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Playhouse hosts first orientation

WILTON – On Feb. 17, the directors of Andy’s Summer Playhouse hosted their first orientation for young people planning to take part in this summer’s programs.

Artistic Director Jared Mezzocchi met briefly with parents to discuss the program and then with the ten aspiring actors for exercises and warm-ups and a reading form an upcoming production.

There will three more orientation sessions: Sunday March 18, 1-3 p.m., at the Nashua Library, Saturday, April 21, 1-3 p.m. at the Peterborough Library, and Sunday, and on May 20, at the Playhouse in Wilton Center. Reservations are requested. For information call Mezzocchi at (917) 972-2252.

The Playhouse plans four major productions this summer, with rehearsals for the first play beginning on June 18, and the fourth show closing on Aug. 18.

The Mainstage production, “The Arrival,” directed by Orange Grove Dance and composed by Dylan Glatthorn, is the group’s “first silent play. It’s not a dance, but conversation through movement,” Mezzocchi said. It is based on the book “the Arrival,” by Shaun Tan, which is composed totally if pictures to tell the story of a man finding his way in a new world that doesn’t speak his language and learning to cope. The production runs from July 19 to July 28.

“Froggy” is the teen show, written by Jennifer Haley and directed by Matt Morrow; performers must be at least 13. It is a noir story and uses multi-media and video gaming design to tell the story of a woman who goes in search of her boyfriend who has become the main character in a violent video game.

Performances run from July 12 through July 14.

“My Hero” is the touring show, written directed by Wyckham Avery. It asks the question, what makes someone a hero? Join a group of travelers as they share their stories.

“We look at the myths and legends of Andy’s,” Mezzocci said, “of Wilton, of our area.”

The touring show goes places “where they can’t come to us,” he said, focusing on libraries and senior centers. The shows run from July 30 at the Playhouse, and closes there on Aug. 14. Tour locations will be announced.

The musical, “The Things We keep,” was written and directed by Mezzocchi with music and lyrics by Duncan Pelletier. The story is about a large family, spanning several generations, who have come together at the passing of great-grandfather and determine the legacy they will keep.

Performances are from Aug. 9 through Aug. 18.

The Playhouse also offers several other programs: a series of workshops led by professional artists focusing on techniques; the John C. Russell Playwriting Lab; a director’s Lab; and a film lab.

“Greenhouse: Goblin Secrets” is a one week workshop focusing on a performance for next year.

Fees are: Mainstage, $600; teen show, $450; workshops, $150 for one, $250 for both; labs, $250; Greenhouse, free.

Financial aid is available for all programs and no child is turned away. To fill out a scholarship application, go to http://www.andyssummerplayhouseorg/scholarsip.

Andy’s Playhouse is innovative summer theater for ages 8 to 18. It was founded in Mason in 1971 and has been in Wilton Center for many years. It is supported by several local organizations including the N.H. Council on the Arts.

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