NCT's Backstage Blog

It's a Phil-a-bration!

2011-07-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

Let the Laughing (& the Giving) Begin

We are hosting a very special benefit this Monday, July 18th at 7:30 in celebration & support of our dear friend, Phil Kilbourne, who was recently diagnosed with stage IV malignant melanoma. Moneys raised will go toward treatment costs not covered by the actor's medical insurance.

For those of you unfamiliar with Kilbourne, you can learn more about him, his work in Valley theatre & the important role he plays in our theatre community from this Daily Hampshire Gazette write-up.

Tickets to Phil-a-bration are $20; additional donations are appreciated. Reservations can be made online at: http://www.newcenturytheatre.org/specialevents or by calling the NCT box office at (413) 585-3220. Checks should be made out to Phil Kilbourne and can be brought to the event or mailed to P.O. Box 186, Northampton, MA 01060.

Phil-a-bration
Monday, July 18, 2011 :: 7:30 pm
Theatre 14, Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts, Smith College, Northampton, MA

Muscles (Still) Wanted

2011-07-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

NCT is casting a "big" body-building actor for upcoming summer production of SUPERIOR DONUTS. Late 20s to early 30s & ideally over 6 feet tall. If you or someone you know has a Herculean build & an interest in the part please email info@newcenturytheatre.org. Thanks!

You could be like A. Scwarz! Minus the bronzer & recent scandal.
What a deal!

I'ma Give You the World

2011-07-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

This deeply moving music video to Eminem's Mockingbird is exactly the style of DISTRACTED beloved character, Jesse.

NCT hopes to see you tonight at 8 for the final performance of this unforgettable show!

One Last Time: Get DISTRACTED

2011-07-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the closing performance of DISTRACTED. Come enjoy the superb acting, tenderness & comedy that this In the Spotlight, Inc. review highlights!

Ever wonder what Ritalin looks like under a microscope?

Get DISTRACTED one last time. Tonight, 8 pm.

Sound-Check Soundtrack: Hogwarts Edition

2011-07-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

No, we don't fully understand this video either. And, yes, we're excited about the new movie too, but Harry P. & Co. aren't really our focus here. (Besides, The Deathly Hollows has nothing on the live-theatre magic of NCT's DISTRACTED).

New Century Theatre cast and crew have been singing along to this catchy Wise Guys song before every night's performance. It's the sound-check soundtrack. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Get DISTRACTED tonight at 7:30 & stay after for the post-show talkback!

GO SQUIRREL GO!

2011-07-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

That rodent is a road-racer.

Another video for your distraction & entertainment. Alas, it's one of the last in our series. We don't want to ever stop sidetracking you, but our run of DISTRACTED enters its final week tonight. Be sure to catch this fast-paced performance while you can!

Get DISTRACTED July 5 - 9th.

NCT Daily Special

2011-07-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

Rehearsals for DINNER WITH FRIENDS begin, and our mouths are watering. We can't wait to enjoy the finished production! Also, all this talk of food makes us crave our own favorite dishes. Here's a sampling of NCT staff's recommendations for: recipes to try, food blogs to ogle, and restaurants to visit.

Northampton's Sweetest: Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee from Side Street Cafe.
Why: Much respect to Herrell's, but, when you're not out for ice cream, this is the most delicious dessert in town.

Most Appetizing: OMG Sexy Food (Dot) Com
Why: It's the best presentation and, yes, the sexiest of food blogs. For foodies and non-foodies alike, this is a must-visit. Plus, it includes links to recipes!

The Food Network's Finest: Red Velvet Cupcakes recipe from Paula Deen.
Why: If you want to bake the best red velvet, you need to bake the Paula way. The result is smoother than butter and tastier than anything.

Speaking of Paula Deen: Paula Deen Riding Things (Dot) Com
Why: It's a hilarious meme feast.

Distracted. By Celebrity Look-Alikes.

2011-07-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or is the resemblance uncanny?

Cate Damon (left) plays Mama in DISTRACTED, a role that Cynthia Nixon (below) introduced to Broadway.

It's Not a Waste of TIme if it Warms Your Heart

2011-07-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

Whether you're at work or... not, nothing slows productivity down like surfing through seriously cute animal videos. Honestly, you know you'd rather view a lemur being tickled than finish a press release or fetch coffee for the office's higher-ups, and that's totally fine.

We just ask that you be a responsible sort of shiftless. Waste your time wisely. Watch this omg-it's-so-cute-i-die-omg!-i-must-replay-it video. All the way through. It's the best animal video known to this connoisseur of cute. Then, as always...

Get DISTRACTED July 1 - 9th at New Century Theatre.

American ADD

2011-06-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

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

Distracted Vine-Swinger

2011-06-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-24T06:32:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

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

Beyond Broadway

2011-06-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-21T07:02:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-17T06:34:00.001-07:00

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

2011-06-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-06-16T06:38:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

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)

2011-06-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-06-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

A: No reason why not!

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Premier Blog Post!

2011-06-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

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!