Drama

MENLO US DRAMA’S 2019/2020 SEASON

Tartuffe ou L’Imposteur

Molière’s Classic Comedy

Wickedly good fun. This is a fantastic play/comedy about self-deception and hypocrisy - moral, spiritual, religious, economic, philosophical, and political. The religious hypocrite, Tartuffe, has wormed his way into the once ordered household and vulnerable heart of substantial merchant Orgon. Orgon is the man who has everything. Money, power, a beautiful home and family. Under the guise of piety, Tartuffe looks set to succeed in driving away Orgon’s son, marrying his daughter, seducing his wife, imprisoning Orgon himself and leaving the family destitute. When Orgon invites the irresistible Tartuffe into his seemingly perfect household, he unleashes a whirlwind of deception and seduction that threatens everything. With Orgon under Tartuffe’s spell, can his family outwit this charismatic trickster? Are Tartuffe’s wild claims truth or fiction? This mysterious stranger may not be quite the villain he appears.

Auditions - Just show UP!!
Wed & Thurs Nov 20 & 21, 3:30 - 6:30 pm, Florence Moore Auditorium

The Resident Director of Hamilton, Mark Schneider, will conduct a 2 day workshop in ‘Restoration Comedy’ which will become the actual audition. This process will take both days. There is nothing you need to prepare.

Helpful Audition Information:
Audition Flier
Synopsis
Show FAQs
Participation Form and Rehearsal Calendar
Character Descriptions
Tech Week 101

Showtimes:
Friday, Feb 7, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb 8, 2:00 p.m and 7:30 p.m
Sunday, Feb 9, 5:00 p.m.
Florence Moore Auditorium

BUY TICKETS - TBD

Cabaret Highlights…

The cast and crew of Cabaret extend a sincere thank you to all those who continue to support the arts at Menlo!

View pictures more here

Menlo Drama Gives Back

Menlo Drama Give Back raises $3,207 for The Sentry! The Menlo Drama Department strives to ‘Give Back’ both on and off stage. Through donations during our productions, we encourage public support for both national and international programs benefitting people affected by health, wellness, and community issues. To date, Menlo Gives Back has raised and distributed over $42,000 to various charities globally.

The cast of CABARET chose to support THE SENTRY. Africa is thedeadliest war zone since World War II, with the most recent genocide in South Sudan. The Sentry—a nonprofit composed of financial investigators, human rights lawyers, and Africa experts—follows the dirty money and works to shut war criminals and profiteers out of the international financial system. By blocking the funds that drive conflict and genocide, The Sentry seeks to create new leverage for peace and human rights in South Sudan and throughout Africa. Learn more at www.TheSentry.org.

Cabaret First Cut

Drama Courses

Drama

The first semester is intended for both the beginning student of theater and for the student who wants a more in-depth theatre experience. This course provides a brief overview of both the curious non-actor and the experienced younger actor. The course begins with a series of theatre games and exercises intended to give the student a basic knowledge of stagecraft, ensemble work, character development, and movement for the stage. Combining a smattering of theatre history along with an introduction to the aesthetic philosophy of theatre, students will learn an appreciation for all forms of theatre and awareness to the world of theatre beyond the classroom and its relevancy in today’s world. The second semester is designed to build on the practices and techniques introduced in the first semester. Through monologues, scene work, and presentations, this semester provides the opportunity to study, act in, and direct various dramatic scenes from full-length plays, which are examined in detail in their entirety. Students will learn basic technical theatre skills, with a “hands-on” approach to production.

About Menlo Drama

Menlo’s Upper School drama program includes courses in drama and musical theatre in addition to producing full-length plays each fall, winter, and spring. Past productions have included Heathers, Twelfth Night, Cabaret, The Laramie Project, Fiddler on the Roof, The Miracle Worker, Urinetown, The Diary of Anne Frank, and Avenue Q.

Steven Minning

Steven Minning is the Creative Arts and Upper School Drama Director. He has worked as a director and choreographer in New York, and around the world. As an Associate Director he has staged the Broadway, National and International tours of Billy Elliot, The Lion King, Show Boat, The Will Rogers Follies, and Cirque du Soleil’s Dralion. He has directed and choreographed for major events such as State Farm National Agency Convention in Las Vegas, the Coca-Cola Olympic reception in Atlanta and the World Cup opening ceremonies. He teaches drama and musical Theatre.