Upper School Drama Presents its 2018-2019 Season!
Fall Play 2018: NOISES OFF
Michael Frayn’s Noises Off, takes a fond look at the follies of theatre folk, whose susceptibility to out-of-control egos, memory loss, and passionate affairs turn every performance into a high-risk adventure. This play-within-a-play captures a touring theatre troupe’s production of Nothing On in three stages: dress rehearsal, the opening performance, and a performance towards the end of a debilitating run. Frayn gives us a window into the inner workings of theatre behind the scenes, progressing from flubbed lines and missed cues in the dress rehearsal to mounting friction between cast members in the final performance. Brimming with slapstick comedy, Noises Off is a delightful backstage farce, complete with slamming doors, falling trousers, and — of course — flying sardines!
Helpful Show Information:
Auditions & Callbacks September 5-6-7
Rehearsals start September 26
Performs Nov. 15-18
Participation Form
Audition Flier
Buy TIckets - TBD
Please visit IN THE WINGS for more show and audition-related information
Winter Play 2019:
The Old Man and The Old Moon
Written By: PigPen Theater Company
A wildly theatrical and song-filled tale, The Old Man and The Old Moon takes us on a journey to the end of the world when an old man abandons his duty of filling the moon with liquid light to search for his lifelong love. With a rollicking array of ever-changing characters, staging, and contemporary folk-rock sounds, The Old Man and The Old Moon transforms the seemingly ordinary into sheer wonder.
Helpful Show Information:
Auditions & Callbacks November 28-29-30
Rehearsals start December 3
Performs Feb 7-10
Participation Form - TBD
Audition Flier - TBD
BUY TICKETS - TBD
Please visit IN THE WINGS for more show and audition-related information.
Spring Musical 2019:
Bye Bye Birdie
Book by: Micheal Steward
Music by: Charles Strouse
Lyrics By: Lee Adams
In the 1960’s rock & roll rules in small-town America as teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie has been drafted! But before he goes, he chooses All-American girl, Kim MacAfee, for a very public farewell kiss. Mayhem pursues with this tuneful high-energy score, with lots of teenagers everywhere and a hilarious script!
Helpful Show Information:
Auditions and Callbacks February 26-March 1
Rehearsals start March 4
Performs May 3-5 and May 10-11
Buy Tickets - TBD
Please visit IN THE WINGS for more show and audition-related information.
Last Season Highlights…
The cast and crew of Oliver! extend a sincere thank you to all those who continue to support the arts at Menlo!
View pictures more here
Menlo Drama Gives Back
The Menlo Drama Community believes in giving back. We are so fortunate to do what we love, and it is our mission to ‘Give-Back’ both on and off stage.
To date, Menlo Drama Give-Back has raised and distributed over $30,000 to various foundations, networks, and committees globally including SafeSpace, Karam Foundation, Delancy Street Foundation, Polaris Project, Perkins School, Larkin Street, Mercado Global, International Rescue Committee, and One Drop Foundation.
Drama Courses
About Menlo Drama
Menlo’s Upper School drama program includes courses in beginning and advanced drama in addition to producing full-length plays each fall, winter, and spring. Past productions have included Fiddler on the Roof, Avenue Q, The Miracle Worker, The Diary of Anne Frank, Little Shop of Horrors, and Urinetown.
Steven Minning
Steven Minning is the Upper School Drama Director. He has worked as a director and choreographer in New York and at theaters across the U.S. for productions such as Billy Elliot, The Lion King, Show Boat, The Will Rogers Follies, and Cirque du Soleil’s Dralion. He was the director/choreographer for major events such as the Coca-Cola Olympic reception in Atlanta and the 1994 World Cup opening ceremonies. He teaches Beginning and Advanced Acting and directs our three main stage productions.