Bisbee's Obscure

Great Show, Great Cast, Great Crew

2012-01-28T18:19:00.002-07:00

And then there were none... by Agatha Christie is in the middle of a great run. Am I over-using the word? This is a fun show with both suspense and humor, and the cast makes the most of the opportunity. We've had one sellout, and another one coming for this Sunday. Please get your tickets soon, so you don't miss being part of this.

In the play, ten very different people have been lured to anisland retreat off the coast of Devon, invited by an enigmatic Mr. or Mrs.Owen. A disembodied voice accuses each of an unpunished murder. Then, one byone the guests themselves are murdered, following the rhyme of “Ten little soldierboys went out to dine. One choked his little self, and then there were nine.”Who is the killer? Is it Emily Brent, the very religious spinster, played byPatricia Sherick-Gronlund? Is it Vera Claythorne, hired as Mrs. Owen’ssecretary (Bisbee High School Drama teacher Elizabeth Henley)? Or is it SirLawrence Wargrave, played by Charles Feil? Who will survive until thesuspenseful final scene?

Performances of And then there were none… willbe February 3 & 4 at 7:30 pm with a 3:00 pm matinee on February 5. Ticketsare going fast, so get yours now. All performances will be held in the O.G. Squffy Theaterat Central School Project, 43 Howell in Old Bisbee. Bisbee’s Obscure Productionsis grateful for the support of the Bisbee 1000 and Central School Project.

Tickets are $10 in advance at Atalanta’s Music and Books andthe Bisbee Food Coop, or by mail from BOP. Tickets at the door will be $12 foradults and $6 for students with ID. For more information or credit card sales,call BOP at (520) 432-2901, email theaterbisbee@gmail.com or mail to PO Box277, Bisbee AZ 85603.

Seeking a Few Good Men

2011-11-13T15:50:00.001-07:00

We're still seeking a few good men for And then there were none... by Agatha Christie. All of Christie's roles are great, and we have a couple of men who die early (meaning not so many lines) and a couple who make it into the third act.

Rehearsals will be on Thursday nights and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. If everyone works smart, we won't have to work long.

Email us at theaterbisbee@gmail.com or call 520-432-2901.

Stay Tuned

2011-11-02T06:18:00.002-07:00

We'll be posting pictures and videos from Slap Happy: The Second Dip soon. Keep an eye peeled.

Audition!!

2011-11-02T06:17:00.001-07:00

We're having an open call foractors for And then there were none… by AgathaChristie. This is a classic mystery story: an odd group of characters hasbeen invited to an island retreat by an unknown host. They die off one by one –whodunit? The cast features eight terrific men’s roles of all ages and threewonderful parts for women, two middle-aged and one to play mid-twenties. This play was pulled from production for years because of its earlier non-PC title, Ten Little Indians. Gilles will direct this show.

Auditions will be held in the O.J. Squffy Theater at CentralSchool Project, 43 Howell Ave. in Old Bisbee on Saturday and Sunday, November 12& 13, beginning at 1:00 each day.

Come prepared to deliver aone- to three-minute memorized monologue, not original work. We do need to know that you can memorize something, even a nursery rhyme. You will also readfrom the script. Rehearsals will be Thursday evenings and weekend afternoonsthrough performance. Dress rehearsal and performance dates are scheduled forJanuary 18-February 5, 2011. A copy of the script is available for reading atthe Copper Queen Library. Actors may contact BOP at (520) 432-2901 or theaterbisbee@gmail.com for moreinformation and to make arrangements for special audition appointments.

Director Rae Jones is also seeking one perfect male to playwhat may be the sweetest men’s role ever, the ghost of John Barrymore, in the hilariouscomedy, I Hate Hamlet, by PaulRudnick. The ideal candidate will have good movement skills and a big voice. Tojoin our all-star Bisbee cast, contact Rae at theaterbisbee@gmail.com or at520-432-2901 right away to schedule an audition. Rehearsals for I Hate Hamlet will be selected eveningsand weekend afternoons February into April, with performances scheduled April12-29. A script is available for reading at the Copper Queen Library.

Has BOP Gone to the Dogs?

2011-10-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

Has BOP Gone to theDogs?

In spite of some very fine acting on the part of her fellowcast members, Elsie Hanson got the loudest curtain call in Pearl Watkins’ Below the Surface. Elsie is the mostloving pit bull on the planet, and she made her stage debut earlier this monthat BOP. Building upon that success, BOP has found the comedy star they’ve longbeen seeking. Zane the One-Eyed Wonder Dog, akathe Zaniack, will be performing silly pet tricks in this year’s Comedy Show, Slap Happy – The Second Dip.

Zane will spin and roll his way around the stage for the joyand laughter of his audience. Purush is also dancing in this 9^thalmost annual Comedy Show. This year Abigail Stage and Angelika Johnson joinhim to “Be Italian.” Emcee "Obscure" Rae Jones promises some new nipping comedy herself.

See them at Central School Project’s Squffy Theater, 43 Howell Ave.in Old Bisbee at 7:30 p.m. on October 28 & 29, and at 3:00 on October 30.Advanced tickets are on sale now for $10 each at Atalanta’s Music & Booksand The Bisbee Food Coop, by mail from BOP at Box 277, Bisbee, 85603, and bycredit card (add $1) by calling 520-432-2901. Any tickets left will be $12 atthe door, $6 for students with ID. For more information, please contact RaeJones at 520-432-2901 or at theaterbisbee@gmail.com. Parents are asked toexercise discretion as this show will contain adult themes and language.

Slap Happy: Comedy Times 9

2011-10-10T11:37:00.003-07:00

Bisbee’s Obscure Productions is head over heels withexcitement to present the 9^th installment of their (almost) annualComedy Show, this year celebrating the country’s economic recovery (or not. ..). Local comics cut loose once again with stand-up, sketches, song, dance, andfinally (!) the silly pet tricks we’ve been hoping for.

BOP is slaphappy to feature a cast of mostly veteranperformers in this year’s show, headed up by emcee, “Obscure” Rae Jones.Jahfree Lambo, Liz Lockwood, Carl Purush Siberon, Yvonne Grimm & Bobo Sageare guaranteed to have you rolling with laughter once again. Sharon Strachanwill be joined in her return to the BOP comedy stage by a newcomer to us, butnot to the stage, local personality, Deb Gardner. Hilary Pursehouse of thehilarious “Oddvarks” will be on hand to lead local talent in her wild sketchesand anything goes improv games. Hilary will also keep us rolling with laughterthis year with her own stand-up debut. Jokester Will “Uri” Gronlund will bejoined by his wife and interpreter, Patricia, to regale us with the humor ofRussia.

BOP veteran, Christa Smith, will make her Comedy Show debutthis year, as will new-to-our-stage comic, Steven McDiarmid. Zane the one-eyedwonder dog will strut his stuff with the help of his boss, Gilles. Believe me,Silly is Zane’s middle name.

This year’s festival of laughs will be held at the CentralSchool Project’s Squffy Theater, 43 Howell Ave. in Old Bisbee at 7:30 p.m. onOctober 28 & 29, and at 3:00 on October 30. Advanced tickets are on salenow for $10 each at Atalanta’s Music & Books and The Bisbee Food Coop, bymail from BOP at Box 277, Bisbee, 85603, and by credit card (add $1) by calling520-432-2901. Any tickets left will be $12 at the door, $6 for students withID. For more information, please contact Rae Jones at 520-432-2901 or attheaterbisbee@gmail.com. Parents are asked to exercise discretion as this showdoes contain adult themes and language.

Two Fine One-Acts

2011-10-10T11:34:00.003-07:00


Christa Smith, Rae E. Jones, Britt Hanson, Pearl Watkins & Elsie in Below the Surface by Pearl Watkins

Jahfree Lambo, Will Gronlund & Peter Gardner
in Trifles by Susan Glaspell

We were quite pleased by the attendance at the Fine One-Acts, considering the fine competition -- Bisbee Community Chorus, the Love of Music, Mining Museum Fundraiser, etc. Our audiences were quite pleased by the quality of the two shows: Trifles by Susan Glaspell, and Below the Surface by Bisbee's own Pearl Watkins. Patrons praised the acting, the sets and the direction. We're quite chuffed, as Pearl would say. Thanks to our great volunteer actors and staff. Thank you all who came. And, if you didn't get to see these plays, please mark your calendars for the rest of our season.

October 28 - 30, 2011: Slap Happy, the Second Dip
BOP's 9th almost annual Comedy Show

January 20 - February 5, 2012
And then there were none...
by Agatha Christie

March 9 - 11, 2012
Bisbee Women's Revue

April 13 - 29, 2012
I Hate Hamlet
by Paul Rudnick
with an all-star cast

Ask your friends, BOP puts on a good show!

"Come to our Awesome Show"

2011-07-29T11:49:00.001-07:00

Young actors have been working for weeks to create and produce a show they describe as "awesome." Bisbee's Obscure Productions began in June, asking their young performers to come up with ideas for their very own play. With help from director Rae Jones and assistant directors Christa Smith and Staci Smith, the actors brainstormed an adventurous trip around the galaxy. Molly Hottel tied their ideas into Journey through the Planets. Molly likes being in the play because she loved the writing process and because everyone contributed ideas. She thinks people should see "Journey" for its suspense, magic and drama.

For some of the actors, this workshop has been a family endeavor. Molly's sister Abby Hottel has appeared twice with BOP before, once in a kid's show and once in Inherit the Wind. Abby thinks the play is "great," and she enjoys the challenge of acting sick on stage. Zarria Starr Dennis has enjoyed working with different people and is looking forward to an audience. "It would be so great for us." Starr's twin Isabella Dennis likes how "you can make your own ideas and mix them."

Linda Herrera wants audience members to come to support "kids getting together and just having fun. It's going to be a great show." The youngest young actor, Hadleigh McLeod, says "I love acting," and "this play is really imaginative." Jasmine Apel finds that "acting is awesome," even though her mother made her join the troupe. "We have all worked so hard," she continues, "and it's awesome!

The whole community is invited to support this production. Tickets are free for kids 12 and under, $5 for everyone else. Journey Through the Planets will have two performances on August 5 & 6 at the “O. G. Squffy” Theater at Central School Project, 43 Howell Avenue in Old Bisbee. Performances for both evenings are scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

BOP's Youth Theater Workshop was made available free of charge to participants thanks to generous help from the Bisbee Arts Commission, the Bisbee Foundation, Central School Project and the Bisbee Rotary Club. Come out to support these budding stars and enjoy an evening of live theater. For more information contact Rae Jones, theaterbisbee@gmail.com, or
520-432-2901.

Let There Be Light!

2011-02-24T04:28:00.005-07:00

Community Support that Really Counts!

A $500.00 challenge from
Warm Hands Therapeutics

Why did you move to Bisbee?

If you’re like many of us, it was for a multitude of good reasons, a key reason being Community.

Here in Bisbee, you have a chance to get to know each other, support each other, and, in turn, be supported when you need it.

Of the many things that bind Bisbee’s communities together one of the most visible, enduring, & entertaining is the yearly season of theater produced by Bisbee’s Obscure Productions.

If you had the chance to catch any of the sold-out performances of Inherit the Wind you felt what good theater can do for you and this community.

As part of their commitment to improving themselves with each production, it has become clear to Bisbee’s Obscure Productions that the time has come to install a reliable, versatile, up-to-date lighting & lighting control system.

To support that effort Warm Hands Therapeutics is issuing a $500.00 Matching Funds Challenge to the theater-goers and businesses of Bisbee.

All it takes for Bisbee’s Obscure Productions to get my $500.00 is for all of you to make donations that match or exceed that amount. The funds need to be received by mid-April, but we hope that the challenge will be successfully met by the end of March so that the installation work can precede as quickly as possible.

Donations can be made directly to Bisbee’s Obscure Productions in the form of checks or money orders sent to P.O. Box 277, Bisbee, AZ 85603, or you can drop them off at the Chamber of Commerce office on Main St. between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Please make sure that your donation is clearly marked “matching fund challenge” so that it gets correctly tallied.

I’m very excited about this chance to move things up to the next level for each of you, I hope your excitement will encourage you to join me in supporting the growth of our own Community’s Theater!

Thank-you for your support.

Nick Night/ Warm Hands Therapeutics

Inherit the Wind Sold Out

2011-01-27T18:41:00.002-07:00

We will have a couple of house seats and perhaps seats from "no shows" available at the door for $12 each ($6 for students with ID). Plan to come half an hour before curtain and wait until 5 minutes before curtain. We'll try to seat everyone but can't promise a thing.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

2011-01-23T09:57:00.001-07:00

Inherit The Wind is selling out fast! Avoid disappointment. Get those last few tickets in your pocket now!

BOP Looking for Talented Women

2011-01-23T09:32:00.002-07:00

Bisbee’s Obscure Productions Casting for 2011 Women’s Revue

Bisbee’s finest community theater, BOP, is putting out the call to Bisbee area women interested in sharing their performing talents in music, acting, poetry, dance, videography, comedy, and whatever we haven’t thought of. Three performances are scheduled for evenings, March 11 and 12, and the afternoon of March 13. Performers must also be available for a dress rehearsal evening of March 10. Performers and acts that Obscure Rae has not seen must contact her to schedule an audition. Performers will rehearse on their own. Rae can be reached at obscurerae@gmail.com or at 432-2901.

Last year’s return of this, once again annual, Bisbee treasure drew from performer’s original works and featured wonderful musical ensembles, as well as educational moments and lots of laughs. Pat Panther was joined by her daughter-in-law Danielle to sing the blues, and Risha Druckman joined her mother, Jenny, and others in an eclectic mix of original music, to add a nice family element we are pleased to promote.

B. O. P. takes on the Scopes “Monkey” Trial

2010-11-28T16:12:00.002-07:00

A cast of 30 of Bisbee’s finest actors, directed by Rae E. Jones, has begun rehearsals for Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee. This intense courtroom drama captures the emotion-packed division between fundamentalist religious believers, bent on keeping the teachings of evolutionary biology (as put forth by Charles Darwin in The Origin of Species) out of the classrooms, and civil libertarians pressing to retain free speech and fighting to keep religious censorship out of education. William Roberts and Eugene (Gene) Conners square off as fictionalized versions of William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow (Mathew Harrison Brady and Harold Drummond in the play), oratorical giants of their day. These courtroom scenes were “torn from the headlines” long before Law & Order was cool. The real life Dayton, Tennessee, has been changed to Hillsboro, Ohio, circa 1925.

Rae likes this play because these issues arise again and again in our society and the dichotomy of beliefs seems to be at a new emotional high at this time, separating our citizens into warring camps. She believes that open-minded playgoers of all beliefs will come away from the theater with considerable food for thought after seeing this drama.

Performances of “Inherit the Wind” are scheduled for 7:30 pm on January 21, 22, 28, & 29, 2011, with 3:00 pm matinees slated for January 23 and 30. Mark your calendars now so as not to miss what promises to be an outstanding show. All performances will be held in the theater at Central School Project in Old Bisbee.

Special Price for Yellow Boat Matinee

2010-09-24T10:42:00.001-07:00

Spread the Word!

Bisbee’s Obscure Productions is offering special family prices for the matinee performance of The Yellow Boat by David Saar The show is Bisbee’s Obscure Productions family theater for patrons 8 years old and up. The matinee will be Sunday, September 26, at 3:00 pm. Families of parents (or parental units) and children will be admitted for just $5 each. Mention that you heard it on the blog.

The Yellow Boat is Open -- Don't Be Afraid

2010-09-21T06:29:00.007-07:00

The Yellow Boat by David Saar opened last Friday to great acclaim -- from the few people who saw it. It's like nothing you've seen before from BOP. There's music and dance, but it's not Urinetown. There are poignant parts that might make you tear up, but it's not a tragedy.

The Yellow Boat is a lovely and triumphant celebration of the life of Benjamin Saar, who was once a real live kid, an artist. Benjamin contracted HIV from treatment for hemophilia. All through his life he drew. He drew trains and monsters and boats and rainbows. Benjamin was funny and smart. His father's play gives us all of this, and with the help of a fine cast, BOP honors Benjamin and entertains you.

Yes, there is sadness, and there is regret for a life that was too, too short. We have tissues. Don't be afraid to cry. Don't be afraid to laugh either. There are some good ones.

A 180 degree flip

2010-07-23T10:54:00.003-07:00

We were still unable to cast The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told by Paul Rudnick. So, we did a 180 in terms of content, but not in terms of artistry.

Our next production will be The Yellow Boat by David Saar. It's family theater, which we haven't done in a while, and not at all at Central School Project. The Yellow Boat is based on a true story. David Saar and his wife Sonja had a son, Benjamin, who was born with hemophilia. Benjamin is an artist, who express his joys and pains through drawing and painting. He contracted HIV through treatment for hemophilia. The Yellow Boat is the story of his journey expressed not only in words, but in color, dance, music and movement.

Please join us in September for this beautiful play.

For ages 8 and up.

Dates:
September 17, 18, 24 & 25 at 7:30 pm
September 26 at 3:00 pm

We're Baa-ack

2010-06-29T06:14:00.003-07:00

Wondering where BOP has been? Maybe, maybe not, but we're back in the game. We had some casting issues, which necessitated our postponing the June/Pride production of The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told by Paul Rudnick. We are going to try again to cast this extremely funny and touching play. I read a lot of plays before choosing this one, and we want to produce it because it is so, so good.

Auditions will be July 18 at 1:00 pm at Central School Project. We're looking for men and women 18 years of age and older. (The show is quite "adult.") If we don't know you as an actor, please bring a short memorized monologue, not original work. You will all read from the script. For more information on the show, see our website:
https://sites.google.com/site/bisbeesobscureproductions/

There's a script you can read at the Copper Queen Library. If you google the name of the play, you'll see what other companies have done with the script. We will perform the script as written but focus not on the lewd but on the love -- you'll see.

Please spread the word about the auditions. Experience is not required but courage is. Please call and talk to us if you have any questions: 520-432-2901.

I hope to see many of you on the 18th. Tell your friends.

gilles

Here Today Opening Tonight

2010-04-02T16:42:00.004-07:00

Love, it's all about love -- whom to love and how.

Pearl Watkins has created a comedy drama that will have you laughing just when you thought you were going to cry -- and feeling tears prick your eyes just when the comedy is at its peak. At the beginning of the play Alan and Sophie argue about their crumbling relationship. Sophie is sexually inhibited, Alan is frustrated, so Sophie decides to move out. They become involved with new same-sex partners who happen to be twins separated at birth. Add the mother of the twins, languishing in a loveless marriage, and a wealthy long-lost lover determined to find her, and we have six characters caught up in the pursuit of ideals that may not even exist. However, their selfishness is transformed after a visit to the mysterious House of Sheets, and they find themselves united by the shock of a common loss. By the end of the play they have all attained a degree of happiness, probably transient but no less real and meaningful while they have it.

The lovely couples in the photograph are Cobban Barnett & Christa Smith, Ginger O'Leary & Carl Purush Siberon.

2010-02-20T17:03:00.003-07:00

We're bringing it back -- the Bisbee Women's Review. I know it is supposed to be "Revue."

From Merriam-Webster.com:

Etymology: French, from Middle French reveue review — more at review

Date: 1872 : a theatrical production consisting typically of brief loosely connected often satirical skits, songs, and dances

Back in the 80s, someone spelled it "Review," and we're keeping that tradition. Also in keeping with the early beginnings of this show, all tickets are $5 at the door. When we say get there early, we mean it. We only have 80 seats, and sellouts are possible.

We have some fabulous acts in a wide variety of styles: music by Jenny Druckman and friends, Pat Panther and the women of the Occasional Chorus; dance from Abigail Stage, Angelika Johnson and Joan Reichel. Pearl Watkins, Rae Jones and others will handle the drama and humor. And there's more -- come to the show to find out.

For those of you who remember the Women's Shows at the Old Baptist Church, we want to tell you that Central School Project has upgraded amenities with water-saving toilets. Please follow the directions.

We're looking forward to seeing all of you, including our friends of the male persuasion, at these exciting, entertaining performances. One weekend only: March 12 & 13 at 7:30 pm and March 14 at 3:00 pm. Remember, first come, first seated.

2010-01-30T12:00:00.004-07:00

We're open!

Urinetown, The Musical opened last night to a standing ovation and many, many, enthusiastic comments:

"The best thing I've seen in Bisbee!"

"Wonderful"

"Thank you!"

Tickets are going fast, so if you want a wonderful evening or afternoon of theater, head to one of our great ticket vendors.

Atalanta's Music and Books, Main Street, Old Bisbee
Bisbee Visitor Center, Main Street, Old Bisbee
Bisbee Food Coop, Lowell
Oscar Yrun Community Center, Sierra Vista

Great response

2010-01-10T07:53:00.002-07:00

We took our cast to the Saturday night Art Walk last night. They sang three songs from the show, "Urinetown," "Follow Your Heart," and "Run, Freedom, Run." Kudos to all the singers: Renee Gardner, Jeremy Heisner, Michael Holland, Joe Holder, Rae Jones, Kathy Shaughnessy, Margo Macartney and Elizabeth Henley.

Thank you to the audience, who stood in the cold to hear the great music. Tell all your friends.

And many thanks to The Source Within, a lovely store with lovely people, who lent their space, their sidewalk and some electricity to the evening's entertainment.

AUDITION!!

2009-12-24T15:59:00.001-07:00

One of BOP's favorite performers and playwrights, Pearl Watkins, will be holding auditions for her new play “Here Today” on Sunday, January 3, 2010, at Bisbee’s Obscure Productions studio at Central School Project. Watkins is the author of “The Storage Room,” produced to great acclaim by BOP in 2007.

“Here Today” is a comic drama about lust, love, loss and discovery.

Ms. Watkins is looking for one female actor and one male actor to play characters in their late twenties, early thirties. Actors are asked to bring a brief memorized monologue and be prepared to read from the script.

Auditions will be held at Central School Project on Sunday January 3 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm by appointment only. Rehearsals begin January 12 at Central School Project and will continue through March at days and times to be decided.

Performances will be Fridays and Saturdays, April 2 and 3, 9 and 10 at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, April 11, at 3:00 p.m.

For more information and an audition appointment, call Pearl Watkins at 432-1598.

Scratch that Clarinet -- But we do need...

2009-11-20T15:26:00.001-07:00

We found a clarinetist, actually a sax player.

We do need a trombonist and a drummer. Must read music well.

Call Carol Park at (520) 432-7853.

A Man & a Musician or Two

2009-11-20T15:00:00.003-07:00

BOP is deep into rehearsals for Urinetown, the Musical, and, I must say, the show is coming along swimmingly. We've cast it well with a comparatively (for the CSP stage) huge cast of talented folk, all very well suited to their roles and ranges. BUT --

We need one more man to fill out the chorus, play a poor person and possibly a cop in the "Cop Song." You'll be playing for the love of it. Call Gilles or Rae at (520) 432-2901.

We're also looking for a clarinet player and possibly others. For the musicians, since you might have to skip a gig, there's a small stipend. Contact Carol Park at (520) 432-7853.

Chaos was great fun

2009-11-20T14:58:00.002-07:00

Chaos Comedy from Phoenix gave a great workshop and performance last Saturday. In the workshop, we all learned a great deal about how to be both honest on stage and funny. The performance kept the laughs rolling.

Toilet News

2009-11-06T13:18:00.001-07:00

Times Square "amenities" are getting attendants, culled from hundreds of starving actors.

See for yourself.

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE5A45ZN20091105

We are MOVIN'

2009-11-06T11:29:00.002-07:00

Here's a picture of one our recent rehearsals. The cast is moving so fast to a good performance that I can't get a "still" picture.

We'll work on a video for you.

Stay tuned.

gilles

Urintown Rehearsals Rock!

2009-10-26T06:00:00.002-07:00

We've had a week of great rehearsals for Urinetown the Musical. Carol Park has been leading the singers and gently but firmly bringing out the best in singers -- and a one who calls himself a "non-singer."

Choreographer Megan Tenney pilots mid-week dance rehearsals and is coming up with cool moves.

Everyone sounds great and looks great, and we're all quite excited.

AUDITION!!

2009-10-12T09:08:00.003-07:00

I can hear Tevya singing. :-)

We held auditions for Urinetown, the Musical this weekend. We have some great leads but still need some men to fill in the chorus and smaller male roles.

If you're a man with time to rehearse and perform between now and February 7, get in touch with us. Singers and dancers preferred, but we have a music director and a choreographer who are both talented and patient to help you be the best cop or poor person or UGC minion you can be.

Looking forward to a great rehearsal period -- and even greater performances.

g

"No Shenanigans"

2009-10-05T07:40:00.004-07:00

Bisbee's Obscure Productions own "Obscure" Rae Jones is looking forward to once again hosting our (almost) Annual Comedy Show at 7:30 p.m. on November 6 & 7 and at 3:00 p.m. on November 8. Lots of our old favorites will be on hand to make you laugh, as well as a whole host of fresh funny faces. We'll be performing in our new home at Central School Project, 43 Howell Ave. in Old Bisbee. Rae has a new "persona" for this show and might even wear her own nose! Come on out and laugh at us.

The Tempest in Video

2009-10-03T13:25:00.001-07:00

Great fun with pics from Tom Carlson.

Urinetown Auditions

2009-10-03T13:16:00.003-07:00

We are looking forward to Urinetown Auditions next weekend.

We're looking for 16 people who can sing, dance and act. Each player needs to bring a Broadway-style song and a memorized monologue, so we can see what you can do. However, we have Carol Park as our music director, and she is great at helping people learn music. If your dancing is rickety, we'll spend all the time you need bringing you up to speed.

Cast Breakdown Courtesy of Wikipedia

Characters

Officer Lockstock – The tongue-in-cheek narrator of the story. A corrupt policeman who secretly kills off guilty peers.
Little Sally – A precocious, thoroughly irreverent and smartly funny street urchin; the narrator who always outsmarts Lockstock, and constantly questions the play's logic.
Bobby Strong – The dashing, noble young everyman who works for Miss Pennywise at the poorest, filthiest urinal in town; the eventual protagonist and romantic hero who starts a revolution, and falls in love with Hope Cladwell along the way.
Hope Cladwell – Cladwell's completely innocent and ravishingly beautiful daughter, torn between her love for her father and her new love for Bobby. A parody of the stereotypical Broadway ingénue.
Caldwell B. Cladwell – The president and owner of the Urine Good Company, a miserly moneygrubber who gleefully exploits the poor with his outrageous toilet fees.
Penelope Pennywise – The tough, jaded warden of the poorest, filthiest urinal in town. A shrewd, penny-scrounging cheapskate, Pennywise is a figure of authority and lives to maintain order at the public bathrooms. However, she has a deep, dark secret in her past that somehow involves Hope. Hollman says the character was partly inspired by that of Mr. Peachum from Weill's The Threepenny Opera, and her music resembles that of Leocadia Begbick in Weill's Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny.
Officer Barrel – Lockstock's partner. He harbors a surprising secret.
Senator Fipp – A greedy, cowardly politician in Cladwell's pocket.
Mr. McQueen – Cladwell's sycophantic assistant/lackey. The ultimate Yes Man.
Joseph "Old Man" Strong – Bobby's rebellious father, whose refusal to pay the fee causes him to be sent to Urinetown, ultimately launching the revolution.
Josephine "Ma" Strong – Bobby's mother, a strong-willed old woman who is able to withstand the hard hand life has dealt her.
Hot Blades Harry – One of the Poor, a psychopathic, violent loose cannon.
Little Becky Two-Shoes – One of the Poor; foul-mouthed, impulsive, pregnant, with a brace, possibly from polio.
Tiny Tom – One of the Poor, an idiotic man-child.
Soupy Sue – One of the Poor, easily panicked.
Robby the Stockfish – One of the Poor, the revolution's stoic enforcer.
Billy Boy Bill – One of the Poor, typically shy.
An Old Woman – One of the Poor.
Mrs. Millenium – A trusted UGC employee.
Dr. Billeaux – Head of Research and Development at UGC.
Cladwell's Secretary
Two UGC Executives

If you have any questions at all about this show or the auditions, call 520-432-2901 or email cgillesb@gmail.com.

See you October 10 & 11 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Central School.

And another weekend

2009-09-26T07:55:00.005-07:00

Of great theater...

In spite of electrical emergencies, the opening night of The Zoo Story and Medea came off well. Our audience was small but smart (they got all the jokes) and enthusiastic.

Word on the street is that these one acts are fine entertainment. We thank you all for the kudos.

Our second weekend is as fine as the first. Hope you were able to join us.

It's Opening Night!

2009-09-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight BOP is opening our 5th Season with Edward Albee's The Zoo Story and a comedy Medea by Christopher Durang and Wendy Wasserstein. We had our final dress rehearsal last night, and both shows are great, even is we do say so ourselves. Join us for an evening of wonderful theater.