American ADD

A pretty self-explanatory video.
Get DISTRACTED at New Century Theatre this 4th of July weekend!

Distracted Vine-Swinger

Retro ADHD-laden media. George totally needed treatment. How did he end up a full-grown man living in the jungle with a talking ape for a best friend? He wandered absentmindedly off into the flora while everyone else from the plane crash was getting rescued. Plus, whenever he went swinging on a vine, he never could - the most storied evidence of his condition - watch out for that tree.

DISTRACTED runs Jun 30 - July 9th.

Distracted Driver

Curating the best, funniest, cutest examples of distraction in preparation for the next show. Expect clips of sidetracked babies and spaced-out kittens.

DISTRACTED by Lisa Loomer will run Jun 30 - July 9th.

Praise for Painting Churches

The Daily Hampshire Gazette gives PAINTING CHURCHES  a glowing - or should we say "shimmering" - review!

Beyond Broadway

Cynthia Nixon and the Distracted dramaturg herself, Lisa Loomer, comment in this excellent video about the play that we're featuring next.

In the Headlines

NCT's Summer Season 2011 Opener is a Hit!

Sara Whitcomb, Nicole Ricciardi, and Kenneth Tigar receive well-deserved high praise from The Arts, Etc. for their performances in Painting Churches.

NCT: Nonstop Caffeinated Theatre

The turnover of shows during our summer season is rapid: days after one show ends, the next opens. This means that while a play is running onstage for audiences, the NCT staff is running around backstage, maniacally working to maintain the current production and to prepare for the upcoming. It's a pace that requires near-constant adrenaline rushes, i.e. it's a pace that demands ungodly amounts caffeine be made and consumed.

Not that we're complaining. We love coffee. In all languages.

It's Electric

The final hours before a show are filled with anticipation. And, yes: that hat is electric too.

 

(L to R): Kenneth Tigar, Sara Whitcomb, & Nicole Ricciardi are poised to present Painting Churches

Raise the Curtain! We're 21!

Our 21st season is in the house! New Century Theatre brings the party tonight with the premiere of Painting Churches. We're legal in all 50 states, ready for our debut & we hope that you all celebrate with us. What other birthday offers you a thrilling, live show?

What: Painting Churches Premiere
When: Tonight, 7:30 pm
Where: 1 Green Street, Northampton

The Book of Shannon

NCT's resident theatre expert - she's definitely the most knowledgeable, most rabid Broadway fan backstage -  Shannon O'Brien has some hypothetical Tony Awards that she would like to hand out.

Best Piece of Furniture: The Lego Bed in "Priscilla."
Best Use of an Animatronic Animal: "Arcadia." There's this turtle ... I just want to take it home with me!


But seriously, don't think Ms. O'Brien isn't serious about her Tony's. She is currently thinking through each of the categories to finalize a ballot of predictions, and she is taking many factors into account. Here are some sound bytes from a hardcore thespian's brain in overdrive as it contemplates... Who Will Win?

Best Musical: A best musical needs something that other musicals don't have. "The Book of Mormon" has a lot of somethings.

Best Director of a Play: Joel Grey. Joel Grey is really old. People want to give him awards while he's still alive.

Best New Play: "War Horse." Everyone cries.


While these predictions are subject to change (we'll post finalized guesses later), Shannon O'Brien is certain of one thing: It's going to be a star-studded night.

Sneak Peek Portrait

Left to Right: Nicole Ricciardi, Kenneth Tigar, and Sara Whitcomb

Artists almost never allow others to see a work before it's finished, so enjoy this family portrait! It's a preview of our upcoming Painting Churches.

Don't Feed the Actors (We Will)

The props list for Painting Churches by Tina Howe reads like a long menu. Literally. The play calls for tapioca pudding and Sara Lee banana cake, among other things, to be eaten onstage. Don't worry, we train our casts not to deliver lines with their mouths full.

 I remember when the play went to the Kennedy Center somebody telling me, I think I heard it right, that they spent—is this possible—$12,000 a week on the food. - Tina Howe on using real food as props in one production

Muscles Wanted

NCT is looking for a "big" body-building actor for upcoming summer production of SUPERIOR DONUTS. Late 20s to early 30s and ideally over 6 feet tall. Described as Dolph Lungren in the play. Has some lines. If interested or know someone who is please email info@newcenturytheatre.org. Thanks!

Q: Why Can't We Be Friends?

A: No reason why not!

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Premier Blog Post!

This is your source to learn about all of New Century Theatre's inner workings. We'll be posting show information, tidbits of backstage drama, stunning production stills, as well as random thoughts from cast and crew members. Check in with us from time to time! We aim to entertain!