Center Stage Jackson Announces 2018 - 2019 Season

2018-19
Season Announcement

The Music Man Main Stage Musical November 2-4 and 9-11, 2018 Jackson College's Potter Center The Music Man follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band that he vows to organize – this, despite the fact that he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain's fall. (Book, music and lyrics by Meredith Willson, Based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey). Wagon Wheels A-Rollin’ Youth Theater Play November 16-18, 2018 Jackson’s First Presbyterian Church Woe falls upon Chuck Wagon’s wagon train, stranded in the notorious Whistling Skull Rock outside the tiny town of Vinegar Bottle, famed for its “I’m O.K. You’re O.K. Corral” and crawling with villains and bandits! This fast-paced spoof of the Old West is filled with a goofy stable of hilarious characters. Then mix with mirth, action, and a laugh a minute, and you’ll be rollin’ in the aisle by the time the wagons start rollin’ out! (Written by Tim Kelly). Jeeves Intervenes Dinner Theatre February 15-17, 22-24, and March 1-3, 2019 Sandhill Crane Vineyards 1920s high-society London is once again thrown into chaos by hapless playboy Bertie Wooster, this time in cahoots with his old school chum Eustace Bassington-Bassington. The two hatch a brilliant plan to dupe their meddling relatives in order to save Bertie from an undesired marriage and Eustace from an unwanted job in India. But will the ever-faithful manservant Jeeves be able to rescue these bumbling fools from themselves? (Adapted by Margaret Raether). Rockin’ Robinhood Youth Theater Musical March 22-24, 2019 Middle School at Parkside’s Kiesel Auditorium Nottingham rocks in this exciting take on the legend of Robin Hood — fresh yet traditional and loaded with female roles! Told as an origin story, we begin in a happier time when Nottingham is wealthy and prosperous. A young orphan Robin and his twin sister Hazel arrive with big hopes to open an archery shop, but immediately run into trouble. Loaded with action, chase scenes, prison breaks, and an archery tournament, you’ll love the timeless spirit of our outlaw hero! (Book by Brian D. Taylor, Music by Eric Rockwell, and Lyrics by Joanne Bogart). Dinner Cabaret April 5-7 and 12-14, 2019 Sandhill Crane Vineyards Following last season’s wildly popular Cabernet Cabaret, we will once again be holding a Cabaret at the Sandhill Crane Vineyards. This year’s event, however, will span six performances over two weekends to accommodate more guests. Director and theme to be announced following director interviews. Peter Pan Main Stage Musical June 7-9 and 14-16, 2019 Jackson College's Potter Center Peter and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. In the adventure of a lifetime, the travelers come face to face with a ticking crocodile, a fierce Indian tribe, a band of bungling pirates and, of course, the villainous Captain Hook. (Based on the play by Sir J.M. Barrie, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, music by Morris “Moose” Charlap, additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, additional music by Jule Styne).   Other season events to look forward to include the 11th Annual Youth Singing Competition in January and various selections from the Reader's Theatre Series, dates to be announced. You can stay tuned as audition dates are announced  throughout the year by visiting CenterStageJackson.org/auditions.  If you are interested in directing any of the above productions please contact Katie Meyers at admin@centerstagejackson.org before June 15, 2018 for more information and/or to schedule an interview. Experience is not required, and more information on how to prepare for interviews will be provided after inquiry. Contact: Administrative Director Katie Meyers at admin@centerstagejackson.org or (517) 539-4118.

Mission

The purpose of this organization is to cultivate, advance, and promote the appreciation of dramatic arts with the community by presenting amateur theatrical productions. The organization will make educational opportunities available for its members while serving the community in artistic expressions.

Croswell Announces Auditions 2018

Announcing auditions for the Croswell's Summer Broadway Season!

Auditions for the first four shows in the Croswell's 2018 Broadway Season -- West Side Story in Concert, Mamma Mia!, She Loves Me, and Barnum -- will begin later this month. For adults and teens ages 13 and up: Sunday, Feb. 25, from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 3, from noon to 4 p.m. Monday, March 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. For children ages 6-12: Saturday, March 3, from 10 a.m. to noon. (Children who are unable to audition on this date may attend one of the other auditions, but are encouraged to come on this date if at all possible. The only show with children’s roles is Barnum.) Location: Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, MI 49221

A complete list of audition guidelines and available roles can be found at croswell.org/auditions. If you're auditioning for the first time, we also have a helpful blog post with information about how to prepare and what to expect!

General audition information Please prepare a short vocal selection and bring sheet music for the accompanist.  Be prepared to dance — wear or bring shoes you can dance in, with loose, comfortable clothing. You can arrive at any time during the listed hours, but should expect to be at auditions for a few hours. Most shows will rehearse for about six weeks. You will be asked to list any conflicts on your audition form. The Croswell’s artistic team is committed to flexible, imaginative casting. Performers of all backgrounds and ethnicities are encouraged to participate. Reasonable accommodations will be made for anyone with special needs. For more information about auditions, go to croswell.org/auditions, call 517-263-6868 or email jmacnaughton@croswell.org.

Click here to learn more

We hope to see you there!

Center Stage Jackson Auditions for Cabaret

Cabernet Cabaret

A Broadway Revue Dinner
at the Sandhill Crane Vineyards

Jackson, MI - January 29, 2018

Center Stage Jackson is seeking singers for its 2018 Cabaret, titled Cabernet Cabaret and directed by Kelly Fandrey with accompaniment by Jon YuhaszPratt. Performances will take place April 20, 21, & 22, 2018 at the Sandhill Crane Vineyards (4724 Walz Rd. Jackson, MI 49201). This event will include a Broadway revue and three course meal.

Auditions will be held Monday February 26, 2018 and Tuesday February 27, 2018 at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church (743 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49201). Auditions are drop-by style between 7:00pm and 9:00pm. This audition calls for singers age eighteen and older.

Auditioning singers should prepare two 16-bar cuts: One up-tempo and one ballad. These selections do not need to be Broadway tunes or songs intended for production, as the director would like to hear songs that showcase each singer's voice. The director may test for range.

An accompanist will be provided for those bringing sheet music. Alternatively, auditioning singers may bring a background track on CD or a device (a speaker with appropriate auxiliary cords will be provided).

Rehearsals will be held by appointment with the director and accompanist starting the week of March 12, 2018 until the week of production. This is a great opportunity for those that need a flexible schedule for rehearsal.

Contact: Kelly Fandrey at kellyfandrey@gmail.com or (517) 539-4118.

 

Upcoming Center Stage Jackson Events

Click the title of each event to get info such as times, locations, and more!

Old Time Radio Dramas - LIVE!
January 27, 2018
Carnegie Library

10th Annual Youth Singing Competition
January 27, 2018
Northwest High School

The Odd Couple - Female Version
February 16-18, February 23-25, & March 2-4, 2018
Dinner Theatre at the Sandhill Crane Vineyards

HONK! Jr.
March 23, 24, 25, 2018
Youth Theater Musical at the Middle School at Parkside

NEW!   Dinner Cabaret   NEW!
April 20, 21, 22, 2018
Live music, dinner, and wine at the Sandhill Crane Vineyards!

The Drowsy Chaperone
June 8-10 & June 15-17, 2017
Main Stage Musical at Jackson College's Potter Center

Croswell offers Tap Classes

Saturday morning tap classes offered at the Croswell
Dancer and choreographer Herb Wiley will offer tap dance classes on Saturday mornings at the Croswell Opera House beginning Jan. 20.

A class for beginners will take place from 10 to 10:45 a.m., and a class for experienced dancers will take place from 11 to 11:45 a.m. At least 10 sessions will be held, through March 24, but people do not have to attend every session.

The classes are intended for adults and for children ages 10 and up.

“When we renovated the Croswell last year and added new spaces, one of the things we wanted to do was start offering more educational opportunities,” said Jere Righter, the Croswell’s artistic director. “A lot of places in Adrian offer dance lessons for kids, but there aren’t many opportunities that include adults, so that’s a niche we thought we could fill. Herb is a great teacher, and I think everybody who comes to the class will have a lot of fun.”

Participants are asked to bring hard-soled shoes. Those who have tap shoes should bring them, but it is not required. Registration is not necessary. A donation of $10 per session is suggested.

For more information, call the Croswell at 517-264-7469.

If you go

• What: Tap classes with Herb Wiley
• When: 10 a.m. Saturdays for beginners and 11 a.m. Saturdays for dancers with experience
• Where: Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian.
• Cost: $10 suggested donation per session
• More info: croswell.org.

Croswell Announces Auditions for STELLALUNA & OTHER TALES

Auditions for Stellaluna & Other Tales, a children's musical based on the popular book series by Janell Cannon, will take place in January. The show will run from March 23-31, and includes a few daytime performanes during the week. It is directed by Emily Gfford. Audition dates and times: Saturday, January 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, January 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. Location: Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, MI 49221

About the show

Synopsis: This is a show for young audiences and runs approximately one hour. It is based on a series of children's books by Jannel Cannon that includes   Stellaluna, Verdi, and Pinduli. This play has roles for: 7 adults. To audition: Please prepare a 16- to 32-bar vocal selection and bring sheet music for the accompanist. No CD's, please.  Although this is not a dance-heavy show, we will do some movement exercises, so please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. For more information, email John MacNaughton at jmacnaughton@croswell.org or call 517-263-6868.

Learn more about auditions

The Croswell | 129 E. Maumee St. | Adrian, MI 49221

CENTER STAGE YOUTH THEATRE AUDITIONS 2018

Auditions for Youth Theater Musical...

Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother's protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out being different is not a bad thing to be.

Artistic Director Melissa McElhone Music Director Sarah Baldwin Choreographer Aimie Smith Auditions Tuesday January 16, 2018 promptly starting at 4:30pm Thursday January 18, 2018 promptly starting at 4:30pm (Actors need only attend one audition day) Audition Location Jackson’s First Presbyterian Church 743 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49201. Please park in the rear of the church and enter the southwest door, which will be marked. What to Expect at Auditions No preparation necessary! Newbies welcome and encouraged to attend! Youth will do a short vocal and dance auditions as well as read from the script with other youth. Age Range This production is for youth in Jackson County that are in 3rd through 9th grade (no exceptions). Rehearsals Read-through & Mandatory Parent Meeting will be held Monday January 22, 2018 at 4:30pm. Regular rehearsals will be Monday-Thursday 4:30pm-6:00pm starting Tuesday January 23, 2018 at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church, 743 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson, MI 49201. Rehearsals will move to the Middle School at Parkside's Auditorium in March 2017, date TBA. Performances March 17, 18, & 19, 2017 Friday and Saturday at 7pm, Sunday at 2pm at The Middle School at Parkside's Kiesel Auditorium

Character List   Ugly: The ugly ducking and the main character of HONK! JR. Innocent, easily confused and very impressionable, Ugly doesn't understand why it is wrong being different. Ducklings: Beaky, Fluff, Billy, Downy are Ugly's siblings - cute little kid types. They are among the "popular" ones in the duck yard who enjoy making Ugly feel left out. They sing as a group. Ida: Ugly's mom. Ida is extremely protective of her son and committed to his safety. She is sweet but feisty, and she knows how to handle her husband, Drake. Drake: Ida's husband. Drake is a sarcastic character. He is the stereotypical sitcom father - often shirking his parental duties. Maureen: A moorhen and Ida's best friend. A gossip. The Cat: The sly, cunning villain of the show. Greylag: A somewhat pompous goose and washed-up British military type, Greylag tends to over glorify his mundane activities (i.e. migrating South) to the level of military operation status. Dot: A motherly type, she is genuinely concerned with helping Ugly find his mother. Barnacles Snowy, & Pinkfoot: The geese in Greylag's "squad." The Bullfrog: A laidback, self confident frog.Optimistic and funny. Penny: The young, beautiful swan that Ugly saves. Father Swan, Mother Swan, & Berwick: Penny's family. Grace: The most distinguished duck on the lake, the queen of the duck yard and a bit haughty. The Turkey: The headmaster of the ducklings' school, and a bit snobbish. Henrietta: A hen and another of Maureen's friends, a gossip. Jay Bird/Maggie Pie: An investigative reporter. A very "in your face" bird, all she/he cares about is getting a good story. The Farmer, Boy, and Girl: The only humans in the show. Ensemble: The remaining actors play a number of different roles. Throughout the action of the play they take on roles as barn yard animals, geese, children at play, froglets, and part of the Blizzard scene.

Contact
Youth Theater Chair Doug Meyers at drmeyers14@sbcglobal.net or 517-539-4118.

Special Offer for Center Stage Jackson Participants

Special Dance Class Offer from
Intelligent Exercise Jackson!

Michelle and Kevin Deer of Intelligent Exercise Jackson visited our December board meeting to talk about a special offer for Center Stage Jackson participants. If you are interested in auditioning for The Drowsy Chaperone in March, these classes will help with your dance skills! This is a special offer and a great deal that we hope you’ll take advantage of!

Who & Where
Intelligent Exercise Jackson
225 & 227 N. West Ave.
Jackson, MI 49201

What
Introduction to Dance and Stage Presence for Musical Theatre
The classes will cover the basics of Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and the ever-important Stage Presence to make for better auditions and give yourself a leg up!

When
These classes will run four weeks long each Friday in January and February. Classes for youth ages 15 and under will start at 5:30pm. Classes for teens and adults age 16+ will start at 6:30pm.

Special Pricing
These classes are only $36 for the entire four week series!

How to Sign Up
Head over to iejackson.com to sign up today!

Contact
Michelle Deer at Intelligent Exercise Jackson
517-962-9389
www.iejackson.com

Auditions for Croswell

Announcing auditions for The Big Meal

Auditions for The Big Meal, a play by Dan LeFranc, will take place in January. The show will run from February 23 to March 4, and is directed by Eric Parker. Audition dates and times: Saturday, January 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, January 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Location: Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee St., Adrian, MI 49221

About the show

Synopsis: In a suburban restaurant, eight actors present the life-changing moments from five generations of a modern American family. From their most intimate joys to their most public sorrows, this family’s long history is revealed through a time-bending odyssey of birth, death, divorce, and dinner. This play has roles for: 6 adults (3 men and 3 women); 2 children (1 boy and one girl, roughly 10 to 13 years old). To audition: All auditioners will be asked to do a cold read from the script. You do not need to prepare a monologue or any other materials. This is not a musical, so no vocal selection is required. There is also no dance. For more information, email John MacNaughton at jmacnaughton@croswell.org or call 517-263-6868.

More information

New York Times review of The Big Meal at Playwrights Horizons: "Snappy overlapping dialogue that captures the tumultuous, sometimes subtly antagonistic tenor of family gatherings." Variety review: "Smart theatricality, plenty of amusing, overlapping, rapid-fire dialogue, and a well-attuned sense of contemporary family dynamics in an age where families are more likely to eat out than eat in."

Learn more about auditions

The Croswell | 129 E. Maumee St. | Adrian, MI 49221 517-264-7469 | www.croswell.org