Category Archives: community theatre

Good-bye, Columbo!

Posted on April 8, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

AAAaand we’re back to late posts.  It is early Tuesday morning, and I am sitting at my Chromebook hoping to do my Monday blog post.  It should be my last post about Prescription: Murder, the play I was in at Ilion Little Theatre.  The second weekend coincided with what is either a cold or a very bad batch of allergies.  I am hoping for the latter, because I hate to be contagious.  Then again, don’t say I never gave ya nuthin’!

He is a cop, after all.

I brought donuts from the Friendly Bake Shop in Frankfort, NY for the last performance.  People often bring treats to share backstage, and I have not been to the Friendly Bake Shop in a while.  Yum!  I especially like the plain donuts, such as Lt. Columbo is eating right now.  We all teeheed about the cops and donuts cliche.  Really it is a silly cliche.  EVERYBODY likes donuts!  It is not exclusive to cops.

Isn’t she pretty?

This is our illustrious director.  She did a wonderful job and was great to work with (the two do not always go together, unfortunately).  She is also just about as cute as allowed by law.

Two lovely ladies.

And one more picture of the two female characters who survive the entire play.  Actually everybody but me survives the play.  This isn’t And Then There Were None, which Ilion Little Theatre put on in 2010.  My late, beloved husband Steve and I were both in that one.  Neither of us survived.  More than that I shan’t say, in case you ever get the chance to see the play; I don’t want to spoil the ending.  In any case, I can recommend the book by Agatha Christie.  Fun read.

Auditions for the next play at Ilion Little Theatre are Sunday and Monday, April 13 and 14.  I do not plan to audition.  I must conserve my energies for Recipe for Murder Royale, which is coming up sooner than I like to think (preview of coming attractions)!

 

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In Haste and In Need of a Second Wind

Posted on April 6, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Oh dear, this is terrible.  I have about 45 minutes before I have to leave for the theatre and I am SO TIRED!!!  Never mind why; explanations are tiresome.  For anybody just tuning in, the theatre is Ilion Little Theatre for the play I am in, Prescription: Murder.  Everybody tells me I am doing a splendid job (although I don’t think anyone has actually used the word “splendid”), and I have no reason to believe they are insincere.

Me in the play, before I am dead.

I do not have any new pictures of the play to share, unfortunately, so I share this one again.  What a hair-do!  I tried to preserve it overnight by wrapping a scarf around my head and trying not to toss and turn too much.  I had little success, then the mop got rained on this afternoon.  It was, as they say, a good day for ducks.  It was actually a good day to stay home, but I did not, alas.

Columbo plays his game of cat and mouse.

It may be obvious by now that I got nuthin’.  Yes, I am brain dead but most somehow catch a second wind by 7:30 when the curtain opens.  I will try to take some more backstage pictures for your entertainment tomorrow, on Wrist to Forehead Sunday.  Then I must navigate my way through Post-Play Letdown while putting together the murder mystery Recipe for Murder Royale (preview of coming attractions).  As always, I hope you will stay tuned.

 

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Blog Now, Panic Later

Posted on March 30, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Oh dear, can I make a pre-show post before I have to finish getting ready to go to the matinee of  Prescription: Murder, the play I am in at Ilion LIttle Theatre?  Naturally I must make a big deal of things on Wrist to Forehead Sunday.  I just took a two-mile walk, towards the end of which I figured out a few things about my character’s motivation, background, and relationship with her (murderous) husband.  I suppose real actors might argue that I should have settled all these things during the rehearsal process, but I am always adding things, filling in blank spaces, refining, etc.  I like to think it is the writer in me.

In any case, I have a few minutes before I have to start bustling around, saying, “One more thing!” like Columbo, and I have a few more backstage pictures to share.

He is telling Columbo the facts of life as he sees them.

This is a guy from the district attorney’s office who happens to be close friends of my (stage) husband (that character’s wife is my character’s bestie, but she is only mentioned).  The guy in the raincoat is, obviously Columbo.

I think the guy on the right looks evil.

The man in the hat has a small but pivotal role; the other one is the murderer himself.

We couldn’t have done it without him!

This is the assistant director and stage manager, Mason, obviously an extremely important person.

I will try to get a few more backstage shots today.  In the meantime, I need to start running around my house saying, “I know I’ve forgotten something!”  I sure hope it isn’t my lines!

 

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Last Rehearsal, YIKES!

Posted on March 27, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

And it’s another Post-Rehearsal Post during this week of All Prescription: Murder All The Time here at Mohawk Valley Girl.  For anybody just tuning in, Prescription: Murder is the play I am in at Ilion Little Theatre (ILT).  I had meant to take pictures of my fellow actors in costume tonight but, alas, neglected to.  I will try to get some pictures on Friday, opening night.  Yikes, that’s SOON!

We have no rehearsal tomorrow.  It is an ILT tradition to be dark the night before opening.  In this case, it is good news for me, because there is a Frankfort Town Board meeting tomorrow night I need to cover for Sentinel Media Company (I believe I mentioned my side hustle of writing for them) (full disclosure:  I don’t have a main hustle any more) (but this is not a work blog, so never mind).

Where was I?  Ah yes, the play.  I still have a couple of rehearsal shots I haven’t shared.

You can tell which is Columbo by the raincoat.

I think I have mentioned that the play later became the first episode of Columbo, which regular readers know is a series I adore.  I have seen the episode several times, and I must say, I prefer the TV movie to the stage play.  However, I am having a great deal of fun with the play, and my fellow actors are doing a wonderful job.

Yeah, he SHOULD feel bad!

I hope my readers realize I do not need to include a spoiler alert as I point out my murderer, because that is the point of Columbo:  the audience sees what looks like a perfect murder, but Lt. Columbo brings the murderer to justice nonetheless.

For more information about Prescription: Murder,  you can visit ILT’s website, www.ilionlittletheatre.org, or their Facebook page,

 

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Everybody Is So Excited for Me to Get Murdered!

Posted on March 13, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

I thought I would give a brief update of Prescription: Murder the play I am in at Ilion Little Theatre (ILT).  Rehearsals are going very well.  Characters and relationships are developing, the set is looking good, and we are all having a lot of fun.

The little chippy!

That’s my husband and his girlfriend.  I sure don’t have good luck with stage husbands!  In 2015 it was William Druse, when I played the title character in Roxy.  He was abusive and a lousy provider, but at least he didn’t kill me.  Yeah, I killed him.  What’s your point?

I am jealous of the typewriter.

That is Dr. Fleming’s efficient secretary, Miss Petrie.  I don’t like to tell too much about the characters and how the plot unfolds.  I feel a little bad that I gave away that I get murdered, but it is in the title after all.  Other members of ILT are very encouraging to me.  They are all looking forward to me getting killed!

Guess which one is Columbo.

Prescription: Murder will be presented at Ilion Little Theatre, 13 Remington Ave., Ilion, NY, March 28, 29 and 30, and April 4, 5 and 6, 7:30 Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays.  For more information go to ILT’s website http://www.ilionlittletheatre.org or visit their Facebook page.

 

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I’m In The Play!

Posted on February 12, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

I had meant to make a Pre-Rehearsal Post, then thought maybe a Post-Rehearsal Post would be better, because I could take a picture of said rehearsal.  Of course I neglected to do so.  Never mind, I’ll just bill it as a Tired Tuesday post and drive on.

I hope at least some of my readers will be interested to find out that I got a part in Prescriptiom: Murder, the play I auditioned for at Ilion Little Theatre last week (perhaps you read my blog post about it).  I was very excited to be offered the part I wanted:  the wife that gets murdered!  I have two scenes, then I can spend the rest of the play in the dressing room crocheting.  I had a similar experience in And Then There Were None, back in 2011, before my blogging days.

A scene from auditions.

Here are two actors that are also in the cast, reading for two different parts from the ones they got, but I wanted to throw in a picture to pep things up.  I’m tired, remember?

The read-through went pretty well.  I am looking forward to working with the other actors, some of whom I have worked with before, some I have not.  It is one woman’s first play ever!  I will certainly do more blog posts about the play, eventually turning this blog into All Prescription: Murder All The Time.  Of course I hope you will stay tuned.

 

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Prescription: Auditions

Posted on February 7, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

I just got back from Ilion Little Theatre, where I auditioned for Prescription: Murder.  I have not auditioned for a play since late summer 2023, so it was kind of a big deal for me.  After my bad experience on Sunday ( blog post titled “The Real Dangers of VD”), I parked on the street.  As I walked up to the door, trying to step in others’ footprints till I got to the shoveled part, I saw a friend scattering sand.  Phew!

Check out the raincoat!

Prescription: Murder was the premier of Columbo, who regular readers will recognize as one of my heroes.  I think I did a good job in my readings, but there were a lot of talented people there.

The set was from the previous play.

I asked people if they minded if I took pictures for blogging purposes, and they were very gracious about it.  Everybody was nice, clapping after each scene was read.

They were plotting!

If I don’t get a part, I hope to work on costumes, props, or backstage.  I just love community theatre and hope to become more involved.  Like the song says, there’s no people like show people!

Auditions continue tomorrow, Friday Feb. 7, at 6, if any local readers are interested in auditioning.  Performance dates are March 28, 29, 30,  April 4, 5 and 6, with Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

 

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Back to the Theatre for Me!

Posted on November 8, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

Last night I attended the first meeting of the Ilion Little Theatre (ILT) Production Committee.  The club is trying to get a head start on the 2025-26 season.  I had meant to take a picture of the committee for blogging purposes but foolishly forgot.  Since almost everybody prefers blogs with pictures (or so I have heard), I will at least try to find a picture of the theatre in my Media Library (regular readers know this may take a while).

Now where’s that fourth wall?

Not surprisingly, I can’t find it.  Instead I went with a picture of a production in progress.  I’m not sure what play this was for, but I suspect it was Shattered Angel,  one of the historical dramas ILT put on in cooperation with Herkimer County Historical Society.  Shattered Angel came up in our discussion, as we talked about old plays, new plays, and plays yet to be written. I volunteered to write a couple of the yet to be written ones.

A thoroughly wonderful theatre experience.

I talked about how I would like to direct again but was having trouble finding a script.  I found the script for Leading Ladies, the cast of which is pictured above, by sheerest good luck.  A few directors had submitted proposals of scripts they would like to direct.  One director had submitted three possibilities, which I think is marvelous.  I need to start reading more plays.

I enjoyed the meeting and left feeling inspired to read plays, write plays, and possibly act in a few.  I realize I have not said anything substantive about plans for ILT’s next season.  Well. no solid decisions could be made at this point, and I do not want to get anybody’s hopes up for a production that may not happen.  For more information about or to get involved with Ilion Little Theatre, you can visit their Facebook page or website, ilionlittletheatre.org.

 

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No Theatrical Shenanigans for Me!

Posted on March 22, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

Last night I went to the monthly gathering of Ilion Little Theatre in Ilion, NY.  Of course I did not intend to go (just like I did not intend to go to Fratello’s on Wednesday, I suppose).  I was too tired, I had too much to do at home, I was really not in a sociable mood, and I had absolutely nothing to wear.  Still, when I stopped at the store to pick up a few things, I made sure to include a container of dip (Buffalo Chicken Style) and box of crackers, just in case.

I blame my friend Kim for talking me into it.  She said she did not want to go without me.  Well, she is an important member of the theatre; it was clearly my duty.  Full disclosure:  I took my shower, put on a robe and waited for her to text me and talk me into it.  I knew I could count on her.  I miraculously found something to wear and gathered my things.  I made sure to get some crochet together, as I fully intended to sit in a corner if I could find one, crochet, and not really talk to anybody.

I downloaded this picture just now, so I could have an illustration.

As soon as I walked in, I saw two of my favorite people. I got hugs, which I sorely need.  Soon I found myself chattering away, munching the crackers and dip I had brought, and wondering what I had done with my crochet.  Other favorite people showed up as well as many that while not favorites I like perfectly well (I hope that’s not damning with faint praise; after all, everybody can’t be my favorite people).  I found out that a number of people I know are in the current production.  I will tell more about that in a future post (preview of coming attractions)., and I certainly plan to go see it.

Eventually I did sit down and crochet, although I kept chatting with friends as I did.  I even enjoyed some of the pot luck supper.  Kim and I left before the theatrical shenanigans that were promised.  We usually leave before the activity.  Sometimes it is charades or karaoke or trivia.  Maybe some time when I do not have to work on Friday.  I was glad I went and hope to do more with Ilion Little Theatre in the future.

For more information about Ilion Little Theatre, you can Like them on Facebook or visit their website at www.ilionlittletheatre.org.

 

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In My Defense, Cheese!

Posted on October 4, 2023 by mohawkvalleygirl

Hands up, everybody who figured I would be making my Tired Tuesday Post late.  Now pat yourself on the back, because you were right.  I could say I was tired after my rehearsal, but the rehearsal was, in fact, not that strenuous.

What rehearsal, you ask?  Well, yes, I am in another play, this one with LiFT, the Little Falls Theatre Company.  I guess I just can’t help myself.  In my defense, it is a short, reader’s theatre piece, meaning minimal rehearsals and no lines to learn.  Additionally, it is in conjunction with the Little Falls Cheese Festival.  How can I resist cheese?  Most importantly, it was written by Angela Harris, the brilliant writer of Strike Story.  I love Angela!

Angela and I at a previous cheese festival.

I was a little stunned to realize that the Cheese Festival is this Saturday, Oct. 7.  I guess I somehow thought there was more space between September and October, or maybe that October had longer weeks.  Widow brain.  It’s a thing.

A shot of the 2019 cast.

The cheese plays are done like an old time radio program, complete with microphones.  The plots concern Mac Blac, the only problem solver in the Little Falls phone book.

A rehearsal from 2018.

This year’s play will be held at Little Falls Public Library at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.  Come on out and see us!  If you can tear yourself away from the Cheese!

 

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