Tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. Theater at Monmouth presents its 13th annual variety show, Black Fly Follies. Hosted by TAM favorite Mike Anthony and featuring a range of performances from our multifaceted summer company members, Follies is sure to be a night of fun for all.

In addition to learning the opening group number, most performers used last night’s first (and only) group rehearsal to mark through the technical elements of their acts, saving the performances for tomorrow night. There was a great deal of excitement in the air but also a great deal of secrecy.  Covert individual rehearsals for Follies have been taking place throughout the theater all week long. By day, company members are building sets, sewing costumes, and rehearsing scenes for the Mainstage season. By night they’re writing songs, choreographing dances, and brushing up on their improv skills for this one-night only event.

While the particulars have been difficult to come by, we’ve been able to pull together a few details and capture a little of last night’s rehearsal to give you a sneak preview of what to expect.

Ambien Mitchell (Silvia, Two Gentlemen of Verona; Laura, The Glass Menagerie; Lady Percy, Henry IV) and Max Waszak (Thurio, Two Gentlemen of Verona; Blunt, Henry IV; multiple roles, The Little Prince) will be kicking off the evening with a very, VERY special, “alternate dimension preview” of The Glass Menagerie. There will be rapiers, Latin music, and a ceramic bear cookie jar. We can’t wait to see what they’ve come up with!

Tom Quinn (Cleante, Tartuffe; Duke, Two Gentlemen of Verona; and King Henry IV, Henry IV) shares with us two songs on his guitar, including an original entitled “Under the Dreaming Tree,” written for his now 16-year old son when he was 5 years old.

The TAM Improv Troupe, made up of Christopher Allen (Officer, Tartuffe; Proteus, Two Gentlemen of Verona; Hal, Henry IV), Ardarius Blakely (Shop Foreman; Bardolph, Henry IV), Camden Brown (Valere, Tartuffe; Valentine, Two Gentlemen of Verona; Jim, The Glass Menagerie; Douglas, Henry IV), Olivia Dustman (Mariane, Tartuffe; Julia, Two Gentlemen of Verona; Lady Mortimer, Henry IV), and Ryan Simpson (Servant/Outlaw, Two Gentlemen of Verona; Poins, Henry IV), have several games and skits in store for us throughout the evening that promise to be good for a laugh or two.

Other performances include individual dance routines by Stephanie Lalond (Lighting intern), Paige Meredith (Costume Shop Manager) and Rebecca Porzig (friend of TAM), historic readings by Carissa Meagher (Acting Intern) and Janis Stevens (Dorine, Tartuffe; Amanda, The Glass Menagerie; Mistress Quickly, Henry IV), musical numbers by Brooke Edwards (Elmire, Tartuffe; Lucetta/Outlaw, Two Gentlemen of Verona; Vernon, Henry IV, Director, The Little Prince) Luke Bartholomew (Damis, Tartuffe; Speed, Two Gentlemen of Verona; Mortimer/Messenger, Henry IV), James Noel Hoban (Tartuffe, Tartuffe; Host, Two Gentlemen of Verona; Worcester, Henry IV), Luke Reinwald (Technical Assistant; Set Designer, The Little Prince), Frank Omar (Monsieur Loyal, Tartuffe; Northumberland/Sheriff, Henry IV), and our team of Acting Interns, and more!

It promises to be a fun evening of entertainment and a great way to meet our summer company members, especially those who you don’t typically get to see on stage.

Black Fly Follies performs for one night only, so get your tickets today by visiting our website at www.theateratmonmouth.org or calling the box office at 207.933.9999.