April 2013 Issue of - The Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach

Curtain Call
2012-13 Season, Spring Issue
Editor: Heidi Ackerson
2012-13 SEASON COMING TO A CLOSE
Photo courtesy of Larry Kinzel
T
The Good People Cast
he Little Theatre just wrapped up production of Good People. Performance dates
were April 12 through 14 and April 18 through 21. Good People was written by David
Lindsay-Abaire and was directed by Ted Pack. It was a 2011 Tony Nominee for Best
Play!
This humor-laced drama took place in a Boston neighborhood where a night on the town
means a few rounds of bingo…where this month‟s paycheck covers last month‟s bills…and
where Margie Walsh had just been fired from yet another job. Facing eviction and scrambling
to catch a break, Margie thought an old fling who made it out of Southie might be her ticket
to a fresh new start. From Pulitzer Prize-winner David Lindsay-Abaire, Good People looked at
the perilous costs of choosing to hold on to the past or leaving it behind.
Margie Walsh was portrayed by Patti Earl. After being laid off by her boss, Stevie
(Sam Goodman), Margie‟s friend, Jean, played by Janie Hale, encouraged her to visit an old
fling, a doctor (Terence Van Auken). Tensions ran high when Dottie, the landlady, played by
Barbara O’Connell, demanded rent, and even higher upon meeting the doctor‟s wife, originally
cast as Sarah Horne-Rone. Donna Wac performed the role in Sarah‟s absence.
In February and March was the Little Theatre‟s production of the musical The Drowsy
Chaperone. John Stenko directed with Lizzie Brahm-Kriger as Musical Director. (See Page 3)
CURTAIN CALL is mailed to Members of the Theatre and Season Ticket Holders.
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
T
HARRIET WINOKUR
his year, I began wondering how the idea of “community theatre” evolved and
thought for this newsletter, I might present some of the information I‟ve
uncovered. No one really knows the origins of community theatre because it was
not well recorded. We know that there were amateur theatrical productions
during the Colonial and Revolutionary War times, and that the Mormons founded the Deseret
Theatre around 1850. Also, some of the late 1800 theatrical groups were established in
Illinois by the Aurora Drama Guild, and by the Concord Players in Massachusetts. Even the
name “community theatre” took some time to evolve. The movement has been called “art
theatre,” “little theatre,” “amateur theatre,” even “tributary theatre.” The actual name
“Community theatre” wasn‟t coined until 1917.
Did you know that Community theatres involve more participants, present more
performances of more productions and play to more people than any performing art in the
country? The Little Theatre is critical to the cultural life of the community of which we are
a part. This opportunity to impact our community brings a responsibility with it – we are “an
art form” and not just a form of recreation and social gatherings.
Think about all the work that is done by our volunteers to present this “art form” to
the community. It starts with an idea from a member, or a patron; goes to a play-reading
committee for review; a Board of Directors brings the recommendations to the members and
voila…the theatre season of plays and shows evolve. Then comes the selection of directors,
and managers, and crew, and auditions of actors. Then rehearsing, building sets, selling
tickets, printing flyers and mailers, press releases, lights, sound, ushers, clean-up
committees, etc…whew…what a production! And we do this multiple times in a year …And, we
are successful at it. Why? Because of you!
Our volunteers are the best! The thousands of hours that are donated each year are
well appreciated in our community. So, as your President, let me thank you (again) for all you
do and to thank those people who came before us to give us the opportunity to have fun in an
environment which we all enjoy.
A
fter months of planning, budgeting, and building, the
Little Theatre now has additional parking! The corner of
Horton Street (entrance) and Third Avenue is the home
of the new LT parking lot. Located on the same side of
Third Avenue as the theatre, it is available for Little Theatre
patrons only. Please be advised this lot will be locked after the
show closes. When parking elsewhere, please observe the operating
hours of neighboring businesses.
CURTAIN CALL STAFF: Noël Bickford, Harriet Winokur, Sandi Carroll, Carol Choma, Larry Kinzel, Ted Pack, Bev Zaumeyer
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(From Page 1)
Photo courtesy of SandiCarroll.net
The Drowsy Chaperone Cast
This charming Broadway musical paid tribute to the Jazz-age shows of the 1920s.
When a die-hard musical theater fan played his favorite cast album, the show came to life in
his living room. As the needle touched the record, the audience is transported to a 1928
Broadway theater and the story of a brazen starlet trying to find and then keep, her true
love. A reminder of the golden age of musicals, this show had lots of jazz and razz-ma-tazz!
The Drowsy Chaperone was presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre
International (MTI).
Die-hard musical fan, and Drowsy‟s narrator was played by John Hardebeck. Inn keepers Mrs. Tottendale and Underling were Sarah (Sally) Carlson-Ditmyer and Donald Campbell. Janet, portrayed by Bernadette Siudock, was soon to marry her sweetheart, played by
Robert M. Baldwin, and leave show business. Her manager Feldzieg, Barry Kite, wants Janet
to continue...especially after the threat of a “Toledo Surprise” by a couple of gangsters
(Terrence Van Auken & Ulric “Monty” Montcalm III). Mistaken identity lead to famed
womanizer, Aldolpho, (Franco Bottley) to seduce the Drowsy Chaperone (Pat Justin) who was
charged with keeping an eye on Janet before the wedding. Completing this ensemble were
Dalton Andrew Norman, Tory Smith, Christina Montgomery, Meghan Kelly, Donna Corporon
and Marcel Rosales.
In January, the Little Theatre presented a new comedy by Ken Ludwig, titled A Fox on
the Fairway. It was directed by Harriet Winokur. Audiences loved the show which was
completely sold out…so we added two additional performances! This was attributed to the
great cast, crew, and everyone involved at the Little Theatre.
(See Page 4)
We‟re now on Facebook at Little Theatre-NSB
http://facebook.com/ltnsb
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(From Page 3)
Photo courtesy of SandiCarroll.net
The Fox on the Fairway
took our audiences on a
hilarious romp which pulled
the rug out from underneath
the stuffy denizens of a
private country club. Filled
with mistaken identities,
slamming doors, and over-the
-top romantic shenanigans, it
was a furiously paced
comedy that recalled the
Marx Brothers‟ classics.
Young lovers Justin and
Louise (Nick Harshman &
Sarah Ann de la Hoz) found
themselves in the middle of
a golf wager between rival
country club owners Henry
and Dickie (Larry Schnabel
& Barry Kite). Completing
the cast were Janie Hale
and Ida Bailey.
The Cast of The Fox on the Fairway
PREDICTION: SEASON CLOSER WILL ENTERTAIN
C
losing the 2012-2013 Season is winner of the 2011 Mystery Writers of America
Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best Play, The Psychic. This is a comedy murder mystery
written by Sam Bobrick, and is directed by Karen Poulsen.
Adam Webster, a down-on-his-luck writer, in desperation to make his rent,
has put a sign in his apartment window – “Psychic Readings $25.” The characters it draws in
lead to a tangled murder mystery in this original comedy. Engaging, surprising, and clever!
Performances are May 17 through May 26, evenings at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm.
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D
uring January, our children‟s
theatre program, WonderLand,
offered a Winter after school
class for students on Wednesday afternoons. The Out of this World
theatre workshop centered on creative
ideas from “Out of this World.” Students
explored stories, theatre games and
activities that took them on rides in a space
ship to visit other planets and stars. The
open showcase for parents and friends had
everyone applauding “out of this world!”
WonderLand Theatre has more to offer this summer! In June, young Thespians can participate
in WonderLand‟s Summer Camp! WonderLand classes build on children‟s already active imagination
while guiding them toward an understanding of what it takes to act in a play.
Come Imagine with Skippyjon Jones is the summer camp for 5 to 7
year olds. The camp is to begin on June 24, 2013 and run for one week, ending on June 28th from 9:00 AM to noon. The cost of this camp is $85.00.
This camp for the young child features the Skippyjon Jones books.
Who can resist that lovable Siamese cat who imagines he is a Chihuahua?
Students will participate in imagination games, story drama and crafts
revolving around the Skippyjon Jones saga. On the final day, there will be an
imaginative showcase full of fun, cats, and Chihuahuas for family and friends
to attend.
For 8 to 14 year olds is The Hobbit Adventure. A play by Edward Mast, adapted from J.R.R.
Tolkien's novel, is a suspenseful, fast-moving journey through the sometimes dark, sometimes charming, always compelling world of Middle Earth. Bilbo Baggins is a comfortably well-off hobbit with a love
for rousing adventure stories.
Real adventures, however, are definitely not his cup of
tea. So when Gandalf the wizard knocks at Bilbo's door, bringing with him Thorin Oakenshield, 11 ragged looking dwarfs, and
a contract for an adventure to recover the lost treasure of
Lonely Mountain, Bilbo is not interested, at first.
But Bilbo's love of a good story gets the better of him,
and before he knows it, he is off on a perilous quest over mountains and under hills, through caves and forest and slimy dark places. This camp will begin on June 10,
2013 and run for two weeks, ending on June 21st, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The cost of the camp is
$240.00. Parents and friends are invited to final shows.
Act Out! is a summer camp for teens 13 to 15 years old which will run
for one week, beginning June 24, 2013 and ending on June 28th. The hours of
the camp will be from 12:45PM to 3:45 PM. The cost for the camp is $85.00.
Students in this class will be able to concentrate on acting skills and
techniques while doing a dramatic reading from a text, usually with little or no
memorization involved. Unlike traditional theatre, the emphasis is on oral
expression of the part and enables students to bring a text to life and together
create a powerful interpretation. Costume suggestions, music and other props
are encouraged but are not necessary. There will be a performance for friends and family on the last
day of camp.
For more information on the WonderLand theatre program, please contact the Little Theatre
box office at (386) 423-1246 or visit www.WonderLandTheatre.org.
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LITTLE THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2013-2014 SEASON
SUMMER 2013
BYE BYE BIRDIE
A musical by Composer Charles Strouse - Lyricist Lee Adams
Performances: July 26, 27, 28, August 1, 2, 3, 4
Auditions: Sunday June 9 and Monday June 10, 2013 at 7 p.m.
Director: Kendra Blazi
One of the most captivating musical shows of our time Bye Bye
Birdie tells the story of a rock and roll singer, Conrad Birdie, who
is about to be drafted into the army. In one final publicity tour, Birdie arrives in Sweet
Apple, Ohio causing people of all ages to swoon all over him, and he pushes the quiet little
town into a spin. The show gives insight into everyday life that is very much a part of us all.
It is a show to be enjoyed by the cast as much as the audience. An English Teacher, What
Did I Ever See in Him?, Put on a Happy Face, One Boy, A Lot of Livin' to Do, Kids, Rosie and
Spanish Rose are musical theatre classics. Bye Bye Birdie is satire done with the fondest
affection and is tops in imagination and good old fashioned fun.
By special arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc.
SEPTEMBER 2013
MID-LIFE! THE CRISIS MUSICAL
A musical - Book, Music & Lyrics by Bob Walton and Jim Walton
Performances: September 20, 21, 22, 26. 27, 28, 29
Auditions: Sunday, July 28 and Monday, July 29, 2013 at 7 p.m.
Director: Patti Earl
With a balanced look at the “joys” of getting older, through a
cast of 3 men and 3 women, Mid-Life! strikes a chord with anyone regardless of age. A series of scenes and sketches poke fun at the frustrations of
mammograms, love handles, weekend warriors and prostate exams. The cleverly crafted
songs celebrate forgetfulness, reading glasses and menopause, but also touch on the
sentimental wisdom that our later years afford us. Mid-Life! is a hilarious musical romp with
an honest humor about the trials and tribulations of the unavoidable aging process. Welcome
to Mid-Life! By special arrangement with the Rogers and Hammerstein Organization.
OCTOBER & NOVEMBER
DEFENDING LIZZIE
A mystery drama by Karen Poulsen
Performances: October 25, 26, 27, 31, November 1, 2, 3
Auditions: Sunday, Sept. 15 and Monday, Sept. 16, 2013 at 7 p.m.
Director: Shelly Wawrzonek
In 1892 Lizzie Borden of Fall River, Massachusetts was accused of
one of the worst crimes in New England. She allegedly used a
hatchet to murder her father and step-mother in broad daylight.
This play, written by the Little Theatre's own Karen Poulsen, takes a fresh approach to the
story behind Lizzie and her family. In 1930, Lizzie‟s diary is discovered revealing an inside
look at the Borden household between 1865 and 1892. Tensions arise when her stepmother‟s
family begins to profit from her father‟s money. Strange incidents occur, beginning with a
theft in broad daylight, suspicions of poison, and threats against Lizzie‟s father. The suspense continues right up to the very end when revealing information is uncovered.
By special arrangement with the playwright.
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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
HOLIDAYS ON BROADWAY
WITH THE RICK MARTORANO SINGERS
A Special Holiday Fundraiser
November 29, 30 and December 1, 2013
Directed by Rick Martorano
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
A seasonal epic from the novel by Charles Dickens
Performances: December 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15
Auditions: Sunday, October 27 and Monday, Oct. 28, 2013 at 7 p.m.
Director: Dan Blazi
Faithful to Dickens' beautiful language, this adaptation of the
beloved Christmas classic tells the heartwarming story of miserly
Ebenezer Scrooge. Mr. Scrooge is always cold-hearted, and Christmas is no exception - that is, until the ghost of his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley,
comes to warn him about the consequences of living a life of greed and materialism. Over the
next three nights, Scrooge is visited by three other spirits who try to convince him that his
selfishness will be his downfall. Is this enough to make the selfish old miser change his ways?
By special arrangement with Playscripts.com
JANUARY
STEEL MAGNOLIAS
A comedy by Robert Harling
Performances: January 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 2014
Auditions: Sunday, Nov. 24 and Monday, Nov. 25, 2013 at 7 p.m.
Director: Janie Hale
The quintessential story of friendship and trust, Steel Magnolias
serves up a southern view of life that‟s as warm and comforting as a slice of sweet potato pie.
In the world of a local home-grown beauty salon, six very different women come together to
share their secrets, fears and love for one another while engaging the audience in hysterical
and neighborly gossip. From weddings to divorces, babies to funerals, new beginnings to happy
endings, they share each moment in their lives with grace, determination, and perfectly
coiffed hair. When tragedy strikes, it is in the comfort of this salon where they seek the
solace and support that carries them through. By special arrangement with Dramatists Play
Service, Inc.
FEBRUARY & MARCH
MAN OF LA MANCHA
A musical based on a book by Dale Wasserman; Lyrics by Joe Darion
and Music by Mitch Leigh
Performances: February 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, March 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 2014
Auditions: Sunday, January 12 and Monday, January 13, 2014 at 7 p.m.
Director: Ted Pack
Man of La Mancha is the passionate and poignant tale of a noble knight
who lives in a world of madness and cannot see that chivalry has died.
His is a mission of salvation to find compassion for others. Based on The
Adventures of Don Quixote, by Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra, Man of La Mancha is a comic
tragedy of mankind's struggle to better the world in which he lives. At times both inspiring
and thought provoking, the story is entertaining and moving, and will warm the hearts of
those whose spirits were ever raised by the prospect of a victory by the underdog against all
the odds. By special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
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APRIL
KISS THE BRIDE
A comedy by John J. Wooten
Performances: April 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 2014
Auditions: Sunday, March 2 and Monday, March 3, 2014 at 7 p.m.
Director: Keith Poulsen
Kiss the Bride is a madcap comedy of a groom out to murder his
(frequently married and very wealthy) bride on their wedding
night. Having hired a couple of bumbling bad guys to do the job, the groom mistakes an
introverted wedding guest for the hired killer, sending him upstairs with his wife. Soon
after, the hit man and wife arrive, having kidnapped an unsuspecting bride at the wrong
reception. The kidnapped bride soon escapes from the trunk of their car and, with the help
of crazed couples and uninvited guests; she sends the newlyweds fleeing and the audience
rolling down the aisles with laughter. By special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
MAY
BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE
A comedy by Leonard Gershe
Performances: May 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 2014
Auditions: Sunday, April 6 and Monday, April 7, 2014 at 7 p.m.
Director: Harriet Winokur
Young Don Baker, hero of his mother's children's book series,
"Donny Dark," has been blind since birth, with his overprotective
mother following his every move. Don finally decides to move into his own apartment in
Manhattan, and pursue his songwriting ambitions. When his mother meets his kooky neighbor,
sexy actress Jill, Mrs. Baker's controlling instincts go into overdrive with hilariously touching
results. By special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
Please contact the Little Theatre Box Office for more
information on Season Ticket pricing and availability.
(386) 423-1246
A
uditions are open to the public, and stage experience is not necessary. Auditions take
place at the Little Theatre, 726 Third Avenue, New Smyrna Beach. Copies of all
scripts (except musicals) may be read at the Reference Desk at the New Smyrna
Beach Library. Audition readings will be from the script.
The next auditions are June 9 & 10 for Bye Bye Birdie. This production will have a large
cast of both males and females with a wide age range. There are non-speaking roles, there are
non-singing roles, there are non-dancing roles. There is something for everyone! Auditioners
should be prepared to sing, dance and act at the try outs. This production is directed by Kendra
Blazi with choreography by Casey Rollins and musical direction by Julia Hood.
Should the limelight not appeal to you, or you are not quite ready to make your theatrical
debut, attending auditions is an excellent opportunity to get involved in a production „from the
ground up!‟ There are many aspects of play production that are off-stage and behind-the-scenes.
Assistance is always appreciated in set construction, set painting, costumes, props, ushering, and
working in the box office! Come to auditions and get involved in the fantastic adventure that is
community theatre! For additional information contact the LT office at 386-423-1246.
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9
UPCOMING EVENTS
A
HAMMY AWARDS
t the end of each season, the Little Theatre hosts a semi-formal
bash to recognize the outstanding work by cast and crew from the
season‟s productions. The Hammy Awards event is the LT‟s answer to
the Oscars!
Hammy Judges vote throughout the season in each category for cast and
crew - from running the lights to the actor playing one of the leads in a drama,
or comedy or musical. Votes are tallied and the winners are announced at this
fun event.
This year‟s Hammy Awards event is scheduled for June 1, 2013 and will
take place at the Sugar Mill Country Club. Hors d‟oeuvres will be served and a
cash bar will be available. Chairing this event is current LT Vice-President, Ted
Pack. Emceeing the event will be LT‟s own Sarah Ann de la Hoz and Steven
Smith. Invitees will be admitted at no charge; each guest will be $15.
Next year‟s Board of Directors will be installed, and the Lifetime Member
for 2013 will be announced. Highlights of the 2013-2014 season‟s shows will also
be presented. Invitations for this event will be sent separately and will include
more information. It is sure to be a good time!
I
VOLUNTEER
RECOGNITION
t may not be readily apparent that we are an entirely volunteer theater. We
have no employees; surprisingly everything backstage and offstage is done by
our volunteer membership. The stage crew, lights and sound, ushers, office
staff - all are LT volunteers.
The Volunteer Recognition Event puts the spotlight on those members who
volunteer their time and contribute to our effort of providing quality community
theatre to our patrons. It is an opportunity to say thank you for all of their hard
work. This year‟s event is chaired by Bev Zaumeyer, who will also be emceeing.
When asked what she likes most about the Volunteer Recognition Event, Bev replied, “It‟s nice to have an event where our volunteers have a chance to relax and be
social.”
On Sunday, October 13, from 2-5 p.m. in the Little Theatre auditorium, our
volunteers will be celebrated! Certificates and pins will be presented and volunteers
will be given a chance, if they so choose, to say a few words. Music will be provided
by Jim Nelson. Catered food will also be available. The suggested dress code is
smart casual. More information will be available in the coming months.
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REMINDER: MEMBERS’ MEETING
T
uesday, May 7 is the final membership
meeting of the season. This meeting
will include voting for the board of
directors and voting on next year‟s
budget. All members are invited to attend the
meeting. Members of Record are eligible to vote
during this meeting. Please refer to the list
below for the names of Members of Record.
2012-2013 MEMBERS OF RECORD
Members as of February 26, 2013
Eric Abramowitz, Rebecca Abramowitz, Heidi Ackerson, Timothy Akers, Linda
Altendorf, Ida Bailey, Mary Baluta, Marianne Baxter, Irm Belles, Noël Bickford,
Justine Blanchette, Kendra Blazi, Dan Blazi, Gary Bolinsky, Sharon Borgerson,
Charlotte Brewer, Agnes Briggs, Tina Brown, Donald Campbell, Jeanna Carley,
Pat Carpenter, Carol Choma, Steve Choma, Nancy Clementz, Wynne Cook, Bill
Cook, Kylie Coolbeth, Terry Cox, Connie Cox, Carole Cuddy, Linda Davidson,
Snookie DeMarce, Susan DeMarco, Camille Dickinson, Rose Dingas, Kathy
Doherty, Terry Dudinsky, Patti Earl, Gary Earl, Gail Ente, Stephen Ente, Debbie
Fasanello, Dave Fasanello, JoAnn Forman, Sharon Foster, Maryann Frauenfelder,
Michael Funaro, Robert Gill, Robin Gill, Danielle Grau, Janie Hale, John
Hardebeck, Mary Jo Hardebeck, Peggy Hollenbeck, Kenneth Hollenbeck, Dottie
Hughes, Merlene Jacobs, Karin Jenkins, David Jenkins, Dee Jones, Jeff Jowers,
Diane Jowers, Pat Justin, Marjory Keenan, Delores Kemp, Cathy Kennedy, Ruby
(Pete) Ketterer, Larry Kinzel, Helen Kramer, Brittany Kretz, Ursula Lang,
Jocelyn Larochelle, Laurie Lawrence, Dr. Dale Lilyfors, Hal Linn, John Lipka,
Paula Lobnitz, John Long, David Lowe, Sara Marsh, Richard Martorano, Ann
Martorano, Kay Matheny, Jacqueline Mayberry, Nancy McCormick, Malissa
McDonald, Linda McGrath, John McGrath, Patricia McVey, Arlene Mendenhall,
Karl Monnier, Mary Monnier, Paula Montcalm, Monty Montcalm, Jeam Morano,
Nancy Murphy, Maria Nicosia, Loretta O‟Brien, Barbara O‟Connell, Jim O‟Connell,
Patricia Pack, Ted Pack, Nancy Palmer, Beverly Palmer, Diane Parent, Rick
Parent, Bonnie Patterson, Jane Patterson, Carlton Peters, Helen Phy, Will Pierce,
Tanya Plaut, Karen Poulsen, Keith Poulsen, Agnes Quinn, Mary Rapp, Bill
Roehrborn, Rita Saglibene, Marie Samarat, Sarah Savich, Beatrice Scalise,
Bernadette Siudiock, Lori Stamatis, John Stenko, Pauline Stockwell, Norman
Stockwell, Bernice Sturak, Melanie Swadner, Jeri Taylor, Jane Taylor, Melinda
Tedeschi, Eugene Teeple, Larrie Tiffany, Lois Troxell, Ober Tyus, Bill Walker,
Anne Walsky, Jeff Walsky, Shelly Wawrzonek, Ed Winokur, Harriet Winokur,
Barbara Wright, Bev Zaumeyer, Debbi Zill.
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Theater programs funded in part by:
President Harriet Winokur
Vice-President Ted Pack
Secretary John Hardebeck
Treasurer Hal Linn
At Large Shelly Wawrzonek
At Large Noël Bickford
At Large Dan Blazi
Board of Directors
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
P.O. Box 114
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32170
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
NEW SMYRNA
BEACH, FL
PERMIT NO. 115