By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Tickets are selling out quickly. There are a few performances left. The English language performance for tonight, 19 January, is sold out. There is only one more English language performance remaining, on Thursday evening, 26 January, at 8:00 pm. There will be Spanish language performances until 29 January, with no performances on Monday. Therefore, the remaining schedule is this week Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm (Spanish), Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm, and Sunday at 3:00 pm. Remember - the only remaining English language performance is Thursday, 26 January, at 8:00 pm. For tickets visit the Teatro la Quadra in El Cangrejo, or the "Nostalgia" store in Paitilla. See related article: Win Tickets To See RED by John Logan in Panama City.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

When Leo Wiznitzer first read the script for Red, he was smitten. In 2010 he wanted to see the play in New York, but became ill and had to settle for the text. When he showed the script to Bruce Quinn, the Director of the play, he also fell in love with it, Wiznitzer said. "I think what gives value to Red is not just how brilliantly it is written, but at the end you want to know more, investigate, discuss and think," said the co-producer and actor, who plays the part of Rothko.

The drama tells the story of the artist of abstract expressionism and one of the geniuses of the twentieth century. It occurs when Rothko hires a young assistant (Luigi Pezzotti) to help him create a series of murals for the Four Seasons restaurant in New York. The production process has not been easy, admits Wiznitzer, because they decided to present the play in both English and Spanish, and there as there was translation into Spanish he had to do it himself.

"Then we had to pay for the license by copyright, and to obtain the approval of the Spanish version by the author John Logan," he said. the presenting of the play first in English (on 12, 13, and 14 January at the Theatre Guild) and then in Spanish (from 17 to 29 January at the Teatro La Quadra) was "crazy", the first problem was the translation, then the memorization of the lines, because there is a lot of dialog. The total production took seven months. During the first five months they did one scene per month, and then they presented one night in Spanish and the next in English.

Does the fact that the work has been the best of Broadway in 2010 put pressure on the production? Wiznitzer says yes and no. "Yes, obviously it is an exceptional work and we respect that. But at the same time, the fact that it's an intelligent, well written and a fascinating subject makes our job easier," he says.

The play will be presented on weekdays at 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 3:00 pm.

Prices are $15 (general admission) and $7.50 (seniors and students) at the Theatre Guild, and $25 general admission, $15 seniors and $10 for students in the Teatro La Quadra. (Prensa)

Editor's Comment: The play will be presented in English on Thursday, 19 January and Thursday, 26 January in the Teatro La Quadra in El Cangrejo. There are nine other dates in Spanish from the 17th through the 29th of January as well. Tickets are on sale at the La Quadra theater in El Cangrejo, as well as the "Nostalgia" store in Paitilla. For more information visit their Facebook Page RED by John Logan (Panama).

Win Two Free Tickets To See This Play: Post a comment below, and I'll select a winner based on your input in response to the question: "So, why should I give you these two free tickets, anyway..." Can you tell I put a whole lot of thought into this? Maybe you can be more original or insightful than I was. Have at it, nothing ventured, nothing gained...   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received today via email: "Hi Don, I'm a theater producer from L.A. and am looking to connect with the arts community in Panama. is there an arts council of any sort? Who would you recommend I speak to, if you don't mind my asking? JMJ."

Start With The INAC: In Panama there is a government organization called the Instituto Nacional de Cultura (INAC) (National Institute of Culture.) They should be your "official portal" into the world of the community of fine arts in the Republic of Panama. However, since they are a governmental agency, chances are good you'll come away with some good information and leads, but you would also be well served to tag into the people who are involved in the arts as directors, producers, actors, and the like. Among the community of English speaking expatriates in Panama the clear leader is the Theater Guild of Ancon in Panama City. Many of the productions are based around the individual theaters themselves, and one of the most important and prolific is the Teatro en Circulo. Their website is not up to date (they still have their program for 2010 listed) but their contact information is there, and they can steer you towards making some contacts. You should also visit Teatro de Panama (Theater in Panama), which is much more up to date and current, and that website provides an overall view of the entire local industry. And as far as individuals is concerned, they have a listing of all of the active Actors and Actresses with their bios listed. And in getting away from Panama City, there's the Boquete Community Players, another active group of mostly expatriates. Anyway, that should be more than enough information to get started. Hope this helps.

Copyright 2011 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

BCP Theater & Events Center - Boquete, Chiriqui - The Boquete Community Players Theater announces a call of OPEN AUDITIONS for the November 18, 19 & 20 production of the Female version of THE ODD COUPLE. The cast consists of 2 adult female lead roles of Olive Madison and Florence Unger, as well as 4 adult female support roles and 2 adult male support roles. BCP is pleased to have a new Creative Director in the person of Leara Clausing, who has over 35 years in the theater, including acting, singing, directing, writing and teaching. Her background includes 2 years of study with famed New York acting coach Sanford Miesner, with study at San Francisco’s prestigious ACT and in Los Angeles both performing and teaching, as well as experience as a talent agent.

Ms. Clausing will be directing 4 plays throughout the year, with this Female version of THE ODD COUPLE as her debut directing effort at BCP. Ms. Clausing has been instructing an Actor’s Workshop for the last 2 months, honing the skills of the area’s actors. Future workshops may include a Director’s Workshop. Please come to the BCP Theater & Events Center to read for the 6 female and 2 male roles for the Female version of THE ODD COUPLE on either of the days of the Open Casting Call: Friday, October 1 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and Saturday, October 2 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The BCP Theater & Events Center is located in downtown Boquete, across the bridge on the right. For more information email: publicitybcp@gmail.com   

[www.improv8.com]

The Improv8 improvisation troupe is returning for another round of comic escapades! After having had two years of sell-out performances, they are back for the third year running to entertain and wow you.

With Comedy & Laughter, Tears & Fear, Fights & Romance…

The troupe of actors will entertain and inspire you with their quick thinking, instant wit and spontaneous acting ability performed through tasks and games lead by a host as well as there being audience participation and a musical twist.

This diverse performance rarely seen in Panama comes but once a year and must not be missed!

For 6 nights only the cast will alternate show nights with a new performance every night. You can come and see them as many times as you like because each night will be different!

Reserve Now to avoid disappointment!

Dates: 3rd, 4th, 5th, June 2010
Dates: 10th, 11th, 12th June 2010
Place: Theatre Guild of Ancon [map]
Time: 7.45pm
Donation: $10.00

Reservations: 212-0060 (answering machine only)
Cell: 677 507 28 (Danielle Scott)
Email: reservations@improv8.com

Click here for map to the Theatre    

Auditions for stage presentation of the Michael Frayn play ¨NOISES OFF¨ in August 2010 at The Theatre Guild of Ancon - Auditions for 5 male and 4 female actors between the ages of 18 and 50 at The Theatre Guild of Ancon (next to the DIJ on Via Boyd Roosevelt) in Ancon on Friday 28th May 2010 at 6.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturday 29th May 2010 – 3.30pm to 5.30pm. This well known award winning comedy/farce had successful runs in the West End of London and New York´s Broadway starting in the 1980´s winning numerous awards in the process. The show was made into a film starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve in 1992. This production by the Theatre Guild will be presented over 6 performances during the early part of August 2010 (provisionally 5th to 7th and 12th to 14th) Command of English must be very good to excellent as the performances will be in English. Prior acting experience would be useful but is not essential. The Theatre Guild of Ancon is a volunteer community theater. Actors who wish to participate do so as volunteers. To RSVP, please email the directors at: Bernard Callaghan - foresight@cwpanama.net Melanie Gilpin - melaniegilpin@gmail.com   

THE THEATRE GUILD presents the first production for the 2010 season, with the classic GREAT EXPECTAIONS by Charles Dickens. Directed by Rob Rivera and Produced by Kimberly Hall. It is a modern version. Celebrating our 60th ANNIVERSARY! GREAT EXPECTATIONS 22, 23, 24 & 29, 30 April and 1 May 8:00 PM Donation: $10.00 RESERVATIONS: (answering machine) 212-0060 Email: tgapanama@gmail.com Web: www.anconguild.com Synopsis: Pip, a lovable VHS store clerk and aspiring filmmaker, has a mundane everyday life. That is, until he crosses paths with the delightful Estella, the only person that can sweep him off his feet and make his heart sing. But things are not as rosy as they seem... spanning the 80's, 90's and 00's, these star-crossed lovers will break social classes, their friends life's work and each other as they struggle to come to terms with how the they truly feel. Pride, love, anticipation and intrigue await Pip as he tries to answer the riddle that has defined both his life and one true love: what happens when the unstoppable force meets the immovable object?    

The Foundation Opera Panama brings joy to the young and old, to new audiences and to our dedicated fans. OperaPanama’s innovative programs include: CHILDREN'S OPERA PROGRAMS. Performances by children for children (and the child in all of us) every Saturday, March-December. Foundation Opera Panama's children's program selects the most talented students to perform at schools throughout the country. This is many Panamanian children’s first introduction to the beauty of classical vocal music, performed for them by their own compatriots. OPERA MADURA PROGRAMS. Evenings of fun for Panama's wealth of mature talent over 60 years old. Opera Madura features senior singers and highlights the good life in Panama for ALL ages. OPERA STUDIO of Foundation OperaPanama selects four outstandingly talented singers each year. These singers receive scholarships for living and travel expenses and training in languages, stage techniques, vocal techniques and health, repertoire choice and auditioning skills, provided by our guest professionals. These essential tools for artists entering the professional arena help young Panamanian singers—and Panama itself--to attain world-class artistic stature and recognition. PLEASE SUPPORT these programs—and opera in Panama—by attending OperaPanama performances. NEXT--Music at the Beach in CORONADO, APRIL 17th, 8pm, at LA CARRETA equestrian center. The evening includes popular opera arias, show tunes, and classical Spanish favorites. Buffet dinner and show is $28.50, show only is $10. For information and tickets, please contact dr@operapanama.com. Bus transportation is available from Panama City for $15/person and overnight accommodations at the beach are available. For more information, please contact bobettejane@gmail.com. To ADOPT/sponsor A SINGER in the Opera Studio Program or To DONATE to the CHILDREN'S and OVER-60'S Outreach Programs, please contact Daryl Reis, Marketing Director Fundación OperaPanama dr@operapanama.com   

Boquete, Panama - Contact: publicitybcp@gmail.com - The Boquete Community Players Theater, which was recently renovated into a state of the art performance and meeting venue, continues to provide opportunities for local thespians to show their talent. The Broadway play DOUBT was performed in February to standing ovations by the full house audiences. Producer, Director and Singer Dana Applegate will be presenting Food For Thought on Wednesday, April 7 and Thursday, April 8 at 7:30 pm in the BCP Theater. The unusual evening will include tastes of four delicious foods and four delightful wines, with the opportunity to purchase the wines tasted. This isn’t a full meal, but rather a tasting…..the tasting and the evening of theater is $15 per person. Tickets on sale at Mail Boxes, Etc. on Boquete’s Main Street…or if you’re from out of town, contact dcapplegate@yahoo.com or call 6823-9940 for tickets. For those who want to make Food For Thought part of a weekend experience in Boquete, contact publicitybcp@gmail.com for suggestions on accommodations, from hostels to 4 star hotels. Boquete has it all. The evening will include the wine and food tasting and three comedic and dramatic short plays; 40 To Life, Emotional Baggage, and Everything Must Go. Music will be performed by Tom Werder, and vocal performances by Yella Werder and Dana Applegate. Cash bar will be available.   

DO NOT MISS THE UPCOMING PRODUCTION OF The Pulitzer Prize Winning and 4 Time Tony Award Winning Drama…….. “DOUBT”..at The new Boquete Community Players Theater    Click Here To Read The Full Article (219 words)