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  • The quotable Moss Hart!

    "My wife moves into a store like the Soviets into occupied territory. She dismantles it and sends it home bit by bit." --from Light Up the Sky Moss Hart was an American playwright (1904-1961) known for both his humor and sharp observations about the business of show business. Hart began as a director in "amateur" theater, and had his first Broadway hit, Once in a Lifetime, in 1930, co-written with George S. Kaufman. They went on to write a string of comedies, perhaps best known were two that have been performed on the AFD Stage: The Man Who Came to Dinner and You Can't Take It with You. The latter garnered him a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Though his plays were contemporary to his time (1930- 1940's), they still speak to audiences today, with insight into the laughable side of humanity. Hart was not afraid to toss out barbs at himself, his friends, his beloved theater world, and as you can see above, a backhanded barb at the Soviets, which still rings true today. Check out some of his other quotes below and see if you agree! “There’s nothing the matter with Hollywood that a good earthquake couldn’t cure." "You'd be surprised how many kings are only a queen with a moustache." "So far as I know, anything worth hearing is not usually uttered at seven o'clock in the morning; and if it is, it will generally be repeated at a more reasonable hour for a larger and more wakeful audience." "I have had many successes and many failures in my life. My successes have always been for different reasons, but my failures have always been for the same reason: I said yes when I meant no." "I have had the irreplaceable opportunity of learning my profession with the proper tools, the most important of which is not a pencil or a typewriter, but the necessary time to think before using them." “A sharp sense of the ironic can be the equivalent of the faith that moves mountains. Far more quickly than reason or logic, irony can penetrate rage and puncture self-pity.” After his death, the Moss Hart Memorial Award was established by the New England Theater Conference to honor theater excellence. AFD has won the award five times in the Community Theater Division, as well as receiving Honorable Mentions six times. We hope you enjoy our production on this Moss Hart play, Light Up the Sky, which opens Dec. 2 and runs through Dec 11, with an extra performance added Thursday Dec 8 at 8PM.

  • Missing the wild pulse of live theater

    In anticipation of Live from AFD! Dynamic Duos! we will be highlighting our talented actors. We had the opportunity to catch up with Lorna Noguiera who plays Martha (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf) and learn more about her connection to theatre. What attracted you to Live from AFD! Dynamic Duos! and (your character)? I auditioned because I liked the variety of scenes offered and because I’ve been searching for the chance to get back to theater. How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your perception on the importance of live theatre? Sustaining myself on Zoom play readings this year has been helpful but not enough. As we get closer to performing these scenes in person, I realize how the ‘live’ aspect of theater is its most electric feature. It’s what causes stage fright but also what gives theater its wild pulse and I’ve really missed it. When and how did you first become involved with AFD? This is my first time working with AFD! When not performing, what other activities do you participate in? I recently began my own theater company, Go Go Theater. We had our first full, main-stage play last fall with the The Wolves and hope to begin another show sometime soon. Recently my partner and I have been trying to fill creative gaps and have written and shot some spoofs of the great Andy Griffith Show that we post on YouTube. What do you hope audiences take away from Live from AFD! Dynamic Duos! I hope Dynamic Duos makes people hungry for more theater.

  • That shattering scene from Doubt? We got that

    In anticipation of Live from AFD! Dynamic Duos! we will be highlighting our talented actors. We had the opportunity to catch up with Imani Powell who plays Mrs. Muller (Doubt) and learn more about her connection to her scene. What attracted you to Live from AFD! Dynamic Duos! and Mrs. Muller? I was attracted to this production in particular due to the character I was cast as. I have seen clips of stage productions of Doubt and I have seen the 2008 movie. Viola Davis's interpretation of the character led me to tears. I used part of her monologue as an audition piece for years. So when I saw the opportunity to actually play this role, I jumped at it. How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your perception on the importance of live theatre? Covid has definitely pushed for there to be some flexibility and adjustments to live theater. It has also cemented for me the fact that nothing feeds a performance better than being able to play off the energy of the audience. However, it is very interesting to see this fusion of live performances that are recorded in a way where you get theater and film combined together. When and how did you first become involved with AFD? This is actually my first production with AFD. I hope to continue working with AFD though; this is probably the biggest production I have been cast in to date. When not performing, what other activities do you participate in? When not acting I am constantly working- I am a teacher, many times over. I am also reading, listening to music, or cooking. What do you hope audiences take away from Live from AFD! Dynamic Duos! I hope audiences still feel like they are a part of the production, despite the show not taking place in front of them. I think this is a new frontier for theater and I am curious to see where it goes. It is possible that we may open theater up to more audiences by approaching it in this way.

  • Hello, Felix/Judson!

    In anticipation of Live from AFD! Dynamic Duos! we will be highlighting our talented actors. We had the opportunity to catch up with Judson Pierce who plays Felix (Odd Couple) and learn more about her connection with AFD. What attracted you to Live from AFD! Dynamic Duos! and Felix? I have wanted to play the part of Felix for a long time. I love this show and hope that the audience finds it still as funny as ever. The desire to get back on stage and act is stronger than ever as we have been shut down from that for over a year. So this comes at a great time for people who want to get back into AFD and entertain! How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your perception on the importance of live theatre? Theatre is more important than ever before. As a society, we are undergoing a lot of change and corresponding insecurity. Live theatre has always been a constant in our lives. We breathe easier when we are in the company of others experiencing the same things at the same time. This pandemic is something that we must defeat and come out stronger than before. To do that, we must get back to the basics of what makes us all human. Live theater allows us to do just that. When and how did you first become involved with AFD? Acting in the 2003 production of “The Laramie Project”. I had just moved to Arlington and wanted to be a part of this most amazing group of people. Since then I’ve acted in Wit(2005) and Moonlight and Magnolias(2009). I’ve also written a book called “Greater Boston Community Theater” (2006) which highlights AFD as one of the oldest continuing community groups in the nation. I’ve also assisted in producing “She Loves Me” (2010). When not performing, what other activities do you participate in? Local politics working on campaigns and running myself! I served as an elected member of the Arlington School Committee from 2010-2016 and presently serve as an elected town meeting member. By day, I work as a lawyer in a law firm in Salem MA representing injured workers. What do you hope audiences take away from Live from AFD! Dynamic Duos! The pleasure of seeing live theater even if it cannot be in person. Also, the realization that these duo dynamics are as relevant today as when they were first written regardless of the century!

  • It's a thrill Being One in Dynamic Duos

    In anticipation of Live from AFD! Dynamic Duos! we will be highlighting our talented actors. We had the opportunity to catch up with Stanis Ames who plays Being One (Parallel Lives) and learn more about her connection to theatre. What attracted you to Live from AFD! Dynamic Duos! and Being One? The last show I was in managed to run for one of its three weekends in March 2020 before it was shuttered due to COVID-19. The fact that this was live, (somewhat) in-person theater got me very excited, and when I saw the sides for Supreme Beings, I knew I had to audition! The script is very irreverent and Being One had a very clear voice to me, so I was psyched to read for and be cast in the role! How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your perception on the importance of live theatre? I had participated in virtual rehearsals prior to the pandemic, and I have watched streamed theater before as well, but nothing can ever compare to live, in-person rehearsal, and certainly not to live theater. The pandemic didn't change my perception, but it did bring that reality into serious perspective. Sharing a space with fellow actors, artists, and audiences is a unique experience that cannot be simulated or replaced. The shared energy that fills a theatrical space during live performance is electrifying, and really an integral part of the human experience that transcends geography, culture, and history. When and how did you first become involved with AFD? My husband played Fabrizio in AFD's The Light in the Piazza a few years back, and that was my first introduction to AFD. I have had several friends perform in various other shows at AFD, and have kept an eye out on audition postings for quite some time. Dynamic Duos was the perfect opportunity to get involved with AFD, and I'm thrilled to be participating! When not performing, what other activities do you participate in? I am a board member and the Marketing Committee Chair at Marblehead Little Theatre. I am an avid traveler, book-reader, and gardener, and am employed as a Marketing Campaign Analyst. What do you hope audiences take away from Live from AFD! Dynamic Duos! I hope the audience feels joy and excitement as they watch live theater being made in an actual theatre again, and experience a renewed desire to patronize community theater as soon as we're all safely able to do so.

  • Still going strong! Join our spring meeting and check in with what's coming next season

    During these extraordinary times, the AFD board has continued the work of managing and improving our beautiful theatre, and preparing for the time where we can once again welcome audiences back into our space. Believe it or not, the time has again come for our Spring Members Meeting and the election of the Board for the 2021-2022 season. It goes without saying that we want to meet in the theatre, but sadly, for the second year in a row, that won’t be possible. The current board asks you to join us on Sunday April 25th at 7 p.m. for our Spring Members meeting, to take place on ZOOM. We will make every effort to keep the proceedings brief. The major order of business will be to present the slate of AFD board members proposed by the Nominating Committee for your approval. We will also review our plans for the rest of the spring and summer, and preview our 2021-2022 season. I look forward to seeing you in your ZOOM box on Sunday April 25th. Please email for the link to the zoom meeting: info@afdtheatre.org For the AFD Board, Judy Weinberg, AFD President ** In accordance with Article VI, Section 1 and Article V, Section 5 of our Bylaws, the Nominating Committee respectfully submits the following slate of Officers and Directors for the 2021-22 season: PRESIDENT Judy Weinberg (3rd year) VICE-PRESIDENT Ginger Webb (2nd year) TREASURER Shelley Brown (2nd year) RECORDING SECRETARY Shayna Loeffler (2nd year) MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Jocelyn Hesse (1st year) PROGRAM DIRECTOR Sandy Armstrong (1st year) PUBLICITY DIRECTOR Greg Mancusi-Ungaro (1st year) HOUSE DIRECTOR Charlie Carr (1st year) TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Iain Bason (1st year) DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Abby Seidel (3rd year) BOX OFFICE DIRECTOR Clare Livak (2nd year) INVESTMENT COMMITTEE Rich Trevino (re-elect for new 3-year term) (Continuing: Stu Kazin, 2nd year; Joe Stallone, 3rd year*) (*Joe replaced Brian Rehrig in mid-term) NOMINATING COMMITTEE (3) Marie Gertje, Teri Muller, David Warnock Respectfully submitted, 2020-21 Nominating Committee: Mary Babic, Charlie Carr (chair), Susan Harrington

  • What's it like to embody Pat Nixon?

    In anticipation of our upcoming production “Tea for Three” we will be spotlighting our talented actresses! “Tea for Three” shares the hopes, fears, loves and insights of former First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon and Betty Ford. We had the opportunity to catch up with Nancy Finn who plays Pat Nixon and learn more about her connection with AFD. What attracted you to Tea for Three and Pat Nixon? I’ve missed theatre so much since Covid shut things down. Seeing plays and doing them. So, this is a unique opportunity to perform in a play, in a theatre, with my fellow castmates, but with the audience at home. To be honest, I have never been particularly interested in Pat Nixon, but once I started researching her I learned that her identity and the things she accomplished were quite separate from her husband’s. She was a pretty extraordinary lady in her own right. How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your perception on the importance of live theatre? I have always loved the collaborative nature of theatre, and the power of live performance: actors telling a story to an audience gathered together to witness it. But with the shutdown, it became even clearer how much we need to come together and connect in real time, and how much is lost, culturally speaking, when theatre isn’t available. I hope we can get back to it safely, very soon. When and how did you first become involved with AFD? About five years ago I played Masha in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Now I’m an Arlington resident, and it’s so great to be at my awesome local community theatre. When not performing, what other activities do you participate in? I’m a professor of theatre – plays and playwrights – at UMass Boston, and I also teach a course at Emerson College. So, it’s all theatre all the time! My husband, Chris, is also a professor, so there’s been a lot of Zoom-ing at our house. We have a Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Gwynne, and she’s the sweetest little character. We take her on a long walk every day around Mystic Lake, to clear our Zoomed-out minds. We’re really lucky to live around here, especially during quarantine. How has learning about Pat Nixon impacted you? Before, I sort of lumped all things Nixon together and filed it under “Watergate.” What I learned about Pat Nixon is that she supported women’s rights and the ERA, and she was independent and self-supporting for many years before she became Second Lady and then First Lady. She has a bit of a reputation for being somewhat stiff – the press dubbed her “Plastic Pat” – but she really wasn’t, she was dedicated to welcoming people to the White House, and she traveled tirelessly, always reaching out to people. She was much warmer and more fun than I think she’s given credit for.

  • Lady Bird Johnson in the house!

    In anticipation of our upcoming production “Tea for Three” we will be spotlighting our talented actresses! “Tea for Three” shares the hopes, fears, loves and insights of former First Ladies Lady Bird Johnson, Pat Nixon and Betty Ford. We had the opportunity to catch up with Lida McGirr who plays Lady Bird Johnson and learn more about her connection with AFD. What attracted you to T43 and your character, Lady Bird? The attraction was the opportunity to perform. And the more I read and learn about Lady Bird, the more I admire her. How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your perception on the importance of live theatre? It hasn’t; theater and storytelling is, and will always be, important, very important. When and how did you first become involved with AFD? I saw many a show there - was in the audience when the incomparable Jack Sweet fell off the stage (thank goodness he was fine) - and was thrilled when I was cast as Linda in “Death of a Salesman” - a role I would love to do again! When not performing, what other activities do you participate in? Weight training, cooking, reading, swimming, fishing, snorkeling, writing, painting, dancing. Looking forward to being able to travel again! How has learning about (your character) impacted you? Learning about this extremely bright, poised, strong and accomplished woman makes me glad I’m an actor so I can appear extremely bright, poised, strong and accomplished, at least for a night.

  • Our "Speeches!" were tremendous. You can still watch them!

    Recorded live at the theatre on January 28, 2021, now available at this link: https://youtu.be/CktNsDny5Y0 The lights of AFD theatre were turned back on last Thursday as six talented Boston area actors took to the stage. Both the actors and production team wore masks and maintained a safe distance from one another to ensure the safety of all participants. “Live from AFD: Speeches!” was the first in a series of live performance events to be streamed from our stage. Excerpts from six compelling speeches were given new life by a diverse cast of actors. With enormous efforts by Directors Joe Stallone and Susan Harrington, tremendous technical orchestration by Iain Bason and authentic storytelling by six talented actors, AFD found an innovative way to provide theatre to the Arlington community and beyond.

  • Opening the doors of AFD for more diverse stories, and sharing virtually

    Since we're unable to gather in person anytime soon, we're working hard to offer some options you can enjoy from the comfort and safety of home. ​ Please join us as we explore special programming that seeks to raise historically marginalized voices, and to tell vital stories about women, Blacks, immigrants, and more! ​ DECEMBER 17, 2020: "Who Will Sing for Lena?" by Janice Liddell This stunning one-woman production won awards for Lexington Players in 2019; it was taped at AFD, and the author has agreed to open access for a limited period of time. After the play, there will be a virtual talk-back with the director, actor and playwright. ​ "Lena" tells the story of a Black domestic woman in Cuthbert, Georgia, who killed her white employer after years of abuse. After a brief trial, a jury of twelve white men found her guilty and sentenced her to the electric chair. Running time: 50 minutes. Contains mature themes and language. ​ This program is for MEMBERS ONLY. And membership is only $20. So join and enjoy a series of important productions this season. Once you join, we'll share the access codes to the performance. JANUARY: Live from the theatre, important historic speeches delivered by live actors. MARCH: Women's History Month APRIL: Dynamic Duos, famous scenes from well-known plays MAY and JUNE: Radio Plays

  • You've found it!

    Our lovely and funny production of "Love's Labour's Lost" is now OPEN! Join the fun! Here's but one highly accurate review from opening night: I am truly blown away by the talent in our Boston theater community! Awesome date night at Love’s Labors Lost performed at Arlington Friends of The Drama. Our faces hurt from smiling and we are still catching our breath from our laughter. Katie Pickett lead the charge with expert direction on a stunning set built and designed by Manny Pickett! Kat McCorkle was expertly steering the ship and it sailed beautifully! Miriam Cross, Kevin Hanley, Ben Jamieson and Abby Seidel, you and your cast and pit lit the stage with joy filled performances and beautiful music! If you are seeking and night full of laughter and excitement, go, Go,GO, GO, GO see this show!!!

  • Love labouring not lost on our cast: Alex Deutch and Patrick McCormick

    Yet more returning faces! Hoping you'll forgive him for his deeds as the protagonist (?) in "Witness" at AFD, Patrick McCormick is showing up in a very different light this time around. Recent credits include The Lesson (Or what it feels like to teach today) (Theatre on Fire / Boston Theatre Marathon XXI), Witness for the Prosecution (Arlington Friends of the Drama) and Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde (Longwood Players). When not acting, Patrick is the drama specialist for an after school program. MFA in Acting: Brooklyn College. After taking three months off to decorate his bedroom, Alex Deutch is very excited to return to AFD as Dumaine! Previous roles include Lucas in "The Addams Family" (AFD) and Seth/Shem in "Children of Eden" (Theater Company of Saugus). Just outside of the theater you can find Alex never finishing songs in Ableton and performing with his improvised comedy group Secrets. He sends many thanks to the cast and crew for their hard work, and his roommates and neighbors for enduring the screaming (practice)!

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