Ritz Teen Thespian Guild to present 'The Crucible'

Abigail Williams (Savannah Stark, right) is reminded by Deputy Gov. Danforth (Roland Scaife) that she is under oath during the 1692 Salem witch trials in a scene from the Ritz Teen Thespian Guild production of 'The Crucible.'

TIFFIN -- Ritz Teen Thespian Guild will present an historical tale of the Salem witch trials as it opens Arthur Miller's The Crucible this weekend at the Ritz Theatre in Tiffin.

The Tony Award-winning play opened on Broadway in 1953 for a six-month run. It had four Broadway revivals between 1964 and 2002.

Director Michael Strong, of Tiffin, said the students chose this drama because of its relevance.

"Even though the play is about the 1692 witch trials, it's a play about finger-pointing and hysteria and how a couple of people with their own poison speech can rile up a crowd. And I think we're certainly going through that period again in our history, no matter what your political affiliations are," he said.

More than 30 Tiffin-area high school students make up the cast that includes Savannah Stark as Abigail Williams, Steven Simpkins as John Proctor, Brandon Allomong as Rev. Samuel Parris, Anthony Currier as Judge Hathorne, Roland Scaife as Dep. Gov. Danforth, Gabrielle Mitchell as Elizabeth Proctor, and Dakota Martinez as Rev. John Hale.

"The Crucible" performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday with a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday at Ritz Theatre, 30 S. Washington St., Tiffin. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Information: 419-448-8544 or ritztheatre.org.

Readings

MONROE -- Monroe Community Players will debut its readers' theater at 8 p.m. Sunday with Brief Encounter at a Nudist Camp and Nothing Fishy Here at Monroe Street Stage in Monroe.

"Readings allow the actors to focus on character development, the expression, the voices. You'll see gestures and faces, those kinds of things, but the real focus is on comprehending the text," said director Nancy E. Williams, of Monroe.

The two one-act comedies will last "35 to 40 minutes depending on how many laughs we get," Williams said.

Monroe residents Chuck Kressbach, Angel Williams, and Larry McCrea will read the nudist comedy exploring the interactions among the three campers. Mark Felder and Valinda Jonas, also of Monroe, will read the second comedy about an older gentleman who invites a woman to his apartment to see his aquarium but has trouble staying awake.

"Brief Encounter at a Nudist Camp" and "Nothing Fishy Here," adult-themed comedies, will be read at 8 p.m. Sunday by Monroe Community Players on the Monroe Street Stage, 48 S. Monroe St., Monroe. Tickets are $5. Information: 734-241-7900.

Auditions/volunteers

The Toledo Repertoire Theatre is expanding its musical repertoire for its upcoming 80th season and is holding open auditions for singers by appointment Saturday at its stage, 16 10th St. Open dance auditions will be held at noon Nov. 19, at the Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior St. Minority performers are especially encouraged to audition. Some shows under consideration include Ragtime, Chicago, West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Grease.

The Rep is also seeking volunteers in a variety of areas including scenic design, ushering, lighting design, and backstage help.

To schedule a singing audition or for additional information: 419-243-9277 or toledorep.org.

Perrysburg Musical

Perrysburg Musical Theatre Company will present An Evening of Irving Berlin Friday and Saturday at the Commodore Building in Perrysburg to raise funds for its June musical, The Sound of Music.

Perrysburg Junior High School Sixth Grade Choir will join the community cast for two shows, 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. Perrysburg High School Show Choir will join the cast for the 2 p.m. Saturday show. The repertoire includes "There's No Business like Show Business," "Puttin' on the Ritz," and "Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better."

"An Evening of Irving Berlin" performances are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday with a 2 p.m. matinee Saturday at the Commodore Building, 140 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students. Information: 419-470-9016.

Bobcat Goldthwait

Comedian Bobcat Goldthwait, widely recognized for his high-pitched stage voice, will entertain audiences this weekend at Connxtions Comedy Club.

The versatile Goldthwait also is a director, writer, and actor. Among his credits is writing and directing the 2009 film World's Greatest Dad starring Robin Williams. He has directed numerous shows including Jimmy Kimmel Live and he's appeared in several movies.

Bobcat Goldthwait will perform at 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Connxtions Comedy Club, 5319 Heatherdowns Blvd. Tickets are $17.50. Information: 419-867-9041.

Contact Julie Njaim at: jnjaim@theblade.com.