of this, auditioners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the sides prior to auditions.

In order to request sides and a tentative rehearsal schedule, please e-mail jeremiah.reeve@yahoo.com. This information will be made available before the new year.

Please bring a theatre resume or be prepared to list any theatre experience.
Also be prepared to provide a list of all conflicts between the audition date and show opening.
Headshots are also encouraged.

CHARACTERS/ROLES

Philamente (played as middle aged female)
The lady of the house, wife to Chrysale. She is strong, capable, and intelligent but lacks common sense and has been drawn into pseudo-intellectualism. She also tends to be domineering and insists upon getting her way.

Chrysale (played as middle aged man)
The husband of Philamente and a businessman of means. He imagines himself to be courageous, but lacks bravery and follow through. He is supportive of his wife’s studies even though he doesn’t fully understand them, but is less supportive of her tutor.

Henriette (played as female in her 20’s)
Daughter of Philamente and Chrysale who shares her mother’s strength and her father’s realism. She desires the “simple” things in life like marriage and family. She is not strongly intellectual, but she is not dumb.

Armande (played as a female in her 20’s or low 30’s)
The elder daughter of Philamente and Chrysale has gone off the deep end of intellectual pursuit without actually learning anything. She is strong-willed and ardent in her theories.

Belise (played as a middle aged female)
The sister of Chrysale, she has fully embraced a variety of topics of learning while ignoring both caution and reality. Perhaps the dumbest character in the show, she fails hilariously at both intelligence and wisdom.

Arista (played as a middle aged female)
Crysale and Belise’s sister who is level-headed and often a voice of reason. She is often flustered and frustrated by the chaos created by people who are certain they do not need to listen.

Lycandre – (played as a male in his 20’s or early 30’s)
An optimist hoping to wed Henriette, but with a somewhat complicated hostory with the family. He is a hopeless romantic not quite prepared to argue for his cause.

Trissotin (played as a younger male in his20’s-30’s)
A house guest, so-called poet and philosopher who has won the attention, attraction, and resources of Philamente, Armande, and Belise through his charisma. His elevated ego and desire for wealth far outpace his intellect or skills.

Martine (played as a female of any age)
A servant in the household, she is tired of being expected to be educated above her pay grade. She is happy to speak up for herself – even when there are consequences for her sarcastic wit.

Vadius (played as a younger male)
A friend of Trissotin who runs in the same circle of amateur philosophers. Also driven by ego and desire for wealth, he may be slightly smarter than Trissotin, but not by much.

Judge (played as a middle aged/older male)
An unsuspecting and unprepared jurist who is brought in to resolve conflict.

(Vadius and the Judge will likely be played by the same actor.)

Branson Regional Arts Council

The Branson Regional Arts Council was founded in 1965 as the “Taney Arts Council,” and officially established 501 (c)(3) non-profit status as “Branson Arts Council, Inc.” in 1993.

Our mission is “to create exceptional artistic, cultural and educational opportunities for our community.”

Financial support  is provided by BRAC members, theatre patrons, private donors, as well as additional grant support from  the Missouri Arts Council and other organizations.

BRAC, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615

BransonArts.org