Category: Past Productions

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MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

Friday, November 1, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 2, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 3, 2:00 p.m.
Wieting Theatre, Worcester, NY

The Catskill Community Players present Agatha Christie’s murder mystery MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at the historic Wieting Theatre in Worcester, November 1, 2, and 3. Written by Agatha Christie, adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig, and directed for the CCP by Lissa Sidoli, this iconic play takes the audience on a twisted thrill ride through the mountains of Europe during a snowstorm, as Detective Hercule Poirot races against time to solve a murder aboard the Orient Express. With a train full of suspects, will he succeed in solving the case before the killer strikes again?

The cast:
Hercule Poirot: J Lentner
Monsieur Bouc: Jay Goldman
Mary Debenham: Kelsey Stearns
Hector MacQueen: Sebastian Griffiths
Michel, the conductor: Emily Travisano
Princess Dragomiroff: Diane Stammel
Greta Ohlsson: Rebecca Maeder Chien
Countess Andrenyi: Colleen Bunn
Helen Hubbard: Sheila Ayres
Colonel Arbuthnot: Nick Kocieniewski
Samuel Ratchet: Charlie Reiman
Head Waiter / ensemble: Lee Lattimer
Soldier / ensemble: Dan Ayres

Stage management is by Rosemary Summers, with assistance from Kathy Varadi. Set design and construction is by Charlie Riemann, assisted by Andy Odell. Scenic design is by Abbey Koutnik. Costume design is by Diana Friedell and Diane Stammel. Lighting design is by Nancy Bondurant-Couch. Sound design is by Dan Chien, with operation by Kelly Chien. Publicity is by Evelyn Kinnear. Production is by Diana Friedell.

Agatha Christie’s Murder On The Orient Express, adapted by Ken Ludwig, was originally staged by McCarter Theater Center, Princeton, NJ Emily Mann, Artistic Director, Timothy J. Shields, Managing Director. The production subsequently transferred to Hartford Stage, Harford, CT Darko Tresnjak, Artistic Director, Michael Stotts, Managing Director.

Murder on the Orient Express is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Check out our Facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/catskillcommunityplayers

The Catskill Community Players are a proud recipient of a Community Events Grant administered by the Otsego County Government.


This project is funded by Earlville Opera House’s Arts in the Community Grants Program, made possible by the NYS Legislature with support of the Office of the Governor, and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts.

the historic Worcester Wieting Theatre
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Auditions — MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

Sunday, August 11, 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 13, 6:00 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, Oneonta, NY

The Catskill Community Players are pleased to announce OPEN AUDITIONS for MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, coming to the Wieting Theatre in Worcester, NY on November 1, 2, and 3. Written by Agatha Christie, adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig, and directed by Mary Fralick, this infamous play takes the audience on a twisted thrill ride through the European mountains during a snowstorm as Detective Hercule Poirot races against time to solve a murder aboard the Orient Express. With a train full of suspects, will he succeed in solving the case, or will the killer strike again?

We are seeking actors for:
5 female roles, age ranges 25-50
6 male roles, age ranges 23-65

All roles are available! Auditions will be held at the First United Methodist Church, in Oneonta. At your audition, you will be asked to read pages from the script, which will be provided.

Characters:
HERCULE POIROT: Male presenting, 40-65, Belgian accent, any ethnicity.
MONSIEUR BOUC: Male presenting, 40-65, Belgian accent, any ethnicity.
MARY DEBENHAM: Female presenting, mid 20s-30s, English (standard) accent, any ethnicity. Must be comfortable kissing on stage.
COLONEL ARBUTHNOT: Male presenting, 30s, Scottish accent, any ethnicity. Must be comfortable kissing on stage.
HECTOR MCQUEEN: Male presenting, 23-35, American accent (any), any ethnicity.
MICHEL: Male presenting, 40s, French accent, any ethnicity. This actor will double as the Head Waiter of the Tokatilian Hotel, and will also need to be able to do a Turkish accent.
PRINCESS DRAGOMIROFF: Female presenting, 60s-70s, Russian accent, any ethnicity.
GRETA OHLSSON: Female presenting, 30s, Swedish accent, any ethnicity.
COUNTESS ANDRENYI: Female presenting, 25-35, Hungarian accent, any ethnicity.
HELEN HUBBARD: Female presenting, 45-60, harsh American accent, any ethnicity.
SAMUEL RATCHETT: Male presenting, 35-50, American accent (mobster – possibly Brooklyn or Chicago style).

For detailed character descriptions or to review a script prior to auditions, please contact director Mary Fralick at cherryvalleymom@gmail.com. Those interested in auditioning must provide a list of conflicts from August 25 to October 31 for rehearsal planning purposes.

Murder on the Orient Express is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

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The Catskill Community Players present THE PSYCHIC

Join us for a hilarious murder-mystery filled with twists and turns you have to see to believe!

The Catskill Community Players’ next production, THE PSYCHIC, will be staged at the historic Wieting Theater in Worcester, April 26, 27, and 28. This hilarious murder-mystery by Sam Bobrick is directed by Lissa Sidoli and produced by Caitlin Liberati.

"Buy Tickets" button linking to the ticketing website
  • Slideshow of images related to the Catskill Community Players' production of "The Psychic", including a graphic, a rehearsal still, and cast member headshots.

THE PSYCHIC follows the chaotic life of Adam Webster, a down-on-his-luck writer, who has put a sign in his apartment window, in desperation to make the rent: “Psychic Readings $25”. The sign soon draws the interest of the lovely and conflicted Laura, her shady husband Roy, Roy’s mistress, Rita, a gangster named Johnny Bubbles, and ace Detective Norris Coslow. In the surprising twists that follow, THE PSYCHIC entangles in a hilarious murder-mystery that you won’t want to miss.

Come join us at either of the evening shows, or at the matinee!

The cast, in order of appearance:
Ben Magill as Adam
Colleen Bunn as Laura
Ben Friedell as Roy
Emily Begin as Rita
Mark Murphy as Johnny Bubbles
Charlie Reiman as Detective Coslow

"Buy Tickets" button linking to the ticketing website

Check out our Facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/catskillcommunityplayers

Interested in supporting us in other ways? Consider buying an ad for our program! Besides the benefit of spotlighting your business for hundreds of theater attendees in the audience, your program ad helps keep theater ALIVE and THRIVING in our community! Visit http://catskillplayers.org/place-a-program-ad-the-psychic/ to view ad specs and purchase yours online.

The Psychic is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

The Catskill Community Players are a proud recipient of a Community Events Grant administered by the Otsego County Government.

Catskill Community Players events are made possible with public funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by The Earlville Opera House.

the historic Worcester Wieting Theatre
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THE PSYCHIC Cast Update!

Rehearsals for The Psychic are well under way, and we would also like to welcome Emily Begin to the cast! Emily will be taking on the role of Rita Malone, and we are SO happy to have her join us on our stage again after a fantastic appearance in The Savannah Sipping Society last fall.

THE PSYCHIC cast in rehearsal with director Lissa Sidoli

Mark your calendars for April 26, 27, and 28 – this talented and hilarious group will make you think AND leave you in stitches!

The Psychic is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Catskill Community Players productions are made possible with public funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by The Earlville Opera House.

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THE PSYCHIC In Rehearsal

Rehearsals are underway for The Catskill Community Players’ production of Sam Bobrick’s The Psychic at the Wieting Theatre in Worcester, NY.

Mark your calendars for April 26, 27, and 28, because you really don’t want to miss out on this hysterical production – it’s unlike any murder-mystery you’ve seen before! 🕵️‍♂️

The Psychic is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Catskill Community Players productions are made possible with public funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by The Earlville Opera House.

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Casting Announcement – THE PSYCHIC

The Catskill Community Players are proud to announce the cast of the upcoming production of The Psychic, directed by Lissa Sidoli and produced by Diana Friedell & Caitlin Liberati, with set construction and painting led by Charlie Reiman & Abbey Koutnik.

Adam: Ben Magill
Laura: Colleen Bunn
Roy: Ben Friedell
Rita: Cassandra Miller
Johnny Bubbles: Mark Murphy
Detective Coslow: Charlie Reimann

Congratulations to all, and mark your calendars for April 26, 27, and 28. This is one show you won’t want to miss!

Catskill Community Players productions are made possible with public funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by The Earlville Opera House.

the historic Worcester Wieting Theatre

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Auditions – THE PSYCHIC

UPDATE:

Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, the January 16 auditions had to be canceled.

If you are still interested in auditioning, or being involved in the production, please email Lissa Sidoli at sidoli19 at yahoo.com

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Stay warm!

The Catskill Community Players announce auditions for their spring production of “The Psychic” by Sam Bobrick.


PLAY: The Psychic, by Sam Bobrick
DIRECTOR: Lissa Sidoli
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 14th, 3-5pm
AND Tuesday, January 16, 5-7pm
LOCATION: First United Methodist Church
66 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY (use Church Street entrance)
Performances
will be held at the Wieting Theater in Worcester, NY
Friday 4/26 at 7:30
Saturday 4/27 at 7:30 pm
Sunday 4/28 at 2 pm

Play description:
“The Psychic follows the chaotic life of Adam Webster, a down-on-his-luck writer, who has put a sign in his apartment window, in desperation to make the rent: “Psychic Readings $25”. The sign soon draws the interest of the lovely and conflicted Laura, her shady husband Roy, Roy’s mistress, Rita, a gangster named Johnny Bubbles, and ace Detective Norris Coslow. In the surprising twists that follow, The Psychic entangles in a hilarious murder mystery that you won’t want to miss.”


Seeking Actors for:
2 female roles ages 25-50
4 male roles ages 30-65

Characters
Adam Webster – a down-on-his-luck mystery writer
Laura Benson – an attractive woman
Roy Benson – Laura’s husband
Rita Malone – Roy’s sexy girlfriend
Johnny Bubbles – a gangster type
Norris Coslow – an NYPD detective

We hope to see you at auditions!

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THE SAVANNAH SIPPING SOCIETY — November 3–5

Savannah Sipping Society Graphic

The Catskill Community Players’ next production, The Savannah Sipping Society, will be staged at the historic Wieting Theater in Worcester, November 3rd & 4th at 8:00 p.m., and November 5th at 2:00 p.m. This hilarious and heart-warming comedy by Jones, Hope, and Wooten is directed by Lissa Sidoli.

Four unique women with a strong desire to escape their day-to-day routines are brought together by Fate at a yoga class, leading to an impromptu happy hour. Each is confronting her own unexpected and challenging life event, leaving each lost and uncertain. Over the course of six months, filled with laughter, hilarious misadventures, and occasional liquid refreshment, these middle-aged women successfully bond and find the confidence to restart their lives. 

Come join us at either of the evening shows, or at the matinee!

The Cast:

Emily Begin – Randa Covington

Diane Stammel – Dot Haigler

Maria Johnson – Marlafaye Mosley

Mary Fralick – Jinx Jenkins

Special thanks to Kathy Varadi

Check out our Facebook page!:

https://www.facebook.com/catskillcommunityplayers

This event is made possible with public funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by The Earlville Opera House.

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Auditions — THE SAVANNAH SIPPING SOCIETY

Open Auditions For November 3, 4, 5 Comedy!

The Catskill Community Players announce
auditions for
“The Savannah Sipping Society”
a Comedy by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten

Directed by Lissa Sidoli

The Catskill Community Players announce auditions for their Fall Comedy, “The Savannah Sipping Society”, a comedy by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten, and directed by Lissa Sidoli. Roles are available for four women, ages 50-70, at all levels of acting experience.

Auditions will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St. (use Church Street entrance) on Sunday, August 13, @ 3:00PM, and Tuesday August 15, @ 6:30PM. Those who wish to audition should bring a schedule of conflicts from August 21 through November 5 for rehearsal planning purposes. Those auditioning will be asked to read pages from the script, which will be provided. If you would like to preview a script, contact the director, Lissa Sidoli, at sidoli19@yahoo.com. The play will be presented on November 3rd and 4th at 7:30 p.m., and November 5th at 2:00 p.m., with a possible additional matinée on November 4th at 2:00 p.m., at the historic Wieting Theatre in Worcester, NY.

Play Description:
In this delightful Jones, Hope, & Wooten comedy, 4 unique women all needing to escape day-to-day routine are brought together by Fate at a yoga class and an impromptu happy hour. Each is confronting her own individual, unexpected, and unsettling life event leaving each lost and uncertain. Over the course of six months, filled with laughter, hilarious misadventures, and occasional liquid refreshment, these middle-aged women successfully bond and find the confidence to restart their lives.

Character Descriptions:

Randa: -perfectionist/workaholic struggles to cope with surprise career derailment

Dot: -must restart new life from scratch after beloved husband’s death and at a loss as to how to begin

Marlafaye: -earthy, boisterous; leaves Texas after cheating husband leaves her for his 23 year old dental hygienist to start over in Savannah, but how?

Jinx: -spunky ball of fire offers services as a much needed life coach full of ambition but little experience.

For more info on The Catskill Community Players, a 48 year old company, go to www.catskillplayers.org, AND find Catskill Community Players on Facebook.

“Like Us” & “Follow” to get updates!

CCP events are made possible with public funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a program of the NYS Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by The Earlville Opera House.

CCP is a recipient of a Community Events Grant administered by the Otsego County Government.

If you can volunteer to help us in any way on the production we need you! (Stage Managing, Costuming, Lighting, Ushering, Sets, Painting, Props, etc.) please reply to this email or call/text Diana Friedell if you would like to participate. dianafriedell@gmail.com; Phone: ‭(607) 433-2089‬.

AUDITIONS:

WHEN:
Sunday, August 13th
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
AND
Tuesday, August 15th
6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

WHERE:
First United Methodist Church
Fellowship Room
(Located on the corner of Chestnut and Church Streets. Enter through the Church Street door on the left side of the building.)

or by Special Arrangement w/Director Lissa Sidoli

BRING: Your Calendar so you can note your conflicts- any times you are NOT available to rehearse for rehearsal planning purposes. MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Performance Dates:
Friday, November 4, 2023 at 7:30 pm
(possibly) Saturday, November 5, 2023 at 2 pm
Saturday, November 5, 2023 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 2 pm

All performances are at the Wieting Theater in Worcester, NY. Rehearsals will be both in Oneonta and in Worcester.

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Catskill Community Players announce cast of OFFICE HOURS


The Catskill Community Players’ next production, Office Hours, will be staged at the Worcester Theater May 19, 20, & 21. This fast-paced comedy by Norm Foster is directed by Nancy Bondurant-Couch.

The cast includes Michael Breglia, Ben Friedell, Diana Friedell, Maria Johnson, Lee Lattimer, Caitlin Liberati, Rebecca Maeder-Chien, Ben Magill, Andy Puritz, Charlie Reiman, Diane Stammel, and Laurie Wehmeyer.

Image of a postcard that reads "Catskill Community Players Present 'Office Hours', a comedy by Norm Foster, directed by Nancy Bondurant Couch. May 19th & 20th at 7:30 p.m., May 20th & 21st at 2:00 p.m. at the Wieting Theatre, 168 Main Street, Worcester, NY. 'Keep your schedule open, and your therapist on speed dial.' Tickets available at catskillplayers.org."

For more information and tickets, visit the CCP website: http://catskillplayers.org or the Catskill Community Players Facebook page.