Additional Performance for Merry Widow: Friday, March 3, 2006, 7:30 PM
Hymn Stories: Palm Sunday Treat
Learn the inspirations stories behind some of the Greatest Hymns of all time. Join noted lecturer the Reverned Dr Betty Lancaster-Short and the Amen Vocal Ensemble for a moving and inspirational Palm Sunday Afternoon.
Be prepared to join in and sing! The Concert is free to the public, however there will be a free-will offering to defray any exspense. This event has been growing each year.
Madeleine: Victor Herbert's Lost Opera
The Met presented the world premiere of Herbert’s second opera, Madeleine, on January 24, 1914. Successful turn-of-the-century playwright Grant Stewart wrote the libretto (he also wrote libretti for Henry Hadley), based on a French play by A. Decourcelles and L. Thibaut about a popular Parisian prima donna who has trouble finding a New Year’s Day dining companion.
Frances Alda played Madeleine and Paul Althouse appeared as her lover, François; Giorgio Polacco conducted.
While the audience seemed to appreciate Herbert’s effort, reviewers found less to like, the Times saying that it “did not appear…to add much to the distinction of American operatic art, nor to set up a notable landmark in its progress at the Metropolitan Opera House. The only advantage it seemed to possess over the American operas heretofore staged there may perhaps be found in the fact that it is considerably less expensive to produce.” The artists were complimented, but again, the Times found fault with the singers’ diction. The opera played six times in all.
(Times, January 25, 1914.)
History
THE THEATER ON THE SQUARE
Whenever the history of the arts and culture in Washington, D. C. is told, Mount Vernon Place Church and the Mount Vernon Players must be included.
In October 1936, live theater in this city consisted of touring companies stopping at the National Theater. That all changed when Edward P. Mangum attended a one act Play being presented in the sanctuary of Mount Vernon Place UMC, and Stayed to become the managing director of the players. With the aid of Dr John W. Rustin, this theatrical group1 grew and prospered. By 1947 there were more than 150 Catholic, Protestant, and Jews working together to present family theater before integrated audiences. They called themselves the Mount Vernon Players. Nowhere else in the Nation’s Capital at that time could this have occurred. MORE….
Rediscover
REDISCOVER-THE MOUNT VERNON PLAYERS
When was the last time you left the theater with your side aching from laughter, or were scared out of your wits, or left a theater humming one of the show’s tunes, or just received one of life’s little messages? Well, if you can’t remember then maybe it’s time to get acquainted (or re-acquainted) with the little theater on the square that has been entertaining audiences since 1936…The Mount Vernon Players.
We’re looking forward to playing an active role in the Washington community. With your support, the Mount Vernon Players will discover and promote local talent; bring educational and meaningful programs into public schools and churches. For those who yearn for theatrical entertainment the way it was meant to be, The Mount Vernon Players is the perfect answer.
Darryl Winston,
Managing Director Dwinston@mountvernonplayers.org
INTERNS WANTED
We are looking for talented and ambitious theater and musical-theater
candidates who are interested in earning credits towards their degrees. We need
future artists whose strengths and interests are in the following categories More...
Volunteer
Volunteer to assist with backstage and font-of-the house activities. Join us now!
Audition
Keep your eye here to find out about reviews, or register to receive email notices of auditions. Register NOW!
Contribute
As with any other Community endeavor, we welcome your support.
The Mount Vernon
Players 900
Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington,
DC 20001 (202) 783 7600
Join us for the 2006 Season at the Mount Vernon Players Theater.