My upcoming talks and book signings...

A notice of speaking dates and book signings in September:

On Wednesday, September 16th, at 7:00 p.m., I'll be speaking at the Chicopee Historical Society meeting on "Revolution vs. Rebellion" -- a look at how manufacturing change society during the Civil War years and brought about a social and commercial revolution.  The meeting is open to the public at the Bellamy Homestead, 91-93 Court Street, Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts.  The site is the home of nineteenth century author and social visionary Edward Bellamy, and is a National Historic Landmark.  

On this occasion, a room in the Bellamy Homestead to display historical items is to be dedicated and named for my late sister, Ann Lynch Beebe, longtime treasurer of the Chicopee Historical Society.  

On Saturday, September 19th, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., I'll be  signing a variety of my books along with other local authors at the Springfield City Library, 220 State Street, Springfield, Mass., as part of their autumn Author Fair.   

On Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:30 p.m., I'll be speaking at the Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, Mass., as part of their Conversations with Local Authors series.  I'll be discussing my book Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star., and will bring along some film memorabilia for display.  I'll also have a selection of my other books for sale and signing.

Let's Talk Torrington - New Arts & Leisure Magazine - Torrington, Connecticut

A photo that I took and posted originally on my Another Old Movie Blog about the Warner Theatre of Torrington, Connecticut, now graces the cover of a new publication devoted to the arts of Torrington and Litchfield County.  It's called Let's Talk Torrington, and is the creation of Edward Cannata, who along with co-publisher Susan Read, are enthusiastic supporters of their community and its rich offerings of art and music.

Each issue features a centerfold map of the town with local businesses and attractions highlighted, and excellent articles on Litchfield County activities, sports, the arts, and health, home, and lifestyle features.

The next issue to be published in September will include an interview with me on my Litchfield-Torrington centered novel, the third in my mystery series: Dismount and Murder, which is set during a horse show.  The annual Litchfield Horse Show was once a staple in the community back in the 1950s when the story takes place.

I'll post more on the next issue of Let's Talk Torrington when it is published.  Have a look at this website to see where you can find your complimentary copy.

***********************

Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star. 
by Jacqueline T. Lynch

The first book on the career of actress Ann Blyth. Multitalented and remarkably versatile, Blyth began on radio as a child, appeared on Broadway at the age of twelve in Lillian Hellman's Watch on the Rhine, and enjoyed a long and diverse career in films, theatre, television, and concerts. A sensitive dramatic actress, the youngest at the time to be nominated for her role in Mildred Pierce (1945), she also displayed a gift for comedy, and was especially endeared to fans for her expressive and exquisite lyric soprano, which was showcased in many film and stage musicals. Still a popular guest at film festivals, lovely Ms. Blyth remains a treasure of the Hollywood's golden age.

The eBook and paperback are available from Amazon and CreateSpace, which is the printer.  You can also order it from my Etsy shop. It is also available at the Broadside Bookshop, 247 Main Street, Northampton, Massachusetts.

If you wish a signed copy, then email me at JacquelineTLynch@gmail.com and I'll get back to you with the details.

**************************
My new syndicated column on classic film is up at http://www.go60.us/govoice/advice-and-more/item/2025-ccc-movie-fan, or check with your local paper.

Ocean State Theatre Company Announces Auditions for the Coming Season - Warwick, Rhode Island

Ocean State Theatre Company ANNOUNCES

EQUITY AND NON-EQUITY ADULT AUDITIONS

FOR 2015-16 SEASON

Ocean State Theatre Company announces Open Equity and Non-Equity Adult Auditions for its 2015-16 Season at its state-of-the-art theatre located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick, RI on Monday, August 10, Tuesday, August 11 and Wednesday, August 12, 2015. Performers must be available for all rehearsal and performance dates. Local talent is strongly encouraged to audition. All roles are open for the following productions: 

The Addams Family

Day and evening rehearsals/performances September 25 – October 25, 2015

*Note: All roles must be very strong actor/singers who move well. Ensemble must be strong dancer/singers. Please see website for casting breakdown.

Around the World in 80 Days

Day and evening rehearsals/performances October 20 – November 16, 2015

*Note: All roles require various global accents. Please see website for casting breakdown.

It’s a Wonderful Life The Musical

Day and evening rehearsals/performances November 17 – December 27, 2015

*Note: All roles must be very strong actor/singers who move well. Ensemble must be strong actor/singers who move well or strong dancer/singers. Please see website for casting breakdown.

NO CHILDREN WILL BE AUDITIONED AT THESE CALLS.

SEPARATE CHILDREN’S AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD AT A LATER DATE.

Breaking Legs

Day and evening rehearsals/performances January 12 – February 14, 2016

Please see website for casting breakdown.

1776

Day and evening rehearsals/performances February 9 – March 13, 2016

Please see website for casting breakdown.

The Miracle Worker

Day and evening rehearsals/performances March 15 – April 17, 2016

Please see website for casting breakdown.

NO CHILDREN WILL BE AUDITIONED AT THESE CALLS.

SEPARATE CHILDREN’S AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD AT A LATER DATE.

Anything Goes

Day and evening rehearsals/performances April 12 – May 22, 2016

*Note: All roles must be very strong singer/actors who move well. Ensemble must be strong actor/singers who move well or strong dancer/singers. Many small roles will be cast from the ensemble.

Please see website for casting breakdown.

The schedule for Monday, August 10 will be as follows:

9 am - 1 pm Singing Auditions (1-2 pm lunch)

2 pm – Dance auditions begin; 5 - 7 pm Actor only auditions (no accompanist provided)

The schedule for Tuesday, August 11 will be as follows:

9 am - 1 pm Singing Auditions (1-2 pm lunch)

2 pm – Dance auditions begin; 5 - 7 pm Actor only auditions (no accompanist provided)

The schedule for Wednesday, August 12 will be as follows:

9 am – 11 am Singing Auditions; 11 am Dance auditions begin;

11 a – 4 pm Actor only auditions (no accompanist provided)

Auditions will be held at Ocean State Theatre located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick, RI. Those auditioning should enter through the main lobby doors and bring their headshot or a recent photo and resume (if available) securely stapled together (back to back).

Acting auditions: Please prepare two brief contrasting contemporary monologues. Note that there may be time to perform one selection only. Some may be asked to stay for cold readings. If interested in auditioning for singing and acting roles, please prepare one brief song and one brief contemporary monologue and attend the “singing” audition time-frame. No accompanist will be provided during the Acting Auditions.

Singing auditions: Please prepare two brief songs (one up-tempo and one ballad). Note that there may be time to perform one selection only. If interested in auditioning for singing and acting roles, please prepare one brief song and one brief contemporary monologue and attend the “singing” audition time-frame. Bring sheet music in the correct key; an accompanist will be provided, but will not transpose. No a cappella, tape recorders or CD players accepted. Some may be asked to stay for the dance call. Bring appropriate dancewear and “dance” shoes.

Dance auditions: Please be warmed up and ready to dance when the call begins. Wear appropriate dancewear and have ballet and character shoes. Some may be asked to stay and sing after all have danced. Please prepare 16 bars of an up-tempo musical theatre song. Bring sheet music in the correct key; an accompanist will be provided, but will not transpose. No a cappella, tape recorders or CD players accepted.

No appointments necessary. Members of Actors’ Equity may call to schedule a singing and/or acting appointment, please email Robert.Miller@ostcri.org. Equity Members without appointments will be seen throughout each audition day, as time permits on a first-come first-served basis. No appointment needed for dance audition. No appointments will be given to non-union actors. Doors open one hour before each audition.

Please Note: These auditions are for adults only (18 years and older).

        No children will be auditioned at this call. 

    Children’s auditions will be held at a later date.

There are no NYC auditions scheduled at this time. Additional information, character breakdowns and directions are available at www.OceanStateTheatre.org.

The theatre is required to hire a minimum of three members of Actors’ Equity Association for each show.

In both chorus musicals, an additional minimum of two chorus contracts are required.

All ethnic minorities are strongly encouraged to attend this audition. 

YouTube Ann Blyth book trailer

This is by way of a book trailer for Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star.  The two songs she sings on this video, "My Foolish Heart," from the Oscars in 1950, and the other, "My Golden Harp" (to the tune of "Danny Boy") from a guest appearance on the Louella Parsons radio show in 1951, are selections probably not a lot of people have heard.  The movie magazine covers are always a kick.

Enjoy.  Buy the book.  Did I mention that before?

Valerie Harper & Sally Struthers at the Ogunquit Playhouse - Maine

Now playing at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit, Maine: The musical comedy Nice Work If You Can Get It, with Sally Struthers and Valerie Harper.  Runs through August 15th - More here at their website.

**********************

A summer sale on two of my eBooks runs now through the end of July:

Classic Films and the American Conscience - a collection of essays on classic films in the context of the era in which they were made, and...

Double V Mysteries: Numbers 1 through 3 box set - a cozy mystery series set in New England in the post-World War II era.  A little noir, a little romance, a lot of New England.

Both eBooks are selling at half-price at Amazon.

*****************************************

Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star. 

The eBook and paperback are available from Amazon and CreateSpace, which is the printer.  You can also order it from my Etsy shop. It is also available at the Broadside Bookshop, 247 Main Street, Northampton, Massachusetts.

If you wish a signed copy, then email me at JacquelineTLynch@gmail.com and I'll get back to you with the details.

New London Ledge Lighthouse

The New London Ledge Lighthouse was constructed in 1909 on Black Ledge in Long Island Sound.  Some say it's haunted.

There are 14 rooms in this Colonial style brick building.  A quiet little mansion of some style sitting just outside New London, at the mouth of the Thames River, but far enough away to be isolated.  A lighthouse keeper's life was predominantly one of isolation.

The haunting is assumed by many to be the ghost of Ernie, a lighthouse keeper living here in the 1930s, who leaped to his death off the top of the tower when he got a letter from his wife saying she had run off with the captain of the Block Island Ferry.

Visitors to Ocean Beach in New London consider the lighthouse from a lazy distance, most never knowing the story.  Ever since 1987, the light has been automated, and Ernie is alone again.

For more on the New London Ledge Lighthouse, have a look at this site.

Calamity Jane in the Movies

This is to announce the publication of my new eBook Calamity Jane in the Movies, an essay that began as several blog posts on my Another Old Movie Blog.  The book is available from Amazon here.  It is to be the first in a series of short books examining Hollywood's treatment on historical subjects, as well as the current events of the era in which the films were made.

Calamity Jane, a real-life historical figure in the American Old West gets a "reel" life in Hollywood's varied, entertaining, and inaccurate portrayals.  Fifty-seven pages, includes several historical photos of Calamity Jane, as well as movie stills and lobby card images.  The book is currently priced at $1.99, but can be borrowed free for Kindle Prime subscribers.