Also below, Davidson Community Players is up for Theatre Company of the Year and two 2008-9 Davidson College Theater Department productions (“Hamlet” and “Company”) are up for the outstanding college and university production award later this month at the 6th annual Metrolina Theater Awards.

Meanwhile, find out what’s on the college stage during the 2009-10 season, which begins with Moliere’s “Tartuffe” in October. Listings for those and other local theater events below.

‘ABSENCE’ READING

Davidson Community Players and New River Dramatists will host a staged reading of “Absence,” by Wendy Hammond, on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. It’s a benefit for Davidson Community Players and includes a Tuscan-themed cocktail reception provided by Campania Café.

Actors Randell Haynes and Patricia Randell will perform the show, a gripping two-character drama about a young, idealistic Mormon couple in 1945.  Peter, a brilliant Harvard graduate, is recruited into the CIA leading him into an increasingly secretive and dangerous life.  Spanning 60 years, the hard choices forced upon Mary when Peter’s military career leaks its way into their marriage challenge their love and their life together.  This reading comes in advance of the play’s United States premiere in mid-October, at People’s Light & Theatre in Pennsylvania.

The evening takes place at the Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St. Tax-deductible ticket donations are $30 and include the reception and play reading.  Seating is limited.  To make a reservation call 704-892-7953 or purchase tickets online through www.carolinatix.org.

The benefit is among a week’s worth of readings, a youth session, and an unusual dramatization in response to the Davidson Comprehensive Plan. Full schedule below.

METROLINA THEATER AWARDS

Last year’s Davidson College Theater Department productions of “Hamlet” and “Company” are among the five nominees for “Outstanding Production” in the College and University category of the 6th annual Metrolina Theatre Association Theatre Awards.

Davidson Community Players’ “West Side Story” is up for Outstanding Production in the Regional-North area. And Davidson Community Players is also nominated for Theatre Company of the Year.

A long list of local actors, directors and behind-the-scenes experts are also nominated. Read more about the event and this year’s nominees at http://metrolinatheatre.org.
The awards ceremony, which some call Charlotte’s own version of the Tony Awards, is scheduled Sunday, Sept. 20, at McGlohon Theater in Spirit Square, Tryon Street, Charlotte.

The association encompasses more than 50 organizations, as well as actors, directors, and producers across the region. The evening begins with “red-carpet” arrivals at 5:30, and a reception before the 7 p.m. curtain. The show includes scenes from the past theater season.
Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Call Blumenthal Performing Arts Center box office at 704-372-1000, or purchase online at http://carolinatix.org.

KIDS DRAMA CLASSES

Davidson Community Players Connie Co. offers fall drama classes for kids, tweens and teens beginning the week of Sept. 21

Classes include theater play and improvisation for elementary schoolers, homeschool theater classes, and “Monologue and Scene Study,” “Play Production,” a “Young Women’s Acting Ensemble” and “Musical Theater Technique” for middle and high school students. Some classes for teens may require an audition.

The classes are offered in cooperation with Davidson Parks & Recreation. For registration information and complete schedule, visit d-recs.org.

For Information about the Connie Company email artistic director Melissa Ohlman-Roberge or call 704-892-7953.

THEATER AT DAVIDSON

Davidson College’s theater department will kick off its 2009-10 season with a production of Moliere’s “Tartuffe,” directed by professor Ann Marie Costa, Oct. 23-31 at Duke Family Performance Hall.

“Tartuffe” is a funny and provocative French comedy about the spiritual counselor to the well-to-do Orgon. But Tartuffe turns out to be a fraud and has his eye on Orgon’s wife and fortune. It’s a play full of hilarious twists and turns. Christopher Hampton’s colloquial translation gives new insights into this tale of religious hypocrites and those taken in by them.

“Tartuffe” is the first of two Mainstage productions at Duke Family Performance Hall. In March, the theater department produces Ken Ludwig’s “Leading Ladies,” a hilarious new comedy about love, theatre and cross dressing, by the author of “Lend Me a Tenor.” Directed by theater professor Mark Sutch, “Leading Ladies” runs March 24-28.

In the college’s second stage series, in The Barber Theatre in Cunningham Theatre Center, the calendar includes: “Alice in Wonderland” (Nov. 11-15), Rupert Barber’s “Annavel and the Funny Little Man: A Rumplestiltskin Tale” (Jan. 22-24), “Nine Parts of Desire” by Heather Raffo, an examination of the lives of several Iraqi women at the dawn of the 21st century, based on interviews (Feb. 17-21). April will bring the spring student production series and two series of student one-act plays.

For more information about the series, go to the 2009-10 theater schedule on the college website.

WAREHOUSE PAC WRITING WORKSHOPS

Warehouse Performing Arts Center in Cornelius offers a variety of writing workshops this fall to inspire creativity and self-exploration.  They include the “Art of the Personal Essay” and “Writing Your Life” with Rosie Molinary, memoire writing with Gilda Morina Syverson, poetry classes, with L.B. Green and Terri Wolfe.

Full descriptions, registration information, and instructor bios are available on the Warehouse PAC website:
www.warehousepac.com.  
Or email Marla Brown at:  marla@warehousepac.com for any questions. Warehouse PAC is at 9216-A Westmoreland Road, Cornelius.

THEATER CALENDAR

New River Dramatists 2009 Davidson Residency

THURSDAY TO SATURDAY, SEPT. 11-13, and MONDAY TO WEDENESDAY, SEPT. 14-16, 1 p.m. daily except Sept. (noon), Armour Street Theater, 307 Armour St. – New River Dramatists 2009 Davidson residency offers public sessions where you’ll be able to watch the nonprofit drama incubator in action. These script-development sessions are guided by the artistic director and supported by other playwrights, performers and feedback from observers. Watch the next great American play as it’s born. Details: 704-892-7953. Hosted by Davidson Community Players, www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 9 a.m., Warehouse Performing Arts Center, 9216-A Westmoreland Rd., off Statesville Road, Cornelius – New River Dramatists conducts a Young Playwrights Session, bringing its new play development process to young playwrights. Readings will be conducted of works in progress by several local teen writers. Open to the public.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 7 p.m., Armour Street Theatre, Armour and Watson streets – New River Dramatists and Davidson Community Players present a cocktail reception and benefit with a staged reading of “Absence,” a new play by Wendy Hammond. The play will debut in October at People’s Light & Theater in Pennsylvania. $30 per person, proceeds go to Davidson Community Players. Info and tickets at 704-892-7918 or online.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 15, 7 p.m., Armour Street Theater, 307 Armour St. – “Talking with New River: At the Heart of New Play Development.” A community even presented by New River Dramatists discussing the state of new plays in the U.S. and their process for new play development. How can our local arts scene cultivate and support new works? Moderated by Marla Brown of the Warehouse Performing Arts Center in Cornelius.

SUNDAY, SEPT 13, 1 p.m., Armour Street Theater, 307 Armour St. – “Visions of the Future: A Response to the Davidson Comprehensive Plan.” New River Dramatists will present a dramatization and response to the plan, which has been under development over the past year by consultants, planners and local citizen committees, who are drafting a new vision for future development in Davidson.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 20 7 p.m., McGlohon Theatre, Spirit Square, Charlotte – 6th annual Metrolina Theatre Association Theatre Awards. Nominees and other info at http://metrolinatheatre.org. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Call Blumenthal Performing Arts Center box office at 704-372-1000, or purchase online at http://carolinatix.org.

SUNDAY AND MONDAY, SEPT. 27-28, Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St. Auditions for Davidson Community Players’ December production of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” directed by Anne Lambert. Times: 6 p.m. for youth, 7 p.m. for adults, consisting of cold readings from the script. Bring a resume or list of theater experience, a recent picture and a list of conflicts for the October-December time period. Callbacks will be Sunday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m.; rehearsals begin Oct. 12, 7 p.m. Requires 9 or 10 men, 7 or 8 women and 4 children (2 boys, 2 girls). www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org

OCT. 8-25, Davidson Community Players’ Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St. – “Almost Maine,” directed by Melissa Ohlman-Roberge. www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org

OCT. 23-25 and OCT. 30-31, Davidson College Duke Family Performance Hall – The Davidson College Theatre Department’s 2009-10 Mainstage Series begins with “Tartuffe” by Moliere, translated by Christopher Hampton, directed by theater professor Ann Marie Costa. Performances Oct. 23-24 and Oct. 30-31 at 8 p.m., Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. (Recommended for ages 13 and up.) Admission $15, seniors $11, faculty/staff $9, students $6. Details: 704-894-2135 or www.davidson.edu/tickets

DEC. 3-20, Davidson Community Players Armour Street Theater, 307 Armour St. – “It’s a Wonderful Life,” directed by Anne Lambert. www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org

NOV. 11-14, Cunningham Theater Center Barber Theater – Davidson College theater department presents “Alice in Wonderland,” script by the Manhattan Theatre Project under the direction of Andre Gregory. Directed by Davidson senior Samantha Karlin. An innovative adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s uproarious books is aimed at adults as it brings out the classic stories’ darkness, surreality and loopy humor. Shows Wednesday, Nov. 11 to Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 15, 2 p.m. Details on the college website.

FEB. 17-21, Cunningham Theater Center Barber Theater – Davidson College theater department presents “Nine Parts of Desire” by Heather Raffo, directed by Sharon Green. The play, based on interviews, examines the lives of several Iraqi women at the dawn of the 21st century. Performances Wednesday, Feb. 17, to Saturday, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 21, 2 p.m. Details on the college website.

JAN. 22-24, Cunningham Theater Center Barber Theater – Davidson College theater department presents “Annavel and the Funny Little Man: A Rumplestiltskin Tale,” as retold for children of all ages by Rupert T. Barber Jr., directed by Melissa Ohlman-Roberge. Performances Friday, Jan. 22, at 4:30 and 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 23, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 and 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 24, 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Details on the college website.

MARCH 23-28, Davidson College Duke Family Performance Hall – The Davidson College Theatre Department’s 2009-10 Mainstage Series concludes with “Leading Ladies,” by Ken Ludwig, directed by theater professor Mark Sutch. Performances March 24-25 at 7:30 p.m., March 26-27 at 8 p.m., and March 28 at 2 p.m. Admission $15, seniors $11, faculty/staff $9, students $6. Details: 704-894-2135 or www.davidson.edu/tickets

APRIL 2010, Cunningham Theatre Center, Barber Theatre – Davidson College theater department Spring Student Production Series: April 15-16 at 7:30 p.m., Studio Theatre Class Production; April 22-23, 7:30 p.m., One-act series I; April 29-30, 7:30 p.m., One-act series II. Details on the college website.

Tobias Wolff (left) and Robin Wright lecture at Davidson College this week.

Our calendar of events this week in and around Davidson includes music, theater, a Town Board meeting, public lectures and sporting events at Davidson College and the first Shalom Lake Norman Festival. And next weekend is Homecoming at Davidosn College.

Tobias Wolff, author of “Old School” and other books, lectures and signs books Tuesday night at Davidson College. Then on Wednesday award-winning journalist and commentator Robin Wright will speak on “Turmoil in Iran: What’s Next?” Both lectures are free.

Charlotte Writers’ Club North hosts poet Barbara Presnell on Thursday. Also, a new adoption support group begins meeting Tuesday at Davidson United Methodist Church. Details below under Ongoing Events
New River Dramatists’ weeklong Davidson residency begins Thursday, includes a variety of public events. There’s a staged reading of a new play, “Absence” by Wendy Hammond,” on Saturday night that will raise funds for Davidson Community Players. And Sunday, Sept. 13, New River dramatists will stage an unusual dramatization called “Visions of the Future” in response to the Davidson Comprehensive Plan now under development with consultants and citizen committees.

The Shalom Lake Norman Festival is scheduled Sunday, Sept. 13, noon to 4 p.m., at Ramsey Creek Park, on Lake Norman, off West Catawba Avenue in Cornelius. It’s the first festival of its kind in the area, coming just before the Jewish High Holidays. Organizers invite residents to come sample ethnic foods, dance and music, enjoy kids’ games and rides, and more.

On Saturday, there’s a free movie screening on the Village Green. And Sunday, it’s another downtown Davidson Concert on the Green, with the band Tropic Culture.

In sports, the Davidson College women’s field hockey team takes on North Carolina Tuesday night at Belk Turf Field. The women’s soccer team hosts UNC Charlotte Thursday. The men’s soccer team hosts the Adidas Classic Friday through Sunday. The football team opens its home season Saturday at Richardson Stadium against Lenoir-Rhyne. And the college hosts is annual Wildcat Classic this weekend.

DavidsonNews.net’s calendars are updated continuously. Check back often for additions and changes. And make sure to come back Thursday when our Weekend Calendar helps you plan your weekend.

WEEK OF SEPT. 7-13

TUESDAY, SEPT. 8, noon, Cornelius Town Hall – Lake Norman Transportation Commission I-77 task force meets with representatives from N.C. Department of Transportation to discuss the history and future of planning for I-77. See our Aug. 14 news item for details.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 8, 6 p.m., Belk Turf Field – Davidson women’s field hockey vs. North Carolina.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 8, 6 p.m., Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – Davidson Town Board monthly meeting. Agenda includes a presentation to veterinarian Dick Hay and a downtown Davidson update by Downtown Director Sandy Lemons. The board will vote on an updated and reformatted Planning Ordinance as well as several budget amendments for both 2008-9 and 2009-10, the latter to reflect the addition of $314,600 loan proceeds, to buy property on Beaty Street. Agenda on the town website.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 8, 7:30 p.m., Duke Family Performance Hall – Lecture by Tobias Wolff, author of “This Boy’s Life” and “Old School,” Mr. Wolff also will sign copies of “Old School” and his other books during a reception after his talk. Free. Published in 2003, “Old School” is the first-year reading assignment for Davidson’s new students this fall, and the opening event in a year-long Celebration of Honor and Integrity at the college. Details on the college website.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 8 p.m., Duke Family Performance Hall – Robin Wright, award-winning journalist and commentator, will speak on “Turmoil in Iran: What’s Next?” She will discuss recent developments in Iran, including this summer’s presidential election and its consequences. Ms. Wright has won awards including a MacArthur Foundation grant, the United Nations correspondents’ Gold Medal for coverage of international affairs, and the Weintal Prize for “the most distinguished diplomatic reporting.” In 1989, she earned the National Magazine Award for her coverage of Iran featured in The New Yorker. Following the lecture, Ms. Wright will sign copies of her book “Dreams and Shadows.” Free. For information call 704-894-2440.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 5 p.m., Davidson Day School fields – Davidson’s new combined Davidson Day/Community School of Davidson middle school football team, the Patriots, plays a home game against Northside Christian Academy. (Click here to read our report on the new team and see their full schedule.)

THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 7 p.m., Davidson College Alumni Soccer Stadium – Davidson women’s soccer vs. UNC Charlotte.

Barbara Presnell

THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 7 p.m., So Alive Art Gallery, 108 S. Main St. – Charlotte Writers’ Club North hosts poet Barbara Presnell as its guest speaker. Her collection “Piece Work” won the 2006 Cleveland State University Poetry Center’s First Book Prize, and was published by CSU in 2007. In addition, she has published three chapbooks, and her poems appear widely in journals and anthologies. She is a 2002 and 2008 recipient of a North Carolina Arts Council Fellowship. Charlotte Writers’ Club North meets at 7:00 pm on the first Thursday of each month at in Davidson. Free. Details: www.charlottewritersclub.org.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 7:30 p.m., Sloan Music Center, Tyler-Tallman Hall – Brad Gooch professor of English at William Paterson University. Gooch will speak on “Walking Backward: Flannery O’Connor’s Life and Work.” Free. For information call 704-894-2254.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – Live music: TBA. Info: 704-895-9090

THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 8 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St. – Live music with “Phil.” Details: 704-987-2022

FRIDAY, SEPT. 11 through SUNDAY, SEPT. 13 – 2009 Homecoming weekend at Davidson College, with reunions for the classes of 1949 (60th), 1954 (55th), 1963, 1964, and 1965 (45th Cluster Reunion), 2004 (5th). Also, sporting events, campus tours and more.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 11, 2:30 p.m., Martin Lecture Hall B25 – Chemistry Colloquium: Dr. Conchita Jimenez-Gonzalez, director of operational sustainability at GlaxoSmithKline, will speak about “Applying Green Chemistry in the Pharmaceutical Industry.” Free. Refreshments served beforehand at 2 p.m. in Martin Lobby. For information call 704-894-2307.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 11, 6:30 p.m., Campania Cafe, South Main Square, 416 S. Main St. – Weekly Party on the Porch with live music: Clyde Derberry.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 11, 7 p.m., Davidson College Belk Arena – Volleyball vs. UNC Wilmington in the Wildcat Classic.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 11, 5 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., Davidson College Alumni Soccer Stadium – Davidson hosts the Adidas Classic men’s soccer tournament. Friday games: 5 p.m., Georgetown vs. Coastal Carolina. 7:15, Davidson vs. UNC Asheville. Schedule here.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 11, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – Live music on the back porch stage: TBA. Info: 704-895-9090.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 11, 8 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St. – Live music: Jason Marcum. Details: 704-987-2022.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 8 a.m. to noon, downtown Davidson next to Town Hall – Davidson Farmers Market, with local farmers and vendors selling meats, produce, dairy products, baked goods, and other items. More about this week’s schedule: www.davidsonfarmersmarket.org. DavidsonNews.net is pleased to be sponsor of the Davidson Farmers Market.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., CVS store at 127 S. Main St. – The CVS store in downtown Davidson holds the second of six Easter Seals Car Wash sessions, through Oct. 10, with hotdogs and drinks available for $1 each starting at 10 a.m. Carwashes will be available for a donation to the Easter Seal program, which provides hope for people with disabilities.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 10 a.m., Davidson College Belk Arena – Davidson volleyball vs. Radford.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 3 p.m., Davidson College Belk Turf Field – Davidson field hockey vs. Indiana.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 7 p.m., Davidson College Belk Arean – Volleyball vs. Canisius in the Wildcat Classic.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – Live music with Rusty Knox, Brad Reddick and Michael Orlando. Info: 704-895-9090

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 8 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St. – Live music with Spencer Rush. Details: 704-987-2022

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Davidson Village Green, Main Street and Concord Road – “A Family, A Fair: A Parenting Festival at the Lake” hosted by La Leche League of Lake Norman and Town of Davidson. Free, with silent auction and children’s activities. More information at http://lakenormanlll.weebly.com/a-family-a-fair.html

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 1 p.m., Davidson College Richardson Stadium – First home game for Davidson football, vs. Lenoir-Rhyne.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 2-8 p.m., Homewood Suites, Exit 30 – Endless Summer Quarterly record show and convention. Musicians will be attending, and dealers will have merchandise including Beach Boys and Jan & Dean memorabilia, as well as other records and CDs. Also, premiere of Surf City Allstars new CD “Acoustic Vibrations,” a collection of well known Beach Boy and Jan & Dean classics performed by the group. http://endlesssummerquarterly.blogspot.com/

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 8 p.m., Midtown Sundries, West Catawba Ave., Cornelius – Benefit concert for Cornelius Animal Shelter, sponsored by Endless Summer Quarterly. Appearances scheduled by Dean Torrence (Jan & Dean), David Marks (one of the original founders of the Beach Boys), Billy Hinsche (longtime touring member of the Beach Boys), Gary Griffin, Chris Farmer, Philip Bardowell, David Logeman, Jez Graham, and Chris English. http://endlesssummerquarterly.blogspot.com/

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 8:30 p.m., Davidson Village Green, Main Street and Concord Road – Free outdoor screening of “Hotel for Dogs” on the inflatable screen. Free. Details on the Cornelius Parks & Rec website.

Viva Klezmer

SUNDAY, SEPT. 13, noon to 4 p.m., Ramsey Creek Park, Cornelius – Jewish Council of Lake Norman presents the first Shalom Lake Norman festival, featuring klezmer music with Viva Klezmer, soloists, an Israeli dance group, a climbing wall, a sailboat, and children’s crafts and rides. They’ll also have a sale of Judaica jewlry and ethnic food. Organizers hope it will become an annual celebration. www.shalomlakenorman.com

SUNDAY, SEPT. 13, 6-8 p.m., Village Green, Main Street and Concord Road – Downtown Davidson Inc. presents a Concert on the Green, with Tropic Culture. Picnic contest theme: Most Colorful … Taste the Rainbow. www.downtowndavidson.org

SUNDAY, SEPT. 13, 1 and 3:15 p.m., Davidson College Alumni Soccer Stadium – Davidson hosts the Adidas Classic men’s soccer tournament. Sunday games: 1 p.m., UNC Asheville vs. Georgetown, 3:15, Davidson vs. Coastal Carolina. Schedule here.

THEATER AND FILM

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 9 a.m., Warehouse Performing Arts Center, 9216-A Westmoreland Rd., off Statesville Road, Cornelius – New River Dramatists conducts a Young Playwrights Session, bringing its new play development process to young playwrights. Readings will be conducted of works in progress by several local teen writers. Open to the public.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 7 p.m., Armour Street Theatre, Armour and Watson streets – New River Dramatists and Davidson Community Players present a cocktail reception and benefit with a staged reading of “Absence,” a new play by Wendy Hammond. The play will debut in October at People’s Light & Theater in Pennsylvania. $30 per person, proceeds go to Davidson Community Players. Info and tickets at 704-892-7918 or online.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 8:30 p.m., Davidson Village Green, Main Street and Concord Road – Free outdoor screening of “Hotel for Dogs” on the inflatable screen. Free. Details on the Cornelius Parks & Rec website.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 15, 7 p.m., Armour Street Theater, 307 Armour St. – “Talking with New River: At the Heart of New Play Development.” A community even presented by New River Dramatists discussing the state of new plays in the U.S. and their process for new play development. How can our local arts scene cultivate and support new works? Moderated by Marla Brown of the Warehouse Performing Arts Center in Cornelius.

SUNDAY, SEPT 13, 1 p.m., Armour Street Theater, 307 Armour St. – “Visions of the Future: A Response to the Davidson Comprehensive Plan.” New River Dramatists will present a dramatization and response to the plan, which has been under development over the past year by consultants, planners and local citizen committees, who are drafting a new vision for future development in Davidson.

SUNDAY AND MONDAY, SEPT. 27-28, Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St. Auditions for Davidson Community Players’ December production of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” directed by Anne Lambert. Times: 6 p.m. for youth, 7 p.m. for adults, consisting of cold readings from the script. Bring a resume or list of theater experience, a recent picture and a list of conflicts for the October-December time period. Callbacks will be Sunday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m.; rehearsals begin Oct. 12, 7 p.m. Requires 9 or 10 men, 7 or 8 women and 4 children (2 boys, 2 girls). www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org

OCT. 8-25, Davidson Community Players’ Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St. – “Almost Maine,” directed by Melissa Ohlman-Roberge. www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org

DEC. 3-20, Davidson Community Players Armour Street Theater, 307 Armour St. – “It’s a Wonderful Life,” directed by Anne Lambert. www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org

GALLERIES & ART EVENTS

FRIDAY, SEPT. 11, 7-9 p.m., Cornelius Arts Center/Community Arts Project, 19725 Oak St., Cornelius – Opening reception for exhibit of paintings by Manny Rashet. More information under Cornelus Arts Center below. Details: 704-892-7323 or www.creativeartexchange.org

DAVIDSON COLLEGE VISUAL ARTS CENTER, Smith Gallery, Davidson College, 315 N. Main St., at Griffith St. – Through Oct. 7: “2009 Studio Art Faculty Exhibition” with etchings of human forms by Herb Jackson, bronze models of monumental public art sculptures by Cort Savage and prints and video by Rebekah Tolley. Also through Oct. 7, “Cristina Toro: Alive on the Intricate Earth Under Trees,” in the Smith Gallery, with paintings by the Puerto Rico-born artist from upstate NY. Hours: Weekdays, 11-4.

CORNELIUS ARTS CENTER/COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECT, Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St., behind the police station, Cornelius – Through Oct. 30: paintings by Manny Rashet. Free opening reception Friday, Sept. 11, 7-9 p.m. Gallery open Mondays to Thursdays, 9 a,.m. to 5 p.m. Details: 704-892-7323 or www.creativeartexchange.org

ARTWORKS ON MAIN, 165 N. Main St., Mooresville – Oil paintings by Marlise Newman, of Charlotte. She’s the featured artist during the September Gallery Crawl, Friday, Sept. 11, 6-9 p.m. Music by Billy Jones. 704-664-2414. www.artworksonmain.com

MERRILL-JENNINGS GALLERIES, 463 S. Main St. – “The Summer Show,” featuring new works by gallery artists. Through August the gallery will offer rotating original art by all the gallery regulars, with major exhibits by impressionist Dee Beard Dean, expressionist Charlotte Foust, landscapes by Susan Jennings and Ray Byram, folk art by Addie James, whimsical collages by Betsey Hampton, and more. Hours: Mon-Fri 10–5, Sat 10–3. For more information call 704-895-1213 and visit the website at www.merrilljennings.com

DAVIDSON TOWN HALL Atrium Gallery, 216 S. Main St. – Through Oct. 24 Photographs by Dana Pianowski and metal sculpture by Rich Nossell. Ms. Pianowski, of Davidson, has studied at Parsons School of Design and International Center of Photography in New York. Mr. Nossell is a native of Long Island, N.Y., who now lives in Huntersville and makes custom furniture. Open weekdays during Town Hall hours, and other times during Town Hall events.

CHRISTA FAUT GALLERY, 19818 North Cove Road, Jetton Village, Cornelius – Through Sept. 29, an exhibit of gallery artists to celebrate the gallery’s 20th year. Gallery hours: Tuesdays to Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment. Information: www.christafautgallery.com or 704-892-5312.

WOODEN STONE, 445 S. Main St. – Functional fine art and hand-made objects. Gallery hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sundays/Mondays. 704-892-1449. www.woodenstonegallery.com.

SO ALIVE! GALLERY, 108 S. Main St. (next to Village Store) – New work from Larry Dukes, Jenny Kiker, Ryan Blythe, Jason Hendrickson, Michael Joe Moore, and Nora Bouknight. Gallery hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11-5; Saturday, 10-2; Sunday, 12-2; and by appointment. Info: mary@soalive.org.

See our Aug. 28 “Art News” column for a report from the Faculty Exhibition opening at Davidson and more news from local galleries.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

ONGOING EVENTS

THE AMAZING MAIZE MAZE, Sept. 10 to Nov. 1, Rural Hill Farm, Neck Road, Huntersville – You and your group or family can find your way through this challenging cornfield maze, and learn about local history. Sponsored by Rural Hill and the Catawba Valley Scottish Society. Open Thursdays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last ticket at 5). Flashlight Mazes: Sept. 18, Oct. 9, 23 & 30, tickets on sale 6:30 to 8 p.m. Enter the flashlight maze from 7 pm – 8 pm. Bring your own flashlight. Admission: $10 for adults 13-plus, $7 youth 5-12, 4 and under free. Details: www.ruralhill.net

ADOPTION SUPPORT GROUP, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 S. Main St. The group will meet twice monthly to offer education, fellowship, support, and family fun for those considering, in the process of or at home with adopted children. Register and request child care by calling the church office, 704-892-8277. Questions? Call Cheryl Mahony at 704-895-8043.

MS SUPPORT GROUP – Meets third Friday of the month at 10 a.m., Davidson United Methodist Church, Room 218. It’s a casual round-table discussion for those facing life with MS. On Oct. 16, they’ll host Dr. Michael Kaufman, who will answer questions.

50+ COFFEE CLUB, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon, Davidson Parks & Recreation office, 416 Armour St. – Join the 50-Plus Coffee Club, meeting every Wednesday. It’s a relaxing social environment where you can meet old and new friends. Coffee, games, newspapers and pastries provided. No registration required, just show up! Info: 704-892-3349.

CHRONIC AND LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS SUPPORT GROUP, first and third Wednesdays each month, 7-8:30 a.m., Davidson United Methodist Church Congregation Care House, 262 South St. – Individuals coping with an illness or who have family members coping with an illness welcome. Call the church office at 704-892-8277 to register and request child care. You do not need to be a member of the church to participate. Questions? Contact Karen Gray, Director of Congregational Care, at 704-947-0612.

SEPARATION AND DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP, Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Davidson United Methodist Church Congregation Care House, 262 South St. – Facilitators Mark and Gayle Olenik provide resources to help you cope and work toward a new beginning. You do not need to be a member of the church to participate. Call the church office at 704-892-8277 to register and request child care.

NOW WHAT? GRIEF BEYOND THE FIRST YEAR, second Saturday each month, 9:30 a.m., Davidson United Methodist Church Congregational Care House, 262 South St. – If you are coping with the loss of a loved one for one year or more, we welcome you to join. Janet McKee and Bryan Readling will facilitate. You do not need to be a member of the church to participate. Register by calling the church office at 704-892-8277. Questions? Contact Karen Gray, Director of Congregational Care, at 704-947-0612.

DAVIDSON DASH SHUTTLE BUS – Mondays, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Town of Davidson has begun service on a weekly shuttle bus called Davidson Dash. The bus will visit downtown, South Main Street, Sadler Square and the Harris Teeter shopping center near Exit 30. Cost: $1 per roundtrip. To reserve a space, call the recreation department before noon on the Friday before, 704-892-3349 or sign up on the recreation department website, d-recs.org. More information in our Jan. 8 news report, Town plans a weekly shuttle bus for seniors.

CALENDARS ON THE WEB

DAVIDSON COLLEGE – For an up-to-date listing of events on the college campus, visit the college calendar page.

DAVIDSON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – http://http://www.davidsonumc.org/Calendar

DAVIDSON COLLEGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH – http://www.dcpc.org/

DAVIDSON ELEMENTARY PTA calendar, http://pages.cms.k12.nc.us/davidsonpta/calendar/

DAVIDSON PUBLIC LIBRARY BRANCH events – Events calendar on the library’s blog davidsonlibrary.wordpress.com/.

NORTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY events, Huntersville – Events calendar, www.plcmc.org

ST. ALBAN’S CHURCH online calendar – http://www.saintalbans-davidson.org/

ST. ALBAN’S SQUARE NEIGHBORHOOD – http://www.stalbanssq.org/calendar.html

LAKE NORMAN SENIOR CALENDAR, at LKNSenior.com

YOUR COMMUNITY CONNECTOR – online listing of alternative and holistic health information and events. http://www.yourcommunityconnector.com/

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT

Send listings and press releases to us at editor@davidsonnews.net. Don’t forget to include a contact phone number, in case we have questions.

In sports, Davidson’s women’s soccer team plays Villanova Friday night at Alumni Soccer Stadium. Then Saturday night, it’s Davidson’s men vs. USC Upstate.

Meanwhile, take a look at our Theater listings below for a list of events next week during New River Dramatists’ weeklong residency, which includes a variety of public events, including an unusual dramatization Sunday, Sept. 13, called “Visions of the Future” in response to the Davidson Comprehensive Plan now under development with consultants and citizen committees.

DavidsonNews.net’s calendars are updated continuously. Check back often for additions and changes. And make sure to come back Monday when our This Week calendar previews the week ahead.

WEEKEND OF SEPT. 3-6

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 7 to 9 p.m., Lilly Family Gallery, Chambers Building – 2009 Summer Research Symposium – Students will present their summer research. Free. For information call 704-894-2045.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – Live music: Eric Scott Guthrie. Info: 704-895-9090

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 8 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St. – Live music: TBA. Details: 704-987-2022

FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 6:30 p.m., Campania Cafe, South Main Square, 416 S. Main St. – Weekly Party on the Porch with live music: Ronn Fryer.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 7 p.m., Davidson College Alumni Soccer Stadium – Davidson women’s soccer vs. Villanova.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – Live music on the back porch stage: Sandcrawler CD release party. Info: 704-895-9090.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 8 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St. – Live music: Steve Waddell. Details: 704-987-2022.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 8 a.m. to noon, downtown Davidson next to Town Hall – Davidson Farmers Market, with local farmers and vendors selling meats, produce, dairy products, baked goods, and other items. Cassie Parsons from Grateful Growers Farms will be there with her Harvest Moon Grille – a rolling food stand featuring dishes with local produce and meat. Music: The Droolers. Community Partner: DavidsonReads. And DavidsonNews.net will be there meeting readers.  More about this week’s schedule: www.davidsonfarmersmarket.org. DavidsonNews.net is pleased to be sponsor of the Davidson Farmers Market.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., CVS store at 127 South Main Street – The CVS store in downtown Davidson will launch the first of six Easter Seals Car Wash sessions, Sept. 5 – Oct. 10, with hotdogs and drinks available for $1 each starting at 10 a.m. Carwashes will be available for a donation to the Easter Seal program, which provides hope for people with disabilities.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 9 a.m., Smithville Park, Ferry Street and Catawba Avenue, Cornelius – 2009 NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition for boys and girls 8-15, hosted by recreation departments from Davidson and Cornelius. Details in our Aug. 26 preview.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 9 a.m. to noon, Davidson Village Green – 2009 Hurricane Hugo Juggling Festival presents a public juggling session, hosted by Lake Norman Jugglers. Details: Bill Giduz, 704-892-1296 or giduz@bellsouth.net.

Steve Langley is the Great Fetuccini, emcee and performer at the Family Vaudeville Extravaganza. (Bill Giduz photo)

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 7 p.m., Davidson College Duke Family Performance Hall – Family Vaudeville Extravaganza, a family-friendly evening of juggling and new vaudeville entertainment, hosted by The Great Fettucini (a.k.a. Steve Langley). Those scheduled to appear include juggler Tommy Curtin, comedy magician Presto, comedy mentalist Jon Stetson and New Vaudeville entertainer Todd Charles. Part of the 2009 Hurricane Hugo Juggling Festival. Details: Bill Giduz, 704-892-1296 or giduz@bellsouth.net.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 7 p.m., Elon University, Elon – Davidson football at Elon University.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 7 p.m., Davidson College Alumni Soccer Stadium – Davidson men’s soccer vs. USC Upstate.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 8-11 p.m., Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. – No live music – closing at 3 p.m. for a private party. Info: 704-895-9090

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 8 p.m., Brickhouse Tavern, 209 Delburg St. – Live music with “Robin.” Details: 704-987-2022

SUNDAY, SEPT. 6, 4 p.m., Davidson College Alumni Soccer Stadium – Davidson women’s soccer vs. Frances Marion.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 6, 8 p.m., Alvarez College Union 900 Room – Annual Bernard Mathematics Lecture, with Joseph Gallian, distinguished professor of teaching and professor of mathematics at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, will speak on “Using Mathematics to Create Symmetry Patterns.” Free. For information call 704-894-2317.

THEATER AND FILM

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 9 a.m., Warehouse Performing Arts Center, 9216-A Westmoreland Rd., off Statesville Road, Cornelius – New River Dramatists conducts a Young Playwrights Session, bringing its new play development process to young playwrights. Readings will be conducted of works in progress by several local teen writers. Open to the public.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 7 p.m., Armour Street Theatre, Armour and Watson streets – New River Dramatists and Davidson Community Players present a cocktail reception and benefit with a staged reading of “Absence,” a new play by Wendy Hammond. The play will debut in October at People’s Light & Theater in Pennsylvania. $30 per person, proceeds go to Davidson Community Players. Info and tickets at 704-892-7918 or online.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 15, 7 p.m., Armour Street Theater, 307 Armour St. – “Talking with New River: At the Heart of New Play Development.” A community even presented by New River Dramatists discussing the state of new plays in the U.S. and their process for new play development. How can our local arts scene cultivate and support new works? Moderated by Marla Brown of the Warehouse Performing Arts Center in Cornelius.

SUNDAY, SEPT 13, 1 p.m., Armour Street Theater, 307 Armour St. – “Visions of the Future: A Response to the Davidson Comprehensive Plan.” New River Dramatists will present a dramatization and response to the plan, which has been under development over the past year by consultants, planners and local citizen committees, who are drafting a new vision for future development in Davidson.

SUNDAY AND MONDAY, SEPT. 27-28, Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St. Auditions for Davidson Community Players’ December production of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” directed by Anne Lambert. Times: 6 p.m. for youth, 7 p.m. for adults, consisting of cold readings from the script. Bring a resume or list of theater experience, a recent picture and a list of conflicts for the October-December time period. Callbacks will be Sunday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m.; rehearsals begin Oct. 12, 7 p.m. Requires 9 or 10 men, 7 or 8 women and 4 children (2 boys, 2 girls). www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org

OCT. 8-25, Davidson Community Players’ Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St. – “Almost Maine,” directed by Melissa Ohlman-Roberge. www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org

DEC. 3-20, Davidson Community Players Armour Street Theater, 307 Armour St. – “It’s a Wonderful Life,” directed by Anne Lambert. www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org

GALLERIES & ART EVENTS

DAVIDSON COLLEGE VISUAL ARTS CENTER, Smith Gallery, Davidson College, 315 N. Main St., at Griffith St. – Through Oct. 7: “2009 Studio Art Faculty Exhibition” with etchings of human forms by Herb Jackson, bronze models of monumental public art sculptures by Cort Savage and prints and video by Rebekah Tolley. Also through Oct. 7, “Cristina Toro: Alive on the Intricate Earth Under Trees,” in the Smith Gallery, with paintings by the Puerto Rico-born artist from upstate NY. Hours: Weekdays, 11-4.

CORNELIUS ARTS CENTER/COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECT, Oak Street Mill, 19725 Oak St., behind the police station, Cornelius – Sept. 7- Oct. 30: paintings by Manny Rashet. Free opening reception Friday, Sept. 11, 7-9 p.m. Gallery open Mondays to Thursdays, 9 a,.m. to 5 p.m. Details: 704-892-7323 or www.creativeartexchange.org

ARTWORKS ON MAIN, 165 N. Main St., Mooresville – Oil paintings by Marlise Newman, of Charlotte. She’s the featured artist during the September Gallery Crawl, Friday, Sept. 11, 6-9 p.m. Music by Billy Jones. 704-664-2414. www.artworksonmain.com

MERRILL-JENNINGS GALLERIES, 463 S. Main St. – “The Summer Show,” featuring new works by gallery artists. Through August the gallery will offer rotating original art by all the gallery regulars, with major exhibits by impressionist Dee Beard Dean, expressionist Charlotte Foust, landscapes by Susan Jennings and Ray Byram, folk art by Addie James, whimsical collages by Betsey Hampton, and more. Hours: Mon-Fri 10–5, Sat 10–3. For more information call 704-895-1213 and visit the website at www.merrilljennings.com

DAVIDSON TOWN HALL Atrium Gallery, 216 S. Main St. – Through Oct. 24 Photographs by Dana Pianowski and metal sculpture by Rich Nossell. Ms. Pianowski, of Davidson, has studied at Parsons School of Design and International Center of Photography in New York. Mr. Nossell is a native of Long Island, N.Y., who now lives in Huntersville and makes custom furniture. Open weekdays during Town Hall hours, and other times during Town Hall events.

CHRISTA FAUT GALLERY, 19818 North Cove Road, Jetton Village, Cornelius – Through Sept. 29, an exhibit of gallery artists to celebrate the gallery’s 20th year. Reception Saturday Aug. 22, 4-6 p.m. Gallery hours: Tuesdays to Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment. Information: www.christafautgallery.com or 704-892-5312.

WOODEN STONE, 445 S. Main St. – Functional fine art and hand-made objects. Gallery hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sundays/Mondays. 704-892-1449. www.woodenstonegallery.com.

SO ALIVE! GALLERY, 108 S. Main St. (next to Village Store) – New work from Larry Dukes, Jenny Kiker, Ryan Blythe, Jason Hendrickson, Michael Joe Moore, and Nora Bouknight. Gallery hours: Tuesday to Friday, 11-5; Saturday, 10-2; Sunday, 12-2; and by appointment. Info: mary@soalive.org.

See our Aug. 28 “Art News” column for a report from last week’s Faculty Exhibition opening at Davidson and more news from local galleries.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Tobias Wolff

ONGOING EVENTS

THE AMAZING MAIZE MAZE, Sept. 10 to Nov. 1, Rural Hill Farm, Neck Road, Huntersville – You and your group or family can find your way through this challenging cornfield maze, and learn about local history. Sponsored by Rural Hill and the Catawba Valley Scottish Society. Open Thursdays to Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last ticket at 5). Flashlight Mazes: Sept. 18, Oct. 9, 23 & 30, tickets on sale 6:30 to 8 p.m. Enter the flashlight maze from 7 pm – 8 pm. Bring your own flashlight. Admission: $10 for adults 13-plus, $7 youth 5-12, 4 and under free. Details: www.ruralhill.net

ADOPTION SUPPORT GROUP, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 S. Main St. The group will meet twice monthly to offer education, fellowship, support, and family fun for those considering, in the process of or at home with adopted children. Register and request child care by calling the church office, 704-892-8277. Questions? Call Cheryl Mahony at 704-895-8043.

50+ COFFEE CLUB, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon, Davidson Parks & Recreation office, 416 Armour St. – Join the 50-Plus Coffee Club, meeting every Wednesday. It’s a relaxing social environment where you can meet old and new friends. Coffee, games, newspapers and pastries provided. No registration required, just show up! Info: 704-892-3349.

CHRONIC AND LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS SUPPORT GROUP, first and third Wednesdays each month, 7-8:30 a.m., Davidson United Methodist Church Congregation Care House, 262 South St. – Individuals coping with an illness or who have family members coping with an illness welcome. Call the church office at 704-892-8277 to register and request child care. You do not need to be a member of the church to participate. Questions? Contact Karen Gray, Director of Congregational Care, at 704-947-0612.

SEPARATION AND DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP, Tuesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., Davidson United Methodist Church Congregation Care House, 262 South St. – Facilitators Mark and Gayle Olenik provide resources to help you cope and work toward a new beginning. You do not need to be a member of the church to participate. Call the church office at 704-892-8277 to register and request child care.

NOW WHAT? GRIEF BEYOND THE FIRST YEAR, second Saturday each month, 9:30 a.m., Davidson United Methodist Church Congregational Care House, 262 South St. – If you are coping with the loss of a loved one for one year or more, we welcome you to join. Janet McKee and Bryan Readling will facilitate. You do not need to be a member of the church to participate. Register by calling the church office at 704-892-8277. Questions? Contact Karen Gray, Director of Congregational Care, at 704-947-0612.

DAVIDSON DASH SHUTTLE BUS – Mondays, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Town of Davidson has begun service on a weekly shuttle bus called Davidson Dash. The bus will visit downtown, South Main Street, Sadler Square and the Harris Teeter shopping center near Exit 30. Cost: $1 per roundtrip. To reserve a space, call the recreation department before noon on the Friday before, 704-892-3349 or sign up on the recreation department website, d-recs.org. More information in our Jan. 8 news report, Town plans a weekly shuttle bus for seniors.

CALENDARS ON THE WEB

DAVIDSON COLLEGE – For an up-to-date listing of events on the college campus, visit the college calendar page.

DAVIDSON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – http://http://www.davidsonumc.org/Calendar

DAVIDSON COLLEGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH – http://www.dcpc.org/

DAVIDSON ELEMENTARY PTA calendar, http://pages.cms.k12.nc.us/davidsonpta/calendar/

DAVIDSON PUBLIC LIBRARY BRANCH events – Events calendar on the library’s blog davidsonlibrary.wordpress.com/.

NORTH COUNTY REGIONAL LIBRARY events, Huntersville – Events calendar, www.plcmc.org

ST. ALBAN’S CHURCH online calendar – http://www.saintalbans-davidson.org/

ST. ALBAN’S SQUARE NEIGHBORHOOD – http://www.stalbanssq.org/calendar.html

LAKE NORMAN SENIOR CALENDAR, at LKNSenior.com

YOUR COMMUNITY CONNECTOR – online listing of alternative and holistic health information and events. http://www.yourcommunityconnector.com/

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT

Send listings and press releases to us at editor@davidsonnews.net. Don’t forget to include a contact phone number, in case we have questions.

Maret Seitz (left) is Corie and Christian Love plays Paul in Davidson Community Players' "Barefoot in the Park," opening Thursday. (Bill Giduz photo)

Davidson Community Players’ production of Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park” opens Thursday at Davidson College’s Duke Family Performance Hall, and runs seven performances through Aug. 2.

Read on for more about the production, including a note about local celebrities who will appear on stage nightly in cameo roles.

Also in this column: news about auditions for a paid summer residency, as well as a role in an October production of “Almost, Maine.”

‘BAREFOOT IN THE PARK’

“Barefoot” is being directed by Alan Poindexter, artistic director of Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, overseeing a cast of Davidson Community Players veterans and newcomers.

“Barefoot in the Park” portrays newlyweds Corie and Paul Bratter as they return from their honeymoon ready to start their exciting new life together. But things aren’t going as planned. The impulsive Corie’s apartment choice doesn’t meet Paul’s – or any sane person’s – standards. Six exhausting flights of stairs lead to a one-room apartment which lacks bathtub, furniture, heat, and room for a double bed. There are quirky neighbors and a giant hole in the skylight. Things get a little too cozy for the young couple, and hilarity ensues as the power of love gets tested to its limits.

Maret Seitz, a Davidson College theater major, plays the young Corie opposite Christian Love, playing uptight husband Paul. Davidson Community Players’ veteran actors Gino Pietrantoni and Lauralee Bailey are the Telephone Repair Man and anxious Mrs. Banks (Corie’s Mother), respectively. Newcomer Philip Robertson plays the Bratters’ eccentric neighbor Victor Velasco.

“Barefoot in the Park” performances are nightly at 8 p.m. except Sunday, Aug. 2, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20-$22. For reservations, call 704-892-7918 or buy them online to www.carolinatix.org.

AUDITIONS

Auditions are planned Aug. 4 and 5 for two acting opportunities in Davidson in the coming months: a paid residency in Davidson this September with New River Dramatists and a role in an October production of “Almost, Maine,” with Davidson Community Players.

The audition will be Aug. 4-5, 7 p.m., in Davidson Community Players’ Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St.

New River Dramatists, in collaboration with Davidson Community Players, seeks experienced actors/actresses for one week paid residency in September. Actors must have superior cold read skills and be able to inhabit a wide variety of characters easily and honestly. They also must have both daytime and evening availability from Sept. 10 to 17.

If you’re interested, arrive between 7 and 8 p.m. on either audition date and bring a headshot and resume. Auditions will consist of cold readings from several new scripts.

New River Dramatists is a non-profit organization created to help playwrights reach their full potential by workshopping their scripts with actors.
(See also our August 2008 report about New River Dramatists’ staged reading.)

Also, a role is available for one male actor, who can play age 35-45, for “Almost, Maine” running Oct. 8-25. Interested actors should bring headshot and resume, along with a list of conflicts for September/October. Audition will be a cold reading from the script.

More about “Almost, Maine” at CarolinaTix.org.