‘True West’ to be featured at Players by the Sea Theatre

“It's clear, funny, naturalistic. It's also opaque, terrifying, surrealistic.  If that sounds contradictory, you're on to one aspect of Shepard's winning genius; the ability to make you think you're watching one thing while at the same time he's presenting another,” so says the San Francisco Chronicle about “True West”, the play that’s up next at Players by the Sea Theatre in Jacksonville Beach.

Sons of a desert-dwelling alcoholic and a suburban wanderer have chosen extremely different lives.  Their sibling rivalry violently erupts as they compete for the attention of a Hollywood producer, each trying to sell him a story for a new motion picture.  “True West” is unsettling and intense.  This American-Classic tackles identity, family and self-doubt.

Director Brian Niece says “The theatre should be a safe place to do the dangerous work of facing ourselves - what's true and what's real about ourselves - and this play, in particular, gives us an opportunity to do that.”  Niece’s process of working with the powerhouse four-actor cast revolves around uncovering that truth and pushing further into the words of Sam Shepard.

“With all material, what’s most important to me is the honesty of what you’re doing. I think as an audience member, that’s what is most important as well -- is really believing what’s happening in front of you and the fact that it’s happening for the first time in front of you. For me, being honest through the choices of the character and the given circumstances of the play -- that’s paramount to a spectacular performance, not just a mediocre one,” says Josh Andrews, playing Austin.

All four actors are making their Players by the Sea debuts in True West! The cast is Josh Andrews, Tyler Hammond, Tyrone Thornhill and Brooklyn Murphy. Each actor brings a diverse set of rich theatrical and film experience to the production. True West is directed by Brian Niece in his Players by the Sea debut, with stage management by Kristin Livingston.

The process of bringing this story to life further exemplifies Players by the Sea’s mission of enriching the community through excellence in theatre.  The Jacksonville Beach community theatre hopes to create and spark discussion and profound thought. Suzanne Hudson-Smith, Executive Director, says that “Let’s have a conversation!  Though the play written in the late 1970s, the conversation for generations has been about the mixed messages our culture sends to men, and the way these continue to shape male identity. Sam Shepard is a master in exposing relationships of rawness.”

“True West”
DATES:      TIMES:
Fri., March 15, 2019 8 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 16    8 p.m.
Thurs. Mar. 21    8 p.m.
Fri., Mar. 22    8 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 23    8 p.m.
Sun., Mar. 24    2 p.m.
Thurs., Mar. 28   8 p.m.
Fri., Mar. 29    8 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 30    8 p.m.
Sun., Mar. 31    2 p.m.

TICKETS: Regular tickets are $28, with a discounted price of $25 for Senior/Student/Military.  Thursday night performances are special Student Nights, wherein students can receive half price tickets with a valid student I.D.  Showtimes are 8 p.m. from Thursday – Saturday; and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.  Advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged.  Tickets are available online, or by calling the Box Office at 904.249.0289.

LOCATION: Players By The Sea Theatre
      106 6th Street North
      Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
      (904) 249-0289

Players By the Sea rekindles ‘Bridges of Madison County’

From the dynamic stage settings (Ian Black {also from the Alhambra} & Company), to ALL the talented-scripted-actors; the Players By the Sea presentation of The Bridges of Madison County is very deep in its subject matter, yet it has moments of comedy, times of sadness and a few compassionate moments. Bridges of Madison County was originally adapted from the book published in 1992, and the movie was produced and directed in 1995 by Clint Eastwood and starred him and actress Meryl Streep.

After coming home and renting the original movie, this writer could see the similarities and some of the differences between the two presentations.  Players came so close to the movie that I dare you to try to distinguish the changes.  Special recognition goes to the lead actor and actress (Erin Barnes as Francesca and David Diehl as Robert Kincaid; and also to the Newsy Neighbor...  Eric Yarham, Lexi Inks, Susan Roche, Del Austin, Kaylee Hendry, John Flannagan, Jodie Jernigan, Zoe Bell, Leanne Gullo, Jodie Jernigan, Alex Young and Richie Rosado round out the cast.  You will also be amazed at the live band that continuously play accompanying music for the songs (except a few radio tunes).  Zeek Smith (Piano/Conducotr); Jacob Schuman (Guitar); Damon Martin (Bass); Joseph Henderson (Violin); Andrew Simpson (Percussion) and Alexander Downs (Cello).

If you’ve never attended opening night (which was sold-out on Friday, Jan. 25th) then next time you won’t want to miss the show inspired hors d'oeuvre that are served by 927 Events.  For the Bridges show, Chef Chriss prepared: Pineapple Glazed Ham finger sandwiches, Corn Cakes with Pineapple Mango Salsa and Rice Krispy treats.  Now you can see why the gala tickets are usually gone.

“The Bridges of Madison County”
DATES:      TIMES:
Sun. Jan. 27, 2019   2 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 1     8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 2     8 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 3     2 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 7    8 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 8     8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 9     8 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 10    2 p.m.
Thurs., Feb 14    8 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 15     8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 16     8 p.m.


TICKETS: Regular tickets are $28, with a discounted price of $25 for Senior/Student/Military.  Thursday night performances are special Student Nights, wherein students can receive half price tickets with a valid student I.D.  Showtimes are 8 p.m. from Thursday - Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.  Advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged.  Tickets are available online, or by calling the Box Office at 904.249.0289.

LOCATION: Players By The Sea Theatre
      106 6th Street North
      Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
      (904) 249-0289

‘Bridges of Madison County’ opens at Players By the Sea

BOMC

"The Bridges of Madison County" is a beautiful & moving musical that kicks off the 2019 northeast Florida premiere of Players by the Sea.  The show is a musical adaptation of the bestselling novel by Robert James Waller, and chronicles the four-day affair between an Italian war bride and a traveling National Geographic photographer who comes to Iowa to shoot the area’s fabled covered bridges. Based off novel, Bridges tells of how the sadness of Francesca’s solitude is broken when her husband and children leave for the 1965 Iowa State Fair and a weary Robert Kincaid stops to ask directions for his assignment.  The pair’s connection is instant and deep, yet short-lived. But that liaison will haunt them both for the rest of their lives.

The Bridges of Madison County features an incredibly talented team of local volunteers, onstage and off. The cast is led by Erin Barnes as Francesca and David Diehl as Robert Kincaid. Eric Yarham, Lexi Inks, Susan Roche, Del Austin, Kaylee Hendry, John Flannagan, Jodie Jernigan, Zoe Bell, Leanne Gullo, Jodie Jernigan, Alex Young and Richie Rosado round out the cast.  The production is directed by Lee Hamby (Managing Director of The 5 & Dime) and Suzanne Hudson-Smith (Executive Director of Players by the Sea).  Zeek Smith is the music director.  The STAGE Fund (Diane Brunet-Garcia, Lisa Goodrich & Alicia Sommers) is the presenting sponsor.

“The Bridges of Madison County”
DATES:      TIMES:
Fri., Jan. 25, 2019  8 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 26     8 p.m.
Sun. Jan. 27     2 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 1     8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 2     8 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 3     2 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 7    8 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 8     8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 9     8 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 10    2 p.m.
Thurs., Feb 14    8 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 15     8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 16     8 p.m.

TICKETS: Regular tickets are $28, with a discounted price of $25 for Senior/Student/Military.  Thursday night performances are special Student Nights, wherein students can receive half price tickets with a valid student I.D.  Showtimes are 8 p.m. from Thursday - Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.  Advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged.  Tickets are available online, or by calling the Box Office at 904.249.0289.

LOCATION: Players By The Sea Theatre
      106 6th Street North
      Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
      (904) 249-0289

‘Pontypool’ is a scary play that might chill ya

Pontypool courtesy of PBTS

Courtesy: PBTS

Just in time for this ghoulish holiday season is the thrilling, chilling, thought-provoking drama at the Players By the Sea - “Pontypool”.  If you came to the opening night production, you would have been able to meet the artist of the wall decor, Mr. Drew Edward Hunter.  Hunter is also the voice of the greeter at the entrance door, that is a prop from the Sally Corporation that produces “The Walking Dead”.

Pontypool looks at the psychological concept of flight vs. fright.  This play is an adaptation of Pontypool Changes Everything, a book and film by Tony Burgess.  His stage play is now being edited for this production to include local Jacksonville factors by Kelby Siddons.  The production in the Studio Theatre aims to be a truly immersive event — the production team is partnering up with folks from Sally Corporation to create an experience that draws from dark side concepts.

The production of “Pontypool”, by the Players By the Sea, is so well done and befitting the work of any professional off-Broadway show.  This cast really gets physically involved with their roles.  There are a lot of words thrown around, and you’ll hear some colorful dialogue.  There is blood and murder, but you won’t wonder ‘who-done-it’.  This show is NOT recommended for children.

Want to wear a costume? Come on - I dare you.  A ghoul will be waiting to greet you in the foyer.  Beware of sitting on the front row, you may get a little wet in the intimate side theatre (unlike the show participants of comedian Gallagher).  Get your tickets today and note the change in the usual days that this presentation will be on stage.

More about Players By The Sea: The theater is quaint, comfortable and seats 150 people (the smaller side theatre seats less).  The restrooms are very clean and modern.  Entrance to the theatre is well-lite and parking is sufficient and close to the building.  The reception area has tall tables and is decorated with local art work.  For your pleasure there is a bar that offers beer, wine, soda and water for purchase.  On Gala night (the opening night for each show), Players offers their patrons some delicious finger foods served by 927 Catering& Events.  The food tastes impeccably delicious and is very creatively presented.

“Pontypool”
DATES:      TIMES:
Fri., Oct.26, 2018  8 p.m.
Sat., Oct. 27     8 p.m.
Mon., Oct. 29     8 p.m.
Tues., Oct. 30     8 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 31    8 p.m.
Thurs., Nov. 1    8 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 2     8 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 3     8 p.m.

TICKETS: Regular tickets are $28, with a discounted price of $25 for Senior/Student/Military.  Showtimes are 8 p.m. from Thursday - Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.  The Thursday night performance is a Student Night, wherein students can receive half price tickets with a valid student I.D.  Advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged.  Tickets are available on line or by calling the Box Office at (904) 249-0289.

LOCATION: Players By The Sea Theatre
      106 6th Street North
      Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
      (904) 249-0289