AUDITIONS FOR BETA BLOCKERS/REVERSE GOSSIP

Beta Blockers is back, bringing a friend from out of town! Left of Left Center announces auditions for Beta Blockers/Reverse Gossip, featuring new comic shorts by Ned O’Reilly and comic monologues by Chicago playwright Barrie Cole. Most roles are open to anyone – all shapes, sizes, genders, and hairstyles – and we’re looking for a […]

Isthmus Reviews Dog Collar

Isthmus writer Victoria Davis reviews Dog Collar, highlighting “spot-on performances” and “diabolical ringmasters” just in time for our return to the Brink Lounge stage on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 PM. Dog Collar gives audiences a chance to laugh in the face of their pain. Read the review, “Deranged, Disturbed, and Dead-On.” Reserve seats for the […]

Dog Collar in Madison Magazine

Aaron Conklin of Madison Magazine takes a backstage tour of Dog Collar by talking about off-the-wall real-world job interviews with cast and crew: Luckily, she had the foresight to call ahead and let her potential employers know she was running late. She finally arrived, an hour late, disheveled and reeking of gasoline … to a […]

Dog Collar on the Call Center BS Podcast

Annie Jay and Jason Compton from Dog Collar join Anthony Busciglio on his Call Center BS Podcast and you’ll learn more in 40 minutes about the gritty realities of running a modern call center or renegade theater than ever thought you’d need to know. Subscribe, listen to the full episode below or on your favorite […]

Dog Collar, April 4-12

Writer/director Ned O’Reilly announces the cast of Dog Collar, with performances April 4, 5, 11, and 12 at The Brink Lounge in Madison:

Auditions for DOG COLLAR

Actors wanted for a cathartic exploration of an absurd job market. Left of Left Center announces auditions for the world premiere of Dog Collar, a contemporary satire about job interviews by Ned O’Reilly. Performance dates are April 4, 5, 11, 12 at The Brink Lounge. Auditions will be at Lakeview Moravian Church, 3565 Tulane Ave. […]

GOOD WORk. on WORT-FM April 27 at 8 AM

Ben Billand, Melissa Minkoff, and non-alliterative castmate Niall Spooner-Harvey from GOOD WORk. join host Jonathan Zarov for Eight O’clock Buzz on WORT-FM Friday morning at 8 AM. Tune in to 89.9 FM or listen live on wortfm.org.

GOOD WORk., a play about men and the women they work with

Writer/director Ned O’Reilly announces the cast of GOOD WORk., a new play about men and the women they work with. Owen: Patrick Roetzel Kelly: Annie Jay Ian: Niall Spooner-Harvey Trudy: Vanessa Vesperman Ollie: Ben Billand Chloe/Leah: Melissa Minkoff Rebecca/Arielle: Maggie Roemer Anna/Currie: Cassie Kohrs Caitlyn/Chrissy: Kerida O’Reilly Marie: Kathy Stamas Janet/Macia: Betsy Wood Andy: Jason Summerlott Opens […]

Auditions for GOOD WORk., a new play by Ned O’Reilly

It’s Summer 2017. Everything in the world is changing. Good luck. GOOD WORk. Left of Left Center will hold auditions for its new production GOOD WORk., a full-length play written and directed by Ned O’Reilly, March 2-5 at Lakeview Moravian Church, 3565 Tulane Ave, Madison. Enter through the door marked “OFFICE.” Friday March 2, 7-9 […]

CRAVING, a Variety Show

Left of Left Center’s first variety show, CRAVING, will satisfy with a rotating lineup of short plays and sketches, musical guests, dance, and comedy. It’s a look into the world of deeply inappropriate vampires, Lenny the Sleaze, and sexual politics after death. Performances from November 24-30 at Brink Lounge, Nomad World Pub, Art In Gallery, […]

Friday Reading List!

Some intriguing stuff is being written in Madison about The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs, including: A Play For Wisconn Valley, by Tone Madison’s Chali Pittman As Wisconsin eyes Foxconn, an actor revives Mike Daisey’s controversial tale, by The Capital Times’ Lindsay Christians Three performances remain: Friday at 7:30 PM Saturday at 3:00 […]

The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs, August 31-September 2

If Foxconn comes to Wisconsin, Jobs must as well. Mike Daisey had a love affair with technology and a deep admiration for Steve Jobs, one of the most important influencers of this or any age. Then he visited the plant in Shenzhen, China where the iPhone was made. And everything changed. It’s the story of […]

Anger Dance on WORT-FM Friday Eight O’Clock Buzz, April 21

Left of Left Center kicks off opening weekend with an appearance on WORT-FM‘s Eight O’Clock Buzz with Jonathan Zarov, this Friday April 21. Choreographer Heidi Hakseth and performers Jordan Humpal and Jason Compton will join the show in the bottom half of the hour. Starting at 8 AM, tune in to 89.9 FM or listen online. […]

See Anger Dance on WKOW-27 Wake Up Wisconsin

Anger Dance choreographer Heidi Hakseth and performer Vanessa Vesperman spoke with WKOW-27’s Brandon Taylor this morning about the show, premiering April 21. WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

Anger Dance on WKOW 27 Wake Up Wisconsin, Monday April 17

Anger Dance’s Vanessa Vesperman (MacKenzie) and Heidi Hakseth (choreographer) will appear on the Monday April 17 edition of WKOW 27’s Wake Up Wisconsin to talk about the innovative play with dance written and directed by Ned O’Reilly. Vanessa and Heidi will be on at about 5:40 AM. Reserve now to see the show, opening April […]

Anger Dance: Tough Choices

Anger Dance is about people deciding what parts of themselves they should keep, and what they should share–and with whom, and when. If that sounds complicated, well, that’s because life is complicated. See the dance in motion this April by reserving now. “When you wake up, I won’t be here.” Everybody knows Evan (Jordan Humpal) […]

Anger Dance Cast Announced, Reservations Available Now

Left Of Left Center is pleased to announce the cast and creative team for ANGER DANCE, a play with dance written and directed by Ned O’Reilly. The show will be performed at two locations: April 21-23 at Lakeview Moravian Church and April 28-30 at Express Yourself dance studio. Make your reservations now. CAST EVAN Jordan […]

Auditions for Anger Dance, a play with dance

Auditions for Anger Dance, a play with dance written by Ned O’Reilly Choreographers include Heidi Hakseth, Lyn Pilch, Marilyn Matusky, OD Kimani, Jose Vega, and Kerida O’Reilly Performances April 20-30, 2017 WHEN: Friday, February 10, 7-9 pm and Saturday, February 11, 1-3 pm WHERE: Lakeview Moravian Church, 3565 Tulane Ave on Madison’s east side CONTACT: […]

Memories of Beta Blockers: Generations

Beta Blockers: Generations has completed its run! Our many thanks to the terrific audiences that joined us at six different venues. It was in many ways the most ambitious Left of Left Center production yet, and we are grateful for the supportive response. Review the entire cast list and production run here, enjoy the gallery of […]

Beta Blockers: Generation Cast Announced!

Reservations are available now for Beta Blockers: Generations, the third installment in writer/director Ned O’Reilly’s series of comedic short plays. Performances are scheduled all over the greater Madison metroplex from December 1st through December 10th. Ned’s cast is already assembling to entertain, enlighten, and delight, and consists of the following bright souls: Sarah Whelan Jason Compton […]

Auditions for Beta Blockers: Generations, September 28-29

Left of Left Center announces auditions for the next installment of comic shorts written and directed by Ned O’Reilly – BETA BLOCKERS: GENERATIONS. It’s not Star Trek-themed, it’s a wry look at coping with families, traditions, and inherited traits in contemporary culture. Think of it as making comedy out of things you don’t want to […]

Staged Reading of The Columnist by David Auburn, August 25 6:30 PM

Left of Left Center presents its first promotional dramatic reading, The Columnist by David Auburn. Auburn is perhaps best known as the writer of Proof, a Pulitzer and Tony winner. The Columnist is his first full-length play in 12 years. Thursday, August 25 at 6:30 PM, at Barnes & Noble East Towne Mall. The play […]

What a run!

What a run! The Old Apartment has packed up and moved out, but we’re left with some fantastic memories. Our thanks to the many who attended our six performances, and to collaborators old and new who made this show such a success. Left of Left Center will return with more doses of goodness. Have an […]

Week 2 of The Old Apartment! Radio interview and special Tuesday night show!

Week 2 of The Old Apartment begins with our special Industry Night! Tuesday performances aren’t the usual, but they’re terrific options if you are yourself a theater participant, or work in service industries with heavy weekend workloads. Take in a performance with us tonight at 7:30 PM. Book your seat here. WORT-FM’s Jonathan Zarov hosted […]

Trailer for The Old Apartment!

We’re ready for opening night on Friday, and we’re ready to show you a preview of the show! Reserve now to see us before The Old Apartment moves on and moves out.

Two weeks to opening night!

The Old Apartment is just about ready for an audience. We’re just two weeks from opening and everything’s taking shape. The lighting design by Ron Collins is already hanging in the MercLab, awaiting the actors. Reserve now to join us May 13-22 for an unforgettable evening of dubious houseguests, unlawful trespass, and questionable security measures. […]

The Old Apartment: Cast and Crew Announcement

We got ’em. Left of Left Center’s upcoming production of The Old Apartment by Ned O’Reilly will perform May 13-22, 2016 at MercLab, and will be brought to you by this talented bunch:

Production Announcement – The Old Apartment

Left of Left Center is very pleased to announce its next production. THE OLD APARTMENT, a full-length comedy by Ned O’Reilly will run at the Merc Lab in May.

Take Our Prescription With Food and Drink

You probably know that when you book seats for BETA BLOCKERS: THE REFILL, Left of Left Center will provide a terrific 90 minutes of eyebrow-raising entertainment. What you might not know is that at most of the venues we’re playing, you can drink and eat before, during, or after the show. At Firefly Coffeehouse, you […]

(Updated!) Beta Blockers: The Refill: The Cast List

Beta Blockers: The Refill is in rehearsal now. We’ve selected six seven scenes about relationships, chemicals, and chemistry, and assembled the following cast of fine, talented human beings. (A couple may actually be convincing replicants. We can’t be sure which.) Reserve now to see a show, October 23-November 2! SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE Directed by […]

Audition notice for Beta Blockers: The Refill

Auditions for 3 male, 3-8 female roles for a new collection of original comic shorts about chemistry, chemicals, and relationships. Three scenes are looking for performers. Two of the three have strong LGBT themes. Auditions will be held on Wednesday September 16 and Thursday September 17, 7 PM, at 4001 Hanover St, Madison WI. Auditions […]

Seeking directors for Beta Blockers: The Refill

Beta Blockers: The Refill is coming soon, with performances at various venues in the Madison area from October 23-November 1. Left of Left Center is calling for directors interested in tackling one or more original scenes about chemicals and chemistry. Please contact writer/producer Ned O’Reilly at nedme17@gmail.com for details. Auditions will be announced shortly.

Clinical Trials for Beta Blockers: The Refill

The boys and girls in the Left of Left Center labs gathered on Saturday for Stage I clinical trials of a new batch of Beta Blockers. LOLC loyalists and newcomers performed stage readings of ten different scenes, all in the running for a future production. From transcendental meditation and meditations on gender identity, to sexual […]

A Left Of Left Center Update

It’s been a little while, but here’s a Left of Left Center update. Left of Left Center founder Ned O’Reilly has been writing up a storm this summer and will be hosting a table read of many of his new shorts, written with an upcoming produc tion of Beta Blockers: The Refill in mind.

WOW!

The attendance for our first two performances was phenomenal. Goodman yielded a sellout crowd with audience members willing to stand to watch the performance and the Firefly had only two chairs empty (with lots of full couches)!

Dressed to Impress

The Pleaser is so very pleased, The Silhoutte is strong and steady, and The Untangler is nimbly defeating his knots. They’re ready for a show! A few more days of polishing the edges will produce a refined performance that will soothe the Calibans of the audience.

Interview with the Co-Director Ned O’Reilly

Amanda Finn of Broadway World-Madison has interviewed co-director Ned O’Reilly. You can find, from a director’s point of view, how the show came to be and how it has evolved over the course of rehearsals.

Spirits to Enforce – Homestretch

We’re within two weeks of our first performance and the pressure is mounting. Memory Lass is desperately trying to memorize her lines, Fragrance Fellow has a stress cold and can’t smell a thing, the Snow Heavy Branch just fell over again and the Tune suddenly can’t keep a beat. They will be ready, however!

Rehearsal Photos

The Fathom Town Enforcers are quite spirited as they seek to fund their production of The Tempest. With Encores and Hyacinth aside, it is apparent that they should have chosen Kickstarter… Here are this week’s rehearsal photos of the spirits in rare form.

Spirits To Enforce Read-Thru Photos

Auditions were Monday, cast was announced on Thursday and the first Read-Thru was Tonight! Performances will come up quick, so Left of Left Center is hitting the ground running.

Spirits To Enforce Cast

Left of Left Center wants to thank all who auditioned! It was a fantastic few evenings of auditions and we are really excited to make the official announcement for Spirits to Enforce.

Spirits To Enforce Auditions!

The time is nearly upon us. Superheroes and Shakespeare. A contemporary piece performed in an old world way. Bringing the art to the people. An acting experience like you’ve rarely or never had. Left of Left Center’s Auditions for Mickle Maher’s Spirits to Enforce.

Spirits To Enforce Performance Schedule

LEFT OF LEFT CENTER ANNOUNCES PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE FOR SPIRITS TO ENFORCE We now have a concrete, cohesive, and corroborable schedule for our production of Mickle Maher’s SPIRITS TO ENFORCE.

Spirits To Enforce Audition Announcement

LEFT OF LEFT CENTER happily announces its next production, SPIRITS TO ENFORCE by Chicago playwright Mickle Maher.

EATING, DRINKING, AND GAMING, LEFT OF LEFT CENTER LIVES ON

My wife and I like to cook. We’re not master chefs, but we do dabble in a wide variety of cuisines. And so it was that we hosted a thank-you dinner for folks involved in Left of Left Center’s recent Beta Blockers production.

Beta Blockers Has Run Its Course

We enjoyed some of the greatest audiences we could have hoped for. From Friday night’s Sold Out performance to Chicago’s Rhinofest at the Prop Thtr to Wednesday’s high energy closing show. There are two simple words that express so much for us. Thank You.

Thank You Madison and Chicago!

We’re not done with Madison yet, but we do want to acknowledge the audience from our Friday night performance in Madison. Sold out and so great to perform for! If you have not seen the show yet, don’t wait to reserve your tickets for Wednesday. We’re nearly half full already.

Beta Blockers in Tech Week

With less than a week before performances start, the entire cast of Beta Blockers start tech week. We learned that the order of the shorts are Hive Mind, Arrhythmia, Advantage, Cortisol Rush, Bechdel Test, and Catnip. It was also a great opportunity to snap some shots of everyone!

Madison Performances Reservations

Beta Blockers has run its course Unfortunately, Beta Blockers cannot run forever. Madison Reservations We urge all of those interested in attending the Madison performances to reserve your seat, which can be done below. Admission for the Madison performances is a suggested $10 contribution at the door.

First Rehearsal – Read Thru

The read thru rehearsal will likely be the only time we will be as a group until tech rehearsals start in mid February. It was fantastic to see all the shorts read, to get a sense of the themes that Ned has intended for the Beta Blockers production as a whole. They really do comically examine […]