Solo Cabaret Performance!

MY SCRAPBOOK, AS TOLD THROUGH SONG
Performed by Timm Richardson

JANUARY 23 & 24 8PM
BON TON ROOM (ALL PLAY, NO WORK)
517-787-6733 FOR RESERVATIONS

FEATURING GUEST PERFORMANCES BY:
MATT DAVIS
SHERRA ZUCK (ALSO ON KEYBOARDS)

AND FORMER STUDENTS:
MAHALIA PRICE
ADAM WOOLSEY

NOT JUST AN EVENING OF BALLADS, THERE'S HUMOUR TOO!

TICKETS ARE $15

HORNS FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Does anyone know if Jackson County has a similar program for used instruments? Ken Kozora, who manages this project in Washtenaw County and wrote the following post, is a friend of mine.

It's that time of year to rummage through your attic, basement and garage in search of musical instruments that aren't being played. The 12th annual Horns For The Holidays instrument "recycling" drive will help get instruments into the hands of children who can't afford to purchase their own.

Here is a link to a recent interview with me about the program.

http://www.manchesterenterprise.com/stories/121808/loc_20081218001.shtml

Below is a link the Arts Alliance who have so generously adopted HH as one of their many great arts related programs for the community. Drop off locations and more info is listed here.

http://www.a2artsalliance.org/

Happy Holidays and a big THANK YOU to all those individuals and organizations who have donated their instruments, time and talents over the years!

Peace,
Ken Kozora

Our First Christmas Tree!

This is our Christmas tree on the first floor lobby at the Michigan Theatre at 124 N. Mechanic Street in downtown Jackson, Michigan. Anytime the theatre has an event between now and Saturday, January 3rd you can view the trees even if you are not attending the event. If you want to call ahead to make sure you can get in to see the trees, call 783-0962.

The tree was conceived and decorated by Amie Pierce. The tree skirt was created by Karen Meyers. You vote for your favorite tree (or non-profit group) by dropping money into decorated boxes. Proceeds will be split equally with the Michigan Theatre.

Straight No Chaser - Carol of the Bells

Happy Holidays!

It's Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas

A Holiday Cabaret Performance

Date/Time: December 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 8:00 p.m. (doors open 6:30)

December 13 matinee at 3:00 p.m.

Location: The Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood Ave., Jackson, MI

Tickets $20/person

Reservations: (517) 787-6733

• Elena Beasley
• Roxanne Bruner,
• Matt Davis
• Steve Hug
• Kerrie Manders
• Lori Pelham
• Sandy Sykes
• Allen Tuttle
  
• and Sherra Zuck

This show is already selling fast! Call for reservations today.

3^rd Entertaining Year! Embrace the spirit of the season in a fun and festive cabaret-type setting. You won’t want to miss this entertaining evening with your favorite holiday classics and always some fun surprises!

The Center Stage Jackson Youth Theater is looking for young people to perform in its first musical "Enchanted Sleeping Beauty." Auditions are open to young people in grades 3-9.

"Enchanted Sleeping Beauty" is based on the fairy tale by Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm and tells the tale of Princess Briar-Rose. At the princess' birth, the witch Evilina, who lives with a giant spider, sets a terrible curse on the poor, young princess. Sixteen years later, it's up to Prince Alexander to come to Briar-Rose's rescue, and the court's too...for they are all asleep. The prince must fight a Wall of Thorns, a False Princess and, most frightening of all, the exalted Dark Knight! The zany, loveable characters and the score are as enchanting as Briar-Rose in this family favorite, suitable for all ages.

Auditions for the show will be held on Tuesday, January 13 and Thursday, January 15 at 4:30 pm at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church, 743 Michigan Avenue in Jackson. There are roles for 7 boys and 18 girls plus a chorus. Those auditioning will be asked to do a cold reading from the script and sing a short, simple song (no advanced preparation is necessary). Rehearsals will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 until 6:00 at the church.

Three performances will be staged at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church on March 20-22, 2009.

For additional information, contact Doug Meyers at (517) 783-1468.

Auditions for "Holes"

Auditions for Center Stage Jackson’s production of "Holes" will be held on Monday, December 8 and Tuesday, December 9 at the Middle School at Parkside, 2400 4th Street, Jackson from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each evening. Auditions will be in Room 120. (Turn right on to the service drive that runs along the border of Sharp Park Golf Course to the south of the school property. Park in the lot just beyond the first greenhouse. Walk back towards Fourth Street. Room 120 has outdoor access and will be brightly lit.)

There are roles for approximately 23 people.

“Holes” is adapted from the Newbery Medal-winning novel by Louis Sachar. It was later made into a screenplay for the 2003 film by Walt Disney Pictures. There are thirteen main characters and a number of smaller roles.

Public performances will be March 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14,15 at the Middle School at Parkside. There will two weekday daytime performances for students tentatively set for Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6 at noon on both days.

For more information visit the Center Stage Jackson website or send a message to info@centersagejackson.org.

Croswell Opera House Presents. . .

What time is it? Summer time! School’s out – and the Wildcats are back for an all new adventure ...

right here in your back yard at the Croswell Opera House.

JULY 10-12 & 16-19

The 2009 Croswell Summer Season will also include

The Producers, June 19-21 & 25-28 and City of Angels, July 31-August 2 & 6-9.

Auditions for all three musicals will take place in March, with dates and times to be determined.

For more information, call the Croswell Box Office at (517) 264-SHOW (7469),

visit the box office located at 129 E. Maumee, Mon-Fri., 9-5 or visit the website, www.croswell.org.

AoGG musical preview by Japan Este

Anne Green Gables Open November 14th!

On November 14^th Center Stage Jackson will open a two weekend run of a musical version of the beloved story of “Anne of Green Gables”. It is hard to believe the book is celebrating 100 years and is still read around the world. (You can actually find and read the book on-line since it is out of copyright.)

“Anne” is appropriate for the whole family and certainly a show that could introduce a child to live theater.

The version we are doing is the one performed on Prince Edward Island – Anne’s home.

The dates for the show are November 14^th, 15^th, 16^th and 21^st, 22^nd, 23^rd. Once again we have the opportunity to perform in the beautiful Grass Lake High School auditorium. Friday and Saturday night curtains are at 8:00 pm and Sunday matinees are at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $10 and seating is general admission.

To make reservations call 517-522-5695 and leave your name, the number of tickets you want and a callback phone number.

Christina McKim is playing Anne and her mother, father and sister are in the show as well! Other names you may be more familiar with in the cast are Sarah Weber, Steve Hug, Anne Fleming, Lisa Ykimoff, Barb Palmer, Chris Evans, Cara Guernsey, Carly Brake, TR Krupa, Doug and Lucas Meyers, Michael Cicirelli and many more. For a complete cast list, check out the website.

Come out and support your friends and neighbors and the wonderful young people in our community who all have so much talent!

Cast of Doc, Doc. . .Goose! Announced

Center Stage Jackson's Youth Theater has announced the results of auditions for it's production of Doc, Doc. . .Goose! to be presented on Friday, November 7 at 7:00 pm, Saturday, November 8 at 7:00 pm and Sunday, November 9 at 2:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. The director is Jen Ann Guy.

Dr. Goose - ANNA SUMMERS
Nurse Gosling - BROOK PRICE
Mac - CALLI NICKELS / AMELIA ORR
Cow - VIVI CLERPILOWSKI
Crooked Man - KEITH CLEMONS
Wee Willie Winkie - ANTHONY HODSHILE
Jack B. Nimble - JOSH RENNELL
Jack Sprat - GRAHAM PETERSON
Wife - SIERRA HENTHORNE / RITA SUMMERS
Polly- PHEOBE CALLEBS / BRITTANY KRYST
Queen of Hearts - CARLIE CONNOLLY / RACHAEL HARRIS
Goldilocks - MEGHAN BUTTERFIELD / MAYA ALGER
Jack (with Jill) - MICHAEL RICHARDS
Jill - ALICE BAXTER / MEGAN BELL
Dr. Zhivago - JOANNA STAIRS / MALAINA STASSINES

SWEENEY TODD ADDS PERFORMANCE!

Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which opened last weekend at The Bon Ton Room in All Play and No Work at 3017 Wildwood Avenue in Jackson, has added a performance on Friday, October 31st due to overwhelming demand for reservations. Sondheim's 1970s musical gets a new look on the small cabaret stage with just twelve performers who sing, act and play instruments including the clarinet, flute, accordion, keyboards and percussion to accentuate this 'marvelously murderous musical' by Stephen Sondheim.

Performance dates are October 17-18 and 24-25 and 31 at 8:00 pm. There are a very few seats still available for this event unlike anything Jackson has seen. Tickets for the show are $20.

Or consider coming earlier and having dinner and drinks too. Doors open at 6:00 pm and you can order from the new tappas menu created by owner Matt Davis and his family. (For the Halloween performance only dessert and coffee will be served.)

For reservations or information call 517-787-6733.

Croswell Opera House presents . . .

THE HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN!

BY MARTIN DOWNING

Directed by G.L. Blanchard

October 17-19 & 24-26

Fridays & Saturdays 8 p.m.

Sundays 3 p.m.

visit www.croswell.org

or call 517/264-SHOW to get your tickets today!

In this wise-cracking comedy-horror, Baron Victor Von Frankenstein,

his long-suffering wife Elisabeth, the hunchback Ygor, Valkyrian housekeeper Frau Lurker and the Monster

play host to various menacing creatures of the night (invited or otherwise) who beg the Baron to rid

them of their vices. This challenge, although a welcome diversion for the headstrong scientist, proves to be no picnic ... more of a living nightmare!

An Invitation from Jackson Community College

Join us for Theatrical Workshop on Friday, October 17 at 12:30pm in the Potter Center’s Federer Rooms B & C (located on the first floor). This is a great opportunity for your students to learn about pursuing a career in theatre, film and television from cast members of the professional radio theatre company, LA Theatre Works.

This FREE workshop is an exciting event designed to share with actors, both student and professional, some of the techniques that are invaluable in pursuing these careers. The workshop will be taught by one or more members of the L.A. Theatre Works company - professionals with impressive resumes and plenty of audition war stories. They will cover topics such as getting rid of audition fears, selection of material, how to prepare for an audition with dress and manner, and the audition / callback process itself. There will be active demonstrations of ways to deal with audition anxieties, etiquette with casting directors and directors, and many other related topics.

That evening, join us again for a special back-to-back double bill of chills, thrills and great literature as LA Theatre Works presents two masterpieces of science fiction and adventure: War of the Worlds and The Lost World. This production is scheduled for 8:00pm in the Sheffer Music Hall. Attached are a synopsis of the show and a description of the company performing the show. Below is a list of the actors who will be performing the show:

Jerry Hardin (X-Files), a veteran of dozens of films and television programs and fine stage actor Kenneth Alan Williams will be joining television star Kyle Colerider-Krugh (ER, Third Rock From the Sun and Seinfeld) and Josh Clark (Heroes, Star Trek Voyager, E.R. and LA Law), previously announced. Rounding out the cast will be Jen Dede (E.R., Gilmore Girls) and Peter McDonald (Becker, Wings, E.R. as well as many starring roles on stage in Los Angeles).

Star Trek alum John de Lancie is directing this fine cast and is available for interviews along with the actors.

We are offering discounted tickets to students (50% of ticket price of $29, $26 or $22). For tickets to the evening's performance, please contact the Potter Center Ticket Office at 796-8600.

If you are interested in participating in the free workshop, please contact me by Wednesday, October 15, either by e-mail or phone at 796-8473.

Sandra Phelan
Events Coordinator
Office of Community Relations and Performing Arts
Jackson Community College
2111 Emmons Road
Jackson, Michigan 49201

p: 517.796.8473

f: 517.796-8642

visit us at www.jccmi.edu

Croswell Opera House Auditions. . .

The Croswell Opera House is pleased to invite you to a special final call!

Auditions for Christmas Carol: The Musical are being held on Wednesday, Septebmer 24th at 7 pm in the Rehearsal Room at the theatre.

After two exciting nights of auditions, and a grea show of talent, there are still rols left to cast: men & women, leading and supporting - even ensemble actors will be welcomed.

Please come adn join our expanding cast and crew as we celebrate a timeless holiday classic.

Director Bill Quinlan has asked that actors have a prepared song, with piano accompaniment by music director Mark Smith.

Be sure to wear comfortable clothes, as a short movement/dance exercise may be required!

For more information, contact the Croswell at 517-263-6868.

Offer: HUGE Free4All - Downtown Lansing

Tuesday, September 23, Noon until 7 pm. At Riverwalk Theatre Lobby. (Mind our construction, it's sure to be a mess!)

Local community theater is clearing out a warehouse full of furniture and household items previously used for stage dressing! Consists of many large furniture items, novelty (constructed) pieces and an assortment of smaller household and decorative items.. Condition of furniture items varies widely, mechanical items may/may not work. These items were originally donated for theatrical benefit, they are not to be taken for resale. If you no longer need the item, please pay it forward and donate them yourselves. Items include but not limited to:
Ÿ Older computer parts; typewriters
Ÿ Lots of interior and exterior doors
Ÿ Dining tables, buffets, cabinet sewing machine
Ÿ Dressers, chests
Ÿ Console stereos, portable TVs, an organ
Ÿ A number of wood and metal “school” chairs
Ÿ Steamer trunks, luggage, fireplace doors
Ÿ Baskets, dishes, household linens
Too much more to list! Bring your truck and come see!

Tuesday, September 23, from Noon until 7 pm

Riverwalk Theatre
228 Museum Drive
Lansing

Museum Drive runs south from Michigan Ave, just across from Lansing Center, or from S. Cedar near City Market, runs under the Lansing Center. We’re next to Impression 5 Museum.

Michael Siracuse
Manager, Riverwalk Theatre
www.riverwalktheatre.com

FREE Film, Music, Acting Workshops at JCC

The LaZebnik family is establishing an arts scholarship for students at Jackson Community College. A weekend of FREE workshops is being offered and three performances of the play Rachel Calof, which tells the story of an 18 year-old mail-order bride who leaves her tough life in 1894 Russia to face even more challenges on the North Dakota frontier. This 80 minute play details the extraordinary life of a Jewish pioneer woman living with her husband and family in a 12 by 14 plank house. It will be presented at 8 pm on September 26th and 2 pm and 8 pm on Saturday, Septembe 27th. Tickets are $15, with special pricing for students. For more information call the Potter Center Box Office at 517-796-8600.

The workshops are:

Composing Workshop
Thursday, Sept. 25, 3 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 26, 3 p.m.
Presented by Leslie Steinweiss, composer

Production Workshop
Thursday, Sept. 25, 3 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 26, 3 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 27, 1 p.m.
Presented by Paul LaZebnik, film producer

Acting Workshop
Friday, Sept. 26, 12:30 p.m.

Presented by Becky Borczon, actor

Writing Workshop
Friday, Sept. 26, 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 27, 3:30 p.m.
Presented by Faye Moskowitz, author, poet & playwright

Playwriting Workshop
Friday, Sept. 26, 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 27, 3:30 p.m.
Presented by Ken LaZebnik, film and TV writer, playwright and author

Round Table
Saturday, Sept. 27, 5 p.m.
Presented by Faye Moskowitz, Leslie Steinweiss, Becky Borczon, Ken LaZebnik and Paul LaZebnik

Talk Back
Saturday, Sept. 27, after the show
Presented by Becky Moskowitz, Ken LaZebnik, and Leslie Steinweiss

Anne of Green Gables Cast & Crew

In Order of Appearance

CHARACTER - ACTOR

Mrs. Rachel Lynde - Jean McKim
Mrs. MacPherson - Barb Palmer
Mrs. Barry - Lisa Ykimoff
Mrs. Sloane - Katie Walters
Mrs. Pye - Chris Evans
The Minister - Jacob Scott
Earl, the Mailman - John McKim
Cecil, the Farmer - Jeffrey Hoover
Marilla Cuthbert - Sara Weber
Matthew Cuthbert - Steve Hug
Anne Shirley - Christina McKim
Mrs. Spencer - Dawn Hines
Mrs. Blewett - Barb Palmer
Diana Barry - Caitlin Dunlap
Prissy Andrews - Sarah Roffey
Josie Pye - Cara Guernsey
Ruby Gillis - Carly Brake
Tillie Boulter - Theresa Bishop
Gertie Pye - Marina Perrin
Gilbert Blythe - TR Krupa
Charlie Sloane - Michael Cicirelli
Moody MacPherson - Dustin Schonhard
Gerry Buote - Lucas Meyers
Tommy Sloane - Allen Granger
Malcom Andrews - Zachary Lowden
Mr. Phillips, the Schoolmaster - Doug Meyers
Lucilla, the Clerk - Rosanna Bishop
Miss Stacy - the Schoolmistress - Anne Fleming
The Stationmaster - Daniel Bishop

The Chorus - Kelli Mahan, Aimee McKim, Kenzie Everett, Savanna Adams, Allison Walsh, Katelin Dielman, Nicole Black, Tayler Moore, Dominic Bishop, Calli Nickels,
Kathy Gragg, Olivia Hines

Director - Colleen Flynn
Musical Director - Antoinette LaCinski
Choreographer - Barb Palmer
Technical Director - Larry Shaltis
Stage Manager - Chuck Thor
Julie Klee - Sound Designer
Props Mistress - Lisa Roffey
Costumer - Candi Dunnigan
Set Designer/Set Builder - Larry Shaltis
Pit Director - Dustin Stoner
Producer - Ann Holt

An Actor's Survival Guide to Working in Film and TV

Here's a SAG (Screen Actors Guild) sponsored film acting workshop. If interested, you'll want to sign up right away.

It's Sept 20, 1:30-4:30pm, but there are activities in the AM too if you can make those.

It's free and open to the public (unusual for SAG).

Here are the links to the event:
https://events.wayne.edu/rsvp/workshop-expectations/
http://theatre.wayne.edu/files/SAG@WSUsept20.pdf

Opening October 17th

The Bon Ton Room Proudly Presents

Sweeney Todd

The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

"He Shaved the Faces of Gentlemen Who Never Thereafter Were Heard of Again”

The Bon Ton Room proudly presents Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Hurry and make your reservations – seating is limited! Call 517-787-6733.

October 17-18, 24-25, 2008

8:00 p.m. curtain – All Seats $20

The Bon Ton Room – 3017 Wildwood Avenue, Jackson MI

Set in Victorian England and based on legends that may (or may not) be true, SWEENEY TODD tells the story of a man just released from jail for a crime he did not commit. Bent on revenge on those responsible and for losing his wife and child, he takes up with his scheming neighbor and becomes the “Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” in a delicious plot to slice their way through London’s upper crust. Justice will be served—along with lush melody, audacious and macabre humor and bloody good thrills. A tasty feast of diabolical fun – just in time for Hallowe’en!

In the spirit of Hallowe’en and all things gruesome, SWEENEY TODD does have adult themes and is not intended for all audiences.

SWEENEY TODD opened on Broadway in 1979 and won 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Stephen Sondheim composed the razor-sharp score and his brilliant lyrics are alternately gleeful and gruesome.

SWEENEY TODD is co-directed by Ann Holt and Matt Davis. Musical Direction by Elena Beasley and Sherra Zuck. Additional staff includes Chuck Thor-Stage Manager, Amanda Mahoney-Light Design, Christopher Fultz-Set Design and lidija Fremeau-Publicity.

THE CAST (who also provides moments of musical accompaniment) Roxanne Bruner (Beadle Bamford/bass clarinet), Matt Davis (Sweeney Todd/tuba), Sara Davis (Ensemble/clarinet and flute), Christopher Fultz (Tobias/percussion), Mary Krzesicki (Ensemble), Lori Pelham (Beggar Woman/triangle), Mike Reed (Judge Turpin/percussion), Timm Richardson (Pirelli/accordion), Dusty Salyer (Anthony/percussion), Sandy Sykes (Mrs. Lovett/flute) and Francesca Vitali (Johanna/percussion).

SWEENEY TODD is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). Authorized performance materials are also submitted by MTI, 421 West 54^th Street, New York, NY 10019.

Remember Jack Sanborn?

I recently was in contact with Jack Sanborn (Facebook) and he is in Ocala, Florida living the good life, which doesn't include theater these days.

That's Jack on the right and his partner Thomas DeMasters on the left.

Parri Sontag recalls seeing Jack as the waiter in Guys and Dolls in the scene in Cuba where Miss Sarah has too many dolce de leches and not being able to stop laughing. "He wore this big Carmen Miranda headpiece with the fruit and really had fun with the part."

Jack was very involved in theater when he lived in Jackson including directing Annie, Nunsense I and II. He was also onstage in Chorus Line, Music Man, Evita, King and I, and Once Upon a Mattress.

I have Jack's contact information,which he asked me to share with friends!

Remember Tim Fowler?

Tim Fowler was recently in town to visit his parents Paul and Carol Fowler, who hosted a Buffalo Roast Buffet honoring Tim and Li Sheng's marriage on May 25th. Li's parents from Shanghai, China were guests and have been traveling in this country after attending their daughter's wedding in Rockville, Maryland.

Tim is currently Operations Manager for the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C..

Tim will be remembered for a number of outstanding performances in shows such as Star Spangled Girl and Barefoot in the Park as well as designing outstanding sets like The Shadow Box on stages at Jackson Community College.

Youth Theatre Auditions Scheduled!

CLICK ON THIS IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Looking for Directors

Center Stage Jackson is looking for directors. As we begin to choose plays for our 2009-2010 season we would like to consider director's projects. What show have you always wanted to direct? Would it fit in our season. Contact me at ann.holt@centerstagejackson.org if you are interested and you'll be added to our Directors mailing list.

Sweeney Todd

The Bon Ton Room presents Sweeney Todd...Oct. 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th...All Play and No Work, 3017 Wildwood Ave.(Old VFW Hall) near the Airport, 787-6733 for reservations.

The cast is headed by Sandy Sykes as Mrs. Lovett and Matt Davis as Sweeney (pictured here). Other outstanding performers include Lori Pelham, Roxanne Bruner, Chris Fultz, Mike Reed, Timm Richardson, Dusty Salyer, Francesca Vitali, Sara Davis and Mary Krzesicki plus the accomplished pianists Elena Beasley and Sherra Zuck. Further music is played by the cast, which should be fun, Sandy Sykes on Flute, Matt Davis on Tuba, Lori Pelham on triangle, and Timm Richardson on accordian.

MANAGING DIRECTOR WANTED

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival, a nonprofit theater company, is seeking a managing director. Candidates must be multi-taskers with strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Computer skills, theater experience and marketing and development experience and a bachelor's degree are desirable, but not mandatory. Call Rick Davies at 517 740 0531 or email rldavies5@comcast.net for a full description and list of responsibilities.

Annual Meeting and Awards Night

(Last year's recipient LUCAS MEYERS presents the trophy to the 2008 Youth Award Winner CONNOR PIERCE.)

The Annual Meeting of Center Stage Jackson was held last night (Wednesday, August 13th) at All Play and No Work on Wildwood Avenue.

Board members elected were TONY BOLING, ANTOINETTE LA CINSKI, DOUG MEYERS, and CHUCK THOR.

Awards presented by outgoing President CHRISTINE LAROCK GORTON were: Rookie of the Year CARLY BRAKE; Youth Award CONNOR PIERCE; Techi Award CHRIS FULTZ; Hammy Award MICHAEL CICIRELLI; Ted Wood Award DENISE WEBER; and President's Award SHERI CICIRELLI.

Shining Star Awards were given to: CAROL BRAKE, STEVE DIETRICH, KEITH DRAYTON, JOANN RAUBECK DRAYTON, ALEXANDRIA FLYNN, COLLEEN FLYNN, DAVID FULLER, MAHALIA GIBSON, PAM HILL, TRACEY JESKE, JULIE KLEE, KEEGAN LADWIG, AMANDA MAHONEY, DOUG MEYERS, DR. STEPHEN MURPHY, JOSH RENNELL, KYLE SYKES, KEN SCLUCKEBIER, CHUCK THOR, JEREMIAH WEAVER, SARAH WEBER, R. DEAN WEBER, ADAM WOOLSEY, and ELLEN YOAKAM.

MI's Purple Rose Will Premiere Two New Plays in 2009, and Revive a Favorite

Playbill has posted the upcoming 2009 Season for the Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea. Read about it by clicking HERE.

Left of Center lands new home at Brooklyn theater

"The Left of Center Theater Company finally has a stage to call home, and Brooklyn finally has someone to put the long-vacant Star Theater to use. The community theater group has worked out an agreement with the building's owner to take over management of the downtown landmark.

The group will refurbish and convert the old movie house, 119 N. Main St., into a venue for live theatrical productions, stand-up and improv comedy, and eventually a film festival."

Read the rest of Entertainment Reporter Bill Chapin's article for the Jackson Citizen Patriot by clicking HERE.

Croswell Opera House Presents. . .

Rodgers and Hammerstein's

The King and I

July 25-27 & July 31-August 1-3
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 8pm
Sundays 3pm

SEATING LIMITED! CALL OR VISIT TODAY

517-264-SHOW (7469)

www.croswell.org

129 E. Maumee Street, Downtown Adrian

Julliane Dolan, Director

Butch Marshall, Music Director

Douglas Miller, Scene Designer

Kevin Kennard in "Guilty Pleasures" at The Bon Ton Room

"I saw Kevin's show last year and he is incredible! Don't miss this event!!!" Ann Holt

Kevin Kennard returns to The Bon Ton Room as he presents his new cabaret show "Guilty Pleasures" on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 at 8:00 PM. - doors open at 7:00 PM. Cover charge $20. Reservations - call 517-787-6733. The Bon Ton Room @ All Work And No Play, 3017 Wildwood Ave. Jackson, MI 49202.

A member of the legendary singing group "The Pied Pipers" (Vocal Group Hall Of Fame recipients) and a vocalist with The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra (Capitol Records), Kevin is also a veteran cabaret performer, having headlined clubs in Atlanta, San Francisco, Palm Springs and Los Angeles where he currently resides.

His new show offers a mix of music ranging from pop and country, to standards and jazz - and always some comedy songs thrown in for good measure. Find out more at www.kevinkennard.com and www.myspace.com/thebontonroom.

Croswell Opera House Presents. . .

Relay for Life Fundraising Cabaret Show

The Foote Hospital Oncology Caregivers Unit Relay for Life team is pleased to present a fundraising cabaret show, Friday, June 27th, at the Bon Ton Room at All Play and Now Work, 3017 Wildwood Ave, Jackson, MI.

Show time is 8:00 p.m., doors open at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available by calling 517-787-6733.

Relay for Life is designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society. This year's theme is Celebrate - Remember - Fight Back. To support this cause, please join the Foote Hospital Oncology Caregivers team for an evening of inspiring cabaret performances by some of Jackson's own singers and musicians: Elena Beasley, Roxanne Bruner, Matt Davis, Steve Hug, Kerrie Manders, Sandy Sykes, Allen Tuttle and Sherra Zuck.

The 2008 ACS Relay for Life takes place August 1-2, 2008, in Cascades Falls Park.

Kevin Kennard

Kevin Kennard returns to The Bon Ton Room as he presents his new cabaret show "Guilty Pleasures" on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 at 8:00 PM. - doors open at 7:00 PM. Reservations - call 517-787-6733. 3017 Wildwood Ave. Jackson, MI 49202

A member of the legendary singing group "The Pied Pipers" (Vocal Group Hall Of Fame recipients) and a vocalist with The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra (Capitol Records), Kevin is also a veteran cabaret performer, having headlined clubs in Atlanta, San Francisco, Palm Springs and Los Angeles where he currently resides.

His new show offers a mix of music ranging from pop and country, to standards and jazz - and always some comedy songs thrown in for good measure. Find out more at www.kevinkennard.com.

Location: The Bon Ton Room @ All Play and No Work
3017 Wildwood Ave.
Cost: $20

Share Your Talent - Join Center Stage Jackson

It's time to join or renew your membership in Center Stage Jackson in order to be able to vote at the Annual Meeting on Wednesday, August 13, at All Play and No Work. Visit the Center Stage website to print out a membership form.

Learn Professional Methods of Applying Stage Makeup

Get Ready for Summer & Fall Productions
Basic Application & Old Age

Saturday, June 14, 2008
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Instructed by: Kim Lennox
Left of Center Theatre Company

Location: the Costume Gallery, 4114 Page Ave. Michigan Center

Cost: $35.00
Includes Ben Nye Personal Kit

Ages: 12 and Up

Register at the Costume Gallery by June 6, Call 517-764-5893 to register or for information.

---

The Entertainer's Rule

"Look good, sound good, and do something good. To make a steady living, you need all three. To be on television, you can get away with only two."

Timothy Wenk, magician, West Stockbridge, Massachusetts from the website Rules of Thumb website. Check it out.

Cast for FAME Announced

FAME

Cast List

Carmen Diaz MAHALIA GIBSON

Nick Piazza CHIP MEZO

Serena Katz ALEXANDRIA FLYNN

Serena Katz (understudy) JESSICA BRIDGES

Joe Vegas CHRISTOPHER FULTZ

Schlomo Metzenbaum DUSTIN SALYER

Schlomo Metzenbaum (understudy) SHANE STEPHENS

Mable Washington KATIE WALKER

Mable Washington (understudy) ABBEY ROOD

Tyrone Jackson ADAM WOOLSEY

Grace “Lambchops” Lamb FRANCESCA VITALI

Grace “Lambchops” Lamb (understudy) MARCY WAY

Iris Kelly MADDIE LADWIG

Iris Kelly (understudy) KELLY PRESTON

Goodman “Goody” King MICHAEL CICIRELLI

Miss Esther Sherman KAREN KIDDER BARRETT

Ms. Greta Bell JULIE KLEE

Ms. Greta Bell (understudy) CARYN SHOWERMAN

Ms. Sheinkopf MELISSA TURNER

Mr. Meyers TBA

Dance Ensemble

Haley Bollheimer, Tiffany Hammond, Chelsea Vandenburg, Delaney Duckham, Dustin Schonhard, Tyler Akio

Vocal/Musican Ensemble

Theresa Bishop, Josh Ross, Kendra Pulliam, Amanda Marzano, Marina Perrin, Tia Wilson, Carly Petersen, Jeniffer Meusling, Carly Brake, Emma Nowinski, Daniel Nowinski, David Fuller, Jake Carothers, Ryan Bennett, Kyle Guernsey, Keifer Navarre, Megan Edwards, Ainsley Herrick, Maggie Lapp, Jaimie Leppala, Erienne Burch

*On behalf of the production staff of FAME we want to thank everyone who came out to audition.

Come to the Cabaret!

May 23^rd and 24^th






Learn Your Lessons Well:
The Bon Ton Room's First Cabaret Class Showcase Featuring: Mollie Bolton, Mahalia Gibson, Ann Holt, Steve Hug, Chuck Miller, Leah O'Brien, and Chuck Palmer
Direction: Matt Davis
Musical Direction: Sherra Zuck
Doors open 7:15 Show 8:00 - $7

Join the Bon Ton Room's First Graduating Cabaret Class as they share their talent with the masses! A great evening filled with music from the most prolific songwriters of the past century.

Call 787-6733 for reservations

The Bon Ton Room at All Play & No Work, 3017 Wildwood Ave. Jackson, MI

Full Time Technical Director Position

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

The Croswell Opera House, Michigan’s oldest continuously operating theatre (circa 1866), which currently produces 8-9 musicals and plays annually with an $800,000 budget, seeks a Technical Director. Experience in set construction, carpentry, rigging, supervising crews, keeping within budgets, and knowledge of lights-sound-props a must. Stage management, general building maintenance, and/or set and lighting design experience a plus. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Theatre Technology or have equivalent experience, will be able to work hours that include evenings/weekends, and will have strong interpersonal and communication skills. Qualified applicants should mail or fax resume and letter of interest including salary requirements to Artistic Director, Croswell Opera House, 129 E. Maumee Street, Adrian, MI 49221, fax (517) 263-5130 or e-mail director@croswell.org This is a F-T, salaried position with benefits.

Tony Awards Announced

Nominees for some categories (complete list at Playbill) of the 62nd Annual Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards follow:

Best Play:
August: Osage County
Rock 'n' Roll
The Seafarer
The 39 Steps

Best Musical:
Cry-Baby
In the Heights
Passing Strange
Xanadu

Best Revival of a Play
Boeing-Boeing
The Homecoming
Les Liaisons Dangereueses
Macbeth

Best Revival of a Musical
Grease
Gypsy
Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific
Sunday in the Park With George

Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre
Stephen Sondheim

Regional Theatre Tony Award
Chicago Shakespeare Theater

The 62nd Annual Tony Awards — hosted by Tony and Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg — will be presented June 15. CBS-TV will broadcast the event live from Radio City Music Hall, 8-11 PM ET. (Red-carpet arrivals will begin at 6 PM).

The Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. CBS has broadcast the annual event since 1978.

For more information visit www.TonyAwards.com.

Arts and Cultural Alliance of Jackson County Hires Director

Alison Loveday originally from the Jackson area was hired as the Executive Director of ACAJC in April. Over the next few months she will be working to build the internal operations of the Alliance as well as strengthening and promoting the programs and services offered.

Pictures from Big Bad

Rehearsal pictures from Center Stage Jackson's Youth Theatre production of Big Bad (the trial of the big bad wolf) which will be presented on Friday, May 9th at 7:00 pm and Saturday, May 10th at 2:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church at 734 W. Michigan Avenue in Jackson. (Parking is behind the church.)

Tickets are available at the door and are $1 for adults. Children are free!