Full Moon, Blue Moon, Lunar Eclipse Portend a Wonderous 2010

Good News from the Michigan Shakespeare Festival

A new artistic director has been hired for the Michigan Shakespeare Festival! You can read Bill Chapin's article with the details here.

Shows for 2010 are Romeo & Juliet and Comedy of Errors. You can visit the official website here.

Lansing's BoarsHead Cancels Remainder of Season

When BoarsHead went dark on November 6th and canceled its holiday offering of Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol, many of us feared the worst. Now it has come to pass. Read the article in the Lansing State Journal here.

Arts Connect, a chance to get together

The Arts Alliance is please to announce Arts Connect, an informal meeting of people interested in arts and culture in Jackson County. Please join us for socializing, networking, sharing of calendars and ideas of possible collaborations.

December 10, 2009

12 noon - 1 pm

McIntyre Room, Jackson District Library, Carnegie Branch

Arts Connect will meet the second Thursday of each month, starting this month.

Bring a bag lunch and get in on the ground floor. Questions feel free to contact me. See you on Thursday!

Alison Loveday, Director
Arts and Cultural Alliance of Jackson County
517/783-4300 - office
734/748-6001 - cell
director@artsinjackson.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We don't make art...we make art work!

Jessika Leigh Baier (1988 - 2009)

Jessika died unexpectedly early this morning. Her death has caused an outpouring of grief from her friends and fans.

I first met Jessika when she auditioned for the Center Stage Jackson production of Little Women, which I was directing. What a life force! And could that girl sing! There wasn't a role that fit her then but I always hoped that we would work together sometime. Never someone who watched American Idol, I was glued to the set rooting for Jessika when she auditioned.

What a sad day this is. You can read the article about Jessika's fatal car crash by clicking here.

Auditions for Youth Theater's Robin Hood

Auditions for the Center Stage Jackson Youth Theater production of "Robin Hood" will be held on Wednesday, January 6 and Monday, January 11 at 4:30 at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church. You need attend only one of the two auditions.

Auditions are open to all third through ninth graders.

Production dates are March 26, 27and 28 at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church.

Rehearsals will be held every MONDAY and WEDNESDAY from 4:30 until 6:00 at Jackson's First Presbyterian Church up until production week when rehearsals will be every day. Not all cast members will be scheduled to rehearse at every rehearsal and reasonable accommodation will be attempted for those with identified (and we hope minimal) rehearsal conflicts.

There are 16 roles available (eight boys and eight girls).

Those auditioning will be asked to read from the script, No advance preparation is necessary for the audition. No experience is necessary!

There is no charge to performers but actors who do not have a stage makeup kit will be asked to purchase one (typically about $18).

Stephanie Pierce and T.R. Krupa will be serving as co-directors.

Further questions may be addressed to Doug Meyers at drmeyers14@sbcglobal.net This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at (517)-783-1468.

VESTA ROTHFUSS 1911 - 2009

Vesta Rothfuss passed away on November 21, 2009. With her husband Guil, who died several years ago, they were stalwarts of the Jackson theater community. (Her daughter Holly Cogan often reviews Center Stage Jackson shows for The Brooklyn Exponent.)Memorial services are scheduled at Vista Grande Villa, 2251 Springport Road, Jackson on Wednesday, December 2, at 2 p.m. and at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Cambridge Junction, on Sunday, December 6, at 3 p.m.

Here is an exerpt from today's Jackson Citizen Patriot. Read the entire obituary by clicking here.

"They [she and her husband] worked in community theater for more than 45 years. Her particular interest in theater was providing properties and refreshments although she appeared on stage a number of times with Brooklyn Little Theater, Tecumseh Players, Clark Lake Players and the Jackson Civic Theater."

Special Offer for Little House on the Prairie - The Musical at the Fox Theatre

Click on the graphic to enlarge it!

Left of Center presents. . .

Because of unresolved issues with the new building, LOC was not able to open the theater in November. Unofficial word is that the show will run

Dec. 3-5, 10-12 and 17-19.

For many months Left of Center has been performing improv at The Bon Ton Room. Now they have found a new home in Brooklyn and are ready to present the edgy live theater the community has come to expect. The Late Henry Moss, which opens November 5th and runs Thurs, Fri, Sat. for 4 weekends, is the story of two brothers who come together after the death of their estranged father.

Thursday night performances are dress rehearsals and audience members can pay what they are able. Managing Director Barb Sexton explained, "We are trying to open up the live theater experience to a larger audience". Another way the group plans to do this by making ticket prices more affordable. Friday and Saturday shows are $15 per person and $10 for students and seniors. All shows begin at 8pm. The address is: 195 Irwin St. Brooklyn, MI.

Reservations: 517-592-2189. Sorry, they are unable to accept credit cards.

(Photo by Mike Reed)

CSJ presents THE STORY OF HANSEL & GRETEL

Youth Theater is presenting its musical production of The Story of Hansel and Gretel (Book by Vera Morris. Music and Lyrics by Bill Francoeur) this weekend November 20th, 21st & 22nd at the Middle School at Parkside. Performances are Friday at 7:00 pm, Saturday at 7:00 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm.

Tickets: $5.00 Adults, $3.00 12 and under. Available ONLY at the door.

Director is Jen Ann Guy.

Sent into the woods, Hansel and Gretel meet up with a number of peculiar characters. A fiery troll guards his little wooden bridge. Even more, an articulate owl, a forest sprite and two hobgoblins are in the service of an evil (but extremely funny) witch. She locks poor Hansel in a cage and feeds him nothing but cake! Everyone will cheer Gretel as she outwits the crone and sets free all the children who have been turned into cookies! Every dramatic moment is brought to life, from the night spent in the woods to the discovery of the candy-coated little cottage.

Center Stage Announces Open Auditions for The Diary of Anne Frank

Center Stage Jackson – Jackson’s community theatre group - is holding OPEN AUDITIONS for the play The Diary of Anne Frank, to be directed by Denise Weber.

Auditions will be held Monday, November 30 and Tuesday, December 1, 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the Auditorium of the Middle School at Parkside, 2400 Fourth St., Jackson, Michigan.

Production dates are February 12, 13, and 19, 20 at 8:00 p.m. and February 14 and 21 at 3:00 p.m. There are also two assemblies for the school on Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19 at 12:00 Noon. All productions, including the assemblies, require mandatory participation.

All performances will take place at the Middle School at Parkside.

For more information visit the center stage website by clicking here.

Lansing's BoarsHead Goes Dark

Founded in 1966 Lansing's BoarsHead Theater went dark on November 6th and canceled its holiday offering of Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol. What will happen after that is unknown. Read the statement on their website here.

Center Stage Jackson presents ANNIE

OPENS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2009!

Jackson, MI – October 28, 2009

Leapin’ Lizards!! Center Stage Jackson is pleased to present the beloved family musical Annie, November 6-7-8 and 13-14 at Grass Lake Center for the Performing Arts, 11500 Warrior Trail, Grass Lake, MI.

Expecting a younger audience, curtain is at 7:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:00 p.m. for the two matinees, which are Sunday November 8 and Saturday, November 14 (there are two shows that day). Tickets, which are general admission, are available now!! - $10 adults and $5 for children and students with student ID. For ticket information and reservations, call 517-522-5695.

Synopsis: It’s 1933 on Manhattan’s lower east side during the depression. Based on the comic strip "Little Orphan Annie" by Harold Gray, Annie follows a 10-year-old orphan girl (and her dog, Sandy) as she attempts to find her parents in order to escape the horrible Miss Hannigan, the matron of the orphanage. Boasting one of Broadway’s most memorable scores, including “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “NYC.” and the ever optimistic “Tomorrow,” you can bet your bottom dollar that Annie will bring a smile to your face!

Heading a cast of 70 are: Carly Brake-ANNIE (Nov. 8 at 2p.m. and Nov. 13 and 14 at 7p.m. performances), Victoria Hood-ANNIE (Nov. 6 and 7 at 7p.m. and Nov. 14 at 2p.m. performances), Betsy King-MISS HANNIGAN, Randy Guernsey-OLIVER WARBUCKS, Anne Mathias Fleming-GRACE, Del Belcher-ROOSTER, and Samantha Baldwin-LILY ST. REGIS. Others in the cast include Steve Hug, Bob Mulvihill, Lindsey Cole, Brittney Domschot, Cara Guernsey, Rachael Harris, Macie Richmond, Hannah Riley, Bethany Belcher, Jean McKim, Mary Hug, Dawn Hines, Rosanna Bishop, John McKim, Kelly Skarritt, Karen Kidder Barrett, Andrew Wilson, Christina McKim, Allison Walsh, Danielle Lee, Timm Richardson, Steve Barrett, Richard Fifelski, and Susan DiMinico.

Artistic Director for Annie is well-known Jackson musical performer and teacher BARB PALMER. The staff includes LARRY SHALTIS-Technical Director, COLLEEN FLYNN-Stage Manager, ANTOINETTE LACINSKI-Vocal Director, ELLEN YOAKAM-Costumer, DONNA GUERNSEY-Producer and DEB CLARK-Orchestra Conductor.

Center Stage Jackson is Jackson’s community theatre group. Formed in 2001 when Jackson Civic Theatre and Clark Lake Players merged, Center Stage Jackson is a non-profit production company dedicated to presenting quality theatrical productions in the Greater Jackson, Michigan area, performing at Jackson Community College, a proud sponsor of CSJ, located at 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson, Michigan, and other venues in the Jackson area. For more details please visit www.centerstagejackson.org.

Godspell Opened to SRO Last Night

If you plan to come to Godspell, call for your reservations NOW. Last night's crowd was sold out and with a standing ovation the show expects to sell out the entire run.

A talented cast of fifteen brings the story of the Gospels to life at The Bon Ton Room on Friday and Saturday evenings this week and next (10/16 & 17 and 23 & 24).

Tickets are $20 and reservations are suggested as the show has been selling briskly. Call 517-787-6733.

The doors open at 6:00 pm for optional dining. The show begins at 8:00 pm.

(Photo by lidija Fremeau, LAF Lines)

GODSPELL Opens on Friday, October 16 at The Bon Ton Room

A talented cast of fifteen brings the story of the Gospels to life at The Bon Ton Room on Friday and Saturday evenings this week and next (10/16 & 17 and 23 & 24).

Tickets are $20 and reservations are suggested as the show has been selling briskly. Call 517-787-6733.

The doors open at 6:00 pm for optional dining. The show begins at 8:00 pm.

The Bon Ton Room Presents . . .

Croswell Auditions for Charlie Brown

Adrian’s Croswell announces auditions for the November/December 2009 musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Revised. Auditions will be held Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 2-6 pm at the Croswell.

The Croswell is looking to fill the roles of Sally Brown, Lucy Van Pelt, Snoopy, Schroeder, Charlie Brown and Linus Van Pelt. All of these roles need to be filled by Adults.

Those attending auditions should prepare a 2-minute, up-tempo vocal selection. Please bring your own sheet music which will be played by a Croswell accompanist. There will be no taped music or acapella singing. You will want to wear comfortable clothes to move in for the possible dance portion of the auditions.

Production dates for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown are November 27-29 and December 4-6, Friday and Saturday,

8:00 p.m and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Kerry Graves is director and choreographer. Wynn Marsh is the music director. All auditions will be held at the Croswell, 129 E. Maumee St., downtown Adrian. If anyone is unable to audition on the scheduled dates, they should contact Croswell Artistic Director, Jere Righter. The Croswell is a nonprofit community theatre that welcomes all actors, amateur and professional. For additional information, contact the Croswell Business Office at 517/263-6868 or visit the web site, www.croswell.org.

Grants Received for READINGS FROM THE SECOND STAGE

FIRST FREE READINGS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY THIS WEEK!

Center Stage Jackson has been awarded a grant of $2,500 by The Jackson County Community Foundation's Community Needs Fund. This grant was made possible by the Billie Jo Uterkircher Fund, a component fund of the Jackson County Community Foundation.With an additional grant of $500 from the Jackson Literary and Arts Association, a series of six play readings is fully funded for the next year.

The series, entitled Readings from the Stage, has two main goals: to bring newer plays to Jackson audiences and to allow local performers, who have not been able to participate in mainstage productions, and opportunity to share their talents. Actors read from scripts and no props, sets or costumes are used. Dr. Ann Green, recently retired as the Dean of Arts and Sciences at Jackson Community College, will be available after each reading to discuss what the audience has just experienced.

First in the series is Theresa Rebeck's thriller about stamp collecting, Mauritius, which will be read on Friday, October 9 at 8:00 pm. A second reading will be on the following evening, Saturday, October 10 at 8:00 pm. Director is Denise Weber. This play contains ADULT LANGUAGE and is not appropriate for young people.

All readings will take place at The Bon Ton Room (All Play and No Work), 3017 Wildwood Avenue. To reserve a seat, call 517-787-6733. There is no admission charge. Donations, however, are welcome and could help the series continue after the grant period ends.

Doors open at 6:00 pm with dinner, drinks, and desserts available. You can check out the menu on The Bon Ton Room site.

Center Stage Jackson is Jackson's community theatre group. Formed in 2001 when Jackson Civic Theatre and Clark Lake Players merged, Center Stage Jackson is a non-profit produciton company dedicated to presenting quality theatrical productions in the Greater Jackson, Michigan are. Please visit Center Stage's website at www.centerstagejackson.org.

The Encore Theatre in Dexter Presents "Sweeney Todd". . .

Save THIS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8TH ONLY AT THE 3:00 PM PERFORMANCE OF SWEENEY TODD AT THE ENCORE	This Thursday, October 8th, 2009, 3:00 p.m. performance only, Buy One Ticket/Get One Free. You may purchase your tickets online at www.theencoretheatre.org, or by phone (734) 268-6200 and mention this coupon to receive this offer. A savings of $28.00!
Offer Expires: October 8th, 2009

MARILYN HEATHERMAN 1923 - 2009

Marilyn Heatherman memorably played Linda, the long suffering wife, in Death of a Salesman many years ago for Jackson Civic Theater. She passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at the age of 86.

A complete obituary is available on the Jackson Citizen Patriot website but it mentioned that, "She loved to entertain and enjoyed acting, both in high school and in local Jackson theater."

If you knew or worked in theater with Marilyn in the past, please share your memories.

Cast of ANNIE Announced . . .

Center Stage Jackson has posted the cast list and other information about Annie on the website. Check it out.

Directed by Barb Palmer
November 6th - 8th & 13th & 14th
Please note that for this production there will be no second Sunday matinee, but rather a matinee and an evening show on Saturday the 14th.

Evenings @ 7:00pm
Matinees @ 2:00pm
Grass Lake High School Auditorium
Tickets: $10 General Admission
$5 Children/Students with valid ID
For reservations call 517-522-5695.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Artistic Director - The Michigan Shakespeare Festival is seeking an Artistic Director for the 2010 Season and possibly beyond. This is a part time contract position with a stipend of $12,000 to $18,000 per year, depending on qualifications. Submit cover letter and resume (email only) to:
msfadmin@acd.net
DEADLINE: October 1

What's Playing at the Wharton Center?

The Wharton Center is on the campus of Michigan State University in Lansing.

For info: www.whartoncenter.com or call 517-432-2000

» Irving Berlin’s White Christmas the Musical: Dec. 8-13
» 101 Dalmatians, the Musical: Jan. 26-31, 2010
» New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein: Feb. 2-Feb. 7, 2010
» Steppenwolf’s August: Osage County: Feb. 16-17
» A Chorus Line: April 6-11
» Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific: April 27-May 2
» The Phantom of the Opera: May 19-June 6

Remember Paul Meshejian?

Back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Jackson Civic Theatre had a wonderful full-time artistic director. (Hard to believe in these difficult economic times.) Paul Meshejian was an inspiration to many of us and he has gone on to create an incubator for new playwrights in his hometown of Philadelphia called PlayPenn. If you remember Paul or if you just feel it is important for new playwrights to be encourage, read below and consider supporting this effort to say 'thank you' to Paul.

"If you believe in the importance of new play development and the way PlayPenn supports artists and new work, please help us by making a tax deductible contribution by September 30th. A gift of any size will have an impact, especially now."

In this challenging economy, PlayPenn has done everything it can to streamline expenses without sacrificing its dedication to playwrights and the theatre community in Philadelphia and in the country at large. We believe this commitment was at the root of the success of this year's conference where we helped to develop eight exciting new plays.

Unfortunately, we are still at risk of a deficit in our 2009 fiscal year, which ends this month. This will have a major impact on the work we are doing now and will inevitably affect us going forward, especially as state and local government funding continues to be threatened.

To make a gift, click here to pay with your credit card through PayPal or to download a form to send to us. Of course, you can always just send a check to:

PlayPenn
220 West Evergreen Ave., #D-2
Philadelphia, PA 19118

We remain committed to playwrights and the future of the American theatre. Thank you for your continued support!

Very sincerely,

Paul Meshejian, Artistic Director

Auditions for "The Story of Hansel & Gretel"

Auditions for the Center Stage Jackson Youth Theater musical production of "The Story of Hansel & Gretel" will be held on Tuesday, September 15 and Thursday, September 17 at 4:30 at The Middle School at Parkside Auditorium in Jackson.

Auditions are open to all third through ninth graders.

Production dates are November 20, 21 and 22 at Parkside.

Rehearsals will be held every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 until 6:00 at Parkside up until production week when rehearsals will be every day. Not all cast members will be scheduled to rehearse at every rehearsal and reasonable accomodation will be attempted for those with identified (and we hope minimal) rehearsal conflicts.

You need attend only one of the two auditions.

There are 18 speaking parts available (four boys, eight girls and six roles that can be cast as either gender) as well as a chorus and, most likely, a dance group.

Those auditioning will be asked to read from the script, sing a simple song and learn a simple dance routine. No advance preparation is necessary for the audition. We anticipate a large turnout for auditions so please have patience as we allow everyone to get their turn.

There is no charge to performers but actors who do not have a stage makeup kit will be asked to purchase one (typically about $18).

Jen Ann Guy will be serving as artistic director. Ellen Cole will be musical director. Choreography will be by Stephanie Pierce. Doug Meyers is the producer.

Please check the Center Stage Jackson website (centerstagejackson.org) for updates.

Further questions may be addressed to Doug Meyers at this e-mail address

doug.meyers@centerstagejackson.org

or at (517)-783-1468.

The Town Hall Players Hold Auditions

The Town Hall Players are holding auditions for the musical, Peter Pan on September 1 and 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. Both Adults and kids are needed for this production.

Auditions will consist of singing a few bars of a song with a pianist to show your singing range. This could be as simple as "Happy Birthday" or "Row, Row, Row Your Boat". No CDs please. We will have a pianist available to play any sheet music that is brought, but sheet music is not necessary.

People auditioning for main parts may be asked to read from a script, memorize a small portion of a line or ad lib a scene.

Auditions will be held at the Town Hall in downtown Stockbridge.

Peter Pan will be presented on November 6, 7, 8, and 13, 14 and 15.

A parent signature will be required for everyone under 18. Adults are encouraged to audition.
Please bring a list of conflicts for the month September, October and November.

For more information,. please contact Jeff Boyer at boyerj@panthernet.net

Town Hall Players, Stockbridge, Michigan
Your community theater troupe
www.townhallplayers.org

Rehearsal and Performance Pianist Needed for Town Hall Players

The Town Hall Players are looking for a rehearsal pianist and a performance pianist for the production of Peter Pan. This is a paid position.

The rehearsal pianist needs to be available 2 or 3 times a week in the evening for the months of September and October. We can work around schedules.

The performance pianist needs to be available for the shows; November 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14, 15 as well as November 2 through 5 and possibly a few days in the last week in October.

Please spread the word to everyone you may know that plays piano. We will also be looking for people that play the following instruments; flute, oboe, trumpet, trombone, violin, harp and drums.

Please contact Jeff Boyer at boyerj@panthernet.net or (517) 404-7732

Choreographer Needed for Town Hall Players

The Town Hall Players of Stockbridge are looking for a choreographer for their production of Peter Pan. Evenings - two or three times are week for the months of September and October. We can work around your schedule.

Interested people should contact Jeff Boyer at boyerj@panthernet.net or (517) 404-7732

Production dates are November 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14, 15

The Croswell Presents . . .

BREAKING NEWS FROM THE MICHIGAN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

The following update just appeared on the Michigan Shakespeare Festival's facebook page. "After a dozen seasons helping build the Michigan Shakespeare Festival into a highly-respected, regional classical theatre, John Neville-Andrews announced he will step down as the organization’s Artistic Producer when his current contract expires on September 30".

CHICAGO CABARET FAVORITES JOAN CURTO AND BECKIE MENZIE RETURN TO THE BON TON ROOM!

Mark Saturday, September 26th on your calendar now! For reservations call 517-787-6733. Cover is $20.

A daring and decadent voice, Curto returns to The Bon Ton Room with Beckie Menzie on piano.

Their new show highlights the best of the American Songbook, including works from esteemed songwriters Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Harold Arlen along with the unforgettable songs of John Lennon and Julie Gold performed in the classic tradition. The theme of the evening is embracing, celebrating and shaking the blues. Songs will include “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy,” “Blues in the Night,” “Unlucky in Gambling” and others that tickle the funny bone while touching the heart.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Curto is “smart, savvy and original” and “ranks among the best,” while the Chicago Sun-Times raves that she is “a Chicago original…everything about her show is polished.” Born and raised in Philadelphia, Curto majored in theater at St. Mary’s College (South Bend, Ind.), moved to the Chicago area 20 years ago and now considers the Windy City home. She has appeared at some of the nation’s most prestigious clubs and theaters, including The Harris Theater, Park West, Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower and Davenport’s in Chicago; Jazz at Lincoln Center and The Metropolitan Room in New York City; and The Gardenia in Los Angeles, all to audience and critical acclaim. Curto is also a recipient of Gay Chicago’s After Dark Award for "Outstanding Cabaret Artist."

Beckie Menzie's expert piano stylings sizzle on everything from sassy swing to smoky torch songs. A three-time winner of Gay Chicago’s After Dark “Outstanding Cabaret Artist” award, Menzie is a diva-in-demand whom WGN radio has praised as “one of the city's finest performers.” Her critically-acclaimed 2004 solo CD “Real Emotional Girl” garnered national radio play and was praised by Cabaret Scenes as “one of the year's finest.”

For more information, please visit joancurto.com, beckiemenzie.com and the www.bontonroom.com

Auditions for Godspell

Open call for 2 female dancers who sing and act (modern and ballet experience preferred), a 30-40 year old Male - Baritone, and an 17-21 year old Male - Baritenor for October production of Godspell at The Bon Ton Room...Please have those interested ...call 517 787 6733....Audition by appointment. All ethnicities encouraged to audition.

Auditions for Annie

Leapin' Lizards! The popular comic strip heroine takes Center Stage in one of the world's best-loved musicals.

Auditions are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 8th and Wednesday, September 9th. More details will be available at the Annual Meeting and Awards Night on Wednesday, August 19th and will be posted on the CSJ website and in local media.

"Annie is a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and finds a new family and home in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy."

You can check out a list of characters and other information about Annie at the Music Theatre International website.

The Town Hall Players Present . . .

The Town Hall Players are proud to announce the performance of "The Breakfast Club" by John Hughes. This 1980's movie is brought to life in "the round" at the Stockbridge High School (MI) Library. A perfect setting since the story takes place in a school library.

Directed by teen talents; Scott Crandall and Storm Boyer, this play is a mix of comedy and strong drama. The five teens placed in a Saturday detention find that they are more similar that different. Center Stage Jackson's own Stephanie Pierce is a cast member!

This shows opens on Thursday, August 13 at 7 p.m. Other shows are Friday & Saturday, August 14 &15 at 7 p.m. with matinees on Saturday & Sunday, August 15 & 16 at 2 p.m.

All tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the Stockbridge Pharmacy or at the door while supplies last. ONLY 54 tickets are available for each show.
The Stockbridge High School is located at 416 N. Clinton Street just two blocks north from downtown Stockbridge.

Due to strong profanity and sexual situations people that are 13 and younger must be accompanied by a parent.

For more information, please contact winfieldjscott@yahoo.com

Center Stage Jackson Annual Meeting and Awards Night

Center Stage Jackson, our local community theater group, will hold its Annual Meeting and Awards Night on Wednesday, August 19, 2009, at The Bon Ton Room, 3017 Wildwood, Jackson, beginning at 6:00 pm. There is no charge to attend. For those interested, appetizers, dinner, drinks and dessert will be available for purchase from the menu.

The official meeting begins at 7:00 pm and includes the election of new board members and recognition of outstanding contributions during the 2008–2009 Season. More details about the tenth season, including the Youth Theatre, will be announced during the evening.

If you are new to the community or just interested in getting involved in theater, please feel free to drop by and get acquainted.

After the meeting, everyone is invited to join Sherra Zuck in the piano bar to listen, sing along or perform their favorite song!

Center Stage Jackson is Jackson’s community theatre group. Formed in 2001 when Jackson Civic Theatre and Clark Lake Players merged, Center Stage Jackson is a non-profit production company dedicated to presenting quality theatrical productions in the Greater Jackson, Michigan area. Please visit Center Stage’s website.

The Bon Ton Room Presents . . .

For the 3^rd consecutive year, Jackson native Kevin Kennard returns to The Bon Ton Room on Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8, performing his new solo cabaret show “The First Annual Farewell Tour”. Joining him will be musical director Kent Marcum and special guest Ann Gazlay.

Kevin’s new show will be a fun and upbeat evening of music with songs from the great American Songbook, show-tunes, pop and country favorites and his specialty – comedic and novelty numbers.

As a member of the legendary vocal group The Pied Pipers (Capitol Records), Kevin tours the country accompanied by The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. In the fall of 2008 he performed in the Mediterranean aboard the Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria as featured vocalist with The Queens Room Orchestra. A cabaret headliner in venues across the U.S., Kevin has performed in sold-out clubs in San Francisco, Atlanta, Palm Springs and Los Angeles where he now resides.

Find out more about Kevin at his website www.kevinkennard.com and at www.thebontonroom.com.

Kevin Kennard in “The First Annual Farewell Tour”

The Bon Ton Room

3017 Wildwood Ave., Jackson, MI 49202

Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8

Showtime 8:00 PM, Doors open at 7:00 PM

Reservations – call (517) 787-6733

Tickets / Cover charge - $20

CSJ President Susan Murphy Stars on JTV Program

Center Stage Jackson Board President Susan Murphy was this weeks guest on JTV's Home for Dinner. Here's the link to JTV's Home for Dinner. You can watch it on cable at Channel 90 or 130-1 for JTV or stream it live at www.jtv.tv during the viewing times. It aired for the first time yesterday and will run until next Tuesday afternoon.

Cast of High School Musical 2 Announced

Troy Bolton: Dustin Salyer
Gabriella Montez: Alli Bunker
Ryan Evans: Steven Lee
Sharpay Evans: Tiffany Hammond
Taylor McKessie: Brenna Durrah
Martha Cox: Abbey Rood
Chad Danforth: TR Krupa
Zeke Baylor: Michael Cicirelli
Kelsi Nielsen: Emma Nowinski
Jack Scott: Tyler Akeo
Mr. Fulton: TBA
Sharpettes: Maegan Budd, Kelsey Cummings, Maddie Ladwig
Pool Boys: TBA

ENSEMBLE

Savannah Adams, Nick Babcock, Jessika Baier, Samantha Baldwin, Julianna Berkemeier, Kayla Berry, Hannah Bilby, Theresa Bishop, Nicole Black, Jimi Bommarito, Carly Brake, Sarah Brausch, Lindsey Cole, Kelsey Coveney, Cylor Fagan, Ellen Francey, Joe Franke, Jeff Graves, Katana Grennay, Cara Guernsey, Cody Hager, Bethany Hoff, Emmanuel Howard, Carly Jacobs, Jacki Jenkins, Kaleroi Kastros, Lawrence Kosinski, Chelsea Lameira, Maggie Lapp, Danielle, Lee, Jamie Leppala, Caitlin Looney, Joe Lorenz, Zachary Lowden, Ari Martoia, Christina McKim, Jaime Meyer, Lucas Meyers, Xavier Norton, Daniel Nowinski, Marina Perrin, Carly Petersen, Taylor Moore, Brooke Price, Jordan Pritz, Jenessa Raub, Katherine Rodge, Paige Sanders, Serenity Sanders, Johnny Shelton, Dustin Schonhard, Brett Sherwood, James Simons, Courtney Stieber, Ellen Taraskiewicz, Becky Trombley, Andy Variell, Allison Walsh, Sandy Walsh, Janessa Way, Andrew Wilson

Tony Awards June 7, 2009

Check out the results of the Tony Awards here. The show received the highest ratings in three years!

Center Stage Jackson 2009 - 2010 Season

MAIN STAGE SEASON
Annie (11/09)
The Diary of Anne Frank (2/10)
The Wedding Singer (4/10)

YOUTH THEATRE SEASON
Musical (11/09)
Play (2/10)

SUMMER STAGE
Musical (7/10)

SECOND STAGE
Youth Singing Competition (1/10)
Miscast II (6/10)

READER'S THEATRE SEASON - NEW!
MAURITIUS by Theresa Rebeck (10/09)
DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE by Sarah Ruhl (12/09)
THE RECEPTIONIST by Adam Bock (2/10)
AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY by Tracy Letts (4/10)
THIRDby Wendy Wassersteinby (6/10)
RABBIT HOLE David Lindsey-Abaire (8/10)

Auditions for Encore Musical Theatre Company in Dexter

"The Encore Musical Theatre Company is a non-profit musical theatre located in the historic Village of Dexter. Our mission is to bring professional musical theatre to Washtenaw County and beyond. We showcase Broadway performers and top local talent to bring you the best in musical theatre."

Event: Oklahoma! (Performance dates August 6 - August 23)
What: AUDITIONS!!!
When: June 16 & 17 at 7pm
Host: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Where: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Contact: info@theencoretheatre.org

The Town Hall Players Present . . .

Our own Stephanie Pierce will appear in The Town Hall Players production of "The Breakfast Club" on August 13, 14, 15 & 16 at the Stockbridge High School library. This play is rated R for strong profanity and situations.

Show times are August 13 & 14th at 7 p.m.
August 15th 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
August 16 at 2 p.m.

Don't miss this classic story of a group of five high school students, all different stereotypes, meet in detention, where they pour their hearts out to each other, and discover how they have a lot more in common than they thought.

Tickets will be available starting July 20th at the Stockbridge Pharmacy or at the door while supplies last.

Cabaret Class Performances!

The Bon Ton Room has another group of students ready to make their public debuts as cabaret singers. "Learn Your Lessons Well: The Bon Ton Room's Second Cabaret Class Showcase" will offer a variety of classic tunes and standards sung by these fledgling crooners.

Last night's show was an incredible evening of entertainment. There's still time to get tickets for tonight's show or next weekend. These folks shine under the guidance of Matt Davis and Sherra Zuck. Jackson has a wealth of talent. Support it!

Shows continue at 8 p.m. tonight at the venue, 3017 Wildwood Ave. There also will be performances at 8 p.m. May 29 and 30. Doors open at 6 p.m. for all shows with a tapas menu and beverage service.

Cast members are Amanda Mahoney, Amanda Marzano, Ruth Flynn, Carley Brake, Lidija Fremeau, Dusty Saylor, Kenzie Pehlam, TR Krupa, Sarah Thompson, Megan Edwards, Joyce Rodgers and Chelsea Lameira.

Tickets are $10. To make reservations, call 787-6733.

Auditions for BoarsHead Theater in Lansing

BoarsHead Theater announces general auditions for child actors from the tri-county area for the 2009-2010 season. Those wishing to audition should be at least 7 years old and have an acting/stage background.

Auditions will take place on June 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. by appointment. To make an appointment call Katie Doyle at 517-484-7800 x 107 or e-mail kdoylemuses@gmail.com.

For auditions, please memorize a monologue to perform that is approximately one minute in length and provide a resume, headshot, school schedule and availability. Please note that professional rehearsals are generally Tuesdays through Sundays.

BoarsHead Theater is located at 425 S. Grand Avenue, Lansing, Mich., 48933.

For more information regarding the 2009-2010 season please visit www.boarshead.org.

Specific character roles we are looking for:

Play: “The Nerd” by Larry Shue
Character: Thor, young man, 8 years old
Synopsis of character: Thor is a terror! He is a rambunctious, spoiled rotten child who has his parents wrapped around his finger. Thor is in for a big surprise when he and his family go to a party at the home of Willum, the architect of his father’s new hotel.
Rehearsals begin: November 3, 2009
Performance dates: November 27-December 20, 2009

Play: “Wait Until Dark” by Frederick Knott
Character: Gloria, young girl, 9 years old
Character synopsis: In the apartment building of Sam and Susy Hendrix, Gloria’s family lives upstairs. Through her mother’s prodding, Gloria, begrudgingly goes to the Hendrix’s apartment to make grocery runs and help Susy, who is blind. Gloria and Susy have a cantankerous relationship until one day when some strange men show up in the Hendrix’s basement flat.
Rehearsals begin: February 23, 2010
Performance dates: March 18-April 11, 2010

Auditions for Town Hall Players in Stockbridge

Auditions for John Hughes' The Breakfast Club will be Monday, May 18 and Tuesday, May 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Stockbridge Middle School on 305 W. Elizabeth Street in Stockbridge.

Needed are people who can portray high school students. Auditions are a cold read from the script and possibly some short ad lib scenes.

Directed by Scott Crandall and Storm Boyer. For more information contact Jeff Boyer at boyerj@panthernet.net

Performances will be August 13, 14, 15 & 16

Town Hall Players, Stockbridge, Michigan
Your community theater troupe

For more information, please contact winfieldjscott@yahoo.com

Want to Sing with the JSO?

Like so many of us, the Jackson Symphony Orchestra has been inspired by Internet sensation Susan Boyle and her rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" on "Britain's Got Talent."

Looking for hidden vocal talent in our own community, the JSO is sponsoring a contest to find a singer to perform with the orchestra during its show Aug. 9 at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. The winner also will receive $150.

Auditions will be May 30 at the orchestra's downtown building, 215 W. Michigan Ave. Contestants should prepare their own version of "I Dreamed a Dream" or "Bring Him Home" from "Les Miserables." An accompanist will be provided.

To schedule an audition or for more information, call 782-3221. (Source: Jackson Citizen Patriot, May 7, 2009)

Want To Be A Paid 'Volunteer'?

The Jackson School of the Arts is looking for 'volunteers' for their
upcoming Texas Hold'em fundraising event May 18, 19, 20. "We are
willing to pay volunteers $50 a day for a long but relatively easy
job". The event is held in Adrian and runs from 3:30pm-2:30am all 3
days.

Please call Robin if you are willing to work a full or partial day.
Payment arrangements as well as the full job description will be
provided. Must be at least 18 to volunteer.

Come on out and help us raise funds to support our programs that
enable all children to participate in the arts. Thank you!

Robin Drews
784-2389

High School Musical Auditions Announced

DATE: May 4th 2009

PLACE: First Congregational Church UCC
120 N Jackson St, Jackson, MI 49201
TIME: 6:00pm - 9:00pm

DATE: May 5th 2009
PLACE: Grass Lake High School
11500 Warrior Trail Grass Lake, MI 49240
TIME: 6:00pm - 9:00pm

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Ages 12 and up

What to Wear

Loose comfortable clothing. You will be doing a short dance audition as well so dress apropriately.

What to Bring

Please bring a pencil and a notebook for taking any notes or writing down additional information. Don't forget your sheet music for the pianist. Also don't forget your enthusiasm.

What NOT to Bring

If you MUST bring a cell phone, please turn it off once you enter the audition space and refrain from talking or texting on it. It's a distraction to others and if you're using it, you're not focusing on other's auditions. Please use common courtesy.

What to Expect and What's Expected of You

The audition will be split into three parts. Singing, Dancing and a Cold Reading from the script. You're expected to have 32 bars learned of a song you feel best represents your voice and talent. Contemporary pop or musical theatre music is preferred, and you may sing something from the show. You must bring either the sheet music in the correct key or an accompaniment track. NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO SING A CAPPELLA, and you may not sing along to a regular CD that already has lead vocals on it. You will learn a short bit of choreography but you're not expected to be a trained dancer in order to be cast. You will then be asked to read scenes from the script.

After the Audition

If you're needed to perform a callback audition you will be notified of the place and time.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 23 April 2009 19:59 )

Check out this article from the Jackson Citizen Patriot.