July 2024
Come Blow Your Horn
The cast of Come Blow Your Horn, Directed by Mike Kiernan
(Front) Megan Paluzzi, Beth Goldman, Emily O’Donnell, Erin O’Donnell
(Back) Luke Oliver Lawson, Leslie Shapiro, Bruce Church, Petr Favazza
January 2024
The Lifespan of a Fact
July 2023
Squabbles
Squabbles cast
(Front) Sara Norton, Leslie Shapiro, Petr Favazza
(Back) Howard Berkenblit, Beth Goldman, Bruce Church, Frank Bartucca
July 2022
If I Forget
Passionate and provoking, If I Forget is a family play, a political play and a kitchen-sink play. That kitchen isn’t kosher, even though the family who gathers around it — the three adult children of an ailing father — are outspoken Jewish-Americans (NY Times)
Michael Legge, Frank Bartucca, Luke Oliver Lawson, Alice Springer, John Brownlie, Beth Goldman, Lorna Nogueria, written by Steven Levenson and directed by Mike Kiernan
January 2020
Crossing Delancey
The irascible granny and her friend, the matchmaker, have found a “good catch” for Isabel, whose initial reluctance gives way to a blossoming romance when she meets Sam, the pickle vendor.
Alyssa Mott, Mark Prokes, Alice Springer, Beth Goldman and Francis Sheehan were the cast of “Crossing Delancey”, written by Susan Sandler and directed by Mike Kiernan
April 2019
Two Jews Walk Into a War
Kabul’s odd couple, Ishaq and Zeblyan, are the last remaining Jews in Afghanistan. They seek to repopulate the Jewish community – if they don’t kill each other first.
Written by Seth Rozin and Directed by Mike Kiernan
Featuring Frank Bartucca and Bruce Church.
January 2019
Doubt
Doubt is an inspired study of morality with the compelling structure of an old-fashioned detective drama. A strong-minded woman wrestles with conscience and uncertainty as she faces one of her male colleagues. Written by John Patrick Shanley, directed by Mike Kiernan and starring Beth Goldman and Bruce Church.
August 2018
The Price
By Arthur Miller
Directed by Mike Kiernan and featuring Paul Ahern, Maggie Canniff, Michael Legge and Richard Scott, The Price is a compassionate, humorous and insightful play about two estranged brothers meeting after many years to dispose of their late father’s belongings. The wife of one brother and an old furniture dealer round out the cast of this Arthur Miller classic.
April 2018
Rehearsing lines and the dance section with the help of choreographer Lisa Thibodeau
Picking up after Weller Martin’s temper-tantrum.
General House Keeping
Setting up the Stage
January 2018 –
Bad Jews
(l to r) Megan McKeen, James Lamoureux, David D’Andrea, Katie Killourhy
Comments by Jay Ritt – after seeing Bad Jews
“Bad Jews” presents the ugly consequences of believing one’s way is the only right way and the importance of listening to opinions which differ from one’s own. In today’s “me” centered world where opposing viewpoints are frequently avoided or ignored, this play focuses on the characters’ inability to get past their divergent beliefs and mourn the loss of their grandfather. It teaches us how not to behave with family members whose choices in life may differ from our own.
The New England Repertory Company has done an outstanding job of presenting a thought-provoking work about family relationships, love and differences.
from Paul Kaufman’s review in Wicked Local – Sharon posted Jan 16, 2018
“…As Daphna and Liam, McKeen and D’Andrea provide powerhouse performances that reminded me of the bickering spouses so juicily portrayed by actors Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas in the classic black comedy film, “War of the Roses.”
“McKeen’s fiery portrayal of Daphna shows us a young woman who behind her biting sarcasm and insults is insecure and alone.
Watch out for D’Andrea – he’s a star in the making. He matches McKeen’s intensity and then some, fully capturing not only Liam’s sense of entitlement, but also ultimately the pure love he feels for his girlfriend and grandfather.
In a supporting role, Lamoureux exudes quiet stoicism as Jonah, a man who while caught between Liam and Daphna’s conflict, will provide theatergoers with a revelation of his own at the play’s conclusion.
Killourhy’s innocent portrayal of Melody provides the moral epicenter of this production. She’s the one bright light amidst all of the turmoil we witness between Liam and Daphna.”
also on the program a short introductory comedy sketch by Alan Ball
Your Mother’s Butt
August 2017 – Sinai Stage
Lost in Yonkers
Presented by New England Repertory Company, “Lost in Yonkers” premiered at Sinai Stage in August 2017. Written by Neil Simon and directed by Mike Kiernan, the cast included Alice Springer, Chris DiOrio, Joe LaGreca, Ronni Hochman, Megan McKeen, Luke Lawson and Aaron Tamkin.
Set in Yonkers in 1941, two young boys are deposited with their grandmother for an extended time. There they must endure an emotionally crippled family. Laughter and tears come together in this masterpiece, which was the winner of the 1991 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award winner for Best Play.
August 13, 2017
…after seeing NERC’s “Lost in Yonkers“
A Statement by Jim Robinson, Pastor
Unitarian Church in Sharon
“Underneath the witty humor in Neil Simon’s classic play, “Lost in Yonkers”, lies an insightful exploration into one of humanity’s greatest challenges. Life is hard. There are wars, human evil, illness, tragedy and death – even the death of young parents or their beloved children. How do we survive the shattering traumas of life?”
“At times we need to protect our heart with armor of steel. But if our heart becomes hard and closed, then we will foster dysfunctional families. This is the dilemma Neil Simon explores: how to be strong as steel while maintaining a feeling and loving heart, especially in our family.”
“The New England Repertory Company’s production of “Lost in Yonkers” ably communicates both Neil Simon’s delightful humor and his deep insight into human nature.”
April 2017 – Sinai Stage
Over the River and Through the Woods
Reflections about “Over the River” upon seeing it – by Stuart Jacoby
In Italian, the expression “Tengo Famiglia” means more than just its literal translation of “I hold family.” The expression, as author Joe DiPietro shows throughout Over The River and Through the Woods, is more about putting your family first. Nick, the main character, is a 29-year-old marketing executive who travels to Hoboken from New York City every Sunday to have dinner with both his maternal and paternal grandparents.
His grandparents cherish him and are exceedingly proud of him, even if they do not understand where he works or what does. A dilemma presents itself. Nick is offered a promotion, which will require him to relocate to Seattle.
Nick is faced with a choice. Does he place family first (Tengo Famiglia), at the cost of his own individuation and independence, or does he pursue his career and leave? Are they mutually exclusive? Can one take a stand for oneself and also put family first? He ultimately makes the decision to move, though he cannot really leave his family behind. Nick makes a life for himself, though he never really leaves his family behind.
As we learn from the Abraham and Garden of Eden stories in Genesis, we all go forth. It just looks different for each of us. Sometimes we go forth out of choice. And, sometimes, we are pushed to go forth by another because it is the best thing for us. When it is happening we don’t know how it will work out. We go out into our lives, doing the best we can. We make our own families and enact our own versions of Tengo Famiglia. Thus goes the cycle of life.
This laugh-out-loud comedy tells about the antics of grandparents Frank, Aida, Nunzio, and Emma scheming to marry off their grandson.
A Comedy written by Joe DiPietro, the show is directed by Mike Kiernan.
This production features actors Beth Goldman, Bruce Church, Alice Springer, Robert Ellis Smith, David D’Andrea, and Megan McKeen.
First rehearsal “read through.”
Rehearsing the dinner scene.
Above is the 24×16 stage. It can be disassembled and stored in the new storage area shown below.
This is the storage area being built in the social hall of Temple Sinai where the stage is stored. It also serves as a “green room” during the performances.
September 2016 – Sinai Stage
My Name is Asher Lev
NERC presents My Name is Asher Lev, a play by Aaron Posner/ Adapted from the novel by Chaim Potok, directed by Mike Kiernan, featuring David D’Andrea, Frank Bartucca and Beth Goldman.
The award-winning drama tells the powerful story of a boy prodigy who is driven to be a painter at any cost – against the will of family, community, and tradition. Born into a Hasidic family in post-World War II Brooklyn, his artistic genius threatens to estrange him from both parents and his observant Jewish community. The modern classic presents a heartbreaking and triumphant vision of what it means to be an artist.
March 2016
Golda’s Balcony – Sinai Stage
NERC presents Golda’s Balcony, a play by William Gibson, directed by Mike Kiernan, featuring Beth Goldman as Golda Meir.
The rise of Golda Meir from impoverished schoolgirl to prime minister of Israel is one of the most amazing stories of the 20th century. Now her life has been transformed into a play of overwhelming power and inspirational triumph.
February 2016 – The Black Box Theater in Mansfield
The Dresser
NERC presents The Dresser, a play by Ronald Harwood, directed by Frank Bartucca, featuring Bruce Church as Norman and Mike Kiernan as Sir; with Barbara Schapiro, Craig O’Connor, Robert Ellis Smith, Rachel Parkman, Alan Conway, Ashley Harmon
During WWII, a tyrannical actor-manager of a theater company is attended by his devoted personal dresser, as the company travels through England during the Blitz. Unsure of his lines as well as who and where he is supposed to be, Sir is determined to roar his last. With Herculean effort on the part of Norman, Sir finally makes it on stage.
2015
Rumors by Neil Simon
Directed by Beth Goldman
Ensemble: Mike Kiernan, Barbara Pettis, Cindy McCarron, Alice Springer, Julie Cline, Joe Carlone, Alan Conway, Mike Legge, Ken Levy, David Giagrando.
2015
Harold and Maudeby Colin HigginsDirected by Mike Kiernan Ensemble included Jake Parkman,Alice Springer, Ruth Shane, Bruce Church, Alan Conway, Jeff Wilson, Robert Ellis Smith, Melissa Franklin, Janet Smith, Beth Goldman, Petr Favazza. Petr Favazza and Beth Goldman |
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Witby Margaret EdsonDirected by Mike Kiernan2014 GreaterTunaby Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howarddirected by Mike Kiernan |
The cast of Wit included (l to r) Luke Cohen, Brittany Phillips, Reggie Joseph, Raphel Marinho, Dayenne Walters, Natalie Hebert, Beth Goldman, Jeffrey Wilson, Elizabeth Phillips. (above) Dayenne Walters and Raphel Marinho (left) Dayenne with Natalie Hebert The three female actors (Dayenne Walters, Natalie Hebert, Beth Goldman) were nominated for best actor and best supporting actor awards in the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theaters’ Dash Award competition in 2015. Bruce Church and Joe LaGreca in a couple of their 19 costume changes.Seventeen seconds to exit stage right, change costume, cross behind the set, and enter left. |
2014All My Sonsby Arthur MillerDirected by Mike Kiernan |
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2014
45 Seconds From Broadway
by Neil Simon
Directed by Beth Goldman
Cast includes Joe LaGreca, Alex Pires, Paul Dixon, Ken Levy, Megan DeSimone, Julie Cline, Elizabeth Phillips, Ruth Shane, Ted Koban, Alan Conway, Alice Springer, Jeanette Lake-Jackson, Beth Goldman.
2013
The Sisters Rosensweig
by Wendy Wasserstein
Directed by Mike Kiernan
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The sisters were Meg Dussault, Dawn Tucker, and Jennifer Mischley. Their suiters were Davi Anderson, Tom Grenon, and Bruce Church. Also Dori Levit and Luke Cohen.
Dead Giveaway
by Mary Orr and Reginald Denham
Directed by Mike Kiernan
(front row) Ninette Cummings, Alexandre Bookstein, Kelly Whelan, Jacob Waxman, Bruce Church, (back row) Joe Lagreca, Dayenne Walters, Liz Phillips (dead body), Kerry Dailey, Richard Scott
Hollywood Arms
by Carrie Underwood and Carol Burnett
Directed by Dawn Tucker
Cast includes (front) Stephanie Carlson*,Sarah Dube, Beth Goldman, Julianne Fournier, Kevin Early, (back ) Jeanette Lake-Jackson, Brian Kelly, Liz Phillips, Bruce Church, Arthur O’Neill, Joe LaGreca, Jordan MacKenzie. Bruce Fischer and Doug McDougal not shown.
2013
The Last Days Of Judas Iscariot
By Stephen Guirgis
Directed by Mike Kiernan
(Front row) Jeanette Lake-Jackson, Chris Kent, Tyler Lawson, Joe LaGreca, Ninette Cummings, Alice Springer, Alexandre Bookstein, Rachel Morandi, (Back row) Justin Pimentel, Richard Scott, Jordan Mackenzie, Joe Favazza, Tom Grenon, Ken Levy, Michael Gebrayel, Tucker Carter, Rafael Marinho, Dayenne Walters, Beth Goldman, Bruce Church
The production team –
The man in the booth – Bruce Webster; Costumer M.J.McCool; Director Tom Hunter; Stage manager Alan Conway.
2012
A Nice Family Gathering
by Phil Olsen
Directed by Mike Kiernan
Cast includes: David Anderson, Alice Springer, Bruce Church, Rich Stiles, Rachel Morandi, Maggie Canniff, Fred Armstrong
2012
Gin Game
by D.L.Coburn
Directed by Tom Hunter
With Beth Goldman and Mike Kiernan
39 Steps
by Patrick Barlow
Directed by Beth Goldman
39 Steps cast included Bruce Church, Maggie Canniff, Brian Dunham, and Peter Fitzgerald.
2011
Tea and Sympathy
by Robert Anderson
Directed by Mike Kiernan
Cast: Jennifer Mischley and Petr Favazza; with Mikey Schanz, Peter Fitzgerald, Joe LaGreca, Kerry Dailey, Tyler Lawson, Joe Duda, Curtis Bellafiore, and Richard Stiles.
A Streetcar Named Desire
by Tennessee Williams
Directed by Mike Kiernan
Curtis Bellafiore (Stanley), Maggie Canniff (Stella), Dawn Tucker (Blanche), Joe LaGreca (Mitch), Sarah Barlow, Arlene Coccia, Alan Conway, Peter Fitzgerald, Jeanette Lake-Jackson, Tyler Lawson, Rachel Morandi, Benjamin Medeiros.
Moon Over Buffalo
by Ken Ludwig
Directed by Mike Kiernan
Cast: Frank Bartucca, Bruce Church, Peter Fitzgerald, Mario DaRosa Jr, Beth Goldman, Maggie Canniff, Barbara Pettis, Emily Sidman.
Biloxi Blues
by Neil Simon
Directed by Mike Kiernan
Ensemble includes Curtis Bellafiore, Petr Favazza, Michael Gebrayel, Mario DaRosa, Katie Brush, Kenard Jackson, Rosemarie Sirois, Peter Fitzgerald, Joe LaGreca.
2010
Food Chain
by Nicky Silver
Directed by Mike Kiernan
Set Design by Ted Talanian
Cast includes Paul Dixon, Maggie Canniff, Steve Valdez, Alice Springer, and Brian Dunham.
The play received a nomination for Best Play and Mike Kiernan was nominated for Best Director in the 2010 annual EMACT’s Dash Award program.
One Act Plays – 2006, 2008, 2010
Phillip Glass Buys A Loaf Of Bread, American Dream, Birdbath, My Mother’s Butt, Twirler, Fam and Yam, Hello Out There, Red Coat, Loveliest Afternoon, Sorry Wrong Number, Zoo Story
2009
Lost In Yonkers
by Neil Simon
Directed by Mike Kiernan
Tim Traversy, Petr Favazza, Beth Goldman, Maggie Canniff, Fred Armstrong, Michelle Monti, Paul Dixon
2009
The Glass Menagerie
by Tennessee Williams
Directed by Mike Kiernan
Beth Goldman, Lucas Lloyd, Brian Dunham, Jocelyn Winzer Chek
2009
Shadowlands
by William Nicholson
Directed by Lucas Lloyd
(front) Alina Favazza, Matt Kassler, Lucas Lloyd, Alice Springer, (back) Paul Bono, Mike Kiernan, Joe LaGreca, Bruce Church, Tom Ostrinski, Frank Bartucca, Dawn Tucker, Joe Favazza.
2008
Enter Laughing
by Joseph Stein
Directed by Mike Kiernan
(front) Jon Saphire, Jessica Kaddish, Brian Kelly, Alice Springer, Joe LaGreca, Alan Conway,
(back) Ted Harris, Maggie Nichols Canniff, Petr Favazza, Bruce Church, Alina Favazza, Mike Kiernan, Kate Brush.
2008
Broadway Bound
(The third play in Neil Simon’s trilogy – Brighton Beach Memoirs, Biloxi Blues, Broadway Bound))
Directed by Mike Kiernan
Alice Springer, Joe LaGreca, Bob Emery – seated, Lucas Lloyd, Barbara Pettis, Brian Kelly.
2007
On Golden Pond
by Ernest Thompson
Directed by Michael Duncan Smith
2007
Brighton Beach Memoirs
by Neil Simon
Directed by Mike Kiernan
2006
Pound Of Flesh
by Michael Bolus
Directed by Tom Hunter
Scenery: The floor was painted by art director Glenn Fourier, who dresses all of the sets at the Black Box Theater. The table was made by Mike Kiernan after a design found in the journals of Ezra Pound.