The Little Foxes
March 25 – April 9, 2011
The Little Foxes
by Lillian Hellman
March 25 – April 9, 2011
Directed by Chris Robinson
Drama
Dupree Theater
Irving Arts Center
3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Irving, TX 75062
Fridays & Saturdays, March 25, 26, April 1, 2, 8, 9, 2011 at 8pm.
Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 8pm.
Sundays, March 27, April 3, 2011 at 2:30pm.
The ruthless, moneyed Southern aristocratic Hubbard family plot a sneaky business deal. Avaricious brothers, Oscar and Ben Hubbard, need their conniving sister, Regina Hubbard Giddens, to lend them 75,000 dollars to help build a cotton mill. In a great game of betrayal, theft, and revenge, Regina finally succeeds in her quest for monetary gain, but what a price!
PG13
ICTN Spotlight Video
Production Images
Reviews
"A tight ensemble of talented actors in the hands of masterful direction created a "don't miss" theatre experience for the Metroplex."
by Kristopher A. Harrison
Associate Theater Critic for John Garcia's THE COLUMN
Saturday, March 26, 2011
ICT's production of The Little Foxes was a triumph. A tight ensemble of talented actors in the hands of masterful direction created a "don't miss" theatre experience for the Metroplex.
The Little Foxes, Lillian Hellman's second play, told the story of the Hubbard family. Two brothers, Oscar and Ben, have plans to build a cotton mill in their turn of the century Southern town. They know the mill will make them rich, but they lack the final $7,500 dollars to complete the deal. For that, they've turned to their sister Regina whose husband Horace has the money they need.
Horace's heart condition forced him to spend several months at a hospital out of town, and the brothers have trusted Regina to convince him to come through with the final piece of the investment that will have them all set for life. Yet Regina has plans of her own, and is tired of living in the shadow of her brothers. The play was a searing commentary on capitalist greed and peeled back the outer façade of this southern family to reveal the ugliness that ultimately lies at the heart of each of us.
The strength of this production is in the acting. The challenge of producing an older play like this one (it was originally produced in 1939) often lies in making the production relevant to modern audiences. This cast has certainly overcome that obstacle.
Director Chris Robinson should be commended for having allowed his actors to explore every ounce of subtle sub-text. The play oozed with tense moments of unspoken conflict, without being melodramatic. Every actor in the production was quite talented, and the way they worked together created a production that gripped the audience tightly and didn't let us go until the end.
The two brothers, Ben and Oscar (played by Doug Fowler and Neil Rogers,
respectively) began their work as stereotypical "good old boy" Southern businessmen, but quickly nuanced their roles to be smarmy, vulnerable, and ruthless. Doug Fowler, in particular, turned in one of the best, most consistent performances I've seen in a while.
Laura Jones, as Regina, was emotional yet calculated; passionate, yet chilling.
I was very pleased, too, to see a standout performance by a younger actor—in this case Brandon Simmons. I've never described an actor as "slack jawed"
before and meant it as a compliment, but Simmons' portrayal of the young Leo, a capitalist greed-monger in training, was one part simpleton doofus and one part borderline psychotic. Most directors would have let an actor as talented as Simmons have free reign and end up being little more than comic relief, but Chris Robinson is to be commended for allowing Simmons to be funny when we needed him to be, yet not allowing his humor to kill the tension that was always just under the surface.
Finally, Debbie Hurley must be noted for her portrayal of Birdie, the only adult in the family with a shred of goodness in her. Hurley's monologue work in Act III was worth the ticket price alone.
The designers did a good job of creating an environment that matched the tension of the character's emotional lives. The set and costumes were lush and rich, especially noteworthy because of the difficult time period in which the play was set (it takes place in 1900). I particularly enjoyed one feature of the set design that allowed us to see characters coming in and out of the front door before the other characters could see them. The actors and the director used those moments when they were seen only by the audience to give us just a peek into the inner lives of the characters before they were forced to put on their social mask and enter the drawing room.
At times the lighting and sound design was a bit heavy-handed—good, just distracting. That seems a minor criticism, though, when the production as a whole was so well crafted. Make plans to go and see this production, and you won't be disappointed.
Cast
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J.R. BRADFORD (Cal) received his Associate of Applied Arts degree at K.D. Studio Actors Conservatory. He has performed in the metroplex at Theatre Three Productions of THE ROYAL FAMILY, Theo/THE COSBY’S: THE LOST EPISODE at TeCo Theatre, and was last seen in The New Play Competition at TeCo Theatre. Film and Television credits include: THE GOOD GUYS, YEARS GONE BY, and is currently in the new series of DREAM FACTORY. ~ |
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DOUG FOWLER (Benjamin Hubbard) is pleased to be returning to ICT having last appeared in THE SECRET GARDEN. A familiar face to Dallas/Ft. Worth audiences, some of Doug’s favorite roles have been his Column Award winning turn as Mrs. Taylor/Rev. Billy Hightower/BAT BOY, Presidents Garfield and Ford/ ASSASSINS, Alan McNally/BABY, Ben Franklin/1776, Dennis Shepard/THE LARAMIE PROJECT, Claude Upson/MAME and AUNTIE MAME, Burt Hines/PROPOSALS, Det. Sgt Trotter/“THE MOUSETRAP, and Sidney Nichols/CALIFORNIA SUITE. ~ |
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DEBBIE HURLEY (Birdie) was last seen as Mrs. Ames in ICT’s HEAVEN CAN WAIT and Mrs. Hudson/SHERLOCK’S LAST CASE Prior roles with ICT MainStage include Miss Bennett/THE UNEXEPECTED GUEST; Emily Brent/TEN LITTLE INDIANS and Mrs. Stuart-Dubonet/UNVARNISHED TRUTH. Other favorite ICT roles include Elaine/ NIGHT WATCH, Susie/WAIT UNTIL DARK and Jessie Mae/THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL. In her younger days she travelled around doing the Dinner Theatre circuit from Virginia to Indiana. She enjoys helping out with props, spot light, set building and concessions. Her “normal” job is Registrar and Administrative Assistant at The Highlands School in Irving. ~ |
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NEELEY JONEA’ (Addie) is ecstatic to be making her return to the ICT stage, after last being seen as Sweet Sue in SUGAR. Neeley’s favorite past credits include: LaLa/THE COLORED MUSEUM, Jewel/ BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, Mrs. Cratchit/A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Dorothy/THE WIZ, and Kelsey in the Lorne Michael’s produced soap opera ALMOST LEGAL. Neeley is SO grateful for this phenomenal opportunity, and thanks her family and loving boyfriend Nate for their continuous support! ~ |
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LAURA JONES (Regina Hubbard Giddens) is pleased to return to ICT, having previously played Juanita in DEARLY DEPARTED. Laura’s favorite recent roles at other local theatres include Jean Brodie/THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE, Charlotte/MOON OVER BUFFALO, Jean/FUNNY MONEY, Ruth/BLITHE SPIRIT Agnes/THE SHADOWBOX, and Miss Casewell/THE MOUSETRAP. Laura retuned to acting 6 years ago after an 18-year hiatus, during which time she pursued a career as an attorney and became the mother of two wonderful children. ~ |
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NEIL ROGERS (Oscar Hubbard) is pleased to be making his ICT MainStage debut. Neil just closed a successful run as King Arthur/ CAMELOT at Artisan Center Theater and he recently played Senator Wingwoah/The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas at Casa Manana with Ruta Lee. Some of his other recent theatrical credits include; Luther Billis/SOUTH PACIFIC, Emile de Becque/SOUTH PACIFIC, Jud Fry/OKLAHOMA and Andrew Carnes/OKLAHOMA. Neil has also appeared in OUR TOWN, THE BIG KNIFE, ALL MY SONS, BRIGADOON, and EVITA. ~ |
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BRANDON CHRISTOPHER SIMMONS (Leo Hubbard) appeared in OUR TOWN at WaterTower Theatre, THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES and THE JUNGLE BOOK at Dallas Children’s Theater; also at Plano Repertory Theater in HANK THE COWDOG, PINOCCHIO, and WINNIE THE POOH. At Garland Civic Theater, he was in MY COUSIN RACHEL and LOST IN YONKERS. His training includes the AMDA (NYC) and The University of Oklahoma and is represented by The Clutts Agency. ~ |
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SHANNON WALSH (Alexandra Giddens) is thrilled to make her ICT debut with LITTLE FOXES. With a BFA in Musical Theatre from SHSU, Shannon has worked in across Texas and the northeast. Recent projects include ZOOKEEPER'S JOURNAL and Beth/LITTLE WOMEN as well as the regional premier of Heather/O'MALLEY’S. Other favorite credits include: Lina Lamont/SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE, A NEW BRAIN, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, RAGTIME, SWEET CHARITY, CRANK and Dream Ballet Laurey/OKLAHOMA! ~ |
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DAVID J. SMITH (Mr. Marshall) has appeared in several ICT productions. Previous roles include Sgt Cadwallader/THE UNEXPECTED GUEST, The Doctor, Workman/HEAVEN CAN WAIT and most recently Drunk Patron/10 NIGHTS IN A BAR ROOM. When not appearing on stage, David is actively involved off stage as a member of the ICT Board of Directors. He is grateful to be working with this talented cast. He also sends his most sincere thanks to his family, who so lovingly support him in his theater work. ~ |
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COREY WHALEY (Horace) happily returns to ICT MainStage, having previously appeared last summer in SUGAR. Other roles at ICT include Bill Bobstay/H.M.S. PINAFORE and Freddie/NOISES OFF. Other appearances in the metroplex include POSEIDON! AN UPSIDEDOWN MUSICAL, Level Ground Arts; The Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince/INTO THE WOODS, Richardson Theatre Centre; SWEENEY TODD, Garland Civic Theatre, and The Professor/GILLIGAN’S ISLAND: THE MUSICAL, Father Rivard/THE RUNNER STUMBLES, and Graham/FRAME 312, Rover Dramawerks. ~ |
Crew
JO ANNE HULL (Producer & Props) has produced, and designed props and set dressing for many ICT shows including DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER, BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, CRIMES OF THE HEART, SHERLOCK’S LAST CASE. to name a few. Jo Anne is an ICT Board Member.
STEVEN MERRITT (Technical Producer) has been working and performing in professional and local theatre for twenty years and with ICT as his main company for the past six. He was recently honored to join the ICT Board of Directors. He's rarely seen onstage these days but is often seen backstage training the next generation of theatre people.
CHRIS ROBINSON (Director) is thrilled to return to ICT MainStage where he got his start as an actor in the D/FW area. Last year he directed Circle Theatre’s acclaimed production of THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL, and LONE STAR CHRISTMAS CAROL. Other area directing credits include FMPAT: RUTHLESS!, OnStage in Bedford: THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, GLCT: GUYS & DOLLS, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, COTTON PATCH GOSPEL. Chris has performed in DFW theater for over 20 years, as well as several regional theaters. A Rabin and multiple Column award winner, Chris serves on the board of directors for The Column Awards and produces the multi-media for the ceremony each year.
ROBIN STEPHENS (Stage Manager) has been working with ICT in many capacities since 1986, including producing and designing Lighting and Sound. Most recently he served as Master Carpenter for HMS PINAFORE and DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER, and Sound Designer for 10 NIGHTS IN A BAR ROOM. He also operated sound for Theatre Britain’s annual Panto. Robin is a current member of the ICT Board of Directors.
RICHARD FROHLICH (Sound Design) is pleased to work with this great cast, crew and design team. Rich is a two time Column Award winner. He has designed sound for more than 60 productions at over a dozen area theaters since 2005, including Lend Me a Tenor and 6 others at ICT. In 2001 he founded the award-winning Texas Radio Theatre Company. In addition to sound design, Richard is a video producer, graphic and flash animation designer specializing in vocational and training programs. He makes his home in Arlington Texas with his wife Shannan and their three children.
IAN GARLAND (Light Board Operator) was proud to design the lights for LEND ME A TENOR sine he has been assistant light designer for ICT for the past four seasons and is happy to be back on the board for this show. Currently he is a theater major with focus in lighting at UNT. There he was assistant light designer for GHETTO, THE MISANTHROPE, and was light designer for two dance pieces for the 2009 NEW CHOREOGRAPHERS CONCERT. He would like to thank his friends and family for all the support they have given him.
TULLY HALL (Sound Board Operator) is pleased to be working crew with ICT again. His recent experience with ICT’s Theatre On The Edge as Stage Manager/THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE, and with ICT MainStage as Stage Crew/TEN NIGHTS IN A BARROOM, and Sound Board Operator/THE FIRST BAPTIST OF IVY GAP, including numerous set builds, has sufficiently infected him with the theatre bug. Expect to see more of his name in future programs.
JUSTIN KAILER (Costume Designer) graduated from Baylor University in 2005 with a BFA in Costume Design. Since then he has worked as a stitcher for the Dallas Opera for two seasons, then as a tailor for Men’s Wearhouse. He has designed shows with Mountain View College including RADIUM GIRLS and A PIECE OF MY HEART. He has also worked with Mesquite Community Theater, Artisan Center Theater, Artes de la Rosa at the Rose Marine Theater in Ft. Worth and Echo Theatre in Dallas. He is happy to be joining Irving Community Theater for the first time for this production of THE LITTLE FOXES.
ELLEN DOYLE MIZENER (Scenic Designer) was surprised and pleased to be offered the opportunity to design LITTLE FOXES and to return so soon to ICT this season having most recently designed LEND ME A TENOR. She has design credits throughout the metroplex. Favorites include: DUCKHUNTER SHOOTS ANGEL, AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, URINETOWN, NIGHTWATCH and A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE to name but a few. Thanks to everyone involved in this production and very special thanks to her husband, Jeff. I couldn't do it without you.
SAM NANCE (Lighting Designer) is honored to be designing THE LITTLE FOXES. He has designed numerous shows for ICT, including NOISES OFF, PROOF and more recently OF MICE AND MEN, the LION IN WINTER. and SUGAR He also serves as resident lighting designer for Pegasus Theater and the Column Awards. His work has been nominated for a Carbonell Award, two Rabin Awards, and sixteen Column Awards. He has received Column Awards for THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA at Theatre Three, and for NINE and All MY SONS, both for ICT MainStage.
Auditions
Directed by Chris Robinson
Saturday, January 29, 2011 from 2 - 5pm
Sunday, January 30, 2011 from 2 - 5pm
Please note the dates and times have changed as of Jan. 5
Performances: March 25 – April 9, 2011
Call 972-594-6104 to schedule an appointment.
Roles: 6 Male, 4 Female
Regina Giddens: Caucasian woman, 35 - 40. Determined to make things work in the absence of her husband Horace, with whom she has had a bad marriage for years (his absence is by no means a cause of pain or sadness to her). In longing to be independent and free, she becomes ruthless and relentless - even with regard to her own daughter's feelings and development. Eventually sacrifices everything around her in an attempt to achieve her personal goals.
Benjamin Hubbard: Caucasian man, 40 - 50. Regina's eldest brother. In contrast with Oscar, he is able to control his emotions and temper. In all his calmness he is also a relentless manipulator who knows he is capable of having a great amount of influence on the people surrounding him.
Oscar Hubbard: Caucasian man, 35 - 45. Birdie's overbearing husband; Regina’s brother. Very greedy, aggressive and oppressive. Constantly worried he will miss something, or will not get what he feels he deserves. Projects this anger onto his wife Birdie and their son Leo. Oscar hunts for the fun of killing animals, knowing that the townspeople rarely have any meat to eat.
Birdie Hubbard: Caucasian woman, 35 - 40. Regina's sister-in-law; wife of Oscar Hubbard. Descendent of the wealthy Southern aristocracy; often longs to restore those times. Once, she had a gay and excited temperament, but after marrying Oscar Hubbard she has become nervous and timid because of his oppressive behavior towards her. She has become a neglected and scared woman with a serious drinking problem. Secretly loathes her husband and her aggressive son, Leo. Piano experience a plus.
Horace Giddens: Caucasian man, 40 - 50. Regina's long-estranged, wealthy husband. Despite being gravely ill, he travels with his daughter to complete a business deal at the behest of his wife. He is sad about his failed marriage with Regina, but also accepts the fact that it is beyond repair. His sole purpose now is to cut Alexandra loose from her family and make it clear to her that she has to get away in order to have a future.
Alexandra Giddens: Seeking actress 18+ to play 17-year-old Caucasian girl. Alexandra is pretty, and rather delicate. She's the observer of all the schemes and the emotional and financial carnage in the play. Little by little, she finds out how her family is set on sacrificing each other for money. In the course of the play she develops from a rather innocent, naive girl into a more self-aware, determined young woman who very consciously decides to leave behind her family and the decaying Southern society.. Piano experience a plus.
Leo Hubbard: Caucasian man, 20. Oscar and Birdie's son. Ambitious, sneaky and slimy. Good-looking, but rather weak. Feels mistreated and misjudged. Anxious to show his capabilities and potential, but in doing so he overestimates himself. Following in his father's footsteps, Leo arranges to steal money from his uncle to secure his own financial stability.
Addie: African American woman, 55 - 65. The Hubbards' maid, and Alexandra's nanny. It is clear that she has the household under control and - despite being modest - she has a strong sense of dignity and honor and expects to be treated with respect.
Cal: African American man, 40 - 60. Like Addie, he has worked for the Giddens family for a long time. His role is more "behind the scenes," as he is responsible for maintenance and errands. He is loyal to the Giddens family, and keeps his criticism and opinions to himself.
William Marshall: Man, 40 - 50, any ethnicity. Rather self-possessed, and solely business-oriented. Coming from Chicago, he is a man of the modern world, of industry and glamour. It is this world that attracts Regina to him.
(all roles are available)
