'The Dinner Party'

DJ and bluegrass artist Carol Beaugard returns to theatrical roots in Neil Simon farce CHESTER — Chester resident Carol Beaugard is starring in a production of Neil Simon’s play “The Dinner Party” to be presented at the Newburgh Actors Studio on Broadway in Newburgh. Performances will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 9 and 10 and Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17. Show times for Saturday performances are 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are 5 p.m. Beaugard is best known for her work as a radio DJ and lead singer. Her radio program, “Lonesome Pine RFD,” broadcasts throughout the New York area on 89.1, WFDU-FM, the voice of Fairleigh Dickinson University (available in this area via streaming on www.wfdu.fm), and is syndicated worldwide on WAMU’s 'Bluegrass Country’ headquartered in Washington, D.C. She is also the lead vocalist of her folk/grass band “Carol Beaugard & Blue Express.” Prior to joining WFDU, Beaugard had worked for several years as a professional actress and singer. She toured in musicals and revues in dinner theaters throughout the northeast and appeared in off-Broadway productions and cabaret showcases in New York City. “It feels so good to be acting again,” Beaugard said. “I did my first play when I was eight- years- old and I always wanted to be an actress. While I love radio and working in a band, theater was always my first love.” In the upcoming production of Neil Simon’s “The Dinner Party” she plays the role of Gabrielle. “It’s a six-person ensemble and my role is a woman who is very sultry and a bit crazy,” she said. “The play is riddled with typically funny one-liners that Neil Simon is famous for but also with a lot of drama and pathos.” Former favorite roles include Mei Li in “Flower Drum Song,” Maria in “West Side Story,” Chava in “Fiddler on the Roof,” Joanne and Peggy in “Godspel,l” Myrtle Mae Simmons in “Harvey” and Sylvia Fowler in “The Women.” On-air, her work over the last 25 years in bluegrass music has earned her recognition as a leading voice of bluegrass and acoustic music in the New York region. She has emceed for major artists on stages including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, The Bottom Line and The Emelin Theater, as well as numerous festivals in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Beaugard’s work as a radio personality and vocalist was profiled in a feature article in the April 2010 issue of “Bluegrass Unlimited” magazine. Doors open one hour prior to show time. For reservations and information, call 569-8593 or e-mail: newburghactorsstudio@gmail.com.