Announcing the Cast of Our Town
Nagoya Players is very pleased to announce the cast for our 2020 production of Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize winning play Our Town.
We have a few returning faces and a lot of new talent to showcase in this production. Nagoya theater veterans Matt Smith, Allan Van Der, Ritchie Croan, John Ahern and Joe Sichi are all familiar and beloved faces. They’ll be joined on stage by newcomers to the scene Emily Bailey, Holly McNamee, and Becky Barelle. We also have a family of youngsters on stage with the adorable Uta Tsuchida and her brothers Rintaro and Nikichi. And most exciting of all is our collaboration with Meijo University’s Faculty of Foreign Language. Several students from Meijo’s drama program, lead by Prof. Masami Iwai, will be making their English-acting debuts.
This show achieves so many of the goals we’ve set for our group. The Our Town production will bring in a new batch of young talent that will receive guidance, instruction and training from our experienced pool of actors and artists. Experience and youth working together on one of the true classics of the stage is a beautiful thing to see. We’re very excited to put this amazing show together for the city of Nagoya to enjoy.
Main Characters
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- Emily Bailey as EMILY WEBB
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- Kenyu Tanahashi as GEORGE GIBBS
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- Matt Smith as STAGE MANAGER
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- Holly McNamee as MRS GIBBS
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- Masami Iwai as DR GIBBS
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- Becky Barelle as MRS WEBB
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- Allan Van Der as MR WEBB
Supporting Characters
Ritchie Croan as SIMON STIMSON
Joe Sichi as HOWIE NEWSOME
Myu Umemura as MRS SOAMES
Yusuke Suzuki as JOE STODDARD
Marika Takeuchi as SAM CRAIG
Ayane Hashiba as WALLY WEBB
Uta Tsuchida as REBECCA GIBBS
Nikichi Tsuchida as JOE CROWELL JR
Rintaro Tsuchida as SI CROWELL
Ami Makino, WOMAN IN THE BALCONY
Risa Usui, LADY IN A BOX
John Ahern, BELLIGERENT MAN
The Gift of the Magi Wrap Up
(日本語訳は英語訳の後に続きます)
The Gift of the Magi will be remembered as one of the greatest shows in Nagoya Players’ long and storied history. Never before had we gathered such an amazing collection of diverse talent. From actors to singers to musicians to dancers, it was a star-studded affair. Behind the scenes we also had our production teams working diligently on a fantastic set, costume and lighting design. The weekend was filled with energetic audiences that laughed and cried their way through four heartfelt performances. We couldn’t have wished for a better show. Everything came together perfectly.
Show Photographer Geof Griggs was on hand to document this unique production. Geof’s photos beautifully capture the pageantry we put on stage. These photos make us very happy and very sad at the same time. We accomplished many great feats on The Gift of the Magi, yet it felt like it was over all too soon. There is only one thing I believe we could do to make the show even better, and that is to bring everyone back and do it again;)
We can’t thank Geof enough for working with us and helping us preserve our history. If you’re in need of professional photography Geof is flexible and available. Please check out his website:
https://www.geoffreygriggsphotography.com/
Enjoy the photos and share with us your special memories of the show!
Sincerely,
Shawn Mahler, Artistic Director Nagoya Players
「賢者の贈り物」は名古屋プレイヤーズの長い歴史の中で最も素晴らしい作品の一つとして、
みなさんの思い出に残る舞台となりました。アクター、シンガー、ダンサーみなさんの技術が見事に集結し多くの観客を魅惑することができたと思います。その他にも、セットデザイン、衣装、照明デザインなど制作に携わった人たちも一つになって舞台を成功に導いてくれました。私たちの心温まる舞台は観客の皆様に笑いと感動をお届けできたと思います。
私たちはこの公演を通して多くのことを学び多くを達成できました。長いようであっと言う間に終わってしまい少し残念な気さえします。ただもう一つできることがあるとすれば、この作品をもう一度再現することでしょう。
専任の写真家ジェフ・ジオス氏がキャストの笑ったり泣いたりする感動的なシーンを写真集にしました。どうぞお楽しみください。
名古屋プレイヤーズ
総監督 ショーン・マーラー
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Christmas Carol Workshop Wrap Up
Nagoya Players and Nagoya Union Church recently teamed up for a very unique and special event — NP’s Christmas Carol Workshop.
Christmas carols are an integral part of the holiday. For many people the tunes are familiar, the lyrics catchy, and the melodies easily put us in the holiday spirit. Yet, many of these songs carry with them deep and profound meaning. They retell traditions and stories from the Bible and for practitioners of the faith, they are songs of worship.
Pastor Michael Larsen gave an easy to follow presentation about the history of the carols. He cited several examples of where the carols can be found in the Bible and what the lyrics refer to. The Nagoya Players Choir joined in and sang a few carols mentioned in the presentation. We heard Joy to the World announcing the birth of baby Jesus and the melancholy yet powerful, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear. It was absolutely enchanting hearing them sung so beautifully within the walls of a church.
The Nagoya Players Choir has morphed and evolved since we started production of The Gift of the Magi back in April of 2019. It’s been several months of continuous work and improvement. This was definitely on the hardest parts of the show to prepare, but one which we are the most proud of. Thank you to the Choir and our Choir Director Shawnna Hunter for creating something so wonderful from scratch.
After the presentation and carol demonstration, the NP Choir lead the congregation in a round of We Wish You A Merry Christmas. The workshop was then followed by a delicious and bountiful Fellowship Super hosted by NUC.
It was a perfect Sunday filled with good tidings, worship and cheer!
Thank you to Nagoya Union Church for being such a gracious host. NUC will be conducting Christmas Worship Service on December 22nd. Please visit their website for more details.
http://nagoyaunionchurch.com/events/
And special thanks to Show Photographer Geof Griggs for capturing such a special event for us to remember. Check out his photography on https://www.geoffreygriggsphotography.com/
Please watch the choir in person as part of the show and hear all the amazing music they’ve prepared! The Gift of the Magi premieres Dec. 07-08, Higashi Playhouse.
Tickets available from Cast, Crew and Show Supporter IPE Academy.
Also available online and at select convenience stores via TicketPia, P-Code 495-574.
TicketPia
https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventCd=1927526
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Our Town•「わが町」July 2020
ABOUT THE SHOW
Our Town by Thornton Wilder is a Pulitzer Prize-winning play that has become one of America’s best known and most beloved shows. The story centers on the residents in the small town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. It’s a story of the ‘every-town’, a place we are all familiar with. Grover’s Corners represents core values shared by communities and cultures all across the world.
The show is performed in three Acts, with each act embracing the themes of Life, Love and Death.
Wilder’s writing has been praised for his beautiful delivery of universal truths. He speaks clearly and openly about what it means to be human. Our Town is a wonderful combination of humor, wisdom and sincerity. It is a fantastic show to experience live and a story that will stay with you forever.
ソートン・ワイルダーの『わが町』は、アメリカで１９３８年にピューリツァー賞を受賞し、最も愛される演目の一つに挙げられる作品です。ニューハンプシャーのグローバーズ・コーナーズという小さな町の住民たちを中心とした物語で、世界中のどこの町にでも起こりうる日常生活を表現しています。そして、グローバーズ・コーナーは世界中のコミュニティーと文化を分かち合う価値があることを象徴しています。
この舞台は、「人生、愛、死」というテーマで３幕で構成されています。
ワイルダーの作品は、普遍の真実を美しく描いていることで賞賛されています。彼は人間であることの意味についてはっきりとオープンに話しています。『わが町』はユーモア、賢明さ、誠実さを見事に組み合わさっています。ともに永遠に心に残る人生と物語を体験することができる素晴らしい舞台です。
COLLABORATION
We’re very excited to announce that Nagoya Players’ production of Our Town will be done in collaboration with Meijo University’s Faculty of Foreign Language.
We have arranged for a special workshop and on-the-job training experience for students studying English and Theater at Meijo to join us on this production. They will participate as both cast and crew.
Our goal is to give these young people practical experience and valuable exposure to the performing arts. We believe this experience will aid them in their future careers and prepare them for work in international environments. We hope it’ll encourage them to pursue careers in the arts and work in fields that contribute to society.
Our Town is one of America’s best known plays and is performed continuously throughout the year at high schools, universities and professional theater groups in the United States.
It is an excellent show not only for it’s story and messaging but also for it’s simple and traditional production. It is an ideal show to further expose Japanese audiences to English theater as well as train the younger generation in English acting fundamentals and theater production.
This combination of classic stageplay, education and youth will be exciting for local audiences and it will be a memorable show for everyone to enjoy.
PERFORMANCES
There will be a total of 4 performances:
Saturday, July 04th at 11:00 and 17:00
Sunday, July 05th at 11:00 and 17:00
２０１９年7月4日（土曜日）5日（日曜日）
１１：００と１７：００ 全４回公演
TICKETS
Tickets available from TicketPia (online, Family Mart & 7-11) and Cast & Crew. Also available at Show Supporter IPE Academy in Imaike.
チケットご購入はチケットぴあ（オンラインまたはファミリーマート、セブンイレブン）及びキャスト、スタッフ、IPEアカデミーにて直接お求めいただけます。
VENUE
Chikusa Playhouse•千種文化小劇場
Nagoya-shi, Chikusa-ku, Chikusa 3-6-10
※Please use public transportation. Paid Parking at the theater is very limited.
Access
By Subway 3 minute walk from Fukiage Station, Sakuradori Line
By City Bus get off at Okago
名古屋市千種区千種三丁目6番10号
TEL 052-745-6235 FAX 052-745-6236
※公共交通機関をご利用ください。
【交通アクセス】
地下鉄桜通線「吹上」下車 7番出口より北へ徒歩3分
市バス「大久手」下車すぐ
CAST
Coming Soon…
CREW
Matt D Smith, Director
Matt D Smith was born in England and holds a BA in English Language with Medieval Literature and an MA in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from the universities of Sheffield and Birmingham respectively. He has been living in Aichi prefecture since 2001 and is currently teaching at university level.
He has had a life-long love of the performing arts and performed for many years as a musician. He first took to the stage as an actor in Nameless Theatre’s 2014 production of Much Ado About Nothing and has been continuously involved in Nagoya’s creative/educational community, both on and off the stage, since then.
Matt will be performing in Our Town as STAGE MANAGER as well as assuming the role of Show Director.
More Coming Soon…
ABOUT THORNTON WILDER
Thornton Wilder (1897-1975) is an American writer whose innovative novels and plays reflect his views of the universal truths in human nature.
After graduating from Yale University in 1920, Wilder studied archaeology in Rome. From 1930 to 1937 he taught dramatic literature and the classics at the University of Chicago.
Wilder’s plays engage the audience in make-believe by having the actors address the spectators directly and by discarding props and scenery. Wilder won a Pulitzer Prize for Our Town, becoming the only person to receive the award in both the fiction and drama categories.
Frank Craven, Martha Scott and John Craven in the original Broadway production of Our Town (1938), winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama
ソーントン・ワイルダー（Thornton Niven Wilder, 1897年4月17日 – 1975年12月7日）は、アメリカ合衆国の劇作家、小説家。アメリカ演劇史における代表的劇作家の1人とみなされている。
ウィスコンシン州マディソンに生まれる。父親は新聞の編集者で、領事として香港、上海に赴任したため、1911年から12年まで、中国でイギリス系とドイツ系のミッションスクールに通った。のちアメリカのイェール大学に進学し、さらに考古学の勉強のためローマのアメリカン・アカデミーに留学した。学業を終えてからは、ニュージャージー州のローレンスヒルでフランス語の教師になっている。(from Wikipedia)
SUPPORTERS
Coming Soon…
FLYERS, PRESS & SOCIAL MEDIA
Word of mouth contributes hugely to the success of our shows. Please feel free to download the show’s flyer and share with friends and family on social media.
If you’re a media outlet and interested in covering Our Town or any other Nagoya Player’s production please download our press kit for more information.
メディア関連の方、「賢者の贈り物」について広告宣伝をご協力いただける方はプレスリリースをダウンロードしてください。
お友達、ご家族、ソーシャルメディアなど皆さんに宣伝していただけるよう広告をダウロードしていただけます。
‘Gift’, SOLD OUT•完売御礼 Dec 08 12:00
(日本語訳は英語訳の後に続きます)
We are so very happy to announce our first Sold Out show for The Gift of the Magi!
SOLD OUT
Sunday, Dec 08th, 12:00
The support from the Nagoya community has been overwhelming. The Cast and Crew have been inspired and are eager to give you a memorable performance!
Tickets are still available for other show times. But space is limited. We’re hoping to sell out more shows before we take stage.
Tickets available from Cast, Crew and Show Supporter IPE Academy.
Also available online and at select convenience stores via TicketPia, P-Code 495-574.
「賢者の贈り物」完売のお知らせ
完売御礼！
１２月８日（日）１２：００
その他３つの公演には残席がございますが、観劇ご希望の方は今すぐチケットをお求めください。
キャスト、スタッフ一同心から皆様のご来場お待ちしています。
チケットは、キャスト、クルー及びIPEアカデミーにてご購入いただけます。
オンライン及びチケットぴあ（P-Code 495-574）でもお求めになれます。
TicketPia
https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventCd=1927526
Interview with Gift’s ‘Jim’, Gareth Thomas
(English Below) 名古屋プレイヤーズは今回も素晴らしい役者さんたちに恵まれ、その中でも特にギャレス・トーマスさんの演技は必見！！
彼は名古屋プレイヤーズでの出演は初めてですが、母国イギリスにて幼少期より舞台に上がり、最近ではKPBシアターズのオリジナル作品「Gerry in The Attic」や「Double Agent」というショートプレイにも出演しました。
今回の舞台「賢者の贈り物」では不器用ながら憎めない夫の役を演じ、チャーミングで愛らしい人柄が観客の皆さんを虜にしてしまうでしょう。
そのギャレスさんがインタビューでご自身の事やクリスマスの本当の意味を語ってくれました。
１２月７日（土）８日（日）東文化小劇場にて出演する彼の舞台を是非見に来てください。
チケットは、キャスト、クルー及びIPEアカデミーにてご購入いただけます。
オンライン及びチケットぴあ（P-Code 495-574）でもお求めになれます。
Nagoya Players has been blessed with a history of strong Lead Male Actors, but amongst the best is Gareth Thomas.
The Gift of the Magi will be Gareth’s first show with Nagoya Players, but he’s no stranger to the stage. He’s been performing since childhood and was most recently featured in KPB Theater’s original musical Gerry in The Attic, as well as their short play Double Agents.
Gareth plays a bumbling, yet loving husband, JIM in The Gift of the Magi. His character simply oozes charm. We’re certain you’ll fall in love with him too.
Gareth sat down for an interview to discuss his background, recent roles and the meaning of Christmas.
Please watch Gareth and this amazing performance on stage, Dec 7-8, Higashi Playhouse.
Tickets available from Cast, Crew and Show Supporter IPE Academy.
Also available online and at select convenience stores via TicketPia, P-Code 495-574.
TicketPia
https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventCd=1927526
Special Thanks to KPB Theatre
https://www.kpbtheatre.com/
Photography Credits
Minoru Sato
Geof Griggs
https://www.geoffreygriggsphotography.com/
The Gift of the Magi Dancers
(日本語訳は英語訳の後に続きます)
We put the Cabaret in Christmas!
The dancing team of Valeriya Takazato, Emily Bailey and Thais Sayuri have been working hard for the past few months on their specially choreographed routine by Show Choreographer Jeff Fritch for our next show, The Gift of the Magi.
It’s very tastefully done and appropriate for all ages. It’s just a bit of spice to add to your Christmas Holiday;)
But why stop with cabaret?! We also have a very fun Tap Dance featuring Chiharu Sakamoto and Angeline Lagedamon, also choreographed by Jeff.
We recently did a photo shoot with everyone in their fabulous costumes. Special thanks to Chiyoko Uchiyama from Halentino for accessorizing our lovely dancers!
Please check out the amazing photos by Geof Griggs!
This show has it all! Dancing, singing, music and acting! We’re getting pretty excited!!
Tickets still available from Cast, Crew and Show Supporter IPE Academy.
Also available online and at select convenience stores via TicketPia, P-Code 495-574.
TicketPia
https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventCd=1927526
クリスマスにダンスでエキサイティング！！
ダンス振付け師ジェフ・フリッチ率いるダンスチーム ヴァレリア・タカザト、エミリー・ベイリー、タイース・サユリ３名は数ヶ月間少しづつ練習を積み重ねてきました。このトリオが披露するダンスは全ての年齢層の方に楽しんでいただけるよう振り付けされ、クリスマスを彩る素敵な１場面となりそうです！
もう一つのダンスチームはチハル・サカモト、アンジェリン・ラジェダモンの２人。タップダンスで観客を魅了します。もちろん、ジェフ・フリッチによる振り付けです。そして、１０月１９日にコスチューム担当のチヨコ・ウチヤマさんの協力でダンスチームの写真撮影が行われました。素晴らしいコスチュームはダンスをより一層引き立たせてくれます！
撮影担当はジェフ・グリッグスです。
（振付け師ジェフ・フリッチとカメラマンのジェフ・グリッグスは同じジェフですが、別人なのでおまちがいなく）
舞台は英語劇にダンス・歌・ミュージックが加わり、しんみりとした切ないお話なのに、とても楽しくエキサイティングなスパイスを効かせてくれます。お楽しみに！
チケットは、キャスト、クルー及びIPEアカデミーより
または、オンライン及びチケットぴあ（P-Code 495-574）でもご購入いただけます。
TicketPia
https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventCd=1927526
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Limited Edition Gift of the Magi T-Shirt•「賢者の贈り物』Tシャツ 限定販売
(日本語訳は英語訳の後に続きます)
Limited Edition The Gift of the Magi T-Shirt
Nagoya Players will be producing a small print-to-demand order for t-shirts featuring the The Gift of the Magi’s show logo on the front and Show Supporter Logos on the back. If you’d like your own shirt to remember the show (or maybe give as a gift;) please contact Shawn Mahler at NagoyaPlayers@gmail.com
We’ll also be printing a small run of shirts with Nagoya Players’ new blue and white logo. Simple and stylish. Show your love for community theater and Nagoya by sporting it around town!
DEADLINE TO ORDER IS NOV. 10
Shirts will be available for pick-up at The Gift of the Magi, Higashi Playhouse, Dec. 7-8th.
The Gift of the Magi Show Shirt ¥2000
Nagoya Players Shirt ¥1500
「賢者の贈り物』Tシャツ 限定販売
２０１９年１２月公演「賢者の贈り物」Tシャツ（赤）ができました。前面には演目のタイトル、後面にはスポンサーのロゴが入っています。限定販売ですので公演の思い出にいかがですか？
また、名古屋プレイヤーズ オリジナル Tシャツ（前面ロゴ入り青色）も製作しました。
「賢者の贈り物」Tシャツ（赤）：１枚２０００円
名古屋プレイヤーズTシャツ（青）：１枚１５００円
購入希望の方は名古屋プレイヤーズ ショーン・マーラーNagoyaPlayers@gmail.comまでご連絡ください。
尚、公演は２０１９年１２月７日（土）８日（日）１２：００と１６：００ 東文化小劇場にて行われます。是非、観劇にお越しください。お待ちしています。
Sing in English Workshop
(English Below) 名古屋プレイヤーズとIPEアカデミーの共同企画 Sing in English ワークショップにお邪魔してきました。このワークショップでは「Up On The Housetop」というクリスマスソングを練習しています。背筋を伸ばして、かっこよく立つ方法、声の出し方、発音の仕方などを丁寧に指導。頑張って歌詞も覚えてきてくれました。
このパフォーマンスは１２月８日（日曜日）東文化小劇場で公演の英語劇「賢者の贈り物」の前座で出演することになっています。牧島先生の合唱団５人も加わり、１２人の子供たちと大きなサンタさんが可愛らしいオープニンを飾ってくれることでしょう。
チケットは、キャスト、クルー及びIPEアカデミーより
または、オンライン及びチケットぴあ（P-Code 495-574）でもご購入いただけます。
TicketPia
https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventCd=1927526
We recently stopped by to visit the kids participating in Nagoya Players and IPE Academy’s Sing in English Workshop. For the past few weeks they’ve been learning the lyrics and how to sing the Christmas classic Up on the Housetop. And as a special bonus, they’ll get to perform the song live at the NP’s The Gift of the Magi.
These guys are adorable and very hardworking! It’s going to be super fun having them open the show for us. The Sing in English kids will be our warm-up act for the Sunday, Dec. 8th 12:00 performance. A special treat for anyone attending that show!
Tickets still available from Cast, Crew and Show Supporter IPE Academy.
Also available online and at select convenience stores via TicketPia, P-Code 495-574.
TicketPia
https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventCd=1927526
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Interview with Gift’s Tap Dancers, Jeff & Chiharu
(English Below) ダンスインストラクター ジェフ フリッチ氏は名古屋とアメリカにて２０年以上に渡りダンスの指導をして来ました。特にタップダンスに特化し、友人でもあり生徒でもある坂本千春さんと共に数々の舞台で踊ってきました。彼らのダンスは魅力的で楽しませてくれます。
このベストコンビの二人が名古屋プレイヤーズ「賢者の贈り物」に出演していただけることになり、インタビューでは２人の軌跡や舞台について語ってくれています。
彼らの楽しいダンスをお楽しみください。
チケットは、キャスト、クルー及びIPEアカデミーよりご購入いただけます。
オンライン及びチケットぴあ（P-Code 495-574）でもご購入いただけます。
Dance Choreographer Jeff Fritch has been teaching and training dancers in Japan and the US for over two decades. Jeff is tap dance specialist and one of his best students (and good friend) is Chiharu Sakamoto. Together Jeff and Chiharu have put on several tap performances and they always have something surprising up their sleeves!
Jeff and Chiharu have teamed up to perform a specially choreographed routine for Nagoya Players’ The Gift of the Magi. In this interview they discuss their backgrounds and the work they’re doing on the play.
Don’t miss out on this very fun and entertaining performance!
Tickets available from Cast, Crew and Show Supporter IPE Academy.
Also available online and at select convenience stores via TicketPia, P-Code 495-574.
TicketPia
https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventCd=1927526